GMA Dove Awards To Return To Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

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The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards will return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 6th, 2026. Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday (Dec. 15).

The Music City Fan Experience package tickets are available now, and include a night of worship at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, a new artist showcase, exclusive previews, a riverboat lunch cruise with performances, a three-night stay at the Sheraton Grand in downtown Nashville, round-trip transportation to all Fan Experience events and premium seating at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

Earlier this year at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, Brandon Lake was most awarded with five wins including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” honoring songwriters Lake, Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, and Benjamin William Hastings. Artist of the Year went to Forrest Frank and New Artist of the Year went to Leanna Crawford. CeCe Winans took home two awards including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come” with Shirley Caesar.

Sony Music Publishing Signs Global Deal With BigXthaPlug

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Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Publishing, Ari Gelaw, VP, Creative, Sony Music Publishing and BigXthaPlug. Photo: Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI

Award-winning, multi-Platinum breakout star BigXthaPlug has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing.

BigXthaPlug has broken ground with his sound that delves into his Texas roots, earning him widespread acclaim across rap, hip-hop and country. With a catalog that includes celebrated albums like Amar (2023) and Take Care (2024), his hits include “Texas” (double-Platinum), “Mmhmm” (triple-Platinum), “Levels” (double-Platinum) and “The Largest” (Platinum).

His latest album, I Hope You’re Happy, reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country and Top Rap Album charts and landed at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. It features collaborations with country powerhouses like Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Thomas Rhett, Jelly Roll and Shaboozey. BigXthaPlug’s single “All The Way” with Bailey Zimmerman hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the first track to claim No. 1 spots on both Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs and Country Songs charts simultaneously.

BigXthaPlug recently surprised fans with his brand-new single “Cold” featuring Post Malone, released in tandem with the deluxe version of I Hope You’re Happy.

Of the publishing news, BigXthaPlug shares, “Sony Music Publishing gets my vision and believes in my music, and I’m excited to be working with them. I look forward to all the great music that’s ahead.”

Ari Gelaw, Vice President, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing, says, “BigXthaPlug is a generational talent whose voice resonates on such a deep level. His ability to speak truth through his music is inspiring. It’s an honor to be partnering with him and his team and we look forward to championing his success into the future.”

Ricky Manning Inks With Electric Feel Publishing & Plush/Push Play Publishing

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Ricky Manning. Photo: Jessica Amerson

Singer-songwriter Ricky Manning has inked a publishing deal with Electric Feel Publishing and Plush/Push Play Publishing.

“Signing with Electric Feel/Push Play Publishing feels like coming home” shares Manning. “I truly believe I have finally found a group of people that I believe in just as much as they believe in me. It is invaluable to have a team that champions you in every room, and I am so lucky to have more than one with EF/Push Play.”

Nashville-based Manning has had cuts with Wyatt Flores, Boy In Space, LEW, Jamie Miller, Willow Avalon, Matt Schuster, Knox, Thomas Day, Maddie Zahm, and Johnny Orlando. He also co-penned Alexander Stewart’s breakout hit “blame’s on me,” which charted on Spotify’s Viral 50, featured on Pop Rising, and has garnered 135 million streams.

Manning co-writes with a variety of hit songwriters and artists, including Steph Jones, Sasha Sloan, Mike Robinson, Ross Copperman, Laura Veltz, Blake Pendergrass, Whakaio Taahi, King Henry, PJ Harding, Daniel Ross, Riley Biederer, Jordan Minton, Johnny Simpson, Sam Fischer, Dasha, Ashley Cooke, Ne-Yo, James Bay, Ben Kessler, Very Gently, MNEK, Jason Mraz, NEIKED, Loud Luxury and Sadie Jean, among others.

As an artist, Manning is currently working on his debut project. His solo-penned “Someone Else & Jesus” has garnered over 5 million views across platforms and more than 4 million streams. He released a new version of the tune with Dasha last Friday (Dec. 5).

“The first time I met Ricky, I knew he was special,” says Chandler Nicole Sherrill, Senior Director Creative, Electric Feel. “Ricky Manning is a truly exceptional talent, and we couldn’t be more excited to officially welcome him to the Electric Feel Publishing family alongside Push Play Publishing. His songwriting, artistry, and work ethic are rare, and with one of the most exciting voices in music today, we’re thrilled to support him as he continues to grow and create meaningful, impactful music.”

“PushPlay Publishing is thrilled to welcome Ricky Manning, one of the most exceptional singer-songwriters of his generation—exceptional because he is so deeply in touch with his own humanity and unafraid to pour it into his music,” shares Ethan Curtis, Founder, PushPlay. “A true puppeteer of emotion, Ricky pulls on the heartstrings of every listener with lyrics that feel lifted straight from their own minds and melodies that are nothing short of hypnotizing.”

