Lisa Mitchell Wins The Australian Music Prize For 2009

Former Australian Idol contestant Lisa Mitchell has won the 2009 Australian Music Prize, beating out a field of eight short-listed artists including Bertie Blackman, Sarah Blasko, Black Cab and the Mess Hall. A judging panel of 27 industry representatives deliberated until Friday morning before deciding on Mitchell's debut album Wonder as the winner.

The 19-year-old artist could not be present for the ceremony in Sydney, as she is currently on tour in the United Kingdom. A video message she had recorded was played at the event. 

"It's such a great award to receive and it's very encouraging," said Mitchell, who finished sixth in the 2006 series of Australian Idol.

The award was accepted by her manager Duncan Byrne, who told the audience that Mitchell had come a long way since the days of competing on Idol.

"She's so far removed from that now that it doesn't really have a bearing on what she does anymore," he said.

The Australian Music Prize is in its fifth year, with past winners including The Drones and Eddy Current Suppression Ring. The AMP is the Australian counterpart to Britain's respected Mercury Prize.

Published: 13 Mar 2010 by Q Music Newsdesk