Best album, people’s choice — Lorde dominates music awards
AUCKLAND: Lorde dominated last night’s New Zealand Music Awards with a clean sweep, winning six prizes, including best album, best single and the people’s choice award.
The 21yearold began the night in Auckland winning the show’s first award, for best solo artist, then returned to the stage to get best pop artist.
She also claimed the international achievement award for the fourth time, then took the stage for a stunning live performance of Green Light.
Lorde’s six awards last night brought her haul of New Zealand Music Awards to 18.
Accepting the award for album of the year, the Kiwi star brought her brother on stage to celebrate.
‘‘This one is so important . . . I put everything I had into this record.
‘‘I gave it everything. I wasn’t sure what the path was . . . I think it’s going to be one of the most important things I make.’’
Earlier, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern presented Lorde with the people’s choice award.
‘‘I’m surprised I can be people’s choice after all these years of harassing you,’’ Lorde joked to the crowd.
Onehunga rap crew SWIDT also had cause to celebrate, named best hiphop artist and claiming the best group title, while last year’s breakthrough winner Kings was recognised for having the year’s highest selling single and won the Radio Airplay Award for his single Don’t Worry ’Bout It.
Hamilton rockers Devilskin were named the year’s best rock artist, while indie darling Aldous Harding won best breakthrough act and best alternative artist. Harding was unable to claim her first VNZMA win in person as she was playing a soldout gig in Brussels. — NZME