CMA Announces 2023 CMA International Awards Nominees

The Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 2023 CMA International Awards, which honor artists and industry executives who have supported and impacted the growth and promotion of Country Music in the international marketplace. Nominees are recognized in multiple categories and voted on by international members of CMA along with a select panel of U.S.-based professionals who have extensive knowledge in the international Country Music industry. These nominees from Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S. are honored for their continued efforts in expanding Country Music’s reach around the globe.

“As we continue to see Country Music grow globally, it is thanks in large part to those who have supported our mission and spearheaded events, initiatives and programming to reach new territories around the world,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The dedication from each of these nominees has made them a vital part of the success of our genre internationally, and we cannot wait to celebrate them in the coming months.”

“We cannot thank our international award nominees enough for their passion and efforts in expanding our international markets,” says Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations & Development. “As we look across the international landscape, it is evident that Country Music has more opportunity than ever to continue expanding across the globe. These international nominees are leading the charge in making that happen. We are grateful for their knowledge and commitment to representing our genre as well as their unwavering passion and commitment to expanding our international markets.”

Voting for the 2023 CMA International Awards is open now through Thursday, Sept. 28. Winners will be announced later this year.

2023 CMA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS – NOMINEES:

JO WALKER MEADOR INTERNATIONAL AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting Country Music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.

Jon Cauwood (U.K. – Music Consultant)
Sina Hall (Germany – Semmel Concerts)
Natalie Waller (Australia – ABC Music)

ROB POTTS INTERNATIONAL LIVE MUSIC ADVANCEMENT AWARD

This award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for Country Music outside of the United States.

Susan Heymann (Australia – Frontier Touring)
Anna-Sophie Mertens (U.K. – Live Nation)
Ron Sakamoto (Canada – Gold and Gold Productions, LTD.)
Neil Warnock, MBE (U.K. – United Talent Agency)

WESLEY ROSE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to Country Music outside of the United States.

Jill Johnson (Sweden – ‘Jills Veranda’ SVT)
Ross Jones (U.K. – Holler)
Richard Murdoch (Scotland – BBC Radio)
Dayna Bourgoin (Canada – Pure Country Radio, iHeart Radio)

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the Country Music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.

Luke Combs
Kip Moore
Morgan Wallen

INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY BROADCASTER AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of Country Music in his/her country.

Stephanie Jünemann (Germany – Star FM Maximum Rock)
Joakim Richardson (Sweden – Go Country)
Ricky Ross (U.K. – BBC Radio Scotland)
Justin Thomson (Australia – KIX Country)
Wimpie van der Sandt (South Africa – Bok Radio)

JEFF WALKER GLOBAL COUNTRY ARTIST AWARD
This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of Country Music as well as brought attention to the Country Music format in their foreign-based territory.

Casey Barnes (Australia)
Kaylee Bell (New Zealand)
Tebey (Canada)

About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. The organization serves as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advances the growth of Country Music worldwide. This is accomplished through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding achievement in the industry; CMA Fest, which benefits music education through the CMA Foundation and is taped for a television special, “CMA Fest”; and “CMA Country Christmas.” CMA’s television properties are screened internationally in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Gibraltar, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the U.K. CMA brings music worldwide, by presenting live performances featuring artists and songwriters through its touring series Introducing Nashville and CMA Songwriters Series. CMA members are located around the globe. Through task forces represented in Australia, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia and the U.K., industry leaders work to further Country Music in these territories. CMA presents six annual international industry awards to acknowledge the efforts of individuals working to develop Country Music in markets across the world.