The latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly arrives with a packed slate of headline-making moments across country music, from major award wins and executive moves to landmark announcements shaping Nashville’s future. Click here to see the full edition.
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards lit up the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday night (May 17), with global superstar Shania Twain serving as host for one of the genre’s biggest evenings. Cody Johnson emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home both Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year honors. Parker McCollum earned Album of the Year for his self-titled project, while Ella Langley dominated the evening with four trophy wins, including Female Artist of the Year, Song and Single of the Year for her breakout smash “Choosin’ Texas,” and Musical Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Prior to the telecast, Langley also secured Artist-Songwriter of the Year honors.
Additional ACM victories reflected both the genre’s legacy acts and rising stars. The Red Clay Strays earned Group of the Year, while legendary duo Brooks & Dunn added yet another Duo of the Year win to their celebrated career. Emerging artists were also recognized ahead of the broadcast, with Avery Anna named New Female Artist of the Year and Tucker Wetmore receiving New Male Artist of the Year. Stephen Wilson Jr. picked up Visual Media of the Year for “Cuckoo,” while acclaimed songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon made history with her Songwriter of the Year win.
Beyond the awards stage, the industry saw several notable executive and business developments this week. After nearly a decade with Sony Music Nashville, Liz Cost will depart her role as Vice President of International Marketing and Artist Development at the end of June following nine and a half years with the label.
Nashville also scored a major victory on the sports and entertainment front, as the city was officially selected to host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium.
The songwriting community will also gather this fall to honor two iconic figures during the 9th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. Vince Gill and Paul Williams are set to be recognized at the ceremony on Sept. 22 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Elsewhere across the business, leadership changes and promotions continued throughout the industry. RECORDS Nashville elevated Andrew Saltman to Senior Vice President of Artist Development, while Sara Gil was named General Manager. At RESULTS GLOBAL, the company announced a series of promotions and new hires, including Katherine Birschbach as Account Director, Cara Fallon as Social Media Manager and Alex Hendl as Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Internally, Aden Henke, Cami Cradock and Samantha Parrish all received promotions within the organization.
Publishing and management sectors also saw significant movement. Neil Medley renewed his global publishing agreement with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing, while Alex Torrez and Emily Vincent officially launched Vincent Torrez Management, an evolution of Torrez Music Group. The newly formed company’s roster includes Natalie Del Carmen, Mario Flores, Sophie Gault, Braxton Keith, Gabe Lee and Zach Meadows.
New ventures and team expansions were also in focus this week. HEY NOW Records unveiled its marketing team, bringing aboard Melissa McGreevy as Senior Director of Digital Marketing, Samantha Kane as Director of Marketing and Aidan Brown as Digital Marketing Coordinator.
Meanwhile, several artists announced new label and representation deals. Cassidy Daniels and Channing Wilson signed with Country Road Records, while Solon Holt inked a deal with Trenches Records and Republic Records. Kenny Whitmire joined The Neal Agency, and songwriter Davis Cook signed a global co-publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment.
Additional signings rounded out the week, with singer-songwriter and producer Brock Phillips joining Big Loud Records and Local Hay Records, while Music City Power Company announced Six One Five Collective as its flagship artist.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Matt Stell Signs With Black River Entertainment
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Jordan Policastri, Gordon S. Kerr, Kellie LaJack, Grace Watson, Tanya Schrage, Brendan Rich, Dawn Delvo, Matt Stell, Doug Johnson, Rick Froio, Aaron Steinberg and Chase Miller. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Matt Stell has signed Black River Entertainment.
“I knew I wanted to sign with Black River Entertainment from the first time we all met,” shares Stell. “I’ve been blown away by their culture, character and support from the get-go. I think we were sold on each other very quickly, which is why this deal happened at warp speed. It’s already a great fit and I’m so excited about what the future has in store for all of us.”
The Arkansas native has amassed over 1.1 billion global streams and earned two chart-toppers at country radio with the double-Platinum hit “Prayed For You” and Platinum certified “Everywhere But On.” Stell will release “Better Angels” with Ne-Yo this Friday (May 29), his first track on the label.
“From the moment we started hanging out with Matt, it didn’t take long for us to see he belongs at Black River,” shares Gordon S. Kerr, CEO of Black River. “He’s an incredible artist with a unique voice and a vision for where he wants to go and now, we are proud to be part of that journey.”
“Matt is a fantastic artist and is surrounded by a great team, led by Brendan Rich. We’re all so excited about his new music and our future together,” adds Black River EVP Rick Froio.
MusicRow Weekly (ACM Awards, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThe latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly arrives with a packed slate of headline-making moments across country music, from major award wins and executive moves to landmark announcements shaping Nashville’s future. Click here to see the full edition.
