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.
“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.
RELATED: Mystery surrounds Tones And I’s real age
RELATED: ARIA viewers distracted by Sophie’s revealing outfit
“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
âI only wrote one speech.â @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 whatâs really important...& why kids today can relate to her...just be you!! âThank you Australia for letting me know that I'm okay just the way I amâ #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 âthank you to #Australia for letting me know that Iâm okay just the way that I amâ ððððð½ð¶ð¥ð¾ @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
— ðð¸ð¿ð®, Rovinð¦ (@rovin_23) November 27, 2019
@tonesandimusic literally just slayed her acceptance speech at the #ARIAs ð¤
— 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.