Following the massive success of the infectious earworm “The Middle,” Maren Morris has earned four nominations at the upcoming iHeartRadio Awards, to air March 14 on FOX from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Morris and her “Middle” cohorts Zedd and Grey were nominated for overall Song of the Year, as well as Best Collaboration and Dance Song of the Year. Morris is also nominated for Country Song of the Year (“Rich”).
Also vying for the Country Song of the Year title is Kane Brown‘s “Heaven,” Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha‘s “Meant To Be,” Luke Bryan‘s “Most People Are Good,” and Dan + Shay‘s “Tequila.”
Bryan earned a second nomination this year for Country Artist of the Year, while Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha picked up a second nomination this year for Best Collaboration.
The Country Artist of the Year category includes Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett. Vying for the Best New Country Artist title are Carly Pearce, Dylan Scott, Jordan Davis, LANCO, and Russell Dickerson.
Kacey Musgraves, who toured with Harry Styles in 2018, was nominated with Styles for Best Cover Song, for their take on Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One.”
Big Loud’s Mason Ramsey also earned a nomination for the Social Star Award, following the breakthrough viral video of Ramsey performing a cover of Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues.”
Brett Eldredge‘s dog Edgar is in the running for Cutest Musician’s Pet, a socially voted category.
Big Machine/John Varvatos Records band badflower, known for their breakout hit “Ghost,” also earned a nomination for Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Band.
Nashville producer David Garcia, known for his work producing and co-writing the FGL/Bebe Rexha hit “Meant To Be,” as well as work with Carrie Underwood, NF, Kip Moore, is nominated for Producer of the Year.
Cardi B has the most overall award nominations this year with 13, followed by Drake with eight nominations.
Nominees List For 2019 iHeartRadio Awards
Song of the Year:
“Better Now” – Post Malone
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
“The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey
Female Artist of the Year:
Ariana Grande
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Dua Lipa
Halsey
Male Artist of the Year:
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
Shawn Mendes
Best Duo/Group of the Year:
5 Seconds Of Summer
Imagine Dragons
Maroon 5
Panic! At The Disco
twenty one pilots
Best Collaboration:
“Finesse (Remix)” Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“I Like It” – Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin
“Meant To Be” – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
“The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey
Best New Pop Artist:
Bazzi
Lauv
Marshmello
MAX
NF
Alternative Rock Song of the Year:
“Africa” – Weezer
“Broken” – lovelytheband
“Happier” – Marshmello featuring Bastille
“High Hopes” – Panic! At the Disco
“Natural” – Imagine Dragons
Alternative Rock Artist of the Year:
Imagine Dragons
lovelytheband
Panic! At The Disco
Portugal. The Man
Thirty Seconds To Mars
Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist:
AJR
Badflower
Billie Eilish
lovelytheband
Two Feet
Rock Song of the Year:
“Are You Ready” – Disturbed
“Bulletproof” – Godsmack
“Devil” – Shinedown
“Safari Song” – Greta Van Fleet
“Zombie” – Bad Wolves
Rock Artist of the Year:
Five Finger Death Punch
Godsmack
Greta Van Fleet
Shinedown
Three Days Grace
Country Song of the Year:
“Heaven” – Kane Brown
“Meant To Be” – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
“Most People Are Good” – Luke Bryan
“Rich” – Maren Morris
“Tequila” – Dan + Shay
Country Artist of the Year:
Carrie Underwood
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Best New Country Artist:
Carly Pearce
Dylan Scott
Jordan Davis
LANCO
Russell Dickerson
Dance Song of the Year:
“Friends” – Marshmello and Anne-Marie
“Happier” – Marshmello featuring Bastille
“One Kiss” – Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa
“Remind Me To Forget” – Kygo featuring Miguel
“The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey
Dance Artist of the Year:
Calvin Harris
Kygo
Marshmello
The Chainsmokers
Zedd
Hip-Hop Song of the Year:
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“I Like It” Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin
“In My Feelings” – Drake
“Nice For What” – Drake
“Psycho” – Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year:
Cardi B
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
Travis Scott
Best New Hip-Hop Artist:
BlocBoy JB
Juice WRLD
Lil Baby
Lil Pump
XXXTENTACION
R&B Song of the Year:
“Boo’d Up” – Ella Mai
“Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
“Medicine” – Queen Naija
“Sky Walker” – Miguel featuring Travis Scott
“When We” – Tank
R&B Artist of the Year:
Daniel Caesar
Ella Mai
H.E.R.
