Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Group/Duo Artist of the Year category.
This category honors the achievements of a Nashville group or duo during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
49 Winchester has continued its rise with the release of its sixth studio album, Change of Plans, its first project for Lucille Records/MCA. Produced by Dave Cobb, the album earned praise from Billboard, Rolling Stone, People and NPR while helping the band surpass 500 million career streams, 2 million monthly listeners and more than 10 million streams of the project. The Virginia-based six-piece recently joined Eric Church at Red Rocks Amphitheatre before kicking off their North American run with Tim McGraw. Later this year, 49 Winchester will headline its first-ever show at Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena in Johnson City, Tennessee, marking the band’s only homecoming performance of 2026. Formed by childhood friends Isaac Gibson and Chase Chafin, the ACM-nominated group has steadily grown from regional venues across Appalachia to sold-out headline shows and international touring, building one of country music’s strongest grassroots followings while remaining rooted in the songwriting and musicianship that first defined the band.
Brothers Osborne are building on one of the most decorated careers of any duo in country music. The duo has earned seven CMA Awards, seven ACM Awards and 13 Grammy nominations, including a nomination for Best Country Duo/ Group Performance in 2025. Brothers Osborne also received the ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2019. Their catalog has surpassed 3.4 billion global streams while producing multiple Gold and Platinum-certified hits. Last year, the duo released the four-song Break Mine EP before returning with their latest single, “Finish This Drink.” Beyond performing, John Osborne has become one of Nashville’s most sought-after producers, producing Ashley McBryde’s Lindeville along with recent projects for Grace Bowers and Caylee Hammack. On the road, the duo’s latest headlining tour “We’re Not For Everyone” hit more than 50 markets. Brothers Osborne are currently in the studio working on new music and they recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their breakthrough album, Pawn Shop, the project that launched the duo’s career.
Dan + Shay have built one of the most commercially successful catalogs in modern country music. The duo has garnered more than 14 billion global streams and 139 worldwide Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold certifications, including 60 RIAA awards in the US. Dan + Shay recently celebrated their 11th country radio No. 1 with the Grammy-nominated title track from their fifth studio album, Bigger Houses. The pair has collected 10 ACM Awards, eight American Music Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three Grammy Awards, two CMA Awards and two People’s Choice Awards. In 2024, they also became the first coaching duo in the history of NBC’s The Voice. Their catalog includes the 5x Platinum Justin Bieber collaboration “10,000 Hours,” which spent 21 weeks atop the Hot Country Songs chart and surpassed 1 billion Spotify streams, along with “Speechless” and “Tequila,” certified 7x and 8x Platinum, respectively. The duo is gearing up for the release of their new album, Young, this month, and will embark on “The Young Tour” across North America in September.
Flatland Cavalry has expanded its reach from the Americana and country radio circuits to stages across the country. The six-piece recently released its fifth studio album, Work of Heart, while sending its debut country radio single, “Never Comin’ Back,” to stations across the country. The group has earned three consecutive ACM Group of the Year nominations, reached 1 billion global streams and notched seven No. 1 singles at Texas country radio. Flatland Cavalry’s music has also appeared across television and film, including Twisters, Paramount’s Yellowstone and Landman, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Netflix’s The Ranch. On the road, the band has headlined months-long tours while also joining Willie Nelson, Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson. With vocals by Cleto Cordero, the group includes Jason Albers, Jonathan Saenz, Reid Dillon, Wesley Hall and Adam Gallegos.
Old Dominion added another major chapter to its career over the past year with the release of its sixth studio album, Barbara, and the band’s massive “How Good Is That – World Tour,” which included arena and amphitheater performances across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Following the tour, Old Dominion returned to Las Vegas for a two-night “OLD DOMINION. HITS. VEGAS.” engagement at Planet Hollywood, celebrating the band’s career-spanning catalog. The group recently earned its 11th consecutive ACM Group of the Year nomination with eight ACM Group of the Year and seven CMA Group of the Year wins already under its belt. Between the ACM and CMA Awards, Old Dominion has earned more Group of the Year honors than any other group in country music history. Earlier this year, the band completed a seven-show residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, raising more than $1.25 million for seven charities. Since breaking onto the country music scene, Old Dominion has garnered nine No. 1 singles at country radio, more than six billion on-demand streams and a dozen RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications.
