ARIA Music Awards of 1997


The 11th Annual Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards were held on 22 September 1997 at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney. The event was hosted by Australian actor–comedian Paul McDermott, with presenters Elle McFeast, Kylie Minogue, Ben Folds, Colin Buchanan and The Presidents of the United States of America. Savage Garden dominated this year, receiving a record ten awards including "Album of the Year" for Savage Garden, "Single of the Year" for "Truly Madly Deeply" and "Best Group", amongst other awards.
In addition to the annually presented awards, a "Special Achievement Award" was given to Charles Fisher and an "Outstanding Achievement Award" was received by Peter André. The ARIA Hall of Fame inducted: The Bee Gees, Graeme Bell and Paul Kelly.

Ceremony details

The event included musical performances by Ben Folds Five, The Presidents of the United States of America and Kylie Minogue. John Farnham teamed up with crooner quartet Human Nature to debut the performance of their song "Every Time You Cry", which later became a #3 ARIA Singles Chart hit. Crowded House, who won the award for "Highest Selling Album" for their greatest hits collection Recurring Dream, reunited after a year of having broken up, to commemorate Paul Kelly's induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame by performing his song "Leaps and Bounds".
Various international and Australian entertainers presented awards to the winners including Australian Elle McFeast, Ben Folds, Kylie Minogue and Chris Ballew, Dave Dederer and Jason Finn of The Presidents of the United States of America.

Multiple winners and nominees

Nominees and winners with results indicated on the right.

ARIA Awards

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Album of the Year
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Single of the Year
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Song of the Year
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Highest Selling Album
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Highest Selling Single
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Best Group
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Best Female Artist
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Best Male Artist
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Best New Talent
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Breakthrough Artist – Album
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Breakthrough Artist – Single
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Best Pop Release
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Best Dance Release
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Best Country Album
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Best Independent Release
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Best Alternative Release
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Best Indigenous Release
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Best Adult Contemporary Album
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Best Comedy Release
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Fine Arts Awards

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Best Jazz Album
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Best Classical Album
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Best Children's Album
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Best Original Soundtrack / Cast / Show Recording
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Best World Music Album
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Artisan Awards

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Producer of the Year
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Engineer of the Year
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Best Video
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Best Cover Art
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Achievement awards

Outstanding Achievement Award

The ARIA Hall of Fame inductees were: