IBy Rebecca Belt
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IT'S been the best and worst of years for country artist Catherine Britt.
Britt has reflected on the year that brought a breast cancer diagnosis and her wedding day, as she prepared to hit the red carpet at the ARIA Awards Thursday night and celebrates six finalist placings in the CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia.
She is a nominee in Country Album of the Year at the ARIAs.
This is Britt's sixth ARIA nomination and she has six finalist placings in the country music awards, but she's not counting on six being her lucky number.
"I've been really lucky to be nominated (in the ARIAs) for every album I've ever released," she said.
"I feel pretty good about it, but I definitely don't think I've got a chance because I'm up against Lee Kernaghan and technically he should win because he has sold the most. Then you have Shano (Shane Nicholson) and that record is great, Troy (Cassar-Daley) is always great and Mustered Courage, we are label mates and I love those boys. Whatever happens, it will be a happy result."
As well as being up for an award, Britt will present Blues and Roots and Adult Contemporary awards.
"I'm pretty pumped to be presenting because I've never really got that recognition before," she said.
"I have to get up in front of everyone, but the lady who is a local Newcastle designer, has designed me a dress for the ARIAs (she also designed Britt's wedding gown)."
Britt's headwear will be the wig she wore for her wedding day.
"I've made my point and it's okay to be bald - I'm going to continue to push that, but I want to feel normal and natural," she said.
"I want to feel pretty. God knows when it will grow back. I have a little bum fluff at the moment and it's so soft, it feels amazing, so I'm just going to let it go and see if it stays."
The singer-songwriter told The Leader nothing could erase what had happened this year with her own cancer diagnosis and health scares with family and friends, but she also celebrated her wedding day last month, marrying long-time boyfriend, James Beverley.
"I had the best day and the worst day of my life in 2015, so I'm looking forward to next year," she said.
"What a great way to start (with six finalist placings). I'm looking forward to it, but I'm not the person who wins."
Britt did win Female Artist of the Year in 2009 and 2013 and Single of the Year in 2011.
In January, she will vie for Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Video of the Year, APRA AMCOS of the Year, Vocal Collaboration of the Year and Vocal Collaboration of the Year with Steve Earle.