DELTA Goodrems
ARIA dream blossomed into an emotional reality last
night as tears and awards flooded her evening.
The 18-year-old, who is currently undergoing a rigorous regime of cancer treatment, cleaned up at the 17th annual awards fest for Australias music industry, falling one short of the record of eight gongs in a night with seven of her own.
The record is held by Savage Garden, although Delta did spoil one of their records this week when her album Innocent Eyes topped the charts for its 20th seven-day stretch, one more than the Garden managed.
It was perhaps fitting that former frontman, Darren Hayes, was the man responsible for truly honouring Delta on the night.
He paid tribute to the young star with his own rendition of her No.1 Lost Without You and as his final note echoed to the upper echelons of the Sydney Superdome, Delta could no longer contain herself.
It was in that moment the events of the past 12 months hit home, and she applauded before breaking down in tears at her table, where she sat pretty in pink, her Lisa Ho-styled gown fit for a princess.
I thought I was doing so well but as soon as he sang that song I just lost it, she said.
He is such an amazing artist and its just such an honour to be here and it was a privilege to watch.
Delta had just struggled through another acceptance speech, emotions getting the better of her as she became all too aware that her dream to be at the ARIAs as the star rather than the gazer was complete.
Last year I was watching with the same people - my family - and I was thinking next year, Ive just got to work a bit harder, she said backstage.
So to actually
be here and see all the fans and people in the industry ... its just amazing.
There are so many great artists here - Amiel and Powderfinger - and its just
great to be one of them
myself.
Asked why she thought
her music had touched so many people, Delta turned up a predictable but utterly
believable response. You just try to tap into yourself and identify who you
are and hope
that it connects with people, she said.
Having spent the past 12 months shooting up the charts after establishing her fame through Neighbours, her heady success was cruelly countered by the crushing news of cancer earlier this year. Delta, its clear, has a story as unique at it is full of inspiration.
But her aim now is to step away from the glare of the spotlight and concentrate on returning herself to full health, as tough and frustrating as it will be.
I am sitting here tonight looking at everybody and I cant wait to get back into it. But you have to look after your health or you dont have anything, she said.
Its been a very interesting journey this past little while.
Delta turns 19 in a few days time, but will spend her birthday and the months thereafter in private rehabilitation. She is likely to be out of the public eye for at least six months.
Her parting gift was a message not only for her fans, but everybody who has been following her incredible story.
You have been wonderful to me, she beamed upon leaving. I appreciate that so much.