Dan + Shay Share Snapshots Of Life On New Album ‘Young’

/by

Dan + Shay will release their new album Young on Aug. 21 via Warner Records Nashville. The title track from the new project is available everywhere tomorrow (May 15).

The first single from the album, the personal and hope-filled leadoff track, “Say So,” is top 30 and climbing at radio now, and continues to ignite national and community awareness about suicide prevention. The ACM Duo of the Year nominees will perform “Say So” on the ACM Awards this Sunday (May 17).

Young follows the duo’s journey as they’ve navigated family, faith, and chasing their dreams during one of the most prolific seasons of their 13-year career. The project was co-produced by Smyers alongside longtime collaborator Scott Hendricks.

“Young is by far our most personal album yet, and we are beyond excited for our fans to hear it,” they share. “Every song is inspired by a true story, and gives a real-time snapshot of exactly where we are in our lives.”

The new album follows the duo’s acclaimed fifth studio album Bigger Houses, which included the Grammy-nominated No. 1 title track. Throughout their career the duo has amassed more than 14 Billion global streams and 139 worldwide career Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold certifications to date, including 60 U.S. RIAA and 81 international awards.

Country Thunder Florida Wraps 2026 Festival

/by

Zach Top. Photo: Dale MacMillan

Country Thunder Florida wrapped its 2026 festival over the weekend.

On Friday, Gavin Adcock took to the stage, closing out with his rowdy country radio hit “Never Call Again.” Saturday headliner Zach Top treated the crowd to fan favorites like “Guitar.” On Sunday, Kane Brown capped off the weekend, bringing his wife Katelyn Brown onstage for a Mother’s Day duet of their multi-Platinum “Thank God.”

The lineup also featured breakout artists like Shaboozey, who stuck around after his set to sign autographs for fans. Over the course of the weekend, festival-goers also took in unforgettable performances from Gretchen Wilson, Randy Houser, Dasha, Solon Holt, Max McNown and Elizabeth Nichols, among others.

In addition, Country Thunder Florida’s Shoreline Stage spotlighted country music’s next wave of talent with sets from rising artists like Noah Hicks, Crossfire Creek, Nate Venturelli and Tailgate Revival. Meanwhile, the Songwriters Showcase presented by American Songwriter hosted in-the-round performances from acclaimed Nashville songwriters including Brent Anderson, Joey Hyde and Brooke Lee.

Country Thunder Alberta is set to kick things off June 26-28 in Calgary, followed by Country Thunder Saskatchewan and Country Thunder Wisconsin.

Gavin Adcock. Photo: Dale MacMillan

Elizabeth Nichols. Photo: Dale MacMillan

Kane Brown. Photo: Katie Kauss

Braxton Keith.

Dasha.

Shania Twain Readies ‘Little Miss Twain’ Due In July

/by

Shania Twain will release Little Miss Twain, her seventh album, on July 24 via Republic Nashville.

The album’s lead single “Dirty Rosie” is out now.

“A lot of Little Miss Twain is reflective of my teens, my roots as well as the energy of the rock and R&B I loved so much, but still with that Western twang,” Twain says. “Where I’m from you don’t go anywhere on a horse — you go on a snowmobile. I was dreaming about the Western lifestyle and I was living in a very different world than where I ended up.”

In 2017, Twain ended a 15-year break from releasing music with NOW. She followed it in 2023 with Queen Of Me, and kicked off the global “Queen Of Me Tour,” which ranked among the Top 10 highest-grossing country tours of the year. In between tours, she also launched sold-out Las Vegas residencies.

Ahead of release, Twain will return to the road, joining Harry Styles for a 12-night stand at London’s Wembley Stadium. She will follow the London shows with a special one-off headlining performance in Ireland, at Limerick City’s Thomond Park Stadium.

Presenters Unveiled For 61st ACM Awards

/by

ACM has revealed the presenters for the 61st ACM Awards, taking place this Sunday (May 17).

This year’s presenter group includes Andrew Whitworth, Ashley McBryde, Carl Edwards, Corey LaJoie, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Michael Bublé, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Shaboozey, The War And Treaty, and TJ Osborne.