The Red Clay Strays reached another career milestone this year with the release of their third studio album, Grateful. Produced by Dave Cobb, the 11-track project follows the success of Made By These Moments and includes “Demons In Your Choir,” “People Hatin’” and “If I Didn’t Know You.” At the 61st ACM Awards, the Alabama band was crowned Group of the Year for the first time after earning New Duo or Group of the Year honors in 2025. The group also performed “Demons In Your Choir” during the awards show alongside a full gospel choir. The Red Clay Strays then launched their largest headline run to date with the “Grateful Tour ’26,” featuring arena stops at Madison Square Garden, TD Garden, Rogers Arena, Bridgestone Arena, State Farm Arena and MGM Grand Garden Arena. The band also performed at Stagecoach and CMA Fest and hosted a Grateful album release concert at Nashville’s Pinnacle benefiting Thistle Farms. Since breaking through with the 3x Platinum “Wondering Why,” The Red Clay Strays have continued to expand their audience.
Luke Combs Extends ‘My Kinda Saturday Night Tour’
/by Lauryn SinkLuke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein
Luke Combs has extended his “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” into 2027. The in-the-round shows will feature special guests Treaty Oak Revival, Avery Anna, Shenandoah and Wyatt McCubbin.
The new run of shows will kick off on April 3 in Texas before making stops in Michigan, Massachusetts, Idaho, California and more. Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting Aug. 19 with general on-sale following Aug. 21.
The new dates follow Combs’ massive 2026 run, which sold 1,371,329 tickets and included sold-out, record-breaking shows at London’s Wembley Stadium, Ireland’s Slane Castle, Paris’ Accor Arena, Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena and Sweden’s Ullevi Stadium, among others. The tour also featured Combs’ biggest headline show to date, where he performed to over 90,000 fans at Columbus’ Ohio Stadium, and a presentation of three Guinness World Records.
Combs released his latest album, The Way I Am, on March 20 via Sony Music Nashville. The Grand Ole Opry member and 11-time CMA, four-time ACM and six-time Billboard Music Award winner was the first country artist to have two songs earn one billion streams on Spotify and the first with four singles certified RIAA Diamond.
“MY KINDA SATURDAY NIGHT TOUR 2027”
April 3—Arlington, TX—AT&T Stadium*
April 10—Minneapolis, MN—U.S. Bank Stadium*
April 17—Detroit, MI—Ford Field*
April 24—Philadelphia, PA—Lincoln Financial Field*
May 1—Foxborough, MA—Gillette Stadium*
May 8—Pittsburgh, PA—Acrisure Stadium*
May 15—Kansas City, MO—Arrowhead Stadium*
May 29—Edmonton, AB—Commonwealth Stadium*
June 5—Vancouver, BC—BC Place*
June 12—Boise, ID—Albertsons Stadium*
June 19—Denver, CO—Empower Field at Mile High*
June 26—San Diego, CA—Petco Park*
*with special guests Treaty Oak Revival, Avery Anna, Shenandoah and Wyatt McCubbin
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Koe Wetzel & Ella Langley Team For Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannKoe Wetzel & Ella Langley. Photo: Courtesy of Essential Broadcast Media
Hot enough for you?
Several of DISClaimer’s country records this week turn up the heat. Whether it’s smoldering ballads like those of Kenny Sharp, Carly Pearce, and Randy Travis or dance floor groovers like those of Corey Kent & Jason Aldean, Vince Gill, and Miranda Lambert, these tracks are sizzlers.
The Disc of the Day goes to another bopper, the Koe Wetzel & Ella Langley duet.
Our DISCovery Award act is Jason Scott & The High Heat, who underscore our temperature theme.
ADRIEN NUNEZ / “Wrong Way”
Writers: Adrien Nunez/Grant Averill/Jackson Foote/Joshua Murty/Peter Fenn; Producers: Joshua Murty, Peter Fenn; Label: Warner Records Nashville/Warner Records
– Thematically similar to “Bless the Broken Road,” but melodically wildly different due to the breezy tempo, gang-sung choruses and rippling production. His tenor voice has warmth and confidence.
