ARIA Awards 2021: Viewers slam ‘lacklustre’ awards over lack of ‘superstars’ and ‘woeful’ presenting

Who even ARIA? Fans slam 2021’s awards over lack of ‘superstars’ and ‘woeful’ presenting – as they ask how the once prestigious event is airing ‘live on YouTube from Taronga Zoo’


The ARIA Awards were once known as Australia’s musical ‘night of nights’, showcasing an array of performances from A-list stars after its first ceremony in 1987.

But fast-forward to 2021, and the event is much different to what it once was – with fans taking to social media to share their dismay over the ‘lack of superstars’ and ‘woeful’ presenting skills following Wednesday’s live show.

Others couldn’t quite believe that the event was shared ‘live on YouTube from Taronga Zoo’ in Sydney, while previous years it had been held inside mammoth venues across the city, including The Star. 

Not impressed: Viewers were left disappointed with the 2021 ARIA Awards, which took place at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo on Wednesday night. Pictured: Host Brooke Boney

‘I’m old enough to remember when the #ARIAs used to be Aussie music’s night of nights,’ one viewer wrote. ‘Superstar after superstar. Performance after performance. Party after party.

‘Fast forward to 2021 and it’s now airing live on YouTube from Taronga Zoo.’

‘Used to never miss it when it was on tv back in the 90s,’ another responded.

Shocked: Fans took to social media to share their dismay over the 'lack of superstars' and 'woeful' presenting skills on Wednesday's live show - but others were quick to compliment it

Shocked: Fans took to social media to share their dismay over the ‘lack of superstars’ and ‘woeful’ presenting skills on Wednesday’s live show – but others were quick to compliment it

While it’s clear the awards ceremony had to make many changes due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, some fans couldn’t get over the production levels behind the 2021 event.  

‘This is woeful,’ they said. ‘Who’s producing this? The mics are f**ked. The presenters/winners are missing their cues… I’m out.’

‘I feel a bit sad that it’s not the big stage and stuff this year,’ one viewer wrote, while another chimed in: ‘#ARIAS off to a lacklustre start. I guess it can only go up from here if that is possible.’

Live: This year, performing acts at the ceremony included Gretta Ray (pictured), Budjerah and Genesis Owusu

Live: This year, performing acts at the ceremony included Gretta Ray (pictured), Budjerah and Genesis Owusu

One viewer added a comment which read: ‘Jeez they really throw the word “legend” around so lightly these days #arias,’ – although it’s not known exactly which ‘legend’ they were referring to. 

However, others were much more complimentary of the event, with one writing: ‘Spectacular views from the Taronga Zoo. Was defo a good idea to change the venue for the #ARIAs this year.’

‘Watching the Aria Awards supporting the Australian Music industry is important #ARIAs,’ another wrote.

Star-studded: In previous years, the ceremony has seen the likes of One Direction and Dua Lipa (pictured) perform, with acts such as Kylie Minogue being inducted in the Hall of Fame

Star-studded: In previous years, the ceremony has seen the likes of One Direction and Dua Lipa (pictured) perform, with acts such as Kylie Minogue being inducted in the Hall of Fame

Of course, the show was unable to take on larger international acts due to the pandemic.

In previous years, the ceremony has seen the likes of One Direction and Dua Lipa perform live in Sydney, with acts such as Kylie Minogue being celebrated in the Hall of Fame.

At the 2018 ARIA Awards, host Keith Urban even brought along the ultimate entourage – his Hollywood star wife, Nicole Kidman.

This year, performing acts included Gretta Ray, Budjerah and Genesis Owusu.

The biggest star was Australian rap sensation The Kid Laroi, who performed his hit Stay – his final performance before taking a break from the limelight. 

What a line-up! At the 2018 ARIA Awards, host Keith Urban even brought along the ultimate entourage - his Hollywood star wife, Nicole Kidman. Pictured at the event at the Star in Sydney

What a line-up! At the 2018 ARIA Awards, host Keith Urban even brought along the ultimate entourage – his Hollywood star wife, Nicole Kidman. Pictured at the event at the Star in Sydney

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