Garth Brooks. Photo: Courtesy Maurice Miner Media & Marketing
Country music was well represented on the 2020 Billboard Music Awards last night (Oct. 14), at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
Garth Brooks was the first country artist to receive the ICON Award which recognizes “the cultural impact of an artist whose extraordinary talent as a creator, writer and entertainer has stood the test of time.” The ICON Award was presented to Brooks by a previous recipient, the iconic Cher.
“To Miss Cher—getting to hold the award that you got makes me feel…cool. And ‘cool’ is never a word I would use to describe me,” Brooks said as he accepted the award. “If I had to thank one person or one entity, it would be God Almighty for through Him all things are possible. If you talk about down here on this planet, Bob Doyle…the group from Nashville and L.A. To the love of my life, Trisha Yearwood. The three girls—Taylor, August, Allie—I will love you beyond my time here on this planet. Country radio—you gave me this! And to all those people that fill those stands: thank you! Thank you for my life!”
Luke Combs walked away with three awards, including Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, and Top Country Album for What You See Is What You Get.
While accepting Top Country Artist, Combs said: “This is an incredible honor and something I would have never dreamed of when I was growing up and when I started doing this. I just want to thank the fans out there, my beautiful wife at home, my team, my band…I hope everybody is staying safe at home. Thank you so much for loving what I do.”
Maren Morris was awarded Top Country Female Artist, while George Strait won Top Country Tour. Dan + Shay took home Top Country Duo/Group and their hit with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours,” won Top Country Song.
Post Malone was awarded Top Artist and Top Male Artist of the night, while Billie Eilish took home Top New Artist and Top Female Artist.
Top Christian Artist was earned by Lauren Daigle, and Top Gospel Artist by Kanye West.
See the full list of winners below.
ARTIST AWARDS
Top Artist:
Billie Eilish
Jonas Brothers
Khalid
WINNER: Post Malone
Taylor Swift
Top New Artist:
DaBaby
WINNER: Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
Roddy Ricch
Billboard Chart Achievement Award (Fan Voted):
Mariah Carey
Luke Combs
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Harry Styles
Taylor Swift
Top Male Artist:
DaBaby
Khalid
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Ed Sheeran
Top Female Artist:
WINNER: Billie Eilish
Ariana Grande
Halsey
Lizzo
Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group:
BTS
Dan + Shay
WINNER: Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
Panic! At The Disco
Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Drake
Billie Eilish
Khalid
WINNER: Post Malone
Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist:
DaBaby
Billie Eilish
Khalid
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Top Streaming Songs Artist:
DaBaby
Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Travis Scott
Top Song Sales Artist:
Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Lizzo
Post Malone
Taylor Swift
Top Radio Songs Artist:
WINNER: Jonas Brothers
Khalid
Lizzo
Shawn Mendes
Post Malone
Top Social Artist (Fan Voted):
WINNER: BTS
Billie Eilish
EXO
GOT7
Ariana Grande
Top Touring Artist:
Elton John
Metallica
WINNER: P!nk
The Rolling Stones
Ed Sheeran
Top R&B Artist:
Chris Brown
WINNER: Khalid
Lizzo
Summer Walker
The Weeknd
Top R&B Male Artist:
Chris Brown
WINNER: Khalid
The Weeknd
Top R&B Female Artist:
Beyoncé
Lizzo
WINNER: Summer Walker
Top R&B Tour:
B2K
Janet Jackson
WINNER: Khalid
Top Rap Artist:
DaBaby
Juice WRLD
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Roddy Ricch
Top Rap Male Artist:
DaBaby
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Top Rap Female Artist:
WINNER: Cardi B
City Girls
Megan Thee Stallion
Top Rap Tour:
Drake
WINNER: Post Malone
Travis Scott
Top Country Artist:
Kane Brown
WINNER: Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Maren Morris
Thomas Rhett
Top Country Male Artist:
Kane Brown
WINNER: Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Top Country Female Artist:
WINNER: Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood
Top Country Duo/Group:
WINNER: Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
Top Country Tour:
Eric Church
Florida Georgia Line
WINNER: George Strait
Top Rock Artist:
Imagine Dragons
WINNER: Panic! At The Disco
Tame Impala
Tool
twenty one pilots
Top Rock Tour:
WINNER: Elton John
Metallica
The Rolling Stones
Top Latin Artist:
Anuel AA
WINNER: Bad Bunny
J Balvin
Ozuna
Romeo Santos
Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
Avicii
WINNER: The Chainsmokers
DJ Snake
Illenium
Marshmello
Top Christian Artist:
WINNER: Lauren Daigle
Elevation Worship
For King & Country
Hillsong United
Kanye West
Top Gospel Artist:
