Photo: Courtesy of Museum of Christian & Gospel Music

The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music will host a special pop-up exhibit, celebrating the release of Amy Grant’s new album, The Me That Remains.

The project marks Grant’s first collection of all-original songs in 13 years, and reflects on healing, connection, endurance and grace.

The exhibit will showcase Wayne Brezinka’s original mixed-media artwork created for the cover of the album. Reflecting themes of memory and reconstruction, the piece was assembled from meaningful fragments of Grant’s life, including pieces of a treasured quilt, seashells from her collection, her childhood Bible, and an article about her grandfather.

The exhibit will also feature Grant’s 1994 Pax Christi Award, accompanied by congratulatory letters from six U.S. presidents, the original Western Union telegram sent to her college dorm announcing her first Grammy nomination, rare photographs captured by Mark Pleasant and more.

Across her career, Grant has garnered more than 2.2 billion global streams, sold over 30 million albums worldwide, and became the first artist in Contemporary Christian Music to achieve a platinum record, reach No. 1 on the pop charts, and perform at the Grammy Awards.

The Amy Grant Pop-Up Exhibit will be included with museum admission.

Luke Combs Receives Honorary Degree From Appalachian State

Appalachian State University Chancellor Heather Norris presents an honorary degree of music to country music icon and alumnus Luke Combs at Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies in Boone, North Carolina. Photo: Chase Reynolds

Luke Combs received an honorary degree of music from his alma mater Appalachian State University during Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies on May 7. The honor recognizes Combs for his achievements in the music industry and his commitment to using his platform as a catalyst for service and community impact.

“In every sense, Luke Combs represents the character and heart of a Mountaineer,” App State Chancellor Heather Norris said during the ceremony. “His story inspires our students to dream big, work hard, and always remember where they came from. He represents the very best of our university community: a life lived with purpose, driven by a commitment to excellence and a genuine care for others.”

Chris Stapleton Performs On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Chris Stapleton & Mickey Raphael. Photo: Scott Kowalchyk

Chris Stapleton made his return to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, where he performed Willie Nelson’s “Living in the Promiseland” alongside Nelson’s longtime bandmate, harmonica player Mickey Raphael. Stapleton is the most-nominated male artist at the upcoming 2026 ACM Awards with six nods.

Seph Schlueter Celebrates Platinum Single, Back-To-Back-To-Back No. 1s

Sony Music / Provident Entertainment label team presented Schlueter with plaques honoring his platinum-certified hit “Counting My Blessings” and his radio achievments at The Pinnacle Rooftop in Nashville on April 26. Photo: Debbie Ewing

CCM singer/songwriter Seph Schlueter has earned a Platinum certification for his debut hit “Counting My Blessings,” making history as the first artist in decades to see his first three career singles all reach No. 1, an achievement not seen in the CCM genre since the 1990s. Schlueter’s debut single, “Counting My Blessings,” has become a defining anthem, topping Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart for four non-consecutive weeks (including a three-week consecutive run), while also holding the No. 1 position on Billboard AC for four consecutive weeks. The track further dominated Mediabase, reaching No. 1 in Impressions for two consecutive weeks and No. 1 on the AC chart for four consecutive weeks.

Ashley Cooke Visits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Ashley Cooke with St. Jude patients Tyler and Aylin and their moms

Ashley Cooke visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this week to tour the hospital and spend time with patients. Patients and families shared their journeys with Cooke, leading into a mini jam session. A special moment occurred with patient Tyler, who played Cooke’s guitar after she taught him chords.

Cooke recently announced her sophomore self-titled album will release August 14, with new track “high school sweetheart” available today (May 8.)

Ben Gallaher Makes National TV Debut On The Kelly Clarkson Show

Pictured (back row): Lester Estelle II (drums). Pictured (L-R, front row): Kyle Whalum (bass), Jessi Collins (vocalist), Ben Gallaher, Kelly Clarkson, Jaco Caraco (guitar) and Jason Halbert (keys). Photo: Weiss Eubanks / NBCUniversal

QHMG/ Stone Country Records country rocker Ben Gallaher made his national TV debut on Wednesday (May 6) on The Kelly Clarkson Show. He performed new single, “I’ll Take You,” (the lead track from his Time album), live in-studio, teaming up with Clarkson’s house band, “My Band Y’all” for a rocking “Cameo-oke” performance that kicked off the episode, which also included celebrity guests Goldie Hawn and Daniel Dae Kim. 

