The Country Music Association has announced the nominees for 2020’s CMA International Awards, which honors industry executives and artists who have supported and made a difference to the growth and promotion of Country Music in the International marketplace. Nominees from Australia, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States are recognized in five categories acknowledging their dedication and efforts in growing opportunities for Country Music in their local territories.
“CMA continues to be inspired by and grateful for the support of our international partners in expanding and evolving the Country Music genre globally,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re thrilled to honor the industry executives, broadcast partners and artists who have impacted the Country Music community outside of the United States as this year’s CMA International Awards nominees.”
The awards are voted on by international members and will begin being presented in March as CMA hosts several international events in territories including Germany, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
2020 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.
John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville, United States
Christina Sas, UMG International, Germany
Brad Turcotte, Universal Music Group Nashville, United States
Chris York, SJM Concerts, United Kingdom
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to Country Music outside of the United States.
Tiffany Astle, penelopePR, Canada
Mathias Bridfelt, SVT, Sweden
Claire Horton, Claire Horton PR, United Kingdom
Baylen Leonard, United Kingdom
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.
Dan + Shay
Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus
Keith Urban
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.
Ben Earle, The Shires, United Kingdom
Paul Ferguson, Cool 100.1 & 99.5 Hits FM, Canada
Amanda Kingsland, Rogers Communications, Canada
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.
Ilse DeLange, The Netherlands
James Barker Band, Canada
Jill Johnson, Sweden
Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. In 1961, CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame to recognize artists and industry professionals with Country Music’s highest honor. More than 7,600 music industry professionals and companies from around the globe are members of CMA. The organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advance 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 the ABC Television network.
