Yola was the big winner from the 2020 UK Americana Awards as she left with both the UK Artist of the Year and UK Album of the Year awards.
The fifth incarnation of the awards took place in Troxy, London, as the demand for tickets forced the Americana Music Association to upgrade venue for the third time in three years.
‘Whispering’ Bob Harris compered once again on a brilliant night for UK Americana, with a number of special performances on the night from a host of talented artists, including Ferris & Sylvester, Ida Mae, The Felice Brothers and Elles Bailey.
Other notable winners included Brandi Carlile, who won International Artist of the Year, The Highwomen, who took International Album of the Year and Amy Speace, who won International Song of the Year.
There was also a very special moment on the night as Miles Harris – Bob’s son – surprised his father by announcing that Bob had won the Outstanding Contribution to Americana Award, which was received by a standing ovation from those in the audience.
The full list of winners is:
UK Instrumentalist of the Year – Sîan Monaghan
International Album of the Year – ‘The Highwomen’ by The Highwomen
UK Song of the Year – Little Piece of Heaven by Elles Bailey
International Artist of the Year – Brandi Carlile
Grassroots Award – Mark Whitfield
International Song of the Year – Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne by Amy Speace
Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award – Ferris & Sylvester
Trailblazer Award – Nick Lowe
UK Album of the Year – ‘Walk Through Fire’ by Yola
Outstanding Contribution to Americana Award – Bob Harris
Best Selling Americana Album Award – Jade Bird
UK Artist of the Year – Yola
Legend Award – Lonnie Donegan
Lifetime Achievement Award – Joan Armatrading