Artist Action: Bailey Zimmerman, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, FILMORE, More

Bailey Zimmerman Partners With American Eagle

Bailey Zimmerman.

Bailey Zimmerman has unveiled a partnership with American Eagle. This news comes alongside the announcement that AE will serve as exclusive apparel and denim sponsor of Stagecoach and follows the launch of last week’s campaign with Ella Langley.

On March 25, the brand will debut AE x Stagecoach, a co-branded, limited-edition collection blending official Stagecoach merch available online, in select American Eagle stores, and onsite at the festival.

“Country music and denim are synonymous, and American Eagle is claiming center stage,” says Jennifer Foyle, President – Executive Creative Director, AE & Aerie. “Driven by a new generation of artists and fans, AE’s partnership with Stagecoach, Ella Langley, and Bailey Zimmerman is all about showing up at the intersection of culture and fashion. Through our signature AE jeans, we are bringing the denim on denim trends, relaxed fits, and festival-ready looks that are defining our customers’ unique style.”

 

Kelsea Ballerini’s ‘Patterns (Deluxe)’ Art Book & Zoetrope Vinyl Earn 4 Gold ADDY Awards and Judge’s Choice

Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Kelsea Ballerini’s PATTERNS (DELUXE) Art Book & CD and PATTERNS (DELUXE) Zoetrope at the 2026 Nashville American Advertising Awards, including four Gold ADDYs and the prestigious Judge’s Choice Award.

The projects were each recognized in the categories of Elements of Advertising – Visual: Art Direction (Single) and Sales & Marketing – Sales Promotion, Packaging (Single Unit, Music & Entertainment Packaging). In addition to the project honors, Ashley Kohorst Sieling of Favorite Records, who served as art director on both projects, was named AAF Nashville’s Art Director of the Year.

 

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation Announces Three-Year Partnership With Doris Day Animal Foundation For Spay & Neuter

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Laura Spinelli

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation has announced a three-year partnership for its spay & neuter program, “It Takes Balls,” with the Doris Day Animal Foundation. The 2026 “It Takes Balls” campaign will focus specifically on Southern California. The initiative, which kicked off in 2023, raises awareness for the importance of spay & neuter and has provided over 125 grants thus far to qualifying low-cost programs throughout Tennessee and Texas.

“We’re so excited and honored to be partnering with the Doris Day Animal Foundation and are grateful for their amazing commitment to spay & neuter,” says Lambert. “Everyone knows that Doris Day holds an unparalleled place in film and music – but do they also know she started Spay Day USA in 1995 (now World Spay Day)? When I found out, I knew this was a perfect partnership and I want everyone to know about her enduring passion for animals.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Miranda Lambert and MuttNation Foundation on such an important initiative,” adds Doris Day Animal Foundation CEO Bob Bashara. “Establishing Spay Day USA over 30 years ago and seeing it evolve into today’s World Spay Day was one of Doris Day’s proudest achievements in her pioneering animal welfare advocacy. As DDAF carries on Doris’ legacy, we are grateful that Miranda and MuttNation share our passion and dedication to make this a better world for the animals, and together we can make a meaningful difference in reducing the homeless pet population and euthanasia rates.”

Grant applications for low cost spay & neuter programs in Southern California can be submitted here.

 

FILMORE Debuts On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

Youtube video

Country singer-songwriter FILMORE made his debut appearance yesterday (Feb. 24) on NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show, performing “Yeehaw.”

Marking FILMORE’s first official studio collaboration with Pitbull, the track was featured on his fourth studio album, Atypical.

 

The Infamous Stringdusters Perform At ‘BMI Presents: The 20/20 Station Inn Experience’

The Infamous Stringdusters.

The Infamous Stringdusters recently celebrated the release of 20/20 at Station Inn with a special event presented by BMI.

“Celebrating 20 years of The Infamous Stringdusters and their 20/ 20 album release at the legendary Station Inn was a night for the ages! Having championed this band since day one, BMI was thrilled to be part of the night — and we loved raising a glass with our friends at Green River Whiskey to celebrate such an incredible milestone for an incredible group of musicians,” shares Mason Hunter, AVP Creative, BMI Nashville.

CRS 2026 Announces New ‘Scareoke’ Competition

Country Radio Seminar will debut Scareoke” this year, a lively karaoke competition set to take place on March 18 from 5-6 p.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel during CRS 2026.

“Scareoke” will be hosted by CMA and ACM award-winning personality Patrick Thomas, and will give attendees the chance to compete for a complimentary CRS 2027 registration. Interested participants must sign up in advance here, and the event promises an hour of industry camaraderie and performances from country radio and music professionals alike. The first 50 drinks during the fun-filled competition will be provided courtesy of Shelley Lynch.

