Waimate musician Kaylee Bell has become the first Kiwi since New Zealand born Keith Urban to win at America’s prestigious Country Music Awards.
Her song Keith – a tribute to Keith Urban – is a global hit, and Bell is the most streamed country artist in Australasia.
The 33-year-old won the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist award in Nashville last night.
The award recognises outstanding achievements by a musician signed outside the United States.
"This is bucket list stuff. Having just moved to Nashville a few months ago to already have won a CMA, I feel like these awards are like something that people wait 10, 12 years for," Bell said.
In an Instagram post reflecting on her win, the Small Town Friday Nights singer said she was "still lost for words".
"Thank you @tylerhubbard for surprising me on the red carpet and presenting it to me! Looking forward to sharing more about this night in the next few days with you as I continue to process it."
The award-winning artist plans to return to New Zealand next month for a summer tour.
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