DARLINGTON'S Hayley McKay is beaming after finding out she is through to the finals of an international music awards ceremony.

Still on a high from last month's win as UK Entertainer of the Year at the Hot Country TV Awards in Ireland, Hayley is now through to the finals in six categories of the International Singer-Songwriters Awards held in Atlanta, USA.

The categories for which Hayley is through to the finals are;

  • Vocalist of the Year
  • Rising Star
  • Single of the Year
  • Songwriter of the Year
  • Music Video of the Year
  • Emerging Artist

The Northern Echo: Hayley McKay and Jonnie Bunce at a gig at The Forum Music Centre in DarlingtonHayley McKay and Jonnie Bunce at a gig at The Forum Music Centre in Darlington

Read more: Darlington's Hayley McKay receives prestigious title at international music awards

Hayley nominated herself and then put a shout-out on social media asking friends, family and fans to vote for her and she was gobsmacked at the huge response she received.

Hayley said: “I was quite shocked actually but really buzzing. It would be amazing to actually go to Atlanta but obviously flights are so expensive.

“I was just amazed at the number of people who had taken the time out to vote and I’ve reached the finals because of that. I also got loads of lovely messages which was really nice.”

The International Singer Songwriters Association is an organisation representing unsigned artists from around the world and the awards ceremony is held at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, this August.

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Hayley explained that it may be difficult for her to get to the US for the awards ceremony but hopes to arrange some gigs out there to make it worthwhile.

She said: “It depends if I can get the funding. Obviously country music is huge in America so I would love to organise some gigs in Memphis and Charleston.

“As the public have voted it kind of means more because I know that my music is reaching more people and people are genuinely enjoying my music which is what it’s all about really.”

Hayley also teaches singing and when her young students from Stillington Music Club were told the news, they cheered in support.

The Northern Echo: Hayley and her music students from Stillington Music Club in North Yorkshire. They were thrilled for Hayley when she told them the newsHayley and her music students from Stillington Music Club in North Yorkshire. They were thrilled for Hayley when she told them the news

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Being the only English musician up for awards, Hayley is elated to be nominated at such a prestigious event.

Last weekend, April 30, Hayley performed at the Sage in Gateshead, supporting Danni Nicholls. She will also be appearing at Hardwick Live with her band on August 20.

Find out more about Hayley’s music by visiting hayleymckay.co.uk or visit her social media pages @hayleymckaymusic.

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