Your 2026 Hometown Stars are HERE

FROM HOMETOWN STAGES TO THE CCMF SPOTLIGHT: YOUR 2026 HOMETOWN STARS ARE HERE

There’s something different about CCMF when a hometown artist takes the stage. It hits a little deeper. Feels a little louder. Means a little more.

Because behind every one of those artists is a story — long nights, small stages, big dreams — and a community that’s been there every step of the way.

Now, ten of those artists are getting their moment. After nominations from across Horry County, Myrtle Beach, Conway, and beyond, the 2026 Hometown Star Search finalists, presented by Coors Light, are officially set to take the stage at Carolina Country Music Fest:

Alex Graham
Ashlyn Greene
Becca Bowen
Brian Lawless
Cooper Greer
Jake Sutton
Jayson Arendt
Kevin Nichols
Rob Cole
Walker Taylor

WHAT THEY ARE COMPETING FOR
The winning artist will receive –

• A once-in-a-lifetime Grand Ole Opry experience in Nashville, including a backstage invitation to the historic venue, a private reception in the Executive Producer’s office, premium tickets to a live Opry performance, an on-stage shoutout during the show, a booked performance slot at the 2027 Opry Plaza Party, and a featured interview on WSM Radio’s Afternoon Drive ahead of the Plaza Party debut
• Official invitations to perform at Carolina Country Music Fest 2026 and Barefoot Country Music Fest 2027
• Full weekend 2026 VIP festival credentials for the winning band members 
• Revenue share from every ticket sold from the winning band/artist personalized promotional code

MORE THAN JUST A SET
This isn’t just another performance slot. It’s a chance to step onto one of the biggest stages on the East Coast — in front of thousands of fans — and prove exactly why they belong there.
From now through the fest weekend, each artist will be rallying their hometowns, their fans, and their communities to show up and stand behind them.
Because when they walk on that stage… they’re not walking up there alone.

BUILT BY COMMUNITY
One artist will ultimately be named the 2026 CCMF Hometown Star, taking home the Golden Boot Award and a wave of career-changing opportunities.

But the real story? It’s in the people behind them.

The friends share their posts. The families are making the trip. The fans are showing up early just to say — we were here for this.

SEE YOU AT THE STAGE
So when you’re planning your weekend, bouncing between stages and catching your favorite artists…
Make time for this moment.
Because one of these names is about to become a story you won’t forget. And there’s nothing better than saying you saw it first — right here in Myrtle Beach.