Miguel
SZA
Best New R&B Artist:
Brent Faiyaz
Ella Mai
H.E.R.
Queen Naija
TK Kravitz
Latin Song of the Year:
“Clandestino” – Shakira featuring Maluma
“Dura” – Daddy Yankee
“Échame La Culpa” – Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato
“Me Niego” – Reik featuring Ozuna and Wisin
“X” – Nicky Jam and J Balvin
Latin Artist of the Year:
Bad Bunny
Daddy Yankee
J Balvin
Maluma
Ozuna
Best New Latin Artist:
Lele Pons
Manuel Turizo
Mau y Ricky
Nio Garcia
Raymix
Regional Mexican Song of the Year:
“Entre Beso y Beso” – La Arrolladora Banda El Limón
“Me Dejé Llevar” – Christian Nodal
“Mejor Me Alejo” – Banda MS
“Mi Sorpresa Fuiste Tú” – Calibre 50
“Mitad Y Mitad” – Calibre 50
Regional Mexican Artist of the Year:
Banda Carnaval
Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Calibre 50
Christian Nodal
Gerardo Ortiz
Producer of the Year:
David Garcia
Frank Dukes
Louis Bell
Marshmello
Noah “40” Shebib
Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category
“Consequences” – Camila Cabello
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“In My Blood” – Shawn Mendes
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
“Without Me” – Halsey
Best Cover Song: *Socially Voted Category
“A Million Dreams” – P!nk and Willow Sage Hart
“Africa” – Weezer
“Crying in the Club” – Niall Horan
“Fast Car” – Khalid
“In My Blood” – Charlie Puth
“Lucid Dreams” – Halsey
“Me, Myself & I” – Zayn
“Natural Woman” – Ariana Grande
“Rewrite the Stars” – Anne-Marie and James Arthur
“You’re Still The One” – Harry Styles and Kacey Musgraves
“Under Pressure” – Shawn Mendes and Teddy Geiger
“Your Song” – Lady Gaga
Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Category
“Delicate” – Taylor Swift
“Dura” – Daddy Yankee
“Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
“Freaky Friday” – Lil Dicky and Chris Brown
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“I Like It” – Cardi B featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny
“One Kiss” – Calvin Harris featuring Dua Lipa
“Psycho” – Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign
“Taki Taki” – DJ Snake featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna and Cardi B
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
“This Is America” – Childish Gambino
Social Star Award: *Socially Voted Category
Agnez Mo
Bhad Bhabie
Dylan Minnette
Joji
Lele Pons
Loren Gray
Mason Ramsey
Queen Naija
Tana Mongeau
Trixie Mattel
Cutest Musician’s Pet: *Socially Voted Category
Asia – Lady Gaga
Edgar – Brett Eldredge
Goodwin – Sabrina Carpenter
Gracie – Lauren Jauregui
Hatchi – Perrie Edwards
Mooshu – Alex Pall from The Chainsmokers
Piggy Smallz – Ariana Grande
Best Solo Breakout: *Socially Voted Category
Ally Brooke
Dinah Jane
Lauren Jauregui
Normani
Tiffany Young
Song That Left Us Shook: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
“Here Comes The Change” – Kesha
“I’ll Never Love Again” – Lady Gaga
“One Day” – Logic featuring Ryan Tedder
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
“This Is America” – Childish Gambino
“Youth” – Shawn Mendes and Khalid
Favorite Tour Photographer: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
Andy DeLuca (5SOS)
Christian Tierney (Niall Horan)
Helene Pambrun (Harry Styles)
Josiah Van Dien (Shawn Mendes)
Pixie Levinson (Dua Lipa)
Rahul B (Camila Cabello)
Ravie B (Beyoncé)
Zack Caspary (Why Don’t We)
Cassadee Pope To Release Sophomore Album ‘Stages’ In February
/by Jessica NicholsonCassadee Pope will release her second album, Stages, on Feb. 1. Produced by Corey Crowder, who co-wrote her Grammy-nominated collaboration “Think of You” with Chris Young, Stages chronicles Pope’s personal journey and evolution over the past few years, throughout 11 original songs. The album also marks her first independent full-length project following her exit from Big Machine Label Group.
