One month after revealing the 2020 APRA Music Awards would be held online due to COVID-19 restrictions, organisers have revealed that Briggs is set to serve as the event’s host.
The decision to move the event online was made late last month, with APRA Chair Jenny Morris explaining that this “unprecedented time” made it necessary for the event to go ahead as planned, albeit without the usual pomp and circumstance that the usual ceremony would entail.
“It’s important to celebrate and acknowledge the success and artistry of our songwriters whose work enrichens our lives,” Morris explained in a statement. “They will be the ones who help us get through this time.”
Now, with only a few weeks to go until the event takes place, APRA have revealed a slight date change, as well as naming Briggs as the host of the virtual event.
Having previously been named APRA Songwriter of the Year in 2018 (for A.B Original with co-writer Trials), Briggs is undoubtedly one of the most important and exciting artists in Australia.
Famed for his hard-hitting delivery and socially-conscious lyrics, in addition to his acting and writing, Briggs’ status as one of the most versatile performers in the country in unmatched.
Originally set to host the event on Tuesday, May 26th, organisers have now explained that Briggs’ hosting duties will occur one day earlier than planned, with the virtual ceremony being moved ahead to accomodate Sorry Day.
“We were moving so quickly to ensure our 2020 APRA Music Awards nominees could have an event to recognise their success over the past year, that we overlooked the very important fact that May 26 is Sorry Day,” organisers explained in a statement.
“Sorry Day is a national day of reflection where all Australians can reflect and express regret for the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal people, in particular the Stolen Generations, and not an appropriate time for a celebration. So, we have respectfully moved the 2020 Virtual APRA Music Awards (#VAPRAs) to Monday 25 May.”
The one-hour broadcast will take place from 7pm AEST on Monday, May 25th via HYVIO’s global streaming platform. Kicking things off with a virtual red carpet, the event will also feature one-off performances specially curated by Musical Director Kate Miller-Heidke, and some of Australia’s biggest songwriting success stories of 2019.
2020 Virtual APRA Music Awards
Hosted by Briggs
With Musical Direction by Kate Miller-Heidke
Monday, May 25th (New Date)
6:30pm AEST Virtual Red Carpet kicks off
7:00pm AEST #VAPRAs broadcast commences
Streaming via Hyvio
