CMT Reveals Latest Next Women of Country Roster

CMT has chosen 10 rising female stars for its 2016 Next Women of Country class. Caitlyn Smith, Jamie Lynn Spears, Jillian Jacqueline, Kree Harrison, Logan Brill, Lucie Silvas, Maggie Rose, Margo Price, as well as all-female trios Post Monroe and Runaway June, have all been endorsed by CMT for their talent and musical styles as part of the network’s ongoing campaign to empower and shine a light on some of country’s up-and-coming female vocalists. The list was hand-selected by CMT, and includes a broad-ranging list of both signed and unsigned newcomers.

“We’re so thrilled to introduce this incredibly talented and diverse mix of female artists to the Next Women franchise,” said Leslie Fram, SVP of Music Strategy and Talent, CMT. “With the full support of the industry behind us, we continue to see this initiative make a real difference in propelling female artists into the spotlight.”

CMT has helped break female acts in country’s somewhat male-dominated format using its “Next Women” franchise as a launch pad. Several former “Next Women” alumnae have achieved success, including 2015 alum Maren Morris, Class of 2014’s Kelsea Ballerini, and Kacey Musgraves from the inaugural class of 2013.

After launching its first “Next Women of Country” campaign in 2013, CMT backed two female-fueled tours in 2015 and 2016 with Jana Kramer, Ballerini, Jennifer Nettles, Brandy Clark, Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson. Earlier this year, they grew the franchise yet again adding a digital performance series, “Next Women of Country LIVE,” featuring exclusive new performances each week on CMT.com.