The album kicks off with Cassadee’s two recently released singles, “Take You Home” and “One More Red Light,” which Pope debuted live on Pickler & Ben.
In April, Pope will take to the road on her first headlining tour, the 2019 CMT Next Women of Country Tour. Pope will be joined by Clare Dunn and Hannah Ellis on the trek. Pope launched her music career as the leader of rock band Hey Monday, before winning season three of The Voice and releasing her debut album Frame By Frame on BMLG’s Republic Nashville imprint. Her single “Wasting All These Tears” went Platinum, before she teamed with Young for the Grammy-nominated “Think of You.” In 2018, Pope had the distinction of being the only country artist to perform on the Warped Tour.
Florida Georgia Line Announces Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughFlorida Georgia Line is heading back out on the road later this year on their 2019 Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour.
The trek launches June 13 at Walmart AMP in Rogers, Arkansas, and will include Dan + Shay and Morgan Wallen as special guests on all of the dates, along with Hardy and Canaan Smith on select stops. The duo will crisscross the country, winding down the tour on Sept. 28 at FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California.
Tickets will be available beginning Jan. 25 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket, while additional dates and on-sale information will continue to roll out over the coming weeks.
During the shows fans are sure to catch songs from FGL’s 19-deep track list of their anticipated new album, including their current chart-rising single, “Talk You Out of It.” Captained by longtime producer Joey Moi with FGL notching their first co-producer credit, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country drops Feb. 15, complete with heavy-hitting guest collaborations with Jason Derulo, Jason Aldean, and Hardy.
FGL’s Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour Dates:
JUNE
13 | Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP*
14 | Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion*
15 | Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove*
JULY
11 | Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center*
12 | Boston, MA – Xfinity Center*
13 | Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion*
18 | Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion*
19 | Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre*
20 | Jones Beach, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater*
25 | Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach*
26 | Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park*
27 | Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion*
AUGUST
1 | Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
2 | Pittsburgh, PA – KeyBank Pavilion*
3 | Washington, D.C. – Jiffy Lube Live*
8 | St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
9 | Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
15 | Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview+
16 | Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain+
17 | Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium+
22 | Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre+
23 | Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center+
24 | Darien, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater+
29 | West Palm Beach, FL – Coral Sky Amphitheatre+
30 | Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre+
31 | Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood+
SEPTEMBER
7 | Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis Motor Speedway – FGL Fest
12 | Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre+
13 | Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre+
14 | Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater+
19 | Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion+
20 | San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheater+
21 | San Bernardino, CA – Glen Helen Amphitheater+
26 | Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre+
27 | Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre+
28 | Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre+
*HARDY
+Canaan Smith
Steve Earle Pays Tribute To Songwriting Hero Guy Clark On Latest Project
/by Lorie HollabaughSteve Earle is paying homage to his songwriting mentor and longtime friend, the legendary Guy Clark, with his latest album GUY. Set for release on March 29 on New West Records, the 16-song set is comprised of songs written by Clark and was produced by Earle and recorded by his longtime production partner Ray Kennedy.
The project is also a cornucopia of guests, with fellow Guy Clark cohorts Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Terry Allen, Jerry Jeff Walker, Mickey Raphael, Shawn Camp, Verlon Thompson, Gary Nicholson, and the photographer Jim McGuire all contributing. It also features his latest incarnation of his backing band The Dukes which includes Kelley Looney on bass, Chris Masterson on guitar, Eleanor Whitmore on fiddle & mandolin, Ricky Ray Jackson on pedal steel guitar, and Brad Pemberton on drums & percussion.
Earle first met Guy Clark after hitchhiking from San Antonio to Nashville in 1974, and a few months after his arrival, found himself taking over for a young Rodney Crowell as bassist in Guy’s band.
“Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark were like Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg to me,” said Earle. “If you asked Townes what it’s all about, he’d hand you a copy of Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee. If you asked Guy the same question, he’d take out a piece of paper and teach you how to diagram a song, what goes where.”
For Earle, making the record was a tonic of sorts and something he had to do to honor his old friend. “As you live your life, you pile up these regrets. I’ve done a lot of things that might be regrettable, but most of them I don’t regret because I realize I couldn’t have done anything else at the time. With Guy, however, there was this thing. When he was sick — he was dying really for the last ten years of his life — he asked me if we could write a song together. We should do it ‘for the grandkids,’ he said. Well, I don’t know…at the time, I still didn’t co-write much, then I got busy. Then Guy died and it was too late. That, I regret.”
GUY will be available across digital retailers, on standard black vinyl, on limited edition blue vinyl available at Independent Retailers, on an extremely limited-to-200 clear vinyl edition available at retailers in Texas & Tennessee, on a limited autographed edition available at Barnes & Noble stores, and on a limited edition red vinyl exclusively available for pre-order now via New West Records.
1. Dublin Blues
2. L.A. Freeway
3. Texas 1947
4. Desperados Waiting For A Train
5. Rita Ballou
6. The Ballad Of Laverne And Captain Flint
7. The Randall Knife
8. Anyhow I Love You
9. That Old Time Feeling
10. Heartbroke
11. The Last Gunfighter Ballad
12. Out In The Parking Lot
13. She Ain’t Going Nowhere
14. Sis Draper
15. New Cut Road
16. Old Friends
2019 iHeartRadio Awards: Maren Morris, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line Lead Nashville Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonMorris and her “Middle” cohorts Zedd and Grey were nominated for overall Song of the Year, as well as Best Collaboration and Dance Song of the Year. Morris is also nominated for Country Song of the Year (“Rich”).
Also vying for the Country Song of the Year title is Kane Brown‘s “Heaven,” Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha‘s “Meant To Be,” Luke Bryan‘s “Most People Are Good,” and Dan + Shay‘s “Tequila.”
Bryan earned a second nomination this year for Country Artist of the Year, while Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha picked up a second nomination this year for Best Collaboration.
The Country Artist of the Year category includes Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett. Vying for the Best New Country Artist title are Carly Pearce, Dylan Scott, Jordan Davis, LANCO, and Russell Dickerson.
Kacey Musgraves, who toured with Harry Styles in 2018, was nominated with Styles for Best Cover Song, for their take on Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One.”
Big Loud’s Mason Ramsey also earned a nomination for the Social Star Award, following the breakthrough viral video of Ramsey performing a cover of Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues.”
Brett Eldredge‘s dog Edgar is in the running for Cutest Musician’s Pet, a socially voted category.
Big Machine/John Varvatos Records band badflower, known for their breakout hit “Ghost,” also earned a nomination for Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Band.
Nashville producer David Garcia, known for his work producing and co-writing the FGL/Bebe Rexha hit “Meant To Be,” as well as work with Carrie Underwood, NF, Kip Moore, is nominated for Producer of the Year.
Cardi B has the most overall award nominations this year with 13, followed by Drake with eight nominations.
