Gretta Ray made an unforgettable return to the stage during Missy Higgins’ ARIA Hall of Fame induction at the 2024 ARIA Awards.
The Melbourne-based singer-songwriter joined a powerhouse lineup including Amy Shark, Angie McMahon, G Flip, and Higgins herself for a moving performance of “Scar” amid Higgins’ induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. The show marked Ray’s first performance in six months after recovering from a severe heart infection.
“This was my first moment back on stage in 6 months, and I cannot express how good it felt and how thankful I am,” the “Upgraded” singer wrote on Instagram. Reflecting on the experience, she called it a “dream come true” to share the stage with Higgins, one of her biggest musical inspirations. “Missy is such a giant part of what inspired me to pursue a career in music, and I am so lucky to have her to look up to and learn from.”
The ARIA Awards marked the culmination of months of recovery, and Ray’s return to the spotlight was as much a personal triumph as a musical one. She went on to share a poignant memory of walking through Sydney city, listening to Higgins’ ARIA chart-topping album The Second Act.
“Yesterday morning I walked around Hyde Park listening to the title track of her latest album on repeat, thinking about her lyrics but it’s intermission, life’s calling me back… How lucky am I to still feel so tightly held by her songs all these years later, and to sing them alongside her wtf !” she said, adding, “A dream come true.”
Earlier this year, Ray revealed her battle with infective endocarditis, a rare and severe heart infection that left her hospitalized in London for five weeks.
“I wanted to let you know that the sickness I am recovering from is a rare disease called infective endocarditis – a severe infection in the heart that for me, caused a multitude of distressing repercussions,” she explained in an Instagram post on July 30.
“It happened very suddenly and frighteningly, and as a result, took a moment to be diagnosed. Nonetheless I am so, so lucky that I caught it early, and landed in such a great hospital here in London that took amazing care of me. I was then transferred to a second hospital – one that is famous for dealing with this particular disease.”
The illness led to the cancellation of her remaining 2024 shows, including a showcase at BIGSOUND, as she focused on her recovery.
Ray documented the harrowing journey on social media, explaining the toll it took on her physically and emotionally. “I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of love on my latest post, you are all so incredibly kind and it really means the world to me, thank you x,” Ray wrote in an update to fans in July.
“I wanted to clarify that luckily I’m not having to deal with this experience on my own – due to the seriousness of my condition my family are here in London taking care of me I am in good hands here in a really good hospital. Just taking it day by day. Lots of love.”
Ray’s career has been defined by her remarkable talent and early achievements. In 2016, she won Triple J Unearthed and the prestigious Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, launching her into the national spotlight.
Her debut album, Begin to Look Around, was released in 2021 and earned nominations for an ARIA Award and a J Award, while her sophomore album, Positive Spin, followed in 2023, earned critical acclaim and a shortlist nod for the Australian Music Prize. The single “Heartbreak Baby” further cemented her reputation, receiving a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2024 APRA Music Awards.
The 2024 ARIA Awards delivered a night of unforgettable performances. The Pixies surprised audiences with a world TV exclusive of “Where Is My Mind,” Kane Brown performed alongside Troy Cassar-Daley with a stirring vocal cameo from Kasey Chambers, and Jessica Mauboy collaborated with 3% and Julian Hamilton of The Presets for a high-energy set featuring “Won’t Stop” and “Our People.” A
Ava Max brought the house down with a medley of hits, and emerging talents CYRIL, Becca Hatch, and Budjerah delivered a genre-bending showcase.
