Keith Urban Closes Out ‘High and Alive Tour’ With An Unforgettable Night At Bridgestone Arena

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Keith Urban at Bridgestone Arena.

Keith Urban’s final stop on his “High and Alive World Tour” took place on Friday night (Oct. 17). The country superstar turned Bridgestone Arena into a celebration of music, connection and pure joy, wrapping up the tour in front of a sold-out crowd.

After opening sets from Karley Scott Collins, Alana Springsteen and Chase Matthew, the night opened with a silhouette of Urban and his band projected on a glowing white screen. He launched into “Straight Line,” igniting instant energy in the arena, before rolling into “Where the Blacktop Ends”.

Between songs, Urban took a moment to shout out the night’s openers and interact with fans, reading signs from the crowd and declaring, “This night is about being yourself. Sing and dance as loud as you want to.”

Keith Urban at Bridgestone Arena.

Early in the set, he delivered a vibrant mashup of “Long Hot Summer” and Bob Marley’s “Is This Love,” followed by “Messed Up As Me” and the fan-favorite “Better Life.” A standout moment came when he surprised the crowd by bringing out opener Chase Matthew for a soulful cover of “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down.

Urban reimagined “Somewhere in My Car” with an intimate piano intro before the full band kicked in, with the arena singing every word. Karley Scott Collins joined him onstage for “We Were Us,” adding rich harmonies to the beloved duet. From there, he kept the hits rolling with “Cop Car” and a nostalgic mashup of “Days Go By” with Uncle Kracker’s “Drift Away.”

One of the most visually stunning moments of the night came during “’Til Summer Comes Around,” when the lights circled the arena in a soft halo. A glittering disco ball illuminated “Kiss a Girl,” seamlessly flowing into “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me.” Urban then powered through “Wild Hearts” before teaming up with opener Alana Springsteen for a gorgeous acoustic rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”

Alana Springsteen & Keith Urban at Bridgestone Arena.

As the show built toward its midpoint, the hits kept coming with “The Fighter,” “Somebody Like You” and “One Too Many,” featuring P!nk on the big screens in perfect sync. Urban then made his way down a catwalk to the B-stage for a stripped-back run that included a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” “Coming Home” and “You’ll Think of Me.” In a signature Urban moment, he signed a guitar onstage and handed it to a fan in the crowd.

Back on the main stage, he delivered a stunning performance of “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” before launching into the anthemic “Wasted Time,” complete with a massive confetti blast that showered the entire arena.

For the encore, Urban returned with a spontaneous improvised song about the tour and the Nashville crowd. The rest of the encore included “Stupid Boy” lit by thousands of glowing cell phone lights, The Notorious Cherry Bombs’ “Making Memories of Us” and David Dundas’ “Jeans On.”

Before the night came to a close, Urban took a moment to shout out his road crew, the backbone of the massive tour, then tore into “Heart Like a Hometown.” For the finale, Urban delivered a joyful cover of New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give” followed by “You Look Good in My Shirt.”

Keith Urban at Bridgestone Arena.

Luke Combs Leaps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Luke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein

Luke Combs has climbed into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “15 Minutes,” “Back In The Saddle” and “Days Like These” all push the country star to No. 6 this week.

Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the second consecutive week with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Blake Pendergrass moves to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Brunette,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman” and “Wish You Well.”

Chase McGill (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Tony Brown, June Carter Cash & Kenny Chesney Inducted Into The Country Music Hall Of Fame

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Tony Brown, June Carter Cash’s children John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter and Kenny Chesney in the Hall of Fame Rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum before the induction of the 2025 class of Country Music Hall of Fame members. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Last night (Oct. 19), another star-studded Medallion Ceremony took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame as Tony Brown, June Carter Cash and Kenny Chesney became the 156th, 157th and 158th members.

Following remarks from the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Kyle Young, the CMA’s Sarah Trahern and the Hall’s Circle Guard’s Jody Williams, each inductee was celebrated with heartfelt tributes and inspired performances of songs that defined their careers.