Nominees List For 2019 iHeartRadio Awards
Song of the Year:
“Better Now” – Post Malone
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
“The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey
Female Artist of the Year:
Ariana Grande
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Dua Lipa
Halsey
Male Artist of the Year:
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
Shawn Mendes
Best Duo/Group of the Year:
5 Seconds Of Summer
Imagine Dragons
Maroon 5
Panic! At The Disco
twenty one pilots
Best Collaboration:
“Finesse (Remix)” Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“I Like It” – Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin
“Meant To Be” – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
“The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey
Best New Pop Artist:
Bazzi
Lauv
Marshmello
MAX
NF
Alternative Rock Song of the Year:
“Africa” – Weezer
“Broken” – lovelytheband
“Happier” – Marshmello featuring Bastille
“High Hopes” – Panic! At the Disco
“Natural” – Imagine Dragons
Alternative Rock Artist of the Year:
Imagine Dragons
lovelytheband
Panic! At The Disco
Portugal. The Man
Thirty Seconds To Mars
Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist:
AJR
Badflower
Billie Eilish
lovelytheband
Two Feet
Rock Song of the Year:
“Are You Ready” – Disturbed
“Bulletproof” – Godsmack
“Devil” – Shinedown
“Safari Song” – Greta Van Fleet
“Zombie” – Bad Wolves
Rock Artist of the Year:
Five Finger Death Punch
Godsmack
Greta Van Fleet
Shinedown
Three Days Grace
Country Song of the Year:
“Heaven” – Kane Brown
“Meant To Be” – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
“Most People Are Good” – Luke Bryan
“Rich” – Maren Morris
“Tequila” – Dan + Shay
Country Artist of the Year:
Carrie Underwood
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Best New Country Artist:
Carly Pearce
Dylan Scott
Jordan Davis
LANCO
Russell Dickerson
Dance Song of the Year:
“Friends” – Marshmello and Anne-Marie
“Happier” – Marshmello featuring Bastille
“One Kiss” – Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa
“Remind Me To Forget” – Kygo featuring Miguel
“The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey
Dance Artist of the Year:
Calvin Harris
Kygo
Marshmello
The Chainsmokers
Zedd
Hip-Hop Song of the Year:
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“I Like It” Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin
“In My Feelings” – Drake
“Nice For What” – Drake
“Psycho” – Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year:
Cardi B
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
Travis Scott
Best New Hip-Hop Artist:
BlocBoy JB
Juice WRLD
Lil Baby
Lil Pump
XXXTENTACION
R&B Song of the Year:
“Boo’d Up” – Ella Mai
“Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
“Medicine” – Queen Naija
“Sky Walker” – Miguel featuring Travis Scott
“When We” – Tank
R&B Artist of the Year:
Daniel Caesar
Ella Mai
H.E.R.
Miguel
SZA
Best New R&B Artist:
Brent Faiyaz
Ella Mai
H.E.R.
Queen Naija
TK Kravitz
Latin Song of the Year:
“Clandestino” – Shakira featuring Maluma
“Dura” – Daddy Yankee
“Échame La Culpa” – Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato
“Me Niego” – Reik featuring Ozuna and Wisin
“X” – Nicky Jam and J Balvin
Latin Artist of the Year:
Bad Bunny
Daddy Yankee
J Balvin
Maluma
Ozuna
Best New Latin Artist:
Lele Pons
Manuel Turizo
Mau y Ricky
Nio Garcia
Raymix
Regional Mexican Song of the Year:
“Entre Beso y Beso” – La Arrolladora Banda El Limón
“Me Dejé Llevar” – Christian Nodal
“Mejor Me Alejo” – Banda MS
“Mi Sorpresa Fuiste Tú” – Calibre 50
“Mitad Y Mitad” – Calibre 50
Regional Mexican Artist of the Year:
Banda Carnaval
Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Calibre 50
Christian Nodal
Gerardo Ortiz
Producer of the Year:
David Garcia
Frank Dukes
Louis Bell
Marshmello
Noah “40” Shebib
Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category
“Consequences” – Camila Cabello
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“In My Blood” – Shawn Mendes
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
“Without Me” – Halsey
Best Cover Song: *Socially Voted Category
“A Million Dreams” – P!nk and Willow Sage Hart
“Africa” – Weezer
“Crying in the Club” – Niall Horan
“Fast Car” – Khalid
“In My Blood” – Charlie Puth
“Lucid Dreams” – Halsey
“Me, Myself & I” – Zayn
“Natural Woman” – Ariana Grande
“Rewrite the Stars” – Anne-Marie and James Arthur
“You’re Still The One” – Harry Styles and Kacey Musgraves
“Under Pressure” – Shawn Mendes and Teddy Geiger
