Grammy Awards Unveils First Round Of Performers

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The Recording Academy has announced the first round of performers for this year’s awards, which will take place on Feb. 1 in Los Angeles.

Two-time Grammy winner Sabrina Carpenter is set to take the stage. This year, she is nominated for Record Of The Year (“Manchild”), Album Of The Year (Man’s Best Friend), Song Of The Year (“Manchild”), Best Pop Solo Performance (“Manchild”), Best Pop Vocal Album (Man’s Best Friend), and Best Music Video (“Manchild”).

Additionally Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR, and The Marías will perform in a special Best New Artist segment.

Thomas is up for six Grammy Awards this in total, including Album Of The Year (MUTT), Best New Artist, Best R&B Performance (“MUTT (Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk)”), Best Traditional R&B Performance (“VIBES DON’T LIE”), Best R&B Song (“YES IT IS”), and Best R&B Album (MUTT). First-time nominee Young is up for Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance (“Messy”). KATSEYE are nomiated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (“Gabriela”).

Additional performers will be announced in the coming days.

Cassie Wright Appointed Executive Director At IBMA Foundation

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Cassie Wright

Cassie Wright has been named the next Executive Director of The IBMA Foundation, effective April 1. Current Executive Director Nancy Cardwell is retiring after 10 years with the IBMA Foundation and 20 years at the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Wright is a banjo, Dobro player, and co-leader of Fox Crossing Stringband. A 2024 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass program graduate, Wright is a member of the Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association board of directors, and has served as a cultural diplomat on U.S. State Department tours to Kazakhstan and Mexico with the Bluegrass Ambassadors. She also oversees the Bluegrass Chicago website, which promotes live bluegrass and old-time music across the region.

Wright has over 15 years of experience leading programs and operations for nonprofit and government partners in public health, housing, and education sectors, including her time as Senior Director of Operations for Education Development Center. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from DePaul University, and a Project Management Certification from Cornell University, College of Engineering.

“I have spent my career at the intersection of nonprofit work and bluegrass music because I truly believe in the power of this community,” says Wright. “I’m so excited to put that experience to work as we expand the reach and impact of the music that means so much to all of us. Nancy Cardwell and the Board of Directors have led the way with remarkable work, and I am honored to build on that foundation as we start this next chapter together.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cassie Wright as our next executive director,” shares Trisha Tubbs, President and board chair of the IBMA Foundation. “Our work thrives on relationships—with generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and trusted community partners, along with a shared passion for bluegrass music. Cassie deeply understands this and brings valuable experience and commitment to advancing our mission and growth. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to Nancy Cardwell as she retires, honoring her years of dedicated service, integrity, and leadership that have strengthened our community and shaped the Foundation’s success.”

“I am pleased to pass the torch to Cassie Wright, and I look forward to witnessing what can be accomplished in the next ten years,” adds Cardwell. “I will continue to support the IBMA Foundation (formerly the Foundation for Bluegrass Music) from the sidelines, as they continue the important work of making the future of bluegrass music brighter.”

Old Crow Medicine Show Slates ‘The O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots’

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Old Crow Medicine Show. Photo: Brooke Stevens

Old Crow Medicine Show have plotted “The O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots,” kicking off March 18 in Nashville.

The 11 city tour will visit Knoxville, Charleston, Savannah and more before wrapping at MerleFest April 24-25. The run of intimate shows will celebrate the band’s earliest recordings and some of the places where the songs were born. During the set, OCMS will perform the entirety of their first two releases, O.C.M.S. and Big Iron World, acoustically.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 22 years since the launch of our O.C.M.S. album and 20 years since our second studio record, Big Iron World,” says frontman Ketch Secor. “Working with David Rawlings plus the presence of Gillian Welch is what really made the magic on these albums. Being a string band back in the early 2000s, well ahead of the Americana music movement, made us an odd fit in Music City. But going our own way despite the odds was the only foreseeable path for fiddles and banjos in the 21st century, and it worked. People heard it all around the world, and the doors came swinging open.”

Tickets go on sale Friday (Jan. 23) at 10 a.m. local time.

“The O.C.M.S. Big Iron World Tour: Back to the Roots” Dates:
March 18 – Nashville, TN @ Station Inn
March 19 – Boone, NC @ Appalachian Theatre
March 20 – Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre
March 21 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre
March 22 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
March 31 – Wilmington, NC @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre
April 1 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Gaillard Center
April 2 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre
April 3 – Savannah, GA @ Lucas Theatre for the Arts
April 4 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
April 24–25 – Wilkesboro, NC @ MerleFest

Songwriters Hall Of Fame Unveils Class of 2026

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The Songwriters Hall of Fame has unveiled its class of 2026.

This year’s inductees include Taylor Swift, Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart.

The induction ceremony will take place June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, and will not be open to the general public. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.

