Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley Receive Global Award
Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn and Dierks Bentley were presented with CMA International Artist Achievement Awards on Wednesday in Sydney, Australia, where they're currently on tour together. This special CMA trophy is given to artists for outstanding contributions to country music overseas.
"Halfway around the world, it is easy to say, but it takes an amazing amount of coordination and commitment from so many people to pull it off, and most importantly, the support from the fans," said Kix upon receiving the special award. "As usual, we get to just walk out on stage and do our thing, but it's hard not to stand there in Sydney, or wherever, and go, 'Wow, how did this happen?!' Thanks so much to everyone who shared this experience with us!"
"It's fantastic to be recognized by the CMA after all my international touring in Japan, Europe and now Australia -- this is very cool," said Dierks, who was visibly surprised by the honor.
Kix, Ronnie and Dierks are in elite company. Previous recipients of the CMA International Artist Achievement Award include the Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood and Dwight Yoakam.