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Sunday Service Choir
WINNER: Kanye West
ALBUM AWARDS
Top Billboard 200 Album:
WINNER: Billie Eilish When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Ariana Grande Thank U, Next
Khalid Free Spirit
Post Malone Hollywood’s Bleeding
Taylor Swift Lover
Top Soundtrack:
Aladdin
Descendants 3
WINNER: Frozen II
K-12 by Melanie Martinez
The Dirt by Mötley Crüe
Top R&B Album:
Beyoncé Homecoming: The Live Album
Justin Bieber Changes
Chris Brown Indigo
WINNER: Khalid Free Spirit
Summer Walker Over It
Top Rap Album:
DaBaby Kirk
Juice WRLD Death Race For Love
WINNER: Post Malone Hollywood’s Bleeding
Roddy Ricch Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial
Young Thug So Much Fun
Top Country Album:
Kane Brown Experiment
WINNER: Luke Combs What You See Is What You Get
Maren Morris Girl
Thomas Rhett Center Point Road
Morgan Wallen If I Know Me
Top Rock Album:
The Lumineers III
Slipknot We Are Not Your Kind
Tame Impala The Slow Rush
WINNER: Tool Fear Inoculum
Vampire Weekend Father of the Bride
Top Latin Album:
WINNER: J Balvin & Bad Bunny Oasis
Farruko Gangalee
Maluma 11:11
Romeo Santos Utopía
Sech Sueños
Top Dance/Electronic Album:
Avicii Tim
The Chainsmokers World War Joy
Illenium Ascend
WINNER: Marshmello Marshmello: Fortnite Extended Set
Alan Walker Different World
Top Christian Album:
Bethel Music Victory: Recorded Live
Casting Crowns Only Jesus
Hillsong United People
Skillet Victorious
WINNER: Kanye West Jesus is King
Top Gospel Album
Kirk Franklin Long Live Love
Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers Goshen
William McDowell The Cry: A Live Worship Experience
Sunday Service Choir Jesus Is Born
WINNER: Kanye West Jesus is King
SONG AWARDS
Top Hot 100 Song:
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
Billie Eilish “bad guy”
WINNER: Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello “Señorita”
Top Streaming Song:
Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance”
Billie Eilish “bad guy”
WINNER: Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lil Tecca “Ran$om”
Post Malone & Swae Lee “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”
Top Selling Song:
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
Billie Eilish “bad guy”
WINNER: Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Blake Shelton “God’s Country”
Top Radio Song:
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
WINNER: Jonas Brothers “Sucker”
Khalid “Talk”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber “I Don’t Care”
Top Collaboration (Fan Voted):
Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
WINNER: Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello “Señorita”
Post Malone & Swae Lee “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber “I Don’t Care”
Top R&B Song:
Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance”
Doja Cat & Tyga “Juicy”
WINNER: Khalid “Talk”
Lizzo “Good As Hell”
The Weeknd “Heartless”
Top Rap Song:
WINNER: Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lil Tecca “Ran$om”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Post Malone & Swae Lee “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”
Post Malone “Wow.”
Top Country Song:
WINNER: Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours”
Maren Morris “The Bones”
Old Dominion “One Man Band”
Blake Shelton “God’s Country”
Morgan Wallen “Whiskey Glasses”
Top Rock Song:
Imagine Dragons “Bad Liar”
Machine Gun Kelly x Yungblud x Travis Barker “I Think I’m Okay”
WINNER: Panic! At The Disco “Hey Look Ma, I Made It”
Twenty One Pilots “Chlorine”
Twenty One Pilots “The Hype”
Top Latin Song:
Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna & J Balvin “China”
Bad Bunny & Tainy “Callaita”
WINNER: Daddy Yankee ft. Snow “Con Calma”
Jhay Cortez, J Balvin, & Bad Bunny “No Me Conoce”
Sech ft. Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Anuel AA “Otro Trago”
Top Dance/Electronic Song:
Black Eyed Peas x J Balvin “Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life)”
WINNER: Ellie Goulding x Diplo ft. Swae Lee “Close To Me”
Illenium & Jon Bellion “Good Things Fall Apart”
Kygo x Whitney Houston “Higher Love”
Marshmello ft. Chvrches “Here With Me”
Top Christian Song:
Bethel Music, Jonathan David Helser & Melissa Helser “Raise A Hallelujah”
Casting Crowns ft. Matthew West “Nobody”
Lauren Daigle “Rescue”
WINNER: For King & Country “God Only Knows”
Kanye West “Follow God”
Top Gospel Song:
Kirk Franklin “Love Theory”
Kanye West “Closed on Sunday”
WINNER: Kanye West “Follow God”
Kanye West “On God”
Kanye West “Selah”
DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Kane Brown, Josh Turner, High Valley, Gone West
/by Robert K OermannThere is very little in this edition of DisClaimer that is earth shattering—This week’s hallmarks are craftsmanship and competence.
Rising above the routine are Josh Turner, High Valley, the exquisite Gone West and our Disc of the Day winner, Kane Brown.
