Preston Cooper made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday night (Oct. 24).

Cooper was introduced by Opry member Vince Gill.

“I got a call from Preston asking me to introduce him for his debut,” Gill reflected from stage. “We’ve written a few songs together, and I’ve cut a few of them that’ll be coming out soon. I think the world of this kid – he’s one of the best singers I’ve heard in a long time.”

He earned a standing ovation for his performance of his current top 30 single “Weak” and tribute to his late publisher, Ben Vaughn, “Headed Home.”

“This doesn’t feel real. It’s definitely emotional,” shared Cooper. “I want to thank the Opry team for having me – it’s the greatest honor to play the Grand Ole Opry. Having my family and friends here means the world to me. I don’t know if anything could ever top this moment.”

Cooper recently released his debut project, Toledo Talking, after a year of touring with Riley Green and Kameron Marlowe.

Music Health Alliance’s fourth annual “Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda – Stories & Songs To Heal The Music” event was held last week at the Cannery in Nashville, raising $130,000 for MHA’s life-saving healthcare programs and services.

The sold-out evening of songs, stories and support presented by Wiatr & Associates and hosted by Elaina Smith featured Luke Bryan, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill and Jeff Stevens. Created by Grammy-winning writer and MHA board member Liz Rose, “Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda” reimagines the traditional writers’ round, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at songs that “coulda, shoulda or woulda” been hits.

“We are so grateful for the sponsors, guests, and artists who made this night possible,” says Tatum Hauck Allsep, Founder & CEO of Music Health Alliance. “From the laughter to the heartfelt stories, it was a true celebration of the best of our songwriting community and MHA’s mission to Heal The Music.”

Since its founding in 2013, MHA’s 17-member team has helped more than 32,000 members of the music community and saved over $145 million in healthcare costs. 86% of every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services, and each $1 donation provides $30 in life-saving healthcare resources.

Singer-songwriter Abbie Callahan has signed with WME for global representation in all areas.

Throughout this year, Callahan has made her debuts at CMA Fest, Bonnaroo and AMERICANAFEST. The Iowa City native released her debut EP Grossly Aware in July, which blends bluegrass, folk, and pop. The EP has garnered 2 million streams so far.

“I am beyond grateful to join the incredible team at WME,” says Callahan. “This year has been full of firsts. It is my first major festival season, my first record, and my first time really feeling like I am stepping into who I am as an artist. Having a team that believes in my vision means the world.”

“Abbie’s talent is undeniable, and her vocals are both effortless and magnetic,” adds WME agent Carrie Creasey. “She has an individuality that shines through in everything she does, from her voice to her sense of style, and that combination truly puts her in her own lane. WME is thrilled to be part of what will be an extraordinary career.”

Callahan will perform at The Basement East on Nov. 4, followed by the release her new single “Simon Says” on Nov. 7.

She is managed by Travis Myatt and Willow Belenski at Twelve6 Entertainment.

North Chapel Music has added Joe Dan Cornett as Creative Director and appointed Wendy Buckner to the role of Senior Creative Director for the Benny Brown-founded company.

Reporting to company Executive Vice President Paul Compton, Cornett brings more than a decade of publishing experience to his new role. A Nashville native with deep roots in the heart of Music City and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Cornett has helped shape more than 600 songs, including in gospel, CCM/worship, country, bluegrass, Americana and film and TV.

Buckner has more than 20 years of experience in publishing, music and TV production, and artist management, and previously served as North Chapel’s Creative Director. In her newly-appointed role as Senior Creative Director, she will continue to report to Compton.

“Joe Dan knows how to find great opportunities for a great song. As well as his work in the country genre, he’s placed multiple No. 1 hits in bluegrass and Southern gospel and is a trusted voice in music publishing,” says Brown. “Meanwhile, Wendy has been a key member of our team since the launch of North Chapel and we look forward to the new projects she’ll tackle in her expanded role.”

“I’m excited to join Benny, Paul and the team at North Chapel Music,” says Cornett. “My true passion lies in championing songwriters and creatives—helping them find their voice and share their stories with the world—and there’s no one I’d rather fight for than North Chapel’s amazing group of writers.”

Cornett is already on the job and can be reached at joedan@northchapelmusic.com. Buckner, whose email address remains unchanged, can be reached at wendy@northchapelmusic.com.

Gabby Barrett is releasing an extended version of her first-ever Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe), via Warner Music Nashville on Nov. 7.

Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe) will feature two all-new songs from Barrett, including her soothing rendition of “Where Are You Christmas,” out now. Arriving just in time for the song’s 25th anniversary, Barrett’s cover breathes new life into the bittersweet ballad penned by film composer James Horner, superstar Mariah Carey, and award-winning lyricist Will Jennings for Ron Howard’s 2000 blockbuster Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The update of the heart-stirring track (recorded by Faith Hill) was produced by her frequent collaborator Ross Copperman.

In addition to “Where Are You Christmas,” the 13-track Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe) includes Barrett’s warmhearted cover of another song from a beloved movie soundtrack: the Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri-penned “When Christmas Comes to Town,” originally performed by Matthew Hall and Meagan Moore in The Polar Express.

Initially released in November 2024, Carols and Candlelight features a track list ranging from cherished Christmas carols and time-honored Advent hymns to joyous songs of celebration like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (for KING & COUNTRY feat. Gabby Barrett), as well as collaborations with Barrett’s husband Cade Foehner (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”) and The Piano Guys (“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”), and her versions of treasured classics like “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “The First Noel” and “O Holy Night.”

Available in three separate formats, Barrett delivers the digital edition of Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe) on Nov. 7, with the CD and vinyl editions following on Nov. 21.

Last Tuesday (Oct. 21), Barrett appeared at the Grand Ole Opry for the first Opry Country Heat Takeover featuring a night of performances curated by Amazon Music’s Country Heat. Fresh off her “Life I’m Living Tour 2025” (the 30-date headline run that wrapped earlier this month), Barrett delivered a set as part of an A-list lineup with Lainey Wilson, Lauren Alaina, Dan + Shay, Russell Dickerson and more.