Lorde is one of the big performers and nominees at this year's awards. (Photo \ Getty)

Lorde sweeps Vodafone Music Awards

Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2017, 8:24PM

Lorde was the undisuputed winner of the night at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

The Kiwi star took out six awards, including the final gong of the night, Album of the Year, for which she brought her brother onto the stage to accept it.

"This one is so important ... I put everything I had into this record. I gave it everything. I think it's going to be one of the most important things I make."

Earlier, the 21-year-old behind this year's hit album Melodrama took out Best Pop Artist, Best Solo Artist, an International Achievement award, 'Single of the Year' for Green Light and the People's Choice Award.

The award was presented by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, alongside comedian Tom Sainsbury impersonating Paula Bennett.

"I'm surprised I can be people's choice after all these years of harassing you."

"This means so much to me, the putting together of the song and video ... was such a process. We had it mixed. We had it mixed again. I listened to it for the first time running through the streets of New York then got tired out so sat in a dog park. Pretty low key."

"I'm so grateful for this and all the times I've been on the stage.

"I got kind of emotional watching that. It takes a few people to get there ... my family, my management, universal ... thanks for being behind me New Zealand, it's been five years now and you've never failed to support me."

The wins come four years after she won her first-ever New Zealand Music Award.

"It's quite nervewracking coming back with a project after a long while."

Lorde capped her winning night off with a powerful performance of Green Light that included a full band, giant green acreens, confetti cannons and silver ballons falling from the sky.

Teeks won best Maori album and was congratulated with a haka before accepting with a speech entirely in Te Reo Maori thanking the mentors that helped him make the EP, and his family for their support.

Sharon O'Neill received the Legacy Award, and the show ended with reformed rock group Stellar performing a cover of her song Maxine.

The show opened with a special performance of the hit song We Know the Way from Moana, performed by Opetaia Foa'i and his daughter Olivia.

During an opening segment with hosts Jono and Ben, rapper Scribe joked about his recent run-ins with the law.

When they invited him on stage, he asked what the date was. When they said the 16th, he said "oh I've got court" and sprinted off.

The awards, which acknowledge outstanding music made by Kiwis this year, took place tonight in Auckland and featured a star-studded line-up of homegrown talent.

The awards ceremony occurred at Spark Arena and featured performances by SWIDT, Theia, Teeks, Devilskin, Opetaia Foa'i and Stellar*.

WINNER'S LIST:

Legacy Award: Sharon O'Neill

Album of the Year: Lorde - Melodrama

People's Choice Award: Lorde

Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Aldous Harding

Single of the Year: Lorde - Green Light

Best Māori Artist: Teeks

Best Rock Artist: Devilskin

International Achievement: Lorde & Opetaia Foa'i

Best Roots Artist: Israel Starr

Best Alternative Artist: Aldous Harding