Stephen Wilson Jr. Rocks Headline Ryman Debut

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Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Jace Kartye

Stephen Wilson Jr. took the Ryman Auditorium stage for his first of two sold-out shows on Sunday night (Nov. 23) for his Ryman headline debut. In a personal tribute to his late father and his own childhood, the stage was transformed into a makeshift boxing ring with ropes, corner stool, entrance bell and all, which set the tone for a night rooted in memory, grit, and heart.

He opened with “Calico Creek,” easing the crowd into his world of guitar riff and powerhouse vocals.

“This hillbilly’s been dreaming about this day for 20 years,” Wilson said from stage. “My dream’s have officially out dreamt me.”

HARDY & Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Jace Kartye

“Billy” followed, before launching into “Cuckoo,” which had the fans clapping along without hesitation. Wilson then previewed new material with “Preacher’s Kid,” a track from his forthcoming album. After introducing the band, he slid into “Patches” and “Grief Is Only Love,” both magnified by his vocal echoes.

One of the night’s most defining moments came during “The Devil,” performed entirely a cappella. The crowd fell into a hush before joining him for a singalong. “Not Letting Go” closed the first portion of the show, after which the band slipped quietly offstage.

The audience erupted when HARDY emerged as a surprise guest. With just two voices and a pair of guitars, they performed “Father’s Søn.” Wilson then remained alone for a solo acoustic rendition of “I’m a Song,” his father’s favorite, serving as an intimate, tender moment.

The band returned for a high-energy run through of his latest release “Gary,” followed by the nostalgic “Year to Be Young 1994,” as well as an atmospheric cover of Nirvana’s “Something in the Way.” The crowd’s energy swelled through “Holler from the Holler,” sending Wilson offstage to roaring applause.

He returned for a final encore solo, closing the night with a soulful take on Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” As the lights came up, Wilson took in every moment feeling the gratitude by the crowd’s standing ovation, and ended the night by throwing some guitar picks into the crowd.

Photo: Jace Kartye

Stephen Wilson Jr. & HARDY. Photo: Jace Kartye

Riley Green Holds No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

Riley Green continues to hold the top position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do” gives him the No. 1 spot for the seventh consecutive week.

Blake Pendergrass remains at N0. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case” and “Wish You Well.” Charlie Handsome stays at No. 3 with “Hell At Night,” “Holy Water,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case” and “What I Want.”

Chase McGill (No. 4) and Bruce Robison (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.

MusicRow Weekly (2025 CMA Awards, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures one of the busiest and most celebratory stretches of Nashville’s year, as country music creators, executives and industry supporters gathered across the city for awards shows, career milestones and major business moves. Click here to see the full edition.

Country music’s biggest night unfolded at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena during the 59th annual CMA Awards on Nov. 19. Lainey Wilson continued her remarkable ascent, securing the evening’s top honor—Entertainer of the Year—alongside a repeat win for Female Vocalist of the Year. Cody Johnson took home Male Vocalist of the Year, while emerging favorites The Red Clay Strays earned Vocal Group of the Year and Brooks & Dunn extended their storied legacy with another Vocal Duo of the Year win. Ella Langley and Riley Green shared the spotlight with Single and Song of the Year honors for their hit “you look like you love me,” and Wilson’s Whirlwind claimed Album of the Year.

The 2025 BMI Country Awards took place on Nov. 18, where Clint Black was honored with the prestigious BMI Icon Award for his prolific influence on the genre. BMI recognized the writers and publishers of the 50 most-performed country songs of the year, with Charlie Handsome earning BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. “I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen, was named BMI Country Song of the Year. Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. earned BMI Publisher of the Year after contributing to an impressive 32 of the year’s top 50 songs.

One night earlier, the 2025 ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration recognized the most-performed country and Christian songs of the year. Shaboozey captured ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year, while Sony Music Publishing earned Publisher of the Year. Ashley Gorley extended his historic run with his 12th ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year win—more than any writer across any genre in ASCAP history. The smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was named ASCAP Country Song of the Year, commemorating a remarkable run that included 19 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, tying the record for the longest-running No. 1 of all time.

Kicking off CMA Awards week, the SESAC Nashville Awards returned on Nov. 16 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. More than 500 creators and industry leaders gathered as Jessie Jo Dillon surprised Megan Moroney with Song of the Year honors for her chart-topping hit “Am I Okay?” Warner Chappell Music claimed Publisher of the Year, while Michael Tyler was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year.

