Cramlington singer strikes gold at USA awards and sets sights on Grammys

Carol Stevens was invited to the International Singer Songwriter Awards in Atlanta after winning a bronze award last year with her hit Wham Bam.

This year, she was nominated for an incredible seven awards and was crowned winner of the Gold Emerging Artist Award.

“I didn't go with an idea that I was going to win,” Carol said. “There's a lot of talent out there and you don't know what the judges are looking for.

“When I heard my name get called out, I couldn’t believe it.”

Following the awards on August 22, Carol performed live at the after show party before being invited to perform at a showcase in Nashville.

Winning gold also means that Carol has the opportunity to be nominated for a Grammy next year.

"These awards open so many doors. It’s just absolutely amazing and I can't describe it to be honest.”

Carol also happened to be in the US when country music legend Dolly Parton passed away on August 25.

“It was a surreal time to be there,” Carol added. “We went to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and they had a proper tribute show for her. It was just a real fantastic night.

“So, with the awards and Dolly dying and then singing down in Nashville, it's been quite an whirlwind.”

After returning to Cramlington in a limousine from the airport, Carol received a warm welcome home as people gathered to celebrate her success.

She now says she is ‘coming down from the clouds’ to return to normal life and work on new music.