CMT Garners Big Ratings Week With ‘Nashville’ and ‘Sun Records’

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Nashville continues to hold its own on its new home on CMT, drawing strong numbers for its most recent episode. The show attracted 3.1 million fans to score a 1.34 Adults 18-49 rating across premiere night airings on CMT and Nick at Nite, up nearly 20 percent from the previous week. The episode was particularly strong with women, notching a 2.20 rating with Women 25-54 and 1.79 with Women 18-49. On CMT alone, the episode earned a .73 Adults 18-49 rating, attracting nearly 2 million fans.

The highly anticipated premiere of Sun Records also got off to a strong start, giving the network its most watched night of CMT originals in the channel’s history. The premiere attracted nearly 3 million fans for a gross rating of .97 Adults 18-49 across premiere night airings on CMT, TV Land and Nick at Nite. The debut performed well with both adults and women garnering a 1.13 with Adults 25-54 and 1.32 with Women 25-54 and 1.15 with Women 18-49. On CMT, the premiere attracted 1.6 million fans and averaged a strong .52 Adults 18-49 rating. With adults the episode earned a .61 Adults 25-54 and .68 with Women 25-54 and .57 with Women 18-49.

The successful premieres come on the heels of overall ratings growth for the network, with original premieres on CMT pacing up 46 percent among Adults 18-49 and 73 percent among Women 18-49 versus a year ago. Total day ratings are up 27 percent with Adults 18-49 and 31 percent with Women 18-49.

“Our strategy of attracting new, diverse viewers by leaning into music-based storytelling is working,” said Brian Philips, President of CMT. “Not only did we convert Nashville viewers to Sun Records, fans, but we’re seeing a ratings lift across the entire schedule, proof that CMT is becoming a daily destination for new viewers.”

Industry Ink: Wade Hayes, Steve Wariner, Lindi Ortega, Songbirds Museum Shows

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Wade Hayes Hosts ‘Country Hits Back’ Cancer Research Benefit

Wade Hayes will host the 2nd Annual “Country Hits Back” benefit March 7 at the Franklin Theatre which will help raise funds for research at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) where Hayes was treated. He was only 42 when he was diagnosed with advanced (Stage IV) colon cancer, which is the No. 2 cancer killer of men and women in the United States. One of Hayes’ VICC physicians was Jordan Berlin, M.D., Ingram Professor of Cancer Research and Co-Leader of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Program at VICC.

Randy Owen and Trace Lawrence will join Hayes on the show. Details and ticket information can be found at franklintheatre.com.

 

Steve Wariner Signs With Live Arts And Attractions

Steve Wariner has joined the roster at Live Arts and Attractions for booking representation. “I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Steve and to represent his newest show.” said agency General Manager, Dan Mann. “I know him to be one of the finest guitar players in the world and a legendary songwriter. Now I get to represent his show that puts all those talents and more on display.”

Wariner recently released a new album, All Over The Map.

 

Lindi Ortega Makes A SESAC Stop

Lindi Ortega stopped by to visit with the SESAC staffers during a trip to Nashville this month and delivered advance copies of her new EP, Til the Goin’ Gets Gone, which is set for release March 17. She embarks on a Canadian arena tour supporting Chris Stapleton this month.

 

Songbirds Museum Hosts April Concerts

The Songbirds Guitar Museum in Chattanooga, which houses the world’s largest private collection of rare, vintage guitars, will be hosting several live shows in the newly-opened museum’s performance space. April shows will include the boundless California Guitar Trio, classical guitarist Michael McCallie, and surf music phenomenon guitarist Dick Dale. The museum and event site is located on the campus of the world famous Chattanooga Choo Choo, and general admission tickets are now on sale at SongbirdsGuitars.com.