MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2025 MusicRow Awards print issue, with Leo33 breakout star Zach Top gracing its cover.
Hailed as “the future of country music” (Billboard), Zach Top will release his highly-anticipated new album, Ain’t In It For My Health, on August 29 (Leo33). The project features Top’s acclaimed new single, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” which the Los Angeles Times recently selected as one of the “Best Songs of 2025 so far” calling it, “as crisp as country music gets.”
The release adds to an already breakout year for Top, who recently earned his first No. 1 at country radio with “I Never Lie” and was named New Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards. These accomplishments follow the release of Top’s breakthrough 2024 debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, which garnered over 3.5 million streams in just its first week and landed on several “Best of” lists, including Rolling Stone, Billboard and The New York Times, who praised, “the music is airtight and fluent—a demonstration of vivid coloring within hard lines.”
The MusicRow Awards print issue highlights the 2025 MusicRow Awards nominees in a range of categories, including Producer of the Year, Studio of the Year, Label Group of the Year, Talent Agency of the Year, Publishing Company of the Year, Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year, Male Songwriter of the Year, Female Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Discovery Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Group/Duo Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
“What makes the MusicRow Awards special is that they are chosen by the very people who live and breathe this industry every day: our subscribers. These awards reflect the insight and respect of Nashville’s music decision-makers—an authentic peer-to-peer recognition of excellence over the past year,” shares MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “It’s our privilege to shine this well-deserved spotlight on all of these outstanding talents.”
The winners of the 37th annual MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank. This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Award winners, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart during the eligibility period.
The 2025 MusicRow Awards print issue also looks into the new country category at the Grammy Awards, as well as the success and ethos of The Core Entertainment, helmed by Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman. The issue also contains an informative roundup of all the awards applicable to the Nashville music industry.
Single copies of the 2025 MusicRow Awards print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $25, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne
MTSU Renames Media College In Honor Of Scott Borchetta
/by LB CantrellScott Borchetta. Photo: John Shearer
Middle Tennessee State University has renamed its world-renowned College of Media and Entertainment in honor of Founder, Chairman & CEO of Big Machine Label Group, Scott Borchetta.
Effective today (Aug. 26), the college is now called the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.
“I am humbled and profoundly grateful to have MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment bear my name,” Borchetta shared with Billboard. “The opportunity that this school affords to its students didn’t exist for me through college education in the 1980s, so it is an honor to now be part of building those bridges for young minds. My goal is to inspire others and give back, betting on the creativity of students who dedicate themselves to the entertainment field. The Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment represents the next generation of innovators and creators, whose bold ideas will transform the media landscape.”
The news was shared this morning in the atrium of the Bragg Media and Entertainment Building at MTSU, with Scott and wife Sandi, executives from Big Machine Label Group and the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix, members of Nashville’s music community, students, faculty, staff and supporters in attendance.
“We are here to publicly recognize what happens when one’s vision and passion combine with dedication and hard work,” shared MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee. “As one of Music City’s leading entrepreneurs and visionaries, Scott Borchetta has earned the reputation as one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and forward-thinking leaders.”
“I can’t overestimate how important this is to the life and history of the college,” said Media and Entertainment Dean Beverly Keel, a former record label executive herself. “This propels us to international acclaim because Scott’s name is recognized and respected around the world. By partnering with Scott, we are exposing our students to cutting-edge ideas and perspectives.
“Because of Scott’s contributions, we have been able to make the upgrades you see in this building, create new student scholarship, and take students to the GRAMMYs, an esports conference and Bonnaroo,” Keel added. ““Scott has made it possible for the College to hire a strategic communications specialist and sponsor the Southern Oasis Film Festival for students and our MT Imagine showcase for digital animation students. And these are just a few of the wonderful student and college opportunities that Scott has made possible”
Zach Top Graces Cover Of 2025 MusicRow Awards Issue
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2025 MusicRow Awards print issue, with Leo33 breakout star Zach Top gracing its cover.
Hailed as “the future of country music” (Billboard), Zach Top will release his highly-anticipated new album, Ain’t In It For My Health, on August 29 (Leo33). The project features Top’s acclaimed new single, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” which the Los Angeles Times recently selected as one of the “Best Songs of 2025 so far” calling it, “as crisp as country music gets.”
The release adds to an already breakout year for Top, who recently earned his first No. 1 at country radio with “I Never Lie” and was named New Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards. These accomplishments follow the release of Top’s breakthrough 2024 debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, which garnered over 3.5 million streams in just its first week and landed on several “Best of” lists, including Rolling Stone, Billboard and The New York Times, who praised, “the music is airtight and fluent—a demonstration of vivid coloring within hard lines.”
