
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Erick Frost
Lainey Wilson glowed like a bona fide superstar Thursday night (Oct. 2) when she headlined Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for a sold-out show that felt both larger-than-life and deeply personal.
Rising 15-year-old artist Maddox Batson opened the evening with an acoustic set that showcased his impressive confidence and natural charm, winning over fans young and old. He was followed by independent country duo Muscadine Bloodline, whose blend of tight harmonies and high-energy stage presence earned enthusiastic cheers. Their heartfelt connection to the crowd set the perfect tone for the main event.
When the lights dimmed and Wilson appeared beneath a glowing horseshoe stage piece, the energy inside Bridgestone erupted. She kicked off the night with “Whirlwind,” the title track of her critically acclaimed album and namesake of her “Whirlwind World Tour,” immediately proving why she’s one of country music’s defining stars of the moment.
From the start, Wilson balanced bold confidence with heartfelt storytelling. She delivered firecracker performances of “Hold My Halo,” “Country’s Cool Again” and “Hang Tight Honey,” each met with roaring singalongs. Then she slowed things down, showcasing her powerhouse vocals and emotional range on “4x4xU,” “Heart Like a Truck” and “Watermelon Moonshine,” reminding fans of the vulnerability that underpins her success.
Throughout the show, Wilson’s authenticity radiated—equal parts sass and sincerity. “I have sat in every seat in here,” she told the crowd, pausing to reflect on her journey from small-town Louisiana to country’s biggest stages.
The evening also featured several special guests. Ella Langley joined Wilson for their duet “Good Horses,” ERNEST came out for “Would If I Could” and Jelly Roll brought the house down with a surprise appearance for their hit duet “Save Me.” The arena’s energy hit its peak as the two traded verses to thunderous applause.
One of the most touching moments came when Wilson crowned a young fan the “Cowgirl of the Night.” She presented her with a cowboy hat and a few heartfelt words of encouragement—an emotional gesture that’s become a signature part of her tour and a reflection of Wilson’s genuine connection with her audience.
Another highlight of the night came with the performance of her new single “Somewhere Over Laredo,” complete with a stage lift and flowing cape that gave the song a cinematic sense of grandeur.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Wilson will host the 59th Annual CMA Awards, set for next month at Bridgestone Arena. She also leads this year’s nominees with six nods, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (Whirlwind), further solidifying her status as one of country music’s brightest talents.
Wilson will continue her “Whirlwind World Tour” through the fall, including a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden next Friday (Oct. 10), before heading overseas for an extensive run across Australia and New Zealand in 2026. With each stop, Wilson continues to prove that her rise to superstardom is no fluke—it’s the product of relentless work, undeniable talent, and a heart that beats for the fans who helped her get there.
HYBE America Launches HYBE Label Service, Appoints Mike Rittberg President Of Global Distribution
/by Madison HahnenMike Rittberg
HYBE America has established HYBE Label Service, the company’s first global label service, according to Billboard. The new division will support HYBE artists in international markets. Big Machine Label Group COO Mike Rittberg will serve as President of Global Distribution. In his new role, Rittberg will plan releases and manage the company’s catalog. Continuing to support BMLG in his new position, he will remain based at the company’s Nashville office.
Ryan Hyeong Woo Noh will serve as Chief Business Officer where he will lead core business operations. Noh previously served as HYBE America’s Chief Strategy Officer. Mark Flaherty will join the company as President of Global M&P where he will oversee global marketing strategies. Flaherty’s previous career stops include Warner Records, Interscope, Sony Music and Fanatical Music & Marketing.
“By centralizing our essential global support functions and bringing in top-tier leaders like Mike Rittberg and Mark Flaherty, we are providing our artists with an unparalleled platform for continued worldwide success,” HYBE America Chairman and CEO Isaac Lee told Billboard.
Tim McGraw Announces Special Vegas Shows During National Finals Rodeo In December
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw will headline a limited run of shows, “Tim McGraw: Live in Vegas,” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Dec. 4, 6, 12 and 13 during National Finals Rodeo.
These special, only-in-Vegas shows will offer fans a rare chance to experience McGraw performing in an intimate setting, featuring his chart-topping hits and fan favorites spanning more than 30 years of his celebrated career. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.