“Ricky is an incredible and rare talent, both as a songwriter and artist,” adds Aton Ben-Horin, CEO, Plush Management. “The combination of his special vocal tone and compelling storytelling is infectious, and the authenticity shines through his music. We could not be more excited to join him on this next chapter of his journey!”

Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, More Among ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’ Lineup

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Additional performers have been revealed for the upcoming New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash special, airing live Dec. 31 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Marcus King, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Dwight Yoakam are all set to appear on the five-hour special, with special guest appearances by Dusty Slay, Entertainment Tonight‘s Cassie DiLaura, Sirius XM host Buzz Brainard and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) champion Kayla Harrison.

Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman will headline the event with special guest CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers, from Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

This year’s official New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash in-person watch party will take place at Luke Combs’ Category 10 in Nashville. Yoakam will take the stage to perform with Marcus King, with special appearances by Cody Alan and Caylee Hammack to ring in 2025. The official watch party is free and open to fans 21 and older on a first-come, first-served basis. Guaranteed entry tickets and VIP upgrade options can be purchased in advance here.

Jake Puliti Signs With Young Guns Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Matthew Jafari (Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem PLLC), Laura Alexander (SVP Creative, Young Guns Publishing), Jake Puliti, Will Hamrick (CEO, Young Guns Publishing), Laurie Gore (Creative/Admin Assistant) and Jason Turner (Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem PLLC. Photo: Mary Craven

Singer-songwriter and producer Jake Puliti has inked a global exclusive publishing deal with Young Guns Publishing.

Puliti co-penned Bailey Zimmerman’s “Comin’ In Cold” from his multi-Platinum project Different Night Same Rodeo. He has worked with artists across country and pop as a producer and songwriter. Across his credits, Puliti’s work has amassed millions of views across TikTok and other social platforms.

Puliti was a contestant on American Idol in 2019, and plays bass in Graham Barham’s band.

“I’m so amped to be a part of Young Guns Publishing. This partnership represents years of dedication, growth, faith, and a true belief in the power of songwriting,” shares Puliti. “I’m so blessed for the opportunity to evolve alongside such an incredible team.”

“Jake has a sense of musicianship that stuns me, and I just know his faith is driving him to really want to grow as a human and songwriter,” adds Young Guns Publishing’s Head of Creative, Laura Alexander. “After a two hour initial meeting with him, I immediately knew his personality and work ethic were going to fit in with our family at Young Guns. We are so excited to have Jake join Young Guns Publishing!”

Grammy Museum’s Industry Sessions Now Available For Graduate Extension Credit

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The Grammy Museum’s Industry Sessions are now eligible for graduate extension credit, in collaboration with Inspire Edu.

The suite of online courses is designed to equip emerging music creators, professionals and educators with industry-relevant knowledge, and the Industry Sessions lineup includes immersive six-week courses such as Songwriting 101 taught by Anika Paris, Content Creator 101 taught by Yulia Gonzalez, Music Business 101 taught by James McKinney, and Music Production 101 taught by Marcus Marshall, with guest professionals curated by Live Out L!VE.

Participants may enroll hour-free for non-credit access, or register for graduate extension credit for a fee through the Inspire Edu partnership. Applications are open now for the Spring 2026 sessions, with enrollment deadlines and start dates on the Museum’s website.

“We’ve seen a growing number of educators participating in Industry Sessions as a way to stay current with today’s music industry,” says Arin Canbolat, VP of Education and Community Engagement at the GRAMMY Museum. “By offering graduate extension credit, we’re able to support teachers in meeting continuing education requirements while also giving them practical, industry-informed learning they can bring directly back to their students.”

Highlights of the Industry Sessions program include direct engagement with music-industry professionals via moderated Q&A, enabling real-time learning and networking; graduate-level extension credit through Inspire Edu; and diverse course topics including songwriting, content creation, music business fundamentals, and hands-on production using DAWs.

Whiskey Myers, Randy Rogers & More To Play Ft. Worth Stockyards’ Syndicate Smokedown

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Syndicate Smokedown.

The Fort Worth Stock Show 2026 Syndicate Smokedown & Music Festival will return to the Fort Worth Stockyards on Saturday, April 18, 2026 for its fifth year. Whiskey Myers, Randy Rogers Band, Amanda Shires, Jason Scott and The High Heat, Ellis Bullard, The Broken Spokes and Weldon Henson are set to take the stage.

“For our 5th anniversary, we wanted a lineup that felt both elevated and unmistakably Texas,” says Andy Eldridge, Smokedown Festival Director, Fort Worth resident, and longtime member of the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate. “From Whiskey Myers and Randy Rogers Band to Amanda Shires and our all-Texas lineup during BBQ Time, this is the biggest music lineup year we’ve ever produced – one that should make the perfect soundtrack for a memorable day in the Stockyards.”