“The music industry is built upon the incredible talent of songwriters who create unforgettable songs,” shares SHOF Chairman Nile Rodgers. “Without their artistry, there would be no recorded music, concert experiences, or engaged fans. Everything originates from the song and its creator. We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to recognizing some of the most culturally significant composers in history. This year’s lineup not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres. These songwriters have profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide, and it is our privilege to honor their contributions.”

This year’s group has credits spanning “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Hand In My Pocket,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Footloose,” “Single Ladies,” and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).”

King Henry Inks Management Deal With The Core Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, King Henry, Simon Tikhman, Jamie Sudhalter.

King Henry has inked with The Core Entertainment for management.

The Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer has worked across a wide range of genres with artists including Beyoncé, Diplo, LANY, Maroon 5, Sasha Alex Sloan, The Weeknd and more. He co-wrote and produced Diplo and Morgan Wallen’s “Heartless” collaboration, and produced Nicolle Galyon’s past two albums.

“We’ve long admired Henry’s ability to move seamlessly across genres while staying true to his voice as a writer and producer,” says Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, Co-Founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment, in a joint statement. “He’s built an ambitious and creative body of work that speaks for itself. We’re thrilled to welcome him to The Core and help support what’s next.”

“I’m really happy to be joining The Core,” adds King Henry. “Chief, Simon, and Jamie [Sudhalter] have an energy and approach that feels aligned with where I want to be headed. They’ve built an incredible company and team that I’m excited to be a part of, and I’m looking forward to building something special together.”

Nick Steele & Kristen Flowers To Receive Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award During CRS 2026

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Nick Steele and Kristen Flowers, morning show hosts on Audacy’s 99.5 The Wolf (KWJJ-FM) in Portland, will receive the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award during CRS 2026.

The award is named for broadcast veteran Tom Rivers, honoring his legacy by recognizing individuals in the country radio industry who exemplify a spirit of caring and generosity through hands-on community service. Recipients demonstrate a deep personal commitment of time, talent, and resources to meaningful causes. Rivers passed away in 2004 at the age of 38. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the CRB Board of Directors and served as Operations Manager at WUSN (99.5 FM) in Chicago. His career also included time at WQYK (99.5 FM) in Tampa.

Steele and Flowers are being honored for their philanthropic leadership through Nick & Kristen’s Medical Debt Payoff, an annual initiative now in its sixth year. During the most recent campaign, held Nov. 17–21, 2025, the duo raised enough funds to eliminate $2.17 million in local medical debt across the Pacific Northwest. The effort was conducted in partnership with national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. Since its inception, Nick & Kristen’s Medical Debt Payoff has raised more than $18 million, fully relieving medical debt for over 10,000 individuals and families throughout the region.

Past recipients of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award include Mark “Hawkeye” Louis, Tim Leary, Storme Warren, Heather Froglear, Lon Helton, Bill Lawson, Dan Halyburton, Peter Smyth, Jeff Smulyan, Mary Quaas, and George G. Beasley.

CRS 2026 will take place March 18–20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, and registration is available now.

Josh Miller Moves Into Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Josh Miller

Josh Miller has entered the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. With Morgan Wallen’s “20 Cigarettes” and Tucker Wetmore’s “Brunette,” the songwriter sits at No. 19 this week.

Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the 13th consecutive week with “Change My Mind” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Chase McGill stays at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long” and “the hell you are.”

Blake Pendergrass (No. 3), Ty Myers (No. 4) and Charlie Handsome (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.

Megan Moroney Notches Third No. 1 Hit

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Megan Moroney. Photo: Amber Asaly

Megan Moroney has notched her third No. 1 track with the Gold-certified “Six Months Later.”

“Thank you so much to my country radio friends! It feels surreal to have another number one and I’m thankful country radio embraced this song as much as my fans and I,” shares Moroney.

Written by Moroney, Ben Williams, David “Messy” Mescon and Rob Hatch, “6 Months Later” premiered in June and marked her highest debut on the Billboard Hot 100. The track will appear on her Cloud 9  album, which is due Feb. 20.

This song follows her first two chart-toppers with the double-Platinum “Am I Okay?” and four-times Platinum “Tennessee Orange.” Moroney will kick off her “The Cloud 9 Tour” May 29 in Columbus, with 43 dates internationally.

Chris Cagle To Launch ‘Play It Loud 25th Anniversary Tour’ In February

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Chris Cagle. Photo: Charlie Kriak

Chris Cagle is set to launch the first leg of his “Play It Loud 25th Anniversary Tour” with an exclusive performance and interview in front of a live audience at the SiriusXM Studios in Nashville on Feb. 5.

The special event will be broadcast Feb. 13 on SiriusXM’s Y2Kountry channel 57, marking the start of a year-long celebration honoring 25 years since the release of Cagle’s debut album, Play It Loud. The SiriusXM event will feature live music and an in-depth conversation reflecting on Cagle’s career, the impact of Play It Loud, and the songs that helped define early 2000s country.

Following the Nashville kickoff, the first leg of the “25th Anniversary Tour” will take Cagle across Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, the Midwest, and more, with additional dates and special appearances to be announced.