“Your Song” – Lady Gaga
Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Category
“Delicate” – Taylor Swift
“Dura” – Daddy Yankee
“Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
“Freaky Friday” – Lil Dicky and Chris Brown
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“I Like It” – Cardi B featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny
“One Kiss” – Calvin Harris featuring Dua Lipa
“Psycho” – Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign
“Taki Taki” – DJ Snake featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna and Cardi B
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
“This Is America” – Childish Gambino
Social Star Award: *Socially Voted Category
Agnez Mo
Bhad Bhabie
Dylan Minnette
Joji
Lele Pons
Loren Gray
Mason Ramsey
Queen Naija
Tana Mongeau
Trixie Mattel
Cutest Musician’s Pet: *Socially Voted Category
Asia – Lady Gaga
Edgar – Brett Eldredge
Goodwin – Sabrina Carpenter
Gracie – Lauren Jauregui
Hatchi – Perrie Edwards
Mooshu – Alex Pall from The Chainsmokers
Piggy Smallz – Ariana Grande
Best Solo Breakout: *Socially Voted Category
Ally Brooke
Dinah Jane
Lauren Jauregui
Normani
Tiffany Young
Song That Left Us Shook: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
“Here Comes The Change” – Kesha
“I’ll Never Love Again” – Lady Gaga
“One Day” – Logic featuring Ryan Tedder
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
“This Is America” – Childish Gambino
“Youth” – Shawn Mendes and Khalid
Favorite Tour Photographer: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
Andy DeLuca (5SOS)
Christian Tierney (Niall Horan)
Helene Pambrun (Harry Styles)
Josiah Van Dien (Shawn Mendes)
Pixie Levinson (Dua Lipa)
Rahul B (Camila Cabello)
Ravie B (Beyoncé)
Zack Caspary (Why Don’t We)
Breaking: Josh Osborne Signs With Sony/ATV Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, SVP, Nashville A&R, Sony/ATV; Josh Osborne; Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO, Sony/ATV.
Hit songwriter Josh Osborne has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Sony/ATV Nashville.
“Seldom does a publisher get the opportunity to acquire such a hit-driven catalog and futures deal with a songwriter of Josh’s stature,” said Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV Nashville President/CEO. “An added bonus is that Josh will maintain the successful relationship that he has had for years with his partners at SMACKSongs. Shane, Michael, Josh and the entire SMACK team have built an impressive company. We are grateful to work with SMACKSongs on Josh’s behalf.”
Osborne has had more than 40 singles as a songwriter, 14 of which were Billboard No. 1 hits. He has had four songs nominated for Grammy honors, with “Merry Go Round” winning Best Country Song.
“Body Like A Backroad,” recorded by Sam Hunt, made history as the longest reigning No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart by a solo artist, spending 34 weeks atop the chart. Osborne’s other hits include “Come Over,” “Get Along,” and “All The Pretty Girls” (Kenny Chesney); “Wild Child” (Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter); “Setting The World On Fire” (Kenny Chesney feat. P!nk); “My Eyes” and “Sangria” (Blake Shelton); “Leave The Night On,” Take Your Time,” and “Make You Miss Me” (Sam Hunt); “We Are Tonight” (Billy Currington); “Hotel Key” (Old Dominion); and “Drunk Last Night” (Eli Young Band).
Lauren Alaina To Be Featured Entertainer At 2019 Symphony Fashion Show
/by Jessica NicholsonLauren Alaina
Lauren Alaina will be the featured entertainer for the 2019 Symphony Fashion Show, set for Tuesday, May 14, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Symphony Fashion Show chairs Cynthia Arnholt and Allison Schaufele revealed the news during the 2018 Symphony Fashion Show kickoff party at Gus Mayer in Nashville.
Wes Gordon, Creative Director of Carolina Herrera New York, has already been announced as the featured designer for the 14th annual event.
“Lauren Alaina’s prodigious talent, one-of-a-kind exuberance and undeniable relatability are as evident now as when she wowed audiences and judges alike as a contestant on American Idol,” said Arnholt and Schaufele. “Pairing Lauren with Wes Gordon continues the Symphony Fashion Show tradition of showcasing the brightest talent from the worlds of fashion and music, and we’re so thrilled to have them both on board for what promises to be an incredible evening supporting the Symphony’s work throughout the Middle Tennessee community.”
