Carly Pearce. Photo: Luke Rogers
Carly Pearce is stepping into the most honest era of her career.
After years of navigating the pressures of the country music industry, Pearce found herself at a crossroads. The Grammy, CMA and ACM award-winning artist recognized that the spark that first pulled her to Nashville had begun to fade. That realization became the starting point for what she now describes as her most personal creative chapter yet.
“When I wrote ‘Dream Come True,’ I realized I needed to fall back in love with music,” Pearce says. “I let the town and the charts and the followers and comparison kill me. I had to return to the reason that I fell in love with the dream.”
Photo: Luke Rogers
That mindset now shapes her forthcoming chapter, a time that reflects not only artistic growth, but a deeper commitment to honesty, vulnerability and storytelling.
Pearce offered the first glimpse of her next album in November with “Dream Come True,” a deeply autobiographical track she describes as a “gut check” on the real cost of success. Written alongside Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown and Emily Weisband and produced with Ben West, the song strips away the fantasy of “making it” to reveal the quieter emotional toll that often comes with achievement.
“Every line is my story,” she says. “I moved into a cul-de-sac with a bunch of families around my age. I moved in by myself. I had this realization of some things that made me feel really lonely. [I had] a house full of things that reminded me of my success, but no one to share it with.”
The song isn’t rooted in regret, but in honesty. Pearce frames it as a reflection of the complicated emotions that come with finally living out a lifelong dream. “I moved here 17 years ago to do exactly what I’m doing. I never want people to think that I’m not grateful for that. But in gratitude, there is grief, and something that many people probably deal with is if you’re successful, you’ve probably missed out on something in your life.”
For Pearce, that emotional tradeoff shows up in very real, personal ways. “It’s missing events, it’s family and friends having to come to me on a tour bus, the majority of the time. It’s my life being exploited on social media or Reddit or some sort of headline. It’s my mom and her health journey, and feeling like I couldn’t be there to take care of her when she really helped me with this crazy dream,” she says.
This feeling is something Pearce says she’s come to recognize not just in herself, but in others. “My girlfriends who are the stay-at-home moms in the cul-de-sac, they had other dreams, too. They’re living out one dream, but they look at me and ask ‘What is that like?’ It’s a push and pull of the grass isn’t always greener.”
The emotional weight of the track was shaped inside a writing room built on trust. Hungate brought the initial idea to the session, and Pearce says the concept immediately connected with what she was experiencing at the time. “I just cried that day because I was feeling so beat up by the industry. I was feeling very much like ‘what does it all mean’ and ‘what is it all for?’”
That vulnerability was made possible by the close circle of collaborators Pearce has leaned on throughout this new chapter. Hungate, Brown and Weisband, along with frequent collaborator Jordan Reynolds, form what she calls “the heartbeat of the new record.”
Pearce’s most recent release, “Church Girl,” takes on faith, identity and acceptance, another deeply personal subject for Pearce. Written by Carter Faith, Cameron Bedell and Seth Ennis, the track marks a rare outside cut for Pearce.
“I was in my kitchen and it took my breath away when it got to the end of the chorus. It’s a bold song. I don’t think it’s by chance it’s finding me now, and I don’t think it’s by chance that it’s mine,” she shares.
The song’s message immediately resonated, particularly given Pearce’s upbringing and evolving relationship with faith. “Being somebody who grew up in the church, whose faith is such a big part of my life, and being somebody who’s also lived a lot of life, I feel like this message is so important to people because religion is so hard,” she explains. “It’s something I feel like a lot of people stay away from because of the judgment or because they feel the views are so rigid.”
Pearce has been open about her faith throughout her career. As she’s grown older and lived more life outside the structure of her childhood beliefs, she says her perspective has shifted towards one of empathy and grace. “I think my faith has evolved into a place of a lot of grace for humanity,” she says. “I’ve had to make some choices that, if you had told me as a child I was gonna have to make, I would have been like, ‘well, I’m going to hell.’ And, it’s just not the case.”
Pearce acknowledges that releasing such a bold track comes with risk. “There’s a lot of angry people. There’s a lot of judgy people,” she says. Still, she is firm about the song’s intention. “For me, it is not me saying, ‘go get high and have sex, and be crazy’ at all. But, it’s me saying if your path to Jesus looks a little different, I think Jesus still loves you, and I think he would want more people to accept you for those parts of your story and the journey that you’re on.”
