CRS Announces Lineup For ‘Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat’

The lineup for the “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat” showcase at CRS 2023 has been announced. Chris Young will headline the evening with support from Avery Anna, Dalton Dover, Megan Moroney and Dylan Schneider.

Named after Amazon Music’s flagship country playlist Country Heat, the bill reflects the playlist’s mix of chart-topping hits and breaking singles from both established acts and up-and-coming artists.

“We’re thrilled to bring Country Heat back to CRS this year,” shares Amazon Music’s Head of Country Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer. “We’ve curated a lineup leading with superstar, Chris Young, and featuring four stars on the rise who were also selected as 2023 Breakthrough Artists to Watch by our programming team, and we can’t wait for attendees to watch.”

The event will take place on Monday, March 13, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Broadway Performance Hall at the Omni Nashville Hotel and will close out the first day of CRS 2023.

Pip Wynans Joins Crowd Surf As Digital Marketing Manager

Pip Wynans has joined Crowd Surf as Digital Marketing Manager.

The Nashville-based Wynans received a Masters in Music Business at Berklee College of Music in July 2021 and worked as an Outreach Coordinator at Songfluencer before joining Crowd Surf.

“We are delighted to welcome Pip to our Nashville team! She brings her expertise on social trends, culture and diversity to the table as well as an excitement for marketing on a global scale which will further broaden our clients’ reach and ultimately fanbases,” shares Crowd Surf founders Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver.

Crowd Surf’s Nashville roster of clients includes Anne Wilson, Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, Eli Young Band, Scotty McCreery, Universal Music Nashville, Sony Music Nashville, Capitol Christian Music Group, Jimmie Allen, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, and more.

Kelsea Ballerini Makes ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut

Kelsea Ballerini on Saturday Night Live. Photo: Will Heath

Kelsea Ballerini capped off the release of her deeply personal Rolling Up the Welcome Mat EP with two performances on Saturday Night Live over the weekend.

Ballerini performed the questioning “Blindsided” at Rockefeller Center’s Studio 8H in front of a backdrop that had a shadow figure meeting her querying self.

“It was such a big moment,” Ballerini explains. “We wanted to add an element that made the song and the performance more. When we talked about what the song was about, all the pieces of doubt and realizing what was going on, the shadow seemed to be the right thing.”

She returned later in the show for the vulnerable “Penthouse” wearing a silky white Valentino gown and standing alone in the curve of a white grand piano.

Rolling Up the Welcome Mat has already racked up over 40 million streams, and Ballerini is set to kick off the second leg of her “Heartfirst Tour” tomorrow in Toronto. She’ll visit cities throughout the Midwest and East Coast, closing out on March 18 in Pittsburgh, before kicking off the third leg of the journey in June.

Zandi Holup Signs With Arthouse Entertainment, Turntable Music & UMPG

Pictured (L-R): Jim Zumwalt, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Ben Johnson (Turntable Music), Zandi Holup, Kara DioGuardi (Arthouse Entertainment), Missy Roberts (UMPG), Gabrielle Kelly (Arthouse Entertainment), Christian Barker.

Zandi Holup signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Arthouse Entertainment and Turntable Music in partnership with Universal Music Publishing.

Holup is a Pennsylvania transplant who began writing songs at 12 years old before moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2018, where she co-wrote Kylie Morgan’s “If He Wanted To He Would.” Ben Johnson, Founder of Turntable Music, introduced Holup to Kara DioGuardi, Co-CEO and Founder of Arthouse Entertainment.

“Zandi has the rare gift of telling her story in such a moving way that you instantly feel like her truth relates to you, even if you haven’t lived it exactly as she has,” says DioGuardi. “We are so excited to be a part of her launch.”

Johnson says, “Zandi is an incredible talent and person. We are so excited to be partnering with such a special team to work with such a special artist.”

UMPG Nashville’s Vice President of A&R Missy Roberts comments “Zandi’s honest and authentic songwriting coupled with her standout vocal made an immediate impact on me. Getting to be part of her journey alongside Arthouse and Turntable Music is an absolute dream.”

Harper Grace Signs With Curb, Jonas Group, WME

Pictured (L-R, back row): Founders Legal Entertainment Group’s Aaron Rice, Curb Records’ Ciara Shortridge and WME’s Abby Wells Baas. (L-R, front row) Jonas Group’s Phil Guerini and Harper Grace.

Curb Records has announced the addition of singer-songwriter Harper Grace to their roster. Grace also celebrates signing with Jonas Group Entertainment and WME. Her first original song “Sparkle” is set for release on March 17.

“We are thrilled to welcome Harper Grace to our wonderful roster of artists,” shares Mike Curb, Curb Records Chairman. “Curb has seen great things from her as a songwriter and we are excited to be part of her future as an artist.”

