This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a dynamic stretch across the country music landscape, where industry milestones, new ventures and songwriter achievements all converge to signal both reflection and forward momentum. Click here to see the full edition.
As the calendar turns toward one of the genre’s biggest nights, final voting is now underway for the 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, set to take place May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Ballots are open through April 20.
Industry veteran Cindy Mabe has launched Joan of Arc Music, a multifaceted entertainment company designed to both honor country music’s legacy and actively shape its future. With a broad scope that spans artist development, publishing, management, and even emerging technologies, the venture reflects a modern, all-encompassing approach to music business infrastructure. Its partnership with Warner Records Nashville further positions the company for immediate impact, while a seasoned leadership team includes Lori Christian, Dawn Gates, Harper Grae, Leigh Morrison and Allison Winkler.
Recognition of leadership excellence also took center stage this week, as Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, received the 2026 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence from Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. The honor highlights Trahern’s influence not only within the CMA but across the broader industry, particularly in fostering growth and innovation.
Songwriters, as always, remained at the heart of Nashville’s story. The CMA’s 2026 Triple Play Awards, held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, brought together an elite group of writers who achieved the rare feat of penning three No. 1 songs within a single year. Honorees included names such as Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Morgan Wallen, and Ella Langley, among others. The evening also celebrated 43 first-time No. 1 songwriters, reinforcing the depth of emerging talent within the format.
One of the night’s most meaningful moments came as Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, received the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award for his decades-long commitment to protecting and elevating songwriters. In a touching finale, Paul Overstreet was honored ahead of his upcoming induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, with his children delivering a medley performance of his enduring hits.
The week also spotlighted the independent publishing community during the 2026 AIMP Nashville Country Awards, hosted at Analog at the Hutton Hotel. The Association for Independent Music Publishers event celebrated a wide spectrum of achievements, with Emily Ann Roberts earning her first industry honor as Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, and Lauren Hungate named Rising Songwriter of the Year. Jessie Jo Dillon continued her remarkable run, taking Songwriter of the Year for the second consecutive time, while Zach Top and HARDY were among those recognized for their creative and independent spirit. Publisher honors went to Big Loud Publishing, underscoring its continued influence in the songwriting space.
Philanthropy and community impact were also in focus, as Dierks Bentley received the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award during a CMA Songwriters Series event at Racket NYC. The recognition highlights Bentley’s ongoing commitment to charitable efforts, adding another layer to his long-standing career.
Meanwhile, the business side of the industry continues to evolve with new entrepreneurial ventures and signings. Taylor Sloane has departed MCA after nearly a decade to launch Dream Big Music, a company aimed at helping artists build scalable global audiences through modern marketing strategies and hands-on campaign execution. Early clients include Jordan Davis and Riley Green.
On the talent front, Aubory Bugg has signed with Dualtone Records, while songwriter-producer Ben Foster has inked a deal with Black River Publishing.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green takes the No. 1 spot with “Change My Mind.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Ella Langley Debuts Atop The Billboard 200 Album Chart With ‘Dandelion’
/by Lorie HollabaughElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has landed her first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart this week with her sophomore album Dandelion, which debuted at No. 1.
The project marked the largest week for a country album by a woman in two years, and the biggest week of 2026 for any female, launching with 169,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending April 16 according to Luminate and Billboard. Dandelion was fueled by the initial smash crossover hit “Choosin’ Texas,” which has spent 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, six weeks atop the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, and three weeks at No. 1 on Country Airplay.
The release of Dandelion and Megan Moroney’s Cloud 9 (which bowed in March) marks the first time there have been two No. 1 country albums by two different solo women in a calendar year in more than a decade. The last time it last happened was in 2012, when Taylor Swift’s Red and Carrie Underwood’s Blown Away both reached the feat. Both Dandelion and Cloud 9 are also the first No. 1s for Langley and Moroney, and the Billboard chart last saw a pair of first No. 1 country albums by solo women in the same year nearly 20 years ago, when in 2007, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood both landed their first No. 1s, with Reba Duets and Carnival Ride, respectively.
Dandelion also scored the largest streaming week for an album by a woman in 2026, and the biggest streaming week for a country album by a woman in two years.
