Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen Revealed Among CMA International Award Nominees

Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Kip Moore and others were revealed on the list of 2023 CMA International Awards, honoring artists and executives whose work plays a role in boosting the genre worldwide.

International members of the Country Music Association and a panel of U.S.-based professionals with “extensive knowledge in the international Country Music industry,” per a press release issued by the Country Music Association on Wednesday (September 13). The list includes nominees from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Scotland, South Africa and other locations spanning 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,” said 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.”  

The announcement on Wednesday comes shortly after the Country Music Association revealed the list of nominees at the 57th annual CMA Awards, slated to air live November 8 on ABC from Nashville. See the star-studded list of CMA Award nominees here.

Voting for the 2023 CMA International Awards will remain open through September 28, and winners will be announced later this year, according to the CMA’s announcement on Wednesday.

Here’s the list of 2023 CMA International Award 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)