Country music superstar Tami Neilson was presented with both the Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Tuawhenua Toa Tūī | Best Country Music Artist and APRA Best Country Song at the 2021 Country Music Awards tonight.

A celebrated musician in both the local and international country music scene, Tami has been recognised for her sensational 2020 album CHICKABOOM! with the Tūī for Best Country Artist.

She also received the award for APRA Best Country Song for her infectious single ‘Queenie, Queenie’.

These two awards will be joining her previous accolades, which include an APRA Silver Scroll and multiple Tūī from previous Music Awards including Best Country Albumin 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2015.

Recorded Music NZ Kaiwhakahaere o Ngā Tohu Puoro o Aotearoa 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,” says Owen.

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.”

Other finalists for Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Tuawhenua Toa | Best Country Music Artist were Jody Direen for her album Smokin’ Ashes, and Ryan Fisherman for his album Vibe.

‘Sleep by Delaney Davidson, and ‘Between Hello and Goodbye’ by Kenall Elise Todd were the other finalists for the APRA Best Country Music Song.

Finalists for Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Tuawhenua Toa | Best Country Music Artist

  • WINNER: Tami Neilson – CHICKABOOM!
  • Jody Direen – Smokin’ Ashes
  • Ryan Fisherman – Vibe

Finalists for APRA Best Country Music Song

  • WINNER: Tami Neilson – ‘Queenie, Queenie’
  • Delaney Davidson – ‘Sleep’
  • Kendall Elise Todd – ‘Between Hello and Goodbye’