Riley Green, Lauren Alaina, Avery Anna & More Perform at ‘ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends’

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Riley Green. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Riley Green, Lauren Alaina, Avery Anna, Randy Houser and Rodney Atkins took the stage at Topgolf Las Vegas on Friday (May 15) for “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends.”

All ticket proceeds from the event benefited ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music which is dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. In honor of the 20th anniversary of ACM Lifting Lives, Topgolf donated $20,000 to support the ongoing work of the organization.

The event took place ahead of last night’s ACM Awards, held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Anna took home New Female Artist of the Year and Green earned Music Event of the year for his duet with Ella Langley, “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

Avery Anna. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Lauren Alaina. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Rodney Atkins. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Randy Houser. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Dan + Shay To Embark On ‘The Young Tour’ This Fall

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Dan + Shay.

Dan + Shay are set to hit the road across North America on “The Young Tour” this fall.

The tour will feature support from Tyler Hubbard and Josh Ross on most dates.

The 26-date run kicks off Sept. 11 in Noblesville, Indiana and makes stops in New York, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Texas and more, before wrapping Nov. 7 in Mountain View, California. General on sale begins Friday (May 22) following pre-sale opportunities this week. More information on tickets and VIP packages can be found here.

The tour supports the duo’s upcoming album, Young, which is set to be released Aug. 21 via Warner Records Nashville. Last night (May 17), Dan + Shay gave the live debut performance of “Say So” at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, where they were also nominated for Duo of the Year.

Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Anne Wilson Among Performers For Upcoming K-Love Fan Awards

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The K-LOVE Fan Awards has revealed the lineup of talent set to perform and present when the show returns to the Opry on May 24.

The evening will feature performances by Lauren Daigle, Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Zach Williams, Anne Wilson, Pat Barrett, CAIN, Leanna Crawford,, Hope Darst, Elevation Worship, Ben Fuller, Sadie Robertson Huff, MercyMe, Chandler Moore, Katy Nichole, Andrew Ripp, and Terrian, along with a few surprise guests.

Presenters include Shannon Bream, Dav Coretti, Brad Culver, John Crist, Michael Iskander, Levi Lusko, and Jonathan Roumie. The show will include additional appearances throughout the evening from Josh Baldwin, Blanca, Caleb & John, Franni Cash, Colton Dixon, Jenn Johnson, Rachael Lampa, Tasha Layton, David Leonard, Patrick Mayberry, Jon Reddick, Kristian Stanfill and Megan Woods.

The K-LOVE Fan Awards has also announced Robert Anthony Cruz, (Coach RAC) as this year’s recipient of the Sports Impact Award. Coach RAC played professional baseball for the Washington Nationals, but found his calling through youth coaching. He uses his pro background to make instructional social media content for youth baseball and softball on the fundamentals as well as motivational tips and tricks to instill a winning mindset. Off-camera, he is a left fielder for the Savannah Bananas, the exhibition baseball team.

Grammy winner Lauren Daigle and podcaster, author and speaker Sadie Robertson Huff are set to host the upcoming 13th annual fan-voted celebration, which will air exclusively on the Trinity Broadcasting Network on May 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET. An encore presentation will air at 10 p.m. ET the same night and again on June 5.

BREAKING: 2026 ACM Awards Winners [FULL LIST]

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The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards took over the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tonight (May 17). The evening was hosted by global icon Shania Twain.

The night’s top honor, the Entertainer of the Year, went to Cody Johnson, as well as Male Artist of the Year. Parker McCollum took home Album of the Year for his self-titled collection.

Ella Langley picked up four trophies throughout the evening, including Female Artist of the Year, Song and Single of the Year with her global smash “Choosin’ Texas,” and Musical Event Of The Year with Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Before the telecast, Langley also was named Artist-Songwriter of the year.

The Red Clay Strays earned the win for Group of the Year. Brooks & Dunn added another Duo of the Year trophy to their collection.

