Gabriella Cilmi wins big at ARIA Awards

LAST night couldn't have been any sweeter for Australian pop sensation Gabriella Cilmi.

The 17-year-old from Melbourne dominated this year's ARIA Awards, winning all six titles for which she was nominated, including best female artist.

It was a remarkable homecoming for the young London-based singer, whose single Sweet About Me and debut album Lessons to Be Learned propelled the unknown talent on to the charts here and in Britain earlier this year.

''I have so many people to thank for being here,' she said. ''And my family was so determined to be here they booked a table for 10.'

Sweet About Me, which Cilmi performed during last night's ARIA Awards ceremony at Sydney's Acer Arena, won her the best breakthrough artist (single) title, single of the year and highest-selling single.

She also collected the best breakthrough artist (album) and best pop release trophies for Lessons to Be Learned.

There was less good fortune for another up-and-coming pop star, Sam Sparro.

The Sydney-born, US-based singer's self-titled debut album and his hit single Black and Gold had earned him five ARIA nominations, but he left empty-handed.

Former queen of pop Delta Goodrem received only one title this year, winning highest-selling album for her self-titled third album, which she accepted by video link.

Making it to the winners' podium were electronic duo The Presets, whose second album Apocalypso brought them the album of the year, best group and best dance release awards.

Indigenous artist Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was another artist who performed and collected an award.

The blind singer from Arnhem Land received the best independent album trophy for his solo debut, Gurrumul. The former Yothu Yindi member won best world music album for the same release at the ARIA Fine Arts awards last month.

A crowd of 10,000 packed the Acer Arena for the Australian music industry's annual celebration of local talent. They heard performances from Melbourne rockers The Living End, pop duo the Veronicas and The Presets, among others. American superstar Pink added a few minutes of her pop clout to the four-hour extravaganza.

Other winners included country couple Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson, whose Rattlin' Bones won best country album.

Adelaide's The Audreys won best blues and roots album for the second time, this for their second album, When the Flood Comes.

The Living End took best rock album for White Noise, Nick Cave was named best male artist for the second time and Melbourne-based The Panics landed best adult contemporary album for Cruel Guards.

ON THE RED CARPET
2008 ARIA Award winners

Single of the year ......... Gabriella Cilmi - Sweet About Me
Best group .................. The Presets
Best rock album .......... The Living End - White Noise
Best male artist ........... Nick Cave - Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!
Best female artist ......... Gabriella Cilmi - Lessons To Be Learned
Highest selling single ... Gabriella Cilmi - Sweet About Me
Highest selling album ... Delta Goodrem - Delta
Album of the year ......... The Presets - Apocalypso