Kenny Chesney Celebrates 10 Years Of No Shoes Radio With Epic Flora-Bama Show
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney celebrates 10 years of No Shoes Radio on SiriusXM at Flora-Bama Lounge. Photo: Allister Ann
Kenny Chesney took over the Dome at the Flora-Bama Lounge on Saturday (April 18) to celebrate 10 years of his No Shoes Radio channel on SiriusXM with thousands of die-hard fans, who spilled all the way out into the streets outside the beloved bar.
With a summer residency set at Sphere in Vegas, the Flora-Bama show was a moment where Chesney could have fun with the music and veer from the set list, playing favorites including “The Good Stuff,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” as well as a version of George Strait’s “Carried Away,” and also dial up the sing-alongs and positive energy with the rarely-played “Guitars and Tiki Bars,” Chris Stapleton’s “Never Wanted Nothing More” and “Save It For A Rainy Day.”
Megan Moroney surprises good friend Kenny Chesney at packed FloraBama show. Photo: Allister Ann
In the midst of “When The Sun Goes Down,” Megan Moroney rolled onstage in a grey No Shoes Nation “corset,” and picked up the chorus. After telling the live audience and everyone listening on SiriusXM Channel 59 the story of their friendship, mutual admiration and adventures, they swooped into Moroney’s “You Had To Be There.” Announcing she had just joined the band, the pair also shared the smoky “You & Tequila.” That intimacy had defined earlier performances of “Island Boy,” sent out to Boat Captain Ben in Maine, a surging “When I See This Bar” dedicated to FloraBama pirate/poet Jimmy Lewis, and a jubilant “Three Little Birds” for good friend Ziggy Marley and the entire Marley family that led into the tropical “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven.” “American Kids,” closed the 90 minutes, delivering the loudest cheers and rush of what a great band can do.
“Some days, the songs are just bigger than you are, and they take you where they and the people want to be,” says Chesney of the special show. “It was so alive, so free and we were all so glad to be together playing, being with the people, that energy took over everything. Whether it was up tempo or thoughtful, talking or laughing, it reminds me why music is the most powerful force to bring us together.
“I’ve lived a lot of life on No Shoes Radio,” he continues. “I am so grateful to SiriusXM for taking what we do and amplifying it all over the world. A whole lot has happened over the last ten years, and because of them, we’ve been able to live it with everyone who loves these songs.”
BREAKING: Miranda Lambert Inks With MCA
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Stephanie Wright (EVP/Head of A&R, MCA), Mike Harris (President & CEO, MCA), Miranda Lambert, Katie McCartney (EVP/General Manager, MCA), Rob Femia (COO/EVP Business & Legal Affairs, MCA), Damon Moberly (SVP Promotion, MCA).
Miranda Lambert has signed with MCA.
Across her career, Lambert has amassed seven No. 1 solo albums, 10 No. 1 radio singles, more than 80 awards and many RIAA certifications. Lambert is a TIME100 honoree and perennial best-of-the-year list maker at the New York Times, TIME, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Stereogum, People and more. The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, she is among the most-nominated at this year’s ceremony, with eight nods recognizing her contributions as an artist, songwriter and producer.
“Miranda is a generational artist whose influence and artistry continue to shape modern music,” says Mike Harris, MCA President & CEO. “We are honored to work alongside her as she enters this next chapter and we look forward to building something truly special together.”
“Throughout my life and career, I have found that the common thread in every chapter is finding the right people—songwriters, musicians, collaborators, and team members—to match the moment,” adds Lambert. “I am honored to join a roster and a team with such a rich history of championing artistry. I look forward to sharing this new music with the world under their banner.”
Lambert continues in her role as Founder of Big Loud Texas, where she remains actively involved in her business partnership and ongoing artist development efforts across the label and its publishing company.
Jessi Alexander Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Perfect Game Creative
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Austen Adams (WCM), Jessi Alexander, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Perfect Game Creative) and Phil May (WCM).
Grammy-nominated hitmaker Jessi Alexander has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative. This deal marks Alexander as the flagship signing for Perfect Game Creative, launched by industry veteran Jessi Vaughn Stevenson last year.
