Morgan Wallen & Cameron Whitcomb Among 2025 CMA International Awards Winners

The Country Music Association has revealed six individuals it is celebrating as the 2025 CMA International Awards winners, honoring their significant contributions to the global growth of country music.

The honorees will be celebrated during a special reception on Nov. 19 in downtown Nashville and will be recognized onstage that same evening during the pre-telecast ceremony for the 2025 CMA Awards.

Morgan Wallen is the recipient of the International Artist Achievement Award, which recognizes a U.S. artist who has made the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period. His fourth album, I’m the Problem, debuted at No. 1 in seven countries, while he continues to elevate country music on a global stage with sold-out stadium shows and a growing international fanbase.

Canadian artist Cameron Whitcomb is the recipient of the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, for international artists. Whitcomb recently won breakthrough artist of the year and fans’ choice award honors at the CCMAs, while his Hundred Mile High Tour has spanned Canada, Australia and Europe.

Lynette Garbonola, vp of International at BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, will be honored with the Jo Walker Meador International Award for leadership in expanding country music in areas including Europe, Australia, and Asia. The honor recognizes achievements in supporting country music’s marketing development in territories beyond the United States.

Shannon Saunders, agent and head of Nashville International at WME, will be honored with the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award for impact on international touring. Saunders has spearheaded expanding the reach and revenue of WME’s global touring division, driving record-breaking tours for Luke Combs, Zach Bryan, Lainey Wilson, and Jordan Davis.

Justin Thomson, national content director for iHeartCountry Australia, is being celebrated with the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award for his role in promoting country music through global media. With over twenty years in media, Thomson produces original programming and travels more than 100,000 miles annually to broadcast from international events including CMA Fest, Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMAs), C2C and CMC Rocks.

Mattias Hansson of P4 Country on Sveriges Radio will be honored with the international country broadcaster award. As host and producer of P4 Country, Hansson has played a key role in growing country music’s audience in Scandinavia, hosting the region’s largest weekly country program.

“This year’s honorees embody the extraordinary ways Country Music continues to transcend borders,” Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. “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.”

The 59th annual CMA Awards broadcasts live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET on ABC and next day on Hulu.