JUST IN: Michael Young Appointed Sony Music Publishing Chief Information Officer

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Michael Young

Michael Young has joined Sony Music Publishing as Chief Information Officer. Young is based in Nashville and will report to Sony Music Publishing’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Kelly.

In his role, Young will spearhead the company’s technology strategy and its transformation initiatives to provide growth, scalability and efficiency on behalf of songwriters and catalogs globally. He will also collaborate across departments to manage workflows, expand data-driven insights, and refine and implement best practices across software development, security, compliance and data governance.

Young most recently serves as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Chatham Financial. Over his 25 year’s of experience, he has held roles as Reuters, Paycase Financial and Afilias.

“I am extremely excited to join Sony Music Publishing,” says Young. “As a career technologist and a lifelong amateur musician, it’s thrilling to be a part of SMP’s mission-driven culture.  I look forward to working with the team to advance support for SMP songwriters throughout their creative journeys.”

“Michael is an experienced leader who understands how to innovate,” shares Kelly. “We look forward to advancing our capabilities and delivering further growth on behalf of our songwriters around the world.”

“We are committed to investing in technology that grows with our business and adapts to the evolving needs of songwriters,” adds Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing. “With Michael on board, we are well-positioned to bring greater value to Sony Music Publishing songwriters and catalogs today and in the future.”

Cole Brown Joins Creative Nation As Publishing, Management & Records A&R

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Cole Brown

Cole Brown has joined Creative Nation as Publishing, Management & Records A&R.

A Nashville native, Brown graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Law, Justice, and Society, and is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor degree at Nashville School of Law. Before graduation Brown interned with Creative Nation, and also interened for KP Entertainment. In his new role, he will act as a liaison between the Publishing, Management & Records teams scouting new talent, pitching songs, and helping with day-to-day management duties and artist development.

“While working with Cole as an intern and getting to know his great ear, confident drive, and strong pulse on upcoming songwriters and artists, it became obvious to us that we needed to make things more permanent,” says Emily Furman, VP, Creative. “His perspective is a welcomed asset to our creative team!”

“From day one as an intern, Cole demonstrated exceptional work ethic, strong instincts, and a true passion for artists and great songs,” shares Brandon Gill, SVP, Management & Records. “His drive and values align perfectly with our culture, and we’re confident he’ll make a meaningful impact across both our Management & Records divisions.”

“I am so thankful for the continued support and opportunities that Beth [Laird] and Luke [Laird] and the entire Creative Nation team have given me,” adds Brown. “I’m excited to continue working with the incredible roster of writers here at Creative Nation, and getting to have a small role in their careers.”

Cassidy Daniels Extends Deal With Liz Rose Music, Signs With Laguna Madre Management

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Pictured (L-R): Dave Pacula, Gracie Glass, Cassidy Daniels, Liz Rose, Jonathan Motley, Kate Shirley, Scott Ponce. Photo: Courtesy of LRM.

Cassidy Daniels has extended her publishing deal with Liz Rose Music. Additionally, she has signed with Laguna Madre Management, the artist management company founded by Liz Rose Music.

“Liz and the entire Liz Rose Music team have believed in me from the very early stages of my career,” shares Daniels. “I’m sticking with the people who have stuck with me — and by God, they are stuck with me now. I’m grateful and honored to be a part of their journey as much as they are mine.”

“Working with Cassidy Daniels has been one of the great joys of my career,” adds Rose, GRAMMY-winning songwriter and founder of Liz Rose Music. “Cassidy is a hard worker who pours herself into her craft, a natural storyteller with a voice that stops you in your tracks, and the type of person who keeps everyone around her laughing and inspired. We’re so proud to stand behind her and can’t wait to watch the world catch up to the star we already know she is.”

The Marion, North Carolina, native recently competed on the CBS/Paramount TV series The Road, produced by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton.

The Woodlands Resort To Host Inaugural Songwriters Festival In December

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Screenshot

The Woodlands Resort’s inaugural Songwriters Festival, a three-day celebration of music, cuisine and creativity, is set to take place in the Houston area over New Year’s Eve Dec. 29-Jan. 1.

The new festival will feature a lineup that includes Neal McCoy, Darryl Worley and The Frontmen. The festival opens in true Texas style with a night of music, storytelling, and Southern hospitality with an exclusive VIP reception featuring seasonal small bites followed by an intimate performance from Darryl Worley.