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Shania Twain, and will include performances from Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Cody Johnson, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top. Already announced winners include Anna, Wetmore, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Jessie Jo Dillon.

The 61st ACM Awards will stream live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas via Prime Video beginning at 7 p.m. CST.

Lauren Alaina Shares ‘Stages’ Of Her Life On New Album

/by

Lauren Alaina will release her new album, Stages, on Aug. 28 via Big Loud Records.

“I’m fifteen years into a ten-year town and 31 years into a lifelong dream,” shares Alaina. “Stages represents every version of me along the way: the dreaming, the breaking, and, ultimately, the becoming. There’s something on this album for everyone, no matter what stage of life they’re in. Stages is letting everyone see behind the curtain of the girl in the spotlight. It’s a reflection of the moments that shaped me and the dream that carried me through. It’s always been the same dream, different stages.”

The project was produced by Joey Moi and Ben Johnson, and showcases the defining moments of Alaina’s life through her honest lyrics and powerhouse vocals. The album explores themes of coming of age, early performing on Broadway, starting a family and more.

Featured on the album is her current top 25 radio single “All My Exes” feat. Chase Matthew, and the newly released “Raining Whiskey.”

Alaina will perform at ACM Lifting Lives On The Green this week, before taking the stage as a presenter at the ACM Awards this Sunday. She will also support Darius Rucker on select dates this summer, and is slated to make festival appearances at CMA Fest, Rock The Country, The Back Road Music Festival and more throughout the summer.

Industry Ink: Brad & Kimberley Williams-Paisley, Lee Ann Womack, Erin Osmon, Words & Music

/by

Brad & Kimberly Williams-Paisley Receive Honorary Doctorates From Belmont

May Graduation at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee May , 2026. Photo: Sam Simpkins

Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were awarded honorary Doctor of the University degrees at Belmont University during one of its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies May 8 at the Curb Event Center. Brad Paisley is a 1995 Belmont alumnus with a degree in music business and has long maintained a deep connection to his alma mater, establishing the Brad Paisley Endowed Scholarship in 2012, which has supported more than 70 Belmont students studying in the Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. Williams-Paisley has been a member of the Belmont University Board of Trustees since 2022, and an active advocate for the University and its students. Together with her husband, she co-founded The Store, a free, referral-based nonprofit grocery store that began on Belmont’s campus and recently expanded to a second location at TriStar Centennial Medical Center.

“These two extraordinary individuals represent the very best of what Belmont hopes to inspire in its graduates: a life marked by excellence, generosity and a commitment to something larger than themselves,” says University President Greg Jones. “We bestow this honor with great care, recognizing it as the highest accolade the University offers. On behalf of our entire Belmont community, it is a profound privilege to celebrate Brad and Kim for the lasting impact they have made on our institution, Nashville and the world.”

 

Lee Ann Womack Performs With ‘American Idol’ Winner Hannah Harper

Hannah Harper & Lee Ann Womack. Photo: Patrick Wymore/American Idol

Lee Ann Womack joined American Idol winner Hannah Harper for a performance of “I Hope You Dance” during the show’s live finale this week. Harper became a viral breakout during her run on the show, winning over audiences with her heartfelt performances. She cited Womack as one of the influences whose storytelling and traditional sound helped shape her deep love of the genre.

“From the first time I saw Hannah’s videos, I was a fan,” says Womack. “Her voice has that rare quality that just stopped me right in my tracks the first time I heard her sing one of my songs. Beyond her incredible talent, I’ve really been moved by her heart. It’s been so exciting to watch America fall in love with her, and I was honored to be able to join her for the American Idol finale. This is just the beginning for Hannah Harper!”

 

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Hosts Book Talk With Erin Osmon

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer, Stephen Wilson Jr. and author and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Writer-Editor Erin Osmon. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Author and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Writer-Editor Erin Osmon discussed her new book, Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America, during a talk at the museum last weekend. Stephen Wilson Jr., who grew up in John Mellencamp’s hometown, Seymour, Indiana, also performed during the event, which was led by the museum’s Writer-Editor Allison Moorer.