Tickets will go on sale on Friday (Dec. 12). The festival offers four levels of ticket packages. All ticket purchases benefit Texas youth in agriculture with financial support for ​​4-H and FFA students.

Caroline Fields To Head 2PM Sharp’s Nashville Office

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Caroline Fields

Caroline Fields has been hired to lead 2PM Sharp Publicity’s Nashville office, as first reported by Billboard. 

Prior to joining 2PM Sharp, Fields served as director of publicity at BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, where she worked publicity campaigns for artists including Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, Parmalee, Alexandra Kay, K. Michelle and more. A University of Tennessee graduate, she also previously held publicity roles at Absolute Publicity and AristoMedia Group.

Executives Lindsay Galin and Jeff Raymond launched 2PM Sharp in 2024. The Nashville office is 2PM Sharp’s fourth location, with offices in London and more than 20 publicists in New York and Los Angeles as well. The PR agency works with a variety of actors, musicians, athletes, filmmakers and comedians, in addition to corporate work, and in crisis management and awards campaigns.

Reach Fields at cfields@2pmsharp.com.

Clint Black To Release Memoir

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Clint Black will release his memoir, KILLIN’ TIME: My Life and Music, on May 19 via Harper Influence, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Maddie Pillari, Editor, will edit the book.

KILLIN’ TIME showcases Black’s journey from a tough childhood on the outskirts of Houston to his rise as a country music superstar and icon. Taking from decades of songwriting, performing, and personal trials, the memoir gives an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes account of the highs and lows that shaped his career and life. Black has sold over twenty million records, notched twenty-two number one singles, and has won countless awards.

“This is the story of a dreamer with a persistent soul. After ten years of playing clubs in Texas, I never knew if I’d get the chance to record my music in Nashville. And then, in one year, my life changed forever,” says Black. “If my story—this crazy, 40-year rollercoaster ride, can inspire that young singer-songwriter rinsing and repeating every day, or reinforce the person struggling through a seemingly endless grind in the pursuit of a dream, well, then, I’ll know my life has made a difference.”

“Clint Black is part of the fabric of America,” says Harper Influence Publisher Lisa Sharkey. “An icon in the world of country music, Clint’s talent spans nearly 40 years of our culture. His tough Texas upbringing and his rise to the pinnacle of his craft coupled with his love story with wife and actress Lisa Hartman will leave you with a new appreciation for this extraordinary man and his music.”

“This is more than a musician’s memoir; it’s the definitive account of a transformative era in country music.” adds Pillari.

Pre-order for the book is available now.

Michael Huppe & Gene Simmons Testify Before Congress For American Music Fairness Act

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KISS founder Gene Simmons testifies before the Balancing the Interests of Local Radio, Songwriters, and Performers in the Digital Age hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property. Photo: Thomas Brenner

Yesterday (Dec. 9), Gene Simmons and SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe appeared before Congress in support of the American Music Fairness Act (S.326), which would require AM/FM radio stations to pay artists royalties when their songs are played on the air.

Simmons and Huppe spoke during the Balancing the Interests of Local Radio, Songwriters, and Performers in the Digital Age hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property.

“American artists have never been paid for radio airplay,” Simmons addressed Senators. “Not one cent … Meanwhile, radio made $14 billion this year. Billion with a B. They play our songs. People tune in to hear our songs. Advertisers pay big money to reach those listeners. And the artists who created the music that makes it all work? They get bupkis. I don’t know about you, but where I come from, that’s called robbery.

“The American Music Fairness Act is the answer to this injustice,” he continued. “It’s not complicated. It simply says that when radio makes money playing our music, the people who created that music should get a fair cut. That’s capitalism. That’s the American way. I’ve devoted my life to the pursuit of capitalism. I’m not ashamed to say that. The free market made KISS possible. It made America the greatest country on Earth. And it should work for artists today, too. In America, you get paid for your work.”

“Congress has stepped up time and again to modernize the law to ensure that artists are paid when their music is played on digital, satellite, and streaming services, but it has yet to fix this problem for FM radio,” shared Huppe. “We’re asking you to finally close this glaring loophole in our copyright law which has been giving one of the oldest music delivery platforms a free ride for far too long.”

“Even Russia and China pay,” Huppe continued. “We are in the company of the most notorious abusers of property rights in the world—joining North Korea, Iran, and Cuba. Because we don’t pay artists for radio in the U.S., other countries use that as an excuse avoid paying Americans. It’s gotten so bad that countries like France will actually collect American royalties yet give those royalties to French artists. Americans are losing out on hundreds of millions of dollars overseas every year – on top of what they’re losing here at home.”

Full testimony and video of the hearing are available here.

The American Music Fairness Act was first introduced in 2022 . In 2023, Senators Padilla and Blackburn officially introduced the bill. Since then, there have been multiple hearings and bill re-introductions.