Click photo to enlarge
Dunedin singer Melissa Partridge is all smiles at the home
of New Zealand country music after winning the Tui for
Recording Industry Association of New Zealand country music
album of the year in Gore last night. Photo by Craig
Baxter.
Dunedin performer Melissa Partridge officially arrived on
the national country music scene last night.
The 21-year-old singer stole the show at the New Zealand
Country Music Awards in Gore when she won best country album
for her self-titled effort Melissa, boosting her
status in the New Zealand country music industry and giving
her valuable clout for future recording work.
She was also in the running for best country song for I'll
Be On My Way, co-written by her Dunedin-based mentor,
Gordon Jones, but the pair missed winning that accolade.
It was the biggest night so far in her music career.
In the hours before the finals, Partridge said she was
nervous but excited about performing on stage and being in
the middle of one of the New Zealand industry's largest
gatherings.
She beat former Gore singer Jackie Bristow (Crazy
Love) and the Cattlestops (Back to Rosetta Road)
for the best album.
Partridge and the other finalists performed their songs in
front of a capacity crowd at the Gore Town and Country Club,
with the second half of the show featuring New Zealand singer
Shona Laing.
New Zealand Music Awards spokesman Campbell Smith said last
night showed country music had never been stronger.
"This year's group of finalists once again shows the depth
and talent of the New Zealand country music scene.
I''t's fantastic to be able to present our Tui [award] at the
biggest country music festival in New Zealand.
''It's a great occasion which draws well-deserved attention
to our local and offshore-based country artists."
The 35th annual New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards continue
tonight with the junior and intermediate finals, while the
overall winner will be named tomorrow night.
