Hits And Misses At The ARIAs

While former Australian Idol contestant Jessica's nominations were hailed as validation of the talent show by the music industry, the bubbly 20 year old eventually walked away with a single award for best selling single of the year.

Later on, the singer insisted she did not feel affronted for not winning a single peer-voted award, what some perceive to be an industry snub. Jessica's win is consistent with opinions that Idol contestants tend to strike gold where awards are determined by sales figures.

Jessica was beaten to award for best pop release by electro-pop duo Empire of the Sun. However, Luke Steele had to receive the award, along with a second one for best group, without band member Nick Littlemore. Nick said to be overseas pursuing other projects. Empire of the Sun also received ARIAs for album of the year and single of the year.

Despite inadvertently causing a flurry when she was nominated, New Zealand-born and London-based Ladyhawke walked away with 2 of the 5 awards for which she was nominated, receiving gongs for breakthrough artist for the single and album categories respectively.