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards lit up the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday night (May 17), with global superstar Shania Twain serving as host for one of the genre’s biggest evenings. Cody Johnson emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home both Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year honors. Parker McCollum earned Album of the Year for his self-titled project, while Ella Langley dominated the evening with four trophy wins, including Female Artist of the Year, Song and Single of the Year for her breakout smash “Choosin’ Texas,” and Musical Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Prior to the telecast, Langley also secured Artist-Songwriter of the Year honors.
Additional ACM victories reflected both the genre’s legacy acts and rising stars. The Red Clay Strays earned Group of the Year, while legendary duo Brooks & Dunn added yet another Duo of the Year win to their celebrated career. Emerging artists were also recognized ahead of the broadcast, with Avery Anna named New Female Artist of the Year and Tucker Wetmore receiving New Male Artist of the Year. Stephen Wilson Jr. picked up Visual Media of the Year for “Cuckoo,” while acclaimed songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon made history with her Songwriter of the Year win.
Beyond the awards stage, the industry saw several notable executive and business developments this week. After nearly a decade with Sony Music Nashville, Liz Cost will depart her role as Vice President of International Marketing and Artist Development at the end of June following nine and a half years with the label.
Nashville also scored a major victory on the sports and entertainment front, as the city was officially selected to host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium.
The songwriting community will also gather this fall to honor two iconic figures during the 9th Annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. Vince Gill and Paul Williams are set to be recognized at the ceremony on Sept. 22 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Elsewhere across the business, leadership changes and promotions continued throughout the industry. RECORDS Nashville elevated Andrew Saltman to Senior Vice President of Artist Development, while Sara Gil was named General Manager. At RESULTS GLOBAL, the company announced a series of promotions and new hires, including Katherine Birschbach as Account Director, Cara Fallon as Social Media Manager and Alex Hendl as Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Internally, Aden Henke, Cami Cradock and Samantha Parrish all received promotions within the organization.
Publishing and management sectors also saw significant movement. Neil Medley renewed his global publishing agreement with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing, while Alex Torrez and Emily Vincent officially launched Vincent Torrez Management, an evolution of Torrez Music Group. The newly formed company’s roster includes Natalie Del Carmen, Mario Flores, Sophie Gault, Braxton Keith, Gabe Lee and Zach Meadows.
New ventures and team expansions were also in focus this week. HEY NOW Records unveiled its marketing team, bringing aboard Melissa McGreevy as Senior Director of Digital Marketing, Samantha Kane as Director of Marketing and Aidan Brown as Digital Marketing Coordinator.
Meanwhile, several artists announced new label and representation deals. Cassidy Daniels and Channing Wilson signed with Country Road Records, while Solon Holt inked a deal with Trenches Records and Republic Records. Kenny Whitmire joined The Neal Agency, and songwriter Davis Cook signed a global co-publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment.
Additional signings rounded out the week, with singer-songwriter and producer Brock Phillips joining Big Loud Records and Local Hay Records, while Music City Power Company announced Six One Five Collective as its flagship artist.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Julia Cole Debuts New Album ‘Love You To Death’
/by Lauryn SinkJulia Cole has released her new album Love You To Death.
“This album is the most honest version of me,” she shares. “I want these songs to be what you can lean on through life’s ups and downs — just like the friends who hype you up, cry with you, and celebrate every win with you. That’s what Sisterhood Country is.”
The 14-track project was written alongside Andrew Beason, Cole Miracle, Danielle Blakey, Willie Morrison, Trent Wayne, Canaan Smith and more. Produced by Josh Ronen and Cole, the album explores heartbreak, life, celebrations and more.
Cole has amassed more than 700 million on-demand streams and built a following of over 3 million across platforms. She has shared stages with artists including Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis and Dierks Bentley.
Cole is currently on her “Love You To Death Tour” through October.
Grand Ole Opry Hosts ‘Salute the Troops’ Show
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry hosted its Salute the Troops performance and red carpet earlier this week.
Among the artists who performed were Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as an Army Reserve Warrant Officer, Opry member Lauren Alaina, The War And Treaty, HunterGirl, Opry member John Conlee, Opry member Rhonda Vincent, Opry member T Graham Brown and the 100th US Army Band. The Opry also welcomed 3-Star General Robert Harter, the Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the US Army Reserve Command, as a guest announcer.
In a special moment, Lt. General Harter presided over a future soldier swearing-in ceremony live on stage.
Ahead of the show, the Opry invited honored active and veteran military guests to join a red carpet parade into the Opry House for the evening’s show. Leading the red-carpet walk was Lt. General Harter, Retired US Army General Keith Huber with MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Carol Whitmore, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Commander, and Hal Roesch, VFW Foundation Executive Director.
