MusicRow Weekly (ACM Awards Voting, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a dynamic stretch across the country music landscape, where industry milestones, new ventures and songwriter achievements all converge to signal both reflection and forward momentum. Click here to see the full edition.

As the calendar turns toward one of the genre’s biggest nights, final voting is now underway for the 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, set to take place May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Ballots are open through April 20.

Industry veteran Cindy Mabe has launched Joan of Arc Music, a multifaceted entertainment company designed to both honor country music’s legacy and actively shape its future. With a broad scope that spans artist development, publishing, management, and even emerging technologies, the venture reflects a modern, all-encompassing approach to music business infrastructure. Its partnership with Warner Records Nashville further positions the company for immediate impact, while a seasoned leadership team includes Lori Christian, Dawn Gates, Harper Grae, Leigh Morrison and Allison Winkler.

Recognition of leadership excellence also took center stage this week, as Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, received the 2026 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence from Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. The honor highlights Trahern’s influence not only within the CMA but across the broader industry, particularly in fostering growth and innovation.

Songwriters, as always, remained at the heart of Nashville’s story. The CMA’s 2026 Triple Play Awards, held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, brought together an elite group of writers who achieved the rare feat of penning three No. 1 songs within a single year. Honorees included names such as Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Morgan Wallen, and Ella Langley, among others. The evening also celebrated 43 first-time No. 1 songwriters, reinforcing the depth of emerging talent within the format.

One of the night’s most meaningful moments came as Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, received the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award for his decades-long commitment to protecting and elevating songwriters. In a touching finale, Paul Overstreet was honored ahead of his upcoming induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, with his children delivering a medley performance of his enduring hits.

The week also spotlighted the independent publishing community during the 2026 AIMP Nashville Country Awards, hosted at Analog at the Hutton Hotel. The Association for Independent Music Publishers event celebrated a wide spectrum of achievements, with Emily Ann Roberts earning her first industry honor as Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, and Lauren Hungate named Rising Songwriter of the Year. Jessie Jo Dillon continued her remarkable run, taking Songwriter of the Year for the second consecutive time, while Zach Top and HARDY were among those recognized for their creative and independent spirit. Publisher honors went to Big Loud Publishing, underscoring its continued influence in the songwriting space.

Philanthropy and community impact were also in focus, as Dierks Bentley received the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award during a CMA Songwriters Series event at Racket NYC. The recognition highlights Bentley’s ongoing commitment to charitable efforts, adding another layer to his long-standing career.

Meanwhile, the business side of the industry continues to evolve with new entrepreneurial ventures and signings. Taylor Sloane has departed MCA after nearly a decade to launch Dream Big Music, a company aimed at helping artists build scalable global audiences through modern marketing strategies and hands-on campaign execution. Early clients include Jordan Davis and Riley Green.

On the talent front, Aubory Bugg has signed with Dualtone Records, while songwriter-producer Ben Foster has inked a deal with Black River Publishing.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green takes the No. 1 spot with “Change My Mind.” 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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