Vince Gill, Honoree Tony Brown and Museum CEO, Kyle Young onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Brown, who was inducted in the Non-Performer category, was the first to be honored. Born in North Carolina and trained as a keyboard player in the top-tier road bands of Elvis Presley and Emmylou Harris, Brown went on to become a key record executive who helped shape the sound of modern country music. As a producer, he oversaw best-selling albums by Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Marty Stuart and others. During his time at MCA Records, Brown also brought daring, outsider artists into the mainstream, including Steve Earle, Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, the Mavericks and Kelly Willis.

Two left-of-center talents that Brown championed, Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle, performed “If I Had a Boat” and “Guitar Town,” respectively. Representing the commercial side of his success, Trisha Yearwood offered her No. 1 hit “Perfect Love,” while George Strait wowed the room with “Troubadour.”

Brown’s medallion was presented by Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill, who shared funny and touching stories from their decades-long friendship. Emotional as he accepted the honor, Brown reflected that after all these years and countless hits, the evening felt like validation of a job well done.

Emmylou Harris, Carlene Carter, John Carter Cash and Museum CEO, Kyle Young accept on behalf of June Carter Cash onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The late June Carter Cash was next to be recognized. Inducted in the Veterans Era Artist category, Carter Cash is remembered as a vibrant presence in country music for more than 60 years—as a singer, comedienne and songwriter. She began performing in 1939 at age 10, singing with her mother, Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family, and her sisters on Mexican border radio. Mother Maybelle & the Carter Sisters later starred on the Grand Ole Opry and joined Johnny Cash’s roadshow. Carter Cash wrote more than 100 songs, including “Ring of Fire,” a No. 1 hit for Cash, whom she married in 1968. Together, they recorded several Grammy-winning duets, including “Jackson” and “If I Were a Carpenter.”

To honor her legacy, Kacey Musgraves and Daniel Tashian performed “Ring of Fire,” while Keb’ Mo’ and Ruby Amanfu brought her joy to life with “Keep on the Sunny Side.” Lukas Nelson followed with “It Ain’t Me Babe.”

Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris presented the medallion, recalling a visit to Johnny and June’s vacation home where June played the perfect Southern hostess—until the Scrabble board came out. Then, Harris said with a laugh, she was a ruthless competitor. She also spoke of June’s rare gift for making everyone feel like a friend.

Carter Cash’s children, John Carter Cash and Carlene Carter, accepted the honor on their mother’s behalf, sharing memories of her warmth, humor and deep love for both family and entertaining.

Honoree Kenny Chesney speaks onstage during the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Finally, Kenny Chesney was inducted in the Modern Era Artist category.

A former high school athlete from Luttrell, Tennessee, Chesney parlayed a resonant baritone voice and a competitive spirit into one of the most successful careers in country music since 2000. He has earned 16 platinum albums, more than 50 Top Ten country hits, and 23 No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Among his best-known songs are “The Good Stuff,” “There Goes My Life,” and “The Boys of Fall,” all of which crossed over to the pop charts. A perennial touring powerhouse, Chesney has been named CMA Entertainer of the Year four times, in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Kelsea Ballerini surprised Chesney with a rendition of “Somewhere with You,” while Megan Moroney followed with “Knowing You.” Eric Church closed the musical tributes with a heartfelt medley of “I Go Back,” “Anything But Mine,” “El Cerrito Place,” “Never Wanted Nothing More,” “The Boys of Fall,” and “Old Blue Chair.”

Pictured (L-R, back row): Eddie Bayers, Don Schlitz, Jimmy Fortune, John Anderson, Dean Dillon, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Ricky Skaggs (2nd Row) Connie Smith, Randy Owen, Patty Loveless, Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn and Charlie McCoy; (L-R, front row): Bud Wendell, Emmylou Harris, John Carter Cash, Carlene Carter, Tony Brown, Kenny Chesney, Joe Galante and Randy Travis attend the Medallion Ceremony. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Country Music Hall of Fame member Joe Galante presented the medallion to Chesney, praising his greatest superpower: connection.

Humbled, Chesney named many of his team members, friends, and family who had supported him throughout his journey. Quoting his song “I Didn’t Get Here Alone,” he said, “I didn’t get here alone. That road’s just too rough and long. I might be the one the spotlight’s on, but I didn’t get here alone.”

