Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. Photo: CMT
It is a good thing Keith Urban stayed the duration of the 2017 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday evening (June 7). The Universal Music Group star’s name was called for nearly half of the envelopes turned.
“All I’m trying to do is just trying to make a connection,” confessed a humble Urban, who dedicated the evening’s biggest award—Video of the Year (“Blue Ain’t Your Color”)—to his fans inside and outside the room. “It’s all about [fans], that’s why I go over and say hi to everybody.” In a pre-show Facebook Live, Urban elaborated, “I hate when they rush us away from you [fans lined up outside], I love to try to get to as many people as we humanly can before they pull us away.”
In all, Urban’s name was called for four of the fan-voted awards, half of those distributed that he could have qualified for, including a win for Collaborative Video of the Year with new label mate Carrie Underwood.
Pictured (L-R): Danielle Bradbery, RaeLynn, Reba, Carrie Underwood. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): Dustin Lynch, Brett Young, Brett Eldredge, Gnash. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Underwood, who was the recipient of two awards in her own right, notching 17 wins at the awards show over the years—breaking her own record. “The captain’s wife” was involved in many of the award show’s shout-outs to the Nashville Predators, even offering one herself before wrapping her Female Video of the Year win for “Church Bells.”
“Thank you God for so many incredible blessings me and my husband have in our lives, there’s a lot going on in our lives and we are so grateful,” said Underwood after thanking the fans. “…Go Preds!”
In addition to the collaborative duo’s on-screen success, CMT’s Nashville and Music City’s Predators were in full view.
In introducing the Universal Music Group star’s Collaborative Video of the Year, Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher dumped a catfish on stage. Addressed later, the show’s host—Nashville’s Charles Esten—contextualized the southern hockey tradition.
Gnash, the team mascot, was on hand for another entertaining shtick involving Underwood and Lauren Alaina. Alaina herself was presented Breakthrough Video of the Year (“Road Less Traveled”) by an ageless Reba. Vocal powerhouse Alaina confessed her inexperience in actually winning. “Thank you to all of [the artists] here that I’ve watched get awards every year, you have inspired me,” said Alaina.
Additional winners included Florida Georgia Line for Duo Video of the Year for “H.O.L.Y.,” Little Big Town for Group Video of the Year (“Better Man”) and Jason Derulo/Luke Bryan for “CMT Performance of the Year” for “Want to Want Me.”
Charles Esten and wife Patty Hanson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
CMT’s original Nashville TV show was also on full display, promoting its sixth season, with an amusing opening video sequence set at Rayna James’ mansion, filled with benign sexual innuendo. The tasteful monologues and hosting segments came across with full effect.
As customary, CMT offered a chance for unique duets. Perhaps most poignantly were top winners Urban and Underwood’s “The Fighter,” which blended a stripped down remake before launching in to the full production of the fan-favorite.
Cross-genre performances extended to Peter Frampton with the Brothers Osborne (“It Ain’t My Fault”); an opening tribute to Gregg Allman from Darius Rucker, Charles Kelley and Jason Aldean with former Allman bandmember Derek Trucks (“Midnight Rider”); Florida Georgia Line with The Chainsmokers (“Last Day Alive”); Luke Bryan (“Strip It Down”) Jason Derulo (“Want to Want Me”); and a closing number with Lady Antebellum (“You Look Good”) with Earth Wind & Fire (“September”).
Lady Antebellum. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Brothers Osborne (Center) with Lucy Silvas (L) and sister Natalie (R). Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Sponsorships abounded, as in-program shout-outs were made with Firestone tires, Hershey chocolates and Pepsi.
True to his speech, Urban’s Bentley Flying Spur waited patiently in the street as he signed autographs and took photos with fans, eight hours after arriving downtown. It was one hour after the show wrapped and shortly after Jason Aldean finished his free, post-show concert at Walk of Fame Park. The park, like many landmarks this week that are re-branded for sponsorships, was referred to as Hilton Park to promote Aldean’s concert, and will be named Chevrolet Park after today at the start of CMA Fest. Let the festivity bells and the cash registers start ringing!
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Kelsea Ballerini and fiancee and new Warner signee Morgan Evans. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Anderson East and Miranda Lambert. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): Michael Monaco, Luke Bryan, Hunter Jobes. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Thomas Rhett with wife Lauren. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Runaway June. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
CMT’s Cody Alan and Trea Smith. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Brandi Cyrus with Cyrus. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Shane and Michael McAnally Baum’s daughter Dylan with Savannah Chrisley. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Exclusive: Music Executive Todd Cassetty To Consult For ‘American Idol’
/by Sherod RobertsonTodd Cassetty
Long-time music executive Todd Cassetty has been retained as the Nashville talent consultant for the new American Idol, set to air early next year on ABC.
