From Local Heroes to ARIA Royalty: The Extraordinary History of 5 Seconds of Summer at the ARIA Awards

When Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, and Ashton Irwin began uploading YouTube covers from their bedrooms in Western Sydney back in 2011, few could have predicted that they would evolve into one of Australia’s most successful musical exports. Over a decade into their explosive career, 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) have cemented a powerhouse legacy, and at the heart of their domestic acclaim sits a deeply resonant relationship with Australia’s highest music honors: the ARIA Music Awards.

From breakout rookie wins to dominating major categories, 5SOS’s journey with the ARIAs mirrors their maturation from pop-punk upstarts into global alternative-pop innovators.

The Breakthrough: “She Looks So Perfect” and 2014

The band’s intersection with ARIA history truly caught fire in 2014. Fresh off international touring and capturing the hearts of millions worldwide, 5SOS swept into the ARIA nominations with heavy-hitting categories, including Best Group, Best Pop Release, and Breakthrough Artist.

The crowning achievement of that cycle came when their inescapable earworm anthem, “She Looks So Perfect,” took home the coveted Song of the Year award. It was a monumental validation from their home country, signaling that the global phenomenon was, first and foremost, Australia’s own pride and joy.

Conquering the Live Stage

While 5SOS built a reputation for massive radio hits, their identity has always been rooted in high-octane musicianship and electrifying stage presence. The Australian Recording Industry Association repeatedly recognized this raw energy, honoring 5SOS with the award for Best Australian Live Act multiple times:

• 2015: For their massive Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour.
• 2018: For their critically acclaimed Meet You There Tour.

These wins underscored a vital truth about the band: beneath the pop-culture frenzy and screaming crowds, they are a fierce, self-contained band of musicians who excel on the live stage.

The Era-Defining Power of “Teeth”

As 5SOS transitioned away from straight-ahead pop-punk into a darker, sleek, synth-driven alternative sound—epitomized by their blockbuster album Youngblood and its successor CALM—the hits kept rolling.

In 2020, the band added another prestigious trophy to their mantle when their ferocious, bass-heavy track “Teeth” won Song of the Year presented by YouTube Music. The track showcased their sonic evolution, proving that they could continuously reinvent their sound while retaining their domestic chart dominance and critical backing.

A Lasting Australian Legacy

Across their career, 5SOS has accumulated numerous ARIA nominations and multiple wins, all while shattering records globally—such as “Youngblood” crossing historic streaming milestones and dominating year-end charts.

Whether they are headlining arenas across continents or racking up accolades at home, the ARIA Awards have served as a recurring checkpoint for 5Seconds of Summer’s enduring greatness. They stand not just as international pop-rock stars, but as homegrown royalty who continue to fly the flag for Australian music on the world stage.

Watch 5SOS win Song of the Year at the ARIAs

This video captures the moment 5 Seconds of Summer won Song of the Year for “Teeth” at the ARIA Awards.
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