Photo: Chris Hollo
Photo: Chris Hollo
Photo: Chris Hollo
Charles Weems Signs With Provident Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenCharles Weems
Worship leader Charles Weems has signed with Provident Entertainment. Alongside the signing, he has released his label debut, “I Will Follow,” which had amassed more than 5,000 pre-saves.
Hailing from Vero Beach, Weems grew up deeply connected to the local church. His great-grandparents helped start the family church, and his father now pastors it. From an early age, he was surrounded by worship, community and faith, shaping a calling focused on serving the Church and leading people into God’s presence.
He first gained national attention with “Slow Me Down,” which went viral and has earned more than 34 million streams. His new “I Will Follow” was co-penned with Caylie Bryant and produced by Josh Holiday.
“Everything starts with the local church for me,” says Weems. “I’ve always believed my first calling is simply to serve and to be available to God and obedient wherever He leads. My prayer is that these songs help people encounter Jesus in a real and personal way.”
“Charles carries a rare combination of humility, authenticity, and deep spiritual conviction,” adds Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “From the moment we connected with him, it was clear his heart is to serve the Church first. We’re honored to partner with him and excited for people to experience these songs.”
Reba Drops Second EP In Music Capsule Series, ‘Hurt Like That’
/by Lorie HollabaughReba McEntire is dropping the second installment in her new music capsule series, Hurt Like That – EP, today (May 22) via MCA.
The new EP captures 50 years of heartbreak songs, and the title track was penned by Kellys Collins and Casey Wood, and produced by Dave Cobb. Each thematically curated collection pairs a newly recorded song with selected tracks that celebrate five decades of her career. Launching a tailored playlist in tandem with each music capsule, “The Rise of Reba” Playlist drops June 1, as it follows the meteoric rise of the chart-topping phenom breaking through in the ‘80s and fast-becoming country’s next superstar.
The One Night In Tulsa – EP premiered last month alongside its companion “The Making of Reba” Playlist. Adding to her legacy, McEntire was recently honored in the class of 2026 with her defining album Rumor Has It (1990) being inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.
Reba’s leadership as a philanthropist was also recognized Wednesday (May 20) when she was awarded the Music Heals Golden Ukulele, as a dedicated supporter of Musicians On Call, during the inaugural Music Heals Live! at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Hurt Like That – EP Track List:
1. “Hurt Like That” (Kellys Collins, Casey Wood)
2. “Somebody Should Leave” (Chick Rains, Harlan Howard)
3. “For My Broken Heart” (Liz Hengber, Keith Palmer)
4. “What Am I Gonna Do About You” (Doug Gilmore, Bob Simon, Jim Allison)
5. “The Clown” (Dallas Davidson, Hillary Lindsey, James Slater)
NE-YO To Release Country-Inspired LP ‘Highway 79’
/by Lorie HollabaughGrammy-winning hitmaker NE-YO has released a new country single “Ms. Tundra,” from his forthcoming, country-inspired
A high-tempo, line dance-ready anthem, “Ms. Tundra” fuses NE-YO’s signature vocals with upbeat country instrumentation. The track was produced by Chuck Harmony, and blends playful storytelling with crowd-driven energy.
Recorded fully in Nashville, Highway 79 is set to release on July 10 and showcases NE-YO’s evolving exploration of country-influenced sounds and genre-blending storytelling. The album title is inspired by NE-YO’s birth year and Highway 79 in Arkansas, his birth state. Previously released tracks like “Simple Things” and “Up Out & Gone” are set to appear on the new project.
The release follows NE-YO’s continued expansion into the country space throughout 2025, including his Grand Ole Opry debut, where he premiered “Simple Things” and performed a medley of chart-topping hits including “So Sick.” He is currently on the road on his “Nights Like This Tour” alongside Akon. The 57-city run kicked off April 24 at 3Arena in Dublin and will visit London, Paris, Atlanta, Houston, and Toronto before wrapping Aug. 21 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
Aaron Lewis Slates ‘Give My Country Back’ For Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughAaron Lewis will release his latest solo album, Give My Country Back, July 17 via Big Machine Label Group. To celebrate the announcement, Lewis dropped the album’s title track today (May 22).
“Give My Country Back” carries on the patriotic tradition of Lewis’ country heroes, channeling country grit, acoustic riffs and conviction into an anthem rooted in freedom.
“I actually care about the fact we have people we put in their positions, who are in no way, shape, or form doing anything in any way that is better for us,” Lewis says.