Pearce will take this new chapter on the road with her upcoming “Inside the Dream Tour,” which includes six dates in the United Kingdom and Ireland. She is also slated to return to Australia for the first time since 2019 in March.
As she looks ahead to the full album release, Pearce says this era represents a creative homecoming. “This really is my best music I’ve ever made.”
Carter Faith Among SiriusXM’s Future Five 2026 List
/by Lauryn SinkCarter Faith. Photo: Courtesy of SiriusXM
Carter Faith has landed among SiriusXM’s 2026 Future Five list alongside Ian Asher, Monaleo, Sienna Spiro and Wind Walkers.
“SiriusXM’s Future Five is all about shining a spotlight on the artists we believe are ready to break through in a big way,” says Steve Blatter, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Music Programming at SiriusXM and Pandora. “Our programming team lives at the forefront of music discovery, and these five artists capture exactly where each of their genres is headed next.”
Faith debuted on SiriusXM in 2022 as an unsigned artist. Her track “Betty” from her debut album Cherry Valley has reached nearly one million on-demand streams per week. Over the last 12 weeks, she’s accumulated two million on-demand streams.
Past Future Five selections include Carly Pearce, Gabby Barrett, Megan Moroney, Lil Uzi Vert, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Roddy Ricch, Coco Jones, Doja Cat, Dominic Fike, Don Toliver and more.
Backline Launches 24/7 Mental Health & Crisis Support Line
/by Lauryn SinkBackline has launched B-LINE, a 24/7 mental health and crisis support line created exclusively for the music industry.
The support line will connect music industry professionals and their families with trained counselors. Support is available now by calling 1-855-BLINE99 or texting 254-639.
“This has always been the dream,” says Backline co-founder and Executive Director, Hilary Gleason. “We’ve supported thousands of music industry professionals in their mental health and wellness journeys, but one critical piece was missing: real-time access to care. B-LINE changes that.”
Backline tapped Spotify as the lead sponsor, alongside Noah Kahan and Live Nation. Additional support for B-LINE comes from Adyen, AEG Presents, The Busyhead Project, Red Light Management, and Wasserman Foundation.
“I started working with Backline to provide mental health services for my touring band and crew in 2023,” says Kahan. “Support for the wellbeing of the incredibly hard working artists and people that make the music industry function has long been neglected. A dedicated 24 hour hotline is the first step toward accessing critical mental health support. The Busyhead Project and I are proud to work with Backline to create a pathway toward a healthier future and an entry point for accessing resources.”
“Artists are the lifeblood of culture, but too often they and their teams don’t have the safety nets they need. That has to change,” adds Spotify’s Global Head of Music, Charlie Hellman. “Spotify is proud to enable Backline to build B-LINE and expand access to this critical support.”
Since 2019, Backline has invested $3.5 million into mental health and wellness in the music industry and served 84,000 people. Suicide rates of musicians are nearly ten times the national average for males, and 73% of independent musicians report symptoms of mental illness. The latest 2025 poll shows 8.3% of respondents suffered with suicidal thoughts in 2025. Additional Backline resources can be found here.
Walter Thomas Rises To EVP, Motown Gospel & TAMLA Records
/by LB CantrellWalter Thomas. Photo: Alex Rodger
Capitol Music Group has elevated Walter Thomas to Executive Vice President, Motown Gospel and TAMLA Records. His promotion comes at a time of unprecedented momentum for both labels.
“Walter Thomas is a transformational leader whose vision continues to elevate our artists, our teams, and the entire Gospel and Christian music landscape,” says Brad O’Donnell, President, Capitol Christian Music Group. “His strategic clarity, passion for artist development, and ability to unite culture with faith-centered music has positioned Motown Gospel and TAMLA for a remarkable new chapter.”
In the last year, Motown Gospel’s Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s studio album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums Chart, Pastor Mike Jr. set a historic record for most Artist of the Year wins at the Stellar Awards, the labels celebrated five nominations for the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards and Motown Gospel secured six No. 1 Billboard & Mediabase Airplay singles. New TAMLA Records artist Lee Vasi proved to be a breakout success, and the company extended its partnership with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins.
In his expanded role, Thomas will oversee the creative, marketing and strategic direction for Motown Gospel and TAMLA, strengthening partnerships and continuing to champion talent across gospel, Christian, R&B and positive music.