The DisCovery Award goes to the new duo Southerland, comprised of Matt Chase and Chris Rogers.
SOUTHERLAND/”Thing Is”
Writers: Matt Chase/Chris Rogers/Greg Bates; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Trent Willmon; River House/Sony
– Rollicking, good-natured and relentlessly upbeat. A single with a smile.
HIGH VALLEY/”Grew Up on That”
Writers: Brad Rempel, Ben Stennis, Jaron Boyer; Publisher: WMG/Sony-ATV/Peermusic/Kobalt, no performance rights listed; Producer: Seth Mosley; Warner
– Well written and highly engaging. The word portrait of simple values is dazzlingly detailed, and the melodic bed surrounding it twinkles like a holiday sparkler. I’m in.
JOSH TURNER/”I Can Tell By the Way You Dance”
Writers: Sandy Pinkard/Robert Strandlund; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; MCA Nashville
– This is smokin’ hot. Turner’s arrangement ups the tempo and intensity of this 1984 Vern Gosdin classic, giving it a zesty, refreshing spin. It’s a risky business covering one of country music’s greatest vocal stylists, but Turner shows that he’s up to the task with his artfully phrased delivery. And anyone who shines a light on Gosdin’s greatness gets an A+ in my book.
ALECIA NUGENT/”Way Too Young for Wings”
Writers: Alecia Nugent/James Leblanc/Jen Stegall/Brian Maher; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Keith Stegall; Hillbilly Goddess
– Nugent is taking the unusual step of releasing two singles simultaneously. This gentle, poignant ballad about dealing with the death of a young person is for the country market. The two stepper “Tell Fort Worth I Said Hello” is aimed at Texas-music programmers. Makes sense to me, since Texas is its own planet. And since both songs are stunners.
LUKE BRYAN/”Down to One”
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Justin Ebach/Kyle Fishman; Publisher: Play It Again Entertainment, BMI/ Kyle Fishman Music, BMI/Round Hill Compositions, BMI/ Natalia’s Music Money, BMI/Memory Days, SESAC/Curb Wordspring Music, SESAC/W.C.M. Music Corp., SESAC; Producer: Jeff Stevens & Jody Steven; Capitol
– Beautifully produced. At its most basic, this is yet another uptempo, not-too-country love song. But the swirling sonic mix makes it sound like a real romance.
KINKY FRIEDMAN/”Resurrection”
Writers: Kinky Friedman; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Larry Campbell; Echo Hill
– The soulful title tune of Friedman’s current CD serves notice that he’s not the snarky comic presence that he used to be. It’s a toe tapping meditation on death and the passage of time, sung with a soft, folky rasp that exudes sincerity. Willie Nelson drops by to harmonize.
JUSTIN MOORE/”We Didn’t Have Much”
Writers: Jeremy Stover/Randy Montana/Paul DiGiovanni; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jeremy Stover & Scott Borchetta; Valory
– The restless shuffling tempo propels this toe-tapper-with-a-heart. It gives it a certain edge and helps lift the song above mere nostalgia and a familiar poor-but-happy message. It’s a glimpse into Moore’s album to come next year.
MARGIE SINGLETON/”Never Mind”
Writers: M. Singleton/S.S. Singleton; Publisher: aintquittin, BMI; Producer: Stephen Shelby Singleton & Derrick Dexter Mathis; aintquittin music
– Singer-songwriter Margie Singleton celebrated her 85th birthday on Monday by releasing a new EP. Its title tune is a bass-heavy rumbler with an autobiographical lyric that she delivers with moxie. Active for seven decades, Singleton has sung hit duets with George Jones and Faron Young. She has written “Lie to Me” (an R&B hit for Brook Benton), “She Understands Me” (a pop hit for Johnny Tillotson) and “Laura What’s He Got That I Ain’t Got” (a country hit by her late husband Leon Ashley). And she’s still at it.
KANE BROWN/”Worship You”
Writers: Eskeerdo/Kane Brown/Matthew McGinn/Ryan Vojtesak; Publisher: Songs Of Universal, Inc., BMI/ Kane Brown Music, BMI/BMG Gold Songs, ASCAP/AIX Publishing, ASCAP/Kobalt Group Music Publishing, SESAC/McGinntellectual Property, SESAC/True Blue Works, SESAC/Krispy Pork Gang, BMI ; Producer: Dann Huff; RCA Nashville/Zone 4
– A repeated acoustic guitar figure sends a rippling wave through this super-romantic ballad that’s shot through with religious metaphors. His performance is a slow-burn dandy. This guy’s stardom seems to burn brighter with every release.
GONE WEST/”I’m Never Getting Over You”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Danielle Leverett Reeves/Jason Bradford Reeves/Justin Young/Liz Rose; Publisher: Warner-Chappell/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Triple Tigers
– This packs a punch. The anguish and ache in the farewell tune are made all the more piquant by the facts that this is the group’s swan song and that Colbie Caillat and Justin Young are breaking up as a couple. Caillat is noted as a Grammy winning pop artist, but it is Hawaiian music star Young’s soul-searing performance here that sent chills up my spine. Intensely moving. I am going to miss this always-flawless foursome.
