Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Robby Klein

SiriusXM announced that Florida Georgia Line will perform a special invitation-only event for SiriusXM listeners at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, marking the duo’s first concert at the legendary venue. The private show will air live on Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m. CT on SiriusXM’s The Highway, channel 56, and on the SiriusXM app.

“The first time BK and I heard ourselves on the radio was on SiriusXM,” shared FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “So, to come together now for our first full-blown concert at the Ryman is really special.”

Brian Kelley adds, “There is a magical feeling when you walk into the Ryman and this is a place that has always been on our bucket list to play. We are so excited for this show and can’t wait to bring our FGL vibes to the Mother Church!”

“Since being played first on SiriusXM’s The Highway, Tyler and Brian have been unstoppable, and for them to play the Mother Church of Country Music will be a cherished memory for their many fans,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “It will be a special moment for Florida Georgia Line at the Ryman and we are excited to present this one-of-a-kind performance to our listeners nationwide.”

SiriusXM’s The Highway first played FGL’s “Cruise” in May 2012, before the duo was signed to a label deal. “Cruise” is the first country song to be certified Diamond by the RIAA, and is also the best-selling digital country single of all time, according to SoundScan.

On Monday (April 29), Analog at Hutton Hotel was filled with writers and industry members as they joined NSAI and SunTrust Bank to celebrate all Nashville-associated songwriters who earned a chart-topping hit on Billboard Airplay, Digital, Hot and/or Mediabase charts between November 2018-February 2019.

Songwriters in attendance were presented their awards by NSAI President, Steve Bogard, and NSAI Executive Director, Bart Herbison, as well as Ashleigh Overly of SunTrust Bank, the official sponsor of the party.

Songs and Writers Recognized
“She Got The Best of Me” – Luke Combs, Rob Snyder, Channing Wilson
“Hangin’ On” – Corey Crowder, Josh Hoge, Chris Young
“Best Shot” – Jimmie Allen, Josh London, J.P. Williams
“Lose It” – Kane Brown, Chase McGill, Will Weatherly
“Drunk Me” – Jordan Schmidt, Mitchell Tenpenny, Justin Wilson
“Speechless” – Shay Mooney, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers, Laura Veltz
“Known” – Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells
“Good Girl” – Andy Albert, Justin Ebach, Dustin Lynch
“Burning Man” – Luke Dick, Bobby Pinson
“Girl Like You” – Jaron Boyer, Josh Mirenda, Michael Tyler
“Only Jesus” – Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Matthew West
“This Is It” – Aaron Eshuis, Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers
“What Makes You Country” – Luke Bryan, Dallas Davison, Ashley Gorley

Hootie & the Blowfish will play seven dates throughout the UK and Ireland this October following their 47-date U.S. and Canada run of shows.

The band will celebrate the soon-to-begin tour as part of National Concert Week with a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this Wednesday, May 1.

“I had the incredible opportunity to play the Royal Albert Hall in London last year, which was a bucket list night for me,” explained frontman Darius Rucker. “The fans there and everywhere else we played in Europe were so special. In talking with all of the guys about how special this year’s tour is going to be, we knew it wouldn’t be complete without a trip back across the pond to see our amazing fans there.”

Pre-sale for Hootie & the Blowfish email subscribers begins Wednesday, May 1 at 9 a.m., as does the O2 Priority pre-sale, with a C2C pre-sale to follow on May 2 at 9 a.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, May 3.

October 4          Dublin, Ireland | 3Arena*
October 6          Bristol, England | O2 Academy*
October 7          Leeds, England | O2 Academy*
October 9          Glasgow, Scotland | Barrowland*
October 12        London, England | Eventim Apollo*
October 15        Manchester, England | O2 Apollo*
October 16        Birmingham, England | O2 Academy*

Ashley Gorley maintains the No. 1 position this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the fourth consecutive week with seven titles propelling him. Michael Hardy moves into the No. 2 slot this week, while Shane McAnally shifts into the No. 3 position.

“Whiskey Glasses” co-writers, Ben Burgess and Kevin Kadish, move into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week with momentum from their charting Morgan Wallen hit.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Jennifer Nettles. Photo: Churchill Downs Racetrack

Jennifer Nettles will sing the national anthem at the 145th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday (May 4). Nettle’s performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be broadcast live on NBC and take place in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle immediately prior to the historic race in front of approximately 160,000 fans attending the Derby.

Nettles will also be a guest of the world-famous Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala.

“Jennifer Nettles is a country music and vocal powerhouse,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We are excited and honored for her to perform our national anthem for the millions of viewers and fans around the world who tune in on Derby day.”

Nettles is the eleventh artist to perform the national anthem since Churchill Downs began the tradition in 2009. Notable artists who have performed the national anthem at the Kentucky Derby include Pentatonix (2018), Harry Connick, Jr. (2017), Lady Antebellum (2016), Josh Groban (2015), Jo Dee Messina (2014), Martina McBride (2013), Mary J. Blige (2012), Jordin Sparks (2011), Rascal Flatts (2010) and Lee Ann Rimes (2009).