Country music artist Tenille Townes found out yesterday that she is the winner of the ACM New Female Artist of the Year for the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards. The singer-songwriter took a few minutes to reflect on this early career milestone.
“This ACM for New Female Artist of the Year means so much to me. I still can’t even believe it’s real life. It feels like the craziest and most wonderful embrace from the community of country music that I just love and respect and admire so much. And, I’m so grateful to get to be celebrating this.”
Tenille received the news that she had won the award through a surprise Zoom call from the 55th ACM Awards Show host Keith Urban. Watch the full exchange HERE. Tenille reveals what that surprise was like for here.
“Hearing the news from Keith Urban on a Zoom call that I thought was just going to be an interview; and then he popped up on the screen, was the most wonderful surprise and craziest thing. I will never forget hearing this news from him and just seeing the smile on his face and feeling my hands shake and man, just being so excited. My heart feels so very happy right now.”
Tenille reveals that receiving this honor is the beginning of vindicating her lifelong dream.
“I think this feels especially surreal because as a kid, you know, I’d watch the ACMs and I would see my heroes perform and just think about what that could feel like far-off, someday. And, the fact that this someday has rolled around is incredibly surreal and just so amazing to me. And especially, with all that the ACM represents in my eyes. It’s like that’s the history and foundation of country music is coming together for special events like that and honoring the history of music that’s created through time and it’s just really overwhelming to think about all that the ACM represents and mean to me experiencing this right now.”
Tenille will officially receive her award as well as perform on the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards Show. That show will air Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT on CBS. Tenille could become a double winner that night as she is also nominated for Musical Event of the Year for “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” with Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Caylee Hammack and Elle King.
By: Buck Stevens
