Luke Combs Makes Radio History

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Photo: Robby Klein

Luke Combs has set radio history with his current singles “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” and “Days Like These.”

With the two tracks, Combs is the first artist in history to have two different solo songs simultaneously at No. 1 the Billboard and Mediabase country radio charts. “Sleepless in a Hotel Room” is currently spending its third week on top of Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. “Days Like These” just went No. 1 on the Mediabase Country Aircheck chart, giving Combs his 21st consecutive hit. This extends the record for the most consecutive No. 1s to start a career, held by Combs.

“Days Like These” is also sitting at No. 2 on the Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, giving Combs the title as the first artist to hold the top two spots simultaneously, and the first to do so twice, after “Fast Car” and “Love You Anyway” achieved this feat in 2023.

In addition to radio wins, Combs is also breaking attendance records on his “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour.” Every show so far has set new attendance records, including at Allegiant Stadium, Scott Stadium, Jack Trice Stadium, and Notre Dame Stadium. His most recent show at Ohio Stadium was his biggest show to date, playing in front of 97,367 fans.

So far this year, Combs has been honored with a TIME100 cover story, has scored three ACM Award nominations, and released his newest album The Way I Am. The project debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200, selling 100,700 equivalent units.

Willow Avalon To Kick Off North American Tour In June

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Willow Avalon. Photo: Silken Weinberg

Singer-songwriter Willow Avalon will embark on an extensive new North American headline tour beginning in June.

The run will include stops in San Diego, Cheyenne, New York, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Atlanta, Richmond and many more through Oct. 25. Tickets go on sale today (April 28), and ticket information can be found here.

The news follows the announcement of her sophomore album, Pink Pocket Pistol, due out June 26. She celebrated the new album over the weekend at her debut Stagecoach set, playing songs from the album to a crowd of thousands.

Pink Pocket Pistol includes recent singles “Easy On The Eyes” and “Cardinal Sin” featuring Jason Isbell. The new singles mark Avalon’s first new music since her January 2025 debut, Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell. After making her debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry stage last year, she was named one of the Opry’s class of 2026 NextStage artists.

Willow Avalon Tour Dates:
May 27—Nashville, TN—Nashville Municipal Auditorium*
June 4—Nashville, TN—CMA Festival
June 7—Lexington, KY—Railbird Festival
June 20—Boyne, City, MI—Lavender Hill Farm
June 28—Aztec, NM—Tico Time Country Fest
July 18—Beech Mountain, NC—Party On The Mountain
July 23—Cheyenne, WY—The Lincoln Cheyenne
July 25—Three Forks, MT—Headwaters Country Jam
July 26—Calgary, AB—Commonwealth
July 28—Vancouver, BC—Commodore
July 29—Seattle, WA—Showbox
July 30—Portland, OR—Wonder Ballroom
August 1—Camino, CA—Folk on The Farm
August 2—San Francisco, CA—August Hall
August 4—Los Angeles, CA—The Fonda
August 5—San Diego, CA—House of Blues
August 6—Phoenix, AZ—Crescent Ballroom
August 8—Salt Lake City, UT—The Grand
August 9—Denver, CO—Gothic Theatre
August 11—Omaha, NE—Waiting Room
August 12—Minneapolis, MN—Fine Line
August 13—Kansas City, MO—The Truman
August 15—Oklahoma City, OK—Beer City Music Hall
August 16—Houston, TX—The Heights Theater
August 18—Austin, TX—Scoot Inn
August 19—Dallas, TX—Granada Theatre
September 8—Atlanta, GA—Terminal West
September 9—Carrboro, NC—Cat’s Cradle
September 11—Richmond, VA—The Broadberry
September 12—Washington, D.C.—9:30 Club
September 14—Pittsburgh, PA—Thunderbird Music Hall
September 16—Toronto, ON—Phoenix Theatre
September 17—Montreal, QC—Beanfield Theatre
September 18—Boston, MA—Royale
September 20—New York, NY—Webster Hall
September 22— Philadelphia, PA—The Foundry
September 24—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Center†
September 25—Grand Rapids, MI—Acrisure Amphitheatre†
September 26—Green Bay, WI—Resch Center†
October 6— Charlotte, NC—Amos’ Southend
October 7—Charleston, SC—Music Farm
October 9—Sanford, FL—Tuffy’s Music Box
October 10—St. Petersburg, FL—Jannus Live
October 12—Jackson, MS—Duling Hall
October 13—Fayetteville, AR—George’s Majestic Lounge
October 14—St. Louis, MO—Delmar Hall
October 16—Rosemont, IL—Joe’s Live
October 17—Cleveland, OH—Roxy at Mahall’s
October 18—Indianapolis, IN—Hi-Fi Annex
October 20—Louisville, KY—Mercury Ballroom
October 22—Knoxville, TN—Bijou Theatre
October 25—Columbus, OH—King of Clubs
*supporting Marcus King
†supporting Brooks & Dunn