Osmon’s new book tells the story of the origins and tangled legacy of Heartland rock. Her account of heartland rock’s glory days delves into the making of its classic albums and songs, such as Bob Seger’s Against the Wind, Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever and Bruce Springsteen’s numerous hits, as well as the centrality of often-overlooked women such as Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Raitt. Osmon also traces the genre’s connections to country and Americana and explores the social, political and cultural developments that fostered the genre.

 

47th Annual Words & Music Program Celebrated At Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Event

Avery Anna with Words & Music Night student and songwriter participants. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted its 47th annual celebration in honor of Words & Music, the museum’s flagship educational program, on May 11. School-aged participants and their families gathered in the museum’s Ford Theater, along with the evening’s host, Warner Records Nashville artist Avery Anna, to hear a selection of 14 songs penned by students in Nashville and surrounding areas. Anna closed the evening with a performance of her song, “Indigo.” Throughout the night, 16 students from grades third through twelfth performed their compositions alongside their professional songwriting partners and classmates. The program was recorded and will be shared on the museum’s website later this summer.

Colton Dawson Signs With Warner Records Nashville & TKO Artist Management

/by

Pictured (L-R, front row): TK Kimbrell (TKO Artist Management), Colton Dawson and Cris Lacy (Chair & President, Warner Records Nashville). (L-R, back row): Cassie Petty (TKO Artist Management), Stephanie Davenport (Vice President, A&R, Warner Records Nashville) and Jordan Bernal (TKO Artist Management). Photo: Ben Humphrey/Warner Records Nashville

Country neo-traditionalist Colton Dawson has inked deals with Warner Records Nashville and TKO Artist Management.

“As soon as I first met the folks over at Warner Records Nashville, I knew it was the team I wanted to work with to make the music I love,” says Dawson. “Getting to work with one of the finest labels in the genre is a privilege that I’m very excited to have. It’s a high honor that they believed in me and my songs enough to help me share them with the world. Since before I learned to walk, I’ve been obsessed with country music, so I look forward to carrying on the sound my heroes established. God Bless Country Music”. 

“Despite our best efforts to join forces early with this undeniable star, Colton asked Warner Records Nashville not to make him an offer until his debut album with Roger Springer and Chuck Ainlay was completed,” shares Cris Lacy, Chair & President of Warner Records Nashville. “This desire for his label partner to love not only the buzz around his talent, but every note of his music, demonstrated a fearlessness and a commitment to a vision that is the hallmark of all great artists. We are proud to be on this rocketship with him,” 

At TKO Artist Management, Dawson will be managed by TK Kimbrell and Jordan Bernal.

“It’s rare that artists come along and totally stun you,” adds Kimbrell, President of TKO Artist Management. “Colton Dawson did that for us at TKO. We believe the future of Country music is strong in the hands of artists like Colton and look forward to the ride.”

Dawson recently made a surprise appearance opening for Clay Walker at his sold-out Ryman Auditorium show, where he received two standing ovations. He has also spent time opening for Hardy, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Braxton Keith, Jake Worthington, and Josh Turner. His music draws inspiration from Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, Randy Travis and Vince Gill.

He will release his first single on the label, “Might Be In It,” this Friday (May 15).

CAA Opens Applications For The Hubb 2026

/by

Photo: Courtesy of CAA

CAA has opened applications for The Hubb 2026, its flagship music-focused summit aimed at developing the next generation of industry talent.

The program is set for October 10–12 in Nashville.

The Hubb offers participants hands-on access to agents, managers and music executives, alongside recruiters and industry partners. Programming will focus on core business verticals including artist management, touring and live production, A&R, label operations, business management and marketing, with workshops designed to reflect current hiring needs and evolving skill sets across the industry.

Applications can be submitted here through May 22. CAA will cover travel and accommodations for accepted applicants.

CAA launched The Hubb in 2018. Named for Barbara “Mother” Hubbard, the longtime Executive Director of the American Collegiate Talent Showcase (ACTS), the event has become a key part of CAA’s broader talent pipeline strategy.

Zac Brown’s Same Boat Hosting Open Casting Call In Nashville

/by

Zac Brown and the Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line have collaborated on a new venue aboard the Beachcomber, Same Boat, reflecting Brown’s signature style.

