THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION HONORS GLOBAL ARTISTS AND LEADERS
WITH 2025 CMA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Lynette Garbonola (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville), Shannon Saunders (WME), Justin Thomson (iHeart Country Australia), Mattias Hansson (P4 Country, Sveriges Radio), Morgan Wallen and Cameron Whitcomb Honored as 2025 CMA International Award Recipients
“The 59th Annual CMA Awards” to Air Across Six International Territories
The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced the winners of the 2025 CMA International Awards, recognizing individuals whose outstanding contributions have expanded the reach and influence of Country Music worldwide. Honorees will be celebrated at a special reception on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in downtown Nashville, in addition to being recognized on stage that same evening during the pre-telecast ceremony at the 2025 CMA Awards.
As part of CMA’s ongoing commitment to honoring excellence, the International Awards are a key component of the association’s industry honors. These awards highlight the exceptional efforts of individuals and organizations driving the global growth of Country Music. The annual awards and reception reflect CMA’s mission to build a strong, inclusive global community of Country Music professionals while celebrating the wide-ranging contributions that have made the genre a global phenomenon.
“This year’s honorees embody the extraordinary ways Country Music continues to transcend borders,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Whether through radio, touring, media, or artist development, each has helped share the genre with audiences around the world. Their work not only broadens Country Music’s reach, it deepens its impact, reminding us that this community truly is global.”
Lynette Garbonola, Vice President, International, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, receives the CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award for her exceptional contributions to the global expansion of Country Music. This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting Country Music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.
Garbonola’s innovative leadership and strategic efforts have been pivotal in strengthening Country Music’s international presence, particularly in Europe, Australia, and Asia. Through her work, BBR Music Group’s roster has connected with new audiences, helping the genre reach new heights globally. Her dedication to expanding Country Music’s reach and fostering cross-cultural connections has played a key role in its growing international footprint.
Shannon Saunders, Agent, Head of Nashville International, WME, takes home the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievements made by an individual who has significantly contributed to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for Country Music outside of the United States.
Saunders has been a driving force behind Country Music’s global expansion, transforming WME’s international touring operation and growing its reach and revenue exponentially. From leading record-breaking tours with Luke Combs, Zach Bryan, Lainey Wilson, and Jordan Davis to building lasting partnerships across markets worldwide, her strategic leadership and deep industry relationships have redefined what’s possible for Country artists on a global scale.
Justin Thomson, National Content Director, iHeartCountry Australia, receives the 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.
Thomson has become one of Country Music’s most influential global ambassadors. With more than two decades of experience in media, he produces extensive original programming and travels more than 100,000 miles annually to broadcast from major international events including the CMA Fest, Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMAs), C2C, and CMC Rocks. Passionate, prolific, and deeply connected to artists and audiences alike, Thomson continues to amplify Country Music’s reach across continents and platforms.
Mattias Hansson, Radio Producer/Presenter at P4 Country, Sveriges Radio, picks up the International Country Broadcaster Award, which 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 their country.
Hansson has been a driving force behind Country Music’s growing popularity in Scandinavia, showcasing the genre’s diversity and storytelling to a rapidly expanding audience. As host and producer of P4 Country on Sweden’s national radio station, the region’s largest weekly Country program reaching millions of listeners, Hansson has spent decades championing artists, stories and sounds from Nashville to the Nordics. Through his work in national media, live events and international collaborations, he continues to expand Country Music’s footprint and foster a deeper appreciation for the genre worldwide.
Morgan Wallen receives the International Artist Achievement Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-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.
Wallen has propelled Country Music to unprecedented global heights, with his influence now extending far beyond genre boundaries. His fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, debuted at No. 1 across seven countries, reinforcing his position as one of the world’s most impactful artists. With sold-out stadiums, record-breaking chart success, and a growing international fanbase, Wallen continues to elevate Country Music on a worldwide stage.
Cameron Whitcomb takes home the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist who is originally based internationally.
Fresh off his CMA Fest debut and recent wins for CCMA Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Fans’ Choice Award, the Canadian-bred artist has captivated audiences worldwide through his Hundred Mile High Tour, spanning Canada, Australia, and Europe. With a mix of honest songwriting and dynamic live performances, Whitcomb stands at the forefront of Country’s next generation, introducing new audiences to the heart and spirit of the genre across continents.
“The 59th Annual CMA Awards” will broadcast internationally across six global territories, bringing Country Music’s Biggest Night™ to audiences around the world. Broadcast territories include:
Canada – CTV2: Live at 8/7c (Nov. 19)
Australia – STAN: Live at 12 p.m. AEDT (Nov. 20); NINE: Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. AEDT
United Kingdom – BBC iPlayer: Live at 2 a.m. GMT (Nov. 20); BBC Four: Nov. 28 at 10:05 p.m. GMT
Sweden – SVT Play: Nov. 29 at 2 a.m. CET; SVT2: Nov. 29 at 9:45 p.m. CET
Mexico – Canal 6: Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. CST
Norway – NRK: December 5 at 11:15 pm CET
About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. The organization serves as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advances the growth of Country Music worldwide. This is accomplished through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding achievement in the industry; CMA Fest, which benefits music education through the CMA Foundation and is taped for a television special, “CMA Fest”; and “CMA Country Christmas.” CMA’s television properties are screened internationally in Australia, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, and the U.K. CMA brings music worldwide, by presenting live performances featuring artists and songwriters through its touring series Introducing Nashville and CMA Songwriters Series. CMA members are located around the globe. Through task forces represented in Australasia, Canada, mainland Europe, The Nordics and the U.K., industry leaders work to further Country Music in these territories. CMA presents awards across six categories to acknowledge the efforts of individuals working to develop Country Music in markets across the world.
