James Johnston Wins Global Country Artist Award at 2026 CMA International Awards
Australian country artist James Johnston has won big at the 2026 Country Music Association (CMA) International Awards.
Australian country artist James Johnston has won big at the 2026 Country Music Association (CMA) International Awards.
The three-time Golden Guitar winner and two-time ARIA Award nominee won the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, which recognises achievements by a country music artist originally based internationally.
Grand Ole Opry member and GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM Award-winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde told Johnston of his win last Thursday at the iconic live music venue in Nashville. She also invited him back to make his Opry debut this November.
Johnston said: “I’ve always just written songs about the life I know, where I come from and the people around me, so seeing those songs connect with people on the other side of the world is incredibly special. I’m really proud of where I come from, and the fact I get to take a little piece of home with me every time I step on a stage is something I’ll never take for granted.
Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.
“A massive thank you to the CMA for this honour, and especially to everyone who’s come to a show, listened to a song, shared it or told a mate about my music. You guys have taken these songs further than I ever thought they’d go, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.”
Johnston recently finished his debut UK headline tour with sold-out shows, including a mainstage set at Country Calling Festival and a Manchester date where he joined fans for a line dance to "One More".
Back home, his song “One More” has just been nominated for Best Video at the 2026 ARIA Awards, and he's set to play several Australian festivals in the coming weeks, including South Australia's The Bend Classic and Strummingbird Festivals.
The Country Music Association announced the full list of International Awards winners overnight. The awards honour individuals who have helped bring country music to fans around the world. Honorees will be recognised at a reception on Tuesday, November 17th in downtown Nashville, during a pre-telecast ceremony at the 60th Annual CMA Awards.