The MusicRow Awards print issue highlights the 2025 MusicRow Awards nominees in a range of categories, including Producer of the Year, Studio of the Year, Label Group of the Year, Talent Agency of the Year, Publishing Company of the Year, Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year, Male Songwriter of the Year, Female Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Discovery Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Group/Duo Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
“What makes the MusicRow Awards special is that they are chosen by the very people who live and breathe this industry every day: our subscribers. These awards reflect the insight and respect of Nashville’s music decision-makers—an authentic peer-to-peer recognition of excellence over the past year,” shares MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “It’s our privilege to shine this well-deserved spotlight on all of these outstanding talents.”
The winners of the 37th annual MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank. This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Award winners, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart during the eligibility period.
The 2025 MusicRow Awards print issue also looks into the new country category at the Grammy Awards, as well as the success and ethos of The Core Entertainment, helmed by Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman. The issue also contains an informative roundup of all the awards applicable to the Nashville music industry.
Single copies of the 2025 MusicRow Awards print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $25, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne
Chapel Hart Announces Split
/by Lauryn SinkChapel Hart. Photo: Alexis Carter
Chapel Hart, the trio comprised of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart, and first cousin Trea Swindle, has announced its separation via a social media post.
“As we each step into new seasons in life, we have decided to press pause on Chapel Hart so we can explore other passions and dreams that have been calling to us individually. This is not a goodbye. It is a celebration of everything we have built and a step toward everything still to come,” shared the band.
Danica Hart will be continuing on her own, while Devynn and Swindle have come together to form their new duo, Magnolia Rising.
The band will honor their remaining live show commitments, which includes a show at Stockbridge Amphitheater in Stockbridge, Georgia this Friday (Aug. 29), and an appearance at Keep It Country Festival this October in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.
Alabama Welcomes Mark Herndon On Stage For First Time In Two Decades
/by Lorie HollabaughMark Herndon. Photo: Josh Weichman
Alabama surprised the sold-out crowd at the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday night (Aug. 23) with a very special guest as the band’s former drummer Mark Herndon returned to the stage to join in on the final song of the night.
Lead singer Randy Owen welcomed Herndon on stage to perform on “Mountain Music,” complete with his trademark drum solo, marking his first appearance with Alabama in over two decades. Herndon first joined Alabama’s Owen, Gentry and the late Jeff Cook as the band’s full-time drummer in the late 1970s, and performed with the award-winning group for nearly 30 years before departing after the band’s “Farewell Tour” in 2004.
“It just fell together,” Alabama’s Teddy Gentry explains. “The good Lord blesses us sometimes to do things that we can’t do. All we can do is kind of be in the wings and kind of hope for things. Like I said, we make plans, and he laughs. But there’s nothing he can’t do.”
“I felt like a little kid all day,” says Herndon. “It was so cathartic for everybody. I think it was on God’s time, I really do. It was magic all over again.”
Owen and Gentry are currently performing nationally on their “Live In Concert 25 Tour” with 14 dates scheduled before the end of the year.
Weekly Register: Gavin Adcock Enters Top 5 On Streaming Charts
/by Lauryn SinkGavin Adcock.
Morgan Wallen maintains the top position on the country albums and streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” remains at No. 1 on the songs chart with 17 million streams this week adding to its 280 million total, while his I’m The Problem record holds its top position on the albums chart with 121K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top four positions. “Just In Case” and “I’m The Problem” come in at No. 2 and No. 3 with 12 million and 11 million streams respectively this week. “I Got Better” takes the No. 4 spot with 11 million streams this week. Rounding out this week’s song chart is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with 9.2 million streams this week.
Over on the albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time takes the No. 2 spot with 38K in total consumption and his Dangerous: The Double Album has taken the No. 3 spot with 26K in total consumption. Following that is Gavin Adcock’s Own Worst Enemy with 24 in total consumption. In the No. 5 spot this week is Shaboozey with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going garnering 23k in total consumption.
Maren Morris & Reign Storm Team To Mentor Rising Musicians With Maren’s Masterclass
/by Lorie HollabaughMaren Morris is partnering with Reign Storm to launch “Maren’s Masterclass,” an exclusive mentorship experience for up-and-coming musicians to have Morris as their personal adviser and spend time with her in the studio.
The program is open to multi-genre musicians and bands across the country, “Maren’s Masterclass” invites emerging artists to audition for the chance to work with Morris to help define their sound as they launch their careers. The first-of-its-kind initiative combines Reign Storm’s mission to fuel and inspire people to Live Life Better with Morris’s passion for empowering the next generation of musical talent.
“I’m so happy to be partnering with Reign Storm to launch this mentorship program,” says Morris. “In the past I was lucky to have mentors who were willing to pass on their knowledge of the music industry. I’m proud to now have a chance to mentor others and cannot wait to see the amazing new emerging talent that is out there.”
