The 2025 American Apparel Rolling Stone Australia Awards lit up Sydney’s Ivy on Wednesday night with a celebration of music, creativity and cultural impact, spotlighting the artists who’ve defined the last 12 months both locally and abroad.
From punk-rock heavyweights Amyl and the Sniffers to global dance trailblazer Dom Dolla, the night honoured a diverse mix of genre-defying acts making waves across the charts and on stage.
Legends, newcomers, and live stars take centre stage
Amyl and the Sniffers emerged as one of the evening’s biggest winners, taking home Best LP/EP for Cartoon Darkness, which also topped Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s list of Best Australian Albums of 2024.
The band also claimed Best Live Act, cementing their reputation as one of the most electric performances on the local scene.
In a recorded video, Amy Taylor from Amyl & The Sniffers said: “Rolling Stone, we’re super happy to hear we’ve won Best Live Act at your awards! But we’re also pretty pissed that we can’t be there because we’re on tour in America.”
Meanwhile, First Nations collective 3% were named Best New Artist, following a breakout year that included their debut album Kill the Dead, ARIA wins for Best Hip-Hop/Rap Release and Best Cover Art, and a rare five-star review from Rolling Stone AU/NZ.
Thelma Plum won Best Single for her deeply personal track Freckles, while the Rolling Stone Global Award, judged by the brand’s international editorial team, went to Dom Dolla. His massive year included a record-breaking local run, a debut Ibiza residency, and two sold-out Madison Square Garden shows.
Dom Dolla said: “I’m absolutely shattered I can’t be there tonight to accept the Global Award, but very fitting considering the title of the award that I’m touring in America. Thank you so much for considering me and for the award!”
The Readers’ Choice Award was handed to Keli Holiday, the solo project of Adam Hyde, voted in by fans from a highly competitive shortlist that included the likes of Delta Goodrem, SPEED, G Flip and The Rions.
Capping the evening was a standing ovation for Aussie rock legends ICEHOUSE, who received the Rolling Stone Icon Award, joining past recipients Tina Arena and Crowded House.
In accepting the award, Iva Davies from ICEHOUSE, said: “Thank you very much indeed, an amazing thanks to Rolling Stone, incredibly unexpected, I have to say. I’ll name one person here tonight, the co-founder of Flowers and Icehouse bass player, Keith Walsh. Also, all the former members of the crew, and a special shout out to the man who put this all together, our production manager who has been working with us since 1986 – Mr Larry Ponting. Thanks for having us here.”
Their performance was one of the night’s most powerful moments, alongside sets from Becca Hatch and 3%.
Amplifying emerging sounds and established icons
Backed by headline partner American Apparel, and with support from Shure and JMC Academy, the Rolling Stone Australia Awards offered more than just red carpet glamour, they’ve become a showcase, not just of musical excellence but of brand alignment with youth, culture, and influence.
Editor-in-chief at Rolling Stone Australia, Neil Griffiths, said: “Tonight was a fantastic celebration of Australian music and the remarkable artists this country produces. All our nominees have been doing their bit to showcase the strength of Australian music on a global stage, and this was our opportunity to give something back,” he said.
“Watching ICEHOUSE be crowned a Rolling Stone Icon was a special moment, well-deserved recognition for one of the best and most consistent rock bands Australia has ever seen. Equally exciting was seeing rising star Becca Hatch absolutely own the stage, proving the future of Australian music is in safe hands. I’d like to extend a massive congratulations to all of our winners!”
Host Nic Kelly added: “What a night for the music industry! The emerging and established artists who picked up awards and performed this evening are a vital part of keeping Australian culture vibrant, and they will continue to drive our community and industry forward”.
The awards come as Rolling Stone AU/NZ continues to grow its footprint.
According to the latest Roy Morgan figures, the brand reached an average print readership of 232,000 in 2024, outpacing titles like Harper’s Bazaar, New Scientist, and Money Magazine.
Parent company Vinyl Media (also the owner of Mediaweek) now drives more than 160 million monthly page views and connects with 10 million unique Australian users.
2025 American Apparel Rolling Stone Australia Awards Winners
Rolling Stone Icon Award
WINNER: ICEHOUSE
Best Single
WINNER: Thelma Plum – Freckles
Amyl and the Sniffers – U Should Not Be Doing That
Empire of the Sun – Changes
Dom Dolla – girl$
CYRIL – Stumblin’ In
Baker Boy – KING
Best New Artist
WINNER: 3%
CYRIL
Becca Hatch
Mia Wray
Gut Health
9lives
Best LP/EP
WINNER: Amyl and the Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness
RÜFÜS DU SOL – Inhale/Exhale
Lime Cordiale – Enough of the Sweet Talk
Missy Higgins – The Second Act
Amy Shark – Sunday Sadness
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Wild God
Best Live Act
WINNER: Amyl and the Sniffers
Confidence Man
Tones and I
Dom Dolla
Parkway Drive
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers
Readers’ Choice
WINNER: Keli Holiday
Radio Free Alice
Thelma Plum
SPEED
Pond
Gut Health
G Flip
The Rions
Delta Goodrem
Crowded House
Rolling Stone Global Award
WINNER: Dom Dolla
Kylie Minogue
Amyl and the Sniffers
Confidence Man
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Empire of the Sun