Bellah Mae Looks On The Bright Side On New EP ‘Keep It Peachy’ Due In May

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Sony Music Nashville artist Bellah Mae will release her new EP, Keep It Peachy, on May 29. She dropped a new song from the upcoming EP, “Salt and Sugar,” today.

Built around a clever metaphor, the song describes how someone can actually be quite different from how you initially see them. “‘Salt & Sugar’ is about that realization of someone not being who you thought they were and how you feel crazy for not seeing their true colors before,” says Mae. “I wanted to write it from an angle of being both hard hitting and in the feels while also being clever and witty in the title and concept.”

The new six-song EP embodies Mae’s desire to have a sunny outlook on life no matter the circumstances. Produced by Brett Truitt, JANEVA and Steven Solomon, the project offers razor-sharp songwriting on emotional topics running the gamut from the excitement of young love, having high standards, sitting with heartbreak, finding strength in vulnerability, and everything in between. Keep It Peachy contrasts Mae’s sunny disposition with a daring, often gritty realism, as she develops into a voice of young female confidence.

The 24-year-old singer-songwriter was schooled on everything from Dolly Parton and Hannah Montana to Black Sabbath and Avril Lavigne growing up in the English West Midlands. Her grandfather was a respected keys player in the British hard-rock revolution, and she learned to play guitar at 8 just so she could start writing her own songs. Mae spent over 10 years training as a classical soprano, and by 18 had made early inroads in Nashville. Her Music City lessons helped hone a series of UK pop releases including 2022’s “Boyfriend Of The Year,” 2023’s “Drama King” and “On Purpose (For My Future Daughter),” and 2025’s “Bad Day to Be My Ex” – each pairing her love of lyricism with a dry, sardonic wit. Mae now boasts over 100 million career streams and a thriving social presence.

Mae has been on the road with Ashley Kutcher and will be making her CMA Fest debut on June 6 with a performance on the Chevy Vibes Stage.

Keep It Peachy Track List: 
1. “Fast Lane” – Bellah Mae, Rory Adams, Janeva Burrill
2. “Kiss My Levi’s” – Bellah Mae, Brett Truitt, Brigetta Truitt
3. “Salt and Sugar” -Bellah, Janeva and Niamh Murphy
4. “Love Me Less” – Bellah Mae, Brett Truitt, Brigetta Truitt
5. “Boring Me Baby” -Bellah, Steven Solomon and Gabriella Score
6. “Home Safe” -Bellah Mae, Brett Truitt, Brigetta Truitt

17th Annual ‘Darius And Friends’ St. Jude Benefit Set For June 1

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Darius Rucker performs at 2025 “Darius and Friends.” Photo: Catherine Powell for Ryman Auditorium

Darius Rucker is hosting his 17th annual “Darius and Friends” concert benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the Ryman Auditorium on June 1.

The unofficial kickoff to CMA Fest week in downtown Nashville has raised more than $5.1 million to date, and will feature a surprise all-star roster of friends, which has become tradition at the annual celebration. Friends performing with Rucker in past years have included Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Jelly Roll, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Brad Paisley and Morgan Wallen, among many others.

Rucker has always prioritized philanthropic work throughout his career and made a commitment to support St. Jude nearly two decades ago after taking an inspiring tour of the hospital in 2008 and learning how it is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Tickets to the 17th annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert start at $69 with VIP package options up to $249 via AXS.com. Pre-sale access begins April 29, with tickets on sale to the public this Friday (May 1).

HITS HOME Debuts In Nashville

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Cris Lacy, Charlene Bryant and Martha Earls. Photo: Dwell House

HITS HOME debuted in Nashville last week with three days of programming at Nashville’s Virgin Hotel. The event hosted over 300 attendees from more than 10 countries.

