Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen’s ‘Superman’ Lands At No. 1

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen‘s new track “Superman” off of his album I’m The Problem tops the country songs chart this week. According to Luminate data, the song notched 14 million streams.

Wallen also keeps his position at No. 1 and 2 on the country albums chart with One Thing At A Time (48K) and Dangerous: The Double Album (35K). Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going maintains No. 3 with 32K in total consumption, while Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion takes No. 4 with 23K. Rounding out the chart at No. 5 is Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak with 19K.

Elsewhere on the country songs chart, Wallen’s “Just In Case” and “I’m The Problem” take No. 2 and No. 5 with 14 and 12 million streams, respectively. At No. 3, BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “All The Way” garners 13 million streams and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song” takes the No. 4 spot with 12 million streams.

Artist Action: Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood, Riley Green, More

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Luke Bryan Wraps California ‘Farm Tour’ Dates and ‘American Idol’ Season

John Foster, Luke Bryan. Photo: Disney/Christopher Willard

Luke Bryan wrapped his first-ever California run of the “Farm Tour” with a three-show weekend in Atwater, Clovis and Shafter, drawing more than 57,000 fans. Since the tour began in 2009, Bryan has awarded 87 scholarships to students from farming families who are attending local colleges or universities near his tour stops.

Following the wrap of tour, Bryan concluded the most recent season of ABC’s American Idol alongside fellow judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie. The 2025 season marked his eighth consecutive year as a celebrity judge. Jamal Roberts was named the 2025 American Idol winner.

Additionally, Bryan is set to launch his “Country Song Came On Tour” on May 29 and the fall “Farm Tour” dates will run Sept 18-20.

Cody Johnson Makes Surprise ‘American Idol’ Appearance

Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood, Slater Nalley. Photo: Disney/Christopher Willard

Cody Johnson made a surprise appearance on the season finale of American Idol, performing alongside judge and global superstar Carrie Underwood and contestant Slater Nalley. Johnson surprised Nalley mid-song to perform his multi-week No. 1 duet with Underwood, “I’m Gonna Love You.”

This is Johnson’s second consecutive appearance on the American Idol finale after performing “Til You Can’t” with contestant Triston Harper in 2024.

Riley Green Announces Collaboration With Boot Barn

Riley Green.

Riley Green is teaming up with Boot Barn to launch Boot Barn x Riley Green: Riley Green’s Top Picks. The curated capsule was hand-selected by Green and features concert-ready looks and everyday staples that reflect his own style.

To explore the collection, click here.

The War And Treaty Make ‘American Idol’ Appearance

Photo: Disney/Christopher Willard

On May 18, The War And Treaty performed “Hey Driver,” their hit collaboration originally recorded with Zach Bryan, alongside contestant Thunderstorm on the Season 23 finale of American Idol.

The duo is currently in the midst of their headline tour, with upcoming performances at The Troubadour in Los Angeles, Bottle Rock Napa Valley Music Festival and CMA Fest.

The performance is available here.

Country Radio Seminar Reveals 2025-2026 Agenda Committee Members

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Country Radio Broadcasters has revealed its Agenda Committee leaders and members for the 2025-2026 Country Radio Seminar year.

The 2025-2026 Committee members include Andrea Burtscher (Audacy), Tanner Davenport (White Boy MGMT/Black Opry), Gideon Dean (Local Daily Media), Katie Dean (Leo33), Paisley Dunn-Banks (7 Mountains Media), Sarah Frazier (Audacy), Bridget Herrmann (Red Street Records), Jamice Jennings (RECORDS Nashville), Jess Jennings (iHeart/KSSN/KKIX), Ileana Landon (Megatrax Production Music), Bo Matthews (Super Hi-Fi), Charlie Maxx (Forever Media/Futuri Media), Nicole Michalik (Beasley Media), Jennipher Miller (Cumulus Media), Brooks O’Brian (Cumulus Media Indy), Scott Roddy (Audacy), Lo Sessions (Radio One/KKBQ), Jennifer Shaffer (BMG/Wheelhouse Records), Jimmy Steal (Collective Heads Consulting), Jude Walker (Townsquare Media) and Neil Wilson (Neil Wilson Voiceovers).