The evening concluded with a moving all-star performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” led by Country Music Hall of Fame member John Anderson.

The Medallion All-Star Band consisted of Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Jen Gunderman (keyboards), Tania Hancheroff (vocals), Brent Mason (electric guitar), Jerry Pentecost (drums), Alison Prestwood (bass), Deanie Richardson (fiddle and mandolin), Mica Roberts (vocals), Biff Watson (bandleader and acoustic guitar), Jeff White (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Charlie Worsham (guitar and vocals).

MusicRow Weekly (Publisher Issue, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s MusicRow Weekly headlines reflect a dynamic and evolving Nashville, where creative excellence, industry leadership, and historic moments continue to shape the city’s musical legacy. Click here to see the full edition.

This week, MusicRow celebrates one of its most anticipated releases of the year. The 2025 Publisher Issue is officially out, with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Megan Moroney gracing its cover. As Nashville’s premier resource for the songwriting and publishing community, this annual edition includes the updated Publisher Directory, featuring the city’s top publishing companies and songwriter organizations, along with exclusive features that spotlight the heart of Nashville’s music-making engine. Single copies are available for $50 and are included with yearly subscriptions.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has promoted Christina Wiltshire to Vice President, A&R. Meanwhile, Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group announced a groundbreaking leadership change as CEO and Founder Lou Taylor appointed an all-female C-suite. Peggy Stephens (Chief Operating Officer), Heather Kinder (Chief of Staff) and Deedra Carroll (Chief Deputy Director) now make up one of the only all-female executive teams in the financial and entertainment business management sectors.

BMI has revealed it will honor Clint Black with the BMI Icon Award during the 73rd annual BMI Country Awards, set for Nov. 18 at BMI’s Nashville office. The invitation-only celebration will be hosted by Mike O’Neill, Mike Steinberg, and Clay Bradley.

It was also a night to remember at the Grand Ole Opry earlier this week, where Kathy Mattea was officially inducted by fellow member Terri Clark on Oct. 11. In a heartfelt moment later in the evening, Mattea extended the honor forward, inviting her friend Suzy Bogguss to become the next Opry member. The occasion marked the first time in the institution’s history that both an induction and an invitation occurred in the same night.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville announced a global publishing administration partnership with Sea Gayle Music and Domain Capital Group, providing worldwide administration services to Sea Gayle’s roster and catalog.

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment also expanded its team with three key hires: Bridget Herrmann as Senior Director of Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as Head of Digital Marketing and Christina Hunt as Label Coordinator.

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards lit up Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 7, honoring the year’s most impactful artists and songs in Christian and Gospel music. Brandon Lake emerged as the night’s top winner with five awards, including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” alongside co-writers Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown and Benjamin William Hastings. Forrest Frank took home Artist of the Year, while Leanna Crawford earned New Artist of the Year honors. Gospel legend CeCe Winans also made a strong showing, winning two awards, including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come” with Shirley Caesar. A full list of winners is available here.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Luke Combs takes the No. 1 spot with “Back In The Saddle.” 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.

Luke Combs Tops MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Back In The Saddle’

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Luke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein

Luke Combs claims the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Back in the Saddle.” The track was co-written by Combs alongside Dan Isbell and Jonathan Singleton.

Following the single’s release, Combs dropped The Prequel, a three-song collection of new music. It was also recently announced that Combs is now the most RIAA-certified country artist of all time, with 168 million units sold, surpassing Garth Brooks.

“Back In The Saddle” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: New Russell Dickerson Is ‘Joyously Rocking’

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Russell Dickerson

Back to the barrooms!

This edition of DISClaimer spotlights a number of talents who are steering this genre back to country music. You can’t go wrong with superb efforts by Vince Gill, Morgan Wallen, Carter Faith, Joe Nichols and Mae Estes.

Rollicking Russell Dickerson rides off with the Disc of the Day award.

Lex Lashaun is a new female voice on the contemporary country scene. Her debut earns her a DISCovery Award.