This week also brought notable business updates across Music Row. Citrin Cooperman expanded into Nashville with its new partnership with local firm KBFM, establishing its first Music City office. Nate Lowery has been appointed President of the late Brett James’ Cornman Music, joining James’ children in ushering the company into its next chapter. Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company elevated John Huelsman to President and Founder Becky Harris to CEO. Meanwhile, FBMM announced the year-end retirement of its first-ever employee and current Chief People Officer, Betty Sanders. Longtime ASCAP executive Kele Currier is also retiring after 33 years in the industry, including 13 years supporting Nashville songwriters.

International achievements were in the spotlight as well, with the Country Music Association unveiling this year’s CMA International Award recipients. Honorees included BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Lynette Garbonola, WME’s Shannon Saunders, iHeartCountry Australia’s Justin Thomson and Sveriges Radio’s Mattias Hansson. Morgan Wallen earned the International Artist Achievement Award, and Cameron Whitcomb was presented the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award. Variety’s Chris Willman was recognized with the 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award.

In artist and publishing news, Dasha joined Spotify’s prestigious Billions Club exactly two years after releasing her viral hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’).” Jeff Garrison signed with Electric Feel Publishing and TurnTable Music, while Hayden Blount inked a new publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. HARDY maintains the No. 1 spot with “Favorite Country Song.” 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.

HARDY Notches Third Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Hardy. Photo: Ryan Smith

HARDY keeps his place at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his track, “Favorite Country Song.”

The song is the lead single from his recent, fourth studio album Country! Country! and was written by Hardy, Zach Abend, Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Nate Smith.

HARDY will embark on his “Country! Country! Tour!” beginning in February in Ontario and running through August. Cameron Whitcomb, Tucker Wetmore, Mitchell Tenpenny, Muscadine Bloodline, Jake Worthington and McCoy Moore will join for select dates on the new tour, which will include stops in Green Bay, Omaha, Charleston, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Virginia Beach and more.

“Favorite Country Song” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Vince Gill & Carly Pearce Share Disc Of The Day

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Vince Gill & Carly Pearce

Fall is in the air, and so is a gust of new country sounds.

Vince Gill and Carly Pearce lead the way with ballads that share this week’s Disc of the Day award. Cali Tucker is our DISCovery Award winner.

But be sure and also check out this week’s offerings from Randy Houser, Ne-Yo, Priscilla Block and Emily Ann Roberts. They also have something to say that you’ll want to hear.

CARLY PEARCE / “Dream Come True”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has it all, except for love. Pearce delivers the aching lyric with throaty, emotional force. This is country music royalty at work.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Come Home To You”
Writers: Jim McCormick/Makayla Parry/Michael Wayne Wilkes; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. Sad country music is always in fashion, and this is a pluperfect example of just how aching it can be. This woman is gem.

RANDY HOUSER / “Back In The Bottle”
Writer: Randy Houser; Producers: Blake Chancey, Randy Houser; Label: Magnolia Music Group
– This mighty voice stopped the show at this week’s BMI Awards. Houser’s ferocious vocal attack lights a fire under this propulsive drinking song as his new single. Play and become a believer—he’s one of country’s true treasures.

NE-YO / “Simple Things”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Motown
– If you are wondering what this Grammy-winning, Platinum-selling R&B star was doing at the CMA Awards, here’s your answer. Ne-Yo (Shaffer Chimere Smith) applies his lustrous, fluttery tenor voice to a super catchy romance tune with a terrific acoustic track. He totally crushes it. Country? You bet.

LUKE COMBS & BIGXTHAPLUG / “Pray Hard”
Writers: Bandplay/Dave Cohen/Jon Robert Hall/Krishon Gaines/Luke Combs/Mark Nilan Jr/Nick Monson/Tony Coles/Xavier Landum; Producers: Bandplay, Dave Cohen, Mark Nilan Jr, Nick Monson, Tony Coles; Label: UnitedMasters
– It’s about faith and perseverance. Like most country-rap collaborations, it’s quite repetitive.

PAUL KENNERLEY / “Born to Run”
Writer: Paul Kennerley; Producer: Paul Kennerley; Label: PK
– Songwriting legend Kennerley has released a 30-track compilation of his demos. This tune was a hit for Emmylou in 1982, and it’s fascinating to hear the acoustic, strummy, raw, rootsy version that she would have learned it from. On this album, you’ll listen to “Hillbilly Rock,” “Have Mercy,” “Cry Myself to Sleep,” “Heaven Only Knows,” “Give a Little Love” and other hit tunes with fresh ears. This whole project is a keeper.

