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
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.
In Pictures: Carrie Underwood, Michael Ray, LANCO, Craig Campbell, Lewis Brice, Lee Brice
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood And Fans Get Preds Pride
Carrie Underwood celebrates during her annual fan club party. Photo: Jeff Johnson [Click to enlarge photo]
Michael Ray Helps Officially Open First Tennessee Park Twitter Vending Machine
Ray entertained the crowd with an acoustic set including his hits “Kiss You in the Morning” and “Think a Little Less,” took photographs with fans and signed giveaway items from the machine.
LANCO’s “Greatest Love Story” Gets Mural Treatment
Arista Nashville band LANCO celebrated a new interactive mural featuring their current single, “Greatest Love Story.” The mural, located in Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood, includes 3D spray-painted images including a replication of Paris’ Love Lock Bridge. Nashville visitors can chalk-in their own names on the mural’s locks through October.
Craig Campbell Hosts Charity Events To Raise Funds For Colorectal Cancer Research
Pictured (first row, L-R): Jerrod Niemann, Trent Harmon, Mindy and Craig Campbell, Nascar driver Scott Lagasse, Jr.; (second row): Michael Ray, Keifer and Shawna Thompson (Thompson Square), Parmalee’s Matt Thomas, Scott Thomas, Barry Knox and Josh McSwain; (third row): Winning bidder Glen Templeton, Jackie Lee, Love and Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson and emcee Eddie Garcia (“The Bobby Bones Show”). Photo: Xpressive Images By Jamie
Red Bow Records’ country artist Craig Campbell hosted the 5th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge and 3rd One Million Strong Benefit in Nashville, TN on Tuesday (June 6). Also a Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) national spokesperson, he started this campaign to bring awareness to the disease that killed his father at age 36. Both events combined raised over $180,000 for colorectal cancer education, research and prevention.
Lewis Brice Hosts Seventh Annual Lewispalooza
Pictured (L-R): Singer/songwriters Jerrod Niemann, Michael Ray, Drew Dixon, Jimmy Stanley, Kristen Kelly, Lewis Brice, Lee Brice, artist managers Lee Willard, Norman Jacob, Zach Farnum and singer/songwriter Jon Stone of American Young. Photo: Mindy Small/Getty Images
The seventh annual Lewispalooza was held on June 6 outside Tin Roof Demonbreun and raised funds for Hope Song, a non-profit using music to help give cancer patients hope. Lewis Brice and friends played host to a crowd of fans and industry alike through the nearly six-hour concert.
Performing guests included Jerrod Niemann, Michael Ray, American Young, Love and Theft, Kristen Kelly and many more. Lee Brice showed up for a special performance of his new single “Boy” during Niemann’s set.
Artist Updates: Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, Jessie James Decker, Gretchen Wilson, Striking Matches
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini Releases New Single
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini released a new single, “Legends,” from her highly anticipated second album, to radio this morning (June 7). The song—an anthem of storybook love penned by Ballerini with Forest Glen Whitehead and Hillary Lindsey—is available today on all digital streaming and sales platforms. She’ll debut the track live tonight at the CMT Music Awards.
Thomas Rhett Extends Partnership With Budweiser
Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett has extended his partnership with Budweiser, and will take part in the brand’s latest commercial. The singer-songwriter and Budweiser first teamed for his 2016 tour.
Jessie James Decker To Release Live EP
Epic Records (Sony) singer/songwriter Jessie James Decker will release her live project, Blackbird Sessions EP this Friday, June 9. Recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Blackbird Sessions features live covers of several of Decker’s favorite songs. The five-track project includes remakes of Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and Rihanna’s “Love On The Brain,” along with a stripped rendition of “Girl On The Coast” from her recently released EP, Gold.
New Gretchen Wilson Album Coming In June
Striking Matches To Preview New Music With Nashville Shows
This time, the duo teamed with producer Kennedy, known for work with Silver Sun Pickups, for their recently-completed sophomore album, due on Capitol Records later this year. The new album incorporates the duo’s blues and pop influences.
Country Music Association Names VP, Marketing
/by Jessica NicholsonLizzie Daniel
The Country Music Association has named a new VP, Marketing. In her new role, Lizzie Daniel will provide strategic leadership to CMA’s marketing, media planning, creative services, digital initiatives, and international strategies, including content development and distribution planning.
Daniel will report to CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside.
“I am excited to welcome Lizzie to the team at CMA,” said Whiteside. “Lizzie has a proven track record of building long term strategic relationships with her vibrant spirit and passion for creating and launching innovative and compelling digital, marketing, technology, media, and partnership programs. On top of that, she has a warm personality, great sense of humor, and she will be a great leader and team member at CMA.”
She previously served as VP of Brand Solutions at Tinder/Match Group, which includes 40+ properties including Match, OKCupid and more. She was promoted twice over her almost three years at Match Group building a sales team from three to 11 in the first year. Daniel launched the first native ad solutions on Tinder partnering with Anheuser Busch’s Bud Light and Wrigley’s Orbit Gum for the first campaigns.
Her previous career stops include Luxury Advertising Sales Director for online boutique/shoppable magazine Editorialist, Advertising Manager for Rolling Stone, and Promotions & Style Advertising Director for Nashville Lifestyles. Her career has also included time at Dreamworks Records, iHeart/Clear Channel Communications and Mercury Records.
“Joining CMA is a lifelong career dream come true. I am thrilled to join such an iconic association that impacts lives and gives back to the community through music education while creating engaging content and performances by artists through CMA’s core initiatives,” stated Daniel. “I look forward to collaborating with everyone in the industry and especially working with such exceptional leaders as Sarah Trahern and Damon Whiteside.”
Jake Owen, Old Dominion, RaeLynn Perform At Pandora’s Sounds Like Country Event
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen performs onstage during the Pandora Sounds Like Country at Marathon Music Works on June 6 in Nashville. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Pandora Media)
Pandora held its third annual Sounds Like Country event Tuesday night (June 6) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works leading up to the CMA Music Festival and the CMT Music Awards. Jake Owen, Old Dominion, and RaeLynn Performed for the crowd at the event. Today’s Country is the second most-played station on Pandora and 55 million of Pandora listeners have listened to country on Pandora in the past year. Jake Owen, who is in the 99th percentile of all artists in Pandora station adds, has more than 1.7 billion total spins on Pandora.
Brett Tursi and Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion perform onstage during Pandora Sounds Like Country at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Pandora Media)
RaeLynn (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Pandora Media)