Country Music Awards Finalists 2021 From right: Tami Neilson, Jody Direen, Ryan Fisherman.
Photo: supplied
The award recognises outstanding contributions to the Aotearoa country music scene in the last year.
Current country music Queen Tami Neilson leads the nominations, as a finalist in both te Kaipuoro Tuawhenua Toa | Best Country Music Artist for her album
CHICKABOOM, and APRA Best Country Music Song for ‘Queenie Queenie’.
Joining Neilson in Best Country Music Artist category is former winner Jody Direen for her album Smokin’ Ashes and Christchurch/ Ōtautahi newcomer Ryan Fisherman for his debut album
Vibe.
In the APRA Best Country Music Song category, Neilson is joined by Delaney Davidson for ‘Sleep’ and Kendall Elise Todd for ‘Between Hello and Goodbye’.