CRS has revealed the lineup for “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat” at CRS 2026. Parker McCollum will headline this year’s showcase, with additional performances from Max McNown, Cater Faith and Zach John King.

“‘Country Heat’ has always been about championing the artists shaping where country music is headed next,” says Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Global Head of Country Music at Amazon Music. “Bringing Parker, Max, Carter, and Zach together for CRS reflects the strength and diversity of the genre today. We’re excited to give fans and the industry the opportunity to experience these artists in an intimate setting during one of country music’s most important weeks.”

Country Heat is Amazon Music’s flagship country music brand, bringing the “Country Heat” playlist, the Country Heat Weekly podcast, and live events. Country Heat showcases today’s biggest hits while spotlighting developing artists.

The Amazon Music Country Heat CRS Showcase will take place on March 18 from 6:00–8:30 p.m. in the Broadway Performance Hall at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

ASCAP has announced its revenue collections and royalty distributions for 2025, sharing that the PRO delivered a record-breaking $1.945 billion in revenue in the calendar year, an increase of $110 million, or 6.0% over 2024 with $1.759 billion available for royalty distributions to its ASCAP music creator and publisher members, an increase of $63 million, or 3.7%.

This is the highest amount of revenue and royalty distributions ever reported by ASCAP. ASCAP operates without debt and has the lowest overhead rate in the US at 10%. As the only US PRO not owned by private equity or outside investors, ASCAP’s songwriter, composer and publisher members are the sole beneficiaries of ASCAP’s financial growth.

ASCAP delivers 90 cents of every dollar collected back to its members as royalties and does not charge a commission or take a profit. Instead, according to its unique governance and operating principles, after deducting expenses, ASCAP then distributes remaining dollars as royalties to its songwriter, composer and music publisher members. Read the full ASCAP 2025 Annual Report here.

“ASCAP remains a powerful advocate for creators facing an increasingly uncertain economy and rapidly shifting music landscape. While creators are under attack globally by disruptive technologies and opportunistic private businesses, ASCAP’s sole focus is to serve our members. We deliver on that mission every single day,” says ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.

ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams shares, “ASCAP once again delivered historic record-breaking revenues and distributions. We showed the world that our fierce commitment to putting creators first is our number one imperative. Songwriters know they belong at ASCAP and that we always have their back.”

In addition to this news, ASCAP also announced that it has launched a new virtual care offering as part of its ASCAP Wellness Program, which includes a broad range of health and well-being benefits provided exclusively to its members. Through a collaboration with MD Live by Evernorth, a leading provider of virtual health care services in the U.S., ASCAP members and their eligible dependents can engage in virtual visits with board-certified MD Live clinicians for mental health, dermatology, or 24/7 urgent care—all at discounted pricing.

“We know that health and wellness are foundational to creative work and longevity in our industry, but many music creators struggle to access and afford health insurance,” says ASCAP Chief Strategy and Digital Officer Nick Lehman. “That is why it’s important for us to launch this service for our members, providing easy access to high-quality care at very reasonable costs – regardless if they have insurance or not. As the only truly creator-first PRO in the US, our commitment to our members is to support them with the resources they need to be at their creative best.”

MD Live has a national network of board-certified doctors, pediatricians, dermatologists, psychiatrists and therapists who provide personalized care for medical and mental health needs. ASCAP members can sign up for access to MD Live virtual care services through the ASCAP Member Access portal.

“Virtual care is a huge benefit for people with busy lives who want to stay on top of their health,” shares Vontrelle Roundtree, MD, MPT, Associate Chief Medical Officer, MD Live. “By connecting with doctors via phone or video calls, we can empower ASCAP members to take control of their health without sacrificing convenience.”

BMI brought Riley Green and his team together on Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 11) to celebrate the artist’s historic back-to-back No. 1 hits, “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

Industry members, friends, and family gathered in the BMI lobby and received a warm welcome from BMI’s Clay Bradley. Gathered on stage were Green and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen.

Bradley began by highlighting the rare nature of the achievement, noting that Green is the first country artist to land consecutive solo-written No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart since Taylor Swift.

“This marks the first time a country artist has landed back to back solo written number one singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Since Ms. Taylor Swift, I think someone else here had something to do with that as well that deserves a big hand,” said Bradley. “Riley has accomplished what very few have ever done. He wrote two number one songs entirely by himself. That’s not just a milestone, it’s a reminder of a lost art form.”

Warner Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn Stevenson was the next to step to the mic, recalling a moment at a previous party where she predicted this very moment. “Most of you will not remember this, but a few years ago at the ‘Different Round Here,’ No. 1 party, I stood upstairs and I told Riley in front of his co-writers on the song that I really, really love his solo written songs even more,” laughed Stevenson. “Watching your live show, growing to what it is, hearing your songwriting continue to level up and seeing the shift from rising star to one of the most in-demand artists in the format, it’s been really incredible.”

Studio Bank’s Ron Cox also took a moment to highlight Green’s Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, an organization founded by Green to honor his grandfathers and serve the needs of veterans. In honor of the two No. 1s, Studio Bank made a donation to the fund.

Before Green spoke, Borchetta and Harnen praised his work ethic and authenticity. Harnen reminded everyone that both singles were certified Platinum before even reaching the top of the radio charts, and Borchetta said Green was the “epitome of Southern culture.”

The producer of the two tracks, Dann Huff, was unable to attend, but was praised by Bradley as “The Maestro” for his work in the studio. “Dan Huff the Maestro, is arranging and producing these records. They sound amazing,” Bradley said.

