NOW OPEN: Applications For MusicRow’s 2025 N.B.T. Music Industry Directory

Applications are now open for MusicRow’s N.B.T. (Next Big Thing) Music Industry Directory.

MusicRow‘s N.B.T. Music Industry Directory showcases Nashville music business professionals who are rising through the ranks. This class of industry members occupy mid-level roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to become future leaders in the Nashville music industry. Applicants should ideally have a minimum of five or more years experience in the music industry.

The final list will be featured in MusicRow‘s Touring/Next Big Thing print issue, which releases on Dec. 3. The print edition also includes the annual Next Big Thing artist list, with editorial features focused on the touring segment of our industry as well as professional development.

To apply for inclusion in this year’s edition of the N.B.T. Music Industry Directory, please click here to access the application form.

Please note that not all submissions are guaranteed to be listed in the directory. If you are submitting multiple candidates, you will need to click on SUBMIT at the bottom of the form before entering another candidate. Head shots can be sent to art@musicrow.com.

New submissions for the directory close on Friday, Sept. 27. For questions, email directory@musicrow.com.

To reserve ad space in the 2024/2025 Touring/Next Big Thing issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.

Jessi Alexander Re-Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Jessi Alexander.

Recently-crowned MusicRow Awards Female Songwriter of the Year Jessi Alexander has re-entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and “Chevrolet” help push her into the No. 8 spot.

Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive week with “28,” “American Nights” and “Pink Skies.” Ashley Gorley moves up to No. 2 with “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “I Had Some Help,” “Cowgirls,” “I Am Not Okay,” “Whiskey Whiskey,” “Losers,” “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” “What Don’t Belong To Me,” “Fix What You Didn’t Break” and “Yours.” 

Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Chris Stapleton (No. 4) and Louis Bell (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.

AIMP Nashville Chapter Reveals Songwriter Series Class Of 2024

Pictured (L-R, top row): Chase McDaniel, Jon Decious and Makayla Lynn. (L-R, bottom row): Wyatt McCubbin, Jared Conrad and Tyler Halverson

The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers has revealed the 10th Annual AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Class of 2024. Selection for the list is strong predictor of future success in the music industry.

The Class of 2024 includes Jared Conrad (Big Yellow Dog), Tyler Halverson (Concord), Wyatt McCubbin (Tape Room/50 Egg), Makayla Lynn (Eclipse/Harvey Dog Music/Wrensong), Jon Decious (Reservoir/One Riot) and Chase McDaniel (Hang Your Hat Music).

All members of the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Class of 2024 were selected by a special committee made up of music industry professionals, based on submissions from current AIMP Nashville members. Each writer must not have had a song charting higher than a top 20 on the Billboard or Mediabase charts.

These songwriters will perform during a live writers’ round on Sept. 25 at The Listening Room Café. Hosted by hitmakers Justin Ebach and Ryan Hurd, the event is open to both AIMP members and non-members. Those who wish to attend can purchase a ticket for $10 here.

Past performers at the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series have gone on to score chart-topping hits both as performers and as writers for prominent artists.

Last year’s Class of 2023 included Blake Pendergrass, Terri Jo Box, Mae Estes, Chris McKenna, Luke Preston, Zarni deVette and Lauren Hungate, while other former honorees include Rocky Block, Ben Chapman, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jenna LaMaster, Jared Scott, Dan Wilson, Brinley Addington, Luke Dick, Jameson Rodgers, Hailey Whitters, Ash Bowers, Hannah Ellis, Hardy, Ashley McBryde, Kassi Ashton, Nicolette Hayford, Kylie Morgan, Ben Goldsmith, Ryan Beaver, Josh Jenkins, Dave Pittenger, Dillon Carmichael, Tiera, Brigetta, John Byron, Erin Kinsey, Meg McRee, Colton Venner, Caroline Watkins and more.

Post Malone & Blake Shelton Stay At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

Post Malone keeps the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton.

The track comes off of his recently-released album, F-1 Trillion, and was written by Post, John Byron, Louis Bell, Rocky Block, Charlie Handsome and Jordan Dozzi.