Dec. 30 is filled with songwriter sessions and live showcases from a celebrated roster of artists like Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jamie O’Neal, Bridgette Tatum, Casey Beathard, Brice Long, Bobby Tomberlin and Wynn Varble, sharing the stories behind their most iconic hits. VIP guests enjoy private receptions with bourbon and tequila pairings, featuring elevated plates and the evening performance is led by The Frontmen.

On Dec. 31 guests will enjoy electric performances, intimate storytelling sets, and festive dining experiences culminating in the Boots & Bubbles New Year’s Eve Celebration. Neal McCoy will take the stage for a performance and lead the countdown to 2026 with music, laughter, and a spectacular aerial display.

Jan. 1 kicks off with a New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch in the Grand Ballroom—a soulful finale featuring a 14-piece live jazz band and a spread of seasonal favorites. Single event tickets start at $160, and packages include full-day and all-weekend options. The hotel is offering special rates for those coming to town for the festival as well, and tickets are available at events.woodlandsresort.com/songwriters-festival.

George Strait To Return To Texas For One Night Only In April

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George Strait.

George Strait will return to Lubbock, Texas for one night only, in-the-round on April 25 at Jones AT&T Stadium. Miranda Lambert and Hudson Westbrook will join as support.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. CT on Friday, November 21.

Strait recently announced a show at Clemson, South Carolina’s Memorial Stadium for one night only on May 2. Strait will be joined for this show by Cody Johnson and Wyatt Flores.

In 2024, Strait played a few one-off stadium shows including A&M’s Kyle Field. He followed that with five live shows in 2025 with stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Foxborough and Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium.

In addition to these shows, Strait will be celebrated at the 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors this December. Early next year, he will also be inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a wave of change and celebration across Nashville’s music industry, from long-running television farewells and leadership transitions to label signings, new ventures, and industry innovations. Click here to see the full edition.

After 17 years as host of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, Cody Alan will sign off for the final time at the end of December. His departure also the conclusion of the show itself, which first premiered in 2013. The change comes amid broader shifts at Paramount Global, following its merger with Skydance Media. As part of the restructuring, three additional employees—Ali Marszalkowski (Sr. Director, Communications), Justin Permenter (Manager, Communications), and Mark Thomas (Sr. Director, Marketing and Creative Production)—are also exiting the company. Longtime CMT Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events, Margaret Comeaux, will depart at the end of the year, closing out a 25-year tenure with the organization.

In other industry news, BBR Music Group/BMG announced several key moves within its A&R department. Camille Kenny has been promoted to VP, A&R, while Tahsin Rakib Himi steps up to Director, A&R Research. Kennedy Nickerson has been elevated to Manager, A&R, with two new additions to the team: Jacee Badeaux joins as Sr. Director, A&R, and Talia Heimanson comes aboard as A&R Coordinator.

Belmont University is taking major steps toward supporting wellness in the entertainment community with the creation of its new Center for Mental Health in Entertainment. The initiative is funded by a $3 million grant from the Country Music Association, which allocates $1 million toward programming and $2 million to endow the CMA Chair & Executive Director position, to be held by longtime industry leader Debbie Carroll. That endowment will be matched by the Johnson Academic Challenge—a program established by Belmont Board Chair Milton Johnson and his wife Denice—as part of a university effort to create up to 20 endowed professorships.

CTK Enterprises has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of three new department heads, forming new divisions to better serve its growing client roster. Patrick Kells has been named Head of Retail Merchandising, Robert Kelley takes on the role of GM, Dolly Parton’s Life Of Many Colors Museum, and Adam Davis joins as Director, Content Development & Archiving.

Sam Williams has parted ways with Mercury Nashville after four years, while 49 Winchester has inked a new deal with MCA, releasing future projects through their Lucille Records imprint. Danny Gokey has joined the Red Street Records roster, Kaitlin Butts has signed with Republic Records, and Kellie Besch has entered into a publishing agreement with Integrity Music. Meanwhile, Meg McRee and Ben Chapman have joined the publishing roster at Blue Harbor Music, and Natalie Hemby has renewed her publishing partnership with CTM Outlander.

Veteran business manager Mallory Mason Pascal has launched her own firm, Oak Haus Business Management, bringing more than 15 years of experience to the new venture. Elsewhere, acclaimed banjoist Alison Brown has debuted her new weekly radio show, Pick Like A Girl, airing on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction (ch. 77). And in media, respected country music journalist Cindy Watts has been named Editor of Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Rounding out the week’s milestones, rising artist Elizabeth Nichols celebrated her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (Nov. 1), marking a defining moment in her blossoming career.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. HARDY takes the No. 1 spot with “Favorite Country Song.” 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.

