Tones And I applauded for heartfelt ARIAs speech

Visibly nervous Tones And I unfurled a handwritten piece of paper. What she said next had viewers at home applauding.

Dance Monkey star Tones And I managed to snag a few trophies during her first ARIA Awards — but it was her heartfelt, handwritten speech that really touched viewers.

A visibly nervous Tones — real name Toni Watson, 26 — took to the stage to accept the award for Best Female Artist, having beaten peers including Jessica Mauboy and Thelma Plum in the category. Removing a handwritten note from her pocket, the softly-spoken star started reading.

Tones and I accepts the ARIA for Best Female Artist. Picture: AAP

“Sometimes I don’t think that I’m the most relatable female artist. I’m not into make-up or dresses or typically girly things. But to me, those things don’t really define what it is to be a female artist in this industry any more,” she said, to huge cheers and applause.

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“It’s being brave and courageous and true to yourself. No-one could have ever prepared me for the whole world judging me and comparing you to other artists. But what’s most important is that you have to be a good person and care about others and carry yourself well,” she continued.

“Thank you for Australia letting me know that I’m OK just the way I am.”

Viewers loved the relative newcomer’s heartfelt speech:

I CRY. Good speech, Tones & I. You do you, you be your creative and soulful best. #arias

— Nicole Jensen (@nicolejensen) November 27, 2019

“I only wrote one speech.” @tonesandimusic ... probably best to write a few more ASAP, Tones. #ARIAs

— theMusic.com.au (@TheMusicComAu) November 27, 2019

I CRY. Good speech, Tones & I. You do you, you be your creative and soulful best. #arias

— Nicole Jensen (@nicolejensen) November 27, 2019

And just like that @tonesandimusic reminds the world what’s really important...& why kids today can relate to her...just be you!! “Thank you Australia for letting me know that I'm okay just the way I am” #ARIAs well played Tones & I.

— Belinda Burley (@belindaburley) November 27, 2019

literally tearing up over here while watching @tonesandimusic say her acceptance speech for Best Female Artist. I quote “thank you to #Australia for letting me know that I’m okay just the way that I am” 😭😭😭🙌🏽🎶🥂🍾 @ARIA_Official @Ninecomau #ARIAs #TonesAndI

— Mae Bañaga (@mizmaeb) November 27, 2019

Do your thing, Tones. You are perfect, just the way you are. #ARIAs

— Lettuce Lady (@LettuceDaze) November 27, 2019

Not the biggest fan of Tones and I but I really respect what she stands for #ARIAs

— 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮, Rovin🦋 (@rovin_23) November 27, 2019

@tonesandimusic literally just slayed her acceptance speech at the #ARIAs 🖤

— Riana Crehan (@rianacrehan) November 27, 2019

Tones won four awards at this, her first ARIAs:

Earlier, she walked the red carpet wearing an eye-catching green jacket emblazoned with the name of her debut EP, The Kids Are Coming.

Originally published as Tones And I applauded for heartfelt ARIAs speech