NICKELBACK & SHENANDOAH / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob Di Piero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– This rocks. The two bands merge nicely, thanks largely to Nickelback’s genuine commitment to a country sound. As unlikely as it seems, this collab works splendidly.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Brunette”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Josh Miller; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: MCA
– His “3,2,1” single continues to climb, and now he’s issuing a cowboy-themed video to promote this new bopper. He’s through with Southern blonde heartbreakers and is out to find a brunette from north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Castle in the Sky”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Gigi Rich/Hallie Hertrick/Paul Wrock; Producer: Hallie Hertrick; Label: Neon Holler
– Shaky fiddling and snappy handclaps underscore this uptempo reflection on the afterlife. They’ve done better.

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Perfect Man”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Hummel/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Drowsy musing in search of a hook.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Things You Didn’t See”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Martin Johnson/Priscilla Block; Producer: Dave Cohen, David Garcia; Label: MCA
– “Everybody’s got a hurting heart they’re hiding underneath.” I have come to expect nothing but emotional Truth from this talented artist, and she has never let me down. This tuneful, insightful, autobiographical single is one more reason to love her.

LACOSTA TUCKER / “Woman Behind the Wheel”
Writers: Cathy Majeski/Stephony E. Smith/Sunny Russ; Producer: Roger Ball; Label: LT
– Women make the world go ‘round, says LaCosta in this midtempo ditty. Twangy retro guitars back the stacked vocal harmonies. Tanya’s sister is best known for a string of charters back in the ‘70s, including “Get on My Love Train.”

CALI TUCKER / “Last Name”
Writers: Cali Tucker/Derek Robertson/G’harah “PK” Deg/Tricia Battani; Producer: G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze; Label: Mother Tucker Music
– LaCosta’s daughter and Tanya’s niece also has a new single. It’s a languidly paced pop-leaning tune of reclaiming her independence. Like her better-known family members, she’s a strong and assured vocalist.

VINCE GILL / “Secondhand Smoke”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA Nashville
– This legend is in the midst of a monthly series of autobiographical EPs that chronicle his journey from Oklahoma. The series is titled 50 Years From Home. The title tune of the second EP recalls his late father with enormous heart and deep love. There is no finer living country-music artist. Nor one more beloved.

New Voices, Big Moments Define The 59th CMA Awards

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Lainey Wilson accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

The 59th Annual CMA Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Nov. 19), celebrating a standout year in country music with a mix of new winners, heartfelt tributes and dynamic performances. Energy in the room was high from the start as host Lainey Wilson kicked things off with a high-voltage medley that paid homage to several of the night’s nominees. She surprised artists around the arena with nods to their hits—including Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, Lady A, Miranda Lambert and Shaboozey—before teaming up with Little Big Town and Keith Urban for spirited collaborations.

Zach Top accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Early in the broadcast, Zach Top claimed his first New Artist of the Year award, proudly carrying a Coors Banquet to the podium. “I’m so thankful to be included with a bunch of great artists who had a great year,” he said, marking a breakout moment for the rising performer.

Performances continued throughout the night from a stacked lineup, including Luke Combs with “Back In The Saddle,” Riley Green with “Worst Way,” Megan Moroney with “Six Months Later” and The Red Clay Strays, who delivered a gripping version of “People Hatin’” before picking up a major win of their own.

The Strays’ first-ever CMA victory—Vocal Group of the Year—sparked one of the evening’s most emotional speeches. Frontman Brandon Coleman told the crowd, “We never would have dreamed about winning something like this… Always believe you can do it. Work hard and trust God.” The band then dedicated the win to Jacob Hall, a close musician to the band and brother of the band’s drummer, John Hall, who passed away in 2020.

Later in the show, Cody Johnson added his name to the winner’s circle with his first Male Vocalist of the Year trophy, using the moment to thank a familiar powerhouse: “To get this award and be in a vocalist category with Chris Stapleton, who is one of the greatest vocalists of all time in any genre—thank you Chris for paving the way.”

Ella Langley performs at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Elsewhere, Ella Langley and Riley Green continued their standout year with multiple wins for their smash duet “You Look Like You Love Me.” Accepting Single of the Year, Langley told the audience, “This is the song that has kept on giving.”

The pair’s momentum was mirrored by the legendary Brooks & Dunn, who added yet another Vocal Duo of the Year trophy to their record-setting total, marking their 20th career CMA win.

The performance moments kept building, from Stapleton’s crackling “Bad As I Used To Be” to Top’s “Guitar” and Tucker Wetmore’s crowd-pleasing “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Stephen Wilson Jr. brought a hush over the arena with a stirring “Stand By Me,” followed later by Kelsea Ballerini’s intimate “I Sit In Parks.” Old Dominion delivered one of the night’s biggest singalongs with a medley of “Break Up With Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key” and “Snap Back.”