Online registration for CRS 2026 has closed, but on-site registration will be available at the current rate of $799 through the start of the event. A limited number of New Faces of Country Music tickets remain available for $110 and are sold separately. Special rates will also continue to be offered, including a $199 student rate for currently enrolled students and $349 day passes (limit two per person), which provide full access to all programming, sessions, panels, speakers, networking events, and luncheons for a single day.

Russell Dickerson Slates New Sun-Soaked EP ‘Worth Your Wild’ For March

Russell Dickerson is getting into the Spring Break spirit on his new project, Worth Your Wild, due out March 6 via Triple Tigers.

The new EP produced by Josh Kerr features tracks like “2 Limes, 2 Coronas,” and “B.O.A.T.” alongside Dickerson’s latest single, “Worth Your Wild,” out now. The project pairs breezy hooks and feel-good rhythms and offers up a playful, passionate soundtrack for those carefree spring break nights. Writers contributing to the EP include Parker Welling, Chase McGill, Matt Dragstrem and more.

Dickerson will no doubt bring that Spring Break fever to the stage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest, where he was just announced as one of this year’s performers, and on his “Russellmania Tour 2026” at amphitheaters and venues around the country.

Worth Your Wild EP Track List:
1. “Worth Your Wild” (Russell Dickerson, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
2. “B.O.A.T.” (Russell Dickerson, Steph Jones, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill)
3. “2 Limes, 2 Coronas” (Russell Dickerson, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Osborne)
3. “Spring Break” (Seth Ennis, Devin Dawson, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds)

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Renamed For Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton. Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has been renamed to Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.

“Being fortunate to have grown up in the mountains of East Tennessee, I learned early on what it means to take care of one another,” shares Parton. “Every child deserves world-class care, wrapped in kindness and love. I’m so honored to stand alongside this hospital and do my part to help bring more hope, more comfort and more healing to children and families.”

After nearly 90 years since its opening, Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital will continue advancing its mission to improve the health and well-being of children through exceptional, comprehensive, family-centered care.

“This is more than a name change,” adds Matt Schaefer, President and CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. “With Dolly’s support, we are strengthening our mission to deliver world-class pediatric care to families, ensuring every child who walks through our doors receives the treatment they deserve.”

Tucker Wetmore Celebrates Second Chart-Topper ‘3, 2, 1’

Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Back Blocks Music’s Elizabeth Cook, MCA’s Jimmy Rector, MCA’s Damon Moberly, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Ledgin Management’s Autumn Ledgin, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Concord’s Matt Turner and Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill. (Front, Row L-R): Chris LaCorte (Producer), Summer Overstreet (BMI), Tucker Wetmore (BMI), Jordan Reynolds (ASCAP), Josh Miller (BMI) and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

Tucker Wetmore filled the BMI lobby on Tuesday (Feb. 24) to celebrate his second chart-topper, “3, 2, 1.”

Penned by Josh Miller, Summer Overstreet and Jordan Reynolds and produced by Chris LaCorte, the track earned Wetmore a spot as the 14th artist in chart history to land his first two singles at No. 1 within the same calendar year.

The track marked Overstreet’s first No. 1, Miller’s seventh and Reynolds’ eighth. In celebration of the occasion, Gina Venier presented Overstreet with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar.

Summer Overstreet, Taylor Guitars’ Gina Venier and BMI’s Leslie Roberts. Photo: Katie Mathis for BMI

Hosted by BMI and ASCAP and emceed by BMI’s Leslie Roberts, the event featured MCA’s Jimmy Rector and Damon Moberly, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Concord’s Matt Turner, and Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill and Jessi Vaughn Stevenson taking turns honoring the songwriters.

Each artist expressed heartfelt thanks to the teams behind the song. Many specifically highlighted the pivotal role of Concord’s Courtney Allen, who originally pitched the track, and also gave special mention to Jake Gear, while praising Wetmore for his openness to recording an outside cut.

Sponsored by Studio Bank, Ron Cox made a special donation presentation on behalf of Wetmore and the songwriters in support of Face the Fight.

Each writer took the microphone to express gratitude for the opportunity to make a living through songwriting and shared how deeply they believe in and value their co-writers.

Wetmore wrapped up the night by thanking each of his teams for their ongoing support and the writers for trusting him with their song.