LEE BRICE / “Me and Whiskey”
Writers: Lee Brice/Matt Alderman/Nate Kenyon; Producers: Cody LaBelle, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice; Label: Curb Records
– Structured like a Humpty Dumpty kiddie song. He’s lost his love, so instead of “k-i-s-s-i-n-g in a tree,” he’s “d-r-u-n-k in a bar.” Cleverly crafted.
GHOST HOUNDS / “Something Wicked”
Writer: Thomas J Tull; Producer: Thomas J Tull; Label: Maple House Records
– Intriguing, dramatic and eerie, it’s a country-rock look into the dark side. The band recently showcased on Kelly Clarkson’s TV show, has its Justified album release on Aug. 21, and is booked at 3rd & Lindsley on Sunday, Aug. 23.
MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Sunset Marquis”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/David Garcia/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert/Waylon Payne; Producers: Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert; Label: MCA
– Lambert is the co-writer and co-producer of Ella Langley’s massive “Choosin’ Texas.” She’s also still a superstar country recording artist, herself. Her new single is a wafting, bright-sounding, disco-ish, pop tune about getting away from it all. A decided change of pace for the Texas traditionalist.
KENNY WHITMIRE & VINCE GILL / “Movin’ On’s Movin’ In”
Writers: Carson Peters/Dan Alley/Kenny Whitmire; Producer: Lee Starr; Label: MCA
– Cool guitar licks. Snappy, bluesy, bopping tempo. Groovy heartache duet vocals. What’s not to love?
CARLY PEARCE / “Happy for Myself”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Jordan Reynolds/Lauren Hungate; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– It’s a slow, mournful, beautifully produced waltz. She sees the wedding of another and sadly wonders when it’s going to be her turn to find True Love. A lovely little single.
RANDY TRAVIS / “I Don’t Care”
Writers: Michael Curtis/Randy Travis; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Producer Kyle Lehning has been digging around old audio tapes and has found a cache of previously unreleased Randy Travis tunes. They’ll become a new Randy album, and until they do, here’s a sample of what we can expect. This ballad spotlights what an awesome honky-tonk singer he is. In the lyric, he explores the pain of betrayal and broken trust. You’ll hang on every line.
VINCE GILL & CYNDI THOMSON / “Eighteen Summers”
Writers: Cyndi Thomson/Vince Gill; Producers: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– Rollicking and dance-happy in a Cajun-flavored kinda way. Get up and bop around the room while you marvel at a superstar in full command of his gifts.
JASON SCOTT & THE HIGH HEAT / “Fast as I Can Crawl”
Writers: Jason Scott/Scott Emerick/Trent Tomlinson; Producers: Chad Copelin, Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson; Label: Leo33
– Punchy and percolating. A stuttering banjo introduces a thumpy track that captivates the ear and tickles the toes. Scott’s laconic delivery depicts a toxic relationship that he’s addicted to. This Oklahoma band has the goods.
TYLER HUBBARD / “902180”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Emily Reid/Paul DiGiovanni/Travis Wood; Producers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks; Label: MCA
– He loses her because she loves the West Coast more than him. A downbeat lyric nestled in an upbeat musical setting.
COREY KENT & JASON ALDEAN / “Rather Be Here”
Writers: Daniel Ross/James McNair/Josh Miller/Michael Hardy/Morgan Wallen; Producers: Austin Goodloe, Corey Kent; Label: Sony Music Nashville/RCA Records Nashville
– They are both honky-tonk happy. Gritty guitars grind away while they wail this Southern rocker.
KOE WETZEL & ELLA LANGLEY / “Jaded”
Writers: Ella Langley/Ernest Keith Smith/Jordan Schmidt/Ropyr Wetzel; Producers: Gabe Simon, Jordan Schmidt; Label: Columbia Records
– Wetzel rolls into this tempo tune with aplomb, but it really takes off when Langley leads the choruses. The lyric asks a lover what happened to make them so cold, lonely, and broken hearted. It’s pretty dang irresistible
KENNY SHARP & DALONA / “Limbo”
Writers: Dalona Jones/Kenneth M. Sharpless/Lorenzo Piccone; Producers: Zakkary Garner; Label: Brown Liquor Music
– Nashville’s Kenny Sharp opens for Gladys Knight tonight (Aug. 13) at the Ryman. On this slow-burn bluesy outing, he showcases his neo-soul vocal bona fides to the max.