A Tennessee native, Alexander has penned 10 No. 1 hits throughout her career, including Luke Combs’ “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and Morgan Wallen’s “Don’t Think Jesus.” Additional cuts include Megan Moroney’s “No Caller ID,” Dustin Lynch & Jelly Roll’s “Chevrolet,” Blake Shelton’s “Mine Would Be You” and “Drink On It,” Scotty McCreery’s “In Between,” Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson’s “Never Say Never,” and Justin Moore & Priscilla Block’s “You, Me, and Whiskey.”
Alexander is also behind the global hit “The Climb” performed by Miley Cyrus, which earned an MTV Movie Award for Best Song from a Movie.
“So grateful I still get to have my dream job of being a songwriter… and getting to continue my partnership with Austen, alongside my longtime collaborator Jessi Vaughn, feels like a dream come true,” shares Alexander. “I couldn’t be more excited to walk into this next chapter of my career with people that feel like family – and who believe in me every step of the way.”
“Jessi Alexander is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats in country music,” says Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “She’s a powerhouse songwriter with a deep catalog of hits that spans generations, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Our relationship goes back over twenty years, and I’m happy to partner with her once again. The entire Warner Chappell team is honored to continue this journey alongside Jessi A and Jessi Vaughn as we work together to further elevate her global impact.”
“To say this moment feels full circle is an understatement,” adds Vaughn Stevenson, Founder, Perfect Game Creative. “I began my career working alongside Jessi, and over the past decade we’ve continued that relationship in different capacities. To now launch something of my own, in partnership with my home for many years and to have a singer-songwriter of her caliber trust me enough to step into this next chapter together feels both incredibly special and deeply strategic. We have spent years building momentum together, but in a lot of ways this feels like we are just getting started.”
Her recent awards include MusicRow’s Female Songwriter of the Year for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) and NMPA Gold & Platinum Gala Top Female Songwriter (2024). She also notched a GRAMMY nomination in 2025 for Best Song Written for Visual Media with “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and a Songwriter of the Year nomination at the 60th ACM Awards.
Sun Sets On Successful 13th Annual Tortuga Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughTortuga 2026
Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival hosted fans in the Sunshine State for a packed weekend of entertainment from headliners Post Malone, Riley Green and Kenny Chesney.
Post Malone
The 13th annual festival brought over 50 artists to Fort Lauderdale ranging from Dwight Yoakam, Russell Dickerson and Tyler Hubbard to rap and rock favorites like Ice Cube, Afroman and The Fray. On Friday, the Sunset Stage kicked off with performances from Emily Ann Roberts and Flatland Cavalry, who led sing-alongs and even tapped the crowd to cover Kaitlin Butts’ part in “A Life Where We Work Out.” Ice Cube delivered legendary hits like “It Was a Good Day” and “Straight Outta Compton,” and for the first time in Tortuga history, SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour broadcast live from Rock The Ocean’s Conservation Village. The Main Stage opened with Chayce Beckham, Ashley Cooke, Lukas Nelson, and Dwight Yoakam, who ushered in the first sunset with his signature pedal steel-laced honky-tonk sound. Post Malone kept the party going and closed out opening night with hits like “I Had Some Help” and “Rockstar.”
Riley Green
The high energy carried into Saturday, with nearly 20 performances set against the breezy backdrop. Colbie Caillat surprised fans with an intimate pop-up at Conservation Village before heading to the Main Stage, where Graham Barham and Clay Walker also delivered sets. Tyler Hubbard welcomed his wife Hayley and their three kids onstage, later leading the crowd in a sing-along to “Cruise.” On the Sunset Stage, Buffalo Traffic Jam and Brittney Spencer had fans dancing under the Florida sun before Afroman thrilled the crowd with favorites “Crazy Rap (Colt 45 & 2 Zig Zags)” and “Because I Got High,” along with his viral hit “Lemon Pound Cake.” G. Love & Special Sauce followed, and as the sun went down on Day 2, the band’s frontman jumped into the crowd for a rendition of “Hurricane,” along with iconic hits like “How to Save a Life” and a rocking take on The Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl.” Riley Green wrapped the night on the Main Stage with originals like “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do” joined by Colbie Caillat, as well as a string of covers, including “Dixieland Delight,” “In Color,” and a double dose of Toby Keith with “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.”