BBR Music Group Names Stan Marczewski Director, National Promotion For Stoney Creek
/by Jessica NicholsonStan Marczewski
BBR Music Group’s Stan Marczewski has been named Director of National Promotion for the label imprint Stoney Creek Records. Additionally, Stefani Waters has been hired as Director of Southeast Regional Promotion for Stoney Creek Records. Stoney Creek Records boasts a roster which includes Randy Houser, Jimmie Allen, Parmalee, Lindsay Ell and multi-national six-man band King Calaway, plus emerging acts, Walker McGuire and Adam Craig.
Marczewski previously served as Director of Midwest Regional Promotion for Stoney Creek Records. He will continue to handle responsibilities in the Midwest in addition to his new role as Director of National Promotion. He joined the BBR Music Group team in 2014. Marczewski began his career in the music industry working with Little Big Town’s management and started his career in record promotion at Columbia Records Nashville. He will report directly to Stoney Creek VP of Promotion, Byron Kennedy and can be reached at stan@stoneycreekrecords.com and 615.610.2122.
“Stan’s tireless work effort, intensity and attention to detail made him the person we simply could not deny this position,” says Carson James, SVP of Promotion, BBR Music Group. “His success in the Midwest was never overlooked and has rightfully earned him the National position we’re proud to announce today!”
Stefani Waters
Waters joins Stoney Creek from her most recent role in Pop & Rhythm Promotion at Republic Records, Universal Music Group. Based in Los Angeles, she worked with artists including Post Malone, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd, among others. Prior to her five year stint at Republic, she spent eight years in promotion with Warner Bros Records rising from coordinator to manager. Cole will report directly to Kennedy and can be reached at stefani@stoneycreekrecords.com and 562.334.7330.
“Stefani is everything you want and need in a promotion person,” says Stoney Creek VP of Promotion, Byron Kennedy. “Stefani was my rep when I programmed for CBSRadio/ KSFM Sacramento a few years back and I was immediately impressed by her creativity and ability to keep me focused on her records while my attention was split between formats. I feel extremely lucky to have gotten her to move over to country and join Stoney Creek Records and the truth is I begged her to. She is someone who I feel will make not only Stoney Creek Records better but Broken Bow Records/BMG as whole. We have undoubtedly landed a rockstar!”
Joy Williams Reveals 2019 Tour Dates, New Album ‘Front Porch’
/by Jessica NicholsonJoy Williams
Joy Williams will launch a new headlining tour Feb. 25 in Phoenix, Arizona. The tour will conclude with two shows at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on May 3-4. The shows lead up to the release of her upcoming album, Front Porch, due later this spring on Sensibility/Thirty Tigers. The album, produced by Kenneth Pattengale (The Milk Carton Kids) and engineered by Matt Ross-Spang, was recorded in Nashville while Williams was pregnant with her second child.
“So much of this is about coming home,” says Williams. “Whether to a physical place or to yourself. The lines on my face, I can see them more clearly now. But a lot of them are laugh lines. This record feels like breathing more deeply into who I am. Come what may.”
Williams has earned four Grammy awards, and released four solo albums (and four EPs) since her debut in 2001. She was formerly half of The Civil Wars from 2009-2014.
Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. local time.
JOY WILLIAMS TOUR DATES
February 25—Phoenix, AZ—Musical Instrument Museum*
February 26—Solana Beach, CA—Belly Up Tavern*
February 27—West Hollywood, CA—The Troubadour*
March 1—Santa Cruz, CA—The Rio Theatre*
March 2—San Francisco, CA—The Swedish American Music Hall*
March 4—Portland, OR—Doug Fir Lounge*
March 5—Seattle, WA—Tractor Tavern*
March 6—Vancouver, BC—Wise Hall*
March 8—Boise, ID—Neurolux*
March 9—Salt Lake City, UT—The State Room*
March 12—Boulder, CO—The Fox Theatre*
March 13—Denver, CO—Globe Hall*
March 14—Kansas City, MO—Knuckleheads*
April 12—Columbus, OH—The Athenaeum Theatre*
April 13—Grand Rapids, MI—Calvin College: Covenant Fine Arts Center*
April 15—Minneapolis, MN—Cedar Cultural Center*
April 16—Milwaukee, WI—The Back Room at Collectivo Coffee*
April 18—Toronto, ON—The Great Hall*
April 19—Montreal, QC—Le Ritz PDB*
April 20—Boston, MA—City Winery*
April 22—New York, NY—Bowery Ballroom*
April 24—Philadelphia, PA—World Cafe Live (Downstairs)*
April 25—Brooklyn, NY—Rough Trade NYC*
April 27—Washington, DC—Miracle Theatre*
April 28—Charlottesville, VA—The Southern Cafe and Music Hall*
April 29—Carrboro, NC—ArtsCenter*
May 3—Nashville, TN—3rd & Lindsley*
May 4—Nashville, TN—3rd & Lindsley*
*with support from Anthony da Costa
Country Artists Spearhead Upcoming Elvis Presley All-Star Tribute On NBC
/by Jessica NicholsonElvis. Photo: elvispresleythemusic.com
Country artists including Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, and Keith Urban will be on hand to honor the late Elvis Presley as part of NBC’s upcoming Elvis All-Star Tribute, set to air Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. ET.
