Welcome to the 2012 Livies. Along with TG4, these are the most eagerly anticipated Irish Traditional Music Awards of the year. The reason? LiveIreland's unprecedented and instantaneous worldwide reach in its readership. When any site like LiveIreland is the 900 pound gorilla in the room, it's paid attention to. It is our honor to recognize the Best of the Best with the 2012 Livies. So, here we go:

Male Vocalist of the Year - Denis O'Sullivan

This brilliant singer with Chicago Reel was a massive discovery for us in 2011. More the shame on us for not fully appreciating his incredible style and beautiful voice sooner. From Ireland, he is now officially a Chicago treasure and one of the very top singers in the tradition. Period! Never…