The name is a nod to a song Jimmy Buffett sang with Zac on the deluxe edition of The Comeback, and Same Boat is designed to deliver the kind of energy and atmosphere you’d find at a Zac Brown Band show at sea. Brown personally worked with the cruise line’s team on every detail of the venue, from the artwork and design to the music programming, and following rounds of auditions, the line is hosting a Nashville open casting call to find artists who will headline that stage throughout 2027.

Artists interested in participating, including singer-songwriters, solo artists, duos, trios and bands, can attend the final-day open casting call on May 16 at Margaritaville Restaurant on Broadway in Nashville at 10 a.m. Space is limited at the open audition, so interested artists are encouraged to arrive early.

The judging panel includes Buzz Brainard of SiriusXM, Matt Mangano of the Zac Brown Band, and Mindy Espy-Reyes of Mailboat Records. Selected Nashville talent will join the entertainment lineup aboard Beachcomber on weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly contracts, offering a unique opportunity to connect with audiences in a one-of-a-kind cruise experience.

CMA Fest Unveils Fan Fair X Lineup

/by

CMA Fest has revealed its Fan Fair X lineup, with daily programming taking place inside Music City Center June 4-7.

CMA will once again hosts the annual Artist of the Day on the CMA Close Up Stage, with Russell Dickerson on Thursday, Carly Pearce on Friday, Shaboozey on Saturday, and Ashley McBryde on Sunday.

Additional CMA Close Up Stage programming includes:

Thursday, June 4
– The Red Clay Strays on Amazon Music’s “Country Heat Weekly” Live
– Sound & Story: An Artist Exchange featuring Melissa Etheridge & Gretchen Wilson
– Behind the Hits featuring John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass and Parker Welling

Friday, June 5
– Latino Trailblazers in Country with FILMORE, Andrea Vasquez and Alyssia Dominguez
– Country Central Presents: Charles Wesley Godwin, Willow Avalon, Wyatt Flores and Stella Lefty
– Crook & Chase: Legends & Friends with Clint Black
– Country & Rap: The Black Southern Roots of American Music with Waka Flocka and Nappy Roots

Saturday, June 6
– 40 Years of Randy Travis: Exploring the Icon’s Legacy and Impact
– The Songwriters Behind Country’s Biggest Hits with Ashley Gorley and Shane McAnally
– Audacy Presents: Music You Should Know featuring Carter Faith, Warren Zeiders and Katie Neal
– The Last Take: Behind “On My Way to Heaven” Video with Tanya Tucker and Dennis Quaid
– The Listening Room: 20 Years of the Stories Behind the Songs: Drew Baldridge, Taylor Austin Dye and Emmett Stevens Jr.

Sunday, June 7
– Maddox Batson on Amazon Music “Country Heat Weekly” Live
– Up Close With Brandon Lake
– Dreams Across Boarders: Making Nashville Home with Gareth, Owen Riegling and Kaylee Bell
– Unbridled: Women of Texas Country, From the Ground Up: Jenna Paulette, Kylie Frey and RaeLynn

The Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage will feature acoustic performances from Austin Mackay, Blue Ridge Band, The BoykinZ, Bre Kennedy, Carlisle Wright, Dzaki Sukarno, Desiree Dawson, ERLEND, Faith Hopkins, Gabi Sklar, Gary Frost, Gloria Anderson, Hayley Payne, Jake Hoot, James Maslow, Jarrad Wrigley, Kaleb Sanders, Kelsey Lamb, Kelsi Mayne, Kingswood, Leah Blevins, Liam Price, Maddie Lenhart, Mike Parker, Mogan Griffiths, Noah James, Parker Graye, Rachael Fahim, Sacha, Sadie Bass, Sammy Arriaga, Shawnee Kish, Something Out West, Tori Darke, Tyler Rich, Zoe Jean Fowler and 2’Live Bre.

Debuting this year is the CMA Experience, a fan-first immersive experience featuring interactive exhibits and storytelling highlighting CMA’s legacy, celebrating excellence across its awards and honors, and showcasing how the organization supports, educates and unites the country music community year-round.

Tickets for Fan Fair X are on sale now. Programming at the Close Up Stage will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet-and-greet schedules can also be viewed on the Official CMA Connect App, with additional sessions being added throughout May.