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

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly brings a wave of major industry developments, from landmark media partnerships and executive appointments to artist signings and historic songwriter achievements that continue to shape Nashville’s evolving landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

The Recording Academy revealed that the 2027 Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 7. The ceremony will air live across ABC while also simulcasting on Disney+ and Hulu.

Riser House Entertainment unveiled a series of promotions and appointments. Shane Allen has joined as Executive Vice President of Promotion and Artist Brand Strategy, while Megan Stottlemyer steps into the role of Vice President of Label Operations. Alex Heimerman has been elevated to Head of Marketing and Label Strategy, and Jason VanAuken has been promoted to Vice President of Business Affairs.

Jessie Jo Dillon earned ACM Songwriter of the Year honors once again. With the win, Dillon became the first songwriter ever to claim the award three times, as well as the first to secure the honor in three consecutive years. She also remains one of only three women to ever receive the recognition.

Meanwhile, the Country Music Association and Disney unveiled an extension of their longstanding partnership through 2032. The renewed agreement ensures Disney will continue serving as the home for the CMA Awards, CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas.

The publishing and label sectors also remained active this week with several notable signings and renewals. Kenny Whitmire has signed with MCA, while Kaylin Roberson renewed her global publishing agreement with Peermusic Nashville. Lauren Watkins has extended her relationship with Big Loud Publishing, and Colton Dawson has entered new partnerships with Warner Records Nashville and TKO Artist Management. Tori Rose officially signed with Saddle Up Records as the label’s debut artist while also securing management with Johnstone Entertainment. Taylor Jones also signed a global publishing agreement with BMG.

Elsewhere in the industry, the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music announced plans for a special pop-up exhibit celebrating the release of Amy Grant’s album, The Me That Remains. The exhibit will spotlight Grant’s enduring legacy and influence across Christian and mainstream music alike.

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.

Ella Langley Notches A Fourth Consecutive Week Atop MusicRow Radio Chart

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Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley notches a fourth consecutive week atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with her track, “Be Her.”

Langley co-wrote the song with Jordan Schmidt, Smith Ahnquist and HARDY. The song is the second single from Langley’s sophomore album Dandelion.

Langley is nominated for seven awards at the upcoming 2026 ACM Awards. Her nominations include Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year and Music Event of the Year.

“Be Her” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: ERNEST & Lukas Nelson Team For Disc Of The Day

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ERNEST & Lukas Nelson

Old friends dominate this roundup of current country tunes.

Reaching out with audio handshakes are such long-established hit makers as Luke Bryan, Jo Dee Messina, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain. It’s a crowded roster, but a few newer acts peaked in, too.

Leading the pack are our Disc of the Day winners, Lukas Nelson and ERNEST. I caught Nelson’s set on a recent Opry TV broadcast and was reminded of what a terrific singer and guitarist he has become. His duet with ERNEST is country music poetry.

The DISCovery Award goes to another new duo, Backbeat Troubadours, which features yet another veteran, Mark Collie.

BACKBEAT TROUBADOURS / “True American Racer (500 Miles)”
Writers: Billy Bob Thornton/Mark Collie/Scott Borchetta; Producers: Julian Raymond, Scott Borchetta; Label: Big Machine Records
– This duo is country veteran Mark Collie and Hollywood’s Billy Bob Thornton. The debut single is a barn-burning rocker featuring Slash on guitar. Hang on for a thrill ride. The song is featured on the soundtrack of a new documentary film about racing champ Bobby Rahal.

SHANIA TWAIN / “Dirty Rosie”
Writer: Shania Twain; Producers: Michael Shuman, Zach Dawes; Label: Republic Records
– The electronically processed vocal does nothing for me. Muddy sounding, incomprehensible and not remotely country.

ERNEST & LUKAS NELSON / “Time Is a Thief”
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Matt Mckinney/Rivers Rutherford; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Nelson’s rippling guitar work floats throughout this eloquent duet performance. Both men sing with gentle assurance. The thoughtful lyric is deeply touching. Essential listening.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Carry On”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins; Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney; Label: HEY NOW Records
– A single with a built-in smile. Kenny says to keep on rockin’ because life is short and fun is what we should do. Jaunty and endearing.

ZACH JOHN KING / “Backwoods”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Michael Lotten/Rhett Akins/Zach John King; Producers: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– In praise of deer hunting, a country girl, his truck, his t-shirt, pine trees, yadadda, yadadda, yadadda.

