Country Music Association Kicks Off CMA Fest Week With Country Forward

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Sarah Trahern and Mia Jones. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for CMA

The Country Music Association kicked off CMA Fest Week with Country Forward.

Hosted at Nashville’s Aura Lounge, the event is designed to bring together people who might not otherwise cross paths. This year marked the fourth iteration of the bi-annual event, and was themed “Bright Lights and Big Country.”

“There is something genuinely special about what happens at Country Forward,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “People come together from all different corners of this industry and this city, and something clicks. Relationships form, opportunities open, and collaborations begin—not because anyone planned it that way, but because people show up and are present with each other. That kind of community building is what Country Music is built on, and this event reminds us of that every single time.”

Elia Esparza and Alyssia Dominguez. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for CMA

MŌRIAH and Frankie Staton. Photo: Lorenzo Huerta/CMA

Attendees of CMA’s Country Forward 2026. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for CMA

Angie K and Rodney Smith. Photo: Lorenzo Huerta/CMA

GoDigital Music Launches Nashville-Based Country Imprint

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Photo: Courtesy of Orinda

GoDigital Music has launched its Nashville-based country imprint, Orinda.

“Launching Orinda and expanding into country is a deliberate step in GoDigital Music’s long-term vision to invest in culturally influential genres and independent artists shaping today’s music landscape,” says Logan Mulvey, CEO of GoDigital Music. “Country music has experienced meaningful changes in recent years and we saw a natural opportunity to continue fueling that momentum. Orinda is designed to be a lasting home for artists who are redefining the genre, providing them the infrastructure, creative support and global reach to scale their careers, while staying true to their storytelling and identity.”

Nic D serves as the label’s flagship artist. He has amassed nearly five million monthly Spotify listeners and will co-headline the “Iconic Tour” alongside Connor Price this June. His first release on the label is set for June 26 with “Slow Down Fast.”

“We built Orinda to back independent artists the way they deserve: as true partners, not transactions,” says Cooper Lycan, General Manager of Orinda. “The artists we work with have the songs and the drive to move culture on their own terms. Our role is to amplify that with capital and strategy while keeping them in the driver’s seat for the long haul.”

CMA Touring Awards: Lainey Wilson’s Crew Sweeps, Jim Halsey & Keith Urban Honored

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Pictured: (L-R) Tiffany Kerns (CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy), Curt Armstead, Catherine Powell, Ryan Dell, Meg Miller, Allison Noah, Diana “Lemonade” McBride, Talayeh Nasirzadeh, Zac Coren, Kerri Edwards, Javier Alcaraz, Mike DuCharme, Trent Allison, Dan Wessell, Adreinne Ervin, Caleb Garrett, Jen Conger, Olivia Hanceri, Jim Halsey’s daughter Chrissy Rumford, Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO), Jim Halsey’s granddaughter Lilly Rumford.  Not pictured: Dalton Ray Brown, Becky Gardenhire, Ed Warm, Kurt Ozan, Dave Bergfeld, Clair Global; Photo: John Russell/CMA

On Tuesday (June 2), the Country Music Association hosted its annual CMA Touring Awards at The Pinnacle in Nashville. The event, emceed by Keith Urban for the fourth consecutive year, honored the leading professionals in country music touring with awards across 20 different categories.

Alongside industry executives, crews, families and several artists attended the event to support their nominated team members and celebrate the behind-the-scenes professionals who make life on the road possible. Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Carly Pearce and members of The Oak Ridge Boys were among those who joined the celebration.

The biggest winner of the night was Wilson, whose “Whirlwind World Tour” team managed to earn six of the evening’s awards, including Backline Technician, Stage Manager, Front of House Engineer, Tour Video Director, Monitor Engineer and Tour Manager of the Year.

Wilson’s crew also took home the night’s highest honor, Crew of the Year. “I am so proud of my people,” shared Wilson. “I feel like everywhere we go, they leave a good impression. They treat the janitor just like they treat the CEO and that means a whole lot to me. Thank you so much for the sacrifices y’all make all the time.”

