MusicRow Weekly (CMA Awards Nominees, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with exciting news from across the music industry, with major award nominations, key executive moves and new ventures making headlines. Click here to see the full edition.

The Country Music Association has unveiled the nominees for the 59th annual CMA Awards, setting the stage for one of the biggest nights in country music. Leading the nomination tally are Ella Langley, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson, each securing six nominations. Close behind is Zach Top with five, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson follow with four nods each. Several industry heavyweights, Kristian Bush, Carson Chamberlain, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen, received three nominations apiece. The coveted Entertainer of the Year category features a powerhouse lineup of Wilson, Combs, Johnson, Stapleton, and Wallen.

In the touring sector, Messina Touring Group has elevated Rachel Powers to Vice President. Powers, who previously served as Vice President of Marketing and led campaigns for major artists such as Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Zac Brown Band, will now take on a broader leadership role. Her expanded responsibilities include driving strategic growth and leading high-level decision-making across the company.

A legendary figure in American music, John Fogerty, was honored with BMI’s prestigious Troubadour Award on Monday night (Sept. 8). The rock icon was celebrated during an exclusive event that included a cocktail reception, banquet, and tribute performances of his timeless classics. The star-studded evening highlighted Fogerty’s enduring influence on American songwriting and performance.

On Wednesday night (Sept. 10), the Americana Music Association hosted the 24th Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium. Sierra Ferrell continued her reign, earning her second consecutive win as Americana Artist of the Year. Brandi Carlile was on hand to present Album of the Year to Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats for their album South of Here. The trio I’m With Her, comprised of Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins, claimed Song of the Year honors for “Ancient Light,” which they co-wrote.

ACM announced three new hires this week. Lauren Burchett joins as Head of Partnerships & Revenue, while Kylie Goudreau and Helena Capps have been appointed to the Industry Relations & Awards team, with Goudreau as Manager and Capps as Project Manager.

In label news, genre-blending artist Shaboozey has launched his own imprint, American Dogwood, in partnership with EMPIRE. The label’s first signee is rising artist Kevin Powers.

Songwriter Scooter Carusoe has signed a worldwide joint co-publishing agreement with Endurance Music Group and Carnival Music, while Zack Dyer has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville. Styles Haury has also inked a new exclusive publishing agreement with WinSongs Music

Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company has made strategic moves on its client services team. Melissa Marsh joins as Senior Client Manager, while Amanda Remo has been promoted to the same position. Ryan Spradlin has also been elevated to Client Manager.

At SiriusXM and Pandora, Jordan Hatton has been appointed Associate Director of Country Artist and Industry Relations, further strengthening the company’s artist-facing presence in the country format.

In legacy management, Sandbox Succession, the heritage division of Sandbox Entertainment, has announced a major new signing: the Roy Orbison Estate, now under exclusive management with the firm.

Tanner Davenport has officially launched Front Doors Management, a new artist management firm focused on supporting emerging talent across country, indie rock and Americana genres.

Lastly, Schmitty has joined The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking, marking another step forward in his growing career.

This week’s edition also features an interview with Chase McDaniel about his upcoming debut album, Lost Ones.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen maintains the No. 1 spot with “I Got Better.” 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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