Tones and I reveals secret struggle after ARIAs win

As Australian music’s undisputed breakout star of the year, Tones and I’s trophy haul at the ARIAs Awards earlier this week should have cemented her status on top of the world.

But behind the scenes, the 26-year-old has been battling bigger demons, which she has now bravely opened up about in a bid to help others.

"I don't want to take anything away from my well-deserved achievements and to my fans, I love you unconditionally," she wrote as part of a candidly-honest Facebook post.

"But I have been hiding a big black hole for a while now."

Unexpected negativity

The songstress, who hails from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, went on to explain she thought she had prepared for the backlash that comes with success but has been shocked by its severity.

“With success comes judgement and opinions, this I was prepared for, it’s normal (which is sickening) but the relentless bullying that follows every proud moment tears my mind in two,” she revealed.

“I am a very open honest, caring, good person and in the dark times of death threats and very harsh judgements from strangers I have never met, I have decided to push past it and show any artist that you can get through it and maintain your sense of self.

“Even though I don’t see an end in sight, this is how I will live my life now.”

Tones’ fans rally

Following on from her admirable honesty, Tones received thousands of supportive comments from fans before declaring gratitude for her success.

“I am Toni Watson, a female artist from Australia,” she concluded.

“I am going through the best and worst time of my life. And today I am OK. I love you and as always.. we are in this together.”

Earlier this week, the star cleaned up at the ARIA Awards, taking home gongs for best female artist, pop release, breakthrough artist and independent release.

Her breakout single Dance Monkey was initially released in May and has since become the longest-running number-one single ever in Australia in addition to topping the charts in more than a dozen other countries.

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