Queer Women Top Americana Awards

Carlile, Russell Win Two of Six Categories

With Brandi Carlile and Allison Russell nominated in so many categories, it was a cinch that the LGBTQ+ community would be well represented in the final award selection. Indeed, between them they pulled down two of the six awards, and the Spirit of Americana / Free Speech in Music recognition award went to legendary lesbians The Indigo Girls.

Though they were up against each other in three of the six categories, pals Carlile and Russell each cheered when the other won, Russell for Album of the Year for her stunning LP, “Outside Child,” and Carlile for Song of the Year for her masterful “Right On Time,” an award she shared with co-writers Tim Hanseroth and Phil Hanseroth.

Rounding out the awards, Billy Strings snagged Artist of the Year, Sierra Ferrell won for Emerging Act of the Year, the War and Treaty took home Duo/Group of the Year, and Larissa Maestro – who plays strings for both Carlile and Russell – garnered the award for Instrumentalist of the Year.