On Tuesday, November 12, CMT announced the 2020 Class of its Next Women of Country franchise a the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Next Women of Country crew during the 2019 CMT Next Women Of Country Celebration
The 11 women joining the prestigious Next Women roster include Abby Cone, Avenue Beat, Caylee Hammock, Gabby Barrett, Hailey Whitters,Kylie Morgan, Madison Kozak, Renee Blair, Sycamore, Tiera, and Walker Country. The announcement was made by event co-hosts Leslie Fram of CMT and country music icon Martina McBride.
At the event, each newly-named act performed one song onstage in an acoustic, writer's round format. This 2020 Class marks a total of 75 female acts that have been named as part of the program since its inception in 2013.
Brandi Carlile accepted the 2019 CMT Next Women of Country "Impact Award," an honor presented to a female artist that has impacted songwriting, recording, radio air play, record sales, streams, media impressions, awards, and touring in country music over the past year.
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Martina McBride, Leslie Fram, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, and Tracy Gershon
Also in attendance was the legendary Tanya Tucker who made a surprise apperance when Carlile announced that Tucker would headline the upcoming CMT Next Women of Country Tour in early 2020.
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