BILLBOARD’S JESSICA NICHOLSON RECEIVES THE
2024 CMA MEDIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Country Star Thomas Rhett Surprises Nicholson
During Rehearsals for “The 58th Annual CMA Awards”
The Country Music Association awarded Jessica Nicholson, Billboard staff writer, with the 2024 CMA Media Achievement Award on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Nicholson was surprised with news of her win backstage at Bridgestone Arena during rehearsals for “The 58th Annual CMA Awards” by two-time CMA Awards winner and performer this year, Thomas Rhett, who will take the CMA Awards stage with Teddy Swims on Wednesday, Nov. 20 to perform a mash-up of both of their hits, “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman” and “Lose Control.”
The CMA Media Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of print and online journalists, columnists, authors, editors, television writers, producers and bookers, and syndicated radio reporters in the media as they relate to Country Music. The award is voted on by publicist members of CMA.
Nicholson has been a consistent and valuable voice in amplifying the extensive growth of Country Music around the world since joining Billboard full time in 2021. With a rich history in Country Music journalism, prior to joining Billboard, Nicholson wrote for various publications including American Songwriter, CMT, Forbes, and more. She previously served as managing editor for music industry trade publication MusicRow Magazine and as a staff writer for Country Music publication Country Weekly.
“The 58th Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson broadcasts live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 20 on ABC and next day on Hulu.
About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize artists and industry professionals with Country Music’s highest honor. Music industry professionals and companies across the U.S. and around the globe are members of CMA. The organization serves as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advances the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding achievement in the industry; CMA Fest, which benefits the CMA Foundation and music education and is taped for a three-hour network television special, “CMA Fest”; and “CMA Country Christmas.” All of CMA’s television properties air on ABC.
For more information about the CMA Awards, visit CMAawards.com. To learn more about the Association’s awards and initiatives, visit CMAworld.com.
Billboard staff writer Jessica Nicholson is surprised with news of her 2024 CMA Media Achievement Award win by Thomas Rhett backstage at Bridgestone Arena during rehearsals for “The 58th Annual CMA Awards” on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Photo Credit: Josh Brasted/CMA