Kenny Chesney
Wrapping the star-studded weekend, fans at the Sunset Stage were treated to performances from Brandon Wisham, The Wheeland Brothers, Amanda Shires, Josh Ross and Dustin Lynch, who had the audience “Seein’ Red” with “Thinking ‘Bout You.” Over on the Main Stage, festivities kicked off with Greylan James and Uncle Kracker, who lit up the stage with his take on “Neon Moon” and easy-going hits including “Smile.” He was followed by red dirt rockers Shane Smith & The Saints and Russell Dickerson, who brought the energy as the crowd sang along to his viral hit “Happen To Me.” As the sun went down on Tortuga 2026, fans welcomed Kenny Chesney back to the Main Stage for a historic sixth time. Chesney performed sunsoaked favorite “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” and “Summertime” as well as TikTok trending “Out Last Night” then welcomed Kracker to the stage for “Follow Me” and “Drift Away.” The crowd went wild when Megan Moroney made a surprise appearance as well for three songs, including the duo’s hit “You Had To Be There.”
The festival was just announced as a nominee for “Festival of the Year” at the upcoming 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, further cementing its impact on the live music landscape.
MusicRow Weekly (ACM Awards Voting, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a dynamic stretch across the country music landscape, where industry milestones, new ventures and songwriter achievements all converge to signal both reflection and forward momentum. Click here to see the full edition.
As the calendar turns toward one of the genre’s biggest nights, final voting is now underway for the 61st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, set to take place May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Ballots are open through April 20.
Industry veteran Cindy Mabe has launched Joan of Arc Music, a multifaceted entertainment company designed to both honor country music’s legacy and actively shape its future. With a broad scope that spans artist development, publishing, management, and even emerging technologies, the venture reflects a modern, all-encompassing approach to music business infrastructure. Its partnership with Warner Records Nashville further positions the company for immediate impact, while a seasoned leadership team includes Lori Christian, Dawn Gates, Harper Grae, Leigh Morrison and Allison Winkler.
Recognition of leadership excellence also took center stage this week, as Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, received the 2026 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence from Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. The honor highlights Trahern’s influence not only within the CMA but across the broader industry, particularly in fostering growth and innovation.
Songwriters, as always, remained at the heart of Nashville’s story. The CMA’s 2026 Triple Play Awards, held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, brought together an elite group of writers who achieved the rare feat of penning three No. 1 songs within a single year. Honorees included names such as Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Morgan Wallen, and Ella Langley, among others. The evening also celebrated 43 first-time No. 1 songwriters, reinforcing the depth of emerging talent within the format.
One of the night’s most meaningful moments came as Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, received the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award for his decades-long commitment to protecting and elevating songwriters. In a touching finale, Paul Overstreet was honored ahead of his upcoming induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, with his children delivering a medley performance of his enduring hits.
The week also spotlighted the independent publishing community during the 2026 AIMP Nashville Country Awards, hosted at Analog at the Hutton Hotel. The Association for Independent Music Publishers event celebrated a wide spectrum of achievements, with Emily Ann Roberts earning her first industry honor as Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, and Lauren Hungate named Rising Songwriter of the Year. Jessie Jo Dillon continued her remarkable run, taking Songwriter of the Year for the second consecutive time, while Zach Top and HARDY were among those recognized for their creative and independent spirit. Publisher honors went to Big Loud Publishing, underscoring its continued influence in the songwriting space.
Philanthropy and community impact were also in focus, as Dierks Bentley received the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award during a CMA Songwriters Series event at Racket NYC. The recognition highlights Bentley’s ongoing commitment to charitable efforts, adding another layer to his long-standing career.
Meanwhile, the business side of the industry continues to evolve with new entrepreneurial ventures and signings. Taylor Sloane has departed MCA after nearly a decade to launch Dream Big Music, a company aimed at helping artists build scalable global audiences through modern marketing strategies and hands-on campaign execution. Early clients include Jordan Davis and Riley Green.
On the talent front, Aubory Bugg has signed with Dualtone Records, while songwriter-producer Ben Foster has inked a deal with Black River Publishing.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green takes the No. 1 spot with “Change My Mind.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Aubrie Sellers Launches Headline Tour
/by Lauryn SinkAubrie Sellers
Aubrie Sellers is set to hit the road this month on her headline tour alongside Jade Jackson.
