“Being Strong Doesn’t Make You A Bitch”: You Need To Hear Kasey Chambers’ ARIAs Speech
Kasey Chambers was just inducted into the ARIA Hall Of Fame -- her speech is a perfect reminder why.
Tonight, the ARIAs inducted Kasey Chambers into the Hall Of Fame: at 42, she’s the youngest female to nab the honour.
Following a moving medley performance of ‘Not Pretty Enough’ and ‘Ain’t No Little Girl’ (aided by Kate Miller-Heidke, Missy Higgins and Amy Sheppard, no less) Chambers received a standing ovation — and a poem by Paul Kelly.
But it was her speech afterwards — largely dedicated to her parents — which reminded many at home why she’s an all-time great. After wiping away tears and thanking Kelly, Chambers pulled her speech out of her boot, explaining to laughter that she “had nowhere else to put it”.
“The two main things I’ve learnt about how to survive in the music business is to always be true to yourself and to find your tribe,” said Chambers, “…I have had the most amazing tribe in the world, my mum and dad.”
“[My mum’s] the most inspiring woman I know… Over the years, she’s taught me that being a bitch doesn’t make you strong, and to be strong doesn’t make you a bitch.”
“The best advice my dad ever gave me was, ‘just don’t be a dickhead’ — I know it doesn’t sound very profound, but it’s been the best advice to follow. Seriously, you don’t need to be a dickhead to get ahead in this business, you really don’t. You don’t have to drag other people down to get to the top.”
She ended her speech by saying that she wasn’t special.
“I don’t believe I’m up here because I’m a strong woman,” she said, choking up. “I think I’m standing up here because I’m just myself, and that’s all any of us ever need to be.”
On Twitter, audiences were caught off-guard by the refreshing speech, with many saying they were having a cheeky cry.
Kasey Chambers. I’m bawling. Still the brilliant heart singing around the camp fire. You just stole the show. #ARIAs #dontbeadickhead Take a bow humble, clever, poet @paulkelly . I’m still bawling.
— Tim Bailey (@dailybailey10) November 28, 2018
I just want to make my daughters listen to Kasey Chambers’ speech. Not because they’re dickheads but because she’s a strong kind successful woman #arias #KaseyChambers
— NatalieGreen (@NatalieGreen) November 28, 2018
Just casually tearing up watching Kasey Chambers' acceptance speech 😭 #ARIAs
— James Findlay (@james_findlay) November 28, 2018
Watch Chambers’ speech and Kelly’s poem below.
What an incredible tribute from Paul Kelly! #ARIAs pic.twitter.com/drlgAmKVDR
— Channel 9 (@Channel9) November 28, 2018
“You don’t have to drag other people down in order to get to the top…” The amazing @KaseyChambers! #ARIAs pic.twitter.com/C7eZ00rICg
— Channel 9 (@Channel9) November 28, 2018
Feature image by ARIAs Official Twitter.