Martina McBride Exits RCA, Signs With Republic Nashville

After nearly 20 years of making music with RCA Records, country music icon Martina McBride has inked a brand-new record deal with Big Machine Label Group's Republic Nashville.

President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta and Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen announced the big news Monday, November 8, at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum -- the same place Borchetta signed Taylor Swift to Big Machine Records in 2005.

"The Country Music Hall of Fame isn't just about the history of country music. It's a home for dreams. It's a destination for those who dare to dream, " said Borchetta before introducing Martina as the newest member of his ever-evolving label empire. "Today for Republic Nashville a dream comes true."

Martina entered the press conference with a big smile. "This is a very exciting day for me," she told the crowd gathered in the museum's historic rotunda. "John [McBride] and I moved here in 1990 with a big dream. I'm living proof that they do come true, because all I've ever wanted to do since I was four years old was sing and I've been fortunate and blessed enough to have had an amazing career."

As for exiting her 18-year partnership with RCA Records for the newly-formed Republic Nashville, Martina remarked, "It just felt right. Change isn't always easy. Their [Big Machine Label Group's] passion and energy and excitement is contagious and I'm so excited to have that passion, energy and excitement focused on my career now."

Martina will hit the studio to begin recording her new Big Machine/Republic Nashville album in December. "I can't wait for you guys to hear the new music!" Martina exclaimed of her upcoming project, which doesn't yet have a release date. "I'm fired up and feel like I have a focus and energy for making music that I haven't had in a long time. So, here's to the future!"

Martina's big news announcement kicks off CMA Week in Music City. The 44th Annual CMA Awards is set to take place Wednesday night at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, where Martina will present the award for Male Vocalist of the Year. The country superstar will also compete for the Female Vocalist trophy, an award she's claimed four times in her illustrious career.

Martina joins Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire and Rascal Flatts as the fourth established country music superstar act to sign with Big Machine Label Group since it's inception in 2005. Republic Nashville was established in 2009 by New York's Universal Republic and Big Machine Records in Nashville. Martina is the sixth artist to join Republic's roster following the Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, Sunny Sweeney and Shel.