KASSI ASHTON/”Black Motorcycle”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Luke Laird; Publisher: Creative Nation; Producer: Kassi Ashton & Luke Laird; MCA Nashville/Interscope
– The track is a muffled mess. The lyric consists of the same inane phrase repeated over the over. There is nothing “country” about it. Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
Florida Georgia Line Receive Angels Among Us Award From St. Jude
/by Lorie HollabaughFlorida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line was honored with the Randy Owen “Angels Among Us” award today (Oct. 15) during a livestream for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Themed “We Won’t Stop,” the livestream is an annual celebration of partners affiliated with the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radio program. The theme will also extend to social media and feature a variety of artists and influencers in the music industry.
FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley have supported St. Jude families for many years, including involving their families and pets in the This Shirt Saves Lives social media campaign since 2017. They have engaged in special moments with St. Jude patients like surprising St. Jude patient Ian on stage at the Nashville Symphony in 2018 when Kelley led a crowd of more than 1,500 fans in singing the “No More Chemo” song to him, in celebration of his last round of chemotherapy. Last year FGL added a surprise tour stop at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during their Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour. Due to their popularity, the event attracted a record crowd of patient families for an on-campus event.
“There is truly no place like St. Jude,” said Hubbard. “Whenever we visit, we are continually inspired by the kids’ strength and their amazing stories of bravery. Giving back is in our hearts and to be presented this award is an absolute honor.”
Kelley adds, “Music is healing and we love being able to help in any way we can to further the mission of St.Jude. And, for this award to be named after Randy Owen—who has always been one of our influences—that’s pretty incredible.”
“Tyler and Brian have always exemplified the true heart of the Angels Among Us Award by giving their time, love and voices to our mission, making such a powerful impact on the lives of children worldwide through their support of St. Jude,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Through a year that has been tough for everyone, they have still shown steadfast support to us. I’m honored to present them with this distinction as members of our St. Jude family.”
The recognition places FGL among the ranks of eight past recipients, including Alabama frontman Randy Owen, 2020 award-winner Lady A, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, John Rich, former ALSAC Chief Operating Officer David McKee (posthumously), St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board member Sharon Eaves (posthumously), and Darius Rucker.
Easton Corbin’s ‘Didn’t Miss A Beat’ EP Set For Release November 13
/by Lorie HollabaughEaston Corbin. Photo: Thomas Crabtree
Easton Corbin is releasing his new EP Didn’t Miss A Beat on November 13. Corbin unveiled a video for the title track/single earlier this week, which was released to radio in August. He performed it on NBC’s TODAY Show last month. Corbin signed with UTA for exclusive booking representation in all areas, it was announced in September.
It follows on the heels of his single “Turn Up” which came out earlier this summer, as well as his second collaboration with global EDM star Lost Frequencies, “One More Night,” which has already racked up over three million Spotify streams.
“I know I can’t wait to get back on the stage, so for me, this song is representative of how I’ll feel that first night back performing. Like I ‘didn’t miss a beat,’” Corbin told People. “We shot the video at my buddy’s farm, so filming it felt like I was at home. It was really comfortable for me.”
Reba McEntire To Star In New NBC TV Series Based On ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’
/by Lorie HollabaughReba McEntire
Reba McEntire is set to star in a new series based on Fried Green Tomatoes that is in development at NBC, MusicRow has confirmed.
Legendary TV producer Norman Lear is executive producing along with McEntire on the hour-long drama series, which brings the story up to present day with main character Idgie Threadgoode (McEntire) returning to Whistle Stop after a decade away, and wrestling with a changed town, an estranged daughter, a faltering cafe, and a life-changing secret.
Lear’s producing partner Brent Miller will executive produce the project under their Act III Productions banner, and Fannie Flagg, author of the original novel and co-writer of the film’s screenplay, will also executive produce. Jennifer Cecil is attached to write and executive produce on the series.
The novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe was originally published in 1987. The film version was released in 1991 and starred Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, and Cicely Tyson.
Garth Brooks Takes Home Icon Award, Luke Combs Wins At ‘2020 Billboard Music Awards’
/by LB CantrellGarth Brooks. Photo: Courtesy Maurice Miner Media & Marketing
Country music was well represented on the 2020 Billboard Music Awards last night (Oct. 14), at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
Garth Brooks was the first country artist to receive the ICON Award which recognizes “the cultural impact of an artist whose extraordinary talent as a creator, writer and entertainer has stood the test of time.” The ICON Award was presented to Brooks by a previous recipient, the iconic Cher.
