Flume Wins, Farnham Sings & Montaigne's Poops: These Were The Best Bits From The 2016 ARIAs

The 30th annual ARIA Awards was a hit with fans and critics alike last night AND it smashed TV ratings thanks to a number of memorable moments. 

Here were our favourite bits from the 2016 ARIAs:

crowded house inducted into ARia hall of fame

We all knew this would be an absolute tear-jerker and Crowded House delivered.

After reading out a heartfelt speech, giving thanks to their fans and brother Tim, Neil Finn and the lads belted out a stellar performance of Distant Sun, but not before Aussie favourites Bernard Fanning and Missy Higgins paid homage to the group with jaw-dropping renditions of their iconic tracks, Fall At Your Feet and Better Be Home Soon.

Beware: Goosebumps will follow.

#ARIAs @MissyHiggins, @BernardFanning & @CrowdedHouseHQ perform pic.twitter.com/mNTExLtkzx

— ARIA (@ARIA_Official) November 23, 2016

flume calls out government over lockout laws

Taking to the stage five times last night with a 'Keep Sydney Open' badge pinned to his suit jacket, it was only a matter of time before Flume brought up the lockout laws.

"I also want to say a big thank you to the venues," Flume said after excepting the ARIA for Best Dance Release.

"Especially to the small venues and the small parties that are doing what they're doing, because that's where music evolves.

"To our policy-makers and our politicians, please keep Sydney open so that the young artists of the next generation can have the same opportunities that I had."

peking duk hit the red carpet with dogs in bow ties

That's one way to get attention on the red carpet. 

Peking Duk worked the carpet while each carrying a sausage dog, bow tie and all. 

Yeah, they won the 2016 red carpet.

Photo by Angela Padovan

violent soho sink beers and almost miss their own award

Though they picked up two awards last night, Violent Soho were apparently just happy with the Best Rock Album gong. 

After being called up for Best Group, the Brisbane outfit were nowhere to be seen and when it looked like their own party were about to accept the award, the boys rushed to the stage out of nowhere. 

"We were just downstairs having beers," the band said of their absence. 

"We thought we were finished."

Bravo.

The lads in @violentsoho bringing the rock  #ARIAs https://t.co/VcSKAyGyM4

— Channel Ten (@channelten) November 23, 2016

troye sivan and sia make big statements with award wins

Accepting the award for Best Female Artist on behalf of Sia last night was Angie Greene, CEO of LGBTQI charity, Stand Up Events.

"Outrageously, Sia has asked me to accept this award on behalf of Australia Marriage Equality," Greene said to a standing ovation.

"This award is for every single non-hetero and gender-diverse person who can currently not marry the person that they love in this country."

"Bottom line is, Australia, that no one's lives and the people they love should be up for debate."

Troye Sivan also used his stage time to address LGBTQI issues after winning Song Of The Year.

"This is for every gay Australian kid who wants to go and make music, every LGBTQ kid who wants to go and make music — you can totally do it, and win an ARIA Award too."

Photo by Simone Fisher

"No-one's lives and the people they love should be up for debate" - Angie Greene accepts @Sia's award. #ARIAs https://t.co/vjJnPOxrID

— Channel Ten (@channelten) November 23, 2016

montaigne talks bowel movements during speech

After blitzing through the competition to take out the coveted Best Breakthrough Artist award, Sydney artist Montaigne attempted to quote a French philosopher of the same name, but decided to wing it when she couldn't find the quote on her phone.

"It was that on the highest throne in the world we still sit only on our bottoms," she began. 

"ARIA, you've gifted me this pointy spear of recognition which I really appreciate, but of course I must remember that for the rest of my life I will probably eject at least three loads out of my butt every week at least three times and along with other… like a million other humans at the same time," she said.

"I'm human like everyone else and I must stay modest. This is just a thing. Thank you so much but yeah, like, the recognition's amazing but I'm going to stay on my feet… I should have just read it verbatim," Montaigne said with a laugh before departing.

As far as we're concerned, you nailed it, Montaigne.

We love @actualmontaigne but this speech has everyone talking this morning! pic.twitter.com/iU07l1pLr9

— Fifi, Dave & Fev (@fifidaveandfev) November 23, 2016

flight of the conchords brought lols

It's been too long since comedy duo Flight Of the Conchords have been in Australia together and they did not disappoint when they arrived on stage to introduce Crowded House to the crowd. 

With a cheeky reminder that Neil Finn is in fact from New Zealand, Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie joked that they were sent by the country's Prime Minister to stop the induction. 

"We must stop this, you've got enough bands in the Hall of Fame," Clement said.

"We really need Crowded House, our Hall of Fame is more of a doorway," McKenzie added.

#ARIAs @CrowdedHouseHQ inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame. pic.twitter.com/otRouWVtfZ

— ARIA (@ARIA_Official) November 23, 2016

the voice returns

Was there any better way to end the 30th anniversary show?

After dominating the first ever ARIAs back in 1987, Aussie icon John Farnham hit the stage to sing the unofficial national anthem, You're The Voice, to a raging room. 

And considering they use it as an entry song for live shows, you'll definitely spot Violent Soho losing their shit.

No more words are needed.