Several winners were announced ahead of the show, including Avery Anna, who earned New Female Artist of the Year. Tucker Wetmore was named New Male Artist of the Year, and Stephen Wilson Jr. picked up the win for Visual Media of the Year for “Cuckoo.” Jessie Jo Dillon also made history with her Songwriter of the Year win.

61st ACM Award Winners:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson- WINNER
Megan Moroney
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley- WINNER
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson- WINNER
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top

GROUP OF THE YEAR
49 Winchester
Flatland Cavalry
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays- WINNER

DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn- WINNER
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
Thelma & James

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Avery Anna- WINNER
Mackenzie Carpenter
Dasha
Caroline Jones
Emily Ann Roberts

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gavin Adcock
Vincent Mason
Shaboozey
Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore- WINNER

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33

Cherry Valley – Carter Faith
Producer: Tofer Brown
Record Company-Label: Gatsby Records / MCA

Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) – Riley Green
Producer: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
Producers: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett
Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records

Parker McCollum – Parker McCollum- WINNER
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse
Record Company-Label: MCA

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure
Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs for the Munch Music; Songs of Influence; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp

“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
Songwriters: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon
Publishers: Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music; Big Music Machine

“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley- WINNER
Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
Publishers: Bada Bing & Bada Langley Publishing; Little Louder Songs; Sony Music Publishing

“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols
Publishers: Music and Magazine Publishing; Rio Bravo Music Inc; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Too Broke to Quit Music; Zach Top Music

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg
Publishers: Concord Sounds; Dtown Boogie Music; Emi Feist Catalog Inc; Songs Of Riser House; Songs Of Wild Cat Well Music; Sony/ATV Countryside; Story Farmer; Tacklebox Music Publishing

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records

“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley- WINNER
Producers: Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records

“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Producers: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Broken Bow Records

“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music / Warner Records Nashville

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb
Record Company-Label: Republic Records

“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
Producers: Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook
Record Company-Label: Empire

“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley- WINNER
Producers: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
Producers: Tony Brown, Reba McEntire
Record Company-Label: MCA

“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: CeCe Dawson, Megan Moroney

“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: James Stratakis
Director: Alexa King Stone, Stephen Kinigopoulos

“Cuckoo” -Stephen Wilson, Jr.- WINNER
Producers: Tim Cofield
Director: Tim Cofield

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Katie Babbage
Director: TK McKamy

“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Dustin Haney

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon- WINNER
Ashley Gorley
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Blake Pendergrass

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Ella Langley- WINNER
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen

Ella Langley Named ACM Artist-Songwriter Of The Year

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Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley has been named this year’s ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

Langley was surprised with the news ahead of her sold-out stop on “The Dandelion Tour” last night in Savannah, Georgia.

In total, Langley earned seven ACM nominations this year, including Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year for “Choosin’ Texas,” and Music Event of the Year for “Don’t Mind if I Do” with Riley Green.

Langley is currently on her headlining “The Dandelion Tour” in support of her recent sophomore album. The tour continues through the summer. She will also join Morgan Wallen for select dates of his “Still The Problem Tour.”

The ACM Awards are set for tomorrow (May 17) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

MusicRow Weekly (Grammy Awards, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly brings a wave of major industry developments, from landmark media partnerships and executive appointments to artist signings and historic songwriter achievements that continue to shape Nashville’s evolving landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

The Recording Academy revealed that the 2027 Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 7. The ceremony will air live across ABC while also simulcasting on Disney+ and Hulu.

Riser House Entertainment unveiled a series of promotions and appointments. Shane Allen has joined as Executive Vice President of Promotion and Artist Brand Strategy, while Megan Stottlemyer steps into the role of Vice President of Label Operations. Alex Heimerman has been elevated to Head of Marketing and Label Strategy, and Jason VanAuken has been promoted to Vice President of Business Affairs.