Dottie Oelhafen Launches The Artist Desk
/by Lauryn SinkDottie Oelhafen.
Dottie Oelhafen has launched The Artist Desk, a professional fan mail management company designed to help artists maintain meaningful connections with their fans while eliminating the administrative backend that often accompanies managing correspondence.
Services include establishing and managing a dedicated fan mail P.O. Box, receiving and organizing incoming correspondence, coordinating autograph sessions, processing photo and memorabilia requests, managing charity and auction inquiries and professionally packaging and returning signed items to fans.
“I started The Artist Desk because I believe those connections deserve the same care and attention that artists put into their music,” says Oelhafen. “Behind every letter, package or request is a fan who has invested their time, loyalty and heart. My goal is to help artists nurture those relationships by providing trusted, professional support that ensures every fan feels valued while allowing artists to focus on creating and performing.”
Oelhafen spent 40 years working behind the scenes alongside manager Erv Woolsey with Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait. She is a SOURCE Hall of Fame member.
Oelhafen can be reached here.
Austin Snell To Launch ‘Colors Tour’ In October
/by Lorie HollabaughAustin Snell. Photo: Emma Kate Golden
Austin Snell has revealed he’ll kick off his fall headline “Colors Tour” beginning Oct. 22.
The 12-date run includes stops in Chicago, Toronto, Washington, DC, Charleston, Lexington, and more through Nov. 21. Tickets are on sale now here. The tour is named for his recently released new EP Colors, a seven-song collection timed to the start of Mental Health Awareness Month. The album illustrates a raw, understated side of Snell, who is releasing more new music later this year.
Weaving country, rock, and hip-hop influences into a catalog of his own originals, the emerging hitmaker and River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville artist already boasts nearly half a billion global career streams and an exponentially growing fanbase. Snell is SiriusXM’s first-ever Artist Accelerator Program selection, and has toured with Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Warren Zeiders, and more.
“Colors Tour” Dates:
10/22: Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation
10/23: Chicago, IL – Joe’s on Weed
10/24: Toronto, ON – Adelaide Music Hall
11/5: Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
11/6: Allentown, PA – Arrow at Archer Music Hall
11/7: Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works
11/12: Washington, DC – The Atlantis
11/13: Greenville, NC – The State Theatre
11/14: Charleston, SC – Music Farm
11/19: Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club
11/20: Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
11/21: Lexington, KY – The Burl
Sheryl Crow, Zach John King, More Added To 19th ACM Honors Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Academy of Country Music has revealed Flatland Cavalry, Logan Ledger, Sheryl Crow and Zach John King have been added as performers at this year’s upcoming 19th ACM Honors Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Co-hosted by Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum, this years’s show will include Carter Faith paying tribute to Kacey Musgraves with a performance of “Merry Go ’Round,” Musgraves’ breakthrough hit that helped introduce her distinctive voice and perspective to country music. Crow will celebrate Eric Church with a performance of “Drink in My Hand,” honoring his distinctive artistry and the lasting impact of one of his fan-favorite hits. Dierks Bentley will also appear to honor his longtime friend Brett James with a performance of “I Hold On,” celebrating the enduring impact of the song and James’ contribution to the genre.
The evening will spotlight previously announced special honorees Bill Anderson, Brett James, C2C: Country to Country, The Carter Family, Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Paramount + Hit Television Series Landman, Leslie Fram, Mike Curb and Scott Zolke. Previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Ella Langley, ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, and the previously announced ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners will also be recognized.
Previously announced performers set to take the stage to honor this year’s honorees include Avery Anna, Big Kenny, Pearce, Faith, Bentley, Dylan Scott, Gabriella Rose, Gavin Adcock, Kaitlin Butts, Mark Collie, Margo Price, Megan Moroney, McCollum and Trisha Yearwood. Brenda Lee will appear as a special guest and Zach John King will present the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards portion of ACM Honors.
Tickets are available now through AXS.
2026 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Entertainer Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Entertainer of the Year category.
