Missy Higgins, Ben Lee tops Arias

Missy Higgins was up for seven awards and won five. Picture / Herald file

Missy Higgins cemented her status as Australia's favourite female performer, while Ben Lee proved he had finally cracked the country's mainstream music industry at the latest Aria awards.

Higgins was up for seven awards and said winning five, including best female artist "was so out of the realm of possibilities". Lee took home three Arias, including best male artist.