Pictured: The New Faces of Country Music Class of 2020, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jameson Rodgers, Gabby Barrett, and Walker Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
On Friday night (Feb. 25), five breakthrough country artists graced the prestigious New Faces stage to close out another Country Radio Seminar.
Formed in 1970, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show is one of the most anticipated events at CRS, and has featured some of the format’s biggest acts in their early days. Each of the 2021 New Faces have had some traction at country radio, and were voted on by the industry to perform.
The evening was hosted by radio professionals Elaina Smith, Kelly Ford and Ania Hammar.
Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
First to perform was MCA Nashville’s Parker McCollum. The Texas-born singer-songwriter kept things simple, kicking things off with a sizzle reel of his many career achievements. McCollum started his set with “To Be Loved By You” and seamlessly transitioned into his first No. 1 at country radio, “Pretty Heart.”
McCollum thanked the radio personnel in the crowd for their part in his success before launching into a piercing rendition of “Hell Of A Year.” The breakout star exuded quiet confidence as he smiled out to the crowd, sounding great with his unique country voice. He closed with his “I Can’t Breathe,” and promptly received the night’s first standing ovation.
Gabby Barrett. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
Next up was Warner Music Nashville star Gabby Barrett. Like McCollum, she got things started with a sizzle reel listing off her stunning achievements, including her 5X Platinum debut, “I Hope,” being the most-streamed country song of 2020. The powerful singer came out rocking with “Jesus & My Mama.”
She followed that up with her second No. 1 hit, “The Good Ones,” before playing her newest single, “Pick Me Up.” Barrett took an opportunity to share her Christian roots with a beautiful, acoustic rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”
Barrett closed her set with the song that kicked off her meteoric rise, “I Hope.” “This song completely flipped my world around,” she said, thanking country radio for their support.
Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
Columbia Nashville/River House Artists breakout, Jameson Rodgers, was up next. After a funny video skit about turning in his two weeks and his 9-to-5 to focus on music, the singer-songwriter oozed charisma with a four-song set.
Rodgers got things started with his second No. 1, “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” and followed it with his first chart-topper, “Some Girls.” The singer was all smiles during his set, saying: “It’s a damn honor to be a part of this show tonight.”
After playing a hit he had as a songwriter for Chris Lane, “I Don’t Know About You,” Rodgers closed with a standout track from his debut album Bet You’re From A Small Town–”Missin’ One.” The track starts with a line about the Eagles, so Rodgers and his band thrilled the crowd with a bit of “Seven Bridges Road” to start the song.
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
Broken Bow’s Lainey Wilson kept the charisma going for her set, starting off with the best video of the night: a hilarious skit that featured country artists Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Jimmie Allen, and Tracy Lawrence in Wilson’s signature bell bottom britches.
After a big laugh from the crowd, Wilson was ready to rock, kicking off her set with her party anthem, “Straight Up Sideways,” with a verse of Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” to introduce the track.
“I’m so honored to be here,” she said before playing her first No. 1 hit, “Things A Man Oughta Know.” “Everyone in this room changed my life,” Wilson added.
To close her set, Wilson gave the room a sneak peek of her new single that could be called “Heart Like a Truck.”
Walker Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
Monument Records’ Walker Hayes was the last performer of the night. His video recounted the seismic boom that “Fancy Like” had on the world over the last year. The entertainer started his set with “Drinking Songs,” before launching into his newest fan-favorite, “AA.” When it came time for Hayes to play the song of the year, industry members in the audience joined him in the dance.
Hayes stunned the audience with his last song: “Briefcase,” a song about his father’s struggle with working too much and being away from family. The hook of the song reveals that although Hayes doesn’t have a briefcase, he’s begun to understand why his dad’s work took him away from their family so often. “I guess a guitar doesn’t fall too far from a briefcase,” he sang.
Before he sang the touching song, Hayes’ briefed the crowd, saying this song probably wouldn’t be on the radio. The rousing applause and big standing ovation that Hayes received for the track, though, might make him reconsider.
