Nominees

Singer John McNicholl was born and raised in a small village called Foreglen in Derry in the north of Ireland. He is one of 15 children born to Colm and Mary.

In his teenage years John grew up listening to great country artists from both America and Ireland. Singers and songwriters for whom John has the greatest respect include country stars such as Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Keith Urban & Leanne Womack. From a young age John would go to see all the big country stars in the Castle Ballroom in Dungiven near his home town.

John took a very different path a few years ago deciding he would become a chef. He achieved a promising status in this new career but his hunger to get on the road and perform some of his most loved songs was too great to shy away from. A little over three years ago John gave up his love of cooking to pursue his passion for music. With the support of his established artist manager Bob Condon, John set about recording his first album ("Something Old Something New") and traveling around the country to do his first live performances since his schooldays. John's welcoming stage presence and natural vocal technique began to impress audiences that grew in size and enthusiasm rapidly.

 In 2001 John was the proud recipient of the Best Newcomer Award from Country Music UK. Among other great highlights of John's singing career to date include sharing a stage with Daniel O' Donnell and Sir Cliff Richard at the Kincasslagh Festival, County Donegal. John also played support to the legendary Sir. Elton John.

 Albums number two "What's A Guy Gotta Do" and three "Irish Collection - Volume 1" ensured that John is now a household name of the Irish country music scene. Grateful for the support of friends, family and fans John now delivers his first DVD release entitled "John McNicholl". On one of his numerous visits to the United States, John decided he wanted to share the experience of his travels with his listeners and friends. The DVD brings John's songs to the screen and shows him how he really is, spending time on the road, travelling around Ireland and also further afield.  

One of the rising stars of the Country music scene in Ireland, this Derry man recently signed a lucrative record deal with Ceol Music for 3 albums. He was a guest on the Daniel O'Donnell show and was invited to perform on the stage at Dollywood, the home of Dolly Parton and afterwards on to Nashville to perform at several venues.