Entertainment

Future is bright for country singer Áine Crehan, the Galway girl with the angelic voice

ÁINE CREHAN was born in London but relocated to Galway when she was 11 when her family returned to Ireland.

By then, she had already been smitten by country music.

Two years earlier, Áine had been give what was, for her, a priceless gift: a copy of Shania Twain's, Come On Over album.

The young girl was converted immediately, and country music was to become her life.

Áine still cites the Canadian singer and songwriter as her greatest influence.

From country music it was but a short step to Country & Irish, as well as Irish traditional music, and Áine grew up against a soundtrack stretching from the likes Joe Dolan to Dolores Keane.

From these beginnings, the young singer's career has blossomed.

She is now preparing to take the stage for The Irish Post Country Music Awards in Armagh on August 30.

One of the highlights of Áine's musical endeavours to date has been auditioning for Louis Walsh and Kian Egan's girl-band Wonderland in 2008 and reaching the finalists’ stage — out of over 3,000 hopefuls.

Another highlight was receiving a nomination for Best Video for her track Gravy, at last year's RTÉ Country Music Awards.

Since then Áine has been approached by Universal Music Ireland, which has prompted her to musically change direction a little bit and concentrate more on her own material.

Coupled with her very distinctive voice and a huge talent for performing, the way ahead for Áine looks very bright.

The Irish Post Country Music Awards take place on Wednesday, August 30 at The Armagh City Hotel, Co. Armagh. Join music fans from all over Ireland and Britain and book your ticket today.