There were two ARIA Awards ceremonies last night. One was an eyeball-smashing celebration of the pop music machine, which saw a host of international juggernauts churn out the hits. The other was honest, quiet, and dare we say, a bit more vulnerable – and it mostly took place when Australian chart-topper Tones And I took to the stage to accept her Best Female Artist award.
We’re sure you’re aware of Toni Watson‘s meteoric rise from Byron Bay busker to record-breaking artist. Even if you weren’t, her speech suggested she is still acclimatising to her fame. With trembling hands, Tones And I read from a folded sheet of paper, expressing her thanks to fans who’ve adopted her “just the way that I am”:
Sometimes I don’t that that I’m the most relatable female artist. I’m not into make-up or dresses, or typically girly things. But, to me, those things don’t really define what it is to be a female artist in this industry anymore. It’s being brave and courageous, and true to yourself. No-one could have ever prepared me for the whole world judging me and comparing me to other artists. But what’s most important is that you have to be a good person and care about others and carry yourself well… And thank you to Australia, for letting me know I’m okay just the way that I am.
YES @tonesandI CHALLENGE those gender stereotypes! “You have to be a good person and care about others,” – PREACH. Congrats to our Best Female Artist! #ARIAs pic.twitter.com/zrVxPt2DAE
— 9Honey Celebrity (@9HoneyCelebrity) November 27, 2019
Her speech resonated with fans watching from home, with punters expressing their thanks to one of the more unique voices in Aussie music:
Tones and I is the real thing huh. Her acceptance speech was so genuine. #ARIAs
— Mary Jordan (@_maryjordan) November 27, 2019
omg i love how Tones and I just caught sight of Halsey in the front row of the #Arias during her acceptance speech and lowkey freaked out like She’s Right There !! 🌹🙌🏼 Girl honestly same
— Eviee 🐝 (@eviee97_) November 27, 2019
Love this chick she has her shit together. You’re perfect just the way you are! So talented and beautiful inside and out! @tonesandimusic #TonesAndI #ARIAs
— Seenbrighterdays (@Seenbrighterda1) November 27, 2019
literally tearing up over here while watching @tonesandimusic say her acceptance speech for Best Female Artist. I quote “thank you to #Australia for letting me know that I’m okay just the way that I am” 😭😭😭🙌🏽🎶🥂🍾 @ARIA_Official @Ninecomau #ARIAs #TonesAndI
— Mae Bañaga (@mizmaeb) November 27, 2019
She went on to win another three spikes, but you can catch her initial speech in full here from the 30:50 mark.