Cassetty and his team will be looking for both male and female artists, ages 15-28, from all styles and genres of music. “We’re just now getting started on our search,” says Cassetty. “We look forward to contributing some great Nashville talent to such an iconic television program.”
Cassetty will continue his regular duties with Hi-Fi Fusion and Cassetty Entertainment while consulting with American Idol.
Cumulus Media’s Kelly Ford, Cheree Carter Earn Gracie Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonKelly Ford
Kelly Ford, Co-Host of Cumulus Media and Westwood One’s nationally syndicated morning radio show, Ty, Kelly & Chuck, was honored Wednesday night (June 7) in Los Angeles with a 2017 Gracie Award as Best Co-Host, Radio.
Cumulus Media’s Cheree Carter (who was unable to attend) was also awarded with two Gracies for Host/Personality and Imaging.
The Gracie Awards, held at Los Angeles’ Beverly Wilshire Hotel, honor outstanding programing created by, for, and about women.
A full list of winners is available at allwomeninmedia.org.
Industry Ink: Big Machine, Sony Music Nashville, Bullseye Marketing, CMHoF, Jammber
/by Lorie HollabaughBig Machine Hosts Pour It On Event
A full schedule can be found at SoundtrackToSummer.com. Fans 21 and older who visit the store will also be among the first to have a taste during the POUR IT ON World Premiere event, featuring Big Machine Platinum Filtered Premium Vodka, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey and All Mighty 140 Shine bottled and distilled by Tenn South Distillery in Lynnville, TN.
Sony Music Nashville Launches Live @ 1201 With Luke Combs
Hoda And Kathie Lee Chat With Nashville Country Club
Andrea Zonn Interviewed At Country Music Hall Of Fame
The Zonn interview is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and passes are required for admittance. Members can reserve program passes in advance by phone (615-416-2050) or via e-mail (reservations@
Jammber And Sony/ATV Writers Round At The Listening Room
Jammber is partnering with Sony/ATV for a monthly writers round beginning June 13 at the Listening Room Cafe featuring Monty Criswell and several other writers. Jammber’s mission is to help empower the people behind the music, especially songwriters.
DISClaimer: Gary Allan, Maggie Rose Outshine Star-Packed Competition
/by Robert K OermannGary Allan
Looks like it’s all-hands-on-deck for the CMA Fest edition of DisClaimer.
The most star-packed review column of the year to date includes such red-hot names as Thomas Rhett and Jason Aldean, plus plenty more. Because of all the big-time attractions, there was no room for newcomers today. Hence, no DisCovery Award.
The male contenders for Disc of the Day looked, on paper, to be a duel between our resident bruiser vocalists Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton. But both were bested by a come-from-behind dark horse, Gary Allan. It has been way too long since we have had new music from this talented fellow.
The female division appeared to be a contest between our happening ingenues, Lauren Alaina and Kelsea Ballerini. But here again, the front runners were beaten by a lesser known star, Maggie Rose. To retread a cliche, you go, girl.
MAGGIE ROSE/Body On Fire
Writers: Maggie Rose/Chad Carolson; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/Maggie Rose/Chad Carolson; Publishers: none listed; MR (track)
– A home run. Steamy, sensuous, slow-burning and sensational. Her voice explodes into little firecrackers and ignites sparklers throughout. The production is a beautifully textured tapestry of electronic wonder. Why is this gifted woman not on a major label?
LUKE COMBS/When It Rains It Pours
Writers: Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher/JOrdan Walker; Producer: Scott Moffatt; Publishers: Big Music Machine/50 Egg/Straight Dimes/Works of RHA/Atlas/Extremely Comustible/On Cor/PAJ, BMI; Columbia/River House
– A drawling good ole boy’s lament of love gone wrong becomes a toe-tapping celebration of freedom and good fortune. This guy sounds exactly like somebody you want to have a beer with.
CHRIS STAPLETON/Either Way
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Tim James/Kendall Marvell; Producers: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Publishers: none listed; Mercury (track)
– It’s just that magnificent voice and an acoustic guitar delivering a heartbreak ballad. And, boy, do they pack a wallop. Riveting and gripping and righteous and real.