The three-day experience began with a “Welcome Home Party” on Sunday evening sponsored by genni and Concord. Monday was filled with segments, talks and live music, before concluding Tuesday with a rooftop brunch and self-directed “house visits” across offices in Nashville.

The event hosted conversations with Warner Records Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Neon Coast’s Martha Earls, Riveter Management’s Charlene Bryant, Primary Wave’s Lexi Todd, A2IM’s Ian Harrison and Billboard‘s Kristin Robinson, among others. Throughout the programming, guests enjoyed performances from Nashville-based artists including Kat Luna, dominique., Iris Copperman and Restless Road, as well as Finn Forster from the UK, Muryel from Berlin, Germany, and Beau Shearer from Australia.

“We intentionally blurred the line between conversation and experience – bringing together industry dialogue, live performances, comedy, and moments no one saw coming. The result felt less like a conference and more like a home. The surprises – from day-of programming reveals to flash-mob energy – created a sense of shared discovery you can’t replicate on a run-of-show. And that feeling is the point. It’s exactly why HITS HOME will return to Nashville in 2027,” says Nick Maiale, Founder of HITS HOME & jump.global. “HITS HOME will always be rooted here – we’re proud to continue shining a light on Nashville’s music culture while welcoming voices and perspectives from around the world.”

Kat Luna. Photo: Dwell House

Photo: Dwell House

Iris Copperman. Photo: Dwell House

Photo: Dwell House

Restless Road. Photo: Dwell House

Katrina Balcius and Alex Hannaby. Photo: Dwell House

Old Dominion To Play Two-Night Run At Planet Hollywood

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Old Dominion. Photo: Dove Shore

Old Dominion has revealed they’ll return to Las Vegas for a two-night engagement at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on September 4-5.

The two-night engagement in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, Messina Touring Group, and Live Nation Las Vegas, “Old Dominion. Hits. Vegas.” will be a hit-driven celebration. The show will spotlight the songs that have defined the band’s rise. Across both nights, the set packed with chart-toppers, fan favorites, and singalong staples.

During last year’s Las Vegas run, Old Dominion brought a packed PH Live to life with a set that blended their Barbara album with a run of career-spanning hits. With expanded production and theatrical touches, the band transformed the venue into a true residency-caliber spectacle featuring moments like full-costumed Vegas showgirls appearing during “Late Great Heartbreak.”

Tickets for the shows will be available for presale beginning April 29. General on-sale will follow on May 1 here.

The band is gearing up to hit the road for select dates this summer across the country including performances at 5 O’Clock Somewhere Festival, Big Valley Jamboree, as well as their own Odie’s Beach Vacation on October 1-3 in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Stagecoach Wraps 2026 Festival

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Lainey Wilson

Stagecoach held its last day of sets yesterday (April 26), wrapping up its 2026 festival.

Friday night featured performances from Adrien Nunez, Avery Anna, Bailey Zimmerman, BigxThaPlug, Chase Rice, Counting Crows, Ella Langley, Hannah McFarland, Josh Ross, Julia Cole, Larkin Poe, Lyle Lovett, Marcus King Band, Nate Smith, Neon Union, Noah Cyrus, Noah Rinker, Ole 60, Sam Barber, Taylor Holder, The Red Clay Strays and Wynonna Judd before headliner Cody Johnson took the stage.

Cody Johnson

Highlights from opening night included Johnson bringing out Boyz II Men for “On Bended Knee,” Langley bringing out Theo Vonn for “you look like you love me,” Zimmerman and BigXthaPlug performing “All The Way,” Cyrus bringing out her dad Billy Ray Cyrus for “On Our Way Along,” and King bringing out his wife Briley King for a cover of Little Feat’s “Willin.’”

Day two was led by headliner Lainey Wilson, with additional performances from Benjamin Tod, Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters, Braxton Keith, Bush, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Corey Kent, Gavin Adcock, Elizabeth Nichols, Journey, Kevin Smiley, Lane Pittman, Little Big Town, Michael Marcagi, Redferrin, S.G. Goodman, Something Out West, Teddy Swims, Treaty Oak Revival, Tyler Braden and Willow Avalon.

Through a high winds delay, day two was still packed with highlights including Wilson bringing out Riley Green and Little Big Town. Green’s original full length set was cancelled due to the winds.

