2021 ARIA Awards: Budjerah breaks down after winning Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award

2021 ARIA Awards: Budjerah breaks down in tears after winning the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award – and steals the show with his moving speech


First Nations artist Budjerah Slabb has stolen the 2021 ARIA Awards night with his heartfelt thank you speech after winning one of the night’s biggest accolades. 

After performing his debut single ‘Missing You’, the 19-year-old was announced as the recipient of the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award. 

‘This was a lot heavier than I thought it was going to be,’ he said as he appeared taken aback. 

2021 ARIA Awards: Budjerah broked down in tears after winning the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award on Wednesday night 

‘I want to say thank you to my parents, my mum and my dad who travelled with me,’ he continued.

Budjerah then paused as he began to choke up and get overcome with emotion.      

‘Oh, I didn’t expect to cry, but I’m crying and I sound weird,’ the young singer said.

Shocked: After performing his debut single 'Missing You', the 19-year-old was announced as the recipient of the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award

Shocked: After performing his debut single ‘Missing You’, the 19-year-old was announced as the recipient of the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award

‘I want to say thank you to everyone at Warner Bros and Lemon Tree Management and Lonely Lands and everyone on my team.’ 

‘I can’t believe it,’ he mustered before shedding a tear and wiping his face. ‘I just can’t believe this, this is insane. Thank you.’ 

Budjerah also thanked late Australian music industry legend Michael Gudinski, who the award was named after. 

Overwhelmed: 'I can't believe it,' he mustered before shedding a tear and wiping his face. 'I just can't believe this, this is insane. Thank you'

Overwhelmed: ‘I can’t believe it,’ he mustered before shedding a tear and wiping his face. ‘I just can’t believe this, this is insane. Thank you’ 

He went on to reveal that although he had only met Gudinski twice, the music industry icon had ‘opened so many doors’ for the young artist.

Budjerah released his self-titled debut EP in March. 

The ARIA Awards were a little different this year, as they were unable to bring in larger international acts due to the pandemic.

Alongside Budjerah, performing acts included Genesis Owusu and Gretta Ray. 

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.

Grateful: Budjerah also thanked late Australian music industry legend Michael Gudinski, who the award was named after

Grateful: Budjerah also thanked late Australian music industry legend Michael Gudinski, who the award was named after