MusicRow Weekly (Grammy Updates, CMA Fest, News, Charts, More…)

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The country music industry continues to evolve with fresh accolades, new initiatives and major personnel developments captured in this week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly. Click here to see the full edition.

The Recording Academy has announced that the 68th annual Grammy Awards will take place on Feb. 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Nominations will be revealed on Nov. 7, 2025, with final-round voting scheduled between Dec. 12 and Jan. 5. The Grammys are also introducing a new music category: Best Traditional Country Album. This addition distinguishes classic stylings from the now-renamed Best Contemporary Country Album category. Additionally, a Best Album Cover category, honoring art directors, has been added to the ballot.

The 52nd Annual CMA Fest wrapped on June 8, drawing approximately 95,000 fans from across all 50 states and 33 countries. With over 300 performances and more than 100 artist debuts, the four-day event once again solidified its place as a cornerstone of country music culture. Beyond the music, the festival also delivered a philanthropic impact, raising over $2 million for music education programs through the CMA Foundation.

The National Music Publishers’ Association held its annual meeting in New York City on June 11. The organization honored Kacey Musgraves with the prestigious Songwriter Icon Award, while Rhett Akins was recognized with the Non-Performing Songwriter Icon Award.

BMI announced the extension of President & CEO Mike O’Neill’s contract through December 31, 2029.

The Academy of Country Music has reportedly laid off roughly one-quarter of its staff. Among those affected are key team members across events, communications, publicity and creative operations.

Shaboozey was presented with his first Spotify Billions Club plaque for his breakout hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which has amassed over 1.3 billion streams. The honor was awarded by Spotify’s Chief Public Affairs Officer Dustee Jenkins during his performance at the Spotify House.

In publishing and label news, Anthem Music Publishing has acquired a catalog of songs from legendary country artist Marty Robbins, bringing a historic body of work under its umbrella. Sony Music Publishing Nashville launched Thank A Songwriter, a new podcast hosted by CEO Rusty Gaston, spotlighting the creative forces behind country music’s most iconic songs. UMPG Nashville announced the promotion of Sam Nasr to Manager, A&R.

Make Wake Artists has launched a new digital strategy division, led by Jess Keifer as Head of Digital Marketing & Social Strategy and Kyle Jonas as Artist Strategy & Management Coordinator. In addition, country songwriter Philip Morgan has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and The Core Entertainment, and rising artist Lakelin Lemmings has signed a record deal with Stone Country Records.

Jon Loba, President of Frontline Recordings for BMG Americas, has been named the 2025 recipient of the CRB President’s Award, acknowledging his contributions to country radio and the broader industry.

This week’s MusicRow Weekly also features an insightful conversation with Endurance Music Group’s Mark Ahlberg.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Thomas Rhett takes the No. 1 spot with “After All The Bars Are Closed.” 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
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