Tamworth Regional Council and the Country Music Association of Australia Inc (CMAA), are excited to announce 2021 Golden Guitar winner Kirsty Lee Akers and her husband Jesse Anderson will host next week’s Golden Guitar Awards Nominees Announcement.

Fresh from their appearance on the hit renovation TV show, The Block, Kirsty says she and Jesse are extremely excited to be the hosts of such a significant event.

Kirsty Lee Akers said: “Tamworth holds such a special place in my heart and next year will be my 31st or 32nd festival, I’ve lost track. The 50th anniversary is going to be one to remember, and Jesse and I feel so honoured to be part of the Golden Guitar Awards Nominees Announcement for 2022.” 

The nominees for the Toyota 50th Golden Guitar Awards will be announced at 11:00am AEDT on Tuesday, 23 November 2021, at the Tamworth Town Hall, the place where the very first Golden Guitar was handed out back in 1973.

The event will feature performances by country music legend, Troy Cassar-Daley, multi-Golden Guitar award winners Luke O’Shea and Ashleigh Dallas and rising star, Cass Hopetoun.

Toyota Golden Guitar Awards Executive Producer, Mr Peter Ross, said: “This is always one of the most anticipated events on the country music calendar and we are delighted to have these incredible artists participating in this celebration of the Australian country music.”

More than 760 entries have been submitted for the 2022 awards, smashing the previous record of 656 entries in 2019.

CMAA Chairman, Mr Dan Biddle, said: “This record number of submissions is a great indication that Australian country music is thriving, which is a win for the artists, the industry and the fans.”

The nominees announcement will be livestreamed for those unable to travel.

Mr Biddle said: “We are proud to be able to present the nominations announcements as both an in-person and livestreamed event and bring together our industry after what has been a tough 18-months. We can’t wait to all come together and celebrate the best of Australian country music at Tamworth in January.”

Winners of the Toyota 50th Golden Guitar Awards will be crowned at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre on Saturday, January 22.

Mr Ross said: “We are looking forward to welcoming artists, musicians, songwriters and fans back to the Country Music Capital in 2022. We are excited to deliver a memorable and safe 50th anniversary awards night that brings fans and stars together in celebration of the artists and the industry.”

To watch the live stream of the 2022 Golden Guitars Awards nominees announcement on 23 November, head to www.tcmf.com.au/live