A YEAR ago, 17-year-old Gabriella Cilmi was an unknown Aussie artist. Today she is Australia's newest pop princess, after taking home six ARIA awards. Her debut album Lessons to be Learned and smash single Sweet About Me made a clean sweep at the Sydney awards ceremony last night, picking up breakthrough artist and single, best pop release, best female artist, single of the year and highest selling single. "This is a bit mental," she said after picking up her final award of the night. This is sweet as. The young star was almost lost for words after collecting her awards but admitted writing an ARIA award-winning album while studying at high school was a difficult combination. "It's cool," Cilmi said. It's kind of like leading a double life but it's really great to finally get an award and all your hard work paying off. The Dandenong teen, who recently celebrated her seventeenth birthday, recorded her debut album in London, where Sweet About Me was a top 10 hit before the album's release in Australia. Watched on by family and friends in the audience, a delighted Cilmi said it was a surreal experience. "My grandma is like talking to Pink," she told media. Despite being under age she said she would celebrate with a "glass of wine." Sydney electronic duo The Presets collected three ARIAs including best group, best dance release and the esteemed album of the year award. Previously recognised at last year's awards for co-writing Silverchair's ARIA award winning track Straight Lines, frontman Julian Hamilton said it was great to be finally acknowledged for his work with The Presets. "It's the real thing," said Hamilton. Daniel's a mate and that was great what we did together, but this is real - the stuff I do with Kym, it's cool. Adelaide's The Audreys took home their second ARIA for the best blues and roots album When the Flood Comes. Sydney-born singer Sam Sparro had five nominations and was tipped to be a big winner at the awards, but walked away empty handed, as did The Veronicas.