Returning to lead the Agenda Committee this year are Shelley Hargis (BMG/BBR Music Group) as Chair and Krista Hayes-Pruitt (BMG/BBR Music Group) as Co-Vice Chair, with Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting) joining the CRS 2026 leadership team for the first time as Co-Vice Chair.

Brittani Johnson (The Core Entertainment) will lead the agenda content for the Digital Music Summit, which will return to CRS 2026. The Digital Music Summit Team also includes Sarah DeMarco (Amazon), Jared Meyer (Q Prime South), Ed Rivadavia (mtheory) and Bryan Webb (Apple).

“Each year, I get more and more excited about the future of our industry,” says Hargis. “We continue to have record numbers of applicants for the Agenda Committee, and it’s so inspiring to see so many people invested and passionate about growing our industry and making it better!  I am thrilled with our team this year and can’t wait to get to work to bring you the best CRS Agenda ever!”

Blake Shelton To Headline The Smoke Show

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Blake Shelton. Photo: Robby Klein

Blake Shelton has been announced as headliner for The Smoke Show on Aug. 9 in Albuquerque.

Presale tickets for The Smoke Show begin May 29, with general on-sale starting May 30, and more information is available at abqsmokeshow.com.

The announcement comes on the heels of Luke Combs and Cody Johnson headlining the Boots In The Park Festival in Albuquerque last weekend. The two-day event drew tens of thousands of country fans to the sold-out festival featuring powerhouse performances by Combs, Johnson, Jon Pardi, Parker McCollum and many more.

“We were absolutely blown away by the support and excitement Albuquerque brought to Boots In The Park,” says Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “The response from fans exceeded all expectations, and we couldn’t wait to announce our return with The Smoke Show. Having Blake Shelton headline this new event is the perfect way to keep the country party going in New Mexico.”

Alan Jackson Retires From Touring; Announces Final Show In Nashville

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Alan Jackson. Photo: Ty Helbach

Alan Jackson officially wrapped his “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour” on Saturday (May 17), marking the final touring show of his career.

“It’s been a long, sweet ride. It started 40 years ago this September,” he recalled from stage. “I’ve really lived the American dream for sure – so blessed.”

During the set, Jackson announced plans to hold a final show in Nashville in summer 2026. Plans for the show will be revealed at a later date.

“We just felt like we had to end it all where it all started, and that’s in Nashville, Tennessee – Music City – where country music lives. I gotta do the last one there,” he said. “This is the last one out on the road for me.”

Jackson, who announced in 2019 that he’s living with a neurological disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth, donated a portion of every ticket sale to the CMT Research Foundation. Over $2.25 million dollars were directly and indirectly raised by the tour through donations, matching contributions and efforts as well as other revenue inspired by Jackson and the tour.

“I just have to thank y’all for supporting my music all these years, coming to the shows, buying the records and having a good time with us,” Jackson says. “I’m so fortunate, so lucky.”

Avery Anna Visualizes Sophomore Album With Short Film

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Alongside the release of her sophomore album, Let Go Letters, last Friday (May 16), Avery Anna brought the album to life with a short film. The video blends together the music videos for “Cheerios,” “Danny Don’t,” “Depression,” “Grave” and “Skinny.”

Anna co-directed the film alongside Ben Humphrey, Kate Bowling and Tyler Shoemaker. The short film weaves together five thematically linked music videos to create a narrative that brings the album’s message to life. Between the videos, there are moments of Anna reading from her “Let Go Letters” series, an outlet she created where her listeners release painful experiences by writing them down and sending them in. These letters served as the foundation for both the songs and visual storytelling, exploring powerful subjects like body image, depression, suicide, addiction and domestic violence.

YouTube video

“I started asking people for their letters because I wanted to give them some kind of emotional outlet, but they ended up shifting my whole perspective on so many things in life,” says Anna. “After a while, it felt almost impossible not to write about the letters, and over time, this album became a way to thank everyone for being so vulnerable and sharing their lives with me.”

“This was a whole new world I stepped into for this album, trying to best portray the pains and struggles people have shared with me through their beautiful letters,” she continues. “I hope they feel seen when they watch this film.”

Anna’s sophomore album Let Go Letters features 14 tracks, with five solo-penned tracks by Anna and co-write credits on the rest. The project was produced with David Fanning and features fan favorite tracks “Mr. Predictable,” “Wish You Well,” “Danny Don’t,” “Grave” and more, as well as a collaboration with Maggie Antone on “Giddy Up!”