“To Miss Cher—getting to hold the award that you got makes me feel…cool. And ‘cool’ is never a word I would use to describe me,” Brooks said as he accepted the award. “If I had to thank one person or one entity, it would be God Almighty for through Him all things are possible. If you talk about down here on this planet, Bob Doyle…the group from Nashville and L.A. To the love of my life, Trisha Yearwood. The three girls—Taylor, August, Allie—I will love you beyond my time here on this planet. Country radio—you gave me this! And to all those people that fill those stands: thank you! Thank you for my life!”
Luke Combs walked away with three awards, including Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, and Top Country Album for What You See Is What You Get.
While accepting Top Country Artist, Combs said: “This is an incredible honor and something I would have never dreamed of when I was growing up and when I started doing this. I just want to thank the fans out there, my beautiful wife at home, my team, my band…I hope everybody is staying safe at home. Thank you so much for loving what I do.”
Maren Morris was awarded Top Country Female Artist, while George Strait won Top Country Tour. Dan + Shay took home Top Country Duo/Group and their hit with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours,” won Top Country Song.
Post Malone was awarded Top Artist and Top Male Artist of the night, while Billie Eilish took home Top New Artist and Top Female Artist.
Top Christian Artist was earned by Lauren Daigle, and Top Gospel Artist by Kanye West.
See the full list of winners below.
ARTIST AWARDS
Top Artist:
Billie Eilish
Jonas Brothers
Khalid
WINNER: Post Malone
Taylor Swift
Top New Artist:
DaBaby
WINNER: Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
Roddy Ricch
Billboard Chart Achievement Award (Fan Voted):
Mariah Carey
Luke Combs
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Harry Styles
Taylor Swift
Top Male Artist:
DaBaby
Khalid
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Ed Sheeran
Top Female Artist:
WINNER: Billie Eilish
Ariana Grande
Halsey
Lizzo
Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group:
BTS
Dan + Shay
WINNER: Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
Panic! At The Disco
Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Drake
Billie Eilish
Khalid
WINNER: Post Malone
Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Artist:
DaBaby
Billie Eilish
Khalid
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Top Streaming Songs Artist:
DaBaby
Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Travis Scott
Top Song Sales Artist:
Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Lizzo
Post Malone
Taylor Swift
Top Radio Songs Artist:
WINNER: Jonas Brothers
Khalid
Lizzo
Shawn Mendes
Post Malone
Top Social Artist (Fan Voted):
WINNER: BTS
Billie Eilish
EXO
GOT7
Ariana Grande
Top Touring Artist:
Elton John
Metallica
WINNER: P!nk
The Rolling Stones
Ed Sheeran
Top R&B Artist:
Chris Brown
WINNER: Khalid
Lizzo
Summer Walker
The Weeknd
Top R&B Male Artist:
Chris Brown
WINNER: Khalid
The Weeknd
Top R&B Female Artist:
Beyoncé
Lizzo
WINNER: Summer Walker
Top R&B Tour:
B2K
Janet Jackson
WINNER: Khalid
Top Rap Artist:
DaBaby
Juice WRLD
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Roddy Ricch
Top Rap Male Artist:
DaBaby
Lil Nas X
WINNER: Post Malone
Top Rap Female Artist:
WINNER: Cardi B
City Girls
Megan Thee Stallion
Top Rap Tour:
Drake
WINNER: Post Malone
Travis Scott
Top Country Artist:
Kane Brown
WINNER: Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Maren Morris
Thomas Rhett
Top Country Male Artist:
Kane Brown
WINNER: Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Top Country Female Artist:
WINNER: Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood
Top Country Duo/Group:
WINNER: Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
Top Country Tour:
Eric Church
Florida Georgia Line
WINNER: George Strait
Top Rock Artist:
Imagine Dragons
WINNER: Panic! At The Disco
Tame Impala
Tool
twenty one pilots
Top Rock Tour:
WINNER: Elton John
Metallica
The Rolling Stones
Top Latin Artist:
Anuel AA
WINNER: Bad Bunny
J Balvin
Ozuna
Romeo Santos
Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
Avicii
WINNER: The Chainsmokers
DJ Snake
Illenium
Marshmello
Top Christian Artist:
WINNER: Lauren Daigle
Elevation Worship
For King & Country
Hillsong United
Kanye West
Top Gospel Artist:
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Sunday Service Choir
WINNER: Kanye West
ALBUM AWARDS
Top Billboard 200 Album:
WINNER: Billie Eilish When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Ariana Grande Thank U, Next
Khalid Free Spirit
Post Malone Hollywood’s Bleeding
Taylor Swift Lover
Top Soundtrack:
Aladdin
Descendants 3
WINNER: Frozen II
K-12 by Melanie Martinez
The Dirt by Mötley Crüe
Top R&B Album:
Beyoncé Homecoming: The Live Album
Justin Bieber Changes
Chris Brown Indigo
WINNER: Khalid Free Spirit
Summer Walker Over It
Top Rap Album:
DaBaby Kirk