CreatiVets Honors Vets With New ‘Veterans Day Special, Volume VI’ Project

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In honor of Veterans Day, CreatiVets is continuing its mission of empowering wounded veterans to heal through music with the release of Veterans Day Special, Volume VI, available now via Big Machine Label Group.

The five-song collection was co-written by U.S. Veterans through CreatiVets’ songwriting program, and all proceeds from the project will directly support the veterans featured in the collection, as well as the nonprofit’s ongoing work with veterans nationwide.

On Veterans Day Special, Volume VI each of the vets offer their own perspective through the lyrics, representing a wide range of experiences, from Normandy to Vietnam to post-9/11 service. The tracks weave a story of resilience and rehabilitation, embodying the spirit of CreatiVets’ mission. For many veterans, participating in CreatiVets’ songwriting program is a transformative experience – helping them process trauma, reconnect with loved ones and find peace through creative expression.

Among the collection’s meaningful tracks is “We Puerto Rico,” co-written by Roberto Prieto, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran from Puerto Rico, which features vocals by Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys. The song honors Roberto’s service and heritage while celebrating Puerto Rican pride and strength.

“At CreatiVets, our mission is to turn veterans’ lived experiences into art that heals,” shares CreatiVets’ Co-Founder & Executive Director Richard Casper, a Marine Corps Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. “This collection crosses Pop, R&B, Latin, Hawaiian Island and country because healing is not one story or one sound. These are veterans telling their truths, in their own words.

“We are deeply grateful to Howie Dorough for lending his talent to this project,” he continues. “His compassion and commitment brought Roberto’s story to life in a way that honors both his service and his roots. This collaboration captures exactly what CreatiVets is all about – connection and healing through shared creativity.”

Veterans Day Special, Volume VI Track List:
1. “We Puerto Rico (feat. Howie Dorough, David Quiñones)” (Roberto Prieto, Kyle Yepsen, David Quiñones, Tyler Filmore, Chris Daniel, Seth Mosley)
2. “For The Me I Haven’t Met (feat. The Soundlings)” (Jacob Burns, Miguel Vasquez, Sonny Rey, Matt Naylor)
3. “Won’t Last Forever (featuring Ariel Lask)” (Shawn Tillman, Briana McCrae Carr, Ariel Lask, Fabio Campedelli)
4. “Na Koa Lele (The Leaping Knights Of The Hawaiian Isles) (feat. Quinn Loggins)” (Hiroshi Kato, Len Erickson, Quinn Loggins, Larry McCoy)
5. “If Freedom Was Free (feat. Johnny and Heidi)” (Irving Locker, Bart Crowe, Johnny Bulford, Heidi Bulford)

Harmonica Mentor Carlos DeFord Bailey Passes

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Nashville singer, songwriter and bandleader Carlos DeFord Bailey died on Monday (Nov. 3) at age 66 following a struggle with cancer.

He was the grandson of Country Music Hall of Fame member DeFord Bailey and the “keeper of the flame” of the star’s legacy.

Carlos was an enthusiastic booster of his grandfather’s election to the Hall of Fame, plus induction into the Music City Walk of Fame and the renaming of a Music Row street in his honor. Carlos performed and/or appeared at these occasions to represent his family. He also entertained frequently at the Grand Ole Opry in his grandfather’s memory. In addition, Carlos became a perennial favorite as a demonstrator/teacher at the Hall of Fame.

Carlos DeFord Bailey was a Nashville native born in 1959. He was the son of blues performer DeFord Bailey Jr. and was on stage by the time he reached his teens. Carlos was a skilled singer and harmonica player who performed in school recitals during his youth and in the Greater Bethel Church choir.

The first song he sang in public was Otis Redding’s “Dock of the Bay,” and his bands through the 1970s specialized in traditional r&b sounds at community events. He began promoting his grandfather’s legacy via songs such as “Music City Shoeshine Man.”

The Hall of Fame posted this eulogy: “Carlos was passionate about working with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and participated in 26 educational programs between 2019 and 2024. That accounts for more than 1,000 museum visitors who saw him demonstrate the harmonica or ukulele and speak about his grandfather.”

In addition, Carlos aided the Hall of Fame in the launch of its ‘Discover DeFord Bailey’ web page, He participated in a series of videos, playing harmonica in his grandfather’s style and sharing stories about him.

