Felicity Urquhart is no doubt Australia's country music sweetheart and the toast of Tamworth after being named FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR at the 38th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia, last Saturday 23rd January.

Her Golden Guitar trophy win came for current single Roller Coaster, co-written with music legend RANDY SCRUGGS.

Felicity was also a nominee for APRA SONG OF THE YEAR for her biographical collaboration with Mark Seymour, Girl In The Mall.

Dressed in a classic LEIELA mini, looking more like a movie star than country chick, the hometown girl received an eruption of applause when announced as FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR. The award comes on the back of a year of critical and audience acclaim for her 2009 released album Landing Lights.

Extending beyond fans in the awards audience, Urquhart's colleagues and peers were also thrilled with the win with friend and fellow winner Troy Cassar-Daley unable to control his emotion.

“When she started crying … I was beside myself … I felt really, really proud of her," Cassar-Daley said.

Having been nominated in the past but never having won, Urquhart said it was wonderful to win in front of so many familiar faces and to be recognised.

“I love this industry and I appreciate everyone's work and I try and be part of it and promote people on the radio. So it is lovely to actually have them talking about me for a minute," she said.

Whilst the award will remain the Festival highlight for the petite songstress, she was also invited to present on the night with Australian Idol Guy Sebastian and over the 10 day event also met with the Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC and NSW Premier Kristina Keneally.

Urquhart's album, Landing Lights, has received critical acclaim since its release. Signature tracks include Two Wheels, Roller Coaster, Ernie's Daughter, Girl in the Mall and I Fall – all songwriting collaborations with some of most respected names in the business, Nick Barker, Randy Scruggs, Mick Thomas (Weddings, Parties, Anything), Mark Seymour and Michael Spiby (The Badloves).

Felicity's name is set to rise throughout 2010 with major events confirmed as well as touring in Australia and overseas. Her first engagement is headlining the Whittlesea Music Festival on February 12th before combining forces with Cassar-Daley to tour across Victoria mid February. Her international debut will see her tread the stages of Austria, Germany & France, the USA and Fiji.

Regarded as one of the hardest working artists in Australia, only time will tell what the prestigious award win and international exposure will bring… if rumour is right, Felicity Urquhart will continue to soar.

All country music artists have to start somewhere, and most often that's amongst family, friends or their local community. The best country music isn't necessarily found in the world of the existing popular or famous stars, but often in the small clubs, venues and organisations that provide country performers of any "level" the chance to share their music. That's the true nature of country music, it comes from the heart and real lives of real people.

Giving all artists the opportunity to air their music to a wider audience is an important aim of Country Music Broadcasting. CMB is keen to hear from show presenters, artists and country music organisations to see what assistance, support, promotion and broadcast opportunities CMB can help provide. Remember everyone has a beginning, and this offer via CMB to be heard on-air is an excellent chance to achieve exposure. So don't hesitate to contact CMB with your ideas and suggestions or to let CMB Radio know about any existing country radio shows you believe could benefit from the backing or support of CMB.