NASHVILLE, TENN. • Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile added another trophy to her shelf as she won artist of the year at the 2021 Americana Honors and Awards show, while country singer Sturgill Simpson took home the album of the year award.

The annual awards show returned in-person on Wednesday at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., after it was canceled last year because of the pandemic.

“To be artist of the year after a year like we have all had as a community, there’s a weight to it and I know it’s profound,” said Carlile. “Because it was hard to be an artist this year.”

Simpson won for “Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1 - The Butcher Shoppe Sessions,” in which he recorded bluegrass versions of his songs. Simpson did not attend, so Shooter Jennings accepted the award on his behalf.