Post is currently on the road headlining his “F-1 Trillion Tour” with support from Muscadine Bloodline. The tour will come to a close near the end of October with big stops in Boston’s Fenway Park and Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, among others.

“Pour Me A Drink” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Country Stylists Give ‘Utterly Enchanting’ Version Of Adele Hit

Lukas Nelson. Photo: Shervin Lainez

Three generations of stylists compete in this country edition of DISClaimer.

Sweet nostalgia washed over me at hearing great new sounds from heritage artists Bill Anderson, Ray Benson and Dwight Yoakam. Modern veterans Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan are still swinging for the fences.

And then there are the youngsters—Julie Williams, Justin Moore, Carl Ray, Post Malone and their contemporaries. They have new sounds you need to hear, too. Riding atop this group are Lukas Nelson, Sierra Ferrell and The Travelin’ McCourys, whose outstanding collaboration brings us our Disc of the Day.

LUKE BRYAN / “Country Song Came On”
Writers: Ryan Beaver/Dan Alley/Neil Medley; Producer: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol
– The single remains “Love You, Miss You, Mean It,” but Bryan has been issuing further preview tracks from his upcoming (Sept. 27) album. This one is about how hearing country music makes him want to drink. Really? I guess if you say so.

BRELAND / “Icing”
Writers: Breland/Jared Griffin/Rufio Hooks/Autumn Buysse; Producers: Sam Sumser, Sean Small & Noby Sidez; Label: Atlantic
– Wildly entertaining. The rapid-fire lyric, interjected screams, finger snaps, relentless tempo and non-stop energy are the recipe for a frothing audio stew.

CARL RAY / “Caney Fork”
Writers: Carl Ray Williams/Wood Newton/Daniel Johnson; Producer: Mike Loudermilk; Label: Sucarnochee
– Innocent, sunny, jaunty, acoustic, charming and country, country, country. Young love sounds so sweet in this outdoorsy tune. Carl Ray is a Black bluegrass artist who stages a mighty bid for mainstream country exposure here.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Dammit Randy”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Brendan McLoughlin/Jon Randall; Producer: Miranda Lambert & Jon Randall; Label: Republic
Postcards From Texas drops tomorrow as Miranda’s new collection, her first for Republic. This ultra-confident, twanging, feisty performance from it celebrates female independence with verve. Platinum personality on parade.

LUKAS NELSON feat. THE TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS & SIERRA FERRELL / “Someone Like You”
Writers: Dan Wilson/Adele Adkins; Producer: none listed; Label: LN
– Yes, it’s the 2011 Adele pop hit delivered by super country stylists Nelson and Ferrell, backed by the bluegrass picking of the McCourys. First of all, it is utterly enchanting. Second of all, I would love to hear these two singers together more often. Third of all, drop what you are doing and glue your ears to this when it drops tomorrow. A single that’s truly an event.

JUSTIN MOORE / “Love Your Hometown”
Writers: Justin Moore/Will Bundy/Randy Montana/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Jeremy Stover, Scott Borchetta & Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Valory
– It’s a love letter to an overseas soldier, reminding her that her hometown still thinks the world of her and that he’s patiently waiting. With its range and emotion, this is arguably Moore’s finest vocal to date.

JETT HOLDEN / “Scarecrow”
Writer: Jett Holden; Producer: Will Hoge; Label: Black Opry
– He sings with fierce commitment. The song uses the characters of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion to communicate his emotional turmoil in coming out as gay to his Jehovah’s Witness family. As I have mentioned before, his songwriting needs a professional collaborator/editor to make it less wordy and more commercial.

DWIGHT YOAKAM & POST MALONE / “I Don’t Know How to Say Goodbye”
Writer: Dwight Yoakam; Producer: Dwight Yoakam; Label: Via Records/Thirty Tigers
– Yoakam is breaking his silence of nine years to issue a new album in November. Its advance single is a twang-fest two stepper embellished with stuttering steel and bounced fiddle bows. Post Malone keeps up with the neo-traditionalist in the hilibilly vocal department. A joyous collaboration. Country excellence on the hoof.

