CMA Fest 2026 once again demonstrates that country music’s growth is no longer confined to the American South. While Nashville remains the genre’s commercial and cultural centre, this year’s lineup features an increasingly international collection of artists bringing fresh perspectives to modern country music. Here, we profile just a small sample of the acts from the UK, Australia and Canada who are performing as part of this year’s line-up. Liam Price British country artist Liam Price has steadily built a reputation as one of the UK emerging Americana influenced performers. Originally from England, Price developed his musical identity through a combination of acoustic songwriting, live touring, and exposure to both British folk traditions and contemporary Nashville country music. Price first gained recognition as the UK’s leading Luke Combs tribute act while also building his own career as an original country artist. In 2025, he released his debut EP, The Grass Ain’t Green, with tracks including Little Star of August and Bangor, ME receiving support from Absolute Radio Country. He was later named winner of The Long Road Festival’s Homegrown Talent competition, leading to his invitation to perform at CMA Fest in 2026. Josh Ross Canadian singer songwriter Josh Ross arrives at CMA Fest as one of the fastest rising international names in contemporary country music. Born and raised in Ontario, Ross initially pursued competitive football before turning his attention fully toward music following injury setbacks. That sporting background still informs much of his public image, with Ross frequently presenting himself as an artist grounded in discipline, resilience, and small town values. Ross – who is now based in Nashville – has twice supported Bailey Zimmerman on tour and has won several Canadian Country Music Awards. More recently, he has released a song with hip-hop artist Akon. This summer, he will be peforming at The Long Road Festival. Musically, Ross blends modern country production with rock influences and emotionally direct songwriting. His breakthrough singles helped establish him as a major streaming success in Canada before attracting wider attention in the United States. Songs such as Trouble and Single Again showcase his ability to combine radio friendly hooks with introspective themes surrounding heartbreak, identity, and personal reflection. Jade Bird English singer songwriter Jade Bird remains one of the most distinctive voices operating across the boundaries of Americana, indie folk and alternative country. Born in Hexham, Northumberland, and raised partly in Wales, Bird first gained critical recognition through her sharp songwriting and emotionally charged vocal style following a stint at the BRIT School. Unlike more conventional country performers, Bird’s work frequently blends Americana influences with British folk traditions and indie rock energy. Her lyrics often explore themes of independence, emotional conflict, family dynamics and self identity, delivered with an intensity that has earned widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. Bird first attracted international attention following appearances at major festivals including SXSW and Glastonbury. In 2019, she won an AIM Indepedent Music Award for International Breakthrough. Her self titled debut album introduced listeners to a songwriter capable of balancing vulnerability with lyrical precision. Fanny Lumsden Australian artist Fanny Lumsden has become one of the most respected voices within contemporary country and folk music. Raised on a sheep farm in western New South Wales, Lumsden’s songwriting remains deeply connected to regional Australian life, rural communities and the realities of isolation and resilience outside major cities. Fanny Lumsden – who is toruing Australia this summer – has developed a loyal following through independent touring and grassroots support before achieving wider recognition across the Australian country industry. Her albums have consistently received critical acclaim, earning multiple Golden Guitar Awards and Australian Independent Record Awards. Lumsden’s music blends traditional country instrumentation with folk storytelling and subtle pop influences. What distinguishes her work is its emotional honesty and observational detail. Rather than relying on commercial country clichés, her songs often focus on family life, community, hardship, humour and the changing realities of rural Australia. Importantly, Lumsden has built much of her success independently, demonstrating how modern artists can cultivate international audiences through touring, streaming, and direct audience engagement rather than relying solely on traditional industry structures.
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