Other wins of the night included KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, who took home the award for Manager of the Year, WME’s Becky Gardenhire as Talent Agent of the Year, OH Creative’s Olivia Hanceri as Publicist of the Year and Luke Combs band member Kurt Ozan, who received Touring Musician of the Year.

The evening also included several special moments celebrating the touring community, including appearances by former hosts Kristian Bush, Kix Brooks and Jon Pardi, as well as a tribute performance from Charlie Worsham honoring those in the industry lost over the past year.

CMA also honored legendary agent and manager Jim Halsey with the Lifetime Touring Achievement Award, recognizing his six decades of work helping bring country music to audiences around the world. Halsey worked alongside artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire and The Judds.

The evening concluded with one final award as CMA CEO Sarah Trahern presented Urban with the CMA Founding President’s Award, recognizing his longtime commitment to the organization and country music.

Full List of 2026 CMA Touring Awards Winners:

Business Manager of the Year: Jen Conger (Flood, Bumstead, McCready and McCarthy)
Coach/Truck Driver of the Year: Caleb Garrett (Luke Bryan)
Venue of the Year: The Pinnacle (Nashville)
Publicist of the Year: Olivia Hanceri (OH Creative)
Lighting Director of the Year: Zac Coren (Morgan Wallen)
Tour Video Director of the Year: Dave Bergfeld (Lainey Wilson)
Tour Videographer/Photographer of the Year: Catherine Powell (Kelsea Ballerini)
Talent Agent of the Year: Becky Gardenhire (WME)
Front of House Engineer of the Year: Ryan Dell (Lainey Wilson)
Monitor Engineer of the Year: Curt Armstead (Lainey Wilson)
Production Manager of the Year: Chad Guy (Morgan Wallen)
Support Services Company of the Year: Clair Global (Nashville)
Backline Technician of the Year: Dalton Ray Brown (Lainey Wilson)
Touring Musician of the Year: Kurt Ozan (Luke Combs)
Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year: Ed Warm (Joe’s Bar)
Manager of the Year: Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment)
Stage Manager of the Year: Allison Noah (Carly Pearce/Lainey Wilson)
Tour Manager of the Year: Meg Miller (Lainey Wilson)
Unsung Hero of the Year: Diana “Lemonade” McBride (Grand Ole Opry)
Crew of the Year: “Whirlwind World Tour” crew (Lainey Wilson)

Provident Entertainment Promotes Two

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John Loessy & Josh Schiffman

Provident Entertainment has promoted John Loessy to Senior Director, Marketing, and Josh Schiffman to Senior Director, A&R.

Since joining Provident in February 2022 as Director/Marketing, Loessy has played a key role in accelerating the growth and visibility of some of Christian music’s most impactful artists. His strategic leadership has helped drive the success of artists including Brandon Lake and Matthew West, while also spearheading the marketing strategy behind Leanna Crawford’s emergence as a Dove Award New Artist of the Year winner. In his new role, Loessy will continue leading brand development and strategic marketing initiatives across Provident Entertainment’s roster.

“John’s promotion reflects the tremendous impact he has made at Provident Entertainment. I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how he champions our artists, strengthens key partnerships, and invests in those around him,” says Todd Stepp, SVP, Provident Entertainment. “His leadership has helped elevate emerging talent and broaden opportunities for established artists, contributing meaningfully to our continued growth. He leads with excellence, integrity, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed. We are excited for the continued impact he will make in this new role.”

Schiffman, who joined the Provident family five years ago through Essential Music Publishing, has cultivated meaningful partnerships with artists, songwriters, producers, and managers while developing emerging talent. In this new role, Schiffman will continue focusing on artist acquisition and development while assuming broader strategic responsibilities across A&R. He will help strengthen music production and project delivery processes, improve cross-functional collaboration, and support operational excellence as Provident continues to expand.

