Three-time Grammy winner Trisha Yearwood brought her signature warmth to a cold night at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Center on Tuesday (Dec. 2), launching her “Christmastime with Trisha Yearwood: 12 Days of Christmas Symphony Tour” with a festive, elegant performance alongside the Nashville Symphony, led by conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez.

Across the evening, Yearwood interwove selections from her new holiday album, Christmastime, with a handful of her own timeless hits. She sparkled on whimsical Christmas favorites such as “Christmastime Is Here,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Cool Yule.” She also laughed about adding songs to the album that aren’t technically Christmas songs—because, as she noted, “you can do that when it’s your album”—before delivering crowd-pleasing renditions of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music and “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

The audience especially loved her symphonic take on “Take a Walk Through Bethlehem” from her 1994 holiday project The Sweetest Gift, as well as “The Man with the Bag” from her 2016 holiday album with Garth Brooks, Christmas Together.

One of the night’s standout moments came with “Merry Christmas, Valentine,” a newer song she and Brooks wrote together over the years. Before performing it, Yearwood shared how, in her 20s, someone once told her she wasn’t a songwriter, and how reclaiming that part of her artistry has shaped both of her 2025 albums, Christmastime and The Mirror. Another emotional high point followed with a moving performance of “When October Settles In” from The Mirror.

Of course, no Yearwood show would be complete without a few of her country classics. She had the crowd on their feet with an energized “Wrong Side of Memphis,” boosted even further by the full orchestra, and kept the room dancing with “She’s in Love with the Boy.”

Throughout the evening, Yearwood took time to recognize the people who’ve shaped her career from the ’90s to today. She frequently applauded her band and the Nashville Symphony, reflecting on what a true gift they are to the city.

She closed the night with a gorgeous, heartfelt “Over the Rainbow,” sending the audience back into the blustery evening wrapped in the glow of the season.

Spotify has released its 2025 Wrapped, the annual year-end tradition that allows Spotify users an opportunity to view the analytics about their top played music throughout the year.

This year, Spotify gave fans nearly a dozen new statistics. A few of these options include listening age, top albums, top audiobook genre, your author clip, fan leaderboards and more.

Spotify also released the top music, audiobooks and podcasts across the platform.

In the United States, I’m The Problem by Morgan Wallen takes the top album spot, followed by SOS Deluxe: LANA by SZA, and DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift, Drake and Wallen hold the top three artists positions respectively.

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny, KPop Demon Hunters by KPop Demon Hunters Cast, HUNTR/X, Saja Boys, and HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish hold the top global album spots. Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd took the top three global artist spots.

More information on Spotify Wrapped is available here.

Kenny Chesney Appears On The Howard Stern Show

Kenny Chesney stopped by The Howard Stern Show yesterday (Dec. 2). During the two hour conversation, they discussed HEART LIFE MUSIC, including inspiration, alienation, unthinkable moments and notions, mutual friends, the creative process and more.

“It was absolutely my most favorite two hours of radio I’ve ever done,” says Chesney. “It was so fast and so engaged with what we’d written, it made me rethink in a wonderful way so much of what went into the book. To hear someone love your life and journey like that, it makes you realize how much we all inspire each other – and I can’t think of a better gift after the last month of incredible media, book events and the love I’ve received on social media than spending two hours with Howard Stern talking about music, songs and life.”

 

Studio Bank & BMI Celebrate Nashville Songwriters

Studio Bank and BMI recently brought together some of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters for an exclusive songwriter round at BMI’s Music Row office. The round featured Liz Rose, Brett and Brad Warren and Phil Barton. Studio Bank Founder, Chairman and President Aaron Dorn, along with Studio Bank’s Ron Cox and BMI’s Clay Bradley also spoke during the event.

“Our partnership with BMI gives us the opportunity to shine a light on the songwriters who are the creative force behind Nashville’s music industry,” said Dorn. “These are the creators behind the songs we all know and love, and we’re honored to continue our ongoing partnership with BMI to celebrate their incredible contributions.”

 

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation Honors Horse Haven Of Tennessee

Miranda Lambert‘s MuttNation Foundation has awarded Horse Haven of Tennessee with the 2025 Idyllwind Award, which also includes a $25,000 donation. The award, named in honor of Lambert’s first horse, Idyllwind Ellund, recognizes a U.S. equine rescue or sanctuary that rehabilitates and/or rehomes horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned, while also educating the public about the difficult conditions horses face.

“One thing that really stood out about Horse Haven of Tennessee is that they’re available for emergency equine rescue to all 95 counties in the state – that’s huge,” shares Lambert. “And, of course, the amazing work they do to help rehabilitate and rehome the animals that come into their care.”

 

Ashley Cooke Hosts Writer’s Round For ACM Lifting Lives

Ashley Cooke teamed up with ACM Lifting Lives and The Listening Room for a writer’s round fundraiser on Monday night (Dec. 1). The round featured Cooke, Vincent Mason, McCoy Moore, and Kyle Sturrock, and raised $13,000 for ACM Lifting Lives.

“This Giving-Tuesday-inspired show was a perfect representation of the generosity and spirit of community that Country Music fosters,” says Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director. “We were lucky to witness both the musical prowess and camaraderie of Ashley, Vincent, McCoy, and Kyle on The Listening Room stage for a night of heartfelt songs, laughs, and storytelling. Thank you to the artists, the Listening Room, and the fans who so generously fueled the evening.”

The AristoMedia Group has announced some staff additions and a promotion.

Taylor Dickens has been promoted to Senior Publicist at the company. Dickens is a Nashville-based music publicist with over seven years of experience, and at AristoMedia has supported press and client coordination for events including Country Radio Seminar, Country Radio Hall of Fame, Live In The Vineyard, Elevation, Cirque du Soleil’s Songblazers, Concert for Love & Acceptance and more. Before joining AristoMedia, Dickens served as Tour Publicist at All Eyes Media, supporting campaigns for Jason Isbell, Widespread Panic, Daniel Donato and more.

Liza Anderson joins the company as Publicity Coordinator, and Amanda Anderson has been named Digital Marketing Coordinator within the company’s AristoDigital division.

Liza was formerly with MusicRow Magazine, where she served as both Project Manager and Subscription Manager/Writer, contributing to editorial content and managing day-to-day operations. A graduate of the University of Alabama with a B.A. in English and a minor in communication studies, she previously worked with Anderson Benson (now Gallagher), supporting the firm’s Entertainment Specialty Practice and other departments.

Amanda is a lifelong music enthusiast who previously worked with Nashville Rescue Mission, Tennessee Voices and PEG Music, where she enhanced digital presence and helped launch statewide initiatives for community engagement. She brings expertise in digital communications, content creation, and audience engagement to her new role, where she will develop and execute social media campaigns, manage targeted ad strategies, and craft content to amplify artist visibility and connection.

“As we celebrate 45 years of AristoMedia’s legacy, I’m constantly reminded that our strength lies in the people behind the work,” says Christy Walker-Watkins, President and Co-Owner of The AristoMedia Group. “Taylor’s years with Aristo have demonstrated her unwavering dedication, not only to our team but to every client she serves, and we’re proud to recognize her continued growth. Liza and Amanda bring incredible energy, creativity, and a genuine passion for our clients; qualities that will help carry our legacy forward.”

Reach Taylor at Taylor@aristomedia.com, Liza at Liza@aristomedia.com and Amanda at Amanda@aristomedia.com.