Australian Country Music Sensation James Johnston to Take Home the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award at the 2026 CMA International Awards.
Australian country music sensation, three-time Golden Guitar winner (including the top selling ARIA Charts Australian Country Album in 2025) and two-time ARIA Award nominee James Johnston will hit another major career milestone when he takes home the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award at the 2026 CMA International Awards – which recognises outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist who is originally based internationally.
Johnston was surprised last Thursday evening at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville by Grand Ole Opry member and GRAMMY®, CMA, and ACM Award–winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde, who delivered the news on one of country music’s most historic stages and personally invited him back for his Grand Ole Opry debut performance this November.
The Country Music Association (CMA) announced the winners overnight of the 2026 CMA International Awards, which honours the individuals whose work has helped carry country music to fans around the world. Honorees will be celebrated during a special reception on Tuesday 17 November, in downtown Nashville, during a pre-telecast ceremony at The 60th Annual CMA Awards.
Speaking on the win, 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.
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.”
The CMA International Award win caps off a whirlwind global run for James Johnston, cementing his position as the leading face of Australian country music. He recently wrapped his debut UK headline tour with a string of sold-out shows, including a standout mainstage set at Country Calling Festival and a high-energy date in Manchester, where he even joined fans for a line-dancing takeover to his smash hit ‘ONE MORE’.
Back home, Johnston recently scored an ARIA Award nomination for Best Video for ‘ONE MORE’. He’ll keep that live momentum rolling this October with a run of Australian festival dates, including appearances at The Bend Classic, SA and Strummingbird Festivals, VIC, NSW and QLD.