The night’s collaborations stretched across genres and generations: Wilson Jr. joined Shaboozey for “Took A Walk,” Lambert and Stapleton paired for “A Song To Sing,” and Combs surprised the audience by performing “Pray Hard” alongside hip-hop breakout BigXthaPlug.

Two standout Hall of Fame moments anchored the show’s emotional core. Newly-inducted member Kenny Chesney performed “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” closing with a touching screen tribute to the late Brett James, a Music Row titan and close friend. Later, Vince Gill received the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award following powerful performances from Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless. In one of the ceremony’s biggest surprises, George Strait appeared to personally present Gill with the honor, earning a roaring standing ovation.

Near the end of the broadcast, the spotlight finally turned back to the night’s host. Lainey Wilson capped her monumental year by taking home Entertainer of the Year, closing the show with gratitude: “I could not do this without my village. Thank you for loving and supporting me.”

Vince Gill accepts the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Cody Johnson accepts the award for Male Vocalist of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

2025 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Chesney performs at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

BREAKING: 2025 CMA Award Winners Revealed [Full List]

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Country music creators and industry members came together for the 59th annual CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight (Nov. 19).

Lainey Wilson was awarded the night’s big honor of Entertainer of the Year, as well as Female Vocalist of the Year, while Cody Johnson was named Male Vocalist of the Year. The Red Clay Strays scored the win for Vocal Group of the Year, and Brooks & Dunn took home Vocal Duo of the Year. Ella Langley and Riley Green obtained Single of the Year and Song of the Year honors for “you look like you love me,” and Wilson’s Whirlwind won Album of the Year.

The full list of winners is below:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson – WINNER

SINGLE OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
– Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
– Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green – WINNER
– Producer: Will Bundy
– Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
– Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
– Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
– Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson – WINNER
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce

SONG OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
“4x4xU”
– Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?”
– Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie”
– Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
“Texas”
– Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
“you look like you love me” – WINNER
– Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson – WINNER

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson – WINNER
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays – WINNER

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn – WINNER
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley)
– Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
– Producer: Micah Nichols
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Producer: Trent Willmon
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton) – WINNER
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)
– Producer: Kristian Bush

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar – WINNER
Brent Mason – Guitar
Rob McNelley – Guitar
Derek Wells – Guitar

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Director: Dustin Haney
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
– Director: TK McKamy
“Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
– Director: Running Bear
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green – WINNER
– Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Zach Top – WINNER
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson Jr.

2025 BMI Country Awards Honors Clint Black, Top Songwriters & Publishers

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Mike O’Neill, President/CEO, BMI, Clint Black and Clay Bradley, Vice President, Creative, Nashville, BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

The 2025 BMI Country Awards took over Music Row last night (Nov. 18), honoring the prolific career of BMI Icon Award recipient Clint Black, as well as the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year.

Taking place once again at BMI’s Nashville headquarters, the 73rd annual event also celebrated the top songwriters and music publishers behind this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music. BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the evening alongside Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg, and Nashville’s VP, Creative, Clay Bradley.

Throngs of guests mixed and mingled at the last PRO award show of the season, and dined on a platted dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, asparagus and a chocolate fudge dessert. After much merry-making, the evening began with some words from O’Neill about the work BMI has been doing for songwriters.

Pictured (L-R): Shannon Sanders, Austen Adams, Charlie Handsome, Katie Welle, ERNEST, Chandler Walters, Seth England and Clay Bradley. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Throughout the evening, BMI recognized the songwriters and publishers behind the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year, calling up songwriters and publishers to take a photo on stage while the crowd cheered them on.

Between the awards being given out, Black was honored with several performances and video tributes.

Since his affiliation with BMI in 1993, Black has achieved 22 No. 1 singles, all of which he either wrote or co-wrote himself. He has received 20 BMI Country Awards throughout his career, and at this year’s awards ceremony, he joined an elite group of songwriters who have had an indelible influence on music makers over generations, including Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Dean Dillon, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Randy Owen, Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, Jr.

To honor Black, Midland opened the ceremony with his debut chart-topper “Better Man.” Later in the evening, Jamey Johnson performed “Untanglin’ My Mind,” Wynonna Judd and Randy Houser brought the house down on “A Bad Goodbye,” and Riley Green closed the tribute with “Killin’ Time.”

The Warner Chappell Nashville team. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

When Black accepted the honor, he spoke about his love for songwriting and the Nashville community, and the hard work of his team.

“You don’t get up here and do what we do without a long train of people behind you, pushing you up the hill,” he said. “There’s been a lot of people in my life who are as much responsible for this moment as I am.”

