Lauren Watkins Joins CMC Rocks 2026 Lineup

CMC Rocks 2026 just got a major dose of Nashville cool. Following the announcement that rising US star Zach John King can no longer make the trip down under next year, the festival has revealed that Lauren Watkins will be stepping in, and fans couldn’t be more excited.

The breakout country artist, hailed as one of Nashville’s most exciting new voices, will make her Australian debut at CMC Rocks 2026, joining a stacked lineup already bursting with international heavyweights and homegrown favourites.

Known for her effortless mix of modern country charm, clever lyricism, and southern edge, Watkins has quickly carved out her own lane in the genre. With hit songs like Sleeping in My Makeup, Mama, I Made It and Stuck In My Ways, Watkins has just released a brand new record In A Perfect World. Quickly earning a reputation for bringing both style and vulnerability to the stage, Watkins is one to watch in Nashville’s fast rising new talent pool.

A Tennessee native and former college athlete turned country powerhouse, Watkins has toured alongside artists like Morgan Wallen, Conner Smith, and Larry Fleet, earning praise for her down to earth storytelling and effortless stage presence. Her appearance at CMC Rocks marks a huge moment for Australian fans, who have been calling for her to make the trip since she first started gaining traction in the US scene.

As CMC Rocks shared this morning, “Stepping in to show us a good time is @lauren.watkins, and we can’t wait to welcome her to the lineup!”

With her sharp songwriting, smoky vocals and fearless energy, Watkins is set to bring a whole new vibe to the CMC Rocks stage. And if her track record is anything to go by, Australia’s about to fall in love with Lauren Watkins.