MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly spotlights a flurry of major industry announcements, historic milestones and exciting new partnerships that signal powerful momentum across the country and contemporary music landscapes. Click here to see the full edition.

The Country Music Association has unveiled the nominees for the 2025 CMA Touring Awards, set for Jan. 27 in Nashville. Now celebrating its 20th year, the ceremony continues its mission of honoring the behind-the-scenes professionals who bring country music to life on the road. This year’s event will be hosted by Keith Urban, a longtime champion of touring crews and production teams. Up for the night’s top honor— Crew of the Year —are the teams behind the “All-American Road Show Tour,” “Am I Okay? Tour,” “Broken Branches Tour,” “I’m The Problem Tour,” “Jim Bob World Tour,” “Live On Tour,” “On The Road Tour” and “Whirlwind World Tour.” In addition, revered artist manager Jim Halsey will receive the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his profound and lasting impact on the development of touring and his decades-long contributions that have shaped the experiences of artists, industry professionals and fans alike.

Last week, Big Machine Label Group Founder, Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta was presented with the 2025 CMA Irving Waugh Award of Excellence, an honor reserved for leaders whose forward-thinking influence has materially transformed the country music industry.

Another milestone moment arrived for The Band Perry, as their breakout hit “If I Die Young” officially reached RIAA Diamond certification. The band received a special plaque commemorating the achievement on Nov. 19, right on stage after performing at Big Machine’s CMA after party at Nashville’s Bell Tower.

On Nov. 20, Origins Music Group held its second annual Origins Impact Awards at The Cowan in Nashville, a night dedicated to spotlighting the evolving sound and creative diversity within country music. Hosted by Justin Lee Williams and emceed by Marcus K. Dowling, the event blended performances and tributes with an array of recognitions. Angie K earned the evening’s top honor, Artist of the Year, while Sacha’s “Hey Mom I Made It” claimed Song of the Year. Emerging Artist of the Year went to Rodell Duff, and the Innovative Project of the Year was awarded to Shannon Sanders, Rissi Palmer and the Country Music Hall of Fame for “From Where I Stand”. Frank Ray & Shy Carter took home Best Collaborative Effort of the Year with “Jesus at the Taco Truck.” Additional honorees included Warner Music Nashville’s James Marsh as Executive of the Year, Song Suffragettes for the Community Advocate Award, Color Me Country Radio/Rissi Palmer for Cultural Impact of the Year, and Coffey Anderson as Champion of the Year.

In label and partnership news, GRAMMY-winning alt-rock band Switchfoot has signed with By Design in partnership with BMG. Meanwhile, Dreamcatcher Artists has teamed with ONErpm for Tenille Arts’ forthcoming album. Her first single from the project, “Don’t Ruin Flowers,” arrives Dec. 5, with the full album slated for announcement in summer 2026.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Troy Vollhoffer, President of Country Thunder Music Festivals, Big Valley Jamboree and Premier Global Production Company.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Blake Shelton takes the No. 1 spot with “Stay Country or Die Tryin’.” 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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