After visiting the stage multiple times to collect awards for many of the 50 most-performed country songs of the year, Charlie Handsome was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. Handsome co-wrote five of BMI’s most-performed songs in country music including Post Malone featuring Luke Combs’ “Guy For That,” Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody,” Post Malone featuring Wallen on, “I Had Some Help,” and Post Malone featuring Blake Shelton on “Pour Me A Drink.”

Charlie Handsome speaks onstage. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI

Handsome thanked his wife, friends, publishers at Sony, friends at Big Loud and frequent collaborators.

“I Had Some Help” performed by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen was named the 2025 BMI Country Song of the Year, published by Big Loud Mountain, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp and written by Handsome, Hoskins, Ernest Keith Smith, Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters.

The 2025 BMI Publisher of the Year accolade went to Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., which published 32 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year.

Marking a record-breaking year, 38 first-time award winners were recognized including Seth Ennis’ for Dylan Marlowe and Dylan Scott’s “Boys Back Home,” Thomas Eriksen for Kane Brown’s “Miles On It,” Mackenzie Carpenter for Megan Moroney’s “I’m Not Pretty,” Travis Heidelman for Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’), Carrie Karpinen for Koe Wetzel’s “High Road,” Chase Matthew for his hit “Love You Again,” Nevin Sastry for Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Zach Top for his hit “I Never Lie” and Tucker Wetmore for his hit “Wind Up Missin’ You.”

For a complete list of the 2025 BMI Country Awards winners, click here.

CMA Crowns Early Winners

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CMA has revealed two early winners ahead of tonight’s award ceremony. Post Malone and Blake Shelton have earned the title of CMA Musical Event of the Year for “Pour Me A Drink” (produced by Louis Bell and Charlie Handsome). Ella Langley and Riley Green are crowned the winners for CMA Music Video of the Year with “you look like you love me,” directed by Langley, John Park and Wales Toney.

The news was shared on ABC’s Good Morning America by Lara Spencer at downtown Nashville’s Honky Tonk Central. Alongside the winners reveal, Lainey Wilson gave viewers an exclusive tour inside Bridgestone Arena where final preparations for the big night are underway.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air tonight (Nov. 19) at 7 p.m. CST on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu. Scheduled performers include Kelsea Ballerini, BigXthaPlug, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Little Big Town, Patty Loveless, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr.

Presenters and special guests throughout the evening will include Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Elizabeth Hurley, Cody Johnson, Bert Kreischer, Lady A, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman.

ASCAP’s Assistant VP Strategic Services Kele Currier Retires

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Kele Currier

Kele Currier, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Services at ASCAP, is retiring effective Nov. 19 after 33 years in the music industry and 13 in ASCAP Nashville’s Membership Department.

“I have truly enjoyed my time in the music industry,” says Currier of the move. “I count myself fortunate to have worked with each of you in some way. I have been blessed to experience many ‘pinch-me moments’ and celebrate many industry victories with many of you. I have immense respect and admiration for this music community and the collaboration we all have grown to know so well. It is truly unique and special!  I am grateful to my many mentors who have given me a chance to prove myself when there was no reason to believe in me. I only hope I can continue to pay it forward in my next chapter.”

Currier’s 30+ years in the music business began at SESAC in the broadcast administration department, followed by administration and licensing positions with publishers, Maypop Music Group, Alabama Band’s publishing company, Opryland Music Group (Acuff Rose) and a stint as audit manager at music publishing administration company, Integrated Copyright Group (ICG). While at ICG, Currier met songwriter, Craig Wiseman, who recruited her to assist in opening Big Loud Bucks Administration. As Executive Vice President, she co-managed Wiseman’s catalogs along with the catalogs of Big Tractor Publishing, Extreme Writer’s Group and the hit catalogs of Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Jim Collins and other independent publishers.

In 2010, Currier joined ole Music Publishing (now Anthem Entertainment) as Director of Administration and led the U.S administration presence for their Toronto-based offices. While at ole, she negotiated all synchronization licensing deals for ole and their clients. In 2013, Currier was recruited by ASCAP to serve as Director of Strategic Services before being elevated to Assistant Vice President of Strategic Services.

Kele has a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Music Business from of Berklee College of Music and was part of the Leadership Music (class of 2014) and recipient of 2015 Music Row’s Rising Women on The Row. She has served on the GMA Board, is a member of The Copyright Society of the South, AIMP, Source, CMA, RIAA and ACM.

Currier reports future plans include dedicating time to retirement projects around the house, volunteering for CASA as a child advocate, traveling, and spending more time with family and her Australian Shepherd, Bandit. She can be reached at KeleCurrier@gmail.com.