Chart-Topping Duo Pulls Biggest Upset in Recent Country Music History
(LAS VEGAS, NV) – Last night – in arguably the biggest awards show upset in recent Country music history - Stoney Creek Records duo Thompson Square were awarded the Academy of Country Music’s 2011 “Vocal Duo of the Year” Award.
The husband/wife duo comprised of Keifer and Shawna Thompson was surprised with the award onstage by ACM CEO Bob Romeo in front of thousands of screaming fans at the ACM Salute to the Military Concert at the ACM Experience at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Saturday night -- just moments after they had completed their set.
Thompson Square – who was officially honored as “Country Music's Breakthrough Artist of 2011” by Music Row Magazine in February — dethroned reigning Country superstars Sugarland who have won the award for 2 years. Sugarland is also the reigning CMA Awards Vocal Duo for the past 4 years.
Thompson Square becomes only the third duo to win the ACM “Vocal Duo of the Year” Award in the past 20 years (since 1991) with Sugarland and Brooks & Dunn previously winning in the category respectively.
“It’s been a long, long road,” Keifer Thompson told the crowd. “This is one of the greatest nights of our lives.” Overcome with emotion, he continued, “It’s hard to talk when you’re crying.”
“This is a very bittersweet moment for me,” added Shawna Thompson as she fought back tears. “More sweet than bitter. My dad passed away a month ago. This is for my dad.”
Thompson Square’s win is a Country Music Cinderella Story of sorts as the duo is hardly an “overnight success,” despite its quickly skyrocketing career.
In fact, Keifer and Shawna Thompson pounded the pavement for 13 years in the music industry before finally signing to tiny independent label Stoney Creek Records. The young married couple worked odd jobs, played bar shows and knocked on countless closed doors during that time before deciding they would hang up their microphones after one last year of perseverance. During one final showcase, Broken Bow Records President/ CEO Benny Brown recognized something special in Thompson Square and signed them to his brand new independent label Stoney Creek Records (sister label to Broken Bow Records and home to Jason Aldean).
Two years ago to this very DAY, Thompson Square was first introduced to Country Radio at a suite performance during ACM Awards weekend. One year ago to this very WEEK, Thompson Square’s inaugural smash, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” reached the #1 spot at Country Radio.
In the past year, Thompson Square’s star has risen meteorically. The duo’s self-titled, debut album has produced 2011’s #1 Most Played Country Song “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” the follow-up Top 10 hit, “I Got You,” as well as the duo’s latest hit, “Glass,” which showcases a more serious side of the duo as well as poignant, powerhouse vocals from Shawna Thompson.
In only one year, Thompson Square has seen the release of its first album debut at #3 on the Billboard Country Sales Chart and its smash, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” reach #1 on both the Billboard and Mediabase Country radio charts, conquer the Billboard Heat Seekers Chart, spend 5 weeks at #1 on the Country Digital Soundscan Chart and remain the #1 Country Ringtone for 12 weeks straight. At press time, “Are You Going to Kiss Me Or Not,” was nearing double platinum sales status.
Thompson Square also earned 16 major award show nominations in less than 12 months, including two 2012 GRAMMY nominations for “Best Country Song” and “Best Country Duo/Group Performance of the Year.”
In December, Thompson Square returned home for the holidays as the 2nd most awarded act at FOX’s 2nd Annual American Country Awards, winning the fan-voted trophies for Single of the Year by a Group; Single of the Year by a New Artist; Music Video of the Year by a New Artist (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”).
Also in 2011, Thompson Square was named one of USA Today’s “Six Pack of Success” stories, was heralded as USA Weekend’s “Who’s Hot in Hollywood,” peaked at #3 on MTV’s Music Meter (all genres) and landed on Entertainment Weekly’s “Hot List.”
Thompson Square ended 2011 as the “New Country Artist of the Year” (Mediabase) as well as Billboard’s #1 New Country Artist of 2011, in terms of sales. The duo also ranked as Billboard’s #6 New Artist of 2011 (sales - all genres) and“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” was named iTunes’ “Country Single of 2011.”
In their short time on the scene, Thompson Square has performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Conan, Fox & Friends, NBC’s The Better Show, the 45th Annual CMA Awards, GAC’s Christmas in the Black Hills and Fox’s Summer Concert Series, as well as been featured in USA Weekend, Entertainment Weekly, People Country, the Associated Press, MSN Wonderwall, Country Weekly, Southwest Spirit Magazine, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, Pollstar, and Billboard.
Additionally, the 2011 American Music Award nominee for New Artist of the Year is also the only duo to reach #1 on CMT’s Top 50 Artist Chart in 2011. 2011 also found Thompson Square nominated for multiple CMA and CMT Awards as well as playing to over one million fans, many as part of Jason Aldean’s My Kind of Party Tour.
Thompson Square is currently criss-crossing the U.S. as part of Lady Antebellum’s Own The Night World Tour with upcoming stops to include two nights at NYC’s legendary Radio City Music Hall on May 3 and 4.
Even with all of Thompson Square’s recent success, Keifer and Shawna have still found time to give back. The duo recently partnered with ChildFund International to raise awareness and support for children across the world dying from hunger and poverty. Thompson Square has personally sponsored a little girl named Lady in Indonesia. The duo will also give a free, autographed copy of its self-titled debut album to fans that sign up to sponsor a child at Thompson Square concerts.
Thompson Square appeared tonight as presenters on the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast on CBS.
For more information visit www.thompsonsquare.com
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