Urban will join Post Malone for a rendition of “Baby What You Want Me To Do.” Kelsea Ballerini will perform “Always On My Mind,” while Shelton will perform “Suspicious Minds,” “Trouble” and “Guitar Man.” Pistol Annies will offer “Love Me,” while Little Big Town will sing “Are You Lonesome Tonight.” Dierks Bentley will perform “Little Sister.”
Underwood will team with Gospel star Yolanda Adams for a medley of Gospel classics “How Great Thou Art,” “He Touched Me,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Underwood will also teams with fellow stars including Shelton, Shawn Mendes, Darius Rucker, and Post Malone for a rendition of Presley’s “If I Can Dream.”
The original special hopes to mimic the vibe of Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special, which aired on NBC in December 1968. The special will feature set pieces from the original show, and will be shown in a similar in-the-round setting to the original special.
Elvis was born this day (Jan. 8) in 1935.
A list of performances for Elvis All-Star Tribute is below:
• “Trouble”/”Guitar Man” – Blake Shelton
• “Hound Dog” – Shawn Mendes
• “Baby What You Want Me To Do” – Keith Urban & Post Malone
• “Burning Love” – Keith Urban
• “Jailhouse Rock” – John Fogerty
• “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Ed Sheeran
• “Always On My Mind” – Kelsea Ballerini
• “Heartbreak Hotel” – Jennifer Lopez
• “One Night” – Darius Rucker
• “Suspicious Minds” – Blake Shelton
• “Love Me Tender” – Alessia Cara
• “Memories” – Mac Davis
• “A Little Less Conversation” – John Legend
• “Are You Lonesome Tonight” – Little Big Town
• “Blue Suede Shoes” – Adam Lambert
• “Love Me” – Pistol Annies
• Hits Medley (“That’s All Right,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Blue Suede Shoes”) – Mac Davis, Post Malone, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker & Blake Shelton
• Gospel Medley (“How Great Thou Art,” “He Touched Me,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone”) – Carrie Underwood & Yolanda Adams
• “Little Sister” – Dierks Bentley
• “It’s Now Or Never” – Josh Groban
• “If I Can Dream” – Elvis Presley, Carrie Underwood, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton
Viacom’s Kurt Patat Heads To YouTube
/by Jessica NicholsonKurt Patat
Kurt Patat, former SVP of Communications for CMT and Paramount Network, has joined YouTube as its Global Head of Consumer and Entertainment Communications.
In the new role, Patat will oversee the consumer, music, creator and YouTube Originals communications teams. In addition, he will work with YouTube’s partnership and entertainment team to identify and publicize key partnerships with YouTube creators and celebrities.
Based in Los Angeles, he reports directly to Chris Dale, YouTube’s Global Head of Communications and Public Affairs.
During his time at Paramount and CMT, Patat oversaw publicity teams in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville for series and music specials including Nashville, Yellowstone and the annual CMT Music Awards.
Previously, he was a VP at MTV and Logo where he directed brand and series publicity campaigns for series and music events, including MTV Video Music Awards, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Unplugged, as well as all digital/social initiatives.