Greta Rae returns to the ARIA Awards stage after battling a serious heart infection

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 has joined a dynamic line-up that includes; 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 serious heart infection.

“This was my first time back on stage in 6 months and I can't express how good it felt and how grateful I am,” the “Upgraded” singer wrote. 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 huge part of what inspired me to pursue a career in music and I'm 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. He went on to share a poignant memory of walking around Sydney listening to Higgins' ARIA chart-topping album. The Second Act.

“Yesterday morning I walked in Hyde Park listening to the title track of her latest album on repeat, thinking about her lyrics but it's a break, life calls me back… How lucky I am to still feel so tightly held by her songs all these years later, and to sing them alongside her wtf!” he said, adding: “A dream come true.”

Earlier this year, Rae revealed her battle with infective endocarditis, a rare and serious heart infection that left her hospitalized in London for five weeks.

“I wanted to let you know that the illness I'm recovering from is a rare disease called infective endocarditis – a serious infection in the heart that has had many painful effects for me,” she explained in an Instagram post on July 30.

“It happened very suddenly and frighteningly, and as a result, it took a while to diagnose. However, I am so, so lucky that I caught it early and landed in such a wonderful hospital here in London that took amazing care of me. I was then transferred to a second hospital – one renowned for treating this particular disease.”

The illness led to the cancellation of her remaining concerts in 2024, including a showcase at BIGSOUND, as she focused on her recovery.

Rae documented the harrowing journey on social media, explaining the toll it took on her physically and emotionally. “I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love on my last 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 make it clear that thankfully I don't have to go through this experience alone – due to the severity of my condition my family is here in London looking after me, I'm in good hands here in a very good hospital. I just take 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, catapulting her into the national spotlight.

Her debut album, Start looking aroundwas released in 2021 and earned nominations for an ARIA Award and a J Award, while her second album, Positive spinwhich followed in 2023, earned critical acclaim and an Australian Music Award nod. 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 worldwide TV exclusive of “Where Is My Mind”, Kane Brown performed alongside Troy Cassar-Daley with a shocking vocal cameo from Kasey Chambers and Jessica Mauboy teamed up with 3% and Julian Hamilton by The Presets – energetic set with “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.