James Johnston To Receive Honor At CMA Awards

09-30-2026

(Warner Music Nashville) Celebrated Warner Music Australia recording artist James Johnston, already a three-time Golden Guitar winner and two-time ARIA Award nominee, will notch another career milestone when he receives the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award at the 2026 CMA International Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist who is originally based internationally.

Johnston was surprised last Thursday evening at The Grand Ole Opry by Opry member and GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM Award-winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde, who delivered the news of the win on country music's most iconic stage and personally invited him back for his Grand Ole Opry debut performance this November.

The Country Music Association just publicly announced the full list of winners for the 2026 CMA International Awards, which honors the individuals whose work has helped carry country music to fans around the world, including Johnston. Honorees will be celebrated during a special reception on Tuesday, November 17, in downtown Nashville, during a pre-telecast ceremony at The 60th Annual CMA Awards.

"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," Johnston said.

"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."

Johnston also recently scored his second GRAMMY-equivalent ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Award nomination. Fresh off his debut UK headline tour, which had multiple sold-out stops, Johnston will keep his live momentum rolling with a run of Australian festival dates this October.