Barnes lashes out at ARIA organisers

Jimmy Barnes has hit out at organisers of the ARIA Awards.

The Australian musician, who presented awards such as 'Best Country Album' and 'Best Children's Album' at special events last week ahead of last night's main ceremony, said that the awards have sold out musicians because they are too focused on big TV ratings.

Barnes told The Daily Telegraph: "I think they're trying to make it for TV, which, I think, is rubbish. It reminds me of Countdown. Get all the kids screaming up front, treat most of the bands like s**t up the back.

"Whether they are kids, artists or country, they all work really hard; they're all really proud of their achievements. They deserve to be acknowledged by their peers as much as anybody else."

Barnes also criticised organisers for using international celebrities such as Carmen Electra and Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet to present awards.