“This promotion is a reflection of our team’s relentless dedication and the extraordinary artists who trust us with their voices,” shares Thomas. “Motown Gospel and TAMLA are home to some of the most impactful storytellers of our time. I’m honored to help lead our next era — one built on innovation, cultural relevance and music that inspires the world.”
Inside Carly Pearce’s Most Honest Era Yet [Interview]
/by Lauryn SinkCarly Pearce. Photo: Luke Rogers
Carly Pearce is stepping into the most honest era of her career.
After years of navigating the pressures of the country music industry, Pearce found herself at a crossroads. The Grammy, CMA and ACM award-winning artist recognized that the spark that first pulled her to Nashville had begun to fade. That realization became the starting point for what she now describes as her most personal creative chapter yet.
“When I wrote ‘Dream Come True,’ I realized I needed to fall back in love with music,” Pearce says. “I let the town and the charts and the followers and comparison kill me. I had to return to the reason that I fell in love with the dream.”
Photo: Luke Rogers
That mindset now shapes her forthcoming chapter, a time that reflects not only artistic growth, but a deeper commitment to honesty, vulnerability and storytelling.
Pearce offered the first glimpse of her next album in November with “Dream Come True,” a deeply autobiographical track she describes as a “gut check” on the real cost of success. Written alongside Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown and Emily Weisband and produced with Ben West, the song strips away the fantasy of “making it” to reveal the quieter emotional toll that often comes with achievement.
“Every line is my story,” she says. “I moved into a cul-de-sac with a bunch of families around my age. I moved in by myself. I had this realization of some things that made me feel really lonely. [I had] a house full of things that reminded me of my success, but no one to share it with.”
The song isn’t rooted in regret, but in honesty. Pearce frames it as a reflection of the complicated emotions that come with finally living out a lifelong dream. “I moved here 17 years ago to do exactly what I’m doing. I never want people to think that I’m not grateful for that. But in gratitude, there is grief, and something that many people probably deal with is if you’re successful, you’ve probably missed out on something in your life.”
For Pearce, that emotional tradeoff shows up in very real, personal ways. “It’s missing events, it’s family and friends having to come to me on a tour bus, the majority of the time. It’s my life being exploited on social media or Reddit or some sort of headline. It’s my mom and her health journey, and feeling like I couldn’t be there to take care of her when she really helped me with this crazy dream,” she says.
This feeling is something Pearce says she’s come to recognize not just in herself, but in others. “My girlfriends who are the stay-at-home moms in the cul-de-sac, they had other dreams, too. They’re living out one dream, but they look at me and ask ‘What is that like?’ It’s a push and pull of the grass isn’t always greener.”
The emotional weight of the track was shaped inside a writing room built on trust. Hungate brought the initial idea to the session, and Pearce says the concept immediately connected with what she was experiencing at the time. “I just cried that day because I was feeling so beat up by the industry. I was feeling very much like ‘what does it all mean’ and ‘what is it all for?’”
That vulnerability was made possible by the close circle of collaborators Pearce has leaned on throughout this new chapter. Hungate, Brown and Weisband, along with frequent collaborator Jordan Reynolds, form what she calls “the heartbeat of the new record.”
Pearce’s most recent release, “Church Girl,” takes on faith, identity and acceptance, another deeply personal subject for Pearce. Written by Carter Faith, Cameron Bedell and Seth Ennis, the track marks a rare outside cut for Pearce.
“I was in my kitchen and it took my breath away when it got to the end of the chorus. It’s a bold song. I don’t think it’s by chance it’s finding me now, and I don’t think it’s by chance that it’s mine,” she shares.
The song’s message immediately resonated, particularly given Pearce’s upbringing and evolving relationship with faith. “Being somebody who grew up in the church, whose faith is such a big part of my life, and being somebody who’s also lived a lot of life, I feel like this message is so important to people because religion is so hard,” she explains. “It’s something I feel like a lot of people stay away from because of the judgment or because they feel the views are so rigid.”
Pearce has been open about her faith throughout her career. As she’s grown older and lived more life outside the structure of her childhood beliefs, she says her perspective has shifted towards one of empathy and grace. “I think my faith has evolved into a place of a lot of grace for humanity,” she says. “I’ve had to make some choices that, if you had told me as a child I was gonna have to make, I would have been like, ‘well, I’m going to hell.’ And, it’s just not the case.”