LUKAS NELSON, SIERRA FERRELL, TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS / “Unknown Legend”
Writer: Neil Young; Producers: Lukas Nelson, Ronnie McCoury; Label: 6 Ace Records/Sony Music Nashville
– Zesty and utterly refreshing. The fleet fingers of the McCourys scamper across the fretboards to set the brisk tempo. Lukas begins to spin the yarn of a free-spirited gal who rides the roads. Then Sierra takes over, and, as always, everything she sings is a cloak of shining gold. When everyone is picking and singing at this level, I’m in heaven.

BRANTLEY GILBERT / “Want You Back”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy/Will Weatherly; Producers: Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Will Weatherly; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Clever and engaging. He wishes she’d done something totally crazy instead of just breaking up. That way he knows he’d never miss her. The track rocks and Gilbert delivers just the right touch of snark.

DASHA / “Work on Me”
Writers: Amy Allen/Dasha/John Ryan; Producer: John Ryan; Label: Warner Records
– Car-repair imagery abounds in this saucy come-on. Dasha’s wit and pop smarts twinkle as brightly as ever.

MORGAN WALLEN / “20 Cigarettes”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Josh Miller; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/ Mercury Records/Republic Records
– The lyric is loaded with visuals and Wallen delivers the goods, vocally. A night of passion in a pick-up truck that sounds youthful and utterly authentic.

MAE ESTES / “I Better Go”
Writers: Brice Long/Mae Estes/Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has a lovely, pure-country delivery. The mid-tempo tune explores the war between the head and the heart as she contemplates whether to take a walk on the wild side or not. I think I could listen to this lady all day.

THOMAS RHETT & NIALL HORAN / “Old Tricks”
Writers: Andrew Haas/Ian Franzino/Jim Beavers/John Ryan/Julian Bunetta/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Dann Huff, Julian Bunetta, Scott Hendricks; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Rhett takes the global pop star out for a night in the honky tonks. Horan seems marvelously comfortable in this twangin,’ good-time, country rocker. Lotsa roadhouse fun. 

GREG BLAKE / “Nora McNally”
Writers: Milan Miller; Producer: none listed; Label: Turnberry Records
– Greg Blake continues on the 50th-anniversary tour of Special Consensus. In the meantime, he cuts solo tunes like this bluegrass ditty of an alluring lass. His mellow tone floats atop the merry instrumental work and explains his two-time anointment as the IBMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year.

JOE NICHOLS / “Goodbyes Are Hard to Listen To”
Writers: Jacob Lyda/James LeBlanc/Jen Stegall; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– A terrific barroom weeper from a master of the form. Advice for the broken hearted: “You shouldn’t mix whiskey/With Haggard and Whitley.” Or Hank: He needs to padlock the jukebox because he keeps playing “Lovesick Blues” over and over. Country music with a capital “C.”

VINCE GILL / “I Gave You Everything I Had”
Writer: Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– This heart-tugging ballad is the elegy of an aging troubadour looking back at a life well lived. It’s a mini-masterpiece of emotion from one of our living giants. You’ll hear nothing but cheers and amens from me about that lifetime MCA Records contract. A legendary talent for the ages.

CARTER FAITH / “Betty”
Writers: Carter Faith/Shane McAnally/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: MCA
– “Charming” doesn’t even begin to describe this bopper. In a pert and perky vocal performance, Faith imagines her ex with a beauty who cooks. Jealous? Just a titch.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Worth Your Wild”
Writers: Anthony Kiedis/Bret Mazur/Casey Brown/Chad Smith/John Frusciante/Michael Balzary/Parker Welling/Russell Dickerson/Seth Binzer; Producers: Casey Brown, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Joyously rocking. This lights a fire under Friday night and points to a night of tearin’ up the roads and makin’ whoopie. Dickerson always heats up a playlist, and he’s hotter than ever here.

LEX LASHAUN / “From the Start”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: LL
– She didn’t grow up on a farm, own a truck, go hunting or live a rural life. But she loves good country music. Her throaty alto and the strummed acoustic guitar on this sweet ballad are the proof. An excellent disc debut.