“This record changed my life,” says Cagle. “Twenty-five years later, it still means everything to me. This tour is about celebrating where it all started and the people who’ve been there every step of the way.”

Released in 2000, Play It Loud introduced Cagle to country radio with the breakout hit “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out” and quickly established him as a major new voice in the genre and has generated over two billion career streams.

“Play It Loud 25th Anniversary Tour” Dates:
Feb 5 – Nashville, TN – SiriusXM Studios
Feb 13 – Tampa, FL – Boots on the Water
Feb 20 – Mt Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley
Feb 21 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy
Feb 27 – Orlando, FL – Private
Mar 6 – Hockley, TX – 2920 Roadhouse
Mar 7 – Baton Rouge, LA – Texas Club
Mar 19 – Chandler, AZ – Wild Horse Pass
Mar 20 – Benson, AZ – Cochise Music Festival
Mar 21 – Temecula, CA – Temecula Stampede
Mar 22 – San Diego, CA – Music Box
Apr 10 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate PAC
Apr 11 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon
June 19 – Oswego, IL – PrairieFest
June 25 – Brainerd, MN – Lakes Jam
July 4 – Hillsboro, OH – Hillsboro Festival of Bells
July 17 – Cuba, MO – Crawford County Fair
July 24 – Lewistown, MT – Central Montana Fair
Aug 1 – Wahoo, NE – Saunders County Fair
Aug 8 – Gail, TX – The Coyote Store
Aug 21 – Plainview, TX – Sunset Pointe Event Center
Aug 22 – Denton, TX – North Texas State Fair
Sept 4 – Schaghticoke, NY – Schaghticoke Fair
Sept 12 – Kenton, OH – Hardin County Fair
Sept 19 – Beaumont, TX – Beaumont Civic Center
Oct 11 – Suffolk, VA – Suffolk Peanut Festival

Dolly Parton & Belmont University Launch Five Spring Dolly U Courses

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Belmont University has collaborated with Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises on the latest semester of Dolly U, a slate of immersive coursework and community initiatives inspired by Parton’s life, artistry and entrepreneurial spirit.

The partnership launched in 2025, and this semester will expand opportunities for students to engage in hands-on projects that bridge entertainment, business, communication and community outreach. Dolly U courses span three colleges, Entertainment & Music Business, Business and Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, and students across entertainment, marketing, communications and business disciplines will collaborate on real-world projects.

Community Programs include the Billy the Kid Makes It Big Touring Production, in which Belmont’s Department of Theatre and Dance Repertory Company will bring Dolly Parton’s children’s book to life with a stage performance. Following its creation in fall 2025, the production will tour elementary schools across Davidson and Williamson Counties in spring 2026.

“Dolly’s career is a masterclass in character, creativity and innovation, and our spring Dolly U courses give students the opportunity to apply those same principles,” says Sarah Cates, Belmont’s vice president for imagination, strategic initiatives & partnerships. “From marketing the Broadway soundtrack to designing guest experiences for the SongTeller Hotel, they’re learning how Dolly’s artistry and entrepreneurial vision continue to shape culture and community. This dynamic curriculum doesn’t just teach about excellence but invites students to be part of creating it.”

Following the sold-out run of Dolly: A True Original Musical at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, University President Greg Jones presented Dolly with a commemorative gift celebrating both the production’s remarkable achievement and Dolly U’s inaugural year on campus. The custom ceramic bowl, featuring a butterfly motif and sculpted by Audry Deal-McEver, symbolizes transformation and the creative spirit central to Dolly’s partnership with Belmont.

“Watching 49 consecutive sold-out audiences experience Dolly: A True Original Musical at the Fisher Center was nothing short of magical for Belmont, for Nashville and for the entire entertainment community,” says Jones. “Dolly’s partnership has brought unprecedented creative energy to our campus, and this commemorative gift symbolizes our deep gratitude for the transformative experiences she’s creating for our students.”

Spring 2026 Academic Coursework:

  • Entertainment Marketing and Promotion | Dr. Stephen Rush – Students will design marketing strategies for the “Dolly: A True Original Musical” soundtrack, applying real-world promotional techniques to a landmark Broadway launch.
  • Partnership Marketing in Music | John Zarling & Jackie Campbell, chief marketing officer and chief operations officer, Results Global, Dolly Parton’s marketing agency. Students will explore sponsorships, strategic alignments and nonprofit collaborations, with projects centered on Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum.
  • Emerging Dolly Initiative | Dr. Anna Grace Usery – Students will develop integrated communication strategies for Dolly U programming focused on educational outreach or community engagement.
  • Dollyology: Branding, Leadership & Strategic Communication in the Dollyverse | Dr. Kevin Trowbridge – Students will examine Dolly Parton’s career as a blueprint for building purpose-driven brands, emphasizing authenticity, creativity and cultural intelligence
  • Customer Relationship Management and Experience Strategy | Dr. Angela Sebby – Students will design customer experience strategies tied to Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, part of the forthcoming Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel opening in 2026