Pearce acknowledges that releasing such a bold track comes with risk. “There’s a lot of angry people. There’s a lot of judgy people,” she says. Still, she is firm about the song’s intention. “For me, it is not me saying, ‘go get high and have sex, and be crazy’ at all. But, it’s me saying if your path to Jesus looks a little different, I think Jesus still loves you, and I think he would want more people to accept you for those parts of your story and the journey that you’re on.”
Pearce will take this new chapter on the road with her upcoming “Inside the Dream Tour,” which includes six dates in the United Kingdom and Ireland. She is also slated to return to Australia for the first time since 2019 in March.
As she looks ahead to the full album release, Pearce says this era represents a creative homecoming. “This really is my best music I’ve ever made.”
Zach Bryan Tops MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenZach Bryan. Photo: Lucas Creighton
Zach Bryan has taken the No. 1 spot on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. 23 out of 25 tracks off of Bryan’s newly released With Heaven On Top made the chart this week, all being solo writes.
Blake Pendergrass moves to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Brunette,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case” and “Wish You Well.” Chase McGill sits at No. 3 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long” and “the hell you are.”
Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Luke Combs (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.
Niko Moon Releases Live Album
/by Madison HahnenNiko Moon. Photo: Marshall Loren
Niko Moon released his new live album last Friday (Jan. 23), AMERICAN PALM: Live from the Road, via Empire. The project was recorded during his “American Palm Tour” last year.
“There’s nothing like being at a live concert, together with a crowd of people singing and celebrating music, community, and most importantly, life,” says Moon. “Music has always been like medicine to me. Like Marley said, ‘When it hits you, you feel no pain.’ This community of people who love music that feeds the soul is like a second family to me. They make me feel like I’m not alone, that I’m understood, and most importantly, accepted. I wanted to capture the American Palm Tour on record so that, in those moments in life when our spirit is calling for the coast, we can all put this album on, get our toes in the sand, and let the worries of life drift away. Let’s go on vacation, y’all!”
The 12 tracks feature some of Moon’s fan favorites live from the road including “I Love This Beach,” “Boat Song,” “Breathe,” and a lively cover of Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.”
Moon will embark on a 2026 leg of the tour beginning this Thursday (Jan. 29) in Oklahoma City. He will make stops in New Orleans, Tulsa, Boston, Lake Ozark and more. Moon will also host his “Good Time Fest” in Charleston on May 23 and 24 with performances from Uncle Kracker, The Wailers, The 502s, Artika Sound System and more.
AMERICAN PALM: LIVE ON THE ROAD Tracklist:
1. “(INTRO) BOAT SONG (Live from the Road)”
2. “I LOVE THIS BEACH (Live from the Road)”
3. “SANDBAR (Live from the Road)”
4. “KING OF THE ISLAND (Live from the Road)”
5. “SEA FOREVER (Live from the Road)”
6. “SANDCASTLES (Live from the Road)”
7. “YOU, ME & A BEACH (Live from the Road)”
8. “GOOD ONES (Live from the Road)”
9. “SOMETHING IN THE WATER (Live from the Road)”
10. “MARGARITAVILLE (Live from the Road)”
11. “BREATHE (Live from the Road)”
12. “BARE FEET IN THE SAND (Live from the Road)”
Industry Ink: Shenandoah, Warren Zeiders, ASCAP, Grammy Museum Mississippi, More
/by Lauryn SinkShenandoah Surprises Luke Bryan With No. 1 Plaque For ‘Sunday In The South’
Pictured (L-R): Cole Johnstone (Shenandoah Manager), Mike McGuire (Shenandoah), Marty Raybon (Shenandoah), Luke Bryan, Kerri Edwards (Luke Bryan Manager). Photo: Jacob Powers
Shenandoah recently surprised Luke Bryan during a Crash My Playa performance with a No. 1 plaque for their recent collaboration, “Sunday in the South,” which also features Jason Aldean. The track, released via 8 Track Entertainment, reached No. 1 on the iTunes All Genre chart.
“Luke never ceases to amaze me,” says Marty Raybon, Shenandoah lead singer. “From the moment the show starts, he has a way of pulling everyone in, setting the tone for the night, and making sure everyone is having a great time. Crash My Playa was an absolute blast!”