DENITIA / “Sunset Drive”
Writers: Denitia/Brad Allen Williams; Producer: Denitia & Brad Allen Williams; Label: Denitia
– Denitia has had a fine year, staging her debut at the Opry, being in CMT’s Next Women of Country class, touring with the Black Opry Revue, headlining at Nashville Pride and issuing her debut album last week. Its title tune perfectly weds her lilting soprano to a gently breezy rhythmic track and a sweet/sad relationship lyric. Very pretty listening.

BILL ANDERSON / “The Last One I’ll Forget”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Steve Dorff; Producer: Steve Dorff; Label: MCA Nashville/UMe
– The timeless Opry veteran emotes beautifully on this softly contemplative ballad of enduring love in old age. I promise that this will tug at your heartstrings. He’s still got the goods.

JULIE WILLIAMS / “Just Friends?”
Writers: Julie Williams/Melody Walker; Producer: Jonathan Smalt; Label: JW
– I have long been a fan of this country stylist. Her songwriting has always had a poignant vibe, and her soprano singing is exemplary. This eloquently produced, twinkling, alt-folk tune is accompanied by an overtly queer-female video treatment.

RAY BENSON / “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”
Writer: Bobby Troup; Producer: Doctor Dread & Tony Garnier; Label: RB
– I know this sounds impossible, but this is an audio fusion of western swing and reggae. Believe it or not, it works. Benson’s jazzbo phrasing and the swinging sounds of Asleep at the Wheel members bump up against a funky Caribbean rhythm track. The album, Swingin’ and Swankin,’ features guest appearances by everyone from Willie Nelson and Lucky Oceans to Warren Haynes and Stanley Jordan.

JUST IN: Shane Tarleton Joins Morris Higham Management

Shane Tarleton. Photo: Michael Tedesco

Shane Tarleton has joined Morris Higham Management.

He joins the home to artists Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion and more from his most recent position of Executive Vice President of Artist Development at Warner Music Nashville. Prior to WMN, Tarleton spent time at RCA and Titley / Spalding Artist Management.

At Morris Higham, Tarleton will touch creative and content as management firms oversee more of these needs for their rosters.

“It’s the wild west out there and having Shane’s expertise both in management and label services is invaluable. We’re honored he is joining our team,” shares Clint Higham, Morris Higham Management President.

“I have long respected Shane’s creativity and passion for supporting artists’ visions and as an ambassador for our industry,” adds Kyle Quigley, Morris Higham Management GM. “He has incredible relationships and brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to every artist and project. We could not be more thrilled to have him join our MHM team.”

Of the new chapter, Tarleton shares, “Clint has an impeccable reputation for assembling the best team around the talent he represents, and to play a role in their careers and provide further support to the tenured team at MHM is an incredible gift for this next chapter of my career.”

Michael Bryan Upped To Global Head Of Country Music At Apple

Michael Bryan. Photo: Saami Bloom

Michael Bryan has been promoted to Global Head of Country Music at Apple. In addition to overseeing country music, he will be responsible for supporting the company’s Christian and gospel teams in Nashville.

Bryan joined Apple in 2020 as Director of Apple Music Country Radio before being promoted to Director of Editorial Operations & Audio Production in 2022. Prior to joining the company, he served as Talent Agent/Artist Development Lead at CAA and spent time in radio, including the role of Sr. VP of Programming for iHeartMedia between 2012 and 2016.

“I’m deeply committed to empowering artists and the brilliant people around me, to fostering a culture where every voice matters—the only path to elevating the music that unites us,” Bryan shared in a LinkedIn post about the promotion.

“This is more than a job— it’s a chance to blend my southern roots with a global vision, working with incredible colleagues to help tell stories that resonate with heart and truth. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work with the team to connect, create and help support music that matters to people.”

Zach Bryan Reclaims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Zach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik

Zach Bryan has moved back into the No. 1 spot on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The singer-songwriter claimed the top position as the sole writer on his charting tunes “28,” “American Nights” and “Pink Skies.”

Josh Phillips sits at No. 2 this week with the recently-crowned MusicRow Awards Song Of The Year “Dirt Cheap.” Charlie Handsome is in the No. 3 spot this week with 14 credits from Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion album, along with “Cowgirls,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Whiskey Whiskey.”

Ashley Gorley (No. 4) and Louis Bell (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.

