CMT SHOWCASES VITALITY OF FEMALE COUNTRY ARTISTS AT THIRD ANNUAL ‘NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY’ EVENT IN NASHVILLE
11/03/15
ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SECOND ‘NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY’ TOUR HEADLINED BY JENNIFER NETTLES WITH BRANDY CLARK AND SPECIAL GUESTS LINDSAY ELL AND TARA THOMPSON
Ashley Campbell, Courtney Cole, Sara Haze, Maren Morris,
Carly Pearce, Rainey Qualley, Aubrie Sellers and Tara Thompson Selected as ‘CMT Next Women of Country’ 2016 Class
*Photos from the event available for download at: http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr311507454
NASHVILLE – November 3, 2015 – In a room filled with artists and Nashville heavy-hitters, CMT celebrated the voice of female artists at its “Next Women of Country” showcase today at City Winery in Nashville. The third annual event featured performances by Lauren Alaina, Danielle Bradbery, Brandy Clark, Cam, Clare Dunn, Brooke Eden, Ashley Monroe, Maren Morris, Cassadee Pope and surprise guest Jennifer Nettles. The annual event is an extension of the network’s multi-platform ‘Next Women of Country’ campaign, which aims to give voice to and raise the profile of women in country music.
Next Women alum Kelsea Ballerini returned to co-host the event this year, alongside CMT SVP of Music Strategy and Talent Leslie Fram. Ballerini first performed at the event last year, and appeared earlier this year on the inaugural CMT Next Women of Country Tour with Jana Kramer. Ballerini scored her first #1 in June with “Love Me Like You Mean It,” a considerable achievement in the male-dominated genre.
Surprise guest Jennifer Nettles joined the stage amidst cheers to reveal she would headline the “CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour,” with Brandy Clark and special guests Lindsay Ell and Tara Thompson. The Grammy-winning singer-guitarist has been a vocal supporter of women in the industry, and is currently headlining the “Playing with Fire Tour” with Brandy Clark and Ryan Kinder. For more information on the tour including markets, visit www.JenniferNettles.com and www.CMTpress.com.
“I always take any opportunity to champion women in music and throughout society at large,” said Nettles. “I am absolutely energized to headline this year's ‘CMT Next Women of Country’ tour and celebrate these exciting artists on the precipice of so much greatness.”
The 2016 “CMT Next Women of Country” class includes Ashley Campbell, Courtney Cole, Sara Haze, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, Rainey Qualley, Aubrie Sellers and Tara Thompson. The list of inductees covers major label, indie and unsigned rising artists, each who will receive support from CMT in an effort to expose them to fans and get their music heard.
CMT launched its “Next Women of Country” campaign in 2013 as a way to give more attention and airplay to emerging female country artists across all screens. Several Next Women alumnae – Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Cassadee Pope and Ashley Monroe included – have achieved both commercial and critical acclaim. In 2015, CMT expanded the franchise to include its first-ever female-powered tour with Jana Kramer and Kelsea Ballerini.
The Next Women artists attending the event were treated to a handful of specially crafted gifts from artisans including Hunker Bag Co. (hunkerbagco.com) and L George Designs (lgeorgedesigns.com), while hair, makeup and gift bags were provided by The Dry House (thedryhousenashville.com).
To join the conversation, follow along on social media using #CMTNextWomen.
CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.
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PRESS CONTACT:
Amanda Murphy/CMT
615-335-8408
amanda.murphy@cmt.com