From Aug. 22 to Sept. 22, artists over the age of 18 can audition for the program by submitting a short video showcasing their talent, creativity, and passion on Reign Storm’s website. A total of three singers, songwriters, DJs, producers or musical groups will be selected to be Maren’s mentees.
The chosen artists will receive an all expense paid trip to Nashville where they will meet with Morris and her team for an in-person mentoring session at Blackbird Studio. They will also have two virtual mentor sessions with Morris and up to five hours of studio time to record. Artists who don’t get chosen will go into the draw to receive a year’s supply of Reign Storm to fuel their creative grind.
“Maren’s Masterclass is a perfect example of how Reign Storm empowers individuals to tap into their highest potential and Live Life Better,” says Reign Storm GM Tim Ryder. “This program blends creativity, purpose, and performance – everything our brand stands for. By giving aspiring artists access to mentorship from someone as talented and authentic as Maren, we’re helping fuel the next generation of creators with the energy and confidence to chase their dreams.”
Levi Hummon Inks With Withrow Street Music & CTM Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Bob Squance (Founder & CEO, Withrow Street Music), Michael Thomas (Co-founder, Withrow Street Music), Levi Hummon, Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder & Chairman, Jonas Group Entertainment), George Kreis (President, Jonas Group Entertainment)
Levi Hummon has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Withrow Street Music and CTM Publishing. Hummon has amassed over 215 million streams over his career, collaborating with Walker Hayes and touring with Hardy and Jordan Davis. In March of 2023, Hummon signed a management deal with Jonas Group Entertainment, followed by a label deal with Red Van Records.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Withrow Street Music and CTM,” says Hummon. “From my first conversation with Bob, it was clear we share a passion for music and a vision for innovation—exploring new ways to grow both within Nashville and beyond. With Michael, Bob, and Thomas leading the way, this new company has an incredibly bright future, and I’m excited to be part of this journey together.”
“We’ve been fans of Levi’s music for years and are excited to be working together on all of the big things he has coming,” says Withrow Street Music Founder & CEO Bob Squance.
WSM’s Co- Founder Michael Thomas adds “Levi is one of the most talented people in the industry and he’s just getting started.”
“We’re thrilled to see Levi take this exciting next step in his career,” adds Jonas Group Entertainment’s Kevin Jonas Sr. “His passion, talent, and commitment to the craft continue to inspire us, and we look forward to watching him grow in this new creative chapter.”
Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie & Carrie Underwood To Return As Judges On ‘American Idol’
/by Lauryn SinkLionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan. Photo: Disney/Christopher Willard
Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood will return as judges on American Idol, following their celebrated debut as a judge trio last season.
Season nine auditions kick off on Aug. 26, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for contestants. More information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition in front of a producer is available here. Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location.
“Idol Across America” Dates:
“First 900” VIP Event (Aug. 26)
Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 27)
Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 28)
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 2)
Nationwide open call (Sept. 3)
Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Sept. 4)
Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sept. 8)
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sept. 9)
Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sept. 11)
East Coast open call (Sept. 12)
The South open call (Sept. 15)
Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sept. 16)
West and Midwest open call (Sept. 18)
Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 19)
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sept. 22)
Nationwide open call (Sept. 24)
Thomas Rhett Lands 24th Chart-Topper With ‘After All The Bars Are Closed’
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett has racked up his 24th career No. 1 this week as “After All the Bars Are Closed” tops the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart.
The high flying track also spends a third week atop Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, is the No. 1 country song in Canada, and has racked up over 11.5 billion streams. “After All the Bars Are Closed” is the second single from Rhett’s seventh studio album About A Woman, which he has expanded twice with six total brand-new tracks.
Rhett has had plenty to celebrate all summer long. Last month, he headlined a sold-out Fenway Park show for the very first time, playing to more than 35,000 fans in a defining moment of his “Better In Boots Tour.” The milestone show marked his return to the iconic stadium after being the first country artist ever to set boots on its stage back in 2013 as an opening act. The night featured a RIAA Diamond plaque presentation for “Die A Happy Man” and a surprise Gold certification for “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman (feat. Teddy Swims),” which the pair performed live during the epic show.
Jelly Roll Jumps Into Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJelly Roll. Photo: Jacob Distasio
Jelly Roll has moved into the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His collaborations with Shaboozey (“Amen”), Brandon Lake (“Hard Fought Hallelujah”) and Marshmello (“Holy Water”), as well as his solo “Heart Of Stone” all push the singer-songwriter to No. 17 this week.
Charlie Handsome remains in the No. 1 spot for the 13th consecutive week with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Hell At Night,” “Holy Water,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN” and “What I Want.” Blake Pendergrass moves into the No. 2 spot with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman” and “Wish You Well.”
Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Chase McGill (No. 4) and John Byron (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.