LUKE BRYAN / “Fish Hunt Golf Drink”
Writers: Chase McGill/Luke Bryan/Matt Dragstrem; Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– The title says it all. The rhythm track is cool.

WAYLON PAYNE / “Holding on to Lonely”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Waylon Payne; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: Big Loud Texas
– Decidedly downbeat, facing a dark night of the soul. Instead of phoning for solace, he shuts himself in, alone. Guitars chime gently, drums shuffle softly, bass twangs deeply and his voice is marvelously aching.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Crisco”
Writers: Aaron Raitier/Chill Fellacheck/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– Refreshing and delightfully different. Country lyrics married to a retro ‘70s disco-ish track. A real ear opener from a truly creative superstar.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Don’t Say Goodbye”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Atlantic Outpost
– Old-school, “quiet storm” soul with a slow, sensuous, seductive track and the duo’s usual vocal mastery. Immerse yourself in this luxurious, midnight-blue pool of dreamy sound.

VINCE GILL / “Nobody Held Her Like Me”
Writers: Jmmy Nalls/Joe Glaser/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– Gill showcases his bluesy side with this aching, mournful, lovelorn ballad. It’s the key song on his seventh in a series of monthly EPs titled 50 Years From Home. Love this. Love him.

DAN MARSHALL / “Middle Man”
Writers: Dan Marshall/John Stevens/Walker Wilson; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Red Van Records
– A blue-collar anthem for the average working man who puts his shoulder to the wheel and one foot in front of the other just to survive and persevere.

JO DEE MESSINA / “Can Anybody”
Writers: Ethan Hulse/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: David Spencer; Label: Dreambound Records
– This woman is singing better than ever, and this power ballad is the soaring proof. It’s a cry for recognition and deliverance that is potent and soul piercing. Charismatic and highly recommended.

CARTER FAITH / “Let’s Go to Vegas”
Writers: Karen Staley; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– This sprightly, peppy remake of Faith Hill’s 1995 hit is the official theme song of this year’s ACM Awards. The show will stream exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Twitch channel this Sunday evening (May 17). Shania Twain hosts.

BREAKING: Date Announced For 2027 Grammy Awards, Airing On ABC, Disney+ & Hulu

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The 2027 Grammy Awards will air live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 7, and will simulcast across ABC, Disney+ and Hulu. The news was confirmed today (May 12) during the Disney Upfront presentation in New York City. It was also revealed today that the 2026 CMA Awards, as well as other CMA programs, will air live on ABC and Disney+.

This year’s Grammy eligibility period is Aug. 31, 2025 – Aug. 28, 2026. Nominations will be announced ahead of the Telecast on Monday, Nov. 16, 2026.

The upcoming ceremony marks a historic shift for the organization as the 2027 Grammy Awards will be the first ceremony to air on ABC since 1972, ushering in a new era for the most celebrated night in music.

“The Grammys are all about celebrating the music that moves the world, and this moment is built on exactly that,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Grammys. “This is an exciting time for us as an organization—a new home and a bold new chapter for the Grammy Awards. We’re just getting started and the best is yet to come.”

The full list of key dates for the 2027 Grammy Awards season is as follows:

Aug. 31, 2025 – Aug. 28, 2026
Product Eligibility Period

June 25, 2026 – Aug. 14, 2026
Media Company Registration Period

July 7, 2026 – Aug. 21, 2026
Online Entry Period

Oct. 12, 2026 – Oct. 22, 2026
First Round Voting

Nov. 16, 2026
Nominees Announced for the 2027 Grammy Awards

Dec. 10, 2026 – Jan. 7, 2027
Final Round Voting

Feb. 7, 2027
2027 Grammy Awards

Eagles Bring ‘The Long Goodbye’ To Nashville With Hit-Filled Celebration

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Eagles. Photo: Chloe Weir

More than 50 years after the band first formed, the Eagles proved Saturday night (May 9) at Nashville’s FirstBank Stadium that their catalog remains as powerful as ever. As part of “The Long Goodbye, Act III” tour, the legendary group delivered a nearly two-hour masterclass in harmony-driven rock, balancing timeless hits with solo spotlights and fan-favorite deep cuts.

Opening with the unmistakable acoustic intro of “Hotel California,” the band immediately set the tone for an evening rooted in nostalgia elevated by pristine musicianship. From there, they moved seamlessly into “One of These Nights” and “Lyin’ Eyes,” with the crowd loudly singing along to every chorus.

