Briggs to host 2020 Virtual APRAs, new broadcast date revealed

The APRA Music Awards will take place virtually in 2020, and now APRA AMCOS has announced that homegrown rapper Briggs will take on hosting duties for the unique ceremony.

The APRAs were originally scheduled to take place in late April in Sydney, but will the #VAPRAS will now kick off via live stream at 7pm on Monday, May 25.

The broadcast will go for a full hour on HYVIO's global streaming platform, with a stack of performers to join proceedings in a lineup curated by musical director Kate Miller-Heidke.

Briggs joins the cast as a former APRA Songwriter of the Year winner (in 2018 with A.B Original) and Screen Music Awards Winner.

“We’re thrilled to have Briggs host the Virtual APRA Music Awards," Milly Petriella, director member relations at APRA AMCOS and executive producer of the APRA Music Awards tells TMN.

"Not only is Briggs an APRA Ambassador and previous APRA Songwriter of the year, he’s an amazing champion and supporter of our music industry. It’s really important for us to have a strong songwriter voice as the glue for these awards.

"We know that Briggs will connect with the music community at a time when connection means everything.”

The #VAPRAS virtual red carpet will begin at 6:30pm AEST, and can be attended by any and all music fans, who are encouraged to share selfies and dress to the nines in their awards best. Simply RSVP here to attend.

The new date has been announced with the fact that May 26 is Sorry Day, a national day of reflection where all Australians can reflect and express regret for the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal people.

Organisers reflected on the fact that it would not have been an appropriate time for celebration, so the #VAPRAS will now take place the day before on May 25.

The full list of nominees dropped earlier this month, with Tones And I unsurprisingly leading the way thanks to four nominations.

She's up for Most Performed Australian Work, Most Performed Pop Work and the holy grail of songwriter awards, APRA Song of the Year.

“I am so honoured to receive four APRA nominations,” she said. “Big thank you to APRA for all the work they do for the music community. Stay safe.”

Catch up on the full list of nominees here.