Concord Music Publishing Acquires Catalog Of Songwriter Josh Miller
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Ashley Nite, Garrett Stephenson, Matt Turner, Brad Kennard, Josh Miller, Scott Safford, Courtney Allen, Jen Hubbard, Melissa Spillman, Jim Selby. Photo: Audrey Spillman
Concord Music Publishing has announced the signing and catalog acquisition of multi-Platinum songwriter Josh Miller. The worldwide publishing deal covers Miller’s full catalog as well as his future works.
“We are beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to represent this incredible catalog, as well as work alongside Josh going forward,” says Brad Kennard, SVP A&R, Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “He’s an incredibly respected craftsman, a driven competitor, and a first-class human being. We could not be more fired up!”
A Jackson, Tennessee native, Miller signed his first publishing deal in 2016 with Cornman Music via Warner Chappell. His first country radio hit came in 2017 with Kip Moore‘s “More Girls Like You.” Later that year Miller collaborated with Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line on the RIAA Diamond certified single “Meant To Be.”
Miller has continued to climb the country charts in recent years with additional hit songs, including Florida Georgia Line’s “Long Live,” Carrie Underwood’s “Southbound,” Thomas Rhett’s “Be A Light,” and Chris Lane’s “Take Back Home Girl” ft. Tori Kelly. He has also been nominated for MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year Award and Spotify’s Secret Genius: Country Songwriter of the Year Award in 2018.
“I’m really excited and thankful to be a new member of the Concord family,” Miller states.” Brad and his team’s energy, passion, and love of songs is infectious and has me fired up to keep doing what I love to do!”
“It is such an honor to work with a brilliant songwriter like Josh Miller,” adds Jim Selby, Chief Publishing Executive at Concord. “Josh has already seen so much success in the country genre, and we are thrilled to add him to our growing roster in Nashville and help nurture his talents to take him even further.”
The dual agreement was negotiated on behalf of Concord by Duff Berschback, EVP of Legal and Business Affairs, with Miller represented by Scott Safford of Safford Motley PLC in Nashville.
Kane Brown Lands Seventh Chart-Topper With ‘One Mississippi’
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown has earned his seventh No. 1 with his latest single, “One Mississippi,” which takes the top slot on the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts this week. The single hit the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for the first time on Dec. 3, then made its return to the No. 1 spot on Jan. 14.
Brown debuted his current hit in April with a career-high first-week add total of 112 stations. Dann Huff produced the song, which was co-written by Brown with Jesse Frasure, Levon Gray and Ernest K. Smith.
On March 4, he’ll drop his newest track, “Leave You Alone,” which he’ll perform on the 57th ACM Awards in Las Vegas on Amazon Prime Video on March 7.
He’s also gearing up for the next leg of his “Blessed & Free Tour,” which kicks off with his first-ever stadium show in his hometown of Chattanooga on May 7 at Finley Stadium.
HYBE America’s BMLG Adds Rick Myers As Sr. VP, Finance
/by LB CantrellRick Myers
Big Machine Label Group, a HYBE America company, has added Rick Myers as Senior Vice President, Finance. Myers will oversee the company’s finance and royalty departments, reporting to BMLG CEO and Chairman Scott Borchetta and HYBE America CFO Eric Holden.
Myers’ 25-year experience comprises business consulting, mergers, acquisitions, and advisory services. His previous roles include being the Founder and President of 12South Financial; Vice President, Corporate Controller/Program Management Officer for Integrity Music; Owner and Operator of Solomon Financial, Inc. and most recently Chief Operating Officer/Managing Director of Courage Music.
Myers has formed over 100 entities and served as contract CFO/COO for over 40 different companies through his accounting practices. His clients have collectively won over ten Grammy awards, secured many top radio hits, ran multiple profitable tours under his oversight and leveraged business aviation to become more efficient.
