Joey + Rory Win Big at 2016 Inspirational Country Music Awards
Joey + Rory took home several of the top honors at the 2016 Inspirational Country Music Awards, which took place just outside of Nashville on Thursday night (Oct. 27).
The duo won Mainstream Song of the Year for "When I'm Gone," from their final album, Hymns That Are Important to Us. The album was released in February, just weeks before Joey Feek passed away after a brave battle with cancer that inspired people all over the world. The song was written long before she was diagnosed, but took on a new meaning afterward, with Feek conveying a message of hope to those she leaves behind.
Joey + Rory were also honored with the award for Mainstream Duo / Group of the Year, and Joey Feek was posthumously awarded Mainstream Country Female Artist of the Year. According to a press release, Joey Feek was also the subject of a special tribute at the ceremony, which took place in Hendersonville, Tenn., a Nashville suburb.
The 2016 ICM Awards nominees included Brad Paisley, Mo Pitney, Josh Turner, Ricky Skaggs, Scotty McCreery, Vince Gill and Tim McGraw, who were all nominated for Mainstream Country Male of the Year. Hillary Scott, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Kelsea Ballerini, Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae, Martina McBride, Sara Evans and Trisha Yearwood were the nominees for Mainstream Country Female of the Year.
The ICM Awards are part of the annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Week, which also consists of showcases, a membership breakfast, luncheon, a number of seminars and other events in and around Nashville. The annual awards recognize artists who promote a message of "faith, family and country," which is also the organization's slogan.
A complete list of winners in the 2016 ICM Awards is available on the Inspirational Country Music Association’s website.
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