Warren Zeiders Releases ‘Return to the 717 (Part One)’
Warren Zeiders recently released “Return to the 717 (Part One),” the first of his two-part documentary series.
The documentary gives a behind-the-scenes look into his return to Hershey, Pennsylvania for a sold-out, hometown performance at the Giant Center. In the video, Zeiders visits his old high school, lacrosse field, the ice cream shop his parents owned and the location for his music video “On the Run.”
ASCAP Hosts Stage At 30A Songwriters Festival
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, ASCAP’s Ryan O’Grady, Corey Crowder, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Caylee Hammack, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston, Tony Lane, Jonathan Singleton, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Erik Philbrook
ASCAP recently hosted its annual songwriter round at 30A Songwriters Festival in Northwest Florida featuring Adam Hambrick, Austin Jenckes, Cale Dodds, Canaan Smith, Caylee Hammack, Corey Crowder, Fran Litterski, Gavin Lucas, Jeremy Stover, Jonathan Kingham, Jonathan Singleton and Tony Lane.
Grammy Museum Mississippi Celebrates Opening Of New Exhibit ‘The Killer, The Preacher And The Cowboy’
Pictured (L-R): James Dupré, Jacob Tolliver, Judith Lewis, Cindy Gilley, Frances Swaggart, Danica Hart. Photo: Rory Doyle
The Grammy Museum Mississippi celebrated the opening of their newest exhibit, “The Killer, The Preacher and The Cowboy: The Family Legacy of Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Swaggart, and Mickey Gilley,” last week.
Lewis’ widow, Judith Lewis, Gilley’s widow, Cindy Gilley, and Swaggart’s widow, Frances Swaggart each spoke at the event. Exhibit co-curator Zach Farnum hosted a panel discussion on legacy with Lewis’ youngest son, Jerry Lee Lewis III, and Swaggart’s grandson, Matthew Swaggart. Jacob Tolliver, James Dupré and Danica Hart took the stage to mark the occasion.
Additional Artists Announced For Gatlin Brothers’ 70th Anniversary Tribute
Additional artists have been announced for the Gatlin Brothers’ 70th Anniversary Tribute, set for Feb. 23 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Newly confirmed artists are the Gaither Vocal Band, The Frontmen (Larry Stewart of Restless Heart; Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas; Richie McDonald, formerly of Lonestar), Billy Dean, Dailey & Vincent, Deborah Allen, Carlene Carter, Riders in the Sky, Jason Crabb, Jamie O’Neal and a special appearance by Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens.
They join previously announced artists The Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich, Mae Estes, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, David Phelps, John Berry, Lorrie Morgan, The Isaacs, Mark Wills, Red Steagall, T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang.
Natalie Grant Performs ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ On The Kelly Clarkson Show
Natalie Grant recently performed “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” on The Kelly Clarkson Show. She released the track last week, with all proceeds benefitting the non-profit she co-founded, Hope for Justice.
“’His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ is one of the great songs of the church and a deeply personal part of my faith story,” she shares. “I come from a heritage rooted in the local church—parents who raised me on Scripture and the songs that have carried generations. In seasons of uncertainty and loneliness, I’ve returned to this song again and again. It’s been recorded by many legendary voices and has long served as an anthem of hope. This recording is simply piano and vocal because the song doesn’t need anything more. The melody and the truth of the lyric are powerful enough on their own, and it’s a joy to reintroduce it to a new generation.”
Atlus Practices ‘Art Of Letting Go’ On New Album
/by Madison HahnenAtlus will release his label debut album, Art of Letting Go, on March 20 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
The 15-track project has country at its core, with touches of pop, rock, and hip-hop influence and captures his emotional range with honesty and reflection. Atlus co-wrote all 15 tracks on the record, with additional writing credits from Blake Pendergrass, Geoff Warburton, Lydia Vaughan and more. The album was produced by Andrew Baylis, David Garcia, Justin Abraham, HALLIE, Matt Wallace, Nathan Keeterle and Stu Stapleton.
Among the tracks are Atlus’ debut country radio single “Devil Ain’t Done,” as well as previously released “Secondhand Smoke,” “Art Of Letting Go,” “Spare Key,” “IOD On YOU,” “Break Me First” and “Baby Momma.”
