Beverly Still never met most of the country music artists who helped honour both her and her granddaughter, , last night.
But that didn鈥檛 quell the applause from almost 800 guests as it echoed through the Molson Canadian Theatre (formerly the Red Robinson Theatre) at the Hard Rock Casino Sunday night.
The roar was almost as much for Still 鈥� who died Thursday doing what she loved, listening to music 鈥� as it was for Batten, who was unexpectedly called up on stage to be receive the 鈥檚 president鈥檚 citation.
Dumbfounded and almost speechless receiving the award, the 91原创 singer could only think to celebrate its receipt with her grandma, who had always been such an inspiration and support to her.
鈥淪he was one of the most beautiful, extraordinary people in the world who just loved everyone,鈥� said Batten, who was also co-hosted the evening鈥檚 awards ceremony with Wendell Ferguson.
This award was presented by BCCMA president Linda Corscadden, who before divulging the winner鈥檚 name listed off a number of her traits.
鈥淏eautiful soul, inside and out鈥� The first person to always step up to the plate, ask what I need, offers to help, and jumps on board with every event鈥� Not only a multi-award winner and amazing talented artist, but a great sounding board as well,鈥� Corscadden said.
Not having eaten anything all day 鈥� in part due to being busy, and part due to nerves of taking on the co-host job at the awards for the first time 鈥� Batten admitted she was downstairs in her green room nibbling on some cheese and crackers when she was suddenly and unexpectedly ordered back up to the stage immediately.
She panicked, fearing she鈥檚 forgotten something important in the itinerary, and almost ran back up to the main floor event, only to be standing stage right when Corscadden announced the special award鈥檚 winner.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what to say鈥� Thank you so, so much,鈥� Batten said, choking back tears and quickly admiring her glass award. 鈥淭his really means a lot to me.鈥�
She first joined the industry in 2003, after winning the Talent on Tape competition, was a contender in inaugural Canadian Idol in 2004, released her first CD in 2005, and hasn鈥檛 looked back.
鈥淭his organization means the world to me,鈥� Batten said. 鈥淚鈥檒l forever hold you guys near and dear to my heart.鈥�
In addition to the president鈥檚 citation, Batten was also recipient of the female vocalist of the year award 鈥� again.
Admittedly, Batten didn鈥檛 expect either award. In fact, minutes before her name was called to accept the female vocalist honour, she leaned over to a friend and country music colleague, Becca Hess, and whispered: 鈥淚 totally think you鈥檝e got this one.鈥�
Well, Batten was wrong.
This was the sixth time that Batten received this award, previously honoured in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2014, 2015 (when she tied with Madeline Merlo).
Batten is preparing to press her third career album on Tuesday, and release the 11-song album 鈥� recorded entirely in Alabama 鈥� to the public early in the new year. It鈥檚 called Under the Covers in Muscle Shoals.
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Other 91原创 names
There were also a few other 91原创 names on the awards list for the 41st annual BCCMA awards.
was once again picked as country venue of the year. And likewise, was once again winner of the video director of the year.
Former 91原创ite won male vocalist and video of the year of the year, while BCCMA president and another former 91原创ite, Corscadden, received the Don Adam鈥檚 country music person of the year.
The big winner at this year鈥檚 awards was Washboard Union. 91原创鈥檚 Dallas Smith stepped back from the awards this year, asking to be excluded because of his successes in the past year.
鈥� Stay tuned to the 91原创 Advance for more about Batten鈥檚 new album