“Rick has an incredible reputation for leading successful finance teams with integrity,” says Borchetta. “He will be a great asset to our team, our artists and our partners as we continue to grow our footprint in music and beyond.”
“I am excited to join Big Machine Label Group and continue the legacy that Scott Borchetta, Andrew Kautz and the rest of the team have built. I am honored to serve this dream team,” shares Myers.
Shane McAnally Moves Up On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellShane McAnally
With six songs on the country charts, Shane McAnally moves up to the No. 2 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.
McAnally is a co-writer on “Everyone She Knows” (Kenny Chesney), “23” (Sam Hunt), “Half Of My Hometown” (Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney), “AA” (Walker Hayes), “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde), and “No Hard Feelings” (Old Dominion).
For the fifth consecutive week, Ashley Gorley takes the top spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Gorley is a co-writer on “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bently, Hardy & Breland), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Take My Name” (Parmalee).
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.
In Pictures: CRS 2022 Makes Return To Live, In-Person Event
/by Lydia FarthingCountry Radio Seminar returned as a live, in-person event in 2022, held Wednesday, Feb. 23 through Friday, Feb. 25.
Some of this year’s event highlights include a full-day Streaming Summit, eighteen panels, six CRS Heads of State sessions, four mentoring breakfasts, three label-sponsored luncheons, and a featured artist interview with Blake Shelton. Additionally, anchor events such as the Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS showcase, Warner Music Nashville’s Luncheon, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, Team UMG at the Ryman, Big Machine Label Group’s Luncheon, New Faces of Country Music Show and Dinner, and the 2nd annual Paddle Royale Ping Pong Tournament also made their return to the programming this year.
CRS 2023 is set for March 13–15, 2023. Registration for next year’s event will open later this year.
CRS Heads of State
Pictured (L-R): Bob Proffitt, Jon Loba, and Lon Helton. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography
The series featured a mix of the industry’s most prominent leaders and highest-profile CEOs, including Caroline Beasley (CEO/Beasley), Ginny Morris (CEO/Hubbard), David Field (Chairman and CEO/Audacy), Bob Proffitt (CEO/Alpha Media), and Bill Wilson (CEO/Townsquare) representing radio. Scott Borchetta (President/CEO, BMLG), Mike Dungan (Chairman/CEO, UMG), John Esposito (Chairman/CEO, WMN), Randy Goodman (Chairman/CEO, Sony), and Jon Loba (President, BMG) represented record labels.
Serving as moderators were Joel Denver (All Access Media Group), Erica Farber (RAB), Lon Helton (Country Aircheck/Country Countdown USA), Sarah Trahern (CEO/CMA), and Mike McVay (McVay Media).
The CRS Heads Of State Series gave attendees a peek into the biggest radio and label companies for daily exclusive, one-on-one conversations.
Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley
Pictured (L-R): Rhett Akins, Neil Thrasher, and Victoria Shaw. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography
Hit songwriters, artists, and CRS 2022 attendees came together for Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley.
Hosted by Fitz of Country Top 40 with Fitz, the evening featured songwriters telling their stories and performing some of county music’s biggest hits, including Rhett Akins, Neil Thrasher, Victoria Shaw, and more. The event was sponsored by Country Top 40 with Fitz, Skyview Networks, and First Horizon Bank, and the bar was sponsored by ASCAP.
Big Machine Label Group Luncheon
Pictured (L-R, front row): Lady A’s Charles Kelly, Jimmy Harnen (President and CEO, Big Machine Records), Lady A’s Hillary Scott, Scott Borchetta (President/CEO, BMLG), Carly Pearce, Kurt Johnson (SVP/Townsquare Media & CRB/CRS Board President); (L-R, middle row): George Briner (President/The Valory Music Co.), Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Callista Clark, Riley Green, Clay Hunnicutt (General Manager, Big Machine Records); (L-R, back row): Conner Smith, Tiera Kennedy, Laci Kaye Booth, Jackson Dean.
