Maybe we're spoiled in the United States, as the next year's Grammys are planned to a T nearly a year in advance. Australia and its ARIA Awards formally announced on September 25 that its annual show will take place on November 26 at the Event Centre at The Star, the same venue that hosted the event last year, according to Billboard.
It's been a huge year for Australian performers, particularly in the pop realm, so you might want to pay attention to what happens this year. Some names that might catch your eye: Sia and 5 Seconds of Summer are among the acts that have topped the Billboard 200 back in the United States, plus Iggy Azalea was responsible for the biggest song of the summer, "Fancy." New Zealanders are qualified for ARIA nominations and Lorde wasn't on the list yet last year so you can expect to see her at the event as well.
Interestingly, none of those performers was the best-selling in Australia itself last year. Rock icons INXS greatest hits collection The Very Best has been a steady presence on the Australian albums chart thanks to the television miniseries Never Tear Us Apart.
A total of 11 Australian albums have topped the charts in the country this year, an unusually high total and a good sign for the nation's music industry.
"2014 has delivered an extraordinary year in Australian music," said ARIA CEO Dan Rosen. "Not only have Australian artists seen increased success locally, but they are making their stamp globally and we look forward to celebrating these feats on the ARIA Stage with stellar live performances, unforgettable collaborations and special guest appearances."
Nominations won't be released until early October.
