Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn (aka Brooks & Dunn), and Dierks Bentley are this year’s recipients of the CMA International Artist Achievement Award for their contributions to country music overseas. They were presented the awards backstage at Sydney’s Acer Arena on May 6 during the final stop of their current Australian tour. The International Artist Achievement Awards were presented by CMA Board member Rob Potts, CEO of Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, and Australia’s No. 1 radio presenter, Ray Hadley from Radio 2GB.
“I can’t think of any more deserving U.S. artists to win this award,” Potts said. “Their tour here has had a huge impact on the profile of country music in this territory and it’s fantastic that we were able to present the awards to them in Australia.”
The CMA International Artist Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who contributes to the awareness and development of country music outside of the United States. Previous winners include Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, and Dwight Yoakam.
(l-r) Sydney radio presenter Ray Hadley, Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks,
Dierks Bentley and CMA International Director Rob Potts. (Photo: Dean Turnbull)
Category: Artist, Featured, Organizations, Touring