The Opry’s Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show also posted a fond remembrance of Carlos DeFord Bailey, including this: “I’ll never forget your joy and big open heart.” Ketch and Carlos engineered a posthumous Opry apology to the legendary “Harmonica Wizard” for its treatment of the Black county pioneer.

Carlos taught harmonica at the William Edmondson Arts and Culture Festival, the Nashville Public Library, and at other fairs, festivals, and culture centers around Middle Tennessee. In 2023, Carlos showcased at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in Nashville.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Kelsea Ballerini Contemplates Choices On New Track ‘I Sit In Parks’ From Upcoming EP ‘Mount Pleasant’

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Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Patrick Tracy

Kelsea Ballerini is offering fans a taste of her upcoming new EP Mount Pleasant with the reflective new track “I Sit In Parks,” out today (Nov. 7.)

With an accompanying video capturing Ballerini mulling over choices, sacrifices and real-life costs as she sits on a swing in a park, “I Sit In Parks” furthers the artist’s willingness to be vulnerable and open in unpacking her world for her art. Weighing personal desires, the reality of achieving success and wondering about the things her friends are all experiencing, she sings in the track, “I sit in parks, it breaks my heart/ Cause I see just how far I am from the things that I want…”

YouTube video

“I have always made records – whether songs, EPs or albums – to capture a moment in time,” says Ballerini about the upcoming project. “Mount Pleasant is a collection of six songs I’ve written throughout the summer, marking a chapter of heavy self-examination, longing and stepping further into who I am as a 32-year old woman.”

Ballerini recently wrapped her 35-date “Kelsea Ballerini Live On Tour,” at arenas across the country, and is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year at the upcoming 2025 CMA Awards and Best Contemporary Country Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Mount Pleasant Track List:
1. “I Sit In Parks”
2. “People Pleaser”
3. “Emerald City”
4. “587”
5. “The Revisionist”
6. “Check On Your Friends”

BREAKING: Nominees Revealed For 68th Annual Grammy Awards

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The nominees for the 68th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning (Nov. 7) across all categories.

Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, was joined by David Foster, Sabrina Carpenter, The Osbournes, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Nicole Scherzinger, Little Big Town, Sam Smith, CeCe Winans, KAROL G, Angélique Kidjo, Jon Batiste, Lizzo and Mumford & Sons to unveil the nominees via livestream.

Tyler Childers, Sierra Hull, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Jelly Roll, Zach Top, Shaboozey, Lainey Wilson and more are among the nominees.

“The Grammy Awards are our opportunity to honor the people who make this community so vibrant and this year’s nominees remind us of the incredible talent that is driving music forward,” shares Mason jr. “From emerging talent to influential icons, these nominees reflect today’s broad and diverse musical landscape, and I am excited to celebrate them in the coming weeks ahead and on Music’s Biggest Night®.”

This year’s eligibility period includes recordings released between Aug. 31, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2025. The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine Grammy winners, will take place Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026.

The Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sun., Feb. 1, 2026, and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the Telecast, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony® will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.

The major field and some Nashville-related categories are below. For a full list of this year’s finalists, visit grammy.com.

Record Of The Year
“DtMF” – Bad Bunny
“Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Anxiety” – Doechii
“WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish
“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
“luther” – Kendrick Lamar With SZA
“The Subway” – Chappell Roan
“APT.” – ROSÉ, Bruno Mars

Album Of The Year
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – Bad Bunny
SWAG – Justin Bieber
Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T & Malice
MAYHEM – Lady Gaga
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
MUTT – Leon Thomas
CHROMAKOPIA – Tyler, The Creator

Song Of The Year
“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga, Henry Walter & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
“Anxiety” – Jaylah Hickmon, songwriter (Doechii)
“APT.” – Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown, Rogét Chahayed, Omer Fedi, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Chae Young Park, Theron Thomas & Henry Walter, songwriters (ROSÉ, Bruno Mars)
“DtMF” – Marco Daniel Borrero, Scott Dittrich, Benjamin Falik, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Hugo René Sención Sanabria, Tyler Thomas Spry & Roberto José Rosado Torres, songwriters (Bad Bunny)
“Golden [From “KPop Demon Hunters”]” – EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)
“luther” – Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha, Matthew Bernard, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, Solána Rowe, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar With SZA)
“Manchild” – Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
“WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

Best New Artist
Olivia Dean
KATSEYE
The Marias
Addison Rae
sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Dan Auerbach
Cirkut
Dijon
Blake Mills
Sounwave

Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical
Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Tobias Jesso Jr.
Laura Veltz

