Australian music icon Missy Higgins created one of the most memorable moments at this year's ARIA Awards, combining a heartfelt performance with a major win and an important message for single mothers across the country.
Emotional Performance Inspired by Daughter
The ARIA Hall of Famer took to the stage on Wednesday night with a powerful rendition of her song "Complicated Truth," a track she revealed was directly inspired by her young daughter, Luna. Before her performance, Higgins shared the touching backstory of how the song came to be.
"That day I wrote her a song," Higgins explained, recalling a moment in the car when her daughter asked her a question she struggled to answer. The resulting composition became "Complicated Truth," featuring the poignant lyrics "I'll always love your daddy, 'cause together we made you."
This emotional line serves as a nod to Higgins' divorce from comedian and playwright Dan Lee, which she had publicly acknowledged in June 2022 when she posted on Instagram: "Six months ago Dan and I separated. I became a single parent."
Twelfth ARIA Award and Candid Acceptance Speech
Following her moving performance, Higgins returned to the stage to claim her twelfth ARIA award, winning Best Adult Contemporary Album for "The Second Act." The trophy was presented by fellow Australian singer Kate Ceberano.
Accepting the award, Higgins spoke openly about the inspiration behind her chart-topping album, which she wrote and recorded in a small room in her home. "This album was about my divorce a few years ago and becoming a single mum," she told the audience.
The singer addressed the challenges of her subject matter head-on, noting: "Being a 42-year-old woman singing about divorce isn't the sexiest thing in this industry. But the response has been incredible — it's made me realise women my age don't give a f*** about sexy. They just want to feel heard and seen."
Tribute to Single Mothers and Personal Reflection
Higgins concluded her acceptance speech with a dedicated tribute, stating: "This is for all the single mums, and my babies Sammy and Luna. I love you."
Backstage after her win, the singer reflected on the emotional contrast of the evening. "It's the saddest song I've ever written, followed by the most exciting moment," she shared. Higgins described "The Second Act" as the album she's most proud of, characterizing the songwriting process as vulnerable, honest and raw.
The night ended on a celebratory note, with Higgins revealing she planned to mark her achievement with a shot of tequila. Her win adds to an impressive collection of accolades that includes 11 previous ARIAs and her Hall of Fame induction.
Higgins' triumph at the 2025 ARIA Awards underscores her enduring impact on the Australian music scene and her ability to connect with audiences through authentic, personal storytelling that resonates particularly with women navigating similar life experiences.