“Josh has made a tremendous impact since joining Provident five years ago,” shares Sam Featherstone, VP of A&R at Provident Entertainment. “He brings a rare combination of creative instinct, strategic thinking, and a genuine heart for people. This promotion reflects both the influence he has already had on our team and the strong leadership he will bring as we enter our next phase of growth.”

Wyatt Flores Sets New Album ‘Scared Of Heights’ For July

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Wyatt Flores will release his new album, Scared of Heights, on July 31 via Island Records/MCA. Flores will share a new track from the project, “Half The Man,” this Friday, (June 5).

Scared of Heights is Flores’ first project since partnering with MCA and marks a new chapter for him as he expands his sound to incorporate elements of early 2000’s rock with the vulnerable songwriting that established him as a rising voice on the country landscape. Across the album’s 13 tracks, Flores offers an unfiltered look at his life these past few years, as he’s learned what it means to face darkness head-on in order to find moments of peace. Earlier this spring, Flores unveiled two additional tracks, “Drive All Night” and “Runnin’ On E” from the upcoming new album.

“I finally feel like I know who I’m supposed to be, right here in this moment,” Flores shares. “I’m not second-guessing myself anymore on what the music’s supposed to be, what I’m supposed to be chasing, or who I’ve become. This is who I am now in 2026. Still figuring out my struggles and mental health but finally getting the confidence to step back into this and to believe in myself again.”

Flores will continue to tour through the fall with his extensive “Drive All Night Tour,” which includes stops in Nashville, Birmingham and Pittsburgh, among others. In addition to the headline dates, Flores will also join The Red Clay Strays and Koe Wetzel for select dates this year.

Scared of Heights Track List:
1. “Hate Myself”
2. “Sober For a Month”
3. “Drive All Night”
4. “Not Good Enough”
5. “Scared of Heights”
6. “How To Let Me Go”
7. “Half The Man”
8. “South Dakota”
9. “Sleepless Lullaby”
10. “God Forgives”
11. “Runnin’ On E”
12. “The Way I Do”
13. “Tulsa and Eleanor”

Dawn Delvo Releases Debut Memoir ‘My Greatest Solo: Accompanied By Grace’

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Dawn Delvo has released her debut memoir, My Greatest Solo: Accompanied by Grace.

The book explores Delvo’s deeply personal journey through grief, career uncertainty, unexpected pregnancy, single motherhood and more.

Four years into her music industry career and one year after the loss of her mother, Delvo faced an unexpected pregnancy, and just two weeks before the birth of her daughter, she lost her job. Delvo has since spent 15 years at Black River Entertainment, where she currently serves as Vice President of Philanthropy and Social Impact.

Dawn and Evelyn Delvo. Photo: Dawn Duncan Walters

“As I was processing the loss of my mom, becoming a mother myself, and trying to build a career in Nashville all at the same time, I was doing it without a roadmap. I was simply trying to navigate one day at a time and trust God through it,” Delvo shares with MusicRow.

“As the years went on and people realized I was raising a child on my own, the response I often heard was, ‘Wow, that must be so hard,’ or ‘You must be exhausted.’ And honestly, those comments always surprised me a little because, while there were certainly difficult moments, that wasn’t the overwhelming feeling I carried,” she adds. “What I experienced most was love and provision. Time after time, things we needed would somehow appear. Furniture, clothes, childcare, support, opportunities. It felt like God was constantly making a way ahead of us before I even knew what we needed next. At some point, I realized this story was no longer just about surviving in difficult circumstances. It was about sharing what God had done in our lives. My cup felt so full from the grace we had experienced that I felt called to pour some of that hope back out for other people who might still be in the middle of their uncertainty. That’s why the subtitle is Accompanied by Grace.”

The book, released yesterday (June 2), is currently featured on Amazon’s Best Sellers list in the Single Parenting category. The book is available for purchase here.

