STEWART FENWICK reports on the

CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS 2008

IT was a beautiful night for the “Beautiful Life” band  Doc Walker at the Canadian Country Music Awards.  The hometown favourite walked away with five of the coveted statues at an awards ceremony in Winnipeg.

After winning Songwriter of the year for the hit "Beautiful Life" at a gala on the Sunday night, the group picked up everything the following evening from Best Song and Album of the year to Best Video and Group of the year.

The band—made up of Thorsteinson, Dave Wasyliw and Murray Pulver (above)—also took home the sought-after Fans' Choice Award, beating out heavyweights such as Paul Brandt, George Canyon, Emerson Drive and Jessie Farrell.

After garnering the most nominations of any musician this year, Vancouver-based Jessie Farrell won Female Artist of the year, beating out awards host Terri Clark, last year's winner Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Lisa Brokop and Crystal Shawanda.

Farrell, who burst on to the Canadian country scene this year with her single "Best of Me," also picked up the Rising Star award and Top Female Talent of the year.

Male artist of the year and top-selling Canadian album went to Scots born Johnny Reid, who belted out his soulful ballad "Thank You" during the show.

Terri Clark, who was shut out of the awards after winning a total of 13 in her career, hosted the event, and performed her latest tune "In My Next Life."

The crowd was also treated to various country acts including performances by Emerson Drive, last year's host Paul Brandt and Gord Bamford—the singer who won top Male Talent of the year for his hit "Blame It On That Red Dress."

Other winners included Hey Romeo, who were named Top New Group, and Corb Lund, who won the Top Roots Artist award, ahead of Prairie Oyster, who were inducted into the Hall Of Fame.

The show ended on a high note when Randy Bachman, joined on stage by Beverley Mahood and Deric Ruttan, paid homage to the host city with the song "Prairie Town."

The awards ceremony was broadcast on CBC-TV nationally, with encore broadcasts to be aired on CMT.