The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is thrilled to welcome award-winning comedians Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald as hosts of the 40th Annual ARIA Awards in partnership with Spotify taking place Wednesday, 18 November at Sydney’s Hordern Pavillion.
Melanie and Tim bring a dynamic blend of sharp wit, live television experience and audience appeal to the ARIA Awards stage. As co-hosts of Network 10's The Cheap Seats, the pair have become two of Australasia's most recognisable entertainment personalities, with the series winning the 2023 Logie Award for Most Outstanding Entertainment Program, surpassing 100 episodes in 2024 and returning for its sixth season in 2026. Their effortless chemistry and quick-fire comedic style make them a natural fit to helm Australia's biggest night in music.
Joining Melanie and Tim on the 2026 hosting team and throughout the show will be Eora based DJ and presenter Latifa Tee - a trusted voice to music lovers nationwide, Latifa hosts triple j's House Party and Doof, where she champions all-local, all-electronic music and shares her passion for uncovering the best new dance and club tracks every week.
Melanie Bracewell said: “Thrilled to host the ARIAs with my friend and colleague Tim McDonald. Hoping they didn’t book us for experience. The last awards ceremony I hosted was a raffle for a meat tray.”
Tim McDonald said: “Australian music is the best in the world, so we are so excited and honoured to be hosting! I can’t wait to celebrate this music milestone - 40 years of the ARIA Awards, and 24 years since I failed the recorder in grade three.”
On the Red Carpet for the 40th Annual ARIA Awards in partnership with Spotify will be Network 10’s presenter Georgie Tunny and Entertainment Editor Angela Bishop and Latifa Tee, bringing all the style and highlights from music’s night of nights.
Returning to the ARIA Red Carpet for another year, music journalist and host of The Pop Pod, Sam Murphy, will again take over ARIA’s social channels, bringing fans behind the scenes and into the action on the night.
Watch the 40th Annual ARIA Awards in partnership with Spotify live on Paramount+ at 5.00pm AEDT and broadcast on 10, following Big Brother on Wednesday, 18 November.
The 40th Annual ARIA Awards in partnership with Spotify is proudly supported by Destination NSW, celebrating Australia’s vibrant music industry and showcasing Sydney as a global hub for world-class entertainment and culture.
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