They are woman, hear them roar! On Wednesday at Australia’s 2020 ARIA music awards, Montaigne and Jessica Mauboy featured in an all-star tribute to the Australian music legend Helen Reddy. Eurovision stars Dami Im and Kate Miller-Heidke also sang in the tribute.
The ARIAs — the Australian equivalent of the Grammys — were hosted by pop icon (and Junior Eurovision songwriter) Delta Goodrem and Australia Decides host Joel Creasey. Due to pandemic restrictions, the event was held in front of a mostly empty audience at Sydney’s Star Casino, but featured pre-recorded performances from Australian and international acts such as Sia and Sam Smith.
But one of the biggest performances was the all-star tribute to Helen Reddy, who passed away earlier this year. She was best known for her 1972 feminist anthem “I Am Woman” — and it was this song that was performed by some of Australia leading female artists to honour the legend.
Australia’s Eurovision 2018 star Jessica Mauboy opened the song, and she was soon joined by a collection of other luminaries, including Eurovision 2021 artist Montaigne.
The on-stage singers also included show host Delta Goodrem, “Dance Monkey” hit singer Tones and I, indie-pop singer Amy Shark, indigenous pop singer Christina Anu, jazz-pop legend Kate Ceberano, yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins, country trio The McClymonts and soul diva Marcia Hines.
As well, the singers were joined by a “virtual chorus”. Australian Eurovision stars Dami Im and Kate Miller-Heidke lent their voices to the chorus.
Guy Sebastian wins Best Video
This wasn’t the only appearance made by an Australian Eurovision star. Guy Sebastian won Best Video for his single “Standing With You”, directed by James Chappell.
Guy was in good company, up against nominations from artists such as Tame Impala and Tones and I. The award was presented remotely by UK pop icon Robbie Williams, but Guy himself was there in the show venue to accept his award in person.
What do you think of the tribute? Could any of these singers represent Australia at Eurovision in the future? Tell us your thoughts below!
I saw it, I got goosebumps. Australia has so many great artists, and I would love to see Delta Goodrem or Amy Shark do it one day, although it seems unlikely. Montaigne will probably bring something different to the table than the previous Aussie artists, and I hope she’ll be able to fly to Rotterdam in May. Shouldn’t SBS ensure this with the government or something? They’ve had a long time to prepare
Aussie cricketeers have been able to play in international competitions and with Pfizer, Modena and AstraZeneca having viable vaccines, with rollout able to start by March, she’ll be very likely to go to Rotterdam unless The Netherlands itself becomes a terrible covid hotspot.
Hate to burst anyone’s bubble but Australia doesn’t have an agreement with Pfizer or Moderna for a covid vaccine with these companies. AstraZenica buggered up their testing so what we thought we would get rolled out in March is going to probably be delayed. The Elderly and healthcare workers will get the vaccine first which means everyone else will have to wait a little for their turn. Is Montaigne in any of these categories – I doubt it. Are you not aware the whole Pakistan cricket team had to go into isolation as they mostly all had covid and the… Read more »
omg Amy shark would serve