TWO of Tamworth’s own country music stars were among the field of Golden Guitar finalists announced in Sydney, on Tuesday.
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As the names of the industry’s stand out performers for 2017 were read out to the crowd at ABC headquarters in Ultimo, Aleyce Simmonds and Ashleigh Dallas could not hide their pure joy.
Dallas received two finalists nods in the categories of Traditional Country Album of the Year and Female Artist of the year for her new release Lighthouse.
While Simmonds is a finalist for Female Artist of the Year for More than Meets the Eye.
Both local women were pleased to be voted by their peers to be up for the prestigious country honours, with the announcements met with cheers from the room.
Dallas was seen to give her producer father, Brett, a cheeky fist to the arm as the traditional country album announcement was read out.
"To be a finalist for the awards is such an achievement in itself and to be up there with great artists – I’m really looking forward to the festival and now even more so,” she said.
“It’s all about family and connection for us and to be there with my dad today and get traditional country album and him producing it was really special, so win or lose that is such a highlight for me.”
Simmonds was overjoyed when her name was called out in front of the crowd of industry greats.
“I didn’t expect it at all, so it’s really exciting,” she said.
“I’ve made an album I’m really proud of.”
