MusicRow Weekly (ACM Awards, News, Charts, More…)

/by

This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly recaps a monumental night in country music and highlights significant developments across the Nashville industry landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards lit up the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas yesterday (May 8), with legendary entertainer Reba McEntire returning to host.

Lainey Wilson stole the show, taking home the coveted Entertainer of the Year award along with Album of the Year for Whirlwind. She also picked up Artist-Writer of the Year, reinforcing her standout year on multiple fronts. Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year, while Old Dominion earned their ninth consecutive Group of the Year win, officially becoming the most decorated group in ACM history. Brooks & Dunn continued their legacy with another Duo of the Year trophy.

Several winners were revealed ahead of the broadcast, including Ella Langley, who was named New Female Artist of the Year. She also shared a Visual Media of the Year win with Riley Green for their “You Look Like You Love Me” video. Zach Top was awarded New Male Artist of the Year, and The Red Clay Strays earned New Duo or Group. Jessie Jo Dillon was named Songwriter of the Year, and Cody Johnson’s “Dirt Cheap,” penned by Josh Phillips, earned Song of the Year.

Elsewhere in the industry, leadership changes made headlines. Lori Christian stepped down from her role as Executive Vice President of Marketing at UMG Nashville after 13 years. Meanwhile, Heather Vassar exited her post as SVP of Operations at EMPIRE Nashville.

Belmont University celebrated its 2025 Spring Commencement with a star-studded list of honorary doctorate recipients, including Trisha Yearwood and songwriter Hillary Lindsey. President Dr. Greg Jones presided over the ceremonies, honoring more than 2,000 graduates.

Big Loud Texas continues its expansion with the launch of Big Loud Texas Publishing. With Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall at the helm, the new division has signed Timothy Allen as its first songwriter and appointed Lizzy Rector as Publishing Director.

Endurance Music Group also made strategic moves this week, expanding its partnership with Raven Music Partners through a music services agreement. EMG’s Michael Martin has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer, while Mark Ahlberg steps up as Co-President and General Manager.

On the performance front, Hardy made his long-awaited Grand Ole Opry debut on April 29. Introduced via video by Lainey Wilson, Hardy took the stage with fellow rising star Ella Langley to perform “Wait In The Truck,” a collaboration originally with Wilson.

More career moves followed across the city. WME has created a new role, Senior Director, External Relations, for Alexis Rosenberg in their Nashville office. Additionally, veteran Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum staffer Alan Stoker was celebrated upon his retirement after more than five decades of service.

Talent management firm Dynamic Talent International announced its expansion into Nashville, opening a new office on Commerce Street. The local team will represent a slate of rising and established artists, including Danielle Bradbery and Kaylee Bell, and engage in community partnerships and charitable initiatives.

Publishing signings also rounded out the week’s industry news. Lalo Guzman extended his global publishing deal with SMACKSongs following his second No. 1 with Blake Shelton’s “Texas.” Singer-songwriter Grace Tyler joined Concord Music Publishing, while Will Terry signed with both Prescription Songs and 7Hills Music for publishing, as well as Amigo Records for future releases.

This week’s My Music Row Story features an insightful conversation with TheGreenRoom’s Tyne Parrish.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green maintains his No. 1 spot this week with “Worst Way.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Madison Hahnen
Latest posts by Madison Hahnen (see all)