“I think today is a testament that the best song wins. I was not a part of writing this song, but I remember when I first heard the demo, I had to have it. This town is scary. We all moved here with songs in mind, a dream, and a goal in our head and hearts. Everyone in this room believes in me, and that is one of the most humbling [things] and makes my heart happy.”

Industry Ink: Brandi Carlile, Hop On A Cure, Operation Song, Deep Cuts Mgmt

Brandi Carlile “Be Human: A Concert for Minneapolis” Raises Over $600K For The Advocates For Human Rights

Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile raised over $600,000 for Minnesota’s The Advocates for Human Rights recently with “Be Human: A Concert for Minneapolis,” her sold-out show at Minneapolis’ Target Center. A limited edition commemorative t-shirt is still available for purchase here, with proceeds going to The Advocates for Human Rights.

 

A Nashville Night of Heart and Hits Raises Over $350,000 for Hop on a Cure

Pictured (L-R): Kix Brooks, Kristian Bush, Angie K, Rivers Rutherford. Photo: Courtesy of Hop On A Cure

“A Nashville Night of Heart and Hits” at Lola’s at One Garage on Feb. 14 raised over $350,000 for Hop on a Cure and ALS research. Supporters gathered to honor John Driskell Hopkins and raise critical funds for Hop On A Cure at the event, which featured moving stories and performances from a lineup of artists and friends including Hopkins himself, James Salestrom, Kix Brooks, Kristian Bush, Angie K, and Rivers Rutherford.

Originally planned as an intimate gathering, due to overwhelming demand organizers expanded capacity to accommodate the surge of supporters eager to stand behind Hopkins and the foundation’s mission. Guests traveled from across the country underscoring the broad and deeply personal impact of the cause. A live and silent auction, along with generous paddle raises from attendees, helped surpass fundraising goals.

 

Operation Song Honors David Corlew As A Patriot Partner

David Corlew

Operation Song presented David Corlew, President and Executive Director of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, with a Gold album for his support as a Patriot Partner. Journey Home supports organizations that ease veterans’ return to civilian life including Nashville’s Operation Song, which pairs professional songwriters with veterans, active duty, and Gold Star families to turn their stories into songs. Across the US, OpSong hosts cathartic songwriting retreats and public concerts where deeply personal stories of service are immortalized and shared.

“Warriors will often say ‘I don’t have the words’ to share what they’re going through – but songwriters do,” says OpSong’s Executive Director and Army First Sergeant (Ret.) Mike Byer. “We work with writers who want to express their gratitude to this community by sharing their gifts. As storytellers, they reveal the hearts and souls behind the Stars & Stripes. As performers, they give audiences a deeper understanding of their sacrifice. David Corlew is a music man who uses his reach and resources to benefit organizations that are united in spirit but often have to compete for donations. As a partner to us all, he is worth his weight in gold and this is just a small token of our deep appreciation.”

 

Liam Sullivan Launches Deep Cuts Management Co.

Liam Sullivan has founded Deep Cuts Management Co., a boutique artist management company based in Nashville. DCM provides full-service career management, including creative direction, digital strategy, touring oversight, brand partnerships and long-term development.

A former Division I college baseball player, Sullivan turned to finance and investor relations after a career-ending injury, developing expertise in strategy, long-term growth, and positioning. Immersing himself in Nashville’s music community, he recognized that many developing artists lacked tailored guidance that balanced creative and business insight. The company launches with an early roster including Austrian-born storyteller Niklas Juritsch and Missouri traditionalist George Arbuckle.

Lillie Kolich Signs With 507 Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Teri Nelson Carpenter, Lillie Kolich, Madison Policastri, Cooper Carr. Photo: Studio TM

Lillie Kolich has signed an exclusive publishing deal with 507 Publishing.

“507 Publishing isn’t just a team — they truly champion me and every song I bring to the table,” says Kolich. “It’s incredibly refreshing to work with people who are just as excited about the music as I am, and to have publishers who are eager about young writers and artists who will make a lasting impact on the music industry.”

The New Mexico native has penned songs with writers and producers such as Jackson Nance, Scott Hoying, Josh Ronen, Sierra Carson, Nick Pingree, Elli Rowe, Michael Farren and more.

“It’s so easy to believe in someone like Lillie Kolich. She’s the kind of writer that shows up even when it’s hard, won’t settle for anything less than perfect, and always serves the song,” shares Madison Policastri, A&R Manager at 507 Publishing. “Her talent is undeniable and her drive is inspiring – failure isn’t an option for Lillie.”