Industry Ink: Song Suffragettes, Spirit Music Group, Jimmy Capps, ‘Cold War Country’

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Song Suffragettes Partners With Musicana And Hispanic Entertainment Alliance

Pictured (L-R): Uriah Solis, Jackie Martinez Marushka (Founder, Hispanic Entertainment Alliance), Karina Daza (artist and Founder, Musicana), Mia Morris, Alyssia Dominguez, MŌRIAH, Kat Luna, Angie K (artist and Founder of Country Latin Association) and Todd Cassetty (Founder, Song Suffragettes). Photo: Rebecca Anne.

Song Suffragettes partnered with Musicana and Hispanic Entertainment Alliance for a night of music featuring Alyssia Dominguez, Angie K, Karina Daza, Kat Luna, MŌRIAH and Song Suffragettes’ multi-instrumentalist, Mia Morris. Over 200 people packed the Listening Room Café to hear each of the women in the round perform three of their own songs and finish with an “all sing” medley of Selena’s “Como La Flor,” “Baila Esta Cumbia” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” arranged by Dominguez.

To view a recording of the show, click here.

 

Spirit Music Group And Champagne Breakfast Team To Host Nashville Sync Camp

Spirit Music Group team, Champagne Breakfast team and participating writers.

Spirit Music Group recently teamed up with Champagne Breakfast to host a Nashville Sync Camp at Spirit’s Nashville offices and recording studios. Over the course of three days, artists, writers and producers worked in writing sessions designed to inspire, connect, and provide a creative environment for collaboration through briefs given by music supervisors across media.

This year’s writers included Spirit Music Nashville’s Bobby Hamrick, Brock Westover, Cale Dodds, Jessica Cayne, Joy Williams, Justin Halpin and Mike Fiorentino as well as Champange Breakfast’s Anna Graceman, Beacon Light, Bryan Dawley, Christian Harger, Geoff Duncan, Levi Bennington, Que Parks, Teddy Boldt and Tyler Ewing.

Music supervision and production clients included Shelby Britten, Trailer Music Supervisor, Seismic Productions; Jon Moshier, Executive Music Producer at Doner Advertising; Aaron Mercer, Co-President, Premier Music Group; Ashley Young, Associate Music Supervisor, GrandSon Creative; and Anna Romanoff, Music Supervisor, Yay Team Inc.

 

Memorial Honoring Jimmy Capps To Be Unveiled June 1 At Spring Hill Cemetery

Jimmy Capps. Photo: Chris Hollo

A memorial honoring the late Jimmy Capps will be unveiled on the fifth anniversary of his passing (June 1) at Spring Hill Cemetery. The free public event will take place at 3 p.m. and will include live music, remarks from fellow musicians, Opry members, and family, and a blessing over the newly installed monument, which sits near other notable country music greats.

Known as “The Man in Back,” Capps left an indelible mark on countless recordings by legends like George Jones, Tammy Wynette and Alan Jackson, and served as a beloved fixture in the Grand Ole Opry band for over six decades. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

 

‘Cold War Country’ Awarded Belmont Book Award

Cold War Country: How Nashville’s Music Row and the Pentagon Created the Sound of American Patriotism by Joseph M. Thompson has been dubbed 2025’s Top Country Music Book by Belmont Book Award.

The announcement was made by Don Cusic, Founder and Chair of the Belmont Book Award. The presentation will be made on May 30 at the annual International Country Music Conference at Belmont University.

For more information on the conference, click here.

Sheltered Music Publishing Partners With Crystal Pony Publishing; Signs Will Banister

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Pictured (L-R): Roger Springer, Dena Weaver (Crystal Pony Publishing), Will Banister & Darrell Franklin (Sr VP Sheltered Music).

Sheltered Music Publishing has began a new creative partnership with Roger Springer, Dena Weaver and Crystal Pony Publishing. The first signing for the joint venture is country singer-songwriter Will Banister.

“This partnership with Roger and Crystal Pony felt like a perfect fit from the first conversation,” says Darrell Franklin, Senior Vice President of Sheltered Music Publishing. “Roger’s passion for country music and his track record of nurturing talent is unmatched. We’re excited to work together to find and elevate artists who are carrying the torch for authentic country music.”

