New star in country music wins big
The MLT Gold Guitar Awards were a major success with a sold-out crowd, hometown heroes bringing home awards, and a new star in country music crowned.
Gore Town & Country Club was packed to the rafters as 1100 people watched the best country musicians from near and far competing at the MLT Gold Guitar Awards Senior Finals.
The judges had their work cut out for them, with the very high quality of entrants bringing their A-game through the night.
Nicola and Maegan Mitchell, otherwise known as the Mitchell Twins, did Gore proud by winning the duet section, with Nicola winning the singer-songwriter section as well.
The sisters competed against father Ron Mitchell in the songwriting section, and notably their sister Jenny Mitchell won the overall award back in 2017.
Lawrence musician Keily Smith, after resounding performances in the country rock and NZ song sections, won the Gold Guitar for her song in the new country category.
Following her big win, Smith said she felt a mix of joy at the achievement, and the exhaustion after such a big night with a late finish.
"I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"There was such a plethora of talent here this evening, it was anyone's game.
"I'm just so thrilled to have shared the experience with the other artists, and I'm ready for a nap," she laughed.
Runner-up Simon Thompson of Invercargill was overcome with emotions as he accepted awards for his performances —he also won the male vocal solo award.
Mr Thompson said to win these categories, for him, was the recognition his hard work had been paying off.
"I was just stunned. Even now I'm completely speechless.
"Everyone in this room is a winner and to be called up, to be given that, it feels like I do belong and I am good enough," he said.
MLT Gold Guitar Awards convener Phillip Geary said the night was one to be remembered and the winner was a fantastic ambassador for the awards and country music.
"It's just another great milestone, it's a continuation of the journey.
"The quality is as high as it's ever been. [Keily Smith] represents very well, she's a very worthy winner.
The Mitchell twins perform in the duet section.
"If she goes on from here, takes advantage of the prize package, we'll be really proud of her," he said. Results
NZ Gold guitar overall winner: Keily Smith, Lawrence.
Runner-up: Simon Thompson, Invercargill.
Highest scoring Gore Country Music Club member: Lana Stevens, Riversdale.
Gospel: Ngarangi Sadlier, Lower Hutt.
Country rock: Keily Smith, Lawrence.
NZ song: Keily Smith, Lawrence.
Traditional: Jeremy Hantler: Tauranga
New country: Keily Smith, Lawrence.
Duet: The Mitchell Twins, Gore
Open instrumental: William Harvey, Nelson.
Vocal group: The Dollys, Winton.
Band: Aroha & The CFB, Nelson.
Singer-songwriter: Nicola Mitchell, Gore.
Male vocal solo: Simon Thompson, Invercargill.
Female vocal solo: Ngarangi Sadlier, Lower Hutt.
gerrit.doppenberg@alliedpress.co.nz
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