BREAKING: Nominees Announced For 58th Annual CMA Awards

The Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 58th annual CMA Awards. The final nominations list is determined by eligible voting CMA members comprised of professionals within the country music industry.

Morgan Wallen leads the pack this year with seven nominations. Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton follow with five each and Post Malone and Lainey Wilson each secure four. Vying for the night’s highest honor, CMA Entertainer of the Year, is Wallen, Stapleton, Wilson, Luke Combs and Jelly Roll.

First-time CMA Awards nominees include Andrew Baylis, Louis Bell, Brock Berryhill, Tom Bukovac, Will Bundy, Sean Cook, Benjy Davis, Shawn Everett, Riley Green, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, Kat Higgins, Hoskins, Jeff Johnson, Noah Kahan, Ella Langley, Ryan Larkins, Raul Lopez, Josh Phillips, Post Malone, Nevin Sastry, Shaboozey, Ernest Keith Smith, Nate Smith, Konrad Snyder, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, Chris Villa, Chandler Paul Walters and Bailey Zimmerman.

Winners will be determined in a Final Round of voting by eligible voting CMA members. The third and final ballot will be emailed to members on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Voting for the CMA Awards Final Ballot ends Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6:00 p.m. CT.

The 58th annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC and next day on Hulu. Tickets go on sale on this Friday (Sept. 13) starting at 10 a.m. CT.

2024 Final CMA Awards Nominees (by ballot category order):

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
– Luke Combs
– Jelly Roll
– Chris Stapleton
– Morgan Wallen
– Lainey Wilson

SINGLE OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
– “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry
Mix Engineer: Raul Lopez
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
– “Watermelon Moonshine” – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
– “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves
Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian
Mix Engineers: Shawn Everett, Konrad Snyder
Fathers & Sons – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
Higher – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
Leather – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
Whitsitt Chapel – Jelly Roll
Producers: Andrew Baylis, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, David Garcia, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, Austin Nivarel, David Ray Stevens
Mix Engineers: Jeff Braun, Jim Cooley

SONG OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
– “Burn It Down”
Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose
– “Dirt Cheap”
Songwriter: Josh Phillips
– “I Had Some Help”
Songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters
– “The Painter”
Songwriters: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
– “White Horse”
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
– Kelsea Ballerini
– Ashley McBryde
– Megan Moroney
– Kacey Musgraves
– Lainey Wilson

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
– Luke Combs
– Jelly Roll
– Cody Johnson
– Chris Stapleton
– Morgan Wallen

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
– Lady A
– Little Big Town
– Old Dominion
– The Red Clay Strays
– Zac Brown Band

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

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
– “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini (with Noah Kahan)
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
– “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan (feat. Kacey Musgraves)
Producer: Zach Bryan
– “Man Made A Bar” – Morgan Wallen (feat. Eric Church)
Producer: Joey Moi
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green)
Producer: Will Bundy

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
– Tom Bukovac – Guitar
– Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
– Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
– Rob McNelley – Guitar
– Charlie Worsham – Guitar

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Director: Dustin Haney
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen)
Director: Chris Villa
– “I’m Not Pretty” – Megan Moroney
Directors: Jeff Johnson, Megan Moroney
– “The Painter” – Cody Johnson
Director: Dustin Haney
– “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” – Lainey Wilson
Director: Patrick Tracy

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
– Megan Moroney
– Shaboozey
– Nate Smith
– Mitchell Tenpenny
– Zach Top
– Bailey Zimmerman

2024 CMA Broadcast Awards – Finalists for Broadcast Personality of the Year (by market size):

WEEKLY NATIONAL:
– “American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Cumulus/Westwood One
– “Country Gold with Terri Clark” (Terri Clark) – Westwood One
– “Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – Jim Owens Entertainment
– “Highway Hot 30 with Buzz Brainard” (Buzz Brainard) – SiriusXM
– “Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence” (Tracy Lawrence and Patrick Thomas) – Silverfish Media

DAILY NATIONAL:
– “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, Morgan Huelsman, “SZN Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Mike D” Rodriguez, Abby Anderson, “Kick Off Kevin” O’Connell, and Stephen “Scuba Steve” Spradlin) – iHeartMedia
– “Michael J On Air” (Michael J. Stuehler) – iHeartMedia
– “Nights with Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One / Cumulus Media
– “PickleJar Up All Night with Patrick Thomas” (Patrick Thomas) – PickleJar / Cumulus Media
– “Steve Harmon Show” (Steve Harmon) – Westwood One / Cumulus Media