MORGXN / “Evergreens”
Writers: Kyle Ryan/Morgan Karr; Producers: Kyle Ryan, MORGXN; Label: BMG
– Nashville native Morgxn (Morgan Karr) is an openly queer folk-pop artist. His debut outing since signing with BMG is a super happy love song, sung to a strummy acoustic track. This artist’s LGBTLQ+ advocacy and his alternative-radio hit “Home” have led to guesting on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Kelly Clarkson Show, as well as a slot on Lollapalooza. The video for “Evergreens” finds him riding around in the bed of a pick-up truck with an all-female band, driving past the sights of Music City.

Megan Moroney Graces Cover Of MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue

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MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2025 Publisher Issue print edition, with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Megan Moroney gracing its cover.

Multi-Platinum hitmaker, critically adored singer-songwriter, record-breaking headliner—just a few years after making her debut, Moroney has ascended to a truly stratospheric level of stardom. With the arrival of her smash-hit sophomore album Am I Okay?—a 2024 LP that debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and marked the year’s third-biggest debut from a female country artist–the Georgia-bred phenomenon cemented her status as a towering force in country music and earned raves from major publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone (including gracing the cover of the iconic magazine’s Future of Music issue).

The follow-up to her acclaimed 2023 debut Lucky (featuring her four-times Platinum No. 1 hit “Tennessee Orange”), Am I Okay? delivered standouts like its Platinum title track (her second No. 1 at country radio) and Platinum-certified “No Caller ID,” helping to boost her streaming numbers to over 3.6 billion total global streams across platforms. Along with receiving the Rulebreaker Award at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event, her fast-growing list of accolades includes winning the first-ever Best Country prize at the 2025 MTV VMAs, New Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards, and New Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards.

The 2025 Publisher Issue is a highly-anticipated annual resource that includes the updated Publisher Directory, a listing Nashville’s top publishing companies, as well as organizations available for songwriters. It also contains exclusive features that spotlight the songwriting and publishing segment of the Nashville music industry.

“At MusicRow, our dedicated team takes great pride in producing the annual Publisher Print Issue. Each year, this special edition serves as both a celebration and a resource, shining a light on the individuals and companies whose creativity and commitment fuel the songwriting and publishing community,” says Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher of MusicRow Magazine.

Back again in the 2025 Publisher Issue is the State of the Union roundtable, this time featuring UMPG Nashville’s Cyndi Forman, Warner Chappell Music Nashville’s BJ Hill, Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Anna Weisband, Big Loud Publishing’s Mike Giangreco and Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson.

Also in this issue is a tribute to the late Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell Music Nashville President and CEO, who passed away earlier this year.

Elsewhere, publishing leaders at Concord, Jody Williams Songs, River House Artists, CTM Outlander and ASCAP share insights into what makes a writer “deal-ready.” Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar talks about the impact of artificial intelligence and Safford Motley PLC’s Scott Safford discusses common publishing deal contract clauses, and how writers can protect their art.

MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, including Spirit Music Group’s David Garcia, Verse 2 and Sony Music Publishing’s Joybeth Taylor, UMPG Nashville’s Allison Veltz-Cruz, Warner Chappell’s Summer Overstreet and Curb’s Bobby Tomberlin.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

Hunter Phelps Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Hunter Phelps

Hunter Phelps has landed in the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Jordan Davis’ “Bar None” and HARDY’s “Bottomland” have put the songwriter at No. 10 this week.

Riley Green takes No. 1 with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Chase McGill sits at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long,” “Miami,” “Straight Line” and “TN.”

Blake Pendergrass (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

JUST IN: Warner Chappell Music Nashville Elevates Christina Wiltshire

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Christina Wiltshire. Photo: Jessica Amerson

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has promoted Christina Wiltshire to VP, A&R. In her new role, she will grow Nashville’s presence by finding and developing talent, and fostering global collaborations and partnerships. She will report to Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville.

“Feeling incredibly grateful to Austen, Phil, Guy, and Carianne for believing in my growth and creative vision at WCM,” says Wiltshire. “It’s a privilege to work alongside such talented songwriters and artists – and I’m deeply passionate about championing their songs and finding them innovative opportunities.”