Hunter Hayes Expands ‘The Evergreen Tour’ Into Fall

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Hunter Hayes. Photo: Noah Tidmore

Hunter Hayes has added new dates to his “The Evergreen Tour,” extending the run into the Midwest and West Coast later this year following his spring tour.

The new leg of the tour will kick off on July 31 at TJ’s Corral in Minden, Nevada, and the added stops include shows in Los Angeles, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Denver and more. Tickets are available now.

Hayes has several upcoming CMA Fest appearances this week as well, including events at the Greenhouse on June 5-6 and a performance at Billboard Country Live on June 4. His latest album Evergreen completes a trilogy that began with Wild Blue and Red Sky, tracing a journey from optimism through conflict to resolution.

Throughout Evergreen’s 10 tracks, Hayes weaves together threads of pop, country, folk, R&B, and indie rock, with lyrics that center on themes of renewal, self-discovery, compassion, and presence, not only as the foundation for a healthy relationship with himself, but also with the world, and others. He has been promoting the new album with media appearances including on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, and more, and kicked off the first leg of his tour with a performance at The Grand Ole Opry.

“The Evergreen Tour” Dates:
Friday, July 31 – Minden, NV – TJ’s Corral
Sunday, August 2 — Boise, ID — Treefort Music Hall
Thursday, August 6 — San Francisco, CA — August Hall
Monday, August 10 — Great Falls, MT — The Newberry
Thursday, August 13 — Livingston, MT — Pine Creek Lodge
Thursday, September 24 — San Diego, CA — The Observatory
Friday, September 25 — Los Angeles, CA — Pacific Electric
Saturday, September 26 — Anaheim, CA — House of Blues Anaheim
Tuesday, September 29 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Depot
Thursday, October 1 — Colorado Springs, CO — Phil Long Music Hall
Friday, October 2 — Denver, CO — The Summit
Saturday, October 3 — Omaha, NE — Barnato

Folds Of Honor Tennessee Hosts Sixth Annual Rock ’N Jock Celebrity Softball Game

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Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Folds of Honor Tennessee Inc.

Folds of Honor Tennessee hosted its sixth annual Rock ’N Jock Celebrity Softball game on Monday (June 1) at Nashville’s First Horizon Park. This year’s event brought together more than 9,000 fans and raised a record-breaking $701,460 to provide educational scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.

Team Military, led by captain Riley Green, took home the win with a final score of 9-8.

Emceed by iHeartCountry’s Brooke Taylor and livestreamed nationwide on FOX Nation with host Tomi Lahren, the lineup included artists Green, Zach Top, Gavin Adcock, RaeLynn, Jordan Davis, McCoy Moore, Warren Zeiders, Jessie James Decker, Cooper Alan, HARDY, Ashley Cooke, Priscilla Block, Zach John King, Parker McCollum and Chris Lane, comedian Danae Hays, athletes Roger “Rocket” Clemens, Jay Cutler, Travis Pastrana, Ross Chastain, Jermaine Johnson, JC Latham, Golden Tate and Eric Decker, Love Island and The Traitors’ Robert Rausch, Black Rifle Coffee Company co-founder Mat Best, military members Sergeant First Class Joseph C. Ervin, Army Officer Lauren Warner and Special Forces Assistant Detachment Commander Dean Goble, and first responders including Firefighter Travis Merryman and Officer Alicean Stottlemyer.

Captain Jackson Perkins performed the National Anthem, and Marine Corps veteran Rocky Sickmann, a P.O.W. in the Iranian Hostage Crisis held captive for 444 days, threw the ceremonial first pitch.

The event is expected to return to Nashville in 2027.

Ashley Cooke and Parker McCollum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Folds of Honor Tennessee Inc.

Zach Top and Jermaine Johnson. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Folds of Honor Tennessee Inc.

RaeLynn and Jessie James Decker. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Folds of Honor Tennessee Inc.

HARDY and Chris Lane. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Folds of Honor Tennessee Inc.

Gavin Adcock. Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Folds of Honor Tennessee Inc.

