'I’m indebted': Simon Barnett tears up in Radio Awards tribute to Lana Searle

There was plenty to celebrate at the New Zealand Radio and Podcast Awards last night, but one of the night's most heartfelt moments came from More FM's Breakfast Club with Si and Lana.

After just 17 months together on air, Simon Barnett, Lana Cochrane-Searle, Chris Bond (Bondy), Chris Goodyear (Speedy), and Georgia Watt took home the award for Best Music Network Breakfast Show.

While the win itself was a huge achievement, there wasn't a dry eye in the room after Si and Lana's acceptance speech.

“I have waited 22 years to win something," Lana began.

"We’re just so grateful to have gotten through the last couple of years [with] different co-hosts, you know what it’s like, it’s an arranged marriage - and who would’ve thought a wonderful man of God and a lesbian would make such a good team?”

The crowd burst out with laughter, but things turned emotional when Simon spoke about returning "home" to More FM following the death of his beautiful wife, Jodi.

“You know there was a bit going on in my life when I came home [to More FM]. I am just so grateful for the faith that the [big bosses] showed in me and the team,” he said.

“We’ve got such an amazing bunch. Sometimes there’s a particular combination that resonates, and I’ve been very fortunate over the years to work with some great co-hosts, and I’ve loved every minute of it, but the thing that I recognise in Lana is the generosity of spirit in a co-host.”

Simon went on to explain how difficult it was returning to the spotlight during such a challenging period in his life.

“Because when I came home to More FM, there was a lot of attention on me. My wife had passed away, then the Tom Cruise interview and the big campaign, it was about me, and as much as you probably don’t think this is true, I am exceptionally self-conscious.”

Fighting back tears, he continued: “So, I felt very awkward that I was taking some limelight from a team that had been very successful before I came along, and they didn’t need me, but they chose me.”

“And for an insecure bloke, it meant the world.”

Turning to Lana, Simon added, “I’m indebted to you because it’s rare that you meet somebody who just shows an incredible amount of love when the limelight isn’t on them.”

It's a reminder that while a radio can sound great on-air, it's the relationships behind the microphone that make the show just as strong as it is - award-winning, even!

A massive congratulations to Si, Lana, Bondy, Speedy, Georgia, and the entire More FM team on a well-deserved win.