Nominees for the 49th Golden Guitar awards were announced today in a star-studded event at Tamworth Town Hall.
Fanny Lumsden topped the list with a grand 7 nominations including Female Artist of the Year, Best Single and Best Video.
Guests were welcomed to the event by local Elder Len Waters who gave a traditional Welcome to Kamilaroi Country.
Hosted by Golden Guitar winner Ashley Dallas and Blake O'Connor fans were treated to performances by nominees Alison Forbes and the Weeping Willows, Travis Collins and Fanny Lumsden.
Dan Biddle, Chairman, Country Music Association of Australia, said normally the announcement is made in Sydney however this year they chose to do it right here in Tamworth.
"I'm so happy with the results, " Mr Biddle said, "It feels right to in the home of country music in Australia."
A sense of hope flowed through the room, as country music artists and fans alike rejoiced this important industry event can go ahead on January 23rd next year with a live event scheduled at Tamworth's Regional Entertainment Centre.
Despite the cancellation of the official Tamworth Country Music Festival, many musicians remain hopeful smaller, more intimate events, will go ahead.
The live-streamed event seamlessly intertwined live presenters and musical performances with pre-recorded and virtual performances.
Mr Biddle said the silver lining of COVID-19 restrictions is that we have all learnt new and innovative ways to do things and continue on.
"We've had technological breakthroughs this year," Mr Biddle said," We've adapted and it's helped us do business.
Travis Collins and the McClymonts came in a close second with 6 nominations each.
Alison Forbes L-R Michael Cole, Travis Collins, Mickey Pye
Full List of nominees.