The run will make stops in Nashville, Austin, Atlanta and more. Tickets are on sale now.
Sellers released her third studio album, Attachment Theory, on March 20 via Casual Records/Carnival Records. The 11-track project explores the psychology of human relationships.
“This record was born out of heartbreak, with the theme of attachment theory running through it in different ways,” says Sellers. “I’ve always been fascinated by psychology, especially people’s personalities and quirks and how they function in relationships.” She continues, “Sonically, this record leans even more into rock than my past albums, but it has a darker, slower cadence. Less outright slashers and more intense rock slow-burners. I’m drawn to sci-fi, horror, and cinematic themes, and you hear that all over this record with the synths, strings, and haunting guitars. Ethan Ballinger, who co-produced and played guitar, and Jeremy Ferguson, our engineer, share those sensibilities with me.”
Tour Dates:
Apr 19 Sun – Louisville, KY – Zanzibar^
Apr 23 Thu – Knoxville, TN – Open Chord Music^
Apr 25 Sat – Nashville, TN – Analog at Hutton Hotel^
Apr 27 Mon – Austin, TX – Saxon Pub^
Apr 28 Tue – Dallas, TX – AM/FM Dallas^
Apr 30 Thu – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar^
Jun 18 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena *
Jun 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre *
Jun 20 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center *
Jun 25 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater *
Jun 26 – Bend, OR – Haden Homes Amphitheater *
Jun 27 – Kent, WA – Accesso Showare Center *
* opening for Parker McCollum
+ with Erin Enderlin
^ with Jade Jackson & Jackson+Sellers
Cody Johnson Unveils New Album Due In June
/by Lauryn SinkCody Johnson is set to release his new studio album, Banks Of The Trinity, on June 26 via COJO Music/Warner Records Nashville.
In celebration of the announcement, Johnson has released his new single, “I Want You,” written by Tom Douglas, Tony Lane, and Matt Rogers.
“On this album, I wanted to tell the story about my childhood,” Johnson shares. “When I heard the song ‘Banks Of The Trinity’ for the first time, it was like this portrait showed in my head of memories that I had honestly forgotten. It just took me back home to Sebastopol, Texas, where I grew up on the Trinity River. I had tears in my eyes when I heard it for the first time.”
The Trent Willmon produced project follows six previous albums, including Leather, which won the 2024 CMA Album of the Year. Johnson has amassed 10 billion global streams four RIAA Platinum No. 1 singles.
Johnson is set to make his headline debut this year at Stagecoach. He is nominated for four awards at the upcoming 61st ACM Awards and will continue his headline tour through the fall.
Eric Church Sells Out Three Red Rocks Dates In Minutes
/by Madison HahnenEric Church. Photo: Robby Klein
Eric Church has sold out all three nights of his upcoming Red Rocks Amphitheatre run within minutes of tickets going on sale for the second consecutive year. This year’s shows will take place July 6, 7, and 8.
This year’s shows will celebrate Church’s 20 years in music. Each night will have a different setlist, as Church has made tradition. Corey Kent will join as support on night one, 49 Winchester on night two, and The Creekers on the final night.
After his three nights at Red Rocks, he will play two nights at Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre. Church is also set to headline Barefoot Country Music Fest, the California Mid-State Fair, Boots on the Bend and more festivals this summer.
Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town & Jake Owen Join Lineup Of Alan Jackson’s Last Call Finale Show
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup keeps growing for Alan Jackson’s Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale show June 27 at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, with Little Big Town, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett joining the list of those paying tribute to the Country Music Hall of Fame member at the summer all-star event.
The sold-out concert marking the end of Jackson’s over three decade touring career will feature an all-star lineup of artists including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright and Carlisle Wright, with still more to be announced in the coming weeks.
Jackson’s touring career has taken him from coast-to-coast countless times and even to such far-reaching places as Australia, Brazil, and Europe. Over the last four years, his “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour” played to sellout and capacity concerts. For each ticket sold for Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale, $1.00 is being donated to the CMT Research Foundation, an organization that funds research to find a cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and will be matched by $2.00 from a generous donor.