MAJOR MARKET:
– “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers, Jeff Kurkjian, Donnie Black, and Shannon Boyle) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
– “Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht, and Sam Sansevere) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
– “Frito & Katy” (Tucker “Frito” Young and Katy Dempsey) – KCYY, San Antonio, Texas
– “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister” (Matt McAllister, Gabe Mercer, and “Captain Ron” Koons) – KKWF, Seattle, Wash.
– “The Most Fun Afternoons With Scotty Kay” (Scotty Kay) – WUSN, Chicago, Ill.

LARGE MARKET:
– “Dale Carter Morning Show” (Dale Carter) – KFKF, Kansas City, Mo.
– “Heather Froglear” (Heather Froglear) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
– “Jesse & Anna” (Jesse Tack and Anna Marie) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
– “Mike & Amanda” (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
– “On-Air with Anthony” (Anthony Donatelli) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.

MEDIUM MARKET:
– “Brent Michaels” (Brent Michaels) – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
– “Joey & Nancy” (Joey Tack, Nancy Barger, and Karly Duggan) – WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.
– “New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
– “Scott and Sarah in the Morning” (Scott Wynn and Sarah Kay) – WQMX, Akron, Ohio
– “Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa

SMALL MARKET:
– “Dan Austin Show” (Dan Austin) – WQHK, Fort Wayne, Ind.
– “Dave and Jenn” (Dave Roberts and Jenn Seay) – WTCR, Huntington-Ashland, W. Va.
– “The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx) – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.
– “Hilley & Hart” (Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart) – KATI, Columbia, Mo.
– “Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.

2024 CMA Broadcast Awards – Finalists for Radio Station of the Year (by market size):

MAJOR MARKET:
– KCYY – San Antonio, Texas
– KKBQ – Houston, Texas
– KYGO – Denver, Colo.
– WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
– WYCD – Detroit, Mich.

LARGE MARKET:
– WIRK – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
– WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
– WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
– WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
– WWKA – Orlando, Fla.

MEDIUM MARKET:
– KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
– WBEE – Rochester, N.Y.
– WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.
– WLFP – Memphis, Tenn.
– WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.

SMALL MARKET:
– WCOW – La Crosse, Wis.
– WKML – Fayetteville, N.C.
– WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
– WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.
– WYCT – Pensacola, Fla.

CMA Broadcast Awards winners will be determined by a Final Round of judging this month.

Dierks Bentley Enthralls Fans With Hit After Hit At Bridgestone Arena Show

Dierks Bentley. Photo: Zachary Belcher

Country star and top-notch entertainer Dierks Bentley brought the party to Bridgestone Arena last night (Sep. 7) with his “Gravel & Gold Tour.”

Bella White kicked the evening off with her timeless sound. The singer-songwriter showed off her vocals with songs from her Among Other Things album, including “Flowers On My Bedside,” “Break My Heart,” “Marilyn,” “The Way I Oughta Go” and more. She also covered Lucinda Williams’ “Concrete And Barbed Wire” to help warm the crowd up. 

After a quick set change, it was time for Chase Rice to hit the stage, and he came out in full force starting with his “Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer.” After captivating the audience with a few more tunes, he then played his first No. 1 as a songwriter, “Cruise” recorded by Florida Georgia Line. During his cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads,” he engaged with the excited audience by inviting a lucky fan to sing part of the song with him.

Dierks Bentley and Chase Rice. Photo: Zachary Belcher

Rice kept his high-energy set going with “Ready Set Roll,” “Lonely If You Are” and more. After expressing his gratitude for his fans, he had everybody singing along with his first No. 1 on country radio, “Eyes On You.” Before ending his set, he brought his partner in crime out on stage with him, his black lab Jack. The companions swooned the crowd with the touching “Bench Seat” before ending the set with “Drinkin’ Beer Talkin’ God Amen,” during which Rice supplied some audience members with beers from Jack’s backpack. 

