CMA Awards 2021: Northern Kentucky's Carly Pearce wins Female Vocalist of the Year

Northern Kentucky native Carly Pearce won big at last night's Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, taking home Female Vocalist of the Year.

Pearce, who was born in Taylor Mill, about seven miles outside of Covington, was nominated for two CMA Awards: Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for her album, "29."

According to the Tennessean, Pearce nearly fell to her knees before she could reach the podium to accept her award. 

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"I really didn't think this was gonna happen," she said. 

"Country music saved me in a time that I needed it and I want you guys to know this is all I've ever wanted in the entire world," Pearce said. "I just hope you know country music is all I love."

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When she was 16, Pearce, now 31, convinced her parents to let her move away to perform at Dollywood in Tennessee, she told WCPO Cincinnati after her rise to the top of the charts. 

After three years, she moved to Nashville and has since performed at the Grand Ole Opry venue more than 85 times. 

Pearce's three studio albums, "Every Little Thing," "Carly Pearce" and "29," combine elements of contemporary and bluegrass country, with a focus on storytelling. 

In 2020, Pearce was nominated for CMA Awards' New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Musical Event of the Year, which she won with Lee Brice for "I Hope You're Happy Now." 

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She was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in June and was officially inducted as a member on Aug. 3.