Best Country Solo Performance
“Nose On The Grindstone” – Tyler Childers
“Good News” – Shaboozey
“Bad As I Used To Be [From “F1® The Movie”]” – Chris Stapleton
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert And Chris Stapleton
“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
“Love Me Like You Used To Do” – Margo Price & Tyler Childers
“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
“Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” – George Strait, Chris Stapleton

Best Country Song
“Bitin’ List” – Tyler Childers, songwriter (Tyler Childers)
“Good News” – Michael Ross Pollack, Sam Elliot Roman & Jacob Torrey, songwriters (Shaboozey)
“I Never Lie” – Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols & Zach Top, songwriters (Zach Top)
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Andy Albert, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson & Lainey Wilson, songwriters (Lainey Wilson)
“A Song To Sing” – Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton)

Best Traditional Country Album
Dollar A Day – Charley Crockett
American Romance – Lukas Nelson
Oh What A Beautiful World – Willie Nelson
Hard Headed Woman – Margo Price
Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top

Best Contemporary Country Album
Patterns – Kelsea Ballerini
Snipe Hunter – Tyler Childers
Evangeline Vs. The Machine – Eric Church
Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
Postcards From Texas – Miranda Lambert

Best American Roots Performance
LONELY AVENUE – Jon Batiste Featuring Randy Newman
Ancient Light – I’m With Her
Crimson And Clay – Jason Isbell
Richmond On The James – Alison Krauss & Union Station
Beautiful Strangers – Mavis Staples

Best Americana Performance
“Boom” – Sierra Hull
“Poison In My Well” – Maggie Rose & Grace Potter
“Godspeed” – Mavis Staples
“That’s Gonna Leave A Mark” – Molly Tuttle
“Horses” – Jesse Welles

Best American Roots Song
“Ancient Light” – Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins, songwriters (I’m With Her)
“BIG MONEY” – Jon Batiste, Mike Elizondo & Steve McEwan, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
“Foxes In The Snow” – Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell)
“Middle” – Jesse Welles, songwriter (Jesse Welles)
“Spitfire” – Sierra Hull, songwriter (Sierra Hull)

Best Americana Album
BIG MONEY – Jon Batiste
Bloom – Larkin Poe
Last Leaf On The Tree – Willie Nelson
So Long Little Miss Sunshine – Molly Tuttle
Middle – Jesse Welles

Best Bluegrass Album
Carter & Cleveland – Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter
A Tip Toe High Wire – Sierra Hull
Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union Station
Outrun – The Steeldrivers
Highway Prayers – Billy Strings

Best Traditional Blues Album
Ain’t Done With The Blues – Buddy Guy
Room On The Porch – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey – Maria Muldaur
Look Out Highway – Charlie Musselwhite
Young Fashioned Ways – Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush

Best Contemporary Blues Album
Breakthrough – Joe Bonamassa
Paper Doll – Samantha Fish
A Tribute To LJK – Eric Gales
Preacher Kids – Robert Randolph
Family – Southern Avenue

Best Folk Album
What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow – Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson
Crown Of Roses – Patty Griffin
Wild And Clear And Blue – I’m With Her
Foxes In The Snow – Jason Isbell
Under The Powerlines (April 24 – September 24) – Jesse Welles

Best Regional Roots Music Album
Live At Vaughan’s – Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet
For Fat Man – Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Church Of New Orleans – Kyle Roussel
Second Line Sunday – Trombone Shorty And New Breed Brass Band
A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco – (Various Artists)

Best Gospel Performance/Song
“Do It Again” – Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter
“Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters
“Still (Live)” – Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing III, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters
“Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters
“Come Jesus Come” – Cece Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“I Know A Name” – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters
“YOUR WAY’S BETTER” – Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & PERA, songwriters
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Jason Bradley Deford & Brandon Lake, songwriters
“Headphones” – Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Tyshane Thompson, Bongo ByTheWay, Michael Render, Lecrae Moore, William Roderick Miller & Clifford Harris, songwriters
“Amazing” – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls, songwriters

Best Gospel Album
Sunny Days – Yolanda Adams
Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann
Only On The Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett
Heart Of Mine – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
CHILD OF GOD II – Forrest Frank
Coritos Vol. 1 – Israel & New Breed
King Of Hearts – Brandon Lake
Reconstruction – Lecrae
Let The Church Sing – Tauren Wells

Best Roots Gospel Album
I Will Not Be Moved (Live) – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Then Came The Morning – Gaither Vocal Band
Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah – The Isaacs
Good Answers – Karen Peck & New River
Back To My Roots – Candi Staton