Celebrated country star Tami Neilson has taken home Best Country Music Artist and Best Country Song at the 2021 Country Music Awards.
Tami won for her 2020 album CHICKABOOM! and infectious single ‘Queenie Queenie’.
The awards were presented tonight at a ceremony in Gore as part of a week-long celebration of country music. The Tussock Country Music Festival will be capped-off with the Gold Guitar Awards, which run from tomorrow through to Sunday.
Tami’s two awards add to her already impressive collection, including an APRA Silver Scroll – New Zealand’s top songwriting award – and multiple Music Awards including Best Country Album in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2015.
Recorded Music NZ Kaiwhakahaere Sarah Owen says Tami is a powerhouse in Aotearoa’s music scene, one that has achieved great success both domestically and internationally.
“E mihi ana ki a koe Tami for your continued accomplishments as a wonderful kaiwaiata and for being one of Aotearoa’s most decorated country musicians,” Owen says.
APRA AMCOS Head of New Zealand Operations Ant Healey says: “It’s a delight to present Tami with the 2021 APRA Best Country Song award. As one of the greats in the genre, she continues to define the landscape of New Zealand country music.”
Finalists for the Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Tuawhenua Toa | Best Country Music Artist:
- WINNER: Tami Neilson | CHICKABOOM!
- Jody Direen | Smokin’ Ashes
- Ryan Fisherman | Vibe
Finalists for the Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Tuawhenua Toa | Best Country Music Artist:
- WINNER: Tami Neilson | ‘Queenie, Queenie’
- Delaney Davidson | ‘Sleep’
- Kendall Elise Todd | ‘Between Hello and Goodbye’
Photo: Supplied