CMT introduced the 14 up-and-coming artists named this year’s Next Women of Country during a showcase event at City Winery Nashville.
For more than a decade, the program has been spotlighting and supporting developing female talent. The 2024 class of rising stars is: Anne Wilson, Denitia, Ella Langley, Emily Ann Roberts, HunterGirl, Karley Scott Collins, Kylie Frey, Lauren Watkins, Madeline Merlo, Mae Estes, Tanner Adell, The Castellows, Tigirlily Gold and Twinnie.
This year’s lineup was announced during an invite-only event co-hosted by CMT’s Leslie Fram and singer-songwriter Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry. The duo was joined by special guest Colbie Caillat, and all three will participate as Next Women of Country mentors.
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“It’s an honor and a privilege to welcome this latest group of artists to CMT’s Next Women of Country,” said Fram. “For the past 10 years, this franchise has represented the best and brightest new talent in all of country music and this year is no exception. From the UK and Canada to California and the deep South, these women all have their own unique stories to tell and we can’t wait to introduce them to CMT audiences in creative and meaningful ways.”
Fram also announced a new year-long partnership with female singer-songwriter collective Song Suffragettes to work toward “greater parity for underrepresented female voices in our format.”
During the course of the year, the artists will be featured across CMT’s platforms, in addition to cross-platform opportunities with MTV, and will engage in advocacy efforts focusing on voter registration and mental health.
With these new additions, 125 female acts have been part of Next Women of Country, according to CMT. Some of those alumni include Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and Maren Morris.
A special episode of CMT Hot 20 Countdown that celebrates the 2024 class is slated to air Feb. 10.
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