I’m a softy.

One charming interview and I’m a fan for life.

Or at least until I get shot down for the next request.

Just kidding.

Not really.

Back in January I interviewed country music sibling act The Band Perry.

It was to advance their performance at the Manatee County Fair.

I talked to the trio of 20somethings for about a half hour.

All of ’em at the same time.

They were fun, humble and witty.

Eldest and most talkative Kimberly, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, spoke with an adorable Alabama accent.

And, have you seen photos of her?

She’s super cute.

While watching the County Music Association Awards on Wednesday you can probably guess I was pretty happy to see her up there giving three short-but-sweet acceptance speeches.

The Band Perry won for new artist while their stirring hit single “If I Die Young” picked up single and song of the year honors.

Kimberly, age 27 when I interviewed her, wrote the beautiful ballad “out of a place of contentment” she told me. “Despite the title, the song is more about life than death. And when crowds sing the song back to us it’s so cool.”

She also said during that January interview, “It was the first song written for the album and we were so excited.

“We looked at each other and realized we had lived pretty complete lives even though we were just in our young 20s. It’s a reminder to make the most of our lives whether we’re on the planet for another two minutes or 200 years.”

See?

Smart gal.

Her brothers were cool, too.

When we spoke, The Band Perry was only a few weeks away from attending the Grammys.

“If I Die Young” had been nominated for Best Country Song.

I asked the Perrys which celebrity they were most excited about seeing.

“Neil is looking forward to meeting Lady Gaga,” Reid said about his younger brother, who was 20 at the time.

All three laughed.

So did I.

Kimberly then quickly added: “I love her. Especially when she strips down to just her and the piano. Everything about her. She’s just really interesting.”

Here’s to hoping Kimberly reaches Lady Gaga-level stardom.

And I get to interview her again.

Otherwise a wonderful relationship might be ruined.

Wade Tatangelo, features writer/columnist, can be reached at 941-745-7057. Visit heraldbuzzworthy.blogspot.com.