ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd presented an enthralling keynote at BIGSOUND today, with the aim of changing the narrative around Australian music for the public to reflect our talent: “excellence, confidence, positivity and excitement about what is ahead.”
During her speech, Herd discussed the hope felt watching the Kamala Harris campaign from afar, the momentum of the Australian music industry, the increase in hip-hop and R&B nominees in the Best Independent ARIA Award ahead of this year’s event, AI, ARIA Amplified, challenges within the industry, and more.
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She talked through numerous topics, but perhaps the most exciting part of her speech was digging into the ARIA Awards—notably, the Hall of Fame, and what’s to come on the 40th anniversary of the awards.
This year is set to be even bigger than last year’s awards (“Sure, it won’t challenge the Oasis ticket sales last weekend,” Herd quipped, but she did recommend nabbing tickets quickly as they’re set to sell out quickly), with Missy Higgins to be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame following last year’s inductees, Jet.
Missy Higgins To Be Inducted Into ARIA Hall Of Fame
Herd discussed Higgins’ “enormous cultural impact” on Australians and the “significant influence and inspiration she has provided for so many Australian artists” before letting us in on a secret. At the 40th anniversary of the ARIA Awards in 2026, ARIA will induct multiple artists into the prestigious hall.
“Now, let’s quickly address an elephant in the room: we know that there are still many, many deserving artists who have yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Herd said. Acknowledging that ARIA wants to celebrate “great art and artistry,” it also wants to “promote” our artists.
Herd explained, “The Hall of Fame is a two-way street: We select one artist a year to give them their true, deserving moment in the spotlight closing out the awards, and we want that artist to be just as excited about their entry as we are. Believe it or not, there are artists we approach who aren’t just aren’t keen, or aren’t keen yet, to be inducted.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ARIA didn’t induct any artists into the Hall of Fame as it rebuilt the Awards ceremony. That’s all about to change.
“Hard to believe, but 2026 will be the 40th anniversary of the ARIA Awards,” Herd said. “To celebrate that milestone, in 2026, we will be holding a separate event to induct a number of people into the ARIA Hall of Fame at once.
“It’s something we have had in the pipeline for some time now and a decision we made with the Board to ensure industry recognition of the incredible contributions many artists have made to the Australian music landscape.”
More details will be announced “next year,” with Herd adding that ARIA is “proud and unapologetic” about giving inductees the opportunity to grow new fanbases and expand their careers further.
