It was a Golden Guitars like no other. While the glitz and glamour of the awards remained, the rapturous audience was missing thanks to COVID-19 restrictions.

However, reflecting the resilience of the Australian country music community, the 49^th Golden Guitar Awards pushed ahead.

Here’s What You Missed

Devoid of the usual throng of devoted fans, Aus Country music stars still donned their finery for the red carpet.

Hosted by the ever-charming Jasmine Rae and Casey Barnes, the cream of the Aus country crop cleaned up pretty well.

Then it was time for the main event, hosted by two-time Golden Guitar Award winner Andrew Swift and five-time winner Catherine Britt, the 2021 ceremony was a celebration of the music, success, and resilience of the industry. Entertaining live and virtual audiences from near and far were on-stage performances from Casey Barnes, The McClymonts, Travis Collins, Dean Perrett, and Melody Moko.

Fresh of his ARIA top-10 album ‘Wreck Me’, Travis Collins chalked up his third Male Artist of the Year gong having previously taken home the award in 2017 and 2019.

It was a night of double delights for the fabulous ladies that covered John Williamson’s ‘True Blue’. Amber Lawrence, Aleyce Simmonds, Kirsty Lee Akers and Dianna Corcoran originally released the track in tribute to Australia’s frontline workers quickly racking up 1.3 million views on Facebook alone.

Following a stunning performance of the song, the fab foursome went on to win Best Vocal Collaboration of the Year.

Then just as quick as it started, it was over! Certainly one of the most unexpected Golden Guitars on record, the unique ceremony was a testamentto the dedication and love imbibed within the Australian country music community.

While the 2021 Toyota Country Music Festival in Tamworth was cancelled due to COVID-19, plans for the half century celebrations are already underway for 2022, with the festival to take place from the 14^th – 23^rd of January 2022.

Watch the full stream of the 2021 award ceremony below.