Australian PM praises Gotye for Grammy haul

SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard led praise Monday for local singer-songwriter Gotye after he took home three awards at the Grammys in Los Angeles, including Record of the Year.

Gillard said the artist, whose real name is Wouter "Wally" De Backer, had created Australian music history with his hit song "Somebody That I Used to Know" featuring Kimbra.

"Gotye is an outstanding example of the quality of the artistic talent in Australia today and highlights the need for continued investment in young artists and musicians," she said in a statement.

Gotye is only the second Australian to win Best Record, following Olivia Newton-John's success with "I Honestly Love You" in 1975.

The 32-year-old Belgian-Australian also won Best Alternative Music Album and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the ceremony in Los Angeles.

Gotye took Australia by storm in 2011, prompting the federal goverment to provide him with a Aus$10,000 (US$10,300) arts grant to showcase his talents at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York.