“Can’t put into words how surreal this opportunity is,” Grace adds. “I’m in complete awe that something I’ve dreamt about as a little girl is coming to pass in this moment. I’m forever grateful to be a part of the Curb family, joined by the amazing teams at Jonas Group Entertainment and WME. I thank God for continuing to open doors and opportunities, and I’m looking forward to continuing to share my story and my music.”

This newly-signed recording artist first entered the spotlight at age 11 with her national anthem performance that garnered widespread criticism. Seven years later, the Texas native redeemed herself by returning to the same stadium and delivering a stellar performance of the song. Now residing in Nashville, her forthcoming track “Oh Say Can You See” is an autobiographical dedication to her 11-year-old self.

Grace will also perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a variety of sporting events and conferences across the country, with an upcoming performance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena ahead of SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 9.

19th Annual Ringside: A Fight For Kids & A Win For The Charley Foundation

Pictured (L-R): Rex Linn, Reba McEntire, Maverick Management’s Marne McLyman and Terri Clark at the 19th annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids at The Factory’s Liberty Hall. Photo: Abigail Volkmann

Friday night’s sold-out 19th annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin, Tennessee was a knockout success for The Charley Foundation and the children’s charities it supports.

The premier charity boxing gala event featured four Rumble on the Row bouts with Nashville music industry and business professionals squaring off in the ring. The crowd was treated to the National Anthem performed by Warner Music Nashville/Buena Vista Records duo Temecula Road, a silent auction and gourmet dining before the evening’s main attraction.

Notable guests for the annual event included Reba McEntire, actor Rex Linn, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, Terri Clark and Chris Young, who turned out to support the boxers and the Charley Foundation, which provides assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.

Rumble on the Row bout decisions were as follows:

  • Ryan Hamblin (Co-Owner/Director/Photographer, BrainStem Digital) defeated Will Carnahan (Photographer/Director, Will Call Cinematic, LLC)
  • Emily Vincent (Artist Manager, Torrez Music Group) defeated Evane Stone (Entrepreneur)
  • Tripp King (Account Manager, FBMM) defeated Drew Magid (Artist Manager, Big Loud)
  • Dorothy Young (Huskins-Harris Business Management, Inc.) defeated Marne McLyman (Manager, Maverick Management)

“I couldn’t be prouder of the boxers for their time and commitment,” said The Charley Foundation Founder and Ringside Producer Carolyn Miller. “They all worked so hard to prepare for their bouts and their selfless efforts will directly impact the lives of area children in need.”

In Pictures: Inaugural Rock The Ryman Concert

Pictured (L-R): Phillip Sweet and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town; President and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Greg Harris; Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

The first-ever “Rock The Ryman” concert took place on March 1 at the historic Ryman Auditorium to celebrate the intersection of rock & roll and country. This event was sponsored by PNC Bank and Gibson Gives.

The evening featured performances by Little Big Town, The War and Treaty, Charlie Worsham, Gavin DeGraw, Maddie & Tae, Caitlyn Smith and The Cadillac Three.

This one-night concert experience honored Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have performed at the Ryman. Maddie & Tae performed “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, Gavin DeGraw sang “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney, Caitlyn Smith did “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, Little Big Town performed “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, and The War and Treaty played “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett.

Proceeds from the event help preserve and celebrate the history of the genre and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the Ryman.

Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty perform onstage for Rock The Ryman Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

Pictured (L-R): Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town perform onstage for Rock The Ryman. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

Pictured (L-R): Tae Kerr and Maddie Font of Maddie & Tae perform onstage for Rock The Ryman. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

Caitlyn Smith performs onstage for Rock The Ryman. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

Morgan Wallen Celebrates New Album By Breaking Multiple Records

Morgan Wallen performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Ryan Smith

Country superstar Morgan Wallen released his third studio album, One Thing At A Time, on Friday (March 3).

To celebrate, he invited 19,292 fans to a free show at Bridgestone Arena, setting an all-time attendance for the arena according to EVP of Entertainment & Venues David Kells. In addition to the near 20,000 fans who filled the stadium on Friday, over a million tuned in on Wallen’s livestream of the event.

In addition to breaking the Bridgestone Arena attendance record, Wallen also smashed a few Spotify records, with One Thing At A Time becoming the platform’s most-streamed country album in a single day by a male artist and the largest streaming debut of any genre in 2023.

Morgan Wallen performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Ryan Smith

The energy in Bridgestone Arena was electric with anticipation until Wallen made his way to to a small, circular stage in the middle of the venue. The crowd went berserk when the 29-year-old appeared on screen, as he was backstage preparing to start the show. When he emerged and made his way to the stage, the volume of the crowd was deafening.