Priscilla Block and Zach John King. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Folds of Honor Tennessee Inc.

The Randy Owen Center At Jacksonville State University Opens With Star-Studded Tribute Concert

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Pictured (L-R): Riley Green, Megan Mullins Owen, Kelly Owen, Jason Aldean, Randy Owen,
Jamey Johnson, William Lee Golden, Duane Allen and Mark Wills. Photo: Brandon Phillips/Jax State Digital Media Services

The Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts at Jacksonville State University officially opened last week in Jacksonville, Alabama with a star-studded sold-out grand opening celebration at the “Live in Concert: Randy Owen and Friends” concert.

Some of the biggest names in country music gathered to honor Jax State alumnus and ALABAMA frontman Owen at the tribute concert, including Teddy Gentry, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Jamey Johnson, Pam Tillis, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Wills, Drake White, The Isaacs and Gordon Mote, all of who were kept secret from Owen ahead of the concert.

Each artist performed songs spanning ALABAMA’s Hall of Fame career while celebrating Owen’s impact on music, philanthropy and Jacksonville State University. The concert marked the official opening celebration of the new state-of-the-art facility, which will host concerts, educational programming, student performances, touring productions, and community events, while also serving as a learning environment for Jax State students pursuing careers in music and the performing arts.

Mark Wills. Photo: Brandon Phillips/Jax State Digital Media Services

“What took place says everything about what Randy Owen means to Jacksonville State University and to the country music industry,” says Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. “When artists and friends of this caliber come together to honor one person, it speaks to the respect Randy has earned through his career, his character, and the way he has invested in others throughout his life. Randy has never forgotten where he came from, and now future generations of students will have a place that inspires them to dream bigger, create boldly, and share their talents with the world. The impact of this facility and what it will represent will be felt at Jax State for decades to come.”

“My wishes, and my hopes, and my dreams are that someday some kid will come through here, like me, and when they leave here, they have a dream,” adds Owen. “Because if I can make it, anybody can. I’ve been so blessed to be here, and this is one day that I’ll never forget.”

The Isaacs. Photo: Brandon Phillips/Jax State Digital Media Services

The Oak Ridge Boys. Photo: Brandon Phillips/Jax State Digital Media Services

Luke Bryan. Photo: Brandon Phillips/Jax State Digital Media Services

Jamey Johnson. Photo: Brandon Phillips/Jax State Digital Media Services

Riley Green. Photo: Brandon Phillips/Jax State Digital Media Services

Jason Aldean. Photo: Brandon Phillips/Jax State Digital Media Services

The Ryan Seacrest Foundation Unveils Promotions & New Hires

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Katie Klochany, Laura Crawford & Daniel Skirpan. Photo: Courtesy of The Ryan Seacrest Foundation

The Ryan Seacrest Foundation has elevated two and added three new members to its team.

“As the Foundation continues to grow, we’re proud to invest in leaders who deeply understand the power of connection, creativity and joy in the healing process,” shares Meredith Seacrest Leach, CEO and Executive Director of The Ryan Seacrest Foundation. “This team is incredibly talented, and we know their efforts are only going to continue to strengthen RSF’s impact and create more meaningful moments for patients and families across the country.”

Katie Klochany has been promoted to Director of Engagement and Creative, and Laura Crawford has been elevated to Director of Entertainment Relations.

Klochany will lead the Foundation’s visual design efforts, while also supporting continuing education and professional development programs for Seacrest Studio teams across the network.

Crawford will continue expanding the Foundation’s industry partnerships and amplifying opportunities for talent visits, special experiences and memorable moments.

Daniel Skirpan joins the organization as Director of Engineering and Innovation. Megan Wordsworth has been added as Talent Coordinator, and Charlotte Torquato joins as Program Coordinator.

Skirpan will lead the Foundation’s technology and innovation efforts across RSF’s national studio network.

Wordsworth will support talent relations and entertainment programming, and Torquato will contribute to the day-to-day operations of the foundation and provide executive support.