A longtime Rodeo supporter, McGraw recently brought the first-ever rodeo to Nashville with the inaugural Music City Rodeo and released a heartfelt single performed live at the event, “King Rodeo (Live from the Inaugural Music City Rodeo)” which received critical praise. Throughout his career McGraw has had 49 No. 1 singles and 19 No. 1 albums, and ranks second in chart-topping albums in the U.S. behind only George Strait.
Travis Wood Extends Deal With Creative Nation
/by Madison HahnenPictured: (L-R, back row): Luke Laird, Cole Brown and Abigail Bruner. (L-R, front row): Abby Holcomb, Beth Laird, Travis Wood, Emily Furman, Alex Albanese and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns
Hit songwriter and producer Travis Wood has extended his deal with Creative Nation.
He first signed with Creative Nation in 2019, two years after moving to Nashville. Since joining the roster, he has penned cuts by Morgan Wallen, Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell, Ella Langley, Russell Dickerson, Corey Kent, Jake Owen, Matt Stell, Scotty McCreery and more.
Wood has collected two No. 1 radio hits with Davis’ “I Ain’t Sayin'” and Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine.” Additionally he also has 11 Canadian No. 1 songs.
“It never ceases to amaze me how Travis turns in hit after hit but each song is so well crafted and comes from a perspective that’s uniquely his,” says Creative Nation VP of Creative, Emily Furman. “His work ethic is second to none and it’s been so rewarding to see it pay off — we couldn’t be more excited to keep building in this next chapter with him!”
“I’m grateful to Luke [Laird], Beth [Laird], as well as everyone on the Creative Nation team, for their continued belief in me as a songwriter,” adds Wood. “I’m excited to keep pushing forward and add to what we’ve built together.”
JUST IN: Luke Combs Becomes Highest RIAA Certified Country Artist Ever
/by Lauryn SinkLuke Combs. Photo: David Bergman
Luke Combs has officially been named the highest RIAA certified country artist in history, with 168 million units sold.
“When my team first told me about this, my initial reaction was, ‘Are you sure? There’s no way.’ It was only 8 years ago that I got my first plaque for ‘Hurricane’ going Gold,” shares Combs. “I knew then, without a doubt, I had the best fans in the world. The song had gone Platinum before they could even give me the Gold plaque. I’m super humbled by the fans’ belief in me and support of my music today and over the years. I know this does not happen without them. This achievement is more so theirs than it is mine. All I ever hoped and dreamed of from the beginning of this crazy ride was to make music that made people feel something and I can’t wait to continue making country music for the rest of my life.”
Combs has earned 19 No. 1 songs and his current single, “Back In The Saddle,” is top 10 at radio right now. He was recently nominated for three awards at the 2025 CMA Awards including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year for “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.” A Grand Ole Opry member and 11-time CMA, four-time ACM and six-time Billboard Music Award-winner, Combs has recently collaborated with artists such as Post Malone, Bailey Zimmerman, Jon Bellion and Alex Warren, and partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to open his bar in downtown Nashville, Category 10.
Combs released The Prequel last week, a new 3-song collection featuring “My Kinda Saturday Night,” “15 Minutes” and “Days Like These.”
Brandon Manley Signs With Drumatized & EMPIRE Publishing [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenBrandon Manley. Photo: Jovon Wilson
Producer and songwriter Brandon Manley has inked with Drumatized and EMPIRE Publishing, led by Al “Butter” Mclean and Vinny Kumar. EMPIRE A&R Eric Hurt helped secure the deal.
“I’ve always admired Brandon’s ability to move effortlessly across genres. We are excited to partner with Tay Keith’s Drumatized to amplify his sound to audiences worldwide,” says Kumar, EMPIRE Publishing SVP, Head of Global Business
“Brandon is an exceptionally talented, multi-genre producer & songwriter who EMPIRE has worked a lot with,” adds Hurt. “We’re thrilled to partner with Drumatized on this deal as we combine efforts to build on Brandon’s successes and strengthen EMPIRE’s Nashville publishing division.”
