Best county music star to be chosen

Melissa O'Connell will be headlining the entertainment at tomorrow night's NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year Awards.

Country music's top entertainers have been mustered from far and wide and will compete this weekend for the title of NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year.

Twenty of the best singers and songwriters are competing for the awards and range in age from 9 to 70, said NZ Country Music Association president Heather Holland.

"It's going to be a good night to be in the audience as country music has many genres, from traditional country to blues and rock, and the audience will get to hear some of the genres on the night," she said.

Topping the bill for the night's entertainment are past award winners Melissa O'Connell and Hannah Cosgrove.

O'Connell's versatility means she covers everything from country to acoustic ballads, classic rock and pop.

"She has a voice that makes people want to sit up and listen," said Mrs Holland.

Cosgrove is another popular past winner who will be entertaining the crowd. She tasted success as part of the X Factor's Mae Valley duo and has been signed to Sony.

Cosgrove is a graduate of Junior Country Music College Australia, and has been busy writing songs in preparation for her debut album next year.

Details
What: The NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year Awards
Where: Civic Centre
When: Tomorrow, 7pm
Tickets: $40, available from Ticketmaster (fees apply)