Congratulations to Rhiannon Giddens, who has won the award for Folk Singer of the Year at the 2016 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the first American artist to do so. The awards show took place at Royal Albert Hall in London earlier this evening and can be seen again in the UK in the BBC iPlayer at bbc.co.uk.

"Your sheer artistry defies all known genres," said Sandie Shaw in presenting her with the award. "You are a one-off, genuine original. Listening to your work takes me to deep intriguing places I never before imagined. It has a spiritual fluency, so thank you for bringing us all together in our shared humanity through your music. Congratulations, you truly deserve this award. I am a huge, huge fan. Tonight is your turn, Rhiannon Giddens."

Giddens—singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and founding member of Carolina Chocolate Drops—made her solo recording debut with Tomorrow Is My Turn in 2015. The album, produced by T Bone Burnett, features a broad range of songs from genres as diverse as gospel, jazz, blues, and country, including works made famous by Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Odetta, and Nina Simone. The album "is a showcase for Ms. Giddens’s glorious voice," says the New York Times. "For all her technical control, her voice is a perpetually soulful marvel." NPR calls it "a truly astounding vocal performance." "Gorgeous," exclaims the Daily Telegraph. "An exceptional record."

To pick up a copy of Tomorrow Is My Turn and the follow-up EP Factory Girl, head to iTunes or the Nonesuch Store, where CD and vinyl orders include a download of the complete recording at checkout.