Vince Gill’s soaring vocals shined on “Take It to the Limit,” while “Witchy Woman” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” showcased the group’s enduring harmonies. “Tequila Sunrise” brought a laid-back California warmth to the stadium before Joe Walsh took center stage for a spirited performance of “In the City.”

Timothy B. Schmit delivered one of the night’s most emotional moments with “I Can’t Tell You Why,” followed by the reflective “New Kid in Town.” The band’s famed vocal blend reached another level during “Seven Bridges Road,” which earned one of the evening’s loudest ovations.

The second half of the set leaned into the individual legacies of the band members. Walsh injected humor and swagger into “Life’s Been Good,” while “Already Gone” brought the energy back up before Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” turned the massive crowd into a singalong. Walsh then unleashed a fiery rendition of “Funk #49,” helping propel the band into the hard-driving “Life in the Fast Lane.”

The encore delivered exactly what longtime fans hoped for. “Take It Easy” transformed the stadium into a communal chorus, while Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way” highlighted the guitarist’s enduring charisma and slide guitar work. The emotional weight of “Desperado” provided a reflective moment before the Eagles closed the evening triumphantly with “Heartache Tonight.”

“The Long Goodbye Act III” will continue tomorrow (May 13) in Hollywood, Florida before wrapping on May 16 in Arlington, Texas. The band will also perform again at The Sphere on Sept. 18 and 19, and Nov. 13, 14, 27, and 28.

CMA & Disney Extend Deal Through 2032

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CMA and Disney have extended their deal for the CMA Awards, as well as CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas through 2032.

Adding six years to the already 20 year collaboration between the two companies, the new deal will include expanded opportunities across streaming and digital platforms. With the new deal, this year’s CMA Awards will stream live on Disney+ for the first time ever, alongside the ABC broadcast.

“For two decades, Disney has been CMA’s partner in celebrating excellence in Country Music and bringing its artists and storytelling to audiences around the world,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Extending our collaboration with Disney and expanding the show to livestream on Disney+ marks an exciting next step for CMA, allowing us to reach new audiences while continuing our role in elevating and shaping the genre. As I prepare to retire at the end of the year, ensuring CMA is strongly positioned for the future has remained one of my highest priorities, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together. As we approach The 60th Annual CMA Awards this fall and a new chapter for CMA Fest in the new stadium in 2027, I’m excited for what’s ahead for both CMA and Country Music.”

“We’re grateful to Sarah Trahern and our incredible partners at the Country Music Association and are excited to continue hosting the most iconic night in Country Music for years to come,” adds Debra OConnell, Chairman of Disney Entertainment Television. “Disney has long been the home for the very best in live entertainment and now, with the addition of Disney+, we are expanding the show’s reach like never before.”

Austin Goodloe Leaps Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Austin Goodloe

Austin Goodloe has jumped into the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ella Langley‘s “Broken,” “Dandelion” and “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” Corey Kent’s “Empty Words” and “Rocky Mountain Low,” and Kameron Marlowe’s “No Need For Leavin'” all push the songwriter to No. 3 this week.

Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again,” “Low Lights,” “Somethin’ Simple,” “We Know Us” and “You & Me Time.” Joybeth Taylor remains at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Low Lights,” “Somethin’ Simple,” “Speaking Terms,” “We Know Us” and “You & Me Time.”

Randy Montana (No. 4) and HARDY (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.

Russell Dickerson Brings Birthday Celebration To Ascend Amphitheater

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Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney

Russell Dickerson celebrated his birthday in front of a hometown crowd Friday night (May 8) at Ascend Amphitheater, delivering a high-energy set packed with career-spanning hits, special moments and a few surprises for fans gathered along the Cumberland River.

The evening opened on a surprise note when Thomas Rhett took the stage acoustically for a performance of his Diamond-certified ballad “Die A Happy Man,” before Dickerson and his band even hit the stage.

Starting off on an energetic note, Dickerson launched into fan favorites including “Worth Your Wild,” “It’s About Time” and “Home Sweet.”

Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney

“Thank y’all for coming to my birthday party tonight,” Dickerson shared from stage. “I’m gonna try not to cry on my birthday. This is insane. I hear your beautiful, angelic voices.”

Tracks like “She Likes It,” “Sunrise In My Silverado,” “Sippin’ On Top Of The World,” “Bones,” “Love You Like I Used To” “B.O.A.T,” and “Blue Tacoma” kept the crowd singing along throughout the night.