Based in Nashville, Manley has collaborated with Chase Matthew, Billy Ray Cyrus, David Morris, Austin Williams, Rvshvd and more. He is known in music city for making tracks that combine Southern storytelling with modern sound, also while blending genres. He has drawn influence from Guns N’ Roses, Jamey Johnson and Nas.
As a writer, Manley pens tunes that have themes of love, struggle, redemption and small-town grit. On the production side, he combines country soul, Southern rock, hip-hop and energetic modern pop.
“Brandon is exactly the type of visionary we want to align with as Drumatized grows,” says Tay Keith, Founder of Drumatized. “Country music has always been rooted in real stories, and Brandon’s sound carries that tradition forward while pushing boundaries. He’s going to be a major part of this next chapter for us.”
“Partnering with Ghazi, Vinny Kumar & Eric Hurt of EMPIRE in Nashville on Brandon was a successful move for our label, brand and the future of Nashville’s culture,” shares Nicholas Brownlow, Drumatized Head of A&R.
“I’m excited to be part of something groundbreaking,” adds Manley. “Country music and hip-hop share more in common than people realize—both are rooted in truth and storytelling. With Drumatized and EMPIRE, we’re creating music for a global audience.”
Lainey Wilson Sells Out Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson. Photo: Erick Frost
Lainey Wilson glowed like a bona fide superstar Thursday night (Oct. 2) when she headlined Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for a sold-out show that felt both larger-than-life and deeply personal.
Rising 15-year-old artist Maddox Batson opened the evening with an acoustic set that showcased his impressive confidence and natural charm, winning over fans young and old. He was followed by independent country duo Muscadine Bloodline, whose blend of tight harmonies and high-energy stage presence earned enthusiastic cheers. Their heartfelt connection to the crowd set the perfect tone for the main event.
When the lights dimmed and Wilson appeared beneath a glowing horseshoe stage piece, the energy inside Bridgestone erupted. She kicked off the night with “Whirlwind,” the title track of her critically acclaimed album and namesake of her “Whirlwind World Tour,” immediately proving why she’s one of country music’s defining stars of the moment.
From the start, Wilson balanced bold confidence with heartfelt storytelling. She delivered firecracker performances of “Hold My Halo,” “Country’s Cool Again” and “Hang Tight Honey,” each met with roaring singalongs. Then she slowed things down, showcasing her powerhouse vocals and emotional range on “4x4xU,” “Heart Like a Truck” and “Watermelon Moonshine,” reminding fans of the vulnerability that underpins her success.
Throughout the show, Wilson’s authenticity radiated—equal parts sass and sincerity. “I have sat in every seat in here,” she told the crowd, pausing to reflect on her journey from small-town Louisiana to country’s biggest stages.
The evening also featured several special guests. Ella Langley joined Wilson for their duet “Good Horses,” ERNEST came out for “Would If I Could” and Jelly Roll brought the house down with a surprise appearance for their hit duet “Save Me.” The arena’s energy hit its peak as the two traded verses to thunderous applause.
One of the most touching moments came when Wilson crowned a young fan the “Cowgirl of the Night.” She presented her with a cowboy hat and a few heartfelt words of encouragement—an emotional gesture that’s become a signature part of her tour and a reflection of Wilson’s genuine connection with her audience.
Another highlight of the night came with the performance of her new single “Somewhere Over Laredo,” complete with a stage lift and flowing cape that gave the song a cinematic sense of grandeur.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Wilson will host the 59th Annual CMA Awards, set for next month at Bridgestone Arena. She also leads this year’s nominees with six nods, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (Whirlwind), further solidifying her status as one of country music’s brightest talents.
Wilson will continue her “Whirlwind World Tour” through the fall, including a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden next Friday (Oct. 10), before heading overseas for an extensive run across Australia and New Zealand in 2026. With each stop, Wilson continues to prove that her rise to superstardom is no fluke—it’s the product of relentless work, undeniable talent, and a heart that beats for the fans who helped her get there.
The Woodlands Resort Announces Inaugural Songwriters Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe inaugural Songwriters Festival at The Woodlands Resort outside of Houston is set for Dec. 29-Jan. 1.
The festival features a lineup that includes Neal McCoy, Darryl Worley, The Frontmen, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jamie O’Neal, Bridgette Tatum, Casey Beathard, Brice Long, Bobby Tomberlin and Wynn Varble.
