• Big congratulations must go to Aussie/Kiwi songstress Kimbra, who has walked away with the coveted and highly celebrated International Songwriting Competition Grand Prize. Director of the International Songwriting Competition Candace Avery said, "We first became aware of Kimbra in 2010 when she entered ISC and won First Place in the Pop/Top 40 category with her song ‘Settle Down.’ At that time we knew she was one of those artists who had it. As a songwriter, her eclectic and somewhat quirky songwriting made her stand out. As an artist, she brings her songs to life with her unique vocal styling and compelling stage presence. Kimbra is rapidly establishing herself as a significant talent and a fresh and exciting new voice on the international music scene and we are proud to have her as our 2011 Grand Prize winner." The singer, who's in the middle of her national tour, picks up $25,000 in cash and an additional $25,000 in merchandise and services.• Other high profile Australian acts who fared well in this year's awards are Missy Higgins, Michael Paynter, Jebediah, Natasha Duarte and Shane Nicholson, who all pick up first prizes in their respective categories.
• US songstress Kelly Clarkson has been confirmed as the headline guest at this year's Deniliquin Ute Muster. The 'Mr Know It All' singer will head to the event in late September to perform some of her biggest hits for the revved up crowd. Tickets for the September 28 and 29 event are on sale now.
• Gotye's star just keeps on rising. Not content with having his single 'Somebody That I Used To Know' reach the No.1 spot in 16 countries around the world (including the US, the UK and here at home), the official video this has week clocked up a highly respectable two hundred million views.
• British indie outfit Guillemots have this week launched their brand new album 'Hello Land!' (pictured). The new eight track LP is the first in a series of four the band hopes to release across the course of this year. Brilliantly, it's available in iTunes stores globally.
• Van She have launched a competition to create a music video for a remix of their latest single 'Idea Of Happiness'. They're inviting fans to create in one of three ways - moodboard, a teaser or a storyboard - and the winner will pick up some pretty cool prizes. Check HERE for all the guff you'll need to know.
• Country starlet Carrie Underwood has 'Blown Away' her competition, landing at No.1 with her brand new LP. Carrie out-sold the No.2 debut of Norah Jones' 'Little Broken Hearts' by more than two to one, with the latest 'NOW' compilation landing at No.3. B.o.B's new album 'Strange Clouds' debuts at No.5, while Jack White's 'Blunderbuss' drops from No.1 to No.7 and the 'Smash' soundtrack premieres at No.9. Marilyn Manson's 'Born Villain' rounds out the top ten debuts at No.10.
• And as always, don't forget to drop by tomorrow morning, when we'll have your first look at all the goings-on on this week's ARIA top 100 charts as part of our weekly Chart Watch segment. It's live from 9am AEST tomorrow and every Sunday.