Photo Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography
Big Machine Label Group showcased eight of its superstars and in-demand newcomers on Friday afternoon (Feb. 25). The showcase included performances from Lady A, Carly Pearce, Riley Green, Callista Clark, Laci Kaye Booth, Jackson Dean, and Tiera Kennedy.
The Artist Interview With Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography
Award-winning country superstar, Blake Shelton, appeared as the featured artist for The Artist Interview, sponsored by BMI. Shelton sat down with Country Aircheck Publisher/CEO and host of Westwood One’s CountryCountdown USA, Lon Helton, and spoke candidly on his career, artistic process, and what’s on the horizon.
New Faces Of Country Music Showcase
Pictured: (L-R) Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jameson Rodgers, Gabby Barrett, and Walker Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen Photography
The CRS 2022 New Faces of Country Music Show closed out the 3-day event, with performances by Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jameson Rodgers, Gabby Barrett, and Walker Hayes.
The show was co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Rises Back Into Top 5 Country Streaming Songs
/by Lydia FarthingLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs has re-entered the top five streaming songs this week as “Doin’ This” rises back to No. 5. The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year’s current single added 5.2 million streams this week, contributing to 64 million RTD, according to MRC Data. Combs also has two of the most consumed country albums this week: What You See Is What You Get comes in at No. 3 with 17K in total consumption and No. 4 with This One’s For You gaining 15K.
Morgan Wallen continues to have the most consumed country album as Dangerous: The Double Album sees 41K in total consumption (1.7K album only/49 million song streams). Taylor Swift follows at No. 2 with Red (Taylor’s Version) earning 21K. Walker Hayes rounds out the top five with Country Stuff: The Album adding 14K in total consumption.
On the songs side, Cody Johnson remains in the top spot as “‘Til You Can’t” earns 6.6 million streams. Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan come in at the second spot with “Buy Dirt” adding 5.7 million. Hayes takes up the final two spots with “Fancy Like” at No. 3 and “AA” at No. 4 gaining 5.6 million and 5.4 million streams, respectively.
Jackson Dean Gives Nod To The Untamed On New Project ‘Greenbroke’
/by Lorie HollabaughJackson Dean is set to release his Big Machine Records debut, Greenbroke, on March 11. “Don’t Come Lookin’” is the driving first single from the project.
Working with songwriter and producer Luke Dick, Dean crafted the new album filled with tracks like the courageous “Fearless,” the hushed benediction “Wings,” and the breezy “Don’t Take Much.” Writers contributing to the project include Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure, JT Harding, Jeff Hyde, and more.
“Never lose your wild. You can be tame enough to be in the room, but never let go of that untamed sense of who you are. That’s where your truest self lives,” Dean explains. “We were raised to live without fear, to look what you had to do in the eye–and get on with it. There’s a freedom that comes with living that way. You know whatever happens, you’re gonna find a way. It goes back to the idea of being greenbroke; you can go anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to surrender your untamed self.”
Greenbroke Track List:
1. Don’t Come Lookin’ | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick
2. Trailer Park | Jackson Dean, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure
3. Fearless | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jonathan Scott Sherwood
4. Don’t Take Much | Jackson Dean, Marv Green, JT Harding
5. Superstitions | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Dan Tyminski
6. Love You Anymore | Jackson Dean, Brian Bunn, Phillip Lammonds
7. Red Light | Jackson Dean, Jonathan Scott Sherwood, Ryan Tyndell
8. Other Than Me | Jackson Dean, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell
9. Wings | Jackson Dean, Park Chisolm
10. Greenbroke | Jackson Dean, Jeff Hyde
Trey Lewis Joins Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Writer Roster
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, front row): Rusty Gaston, Trey Lewis, Tom Luteran; (L-R, back row): Mya Hansen, Anna Weisband, Josh Van Valkenburg, Dale Bobo, Dane Schmidt
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has added rising country singer-songwriter Trey Lewis to its publishing roster.
