Huge Star Cancels ARIA Awards Spot: Sienna Spiro Cites Voice
Sienna Spiro, the 21-year-old British pop-soul singer, has pulled out of the 40th ARIA Awards in Sydney because of vocal complications. Melbourne band Blusher takes her slot. Spiro says her US tour took a toll and plans Australian shows in January.
British singer Sienna Spiro, 21, has pulled out of her performance at the ARIA Awards in Sydney next Wednesday because of vocal complications. The last-minute exit means a huge star cancels ARIA Awards plans just days before Australian music's biggest night.
Spiro was set to perform at the show's 40th anniversary. Her slot was announced at the weekend, and she withdrew shortly afterward.
What Spiro told fans
Spiro said she was "incredibly sorry" and that her recent tour across the US had "taken its toll on me and my voice". Her statement began, "Hi Australia."
"As much as I wanted to be there, I have to listen to my body and give it the rest it needs," she wrote, adding that the rest would let her "give you the best shows possible when I return in January."
ARIA, the Australian Recording Industry Association, issued a brief statement. It said Spiro "is unfortunately unable to attend or perform at the ARIA Awards as planned".
Who replaces her
Melbourne pop band Blusher will take her place. Genesis Owusu, DMA'S, Ecca Vandal and Spiderbait are also set to perform.
The night will also include a special joint performance by 3%, Scribe and Fred Leone, honoring four decades of Australian music.
Genesis Owusu and Tame Impala lead the nominations with eight each. Album of the Year nominees are Blusher, G Flip, Kylie Minogue, Tame Impala and Troye Sivan.
A breakout year
Spiro, born and raised in London, rose to fame in 2021 by posting viral singing videos on TikTok. Fans have drawn comparisons to Adele and Raye, and she is known for a soulful, jazz-influenced mezzo-soprano voice.
Her single Die on This Hill became a global streaming hit. Her debut studio album, Visitor, followed in July and included her first UK number-one single, Great Expectation.
She won Best New Artist at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards and began her My House Tour in October.
Service details
Spiro will still visit Australia in January. She plays Perth's Fremantle Arts Centre on January 16, then heads to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald host the ARIA Awards, which stream live on Paramount+ from 2pm AWST.
