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

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The latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly arrives with a packed slate of headline-making moments across country music, from major award wins and executive moves to landmark announcements shaping Nashville’s future. Click here to see the full edition.

The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards lit up the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday night (May 17), with global superstar Shania Twain serving as host for one of the genre’s biggest evenings. Cody Johnson emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home both Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year honors. Parker McCollum earned Album of the Year for his self-titled project, while Ella Langley dominated the evening with four trophy wins, including Female Artist of the Year, Song and Single of the Year for her breakout smash “Choosin’ Texas,” and Musical Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Prior to the telecast, Langley also secured Artist-Songwriter of the Year honors.

Additional ACM victories reflected both the genre’s legacy acts and rising stars. The Red Clay Strays earned Group of the Year, while legendary duo Brooks & Dunn added yet another Duo of the Year win to their celebrated career. Emerging artists were also recognized ahead of the broadcast, with Avery Anna named New Female Artist of the Year and Tucker Wetmore receiving New Male Artist of the Year. Stephen Wilson Jr. picked up Visual Media of the Year for “Cuckoo,” while acclaimed songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon made history with her Songwriter of the Year win.

Beyond the awards stage, the industry saw several notable executive and business developments this week. After nearly a decade with Sony Music Nashville, Liz Cost will depart her role as Vice President of International Marketing and Artist Development at the end of June following nine and a half years with the label.

Nashville also scored a major victory on the sports and entertainment front, as the city was officially selected to host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium.

The songwriting community will also gather this fall to honor two iconic figures during the 9th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. Vince Gill and Paul Williams are set to be recognized at the ceremony on Sept. 22 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Elsewhere across the business, leadership changes and promotions continued throughout the industry. RECORDS Nashville elevated Andrew Saltman to Senior Vice President of Artist Development, while Sara Gil was named General Manager. At RESULTS GLOBAL, the company announced a series of promotions and new hires, including Katherine Birschbach as Account Director, Cara Fallon as Social Media Manager and Alex Hendl as Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Internally, Aden Henke, Cami Cradock and Samantha Parrish all received promotions within the organization.

Publishing and management sectors also saw significant movement. Neil Medley renewed his global publishing agreement with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing, while Alex Torrez and Emily Vincent officially launched Vincent Torrez Management, an evolution of Torrez Music Group. The newly formed company’s roster includes Natalie Del Carmen, Mario Flores, Sophie Gault, Braxton Keith, Gabe Lee and Zach Meadows.

New ventures and team expansions were also in focus this week. HEY NOW Records unveiled its marketing team, bringing aboard Melissa McGreevy as Senior Director of Digital Marketing, Samantha Kane as Director of Marketing and Aidan Brown as Digital Marketing Coordinator.

Meanwhile, several artists announced new label and representation deals. Cassidy Daniels and Channing Wilson signed with Country Road Records, while Solon Holt inked a deal with Trenches Records and Republic Records. Kenny Whitmire joined The Neal Agency, and songwriter Davis Cook signed a global co-publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment.

Additional signings rounded out the week, with singer-songwriter and producer Brock Phillips joining Big Loud Records and Local Hay Records, while Music City Power Company announced Six One Five Collective as its flagship artist.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” 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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