One of the evening’s standout moments came when rising artist Adrien Nunez led the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” for Dickerson. Following the performance, Dickerson surprised Nunez onstage by revealing that he would soon make his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.

After a tender moment of “16 me” with pictures of Dickerson’s childhood flashing on screen, he then went into “What A Life,” weaving through fans as the amphitheater erupted around him. Up on the B-stage, Dickerson gave solo spotlight performances of “Famous Back Home,” “God Gave Me A Girl,” and “Every Little Thing.” He then returned to the stage to perform his newly released Fetty Wap collaboration “Boots,” which dropped earlier that day.

After “Love That I Love You,” a mashup of “MGNO” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” added another celebratory moment to the birthday show atmosphere.

Dickerson closed the evening with emotional and dynamic performances of “Yours” and “Happen To Me.”

The “RUSSELLMANIA Tour” will continue this Wednesday at Red Rocks, with additional stops in Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and more. He is also slated for festival appearances at CMA Fest, Summerfest, Windy City Smokeout and more throughout the summer.

Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney

Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney

Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney

Russell Dickerson. Photo: Thomas Heney

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly spotlighted a busy stretch of industry movement, career milestones and executive changes across Nashville and beyond, underscoring the continued momentum heading into ACM Awards season. Click here to see the full edition.

Among the week’s notable publishing news, Riley Green renewed his global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Awards season also brought major career moments for several rising and established artists. Tucker Wetmore earned one of the genre’s biggest breakout honors this week, being named ACM New Male Artist of the Year. Meanwhile, Stephen Wilson Jr. took home Visual Media of the Year for the official video for “Cuckoo.” Wilson co-directed the project alongside longtime creative collaborator Tim Cofield.

On the executive front, Bill Macky joined Quartz Hill Music Group as Senior Vice President of Promotion & Marketing, adding another seasoned promotion executive to the label’s leadership team. At the same time, the company also saw leadership changes within its promotion department as VP of Promotion Will Robinson and Director of Promotion April Rider exited the organization.

Elsewhere, Frank Rogers, CEO of Spirit Music Group and President of Fluid Music Revolution, received one of South Carolina’s highest distinctions on April 30 when Governor Henry McMaster presented him with the Order of the Palmetto. The honor recognizes Rogers’ contributions to both the music industry and his home state throughout his acclaimed career as an executive and producer.

In label news, The War and Treaty signed with Atlantic Outpost.

The business services sector also saw expansion this week with veteran manager Joan Vance launching Vance & Co Advisory, LLC, a new independent bookkeeping and financial advisory firm focused on serving individuals and small to mid-sized businesses across a variety of industries.

Back in Nashville’s publishing and label community, Riser House Entertainment added Leighanna Martin as Manager of A&R and Publishing.

Finally, Matt Maher signed with the Music Services division of SESAC Music Group for a range of independent label services, including digital distribution through AudioSalad and label administration via Music Services Inc.

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.

Jessie Jo Dillon Makes History With ACM Songwriter Of The Year Win

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Jessie Jo Dillon. Photo: Lily Nelson

Jessie Jo Dillon has been crowned this year’s ACM Songwriter of the Year, becoming the first to win the award three times, as well as the first to do so in three consecutive years. She also remains one of only three women to ever win.

Frequent collaborator Megan Moroney called Dillon while Dillon was in a recording session at RCA Studio A with Carter Faith via FaceTime to deliver the news, “We have to celebrate because for the third year in a row, you are the ACM Songwriter of the Year!”

“I’m beside myself to have won this coveted award once, let alone three times,” shares Dillon. “I’m honored to be recognized by this community that I love so dearly. Thank you all, especially my publishers, and long live country music!”

The award adds to a momentous year for Dillon, where she has already been recognized at the 2026 CMA Triple Play Awards for penning three No. 1 songs in a calendar year (“Lies, Lies, Lies,” “Happen To Me,” “Am I Okay?). “Am I Okay?” is also up for an ACM this year for Song of the Year, while “Happen To Me” is nominated for Best Country Song at the American Music Awards. Dillon also co-wrote “Lighter” by Carin León and Jelly Roll, which will serve as the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dillon is a three time GRAMMY nominee for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical (2024–2026), and a four time GRAMMY nominee for Best Country Song. Her recent hits include “Beautiful Things” and “Medicine” by Moroney, “Wish You Well” by Vincent Mason, “Baggage” by Kelsea Ballerini, and “Friday Night Heartbreaker” by Jon Pardi.