McBryde received the honor last week

The Country Music Association presented its 2022 CMA International Artist Achievement Award to country star and 3x CMA Award winner Ashley McBryde during events surrounding The 56th Annual CMA Awards last week. McBryde was surprised with the industry honor backstage at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville ahead of her CMA Awards rehearsal by CMA Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Trahern, and Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations & Development.

“Since the first time I was lucky enough to play abroad when C2C took a chance on me in 2018, I have fallen in love with the international fans,” says McBryde. “I’ve told them over and over that as long as they keep showing up, I’ll keep showing up. That is still true today. I am honored and so proud to be receiving this award and I promise to continue to be the best ambassador that I can be for country music all over the world.”

“Ashley has had an eye on developing her international presence since the beginning of her career,” says Trahern. “She is a true example of an artist committed to building an international audience, and we are beyond thrilled to present her with this year’s award.”

The CMA International Artist Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period. After performing at C2C in March 2022, McBryde embarked on an eight-date headlining run, selling out shows in Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Brighton. McBryde also performed at C2C festivals in 2018 and 2019, as well as 2019’s CMC Rocks in Australia, where she will return in 2023. She also joined Luke Combs as support on his 2018 UK tour ahead of her first UK headlining tour in 2019.

The CMA International Awards honor industry executives and artists who have supported and made a difference towards the growth and promotion of country music in the international marketplace. Nominees are recognized in six categories acknowledging their dedication and efforts in growing opportunities for country music in their local territories.

Winners for the five remaining 2022 CMA International Awards categories will be presented with their awards in the coming months.