Across ten tracks, Give My Country Back explores themes of accountability, resilience, faith, patriotism and personal growth. The album blends honky-tonk roots with modern country muscle, creating a project that feels deeply personal and defiantly bold. Lewis co-wrote five songs on the record alongside longtime collaborators including Jeffrey Steele and Bobby Pinson, while additional tracks from Casey Beathard, Travis Meadows and others. Songs including “The Door,” “Bad Thing to Be Good At,” “Too High for This,” “Let Go Like the Rain,” and “People I’ve Known” showcase Lewis’ songwriting and highlight the conviction, vulnerability and reflection throughout the collection.
“This is the perfect record for where I’m at right now,” says Lewis. “As you get older, you start realizing your time is coming to a close. I wasn’t living as cleanly as possible, so I quit drinking. I quit smoking cigarettes. I’ve done some kickboxing. I’m on a healthier routine, and I want to get better before I can’t. The realization that life is more than half over will get you to change, if you allow it. That’s where I’m at. My music is my life. Every one of those songs. If you listen to it all, you’ll probably know me better than I know myself.”
Give My Country Back Track List:
1. “The Door” (Bobby Pinson, Matthew Joseph Rogers, Benjamin Merritt Stennis)
2. “Bad Thing To Be Good At” (Aaron Lewis, Casey Beathard, Chuck Cannon, Travis Meadows, Bobby Pinson, Jeffrey Steele, Chris Wallin)
3. “Too High For This” (Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson)
4. “List Of Things To Quit” (Aaron Lewis, Casey Beathard, Chuck Cannon, Travis Meadows, Bobby Pinson, Jeffrey Steele, Chris Wallin)
5. “Give My Country Back” (Aaron Lewis, Casey Beathard, Chuck Cannon, Travis Meadows, Bobby Pinson, Jeffrey Steele, Chris Wallin)
6. “People I’ve Known” (Aaron Lewis, Shane Minor, Jeffrey Steele, Chris Wallin)
7. “Let Go Like The Rain” (Kendell Marvel, Chris Wallin)
8. “A Showman’s Life” (Jesse Winchester)
9. “Keeping Up With The Jonesin’” (Jamey Johnson)
10. “Duct Tape And Bailin’ Wire” (Phillip Coleman)
On The Row: McCoy Moore Previews Debut Album
/by Lauryn SinkMccoy Moore. Photo: Matt Paskert
McCoy Moore stopped by the MusicRow office earlier this week to share a preview of his debut album Sunshine State, which is out today via Sony Music Nashville/Cervidae Records.
The Lakeland, Florida native first picked up a guitar after meeting Luke Combs at a Tampa show. Moving to Nashville at 19, Moore spent the first years honing his craft and earned cuts with Shane Profitt, Roman Alexander, Bryce Mauldin and more.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell, McCoy Moore, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.
Today, Moore released his debut album, Sunshine State. Inspired by the sounds of Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Keith Whitley, the project weaves themes of nostalgia across its 14 tracks. Produced by Will Bundy, the album was written alongside Jessi Alexander, Johnny Clawson, Shane McAnally and Will Weatherly, among others.
Moore shared the title track “Sunshine State,” “Went To The Bar” and “Something To You” with the team.
“If I had a dream at 16, everything is going exactly how [I] thought it would go. All of it’s just a blessing,” he says.
Moore is currently supporting HARDY on the “Country! Country! Tour,” which will continue through September.
Hunter Flynn Signs With Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenPhoto: Nick Rau
Singer-songwriter Hunter Flynn has signed with Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, in partnership with Appalachian Soul Music.
“Hunter Flynn, with his ‘Appalachian Soul’ and Kentucky roots, brings a unique artistic vision to his music and his art,” says Big Machine Chairman Scott Borchetta.”In the time we’ve been working together, I’m continually amazed by his creativity, approach, and keen eye on how he’s going to tell his stories.”
“When I decided to quit my job and make art for a living, I swore I would never spend another second of another day not doing something I love,” adds Flynn. “So truth be told, the idea of a record label scared me because I have such a clear vision for the art I want to create. But from the very first time I met with Scott, Jimmy, Ryan and the rest of the team and played them my songs it was abundantly clear that they believed in my vision and were willing to be true partners and advocate for my art. Since then, they’ve provided me with the resources and the support to create the album of my dreams and are now using their expertise to help spread Appalachian Soul Music to all corners of the world.”
Hailing from Eastern Kentucky, Flynn attended Eastern Kentucky University on a full academic scholarship, studying biomedical sciences before a 2021 car accident led him to focus on art and music. After leaving his insurance job and moving back into his grandmother’s basement, he began drawing charcoal portraits, writing songs and performing at open mic nights across Kentucky.
His artwork appears on his single covers, including his newly released “Wasted Day,” which features his dog Ginger, and the Appalachian astronaut that has become a recurring symbol in his visual art.
“Wasted Day” was penned solo by Flynn and produced by David Ferguson and M. Allen Parker. The tune is the first preview of his debut album, releasing later this year.