Finally, Green closed the afternoon out, offering his gratitude to his team, his parents, and his fans.

“I wanna thank all my co-writers for … oh nevermind….” joked Green. “I figured out you get even more if you write it by yourself. It’s easier that way. You don’t have to deal with a bunch of people in the room!”

Green then thanked collaborator Ella Langley for her part on “Don’t Mind If I Do.” “It was such a cool thing to have two giant songs with another artist out on the road and being able to play it together every week,” said Green.

“Something like this is really motivating. I think that as a songwriter it’s nice to have some type of recognition and get a pat on the shoulder from all of you and say what you’re doing is working.”

Ella Langley Stars in American Eagle’s New Jeans Country Campaign

Ella Langley is appearing in American Eagle’s newest brand campaign, American Eagle Jeans Country. As part of the launch, Langley, named the brand’s “Denim Darling,” has also debuted a curated shop on AE.com, featuring her personal favorites across denim, easy tees, layering pieces, and everyday accessories, all styled the way she actually wears them on and off stage.

 

Chris Stapleton Unveils Traveller Whiskey Full Proof

Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley have unveiled Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, a bold evolution of the original Blend No. 40, and the award-winning brand’s first line extension since its January 2024 debut.

“Prior to collaborating with Harlen Wheatley and Buffalo Trace Distillery on Traveller Whiskey, I generally leaned toward higher-proof and barrel-strength bottles,” Stapleton shares. “Needless to say, when we decided to experiment with a higher-proof expression, I was excited to see where that could land. One night after a show, we had two potential Full Proof contenders backstage with the band and some friends. Everyone agreed 121 was the clear winner. It’s the same easy-to-drink DNA, just turned up a few notches. I think Traveller Whiskey Full Proof is one of those moments where more of a good thing is definitely a good thing.”

 

‘All-Star Salute To ‘90s Country’ Welcomes Over 30 Country Legacy Faves

The Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama hosted the “All-Star Salute To ‘90s Country: Honky Tonk Time Machine” on Feb. 5 with over 30 artists performing their hits for a sold-out crowd. The audience ranging in ages from 5 to 85 were on their feet most of the night dancing in the aisles and singing to songs that helped shape their lives. The event was filmed for an upcoming TV broadcast, and featured Billy Dean, Lionel Cartwright, Wade Hayes, Rhett Akins, Neal McCoy, Aaron Tippin, Lee Roy Parnell, Bryan White, Ty Herndon, and many more country favorites. The night included 17 chart-topping performances with special tributes to Daryle Singletary, Kevin Sharp, Randy Travis and George Jones; as well as three historic throwback moments from artists Janie Fricke (Female Vocalist of the Year), Lee Greenwood (Male Vocalist of the Year), and The Forester Sisters (Group of the Year).

 

Redferrin Surprised With Platinum For Viral Smash ‘Just Like Johnny’

Warner Record Nashville’s Redferrin visited the label’s office on Feb. 5 to toast the release of his new song “If I Was California” and received a surprise from the label and his management during the celebration. Cris Lacy, Warner Records Nashville Chair & President, presented the hitmaker with a Platinum plaque commemorating his viral smash “Just Like Johnny,” which appeared on Redferrin’s debut EP, Old No. 7.

Redferrin is credited as both a co-writer and co-producer on the Platinum song. His new track “If I Was California” is available now and serves as the first release off his upcoming 2026 project, showcasing a different side from the Tennessee son.

 

Tess Kerksen Named Digital Marketing & Account Manager At Noise New Media

Tess Kerksen has joined Noise New Media as Digital Marketing and Account Manager. Kerksen brings more than a decade of experience leading integrated marketing, public relations, and communications efforts for large-scale, high-visibility organizations. Most recently, she served in senior leadership roles at Wisconsin State Fair Park, where she oversaw comprehensive marketing and communications strategies spanning paid media, brand campaigns, digital platforms, media relations, and crisis communications. In addition, she completed the IAFE’s Institute of Fair Management (IFMG) certification in 2023.

 

Brooke Lee Talks Chevy Campaign On ‘Ward Guenther Show’

Spirit Nashville Recordings/2Mix Music artist and songwriter Brooke Lee joined “The Ward Guenther Show” on Apple Music in the studio this week for a conversation about her new music, including her song “Burn To Black,” and what it was like to sing from the top of Castle Rock while filming the newly launched “See The USA In Your Chevrolet” campaign.

Kylie Morgan will embark on her headline “Healed Cowgirl Tour” this spring with dates in the United States and internationally.

The run will hit Pennsylvania, Alabama, Texas and many more cities through June. Ticket information can be found here.

The tour announcement follows the release of Morgan’s new single, “Like My Own.”

“This video is the most honest reflection of my life right now,” she says of the track. “It captures the love, the surprises, and the joy that inspired this song. I hope people see their own families in it- however they’re built.”

2026 Tour Dates:
February 12- Nashville, TN
March 8- Berlin, Germany
March 9- Newcastle, UK
March 10- York, UK
March 13- Birmingham, UK
March 14- Dorset, UK
March 26- Colorado Springs, CO
April 2- Boston, MA
April 3- Leesburg, VA
April 9- Pittsburgh, PA
April 10- Indianapolis, IN
April 24- Champaign, IL
April 25- Cullman, AL
April 29- Seattle, WA
April 30- Portland, OR
May 1- Folsom, CA
May 2- Fontana, CA
May 7- Madison, WI
May 8- Peoria, IL
May 9- Omaha, NE
May 21- The Woodlands, TX
May 22- Dallas, TX
June 19- Washington, DC
June 20- Bloxom, VA