Juice WRLD Death Race For Love
WINNER: Post Malone Hollywood’s Bleeding
Roddy Ricch Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial
Young Thug So Much Fun
Top Country Album:
Kane Brown Experiment
WINNER: Luke Combs What You See Is What You Get
Maren Morris Girl
Thomas Rhett Center Point Road
Morgan Wallen If I Know Me
Top Rock Album:
The Lumineers III
Slipknot We Are Not Your Kind
Tame Impala The Slow Rush
WINNER: Tool Fear Inoculum
Vampire Weekend Father of the Bride
Top Latin Album:
WINNER: J Balvin & Bad Bunny Oasis
Farruko Gangalee
Maluma 11:11
Romeo Santos Utopía
Sech Sueños
Top Dance/Electronic Album:
Avicii Tim
The Chainsmokers World War Joy
Illenium Ascend
WINNER: Marshmello Marshmello: Fortnite Extended Set
Alan Walker Different World
Top Christian Album:
Bethel Music Victory: Recorded Live
Casting Crowns Only Jesus
Hillsong United People
Skillet Victorious
WINNER: Kanye West Jesus is King
Top Gospel Album
Kirk Franklin Long Live Love
Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers Goshen
William McDowell The Cry: A Live Worship Experience
Sunday Service Choir Jesus Is Born
WINNER: Kanye West Jesus is King
SONG AWARDS
Top Hot 100 Song:
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
Billie Eilish “bad guy”
WINNER: Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello “Señorita”
Top Streaming Song:
Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance”
Billie Eilish “bad guy”
WINNER: Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lil Tecca “Ran$om”
Post Malone & Swae Lee “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”
Top Selling Song:
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
Billie Eilish “bad guy”
WINNER: Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Blake Shelton “God’s Country”
Top Radio Song:
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
WINNER: Jonas Brothers “Sucker”
Khalid “Talk”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber “I Don’t Care”
Top Collaboration (Fan Voted):
Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
WINNER: Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello “Señorita”
Post Malone & Swae Lee “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber “I Don’t Care”
Top R&B Song:
Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance”
Doja Cat & Tyga “Juicy”
WINNER: Khalid “Talk”
Lizzo “Good As Hell”
The Weeknd “Heartless”
Top Rap Song:
WINNER: Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lil Tecca “Ran$om”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Post Malone & Swae Lee “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”
Post Malone “Wow.”
Top Country Song:
WINNER: Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours”
Maren Morris “The Bones”
Old Dominion “One Man Band”
Blake Shelton “God’s Country”
Morgan Wallen “Whiskey Glasses”
Top Rock Song:
Imagine Dragons “Bad Liar”
Machine Gun Kelly x Yungblud x Travis Barker “I Think I’m Okay”
WINNER: Panic! At The Disco “Hey Look Ma, I Made It”
Twenty One Pilots “Chlorine”
Twenty One Pilots “The Hype”
Top Latin Song:
Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna & J Balvin “China”
Bad Bunny & Tainy “Callaita”
WINNER: Daddy Yankee ft. Snow “Con Calma”
Jhay Cortez, J Balvin, & Bad Bunny “No Me Conoce”
Sech ft. Darell, Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Anuel AA “Otro Trago”
Top Dance/Electronic Song:
Black Eyed Peas x J Balvin “Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life)”
WINNER: Ellie Goulding x Diplo ft. Swae Lee “Close To Me”
Illenium & Jon Bellion “Good Things Fall Apart”
Kygo x Whitney Houston “Higher Love”
Marshmello ft. Chvrches “Here With Me”
Top Christian Song:
Bethel Music, Jonathan David Helser & Melissa Helser “Raise A Hallelujah”
Casting Crowns ft. Matthew West “Nobody”
Lauren Daigle “Rescue”
WINNER: For King & Country “God Only Knows”
Kanye West “Follow God”
Top Gospel Song:
Kirk Franklin “Love Theory”
Kanye West “Closed on Sunday”
WINNER: Kanye West “Follow God”
Kanye West “On God”
Kanye West “Selah”
Taylor Swift’s Gibson Among Items In Upcoming ACM Lifting Lives Auction
/by Lorie HollabaughTaylor Swift’s live debut performance of “betty” on her black Gibson acoustic at the 2020 ACM Awards. Photo: Getty Images | Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music
Taylor Swift‘s black 2018 Gibson acoustic guitar played during her live, world premiere debut of her folklore single “betty” at the 2020 ACM Awards show, a Swarovski-crystal bedazzled four-string dulcimer owned by Dolly Parton for 30 years, and more will be auctioned off during an online auction titled “NASHVILLE: An Auction to Benefit ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund,” open for bidding October 15-29 on christies.com/Nashville.
The sale of the black 2018 Gibson acoustic guitar personally inscribed and dated by Swift, estimated at $25,000-40,000, also includes the original hard-shell case, embroidered Levy guitar strap and plectrum caddy containing five personalized custom guitar picks.