This category honors outstanding achievements by a Nashville artist during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Luke Combs added another historic year to his career. Last year, Combs became the first country artist to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, in addition to topping the bills at Austin City Limits, Newport Folk Festival and New Orleans JazzFest. He became the first country artist with two songs earning one billion streams on Spotify and, with the release of his recent album The Way I Am, became the highest-certified country artist in history with 168 certified tracks. He also became the first country artist to earn four RIAA Diamond-certified singles, adding another milestone to one of the genre’s most decorated commercial careers. The Grand Ole Opry member and 11x CMA, 4x ACM and 6x Billboard Music Award winner also partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to open Category 10 in downtown Nashville, with new locations planned for Las Vegas and Orlando. Combs has also collaborated with Post Malone, Bailey Zimmerman and Jon Bellion, and joined Alex Warren for a live performance of “Ordinary” at Lollapalooza.
Cody Johnson added several major career milestones over the past year. At the 2026 ACM Awards, Johnson was crowned Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, bringing his career total to four ACM wins. Johnson’s catalog now spans six albums, including the 2024 CMA Album of the Year-winning Leather. The project also contained the ACM Song of the Year winner “Dirt Cheap.” He sold more than 400,000 concert tickets in 2025 and landed on Billboard’s Top 100 Tours list. Throughout his career, Johnson has also been recognized as a CMT Artist of the Year, won four CMA Awards and three CMT Music Awards, and was named Best New Country Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Johnson has also appeared on Today, The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Last summer, he co-hosted the threehour CMA Fest Presented by SoFi alongside Ashley McBryde.
Before moving to Nashville in 2019, Columbia Records’ Ella Langley cut her teeth playing bars and festivals throughout her home state of Alabama. After a few years in Music City, her 2023 debut EP Excuse the Mess introduced fan-favorite songs before she released her debut album, hungover, in 2024. She followed it with her 2026 sophomore album, Dandelion, which debuted at No. 1 and was executive produced by Langley alongside Miranda Lambert and Ben West. The album includes the 4× Platinum single “Choosin’ Texas” and the Platinum-certified “Be Her.” “Choosin’ Texas” spent 11 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the longest-running No. 1 by a woman with a country hit on the chart. The song also recorded six separate runs at No. 1 during a single release cycle while spending 29 weeks atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Langley is currently on her headlining “Dandelion Tour” after earning seven ACM Awards in 2026, including Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
Chris Stapleton has continued one of the most dominant runs in music with a landmark year. In 2026, he won the Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance for “Bad As I Used To Be,” earned six ACM Award nominations, the most of any male artist, and made history as the first country artist to achieve an RIAA Double Diamond certification when “Tennessee Whiskey” surpassed 20 million units sold. Stapleton is currently headlining his expansive “All-American Road Show”, playing major stadiums and iconic venues across North America while sharing the stage with an acclaimed lineup of special guests. Over the past year, he released “Heart Letting Go” for Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, “A Song To Sing” with Miranda Lambert, and “Bad As I Used To Be” from F1 The Album, while celebrating the 10th anniversary of his landmark debut, Traveller. He also recently made a television appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert where he covered Willie Nelson’s “Living in the Promiseland.”
Morgan Wallen added another record-breaking chapter to his career in 2026. His fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, debuted at No. 1 globally across seven countries and spent 13 non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200. At release, all 37 tracks charted on the Billboard Hot 100, allowing Wallen to break his own record for the most simultaneous entries in the chart’s history. The project has already produced six No. 1 singles at country radio, including the title track, which spent eight weeks atop the chart. Wallen’s previous albums, Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time, have each spent more than 100 weeks in the Billboard 200 Top 10, making him the first artist to accomplish the feat. He recently concluded his 23-stadium “Still The Problem Tour 2026.” A portion of every ticket sold continues to benefit the Morgan Wallen Foundation, supporting youth music and athletic programs.
Lainey Wilson continued the Whirlwind era in 2025 with the release of the album’s deluxe edition, featuring five additional tracks, including her No. 1 single “Somewhere Over Laredo.” The Louisiana native carried that momentum into 2026 by headlining Stagecoach, launching a run of stadium shows with Chris Stapleton and becoming the subject of the Netflix documentary Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool. At the 2025 CMA Awards, Wilson became the first solo female host since Reba McEntire in 1991 while winning Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Wilson has earned nine No. 1 singles, including “Heart Like a Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” “4x4xU” and “Somewhere Over Laredo,” and more. She also earned three nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Somewhere Over Laredo,” as well as Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Trailblazer,” her collaboration with Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert. Wilson recently released her latest single, “Phone Keys Wallet,” featuring John Mayer.
Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, More Among 2026 Global Citizen Festival Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe festival will take place on Central Park’s Great Lawn, and will be hosted by Hugh Jackman, and feature appearances by Rachel Brosnahan and Gayle King, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.
Following the success of the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, which was produced by Global Citizen and helped raise $60 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, this year’s festival will help solve three core issues perpetuating cycles of extreme poverty across the world: create opportunities for 2 million children to go to school, support 1.5 million smallholder farmers, and provide electricity for 2.5 million homes.
Tickets to the Global Citizen Festival are free and can be earned by taking action on these issues on the Global Citizen app or at globalcitizenfestival.com. This year, global citizens have a new way to take action and secure tickets to the Global Citizen Festival. After completing their action journeys on the Global Citizen app and earning enough points, users can now choose between two ways to redeem them: enter the free ticket lottery, or make a $25 charitable donation to instantly secure their ticket.
Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Elevates Two
/by Lauryn SinkKelly Campbell & Becca D’Hilly. Photo: Courtesy of CMHOFM
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has elevated two staff members.
Kelly Campbell has been elevated to Associate Director of Brand Marketing. In this role, she oversees marketing strategy, paid media, brand-focused marketing campaigns including exhibitions, digital content, public programs and educational initiatives. Campbell joined the museum’s marketing team in 2021 and most recently served as Senior Marketing Manager. Her prior experience includes media buying at Nashville area advertising agencies and market research at Sinclair Broadcast Group. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and information from the University of Tennessee.
Becca D’Hilly has been elevated to Associate Director of Revenue Marketing. In this role, D’Hilly oversees revenue-generating marketing initiatives that support the museum’s nonprofit mission, including admissions, dining and events, membership and retail, as well as the CMA Theater, Haley Gallery, Hatch Show Print and Historic RCA Studio B. D’Hilly joined the museum in 2025 as a marketing manager, supporting revenue-focused campaigns across paid and owned media. Prior to joining the museum, she worked for eight years at a digital marketing agency in Buffalo, New York. D’Hilly holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the State University of New York at Fredonia.
2026 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Group/Duo Artist Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Group/Duo Artist of the Year category.
This category honors the achievements of a Nashville group or duo during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
49 Winchester has continued its rise with the release of its sixth studio album, Change of Plans, its first project for Lucille Records/MCA. Produced by Dave Cobb, the album earned praise from Billboard, Rolling Stone, People and NPR while helping the band surpass 500 million career streams, 2 million monthly listeners and more than 10 million streams of the project. The Virginia-based six-piece recently joined Eric Church at Red Rocks Amphitheatre before kicking off their North American run with Tim McGraw. Later this year, 49 Winchester will headline its first-ever show at Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena in Johnson City, Tennessee, marking the band’s only homecoming performance of 2026. Formed by childhood friends Isaac Gibson and Chase Chafin, the ACM-nominated group has steadily grown from regional venues across Appalachia to sold-out headline shows and international touring, building one of country music’s strongest grassroots followings while remaining rooted in the songwriting and musicianship that first defined the band.
Brothers Osborne are building on one of the most decorated careers of any duo in country music. The duo has earned seven CMA Awards, seven ACM Awards and 13 Grammy nominations, including a nomination for Best Country Duo/ Group Performance in 2025. Brothers Osborne also received the ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2019. Their catalog has surpassed 3.4 billion global streams while producing multiple Gold and Platinum-certified hits. Last year, the duo released the four-song Break Mine EP before returning with their latest single, “Finish This Drink.” Beyond performing, John Osborne has become one of Nashville’s most sought-after producers, producing Ashley McBryde’s Lindeville along with recent projects for Grace Bowers and Caylee Hammack. On the road, the duo’s latest headlining tour “We’re Not For Everyone” hit more than 50 markets. Brothers Osborne are currently in the studio working on new music and they recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their breakthrough album, Pawn Shop, the project that launched the duo’s career.