Lewis first caught attention in 2020 with his viral, Platinum-certified hit, “Dicked Down in Dallas.” The track saw TikTok success and chart-topping positions, breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 12 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
An Alabama native, Lewis most recently released his first EP, the five-track Shut the Door. His single, “Single Again,” released on Jan. 14 and has already climbed to No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Song Sales charts. Lewis is currently touring with his band and will join Kid Rock’s U.S. tour starting in April.
“I appreciate Rusty Gaston, Tom Luteran and the whole Sony Music Publishing team for supporting me and being champions for my career and believing in me as both an artist and a writer. I’m looking forward to working with them and for them,” shares Lewis.
Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville comments: “Trey Lewis is cut from the same cloth as the legends who have paved the way before him. His songs are real, genuine, and full of country swagger. We are proud to welcome him to the SMP Nashville family.”
“The talent and unstoppable work ethic Trey possesses is what separates him from the pack,” adds Luteran, Vice President, Creative, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “This is just the beginning for Trey, and I couldn’t be happier to be on this rocket ship ride with him.”
Sandbox Productions, Sony Music Entertainment Enter Multi-Year Production & Development Deal
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Owen
President & CEO of Sandbox Entertainment Jason Owen and Sony Music Entertainment’s Premium Content Division have struck a development deal. Through the agreement, Sandbox Productions will produce a slate of original long-form projects across multiple platforms and distributors.
Under the new multi-year agreement, Sandbox Productions and SME will collaborate on the creation, production and distribution of scripted and unscripted content across TV, film and digital formats, including the development of a June Carter Cash documentary which will trace Carter’s roots and showcase her journey to country stardom.
The companies have also partnered on the premiere of Love, Tom, a letter of hope narrated over the course of a single night in Nashville by Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated songwriter Tom Douglas.
“I’m thrilled to announce Sandbox Production’s partnership with SME’s Premium Content Division,” says Owen. “Tom Mackay and his team at SME share the same enthusiasm and passion for thinking big picture and value the importance of creating content that is engaging for all audiences. We have a lot more film and TV projects currently in development and I can’t wait for everyone to see these incredible works come to fruition.”
Through the partnership, Sandbox Productions will consult and collaborate with writers, directors, on-screen talent, artists, and visual creators to provide creative direction on new and developing projects. A producer and acclaimed manager, Owen will tap into his expertise and connections within the industry to create projects that tell the stories of music, history, and culture set in the south.
Owen currently serves as executive producer on several country-music scripted films and two TV series with Fox including Monarch, an original country dynasty drama, and Icon, a limited anthology series spotlighting The Judds. Owen is also co-producing My Kind Of Country, a non-scripted music competition series with Apple TV+, alongside Reese Witherspoon/Hello Sunshine.
Owen recently served as an executive producer on the Amazon Holiday Special The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show. In 2017, he teamed up with Faith Hill & Oprah’s Lisa Erspamer to executive produce Nashville’s first-ever national daytime syndicated talk show, Pickler & Ben. He has also been an executive producer for Showtime’s music documentary Tim & Faith: Soul2Soul, The Cooking Channel’s Kimberly’s Simply Southern starring Little Big Town‘s Kimberly Schlapman, and Shania Twain’s ABC concert special Shania: Still The One Live from Vegas.
“Jason is at the forefront of storytelling in Nashville and his relationships across the entire entertainment industry make him an incredible partner to work with,” adds Mackay, President, Premium Content, Sony Music Entertainment. “We are inspired by his vision to bring new life to beloved stories and look forward to continuing our relationship with Sandbox Productions to reach new audiences across all formats.”
Five Breakthrough Country Acts Make Their Mark On CRS New Faces
/by LB CantrellPictured: The New Faces of Country Music Class of 2020, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jameson Rodgers, Gabby Barrett, and Walker Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
On Friday night (Feb. 25), five breakthrough country artists graced the prestigious New Faces stage to close out another Country Radio Seminar.