Other auction highlights include Sheryl Crow’s vintage Baldoni accordion made circa 1940 in Castelfidardo, Italy; Keith Urban’s Hi-9 semi-solid body electric guitar played in Urban’s 2018 “Coming Home” video and on the 2018 ACM Awards Show; Bradley Cooper’s semi-hollow body electric Gibson guitar used by Cooper alongside Lady Gaga throughout rehearsals and filming of the 2019 blockbuster A Star is Born; and Dwight Yoakam’s first purchased Epiphone Casino guitar with hard shell case from his 2005 16th studio album Blame the Vain video and cover shoot. The auction also offers signed guitars from Vince Gill, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney and more.
In addition to instruments, the sale features Tim McGraw’s F131 Hellcat Motorcycle, 2007 by Curtiss Motors, which was a gift from long-time friend NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer Brett Favre. Also for sale is “HAGGARD” a 2019 work by Visual Artist and songwriter Bernie Taupin, saluting the lyrics of Merle Haggard from his 1970 epic “The Fighting Side of Me.” The stellar lineup of items also includes a circa 1930 acoustic guitar from Little Big Town; ephemera from documentary documentarian and filmmaker of Country Music Ken Burns and Marty Stuart, along with performance wear worn by Reba McEntire, Billy Bob Thornton, Carrie Underwood and Trisha Yearwood, and custom and stage-worn cowboy boots from Miranda Lambert and Clint Black.
“Seeing my country music community suffer due to the pandemic has broken my heart,” said Dolly Parton. “It was important to donate the dulcimer that was designed for my 50th Opry Anniversary so we can raise awareness and much needed funds to keep these folks on their feet before we can open the doors to our stages once again.”
“We are immensely grateful to the artists in the Nashville community and beyond who have generously donated items for this auction in collaboration with Christie’s,” said Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives. “Every winning bid will go towards our COVID-19 Response Fund to support the workers of our country music community: the tour bus drivers, aspiring musicians, techs and venue workers—so many of whom have lost their livelihoods overnight during the course of this pandemic. So far, the fund has distributed $1.5 million and we are hoping the sale of these iconic items will enable us to support more affected by this crisis.”
Sony/ATV Nashville Signs Restless Road
/by LB CantrellRestless Road. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville announced today (Oct. 15) that it has signed rising country music band Restless Road to a worldwide publishing agreement.
Restless Road is a country trio comprised of Zach Beeken, Colton Pack, and Garrett Nichols, who have had success as artists and as songwriters, recently landing cuts with Rascal Flatts, Granger Smith, and more.
In February, the trio unveiled their four-song, debut self-titled EP, which includes the single “Take Me Home,” featuring Kane Brown. Restless Road also earned themselves the opening slot of Kane Brown’s 2020 Worldwide Beautiful Tour and earlier this year made their national television debut of their new music on the Today Show.
Sony/ATV Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston said, “Country music has a long history of vocal bands who have deeply impacted the genre. Zach, Colton and Garrett are brilliant songwriters, and they have a powerful creative energy as a group – I’m confident they are destined for country music greatness. We’re thrilled to welcome Restless Road to the Sony/ATV family, and we look forward to supporting their rising careers.”
Restless Road said, “We are so excited to be working with Rusty, Mya [Hansen], and the entire Sony/ATV team. It feels great to be surrounded by a family of people who believe in us both as songwriters and artists. We are looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together!”
Restless Road began their journey in 2013 when Zach and Colton joined teams as solo contestants on season three of The X Factor. During their time on the show, they placed in fourth and met future collaborator Kane Brown, who they have remained close creative partners with. Garrett came onboard in 2015.
Industry Ink: Pop, Lock, and Drop Hits; AIMP; Songfluencer
/by Sarah SkatesTank A Copy, Please
Pictured (L-R): Pop, Lock, and Drop Hits members Jefferson Brown (Little Louder), JD Groover (SeaGayle Music), Nina Jenkins (Jody Williams Songs), Emily Witters (SeaGayle Music), and Jacee Badeaux (Big Yellow Dog).
Songplugging group Pop, Lock, and Drop Hits rented a dunk tank for their recent pitch event “Tank A Copy, Please…,” hosted in the Big Yellow Dog parking lot.
Among those stopping by to listen to the pitches were Carly Strickland, Arturo Buenahora, Keith Stegall, Jason McColl, Carly Pearce, Daniel Lee, Scott Gunter and Jake Gear. If the guests decided to take a copy of the song or put it on hold, they could make their own “pitches” and dunk one of the songpluggers from 6 feet away.
