Could An Australian Country Artist Win A CMA Award?

It’s no secret that country music is exploding in popularity in Australia.

Our country acts can also hold their own with international favourites, and according to renowned tour promoter Michael Chugg, an Australian artist could even win a CMA Award one day.

Discussing the future of country music in a new cover story interview with The Music, which detailed CMC Rocks’ popularity and impact in a turbulent music festival ecosystem, Chugg expressed optimism for the future of Australian country music.

“One of our country acts will win a CMA award in the next five years. No doubt about it,” he said. When interviewer Jake Fitzpatrick asked who that artist might be, Chugg revealed who he has his bets on. However, Fitzpatrick has opted to keep readers guessing.

Who do you think it could be? Which Australian country artist could win a CMA?

There’s Morgan Evans, who’s headlined the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall – an incredible feat for any artist, let alone a country act. How often do you see country music at the Sydney Opera House?

There’s Casey Barnes, an ARIA, APRA, Queensland Music Awards, and Golden Guitar Award winner. Last year, he was awarded his first Gold record for God Took His Time On You.

Up-and-comer James Johnston experienced over ten weeks atop the Australian Country Albums Chart with his debut album, Raised Like That, in 2023.

Meanwhile, New South Wales singer-songwriter Tori Forsyth is an ARIA nominee, Queensland Music Award winner, represented country music at BIGSOUND, and more.

Of course, how could we forget artists like Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, and Troy Cassar-Daley? Some of Australia’s most successful country artists, the trio have built up longstanding, influential careers in the genre, inspiring the next generation of artists, including the acts mentioned above, Brad Cox, Melanie Dyer, Taylor Moss, The Wolfe Brothers, and many others.

To have your say about your favourite Australian country music act, make sure you vote for them at the inaugural Countrytown Awards before voting closes on March 5.