Kylie Minogue among early winners at ARIA Awards

"Thank you so much, Padam to you!" said the pop star in a pre-recorded message, after her win for best pop release was announced.

Music producer Dom Dolla was also among the early winners, with a gong for electronic release Rhyme Dust.

Also known as Dominic Matheson, he told the crowd in Sydney it was an honour to represent Australian dance music overseas.

"There's something in the water here and I always get asked in interviews what it is - I won't tell them if you guys don't," he said.

The first act of the night was G Flip with Good Enough, which saw the performer swap from piano to drums and then guitar.

As soon as the song had finished she returned to the stage to accept the award for best video for the same song, with director Kyle Caulfield.

Most popular international artist went to Taylor Swift, who thanked her fans in a recorded speech.

"This means so much to me because it's voted on by the fans and I get to see my amazing fans in February," Swift said.

"So soon, I just can't wait."

Forest Claudette won Best Soul/R&B Release for Mess Around, the first time the award has been televised, and Dan Sultan won best adult contemporary album.

The Teskey Brothers got a huge roar when they were announced as winner of the best blues and roots album.

Earlier, the stars of the Australian music industry walked the red carpet at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.

In the tradition of out-there ARIAs outfits, composer James Tawadros arrived with a furry hat and coat, his beard dyed pink and blue, while rapper Kahukx arrived in a black suit and trademark balaclava.

Former Wiggle Emma Watkins, the winner of best children's album, went for a butterfly-inspired outfit in peach, and Jamie Azzopardi wore a low cut silver-white jumpsuit and trailing yellow cape.

The night will feature a presentation celebrating 50 years of hip hop in Australia, with music from Bliss n Eso, Barkaa, 1200 Techniques, DJ Krissy and Sound Unlimited Posse featuring Kye.

Genesis Owusu is leading this year's nominees with seven nominations from his new album Struggler.

To close the ceremony, rock band Jet will perform a medley to mark their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, and the 20th anniversary of their debut album Get Born.

Australian Associated Press