KELSEA BALLERINI/Legends
Writers: Ballerini/Forest Glen Whitehead/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Forest Glen Whitehead/Jason Massey; Black River
– Echoey, atmospheric and utterly lovely. It’s about finding perfect love and soaring with the feeling.
CHRIS JANSON/Fix A Drink
Writers: Chris Janson/Chris DuBois/Ashley Gorley; Producers: Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
– He can’t fix the weather, job worries, a broken heart, the blues or the news. But he can sure ‘nuff fix a drink. Rollicking fun.
ELI YOUNG BAND/Fingerprints
Writers: Mike Eli/James Young/Ross Copperman/Josh Osborne; Producers: Ross Copperman/Jeremy Stover; Publishers: Small Town Kid/Young James Young/NTAC/EMI Blackwood/Rezolant/Sony-ATV/Songs of Black River/One Little Indian Creek, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music
– Dense sounding, with loads of “bottom” in the mix. It’s not nearly as catchy as their big hits have been.
LAUREN ALAINA/Doin’ Fine
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Emily Shackleton/busbee; Producer: Busbee; Publishers: none listed; Mercury/19/Interscope (CDX)
– It’s a bit of a letdown as the follow-up to a star-making performance. But it has plenty of pluck, and she sings it splendidly, particularly in her upper register.
GARY ALLAN/Mess Me Up
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally; Producers: Gary Allan, Ross Copperman, Greg Droman; Publishers: none listed; EMI (CDX)
– Darkly compelling. In front of a throbbing track, he begs a woman he is obsessed with to torture his mind. As usual, he sings with tremendous fire and conviction. A burning cauldron of sound.
JASON ALDEAN/They Don’t Know
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
– In defense of rural life, to the accompaniment of screaming guitars.
THOMAS RHETT & MAREN MORRIS/Craving You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Valory Music (ERG)
– It’s a potent rocker with plenty of thump and crash. Despite the billing, this is essentially a Rhett solo with some occasional vocal coloring by Morris.
Fan-Facing CMT Awards Honor Keith Urban’s Appeal For Nearly Half Of The Show
/by Eric T. ParkerCarrie Underwood and Keith Urban. Photo: CMT
It is a good thing Keith Urban stayed the duration of the 2017 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday evening (June 7). The Universal Music Group star’s name was called for nearly half of the envelopes turned.
“All I’m trying to do is just trying to make a connection,” confessed a humble Urban, who dedicated the evening’s biggest award—Video of the Year (“Blue Ain’t Your Color”)—to his fans inside and outside the room. “It’s all about [fans], that’s why I go over and say hi to everybody.” In a pre-show Facebook Live, Urban elaborated, “I hate when they rush us away from you [fans lined up outside], I love to try to get to as many people as we humanly can before they pull us away.”
In all, Urban’s name was called for four of the fan-voted awards, half of those distributed that he could have qualified for, including a win for Collaborative Video of the Year with new label mate Carrie Underwood.
Pictured (L-R): Danielle Bradbery, RaeLynn, Reba, Carrie Underwood. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): Dustin Lynch, Brett Young, Brett Eldredge, Gnash. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Underwood, who was the recipient of two awards in her own right, notching 17 wins at the awards show over the years—breaking her own record. “The captain’s wife” was involved in many of the award show’s shout-outs to the Nashville Predators, even offering one herself before wrapping her Female Video of the Year win for “Church Bells.”
“Thank you God for so many incredible blessings me and my husband have in our lives, there’s a lot going on in our lives and we are so grateful,” said Underwood after thanking the fans. “…Go Preds!”
In addition to the collaborative duo’s on-screen success, CMT’s Nashville and Music City’s Predators were in full view.
In introducing the Universal Music Group star’s Collaborative Video of the Year, Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher dumped a catfish on stage. Addressed later, the show’s host—Nashville’s Charles Esten—contextualized the southern hockey tradition.
Gnash, the team mascot, was on hand for another entertaining shtick involving Underwood and Lauren Alaina. Alaina herself was presented Breakthrough Video of the Year (“Road Less Traveled”) by an ageless Reba. Vocal powerhouse Alaina confessed her inexperience in actually winning. “Thank you to all of [the artists] here that I’ve watched get awards every year, you have inspired me,” said Alaina.
Additional winners included Florida Georgia Line for Duo Video of the Year for “H.O.L.Y.,” Little Big Town for Group Video of the Year (“Better Man”) and Jason Derulo/Luke Bryan for “CMT Performance of the Year” for “Want to Want Me.”