With the arena buzzing with anticipation for the main event, the lights went to go down as Bentley and his band hit the stage with the tour’s namesake “Gold.” Everyone immediately rose to their feet and the energy was locked in for a great night. Bentley continued to get things rolling with “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do.” 

“This is a big night,” Bentley said to the hometown crowd. “We have some serious VIPs in the crowd. My lower C-Team Beer League hockey team is here tonight.” He then started to name some other VIPs in the crowd, including teachers from his childrens’ schools, and the workers at the auto shop where he gets his car serviced. After urging the arena to bring their A-game for the night, he continued his set with “I Hold On,” “Am I The Only One” and a cover of Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup,” which he performed while running around the stage doing party tricks with a cup.

Dierks Bentley. Photo: Zachary Belcher

After inviting two audience members up on stage for a beer shotgunning contest, Bentley had the Nashville crowd in the palm of his hand. “This place is so special to me, my band and my crew,” he shared. “My hope for you guys tonight is that you find a moment in the show where you feel like you’re living.” He then cleverly went into his hit “Living.” 

For “Burning Man,” Bentley turned the volume up to 11 and had everyone dancing along. Before heading into the next song, he surprised the crowd by bringing out the Red Clay Strays‘ frontman Brandon Coleman for a jam session of Waylon Jenning’s “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean.” After Coleman exited the stage with a roaring applause from the crowd, Bentley went into his top-25-and-climbing radio single “American Girl” from the Tom Petty tribute album Petty Country. He wrapped up his cover section of the show with a mashup of his “Free and Easy” and Alabama’s “Mountain Man.” 

As the crowd was feeding off of Bentley’s energy, he brought Rice back out onto the stage to sing “Gone,” during which the two pulled pranks on each other on stage. After wrapping up, Bentley gifted Rice with a D-45 Martin guitar.

Dierks Bentley and Brandon Coleman. Photo: Zachary Belcher

Next was time to slow thing down. Bentley showed off his vocal ability on a performance of “Say You Do,” surrounded by a sea of cell phone lights. The setting was the perfect set up for the next track, “Black,” where Bentley sang behind a special effect video wall that took fans into the journey of the song. After the crowd took it all in and gave a roaring applause, Bentley went into a mashup of “Up On The Ridge” and “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” where his and his band’s musical talents were highlighted. 

There were more special guests to be revealed. Bentley’s daughter Evalyn joined him on stage for a cover of Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season,” where she showed that her father’s singing genes have certainly been passed down. While the crowd was applauding Evalyn, country riser Zach Top hit the stage for a three-song stint with Bentley and his band, including a cover of “Freeborn Man” and Bentley’s own “High Note” before ending with Top’s top-25-and-climbing “Sounds Like The Radio.” Bentley commended Top for his talent before he exited the stage. 

After taking the time to introduce his band with a special video they each made using the Nashville Predator’s gym and custom hockey jerseys, Bentley heralded them as “the best musicians in Nashville” before proving it with “5-1-5-0” and a mashup of “Somewhere On A Beach” and “Beers On Me,” where Bentley threw beers into the crowd. He then closed out the main set by taking the crowd on a trip with “What Was I Thinkin’”

Dierks Bentley and Zach Top. Photo: Zachary Belcher

The crowd knew better than to think Bentley was actually done, as everyone remained on their feet chanting for his return. The entertainer emerged, graving the stage in a full pilot costume for “Drunk On A Plane.” 

A video began to play on screen, and veteran Bentley fans knew what was happening next. It was time for him and his band to morph into their famous alter ego, the Hot Country Knights band. The group came out in ’90s country garb and amazed the crowd with a bevy of iconic covers, including “T.R.O.U.B.L.E.,” “I Like It, I Love It,” “Meet In The Middle,” “Friends In Low Places,” “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and more. They dazzled with group choreography, skits with each other and enthralling playing.

Bentley had one last surprise for the crowd before it was time to say goodnight, bringing out the Nashville Predators team to a rousing applause. Everyone left the arena in a feel-good mood after Bentley left everything he had on stage. 

“The Gravel & Gold Tour” will continue on Sept. 12 in Wilmington, North Carolina before heading to Charleston, Grand Rapids and more.