The Most Popular Band Award was introduced in 2003 and the Most Popular Vocalist Award in 2008.
Annual nominations covers all the bands that have played at the Country Music Guild Of Australasia over the 12 months from May 1 to April 30.
Because of Covid-19 there were no awards given in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
Most Popular Band Award (2022 – 2023)
On Friday August 4, 2023, The John Lawrence Band won the 17th annual Les Keats Memorial Award for the “Most Popular Band” as voted by the financial members of the Country Music Guild of Australasia.
They were one of 22 bands to perform at The Guild during the year 2022-2023 and this is the first time they have won this Award.
They also performed a bunch of songs on this night.
Most Popular Vocalist Award (2022 – 2023)
Michelle Gardiner won the 12th annual Award for the “Most Popular Vocalist”.
This is the second time Michelle has won this Award – she also won it the last time they were held in 2019.
The Dalton Gang with Dave Moore were the house band on the night and they also backed other vocalists Glen Lee, Guild President Keith Green, Karan Johns, Kerran Keats, Michelle Gardiner and Terry Dean.