SYDNEY, Australia (ARIA Awards) - It was Kylie Minogue's night at the 2002 Australian Record
Industry Association Awards as she collected four prizes, called Arias, out of a possible six nominations.
All week, newspapers speculated that Minogue would not turn up for the ceremony and she only arrived in Sydney from London on the morning of the awards.
Her album Fever and single Can't Get You Out Of My Head won Arias for highest selling single, highest selling album, best pop release and single of the year.
"It wasn't so long ago that 'pop' was a dirty word, but not anymore," said an elated Minogue at the podium.
In a week of bad news, the 16th Annual Aria Awards were emotionally dedicated to "the Australian Spirit".
In light of the weekend's tragedy in Bali, security at Sydney's Superdome was stepped-up and put on high alert.
Lavish
"Outside, the world we're living in has become a slightly different place," said Minogue on receiving a special award for most outstanding achievement.
"It makes me think of what's important to you - and what's important to me, is people."
International identities Kelly Osborne and Bob Geldof jetted in to present awards, and the long list of Australia's own global stars present included: Natalie Imbruglia, Holly Valance, Kasey Chambers, Alex Lloyd, Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin and children's favourites The Wiggles.
The Vines were notable by their absence, accepting their gong for best new artist single for Get Free via video-link from the US.
The lavish ceremony also marked a return to the stage for Silverchair.
Frontman Daniel Johns returned from the US, where he has been receiving treatment for debilitating reactive arthritis, a condition that forced the band to cancel all live shows for more than six months.
Icon
Johns displayed the Aussie Battler spirit as the band performed a moving rendition of The Greatest View, and accepted ARIAs for best rock album (Diorama) and Best Group.
Australian icon Olivia Newton-John was deservedly inducted into the Aria Hall of Fame, her sentiments echoing the feelings of most Australians in this unsettling week.
"It's a magical, strong land that has grounded me, given me strength to survive my varied and fascinating journey with a bloody good dose of humour and great spirit - thank you Australia," she said.
Highlight performances on the night came from hip-hop funksters 1200 Techniques, who won Best Independent Release; George, who won the best new artist album award and hard-rockers Grinspoon, who were nominated for several awards.
Although she opened the show lip-synching her hit Kiss Kiss, a scantily-clad Holly Valance went home empty-handed after being nominated for three awards.
ARIAs 2002: The winners (full list)
Highest selling single - Kylie Minogue, Can't Get You Out Of My Head
Highest selling album - Kylie Minogue, Fever
Best new artist single - The Vines, Get Free
Best new artist album - George, Polserena
Best dountry album - Kasey Chambers, Barricades and Brickwalls
Best dance artist release - Paul Mac, 3000 Feet High
Best independent release - 1200 Techniques, Karma
Best pop release - Kylie Minogue, Fever
Best rock album - Silverchair, Diorama
Best soundtrack - Paul Kelly, Lantana
Best female artist - Kasey Chambers
Best male artist - Alex Lloyd
Best group - Silverchair
Single of the year - Kylie Minogue, Can't Get You Out Of My Head
Album of the year - Kasey Chambers, Barricades and Brickwalls
Most outstanding achievement - Kylie Minogue
Hall of fame - Olivia Newton-John