Post Malone

The final day was packed with performances from Adam Sanders, Amos Lee, Bayker Blankenship, Brandon Wisham, Brett Young, Brooks & Dunn, Cameron Whitcomb, Eli Young Band, Gabriella Rose, Hootie & the Blowfish, Hudson Westbrook, Ink, Jake Worthington, Kameron Marlowe, Max McNown, Ryan Hurd, The Wallflowers, Third Eye Blind, Ty Myers, Warren Zeiders, Wyatt Flores and Zach John King before culminating in a headline performance by Post Malone. 

The final day highlights included Post Malone playing covers of Garth Brooks, Hank Williams Jr., Kenny Chesney and more, and brought out Shaboozey and Keith, and Hootie & Blowfish bringing out Flavor Flav and Chuck D of Public Enemy out for a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” and Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power.”

Alongside the performances, fans also got to see Guy Fieri return to his Smokehouse, hosting cooking demos with Wynonna Judd, Billy Bob Thornton, Bush’s Gavin Rossdale, BigXthaPlug and more. Sydney Sweeney also hosted karaoke, singing duets with Green, Zimmerman, Diplo and Rice.

Bailey Zimmerman

Ella Langley

Riley Green

Little Big Town

Hootie & The Blowfish

Warren Zeiders

Neon Union Announce Split

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Neon Union.

Neon Union, the duo composed of Leo Brooks and Andrew Millsaps, are going their separate ways.

The duo shared the news in a social media post last week.

“What a ride we have had! I love Leo, and he will always be my friend and brother. I’m thankful for every chapter in my book of life. Neon Union was a very special chapter in that book,” Millsaps shared.

“Life is a journey, and I’m just grateful for the ride, I’ve learned a lot from Neon Union and had great times,” Brooks added.

 

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A post shared by Neon Union (@neonunionmusic)

Brooks grew up in Miami and has collaborated with artists such as Pitbull, Lauryn Hill, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, CeeLo Green and John Legend. Meanwhile, Millsaps grew up in North Carolina and has been writing songs since he was 13.

The duo released their debut album, Good Years, last year and has shared stages with HARDY, Scotty McCreery, Keith Urban and Pitbull. They earned an ACM nomination in 2024 for New Duo/Group of the Year.

Jackson Dean Hosts ‘Magnolia Sage’ Album Preview

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Jackson Dean. Photo: Robby Stevens

Jackson Dean brought together friends, family and industry members Thursday evening (April 23) for a preview of his newly released Magnolia Sage album.

After a mingling hour, Dean took the stage to perform tracks off the new record acoustically, as well as shared the stories behind the songs. Tunes played included “Tennessee Moon,” “Wildfire,” “Hey Mississippi,” “Over And Over,” “Something Easy,” “Blacktop Blues,” “Dust On A Dirt Road,” “Make A Liar” and “Heart On The Range.”

“The album felt like it’s been months away forever, now it’s here,” Dean shared from stage. “Thank you all for showing up this evening to celebrate.”

Jackson Dean & Jake Basden (Blue Highway Records). Photo: Robby Stevens

Jackson Dean. Photo: Robby Stevens

Jake Basden (Blue Highway Records), Luke Dick (Songwriter/Producer), Jackson Dean, Arturo Buenahora, Jr. (Little Louder Music) and TK Kimbrell (TKO Artist Management). Photo: Robby Stevens

Ella Langley Tops MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley has taken the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. 14 tracks off her newly released Dandelion album push the singer-songwriter to the top this week, including “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Gotta Quit,” “Last Call For Us,” “Loving Life Again,” “Low Lights,” “Most Good Things Do (Acoustic),” “Somethin’ Simple,” “We Know Us,” and “You & Me Time.”

Joybeth Taylor jumps into the No. 2 spot with Langley’s “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “girl you’re taking home,” “I Gotta Quit,” “Last Call For Us,” “Low Lights,” “Most Good Things Do (Acoustic),” “Somethin’ Simple,” “Speaking Terms,” “We Know Us,” and “You & Me Time,” as well as Corey Kent’s “Empty Words.” Luke Combs moves to No. 3 with “Days Like These,” “Rethink Some Things,” and “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.”

Randy Montana (No. 4) and Blake Pendergrass (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.