Country music stars for Irish TV awards
Nashville's Hall of Fame legend Larry Gatlin and one of its fastest rising stars Mo Pitney have been announced to perform at the Second Irish Country Music Awards on 19th May, live on Irish TV from the Armagh City Hotel.
Grammy-winning Gatlin and hotly-tipped Pitney are flying in from Tennessee for a one-night-only live show, which also includes performances from Philomena Begley, Lee Matthews and Johnny Brady.
Country Music Hall of Famer Gatlin performed on 33 Top 40 hits with the Gatlin Brothers, and has written songs for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and Barbara Streisand.
Mo Pitney shot to fame in 2014 when his debut single 'Country' entered the Top 40 Country Charts in 2014 and stayed there for 19 weeks.
His second single, ‘Boy & A Girl Thing’ released in August 2015 proved another hit and his talent is enjoying a growing following in the US media.
Rolling Stone Magazine described Pitney as a 'new country artist you need to know and a vivid storyteller' while Country Rebel magazine have tipped him as the next Randy Travis.
“When I was asked to come and sing on the Irish CMA Awards with Irish TV, it seemed like the perfect time to do just that,” said Grand Ole Opry inductee Gatlin.
“I am honoured and grateful beyond words to travel to Ireland for this event. Keep the faith and see you in Armagh City.”
Ireland’s top country music showcase will also feature performances from Roly Daniels, Niamh McGlinchey, Caitlin and Joe Moore, Mary Duff and Kathy Crinion, Hurricane Highway, Honky Tonk Angels, Mick Flavin and Cliona Hagan.
This year’s winners will be determined by a public vote and Irish country music fans have until 13th May to vote for their favourite act on Irishtv.ie and in local press.
Categories include best male, best female, best video, songwriter of the year, country music venue of the year, single of the year, album of the year, country music DJ of the year, living legend award, best newcomer and hall of fame.
Presenting the awards this year will be Irish TV’s Malachi Cush, whose weekly country music programme with Susan McCann is a huge hit.
“These are the only Country Music Awards in Ireland that are truly reflective of public opinion with the public in control of the results,” said Malachi.
“The event was so well received last year and with two best-selling American Country artists in this year’s line-up viewers are guaranteed something really special.
“I urge all acts to engage with their fan base to ensure they maximize their vote this year.”
With over 72,000 public votes cast across 11 categories in the 2015 Irish TV Country Music Awards, voting is expected to be even busier for the 2016 awards.
Tickets for the Irish Country Music Awards are limited and can be obtained from Armagh City Hotel on 028 3751 8888.
The Irish Country Music Awards can be watched live at home and abroad on Irish TV on 19th May, 8pm-10.30pm, on Sky TV 191, Freesat 400, Eircom’s eVision 191, All Free to Air boxes and online at www.irishtv.com.