CMT Announces New Listen Up Class Of 2018

CMT has announced its new group of emerging artists for 2018 that will be part of the network’s annual Listen Up program. The “18 for 2018” Listen Up artists are Abby Anderson, Ashley McBryde, Bailey Bryan, Cale Dodds, Delta Rae, Devin Dawson, Jillian Jacqueline, Jimmie Allen, Jordan Davis, Kassi Ashton, Levon, Maggie Rose, Morgan Evans, Morgan Wallen, Russell Dickerson, Ryan Kinder, The Sisterhood Band and Tyler Rich.

The 18 up and coming artists, signed and unsigned, will be spotlighted across all platforms in the coming year including on CMT and CMT Music, the “CMT Hot 20 Countdown”, on “CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan”, on CMT.com, and on the CMT socials.

“Listen Up taps into CMT’s influence and platforms to guide fans to talented emerging artists that might not yet be on their radars,” said Leslie Fram, SVP of Music Strategy and Talent, CMT. “This lineup represents the diversity within country music – from traditional to modern country, mixed with a little bit of soul. We look forward to sharing their passion and great music with our audience all year long.”

Since 2011, CMT’s Listen Up franchise has helped launch the careers of budding superstars including Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, and RaeLynn. Last year’s class alone included breakout stars Carly Pearce, Luke Combs and Midland.

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Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

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