“It’s been great getting to know Christina and seeing firsthand all the incredible work she’s already accomplished at WCM,” adds Adams. “She’s an inspiring advocate for our songwriters and a true connector across the creative community. Christina will play a key role in further amplifying our songwriters in the US and on the global stage – opening up new opportunities for collaboration and reinforcing the rise of country music around the world.”

Wiltshire started at WCMN in 2019 as Director, A&R after holding previous roles as Creative Director at Sea Gayle Music, Creative Coordinator at Patrick Joseph Music/SONGS, and internships at Cornman Music and Warner Music Nashville. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

Priscilla Block Paints Her Truest Self On ‘Things You Didn’t See’ [Interview]

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Priscilla Block. Photo: Britton Webb

Since bursting onto the scene in 2020 with her viral hit “Just About Over You,” which led to a deal with MCA Nashville, Priscilla Block has become known for her bubbly, party-girl energy. Songs like “Thick Thighs” and “PMS” cemented her witty, confident persona, while vulnerable moments such as “Just About Over You,” “You, Me and Whiskey” and “My Bar” hinted at something deeper beneath the sparkle.

Her new album, Things You Didn’t See, brings that depth into focus.

“I put everything out there. I’m an open book—I share way too much—but there’s so much of my life that people haven’t seen,” Block tells MusicRow. “There were parts of my life that people didn’t know about—insecurities I’ve faced, where I come from, what makes me me, the love in my life. When you listen to this record, I think people are going to get to know me in my entirety.”

YouTube video

Produced by David Garcia, the 14-track project marks a turning point for the Platinum-selling artist, who was intentional about showing her growth and her seriousness as both a writer and performer.

“With my first record, everything happened so fast. I got signed, and the music was just exploding overnight for me,” she reflects. “I think sometimes people take a big, bold personality and think that person’s bulletproof—like they couldn’t care less. In reality, I care more than ever.

“I wanted to show not only the fans, but the industry, that I want to be taken seriously. It’s okay to admit when something hurts—like not being nominated or not winning something. Being able to say, ‘That hurts,’ instead of pretending you don’t care—that’s freeing.”

The song that unlocked the direction of Things You Didn’t See was “Couldn’t Care Less,” co-written with Trannie Anderson, Cole Taylor and Alex Maxwell. The track flips the phrase to reveal the truth behind her playful exterior: she cares deeply.

“I was feeling misunderstood by people around me, and that song came out of me finally writing from the heart—being really honest and raw about where I’ve been,” Block explains. “It made me rethink what I wanted to say on this album. I wanted people to know my story. I want them to know my heart.”

That openness extends to the title track, which revisits her parents’ breakup, her family’s home foreclosure, and “selling dumpster-diving treasures just to make it.”

“Those songs were easy to write—it was therapy I didn’t even know I needed,” she admits. “But it’s a little scary, putting out songs about my life and childhood and being that vulnerable.”

Still, Things You Didn’t See isn’t without Block’s signature sparkle. Tracks like “Yard Sale” and “Goodwill to Gucci” show her humor and flair, while “He’s My Man,” “Elijah” and her duet with Chase Matthew on “Stranger Things” showcase her romantic, lovelorn side.

“There are fun Priscilla vibes in here,” she says. “Everyone knows I love to have a good time and let loose, but my heart is so much more than that.”

The visual identity of the album matches its personal tone. For the cover, Block teamed up with Nashville artist Alina for a custom smear painting—capturing her essence in a single image: hair up, scrunchie in, hoops on.

“I wanted this record to shock people. I didn’t want just another pretty picture,” she explains. “In the album trailer, I smear away what people may think of me, and the only thing I leave open are my eyes.”

Block is bringing Things You Didn’t See to life on the “Monster Energy Outbreak Tour,” kicking off Oct. 23 in Fort Myers, Florida, with Greylan James and Payton Smith on select dates. She’s also wrapping her run on Cole Swindell’s “Happy Hour Sad Tour” and recently announced her debut headlining show, “Priscilla Block & Friends,” set for March 4, 2026, at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.

“We’ll be playing the album in its entirety on the road,” she says. “The tour’s really going to be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. It’s been so fun creating a live show around this record.”