by Holly Marie Tong

Thursday, October 14th the Inspirational Country Music (ICM awards) successfully took place at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium in Hendersonville, TN. The ICM awards respectively base their foundation and purpose on Faith, Family and Country. They consistently present Christian and Inspirational country artists giving them the opportunity to showcase their God given talents whether they are a rising talent or a long established name. This year's highly anticipated event was co-hosted by Storme Warren of GAC and Megan Alexander (Inside Edition). For every ICM award winner, beautiful Block Agency model and actress Sophie Strong was on hand as the “trophy presenter.”
A large audience anxiously awaited the talent filled performances of their favorite entertainers along with the announcing of this years ICM winners. Having the opportunity to watch this year’s event from backstage, I was able to meet new award nominees as well as reunite and catch up with previous winners. There were some instances in which history repeated itself but there were several new names that entered this year’s winners circle. Notably, I was able to meet Laura Dodd prior to the announcement of the “New Artist” award winner. Laura Dodd is not only a standout emerging talent, but she is extremely personable and became an instant friend. When she was announced as the winner for “New Artist,” her genuine appreciation and enthusiasm shined and was simply contagious as she returned back stage with her award in hand. I was also able to catch up with ICM Sweetheart Sandra Dee (2009 Top Female Vocalist) who looked elegant as always. Sandra is continuing to record and continuing to bring fans the great music they know and love. A remarkable new addition to the ICM awards back stage area this year was Leigh Ann Tuohy. Leigh Ann humbly accepted the trophy for “Blind Side” as her true inspiring story won “Faith Family and Country Movie.”
As always, ICM seat holders were delivered a wide variety of entertainment as a diverse selection of artists graced this year’s stage. This year the ICMS added “Red, White and Blue” to recognize and honor our military and our country. In doing so, Voices of Glory and the top 5 from America’s Got Talent 2010 sang, “God Bless America.” Another very worthy cause that was highlighted at the ICM awards this year is the Soles4Souls project in order to raise awareness for the millions of children who unfortunately do not have shoes. The Corey Brooks Band walked barefoot in order to raise awareness for Soles4Souls which has amazingly given away 11 million pairs of shoes in over 170 countries in its first five years.
Mainstream country artists Joey + Rory performed their song “Where Jesus Is,” while Love and Theft performed “Dancing In Circles.” Katrina Elam also made a special appearance as she belted out “Dream Big.”

Picture of Holly with Leigh Anne Tuohy (which is the real life mother that the "Blind Side" movie is based on).

Elam, who has always been an outstanding Nashville recording artist can now add major acting credentials to her name as she starred in Pure Country 2 which was just released to theatres on October 15th. Other top notch performances this year were given by Branded, Nathan Stanley, The Roys, The Springs, Emma Jacob, Mary James, Russ Murphy, CrossCountry The Band, Ricky Skaggs, Andy Griggs, Jeff Bates, Sarah Darling, Tommy Brandt and Steve Richard.



The 2010 ICM Award Winners:

Entertainer of the Year
Point of Grace

Male Vocalist
Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist
Mary James

Vocal Duo
The Roys

Vocal Group
CrossCountry The Band

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
“This Ain’t Nothin”
Craig Morgan

Christian Country Song
“Cowboys Love Jesus Too”
Russ Murphy

Mainstream Country Artist
Craig morgan

New Artist
Laura Dodd

Musician
Dennis Agajanian

Comedy Act
Johnny Lee Cook

Radio Personality
Rich Miller

Radio Station
WCWV, Summerville, WV

Video
“Temporary Home”
Carrie Underwood-Director, Deaton-Flanigen

Pioneer-Living Legend Award
Dan Cowart – Audio Outreach Ministries

Inspirational Bluegrass Artist
Ricky Skaggs

Youth In Music Award
Renee Spencer

Music Evangelist of the Year
Greg McDougal

Faith, Family & Country Movie
The Blind Side
Alcon Entertainment
Warner Brothers Pictures

Following the awards, the ICM after party took place at the Bluegrass Country Club. ICM attendees were able to celebrate, socialize, network and enjoy a delicious dinner. Congratulations to all the award winners, nominees and performers this year! Kudos to all who coordinated and assisted in the organization of this smooth running and completely enjoyable event. See ya next year!

www.icm-awards.com

Picture of Sophie Strong
Trophy Presenter