Industry Ink: ‘American Idol,’ Modern Cult, CMHOFM, Country Cruising, More
SiriusXM Front Row Hosts ‘American Idol’ Judges
American Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie recently sat down for a SiriusXM Front Row hosted by Nicole Ryan, Ryan Sampson and Stanley T from SiriusXM Hits 1’s The Morning Mash Up.
During the interview, the judges discussed the current season of the show, shared their thoughts on hearing their songs performed by contestants and more.
Modern Cult Signs With Parallel Vision & Big Loud Rock

Pictured (L-R): Lloyd Norman, Brad Shultz, Ryan Zumwalt, Darren Potuck, Augie Pink, Rod Wendt, Daniel Oakley, Joey Moi. Photo: Ilona Donovan
Modern Cult has signed with Parallel Vision in partnership with Big Loud Rock. In celebration of announcement, the duo has released their debut single, “Be My Friend.”
“Augie and Rod have an incredible work ethic and a unique sound that stands out in today’s landscape,” says Joey Moi, Big Loud Partner/Big Loud Rock President. “We’re excited to work with our Parallel Vision friends and help bring their distinct sound to the world.”
“We’re incredibly excited to be starting this chapter with Parallel Vision and Big Loud Rock — it already feels like a tight-knit family, which can be rare in this world, and that’s something we’re really grateful for,” Modern Cult adds.
CMHOFM To Host Book Talk On ‘Heartland Rock’
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Writer-Editor Erin Osmon will discuss her new book, Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America, during a discussion led by Allison Moorer at the museum on May 9.
Osmon will discuss the story of heartland rock, and Stephen Wilson Jr. will perform.
The program is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited and a program ticket is required.
Drake White, Alana Springsteen & Tiera Kennedy Join Country Cruising 2027 Lineup

Country Cruising has added Drake White, Alana Springsteen and Tiera Kennedy to its 2027 lineup. The group joins previously announced performers Randy Travis, Paul Overstreet, Craig Morgan, James Otto, KC Johns, Maggie Baugh and many more.
More information is available here.
Priscilla Block To Headline Backlot Country Fest
Priscilla Block will headline Columbia, Tennessee’s Backlot Country Fest, set to take place on April 11. Additional performers include Shane Profitt, Katie Austin and The Bandana Brothers.
Tickets are available here.
Sunday Mornin’ Country Unveils 2026 Lineup

Sunday Mornin’ Country has unveiled the lineup for this year. Set for June 7 at The Grand Ole Opry House, performers will include Adam Warner, Aubrey Nicole, Cassidy Daniels, Charlie McCoy, Cowboy Joe & The Babcocks, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, Dianne Sherrill, Jimmy Fortune, John Berry, John McEuen, Joy Holden, Leon Everette, The Tennessee River Boys, Mackenzie Phipps, Mandy Barnett, Melanie Walker, Mike Scott, Music City Quartet and The Fox Brothers, among others. Tickets are available now.
“I have been playing the Sunday Morning Country show since the Hee Haw days when Joe Babcock recruited me. I must say that I love the show and look forward to it every year,” says Charlie McCoy.
Big Loud Hosts CRS Drawing
Big Loud Hosted a drawing for attendees of CRS.
Jeff Hunt of WVPO took home first prize, a Morgan Wallen signed guitar. Jordan Woodruff of KPNC nabbed second prize, a set of Sony Professional MDR-7506 headphones. Mike Sinclair of WTCM earned third prize, a pair of Loop Quiet 2 Ear Protectors.