Formed in 1970, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show is one of the most anticipated events at CRS, and has featured some of the format’s biggest acts in their early days. Each of the 2021 New Faces have had some traction at country radio, and were voted on by the industry to perform.
The evening was hosted by radio professionals Elaina Smith, Kelly Ford and Ania Hammar.
Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
First to perform was MCA Nashville’s Parker McCollum. The Texas-born singer-songwriter kept things simple, kicking things off with a sizzle reel of his many career achievements. McCollum started his set with “To Be Loved By You” and seamlessly transitioned into his first No. 1 at country radio, “Pretty Heart.”
McCollum thanked the radio personnel in the crowd for their part in his success before launching into a piercing rendition of “Hell Of A Year.” The breakout star exuded quiet confidence as he smiled out to the crowd, sounding great with his unique country voice. He closed with his “I Can’t Breathe,” and promptly received the night’s first standing ovation.
Gabby Barrett. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
Next up was Warner Music Nashville star Gabby Barrett. Like McCollum, she got things started with a sizzle reel listing off her stunning achievements, including her 5X Platinum debut, “I Hope,” being the most-streamed country song of 2020. The powerful singer came out rocking with “Jesus & My Mama.”
She followed that up with her second No. 1 hit, “The Good Ones,” before playing her newest single, “Pick Me Up.” Barrett took an opportunity to share her Christian roots with a beautiful, acoustic rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”
Barrett closed her set with the song that kicked off her meteoric rise, “I Hope.” “This song completely flipped my world around,” she said, thanking country radio for their support.
Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
Columbia Nashville/River House Artists breakout, Jameson Rodgers, was up next. After a funny video skit about turning in his two weeks and his 9-to-5 to focus on music, the singer-songwriter oozed charisma with a four-song set.
Rodgers got things started with his second No. 1, “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” and followed it with his first chart-topper, “Some Girls.” The singer was all smiles during his set, saying: “It’s a damn honor to be a part of this show tonight.”
After playing a hit he had as a songwriter for Chris Lane, “I Don’t Know About You,” Rodgers closed with a standout track from his debut album Bet You’re From A Small Town–”Missin’ One.” The track starts with a line about the Eagles, so Rodgers and his band thrilled the crowd with a bit of “Seven Bridges Road” to start the song.
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
Broken Bow’s Lainey Wilson kept the charisma going for her set, starting off with the best video of the night: a hilarious skit that featured country artists Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Jimmie Allen, and Tracy Lawrence in Wilson’s signature bell bottom britches.
After a big laugh from the crowd, Wilson was ready to rock, kicking off her set with her party anthem, “Straight Up Sideways,” with a verse of Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” to introduce the track.
“I’m so honored to be here,” she said before playing her first No. 1 hit, “Things A Man Oughta Know.” “Everyone in this room changed my life,” Wilson added.
To close her set, Wilson gave the room a sneak peek of her new single that could be called “Heart Like a Truck.”
Walker Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen
Monument Records’ Walker Hayes was the last performer of the night. His video recounted the seismic boom that “Fancy Like” had on the world over the last year. The entertainer started his set with “Drinking Songs,” before launching into his newest fan-favorite, “AA.” When it came time for Hayes to play the song of the year, industry members in the audience joined him in the dance.
Hayes stunned the audience with his last song: “Briefcase,” a song about his father’s struggle with working too much and being away from family. The hook of the song reveals that although Hayes doesn’t have a briefcase, he’s begun to understand why his dad’s work took him away from their family so often. “I guess a guitar doesn’t fall too far from a briefcase,” he sang.
Before he sang the touching song, Hayes’ briefed the crowd, saying this song probably wouldn’t be on the radio. The rousing applause and big standing ovation that Hayes received for the track, though, might make him reconsider.