“It is so exciting to welcome Lillie to our 507 Publishing family,” adds Teri Nelson Carpenter, CEO. “Her writing feels unique and familiar all at once and her creative style is the perfect addition to our roster. We look forward to championing her writing and artistry.”

Kolich’s debut EP, Lorraine, is slated for release on March 6.

Billboard Women In Music 2026 To Honor Ella Langley, Tate McRae, More

Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Billboard is set to honor Ella Langley, Teyana Taylor, Tate McRae, Kehlani, Laufey, Zara Larsson and others at its upcoming Women in Music Awards celebration April 29 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

Langley will receive Billboard‘s Powerhouse Award at the event, which celebrate women in the industry who made some of the biggest strides over the past 12 months. Other honors set to be given at this year’s event include the Visionary Award, which will go to singer/songwriter and One Battle After Another actress Taylor, and the Hitmaker Award, which will go to pop star Tate McRae.

Kehlani will also receive the Impact Award at the event, while Laufey will receive the Innovator Award and Mariah the Scientist will be given the Rising Star Award. Larsson is the winner of 2026’s Breakthrough Award, and Thalia is set to take home the Icon Award at the annual celebration.

The event will be hosted by Keke Palmer, and tickets and tables will be available to the public to purchase.

Delaney Ramsdell Inks With One Riot Music & Reservoir Media

Pictured (L-R, back row): Greg Gallo (Reservoir Media), Halle Bartlett (One Riot), Holly Lowman (One Riot) and Dan Rowe (One Riot). (L-R, front row): Beth St. Jean (Reservoir Media), Delaney Ramsdell, Sarah McDaniels (Reservoir Media) and John Ozier (Reservoir Media). Photo: Courtesy of One Riot Music

Singer-songwriter Delaney Ramsdell has signed a joint publishing deal with One Riot Music and Reservoir Media, Inc.

Based in Nashville, Ramsdell brings her West Texas edge to Music City. Her recent cuts include Lukas Nelson’s “Make You Happy,” Solon Holt’s “East Texas and You,” and Paul Cauthen’s “Thankful.” Other credits include Zoe Clark, Trey Pendley, Taylor Austin Dye, Ian Harrison, Lola Kirke, and Aniston Pate.

As an artist, she has opened for The Castellows, Tanner Usrey, William Beckmann, and Paul Cauthen, and her recent track “Withdrawal” was featured on Fire Country. She will be featured on Paul Cauthen’s “Chain Smoking,” releasing this Friday (Feb. 27), and will release her own EP soon.

“Delaney Ramsdell is a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose artistry is equally as strong as her writing,” says John Ozier, Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative. “Her songs paint pictures of West Texas culture that translates to the rest of the world. The success she brings into this deal is remarkable; and we look forward to taking her songs and artist career to the next level.”

“Delaney Ramsdell has a rare ability to lift others while carving out a voice that’s unmistakably her own,” shares Halle Bartlett, Creative Director of One Riot Music. “Her perspective is refreshing, and I love seeing the world through her lens. The authenticity she brings to her work inspires me daily, raising the creative bar for everyone around her.”

“I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work with the teams at Reservoir and One Riot,” adds Ramsdell. “Their support, strategy, and dedication to my career speaks volumes. I’m additionally thankful for my cowriters, my family, the Lord, and for the chance to do what I love every day.”

Nashville’s Pet Community Center To Present Carly Pearce Live At City Winery

Carly Pearce. Photo: Luke Rogers

Carly Pearce will perform at a special benefit show for Nashville’s Pet Community Center at City Winery on April 6.

The intimate night of music to save the pets in the Nashville community will feature an acoustic performance from Pearce featuring her hits as well as new releases from her upcoming album. Tickets start at $75 and go on sale Friday (Feb. 27) at citywinery.com. Limited VIP packages are available including an exclusive, pre-show Pearce performance, an intimate Q&A session, and a personal photo op with Pearce. 100% of all funds raised go directly to PCC.

“My two dogs are everything to me,” says Pearce. “I am so proud to be part of a show that benefits the animals in our community and helps them get necessary love and care when they need it most.”

“We are deeply grateful to Carly for helping us expand access to affordable veterinary care for our community,” says Brandon Dyce, President and CEO of PCC. “Her generosity will touch the lives of thousands of families and their pets. This concert is more than a night of amazing music—it’s an opportunity to create happier, healthier lives for all dogs and cats.”

Pet Community Center has been serving Nashville since 2011 by offering low-cost vaccines and affordable veterinary care. PCC also helps control the animal population citywide through a high-volume spay/neuter program. ​​Support helps fund these crucial programs, contributing to the quality of life for local animals and the people who love them.