The 350-acre oasis nestled among a lush forested landscape will host the all-inclusive, three-day celebration of music, cuisine and creativity, offering guests an unforgettable way to ring in the new year. The exclusive, all-inclusive event offers limited three-day packages available at woodlandsresort.com/event/ songwriters-festival.
Mandy Barnett Joins SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse
/by Madison HahnenMandy Barnett. Photo: Erik Rock
Mandy Barnett has joined SiriusXM with “Sundays with Mandy” on Willie’s Roadhouse (Channel 61), beginning Oct. 5. With the weekly show, Barnett takes over the late Jeannie Seely‘s programming.
Performing at the Opry over 700 times and having over 200 apperances as Patsy Cline in Always…Patsy Cline at the Ryman Auditorium, Barnett has always been dedicated to country music. She has collaborated with Owen Bradley, Harold Bradley, and members of the Nashville A-Team.
“Country music has always been about heart, history and real voices,” Barnett explains. “The women and men who made this era of music carried so much soul, I’m thrilled to share their songs and stories every Sunday with Willie’s Roadhouse listeners. This music is my home.
“There is so much more to this era than people realize,” Barnett continues. “It was made by dynamic men and women, the producers, songwriters and musicians as much as the artists – and I want to bring all of what made these records to life every week. These are big pumps to step into, but I feel a little bit like Seely’s gonna be here with me, so we’re gonna have a ball and play some great music.”
On “Sundays with Mandy,” she will provide history and insight into county classics while capturing the magic music makes.
“Sundays with Mandy” will air live every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST on SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse (Channel 61).
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThe latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with headline-making moments, industry shifts, and notable debuts, marking another dynamic week in country and music industry news. Click here to see the full edition.
Lainey Wilson is once again stepping into the spotlight as she returns to host the 59th annual CMA Awards. Set for Nov. 19 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, this marks Wilson’s second consecutive year as host. The ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. CST on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
Warren Denney has announced his retirement from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. After more than 18 years of dedicated service as Vice President of Creative, Denney will officially step down at the end of the year.
Industry executive Ian Harrison has been named CEO of A2IM.
Kesha has joined the roster at Red Light Management under the guidance of veteran manager Mary Hilliard Harrington.
Bernie Leadon, founding member of the Eagles and a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, who has signed a long-term, worldwide publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music.
Two iconic bands made debuts at the Grand Ole Opry. Train took the stage for the first time on Sept. 19, while Better Than Ezra made their Opry debut on Sept. 24. Rising artist MŌRIAH also had her moment in the historic circle, stepping onto the Opry stage for her debut performance on Sept. 26.
Morgan Evans has partnered with Virgin Music Group for the release of his upcoming projects.
Anthem Music Publishing has acquired a catalog of works by Nashville-based songwriter and producer Mark Holman.
Finally, Make Wake Artists has announced the launch of a new in-house label division. The new department will be led by Alicia Mathews (Head of Marketing & Commercial Partnerships), Brianna Steinitz (Director of Administration & Operations), and Myles Hoffman (Marketing Manager).
This week’s edition also features a conversation with Robert Earl Keen’s manager Kelly Thomas.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen maintains the No. 1 spot with “I Got Better.” 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.
Dierks Bentley Offers New Tracks On ‘Broken Branches Extended’
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley is releasing an expanded version of his 11th studio album with Broken Branches Extended, out today (Oct. 3).
The project offers two brand new tracks, including the rowdy “IYKYK” and the driving, dobro-laced “All Night to Figure It Out.” The punchy foot-stomper “IYKYK” comes out swinging with a spirited mandolin riff courtesy of Charlie Worsham and features nods to fiddle and steel, Natty Light and Friday nights in the defiant celebration of the country way of life, while the jangle rocker “All Night to Figure It Out” burns with a slow-grooving, stomp-and-clap desire.
The two new tracks join Broken Branches’ original 11 songs, which embrace life’s outliers and underdogs with songs about resilience, change, and connection and feature a cross-generational lineup of collaborators including John Anderson, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert and Stephen Wilson Jr.