Country Music Proves to be Worldwide at CMA World GlobaLive! Stage

On Monday night, singer/songwriters from around the world proved country music is bigger than the good ol' U.S.A. at the CMA's GlobaLive!

Country Music Proves to be Worldwide at CMA World GlobaLive! Stage
Brett Kissel; Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen / CMA

We say country music is America’s music, but singers, songwriters and musicians from all over the world proved that country is bigger than the good ol’ U.S.A. at the CMA’s GlobaLive! Monday night in Nashville.

While these performers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.K. may speak with a different accent, they sang like country stars do—with pure, honest vocals and sincerity. Early CMA attendees who filled the parking lot at the city’s Hard Rock Cafe enjoyed original tunes and country covers. These gifted artists who may be unknown in the U.S. now, but are proven hitmakers in their own countries.

(l-r) Jack Bird and Tim McKay (Pauper Kings); Kayla Mahon; Nick Miller and Henry Bird (Pauper Kings); GlobaLive! hosts Jay and Mark O'Shea (O'Shea); Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Frankie Davies; Karin Page; Caitlyn Shadbolt; Chad Brownlee; Raquel Cole; Troy Cassar-Daley; and Brett Kissell; Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen / CMA

(l-r) Jack Bird and Tim McKay (Pauper Kings); Kayla Mahon; Nick Miller and Henry Bird (Pauper Kings); GlobaLive! hosts Jay and Mark O’Shea (O’Shea); Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Frankie Davies; Karin Page; Caitlyn Shadbolt; Chad Brownlee; Raquel Cole; Troy Cassar-Daley; and Brett Kissell; Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen / CMA

We spoke with Canada’s Raquel Cole before she hit the stage and the petite and sassy Canadian Country Music Association Discovery Artists told us she split her time between her homeland and the U.S. Opening shows for mainstream country artists like Josh Turner and Diamond Rio has allowed her to build a large North American following, but the multi-instrumentalist also credited Monday night’s show for making an impact in her career. “This is so important,” Raquel said. “It’s super cool to be playing CMA Fest, but to represent international talent is amazing. I was here for the event last year and got to watch it. Now, to be a part of it is awesome.”

All of the artists performing at this year’s event, including the incredibly talented headliner Brett Kissell from Canada, have their sights set on success in the states, but they’re also proud of their roots…as any good country artist would be.