James Johnston ProfileThis year’s CMA International Awards winners have been announced, and Australia’s own James Johnston has received a major award.
Johnston won the prestigious Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, which recognises outstanding achievements by a country artist based outside of the United States.
He was nominated alongside fellow Australian country star Wade Forster, as well as New Zealand’s Tami Neilson and the United Kingdom’s Gareth.
Reacting to the news, Johnston wrote on social media, “From a small town boy in Australia to getting to share my music all across the globe, it’s certainly been a wild ride! To be recognised by Country Music Association for it makes it that little bit more special.
“Pretty crazy to think how far this music has taken me and I’m bloody grateful for every bit of it. Thanks to everyone who’s been a part of this ride with me. Wouldn’t be here without you guys!”
Johnston’s win comes just days after Ashley McBryde surprised him on stage in Nashville, inviting him to make his Grand Ole Opry debut in November.
Lainey Wilson also won a major award, taking home the International Artist Achievement Award. The prize is given to an American artist whose career has grown exponentially outside the United States.
They weren’t the only recipients honoured by CMA.
Dayna Bourgoin (iHeartRadio Canada/Pure Country Radio) received the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award, Alex Hannaby (HYBE Global Label Services) earned the CMA Jo Walker-Meador International Award, Bob Harris (BBC Radio 2) won the International Country Broadcaster Award, and Rachel Lloyd (AEG Presents UK) received the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award.
“Some of my favourite moments in this job have been standing in a crowd overseas and experiencing how deeply fans connect with Country Music,” Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, commented in a statement.
She continued, “That kind of connection doesn't happen without people who believe in this music and put in the work to share it. The Country Music community is global, and we are proud to celebrate them.”
