Delaney Davidson, who was at the awards in Gore to accept the award on the night says “I am very excited to have this song recognised as we wrote it about our fathers. It feels like a way to honour them and keep their spirit alive.”

The song has cemented a place in the hearts of the people of Aotearoa. “We are blessed to have such songwriting talents in this world. Tami and Delaney have crafted a beautiful, raw and heartfelt tribute. Throw in gorgeous strings and the unmistakable voice of Willie Nelson and it is a true classic” says APRA AMCOS Head of New Zealand Operations Ant Healey.

2023 APRA Best Country Music Song:

WINNER: Beyond The Stars written by Tami Neilson and Delaney Davidson, performed by Tami Neilson and Willie Nelson (Published by Concord Music Publishing)

Find A River written by Maegan Mitchell, Nicola Mitchell and Tami Neilson*, performed by The Mitchell Twins (*Published by Concord Music Publishing)

Slow Burn written and performed by Mel Parsons (Published by Concord Music Publishing)

2023 MLT Songwriting Award:

WINNER: Whirlwind written by Matt Joe Gow

RUNNER-UP: Daffodils written by Jenny Mitchell and Ron Mitchell

Compte de Paris written by Kate Targett-Adams and Chad Robinson

Co-Parent written by Peter & Joanna Green

Goosebumps written by Keith Pereira

Help Me Remember written by Keith Pereira

Little Less Lonely written by Jenny Mitchell

Love Ya Like I Can written by Kerryn Fields and Matt Joe Gow

Nobody Warns You written by Mel Parsons