Charles Esten and wife Patty Hanson. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
CMT’s original Nashville TV show was also on full display, promoting its sixth season, with an amusing opening video sequence set at Rayna James’ mansion, filled with benign sexual innuendo. The tasteful monologues and hosting segments came across with full effect.
As customary, CMT offered a chance for unique duets. Perhaps most poignantly were top winners Urban and Underwood’s “The Fighter,” which blended a stripped down remake before launching in to the full production of the fan-favorite.
Cross-genre performances extended to Peter Frampton with the Brothers Osborne (“It Ain’t My Fault”); an opening tribute to Gregg Allman from Darius Rucker, Charles Kelley and Jason Aldean with former Allman bandmember Derek Trucks (“Midnight Rider”); Florida Georgia Line with The Chainsmokers (“Last Day Alive”); Luke Bryan (“Strip It Down”) Jason Derulo (“Want to Want Me”); and a closing number with Lady Antebellum (“You Look Good”) with Earth Wind & Fire (“September”).
Lady Antebellum. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Brothers Osborne (Center) with Lucy Silvas (L) and sister Natalie (R). Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Sponsorships abounded, as in-program shout-outs were made with Firestone tires, Hershey chocolates and Pepsi.
True to his speech, Urban’s Bentley Flying Spur waited patiently in the street as he signed autographs and took photos with fans, eight hours after arriving downtown. It was one hour after the show wrapped and shortly after Jason Aldean finished his free, post-show concert at Walk of Fame Park. The park, like many landmarks this week that are re-branded for sponsorships, was referred to as Hilton Park to promote Aldean’s concert, and will be named Chevrolet Park after today at the start of CMA Fest. Let the festivity bells and the cash registers start ringing!
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Kelsea Ballerini and fiancee and new Warner signee Morgan Evans. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Anderson East and Miranda Lambert. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Pictured (L-R): Michael Monaco, Luke Bryan, Hunter Jobes. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Thomas Rhett with wife Lauren. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Runaway June. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
CMT’s Cody Alan and Trea Smith. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Brandi Cyrus with Cyrus. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Shane and Michael McAnally Baum’s daughter Dylan with Savannah Chrisley. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Sara Evans Benefits CMA Foundation With New Limited Edition Wine
/by Jessica NicholsonCollective Artist Management’s, Craig Dunn, ONEHOPE Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer, Brandon Hall, Sara Evans, CMA Foundation’s Joe Galante and Tiffany Kerns celebrate the launch of ONEHOPE Sara Evans Signature Series 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon at City Winery Nashville on June 7, 2017. Photo: Kayla Schoen
Sara Evans has launched a limited edition ONEHOPE Sara Evans Signature Series 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Every purchase of a limited edition bottle will benefit the CMA Foundation, which helps fund quality music education programs throughout the United States.
Evans debuted the wine, along with music from her upcoming album Words, during a preview party at Nashville’s City Winery on Wednesday, June 7.
Made in collaboration with Rob Mondavi Jr. and cellared and bottled by ONEHOPE Winery in Napa, California, the wine is available now at onehopewine.com/saraevans.
“All three of my children are musicians — it’s been a joy to watch them learn how to play and sing and I want to do my part to help other kids have that same chance,” said Evans. “When the opportunity presented itself to combine three things that are very important to me – music, children, and wine – I couldn’t resist! I’m so excited to partner with ONEHOPE to release my own Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon and help fund the amazing work the CMA Foundation is doing by supporting music education programs across the country.”
Since its inception, the CMA Foundation has given more than $17.5 million to organizations enhancing the lives of students through the power of music.
Adding to her support of music education, Sara will make several appearances during the week of CMA Music Festival, from which ticket proceeds benefit the CMA Foundation. She will appear on Friday, June 9 at the HGTV Lodge, and on the Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage. On Saturday, June 10 she will appear at City of Hope’s Celebrity Softball Tournament at First Tennessee Park, at the Radio Disney Country Stage for a Q&A and performance, at Womanista’s Bumble Beetique at The Bell Tower, and offer a performance at the Grand Ole Opry Saturday evening.
ONEHOPE Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer, Brandon Hall, Sara Evans, and CMA Foundation’s Joe Galante. Photo: Kayla Schoen
Blake Shelton Celebrates Partnership With Smithworks Vodka (…and some karaoke)
/by Sherod RobertsonBlake Shelton welcomes Smithworks Vodka to the heart of country music on June 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Smithworks Vodka).