It was such a success, Pop, Lock, and Drop Hits is looking forward to making this an annual or biannual event
AIMP Nashville Webinar Thursday
The online event will be moderated by Tim Hunze of Anthem Entertainment, who will lead a brief conversation with the candidates running for the AIMP Nashville Board. This year’s candidates include Duff Berschback of Concord Music Publishing; ET Brown of SESAC; Alex Heddle of Big Machine Music; Shannon Sanders, Recording Academy Trustee and Program Director of 102.1 The Ville; and Mike Sistad of ASCAP. Voting will take place the week of Oct. 19th, and only AIMP Nashville members may vote.
Songfluencer Staffs Up
Songfluencer, the Nashville-based music tech startup using data-driven technology to earn music success on TikTok, has announced four new hires and one staff promotion, bringing its staff to a total of 15 employees. Bryce Johnson has been elevated to General Manager, Brooke Barry has been hired as Creative Manager, and Mena Han-Lalime, Gabby Henson and Kathleen Schreiber have joined as Campaign Managers.
The news follows a year of growth for the company co-founded by Johnny Cloherty and Sean Pace, which in 2020 executed TikTok campaigns for a number of major label clients.
Tin Pan South Reveals Line Up For 28th Annual Event
/by Sarah SkatesThe Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has revealed the line-up of songwriters participating in this year’s virtual edition of the annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival presented by Regions Bank. Taking place October 20-24, 2020, the event will feature more than 20 performances by nearly 75 songwriters including Josh Osborne, Lori McKenna, Shane McAnally, Carly Pearce, Dylan LeBlanc, Liz Rose, Jimmie Allen, John Paul White, Trevor Rosen, Matthew Ramsey and many more.
”This has certainly been a challenging year for live events,” said festival director Jennifer Turnbow. “However, with the help of some of our amazing publisher and organizational partners, we have managed to pull together a virtual lineup that will go down in Tin Pan South history. We owe these partners and our sponsors an extreme debt of gratitude for helping us carry on the legacy of this 28-year-old festival even in such strange times.”
Each night will focus on a different geographical region to showcase songwriters hailing from around the world. Every day, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Central, multiple rounds will premiere simultaneously to mimic the feel of the in-person festival; however, this year Tin Pan fans will have the unique chance to go back and experience the additional rounds, as they will remain available to watch until the next day.
In addition to the evening rounds on Friday and Saturday, Tin Pan South, in collaboration with festival partner Jack Daniel’s, will host a Facebook LIVE “Happy Hour” at 6 p.m. featuring a Jack Daniel’s Master Distilller and a special songwriting guest to kick-off those nights.
Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is the largest fundraising event each year for NSAI, and although this year’s festival is free to access, donations can be made to the organization via PayPal (paypal.me/nsaiofficial) to help support NSAI’s year-round efforts on behalf of songwriters.
The full festival line-up and schedule is available at tinpansouth.com and on the official Tin Pan South app.
The MLC Announces Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Relations
/by Sarah SkatesIndi Chawla, Ilene Weintraub
The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) has hired Ilene Weintraub as Chief Financial Officer, and Indi Chawla as Head of International Relations.
Chief Executive Officer Kris Ahrend said, “I’m so excited to welcome Ilene and Indi to The MLC team. They are both well-respected executives with years of music industry experience. Ilene has served as a chief financial officer and controller for several different music companies, and Indi has worked extensively with publishers, creators, and collective management organizations throughout Europe and beyond. Adding them to our leadership team now will help ensure we remain on target to begin administering the new blanket license available to eligible U.S. digital streaming services in January 2021.”
Weintraub will be responsible for all of The MLC’s financial activities, including accounting, finance, treasury, cash management, and royalty reporting to members. She will also serve as a strategic advisor to The MLC’s CEO and leadership team on financial and business matters.
Most recently, Weintraub served as CFO responsible for all financial and human resource management functions for a group of independent companies, including the Cornerstone Agency, a full-service creative agency; The Fader, an on-line and print magazine; Fader label, an independent music label; and its music publishing affiliate, Extra Cold. She has held senior financial leadership roles at TouchTunes, EMI Music North America and V2 Records, a start-up independent music label and publishing company. Her career began as an auditor at Ernst & Young.
“I’m thrilled to be joining The MLC at such an exciting time,” Weintraub said. “Kris has assembled a great finance team, including Monique Benjamin and William White. I look forward to working with them to build out the rest of the finance operations at The MLC.”
Indi Chawla, The MLC’s new Head of International Relations, will be responsible for leading outreach and engagement with collective management and other industry organizations outside the United States. Chawla has more than 20 years of experience in the music business, including several years leading teams at independent publishers and nearly a decade leading Warner Chappell’s Global Copyright Team. There, she significantly contributed to the development of industry best practices around the management of music publishing data. Drawing on this experience, she has advised the licensing hub ICE, a joint venture between PRS, GEMA, and STIM in the UK and Europe, on their global copyright products. Her career has given her ample insight into how rights holders, CMOs, and digital platforms and services can work together to create a more sustainable environment for songwriters.