The Country Music Association announces 2019 CMA International Awards nominees

The Country Music Association has (February 7) announced the nominees for the 2019 CMA International Awards, which honours executives and artists who have supported and made a difference to the growth and promotion of Country Music in the International market place.

Nominees from Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States have all been recognised in five categories acknowledging their dedication and efforts in growing opportunities for Country Music in their local territories.

Speaking about the shortlist, CMA chief executive officer Sarah Trahern said: “Our entire Country Music community is appreciative of the dedication and support our international partners provide in helping grow the genre around the globe and for bringing it to a wider audience. From the industry executives and broadcast partners who work tirelessly, to the artists who share their talents throughout the world, we’re thrilled to congratulate all of this year’s CMA International Awards nominees.”

The CMA International Awards nominees shortlist can be seen below:

JO WALKER MEADOR INTERNATIONAL AWARD

This award recognises outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting Country Music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.

Nigel Hassler, CAA, U.K.

Susan Heymann, Chugg Entertainment, Australia

Christina Sas, UMG International, Germany

Bob Shennan, BBC Music, U.K.

Chris York, SJM Concerts, U.K.

WESLEY ROSE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This award recognises outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to Country Music outside of the United States. 

David Dawson, NU Country, Australia

Rob Farina, iHeartRadio, Canada

Jan Gradvall, Sweden

Claire Horton, Claire Horton PR, U.K.

Paul Sexton, U.K.

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Formerly the International Touring Artist Award, this award recognises 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.

The Cadillac Three, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves

INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY BROADCASTER AWARD

This award recognises 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.  

Stuart Banford, Downtown Radio, Northern Ireland

Casey Clarke, Casey Clarke Productions, Canada

Paul Jackson, NOVA Entertainment, Australia

Baylen Leonard, BBC Radio 2, U.K.

Trevor Smith, Aloha Media, Australia

JEFF WALKER GLOBAL COUNTRY ARTIST AWARD

This award recognises 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. 

Travis Collins, Australia

Ilse DeLange, The Netherlands

James Barker Band, Canada

Jill Johnson, Sweden

Ward Thomas, U.K.

The winners will be presented with their awards in March as CMA hosts several events in international territories including Germany, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.