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation & Doris Day Animal Foundation Award More Than $230,000 In Grants

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Jeff Johnson

Miranda Lambert‘s MuttNation Foundation’s “It Takes Balls” spay and neuter campaign, in partnership with the Doris Day Animal Foundation, has awarded $233,000 to 63 eligible shelters, rescues and clinics throughout Southern California.

“Shelters do incredible work, saving millions of lives,” says Lambert, “but our big dream is a world where they don’t need saving. Our partnership with the Doris Day Animal Foundation is helping make that a reality by reaching thousands of pets through spay and neuter. It’s the best tool we have – alongside adoption and fostering – to keep our best friends out of shelters and in loving homes.”

“Early in her pioneering animal welfare efforts, Doris Day recognized that spaying and neutering is essential to addressing the root cause of pet overpopulation and ultimately saves countless lives,” shares Dr. Bob Bashara, CEO of the Doris Day Animal Foundation. “Through our partnership with MuttNation Foundation, these grants will help provide affordable access to spay and neuter services in communities where resources may be limited and access to veterinary care can be challenging. By supporting these efforts, we can help reduce shelter overcrowding and give more dogs and cats the chance for the safe, loving homes they deserve.”

Jake Tickle Appointed As Chief Technology Officer At Bandit Lites

Jake Tickle.

Jake Tickle has been named Chief Technology Officer at Bandit Lites, following his recent 20-year anniversary with the company.

“First and foremost, Jake is a great friend,” shares Bandit Founder and Chair, Michael T. Strickland. “As a Bandit, his massive contributions over the last 20 years are immeasurable. There is almost nothing Bandit does that he does not touch in some manner. His understanding of the industry, the products, the needs, and the people leads him to always having the precise solution to every issue. Couple that with his intense love of the game and you have an amazing person.”

Brickshore Media To Host 6th Annual 615 LIVE Event

Brickshore Media, Inc. will host its 6th annual 615 LIVE during CMA Fest.

This year’s lineup includes Addis Luv, Andrea Vasquez, Bandana Cheyenna, Jennifer Alvarado, Jordan Rainer, Mark Taylor, Noelle Toland, Randy Cobb, Stephen Styles, Williams Honor and Jeff Bates.

The free event is set for June 4 at the Hard Rock Café.

MOD SUN Inks With Big Loud Rock

MOD SUN.

MOD SUN has inked with Big Loud Rock.

“MOD SUN is a rare talent who has established himself by staying completely true to his vision,” says Big Loud Partner and Big Loud Rock President Joey Moi. “His influence on the alternative scene is undeniable, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with him for this next chapter of his life and music.”

In celebration of the announcement, he has released his latest single, “Mirror.”

Nathan Woodard Signs Exclusive Booking Deal With Vision Artists Agency

Nathan Woodard. Photo: Noah Johnson

Nathan Woodard has signed an exclusive booking deal with Vision Artists Agency.

“Nathan Woodard is exactly the kind of artist we believe in,” says Randy Humphries of Vision Artists Agency. “His music carries conviction, his heart is genuine, and his live presentation connects deeply with audiences. We are honored to represent him and help take his message to more people.”

Woodard marked the first signing for Benny Brown’s North Chapel Records.

StageWater Named Official Canned Water Of CMA Fest 2026

Photo: Courtesy of StageWater

StageWater has been named the official canned water of CMA Fest 2026.

StageWater is led by CEO Chris Thacker, a longtime tour manager for Dierks Bentley, alongside fellow touring industry veterans Jay Ballinger and Zach Belcher. The company donates 15% of all profits to organizations supporting music industry workers, including Backline, MusiCares, Music Health Alliance, NIVA and The Roadie Clinic.