“Thank you Lance [Freed], Darrell, and Freeman [Wizer] for your passion and belief in what we’re building together,” adds Springer. “We’re honored to have your guidance and love for country music alongside us.”

New Mexico native Banister grew up on traditional country, and has curated a dedicated fanbase with his classic sound. Co-produced with Chuck Ainlay, his new EP will drop this spring with the first single “Forever” released last Friday (May 16). He also co-wrote Jake Worthington’s “It Ain’t The Whiskey” alongside Worthington, Jeff Hyde and Springer.

“When I first heard Will I was immediately struck by the tone and texture of his voice—it reminded me of Merle Haggard and Keith Whitley,” continues Franklin.

“It is such an honor to sign with Crystal Pony and Sheltered,” shares Banister. “I’m excited to be part of a team that truly believes in me and in the kind of country music I grew up loving.”

“Will Banister is one of the best artist-writers I’ve seen in a long time,” adds Springer. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to Crystal Pony and can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.”

SongwritingWith:Soldiers Announces New Music Initiative To Share Vet-Created Songs

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SongwritingWith:Soldiers is introducing a new music initiative that will produce and release music written during retreats to help create a deeper understanding of the veteran experience and raise civilian awareness of the challenges the military community faces.

The first two new tracks from the program will be available on all streaming platforms on May 23. “The Man You Used To Know,” was written by veteran Bruce Anderson, his wife Lesley and songwriter/producer Trent Willmon, who performed the track.

“I appreciate anybody who serves our country,” says Willmon. “They are the folks that keep us free. So many times we forget that. We kind of take them for granted. Sometimes they sacrifice everything. So it’s a wonderful opportunity for somebody like me who didn’t serve, to give back and try to honor and better understand the experiences of that community.”

“At Ease,” was written at a retreat by veterans Chadrick Allen, Rhonda Chavez, Sally Griffiths, Justin Lilley, Benjamin Liotta, Carlos Gomez Perez, Robert Heathe Shumate and Tristan Wimmer along with songwriters James House, Will Kimbrough, Mark Nesler and Terry Radigan.

“‘At Ease’ is a gentle, soulful tribute to the fallen: those who succumbed to their wounds on the battlefield; those who succumbed to the wounds no one could see back home,” shares Kimbrough. “It is a true collaboration between our veterans and songwriters.”

Since 2012, SW:S has offered retreats, alumni programs and music-based initiatives, and the process invites participants to express what often goes unsaid through a creative partnership that honors their words and experiences. Every song is co-written with full consent and intention and with participant permission, many of these songs are shared through performances, playlists and public platforms to build understanding, strengthen community and amplify the voices of those who serve.

CMHOFM Celebrates Opening Of ‘Dolly Parton: Journey Of A Seeker’

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Dolly Parton at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the life and legacy of Dolly Parton last night (May 19) at the opening of its newest exhibit, “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.”

Dolly Parton attends the opening of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit ‘Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.’ Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

The evening included special tribute performances of Parton’s songs “Coat of Many Colors” and “The Seeker” by Alison Krauss & Union Station, and Parton concluded the evening with remarks of her own.

The new exhibit, open until September 2026, focuses on turning points throughout Parton’s more than 60-year career where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most beloved and widely recognized celebrities across the world. “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker” includes clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photos, exclusive interview footage and more, including Parton’s first draft of handwritten lyrics to her No. 1 hit “Jolene,” a cowgirl outfit Parton wore in the 1980 Hollywood film 9 to 5, the Kennedy Center Honors medallion Parton was presented in 2006, a custom-built Gibson banjo with a white metallic finish, rhinestones, and butterflies used by Parton in 1992 and on her “Halos & Horns Tour” in 2002, and more.

A view of the exhibit on display at the opening of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit ‘Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.’ Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images

An additional display that celebrates Parton’s community of literacy, created through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, is presented in the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center. An illustrated companion book to the exhibit supplementing the gallery presentation featuring photos and artifacts is now available to purchase here or in the museum’s store, and will also be available in bookstores and online outlets through a partnership with the University of Illinois Press.

Access to the “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker” exhibit is included with museum admission and a limited number of timed tickets for the exhibit are available each day. Advance reservations are encouraged and ticket availability can be found on the museum’s website.