Urban Wins Two CMC Awards

Keith Urban had two wins at the Country Music Channel awards in Australia, held as part of the CMC Rocks The Hunter festival at New South Wales’ Hunter Valley.

Urban took the international artist and international video categories. Sister trio The McClymonts, whose recent showcase in Nashville drew JD Souther and producer Peter Asher, won Oz artist of the year.

Longtime U.S. expatriates The Le Garde Twins were honoured for lifetime achievement, rising singer-songwriter Morgan Evans was named new Oz artist, and duo McAlister Kemp took the Australian video gong for “Country Proud.”
Mark and Jay O’Shea, two Aussies based in the U.S., hosted the event.

Aside from their win, the festival was a triumph for Drew McAlister and Troy Kemp. Stepping in at the last minute when Billy Ray Cyrus called in sick, the duo were one of the highlights on a bill that included Rascal Flatts and Big and Rich.

Later, John Rich of Big and Rich invited them to be featured artists at his April 28 annual charity event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital held at his Mount Richmore estate in Nashville.

McAlister Kemp will stay on in Nashville to write songs with locals for their third studio album.