Jo Dee Messina Nominated For First CMA Award In 21 Years

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Cole Swindell / YouTube

After 21 years, Jo Dee Messina has been nominated for a CMA award.

For Jo Dee Messina fans who’ve been following her career since her debut in 1996 with “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” there’s exciting news on the horizon. Jo Dee is back in the spotlight again, earning a well-deserved nomination for a Country Music Association (CMA) Award after a 21-year absence.

The nomination that has stirred up a buzz among country music listeners is for the “Musical Event of the Year” and Jo Dee’s nod comes as a result of her collaboration with Cole Swindell on the remix of “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” produced by the talented Zach Crowell.

Cole Swindell / YouTube

The song that’s put Messina back in the CMA race after two decades.

“She Had Me at Heads Carolina” is co-written by Cole Swindell and this song, featured on Swindell’s fourth studio album, “Stereotype,” pays homage to Jo Dee Messina’s 1996 hit, “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”

The collaboration struck gold when it peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Swindell’s highest charting appearance to date. The remix version of the song, featuring Jo Dee Messina, was released on November 7, 2022, creating waves of excitement among country music fans. The duo even took center stage to perform this rendition at the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards.

Jo Dee Messina’s return to the CMA Awards is very exciting for her fans and the entire country music community. With six number-one singles on the Billboard country music charts, honors from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and two Grammy nominations under her belt, she is a true star in the industry. Her 1996 debut album was certified gold by the RIAA, and her sophomore release, “I’m Alright,” delivered five top-10 country hits and sold over a million copies in the United States.

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Photo of Jo Dee Messina singing.
Cole Swindell / YouTube

Jo Dee Messina’s musical legacy.

What makes Jo Dee Messina’s journey even more remarkable is her status as the first female country artist to achieve three multiple-week number-one songs from a single album. Her accolades also include two platinum and three gold-certified albums by the RIAA, further solidifying her place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

With over 5 million records sold worldwide, Jo Dee’s undeniable talent continues to captivate audiences around the globe. As she goes for the CMA Award, fans eagerly await to see if this celebrated country icon will once again take home a win on the big stage.

It’s a thrilling moment in the world of country music, and we can’t help but wonder if Jo Dee’s return will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career. The countdown to the CMA Awards has begun, and all eyes are on her.

Watch Jo Dee Messina and Cole Swindell perform “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” below.

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About the Author

Manly Bryant

Throughout his over a decade-long career at Country Rebel, Manly Bryant has written thousands of articles, managed countless social media posts, connected with many country music stars in person, and documented many of the most iconic moments in country music history. Whether heโ€™s covering a sold-out stadium show or spotlighting an up-and-coming artist, Manly brings…

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