Dan + Shay have built one of the most commercially successful catalogs in modern country music. The duo has garnered more than 14 billion global streams and 139 worldwide Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold certifications, including 60 RIAA awards in the US. Dan + Shay recently celebrated their 11th country radio No. 1 with the Grammy-nominated title track from their fifth studio album, Bigger Houses. The pair has collected 10 ACM Awards, eight American Music Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three Grammy Awards, two CMA Awards and two People’s Choice Awards. In 2024, they also became the first coaching duo in the history of NBC’s The Voice. Their catalog includes the 5x Platinum Justin Bieber collaboration “10,000 Hours,” which spent 21 weeks atop the Hot Country Songs chart and surpassed 1 billion Spotify streams, along with “Speechless” and “Tequila,” certified 7x and 8x Platinum, respectively. The duo is gearing up for the release of their new album, Young, this month, and will embark on “The Young Tour” across North America in September.
Flatland Cavalry has expanded its reach from the Americana and country radio circuits to stages across the country. The six-piece recently released its fifth studio album, Work of Heart, while sending its debut country radio single, “Never Comin’ Back,” to stations across the country. The group has earned three consecutive ACM Group of the Year nominations, reached 1 billion global streams and notched seven No. 1 singles at Texas country radio. Flatland Cavalry’s music has also appeared across television and film, including Twisters, Paramount’s Yellowstone and Landman, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Netflix’s The Ranch. On the road, the band has headlined months-long tours while also joining Willie Nelson, Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson. With vocals by Cleto Cordero, the group includes Jason Albers, Jonathan Saenz, Reid Dillon, Wesley Hall and Adam Gallegos.
Old Dominion added another major chapter to its career over the past year with the release of its sixth studio album, Barbara, and the band’s massive “How Good Is That – World Tour,” which included arena and amphitheater performances across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Following the tour, Old Dominion returned to Las Vegas for a two-night “OLD DOMINION. HITS. VEGAS.” engagement at Planet Hollywood, celebrating the band’s career-spanning catalog. The group recently earned its 11th consecutive ACM Group of the Year nomination with eight ACM Group of the Year and seven CMA Group of the Year wins already under its belt. Between the ACM and CMA Awards, Old Dominion has earned more Group of the Year honors than any other group in country music history. Earlier this year, the band completed a seven-show residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, raising more than $1.25 million for seven charities. Since breaking onto the country music scene, Old Dominion has garnered nine No. 1 singles at country radio, more than six billion on-demand streams and a dozen RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications.
The Red Clay Strays reached another career milestone this year with the release of their third studio album, Grateful. Produced by Dave Cobb, the 11-track project follows the success of Made By These Moments and includes “Demons In Your Choir,” “People Hatin’” and “If I Didn’t Know You.” At the 61st ACM Awards, the Alabama band was crowned Group of the Year for the first time after earning New Duo or Group of the Year honors in 2025. The group also performed “Demons In Your Choir” during the awards show alongside a full gospel choir. The Red Clay Strays then launched their largest headline run to date with the “Grateful Tour ’26,” featuring arena stops at Madison Square Garden, TD Garden, Rogers Arena, Bridgestone Arena, State Farm Arena and MGM Grand Garden Arena. The band also performed at Stagecoach and CMA Fest and hosted a Grateful album release concert at Nashville’s Pinnacle benefiting Thistle Farms. Since breaking through with the 3x Platinum “Wondering Why,” The Red Clay Strays have continued to expand their audience.
Grand Ole Opry Film ‘Songs From The Circle’ To Debut At Nashville Film Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughSongs from the Circle, a film about the Grand Ole Opry’s Centennial concert overseas, is among the Nashville Film Festival’s initial lineup of feature films, shorts, and music videos slated to air during its 57th edition taking place Sept. 24–30.
This year’s festival will present over 150 films from more than 25 countries, including 24 World Premieres. Songs from the Circle is making its North American debut at the Nashville Film Festival, and follows the Grand Ole Opry as it crosses the Atlantic for the first time in its century-long history, bringing Luke Combs, Mumford & Sons, Darius Rucker, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde and Marty Stuart from the rehearsal rooms of Abbey Road to a centennial concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
“We’re excited to bring such a multifaceted lineup of films to Nashville,” says Programming Director Lauren Thelen. “Our programming for 2026 reflects a wide range of genres, themes and perspectives, giving our audiences a global and local view of independent filmmaking. This year’s program reflects the music, creativity and character that sets Nashville apart.”
Originally founded in 1969, the Nashville Film Festival is one of the first film festivals in the U.S. Additional feature titles, including the closing night feature, screening schedules and guest appearances, will be revealed in the coming weeks.