Of the new, 36-song album, Wallen played 15 selections, making sure to perform examples of the album’s themes of heartache, redemption, romance and hell-raising. The crowd already knew many of the lyrics to the hours-old songs.

He kicked things off with the album-opener, “Born With A Beer In My Hand” and followed it with the title track. Fans really seemed to enjoy “Keith Whitley,” a song about the singer’s impact on his own life and career.

He shared, “Keith Whitley is one of my favorite artists of all time. I always felt he died too young and had a whole lot more magic left in him…this is one of my favorite songs on this record.”

Later in the set, Wallen dedicated new song “Dying Man” to his two-year-old son. “In ‘Dying Man,’ I’m singing to a woman. In real life, this song is dedicated to my son. He has changed everything for me and has been a real blessing. He’s here tonight, so I’m sending this song out to him.”

Morgan Wallen performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Ryan Smith

To reflect Wallen’s hip-hop influences, he played the album’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Sunrise” and “180 Lifestyle.” The crowd really went crazy for the new one, “Last Night,” which has been circulating on TikTok for the last few weeks.

One of the most well-received tunes was “Tennessee Fan.” Volunteer fans in the audience, who guessed Wallen would play it, flashed their UT gear as the camera panned around the stage.

Wallen was also able to perform his latest No. 1 song “Thought You Should Know” as well as other past hits “Sand In My Boots,” “Chasin’ You,” “More Than My Hometown,” “Whiskey Glasses” and “Wasted On You.” He closed out the evening with “You Proof,” which thrilled the packed crowd.

Wallen will launch his “One Night At A Time World Tour” overseas on March 15. For dates for the 63-show tour, click here.

Sam Hunt To Kick Off ‘Summer On The Outskirts’ Tour In July

Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt will kick off his “Summer On The Outskirts Tour” on July 6 with special guests Brett Young and Lily Rose.

The new tour will make stops at amphitheaters and pavilions across the country in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, New York, Raleigh, Tampa, St. Louis and more through Sept. 9. 

Tickets for the Verizon presale will be available tomorrow (March 7), with additional presales available throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale starting Friday, March 10 at samhunt.com. Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, including premium tickets, an invitation to the Sam Hunt VIP Lounge, a VIP-exclusive gift item, tour poster and more. For more information, visit  vipnation.com.

Hunt’s 2020 sophomore album Southside continues to yield hits, after landing at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The Platinum-selling project features 12 songs all written by Hunt including his No. 1 hits “Kinfolks,” “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” “Hard To Forget,” and his three-week No. 1, nine-time Platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated smash, “Body Like A Back Road.” Hunt also wrote his recent eighth chart-topping hit, “23,” his latest radio staple “Water Under the Bridge,” and brand new tracks, “Start Nowhere” and “Walmart.”

Carrie Underwood Sparkles & Stuns During Sold-Out Bridgestone Spectacle

Carrie Underwood performs during sold-out “Denim & Rhinestones” show at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Carrie Underwood continues to shimmer in venues across the nation as she serenades crowds with a mix of new and notable songs on her “Demin & Rhinestones Tour.” Fellow country star Jimmie Allen has served as support on all dates the journey. On Wednesday evening, March 1, the two made their way back to Nashville to perform for a sold-out Bridgestone Arena.

Allen instantly pumped up the crowd as he kicked off the night. From his shiny ensembles to his audience interactions, he radiated confidence and elevated every spirit in the arena with songs “Best Shot,” “Down Home” and more.

Allen high-fived and snapped selfies with fans as he belted “Freedom Was A Highway.” At one point, he jumped off stage and immersed himself in the guests below as his set concluded. Once back on stage, he took off his first layer of clothing, revealing a loose black tank top, and introduced us to his exceptionally skilled band. Allen stripped the tank top, continuing his performance in a white undershirt, which he then removed and threw into the horde beneath. He then thanked everyone for coming and kissed the crowd goodbye, eliciting many cheers as the lights began to fade.

A DJ stepped on after Allen to keep the energy high as attendees awaited Underwood’s arrival.

A blend of blue, purple and pink lights began to beam throughout the venue as the sound of an electric guitar projected from the cool flash of colors on stage. Suddenly, something popped and silver and purple streamers began to swirl up above, covering the seats of Bridgestone as they floated down to reveal Underwood rising up from the stage.

Her bedazzed black outfit glistened with hints of multi-colored jewels as she ascended on a platform above the audience and the beats of “Good Girl” began to boom. She then descended onto the solid ground of the stage, maintaining the tone with “Church Bells,” a choir singing along on the screen behind her.

“Nashville! How’s everbody doing tonight?” Underwood asked the crowd. “This our hometown show. Are you guys going to help us blow the roof off this place or what?”