Art of Letting Go Tracklist:
1. “Secondhand Smoke” (Atlus, Matt Wallace, Autumn Buysse)
2. “Devil Ain’t Done” (Atlus, David Garcia, Geoff Warburton)
3. “Still Haven’t Stopped” (Atlus, David Garcia, Blake Pendergrass, Geoff Warburton)
4. “Art of Letting Go” (Atlus, Lydia Vaughan, Lou Ridley, Matt Wallace)
5. “Hold My Liquor” (Atlus, Andrew Baylis, Conor Matthews)
6. “Spare Key” (Atlus, Rian Ball, Nick Boyd)
7. “Sounds Like Alcohol” (Atlus, David Garcia, Justin Halpin)
8. “Town Down” (Atlus, Andrew Baylis, Michael Whitworth, Riley Thomas)
9. “IOD on YOU” (Atlus, David Ray Stevens, Matt Wallace, Autumn Buysse)
10. “Roses” (Atlus, Andrew Baylis, Matt Wallace, Sebastian “Rufio Hooks” Garcia)
11. “Break Me First” (Atlus, Matt Wallace, Claire Ernst, Stuart Stapleton, Justin Abraham)
12. “In The City” (Atlus, Autumn Buysse, Matt Wallace, Sebastian “Rufio Hooks” Garcia)
13. “Guilty” (Atlus, HALLIE, Gigi Rich, Andrew Perlowich)
14. “Half The Bottle” (Atlus, Andrew Baylis, Benjy Davis, Michael Whitworth)
15. “Baby Momma” (Atlus, Autumn Buysse, Matt Wallace, Brit Wilder)
Tracks 1, 4, 9: Produced by Andrew Baylis and Matt Wallace
Tracks 2, 3, 7: Produced by Andrew Baylis and David Garcia
Tracks 5, 6, 8, 10, 14, 15: Produced by Andrew Baylis
Track 11: Produced by Andrew Baylis, Stu Stapleton, and Justin Abraham
Track 12: Produced by Andrew Baylis and Nathan Keeterle
Track 13: Produced by Andrew Baylis and HALLIE
Tracks 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15: Additional Production by Randy Slaugh
CRS Reveals Details For 2026 Women’s Networking Breakfast
/by Lauryn SinkThe Country Radio Seminar 2026 Women’s Networking Breakfast will take place on Friday, March 20, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Mentors scheduled to participate include Amber Anderson (Amazon Music (Country Heat)), Michelle Buckles (iHeart), Patti Diaz (iHeart), Heather Froglear (Audacy), Bryce Gravitt (Warner Chappell), Tay Hamilton (iHeart), Jamice Jennings (RECORDS Nashville), Sloane Cavitt Logue (WME Nashville), Rakiyah Marshall (Back Blocks Music), Tracy Martin (The Core Entertainment), Jen Morgan (BMG), Katie Neal (Audacy/Katie & Co.), Kathleen St. Clair (SiriusXM/Pandora), Lauren “LT” Thomas (Big Loud Records), Jess Tomlins (Neon Coast), Stephanie Wagner (Country Swag/Common Country Bar) and Ashley Wilson (iHeart).
CRS 2026 will take place March 18–20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, and registration is available now.
Grand Ole Opry To Honor Ronnie Milsap Anniversary, Welcome 2026 NextStage Class
/by LB CantrellPhoto: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry will once again bring legendary performers, A-list artists and new breakout stars to its stage as it honors Ronnie Milsap’s 50th Opry anniversary that evening. It will also welcome the Opry NextStage class of 2026. Performers that night include Opry members Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Mark Wills and more. Milsap is confirmed to be in attendance at the celebration.
The generational evening will feature Opry members and special guests performing their favorite Milsap songs to honor the six-time Grammy winner and country music legend, who has more than 35 No. 1 hits. Earlier in the evening, the Opry is set to introduce its Opry NextStage class of 2026.
For the remainder of the year, the Opry NextStage class will receive dedicated support from Opry Entertainment Group and presenting sponsor, Tecovas, through Opry performances, NextStage shows and heightened promotion to fans across brand platforms.
Since its launch in 2019, Opry NextStage artists have achieved a combined 42 No. 1 hits, spending a total of 52 weeks atop the Country Aircheck/Mediabase airplay chart. The program has introduced fans to rising stars such as Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Ella Langley and Tenille Townes—all of whom went on to win ACM New Male or Female Artist of the Year after their NextStage inclusion. Wilson also made history as the first Opry NextStage alum to become an Opry member.