MusicRow Weekly (2025 CMA Awards, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures one of the busiest and most celebratory stretches of Nashville’s year, as country music creators, executives and industry supporters gathered across the city for awards shows, career milestones and major business moves. Click here to see the full edition.

Country music’s biggest night unfolded at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena during the 59th annual CMA Awards on Nov. 19. Lainey Wilson continued her remarkable ascent, securing the evening’s top honor—Entertainer of the Year—alongside a repeat win for Female Vocalist of the Year. Cody Johnson took home Male Vocalist of the Year, while emerging favorites The Red Clay Strays earned Vocal Group of the Year and Brooks & Dunn extended their storied legacy with another Vocal Duo of the Year win. Ella Langley and Riley Green shared the spotlight with Single and Song of the Year honors for their hit “you look like you love me,” and Wilson’s Whirlwind claimed Album of the Year.

The 2025 BMI Country Awards took place on Nov. 18, where Clint Black was honored with the prestigious BMI Icon Award for his prolific influence on the genre. BMI recognized the writers and publishers of the 50 most-performed country songs of the year, with Charlie Handsome earning BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. “I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen, was named BMI Country Song of the Year. Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. earned BMI Publisher of the Year after contributing to an impressive 32 of the year’s top 50 songs.

One night earlier, the 2025 ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration recognized the most-performed country and Christian songs of the year. Shaboozey captured ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year, while Sony Music Publishing earned Publisher of the Year. Ashley Gorley extended his historic run with his 12th ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year win—more than any writer across any genre in ASCAP history. The smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was named ASCAP Country Song of the Year, commemorating a remarkable run that included 19 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, tying the record for the longest-running No. 1 of all time.

Kicking off CMA Awards week, the SESAC Nashville Awards returned on Nov. 16 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. More than 500 creators and industry leaders gathered as Jessie Jo Dillon surprised Megan Moroney with Song of the Year honors for her chart-topping hit “Am I Okay?” Warner Chappell Music claimed Publisher of the Year, while Michael Tyler was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year.

This week also brought notable business updates across Music Row. Citrin Cooperman expanded into Nashville with its new partnership with local firm KBFM, establishing its first Music City office. Nate Lowery has been appointed President of the late Brett James’ Cornman Music, joining James’ children in ushering the company into its next chapter. Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company elevated John Huelsman to President and Founder Becky Harris to CEO. Meanwhile, FBMM announced the year-end retirement of its first-ever employee and current Chief People Officer, Betty Sanders. Longtime ASCAP executive Kele Currier is also retiring after 33 years in the industry, including 13 years supporting Nashville songwriters.

International achievements were in the spotlight as well, with the Country Music Association unveiling this year’s CMA International Award recipients. Honorees included BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Lynette Garbonola, WME’s Shannon Saunders, iHeartCountry Australia’s Justin Thomson and Sveriges Radio’s Mattias Hansson. Morgan Wallen earned the International Artist Achievement Award, and Cameron Whitcomb was presented the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award. Variety’s Chris Willman was recognized with the 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award.

In artist and publishing news, Dasha joined Spotify’s prestigious Billions Club exactly two years after releasing her viral hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’).” Jeff Garrison signed with Electric Feel Publishing and TurnTable Music, while Hayden Blount inked a new publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. HARDY maintains the No. 1 spot with “Favorite Country Song.” 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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