ARIA Awards to be broadcast from Taronga Zoo with performances by The Kid LAROI, Amy Shark & more

ARIA has revealed its performer and presenter lineup ahead of next week’s ceremony.

The event will be streamed via YouTube in partnership with YouTube Music as the industry body was forced to scale back the in-person event in light of uncertainty around Sydney’s lockdowns during the planning stages.

Despite the changes, the event is still promising some of the country’s biggest talent at one of Sydney’s most prominent locations.

The 2021 ARIA Awards will take place at Taronga Zoo from 7:30pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, November 24.

It will feature exclusive performances from The Kid LAROI, Amy Shark, Genesis Owusu, Budjerah, RÜFÜS DU SOL and Gretta Ray, all of whom are nominated for awards on the night.

International megastar Ed Sheeran will also appear via video in a tribute to late music icon Michael Gudinski, who passed away in March. Sheeran has dedicated his recent album ‘=’ (Equals) to the Mushroom founder, while ARIA has renamed the Best Breakthrough Artist Award as the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist Award.

This year’s presenters will include Troye Sivan, Ruel, Lime Cordiale, The Wiggles, Peach PRC and Ruel.

The Music Network understands all nominees have been invited to attend the Taronga Zoo ceremony. In the event they can’t attend, they will pre-record an acceptance speech or ARIA will accept the award on their behalf. Nominees have also been offered to bring along a plus one.

ARIA has also attempted to open this year’s awards up to a more diverse range of performers by ditching the ‘Best Female Artist’ and ‘Best Male Artist’ categories.

ARIA chief executive, Annabelle Herd, said the organisation is absolutely thrilled to celebrate the industry’s incredible year of creativity, dedication and perseverance with such an outstanding lineup of stars.

“It is, of course, another different year for the Awards and Australian music at large, but we’re very proud that is hasn’t stopped us from delivering the world-class event our industry deserves, and at the absolutely stunning Taronga Zoo no less. Thank you to everyone who has helped us to this point. We can’t wait to see you live from YouTube.”

Cameron Kerr, CEO of Taronga Zoo, added: “Taronga Zoo is delighted to host this iconic event showcasing the very best of the Australian music talent and at the same time showcasing our world-leading conservation led zoo on here on beautiful Cammeraigal Country.”