She received an abundance of screams in response. The beginning notes of “Undo It” from her 2009 album Play On blasted as the shouting voices vanished.

Her astonishing vocal range was beautifully exhibited throughout the entire concert, and she made the stage her own as she danced and jammed out with her band.

Underwood moved from the older tune to one her latest Denim & Rhinestone tracks “Hate My Heart,” which she wrote alongside David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey and Michael Hardy. She followed with another Play On throwback, “Cowboy Casanova,” before disappearing under the lights.

A silhouette wearing a dark cowboy hat emerged as Underwood rose from the stage once again, gilded in a gold romper and boots this time. The figure was quickly identified by attendees as “If I Didn’t Love You” began to play and Underwood’s stunning sound was soon accompanied by Jason Aldean as they moved toward the middle of the stage singing their chart-topping duet.

Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean perform during sold-out “Denim & Rhinestones” show at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jeff Johnson

She then brought us back to her early days of artistry with “Wasted” from her 2005 debut record Some Hearts. Underwood dissipated from the eyes of the audience again, and returned draped in a platinum fringe cape with a cowboy hat accessorizing her blonde curls and a glass of red wine in hand.

“I felt like I needed to go downstairs for a minute a get a little extra countryfied for y’all,” she explained. Underwood went on share a little about the next song she planned to sing.

“In country music, as you all are very well aware in Nashville, Tennessee, one thing that we get to do that I feel like a lot of other genres don’t really get to do that much is tell a story. The day we were writing this particular story in the form of a song, I had very specific characters in my head that I was thinking about. For me, in the movie I was playing in my head, the stars were Dolly and Jolene.”

She continued, noting that she didn’t understand how any women could steal a man away from Parton, and began to perform her twist on the classic Jolene tale, “She Don’t Know,” featured on Denim & Rhinestones.

There was never a dull moment as Underwood continued to wow the room, returning to her platform to for the title of her 2012 collection, “Blown Away,” in flowing blue gown, the screen depicting the winds of a tornado in background. The special effects only intensified with “Burn.” Each time Underwood sang the chorus, flames engulfed the front edge of stage and vague streams of smoke fizzled into the atmosphere. Portions of a pink disco ball swirled on screen as she dove into “Cry Pretty,” which earned many whistles and cheers with every high note hit.

Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley perform during sold-out “Denim & Rhinestones” show at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jeff Johnson

During “Ghost Story,” she traveled across the venue via a flowery swing, landing on a stage on the opposite side of the arena. Red beams shot straight up from the alternate structure as Underwood, dressed in a jumpsuit layered with a metallic mesh strummed a jet black guitar, thrilled the masses with “Two Black Cadillacs,” another Blown Away tune. The superstar shared that she likes playing a few songs atop her swinging destination because she loves being able to see every face in audience at one point or another during her shows. “I put myself in harms way so I can see everyone,” Underwood admitted. “But it is my favorite part of the show.”

She described the creative process behind the tour’s namesake and stated that during the pandemic, she decide she just wanted to have fun with the project. Underwood then recognized “Garden,” one Demin & Rhinestone song that she feels has a lot of heart pumping through it, and put that heart on full display as she sang.

A “Paisleywood” reunion ensued when Brad Paisley joined her for their hit “Remind Me.” The former CMA Awards co-hosts engaged in some musical banter, delighting guests with nostalgia. The nostalgia proceeded as she followed with the powerful “Jesus, Take The Wheel” before moving into her gospel track “How Great Thou Art.”

Carrie Underwood performs during sold-out “Denim & Rhinestones” show at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Underwood ditched the metallic mesh and climbed aboard a white saturn-like orb with a neon pink ring. She sailed back to the main stage, singing “Crazy Angels” as she twisted and turned in an array of acrobatic motions.

Changing into black cut-off shorts, a sparkly striped long sleeve top, and black and white cowboys boots, Underwood didn’t slow down, rocking out with her band as she introduced each member and showcased her own drum skills.

Joined by Allen, she then moved into her most recent title and tour track “Denim & Rhinestones.” Twinkling in their attire, the pair performed a little choreography, adding to the already electric environment, before Underwood entered an early career piece “Flat On the Floor.” She stuck with the throwback theme, following with “Last Name.”

Switching back into a flowing gown and raised on the platform, she made waves with “Something in the Water.” The mood shifted as donned a black leather jacket embedded with the Guns N’ Roses logo as well as the cut-offs, and treated everyone to a rendition of “Welcome to the Jungle.”

Carrie Underwood and Jimmie Allen perform during sold-out “Denim & Rhinestones” show at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Underwood closed out her incredible production with iconic single “Before He Cheats,” the crowd screaming the lyrics with their hands in air, the night ending on an immense high.