Thanks to country music kingpin Blake Shelton, Smithworks® Vodka is now available in Tennessee as it expands to the heart of country music. The award-winning Smithworks Vodka expanded its roots this week by rolling out in Nashville just before CMA Fest gets underway.
Smithworks debuted the American-made vodka alongside Shelton, who the company refers to as an “essential member of the Smithworks family.” The private celebration was held on Tuesday (June 6) at WannaB’s in Nashville and gave lucky guests the opportunity to enjoy their favorite vodka drink including Blake’s Pick, Shelton’s drink of choice, consisting of Smithworks® Vodka and lemon lime soda, garnished with a lime wedge.
“A huge part of my life has been rooted in my involvement with country music and my ties to Nashville,” said Shelton. “With the brand’s expansion to Tennessee, I’m excited to bring our American-made vodka to the place that’s a second home for me.”
Before informally judging energetic rounds of karaoke from the invited guests, which included co-host Hoda Kotb of NBC’s Today Show, Shelton spoke with MusicRow about what he looks for when partnering with certain brands such as Smithworks.
“It’s got to be authentic,” says Shelton. “It’s got to be something that makes good sense for me. I’ve done things in the past that I look back on and maybe I shouldn’t have done that. But I’m fortunate enough to have gotten to a place in my career and in my life that if it doesn’t make good sense for me personally and I’m not passionate about it, I’m not going to do it. I’m lucky enough to surround myself with people that do get that [marketing] part of it. For me, I just know what I like.”
Blake Shelton and Hoda Kotb celebrate the expansion of Smithworks Vodka in Nashville, Tennessee at karaoke bar WannaB’s on June 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Smithworks Vodka.
Launched in early 2016, Smithworks® Vodka has already won a coveted gold medal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its quality and craftsmanship.
“Crafted with pride and rooted in a passion to create a spirit that embodies the values of the Heartland, Smithworks celebrates the importance of enjoying moments in life with good people and great drinks,” said Troy Gorczyca, Brand Director, Smithworks. “We are excited to share Smithworks with consumers in Music City and across Tennessee because they share the same pride and passion in creating their music as Smithworks has for its vodka.”
It is available in select markets across the U.S. including Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and now Tennessee.
Blake Shelton welcomes Smithworks Vodka to the heart of country music on June 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Smithworks Vodka
Florida Georgia Line Gets Their Shine On With Plenty Of Metal For May
/by Lorie HollabaughFGL’s “H.O.L.Y.” was certified multi-platinum in May, with sales of three million copies. The duo also reached platinum status with three other songs, “May We All,” “Confession,” and their Backstreet Boys collaboration, “God Your Mama And Me,” which was also certified gold.
Platinum Single:
Brett Young, “In Case You Didn’t Know”
Florida Georgia Line, “May We All,” “Confession,” and “God Your Mama And Me”
Gold Single:
Artists Of Then, Now, and Forever: “Forever Country”
Brantley Gilbert, “The Weekend”
Florida Georgia Line, “God Your Mama And Me”
Kelsea Ballerini, “Yeah Boy”
Thomas Rhett, “Star Of The Show”
Hillsong United, “Touch The Sky”
Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You”
Harry Styles 2018 Tour Openers Include Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges, Warpaint
/by Jessica NicholsonHarry Styles, Kacey Musgraves
Harry Styles has been burning up the Top 200 sales chart with his self-titled solo album, moving 193,000 in traditional album sales when his album made its debut the week of May 12.
Now Styles, who first rose to fame as a member of boy band One Direction, will welcome a trio of artists including Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges, and Warpaint to open several of his upcoming shows in 2018.
Musgraves will join tour stops at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena (6/12), Dallas’ American Airlines Center (6/5), Houston’s Toyota Center (6/7), New York City’s Madison Square Garden (6/21), and Los Angeles’ The Forum (7/13), among other stops.
For a full list of tour dates, visit hstyles.co.uk.
Dismas House Sells 16th Avenue South Property In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughThe property includes a 3,928 square foot home constructed in 1920 with beautiful hardwood interiors. The listing information with Cherry & Associates stated the property could be subdivided as a residence available for renovation and conversion to an office on a 10,000-plus square foot lot and a 10,000 square foot-plus vacant lot.
Dismas, a provider of housing and programs for ex-offenders, plans to build a new 46-room, 23,000 square foot home with 76 beds near the Lentz Public Health Center that will provide programs and accommodations for its residents.