Jessie Jo Dillon earned ACM Songwriter of the Year honors once again. With the win, Dillon became the first songwriter ever to claim the award three times, as well as the first to secure the honor in three consecutive years. She also remains one of only three women to ever receive the recognition.

Meanwhile, the Country Music Association and Disney unveiled an extension of their longstanding partnership through 2032. The renewed agreement ensures Disney will continue serving as the home for the CMA Awards, CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas.

The publishing and label sectors also remained active this week with several notable signings and renewals. Kenny Whitmire has signed with MCA, while Kaylin Roberson renewed her global publishing agreement with Peermusic Nashville. Lauren Watkins has extended her relationship with Big Loud Publishing, and Colton Dawson has entered new partnerships with Warner Records Nashville and TKO Artist Management. Tori Rose officially signed with Saddle Up Records as the label’s debut artist while also securing management with Johnstone Entertainment. Taylor Jones also signed a global publishing agreement with BMG.

Elsewhere in the industry, the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music announced plans for a special pop-up exhibit celebrating the release of Amy Grant’s album, The Me That Remains. The exhibit will spotlight Grant’s enduring legacy and influence across Christian and mainstream music alike.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” 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.

T.J. Martell Foundation To Honor Coran Capshaw At 51st Annual New York Honors Gala

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Coran Capshaw. Photo: Sarah Cramer Shields

The T.J. Martell Foundation will present Red Light Management Founder Coran Capshaw with the Lifetime Music Industry Award at its 51st annual New York Honors Gala on Sept. 15.

The foundation’s primary annual fundraiser brings together music industry legends, philanthropic leaders, and pioneering scientists for a night of tribute, inspiration, and purpose, all in support of cancer research.

Lifetime Music Industry Award recipient Capshaw has built Red Light into the world’s largest independent artist management company, where he personally manages Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Chris Stapleton and The Strokes, among others.  Beyond management, he has helped shape acclaimed music festivals and venues across the country, as well as carries a deep commitment to philanthropy.

“We are deeply honored to recognize our esteemed music industry colleague Coran Capshaw with this year’s Lifetime Music Industry Award, a tribute to decades of remarkable dedication and philanthropic leadership,” says Steve Gawley, Executive Vice President, Republic Co., Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Republic Collective and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, T.J. Martell Foundation. “This event is a celebration of those in the music industry whose unwavering passion and generosity are vital to advancing our mission. Coran’s enduring commitment to philanthropy, as well as his ability to rally artists in support of meaningful causes, has made a profound impact on our community. We are proud to shine a spotlight on Coran’s exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the causes that matter most.”

“I am incredibly honored to support this life-saving work,” says Capshaw. “Giving back has always been important to me, and being able to engage our generous music community to support vitally important organizations such as the T.J. Martell Foundation is something I’m proud of and will keep doing my part however I can.”

Waylon Wyatt Explores Love & Loss On Debut LP ‘Dustpiles’

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Rising artist Waylon Wyatt will release his debut album Dustpiles on Music Soup/Darkroom Records on July 17.

Today, Wyatt shares a new track from the album, “But There Was A Time,” a heartbreak anthem that explores the feeling of reconnecting with someone who once meant everything to you, only to realize the relationship may not have carried the same weight for them.

A collection of songs exploring love and loss, Dustpiles reveals Wyatt at his most introspective and vulnerable. The project also marks a creative turning point for the artist who collaborated with a diverse group of songwriters and producers including Carter Faith, Joe Becker, Tofer Brown, and Anderson East.

The album’s title track captures the emotional journey from heartbreak and uncertainty to finding the person you are meant to grow old with,. Driven by a deep focus on songwriting and shaped organically over time, Dustpiles presents raw, mature reflections on heartbreak, grief, and growing through pain.

“My debut album, Dustpiles, recollects the emotions I’d say most feel through love,” says Wyatt. “The biggest factor, though, is the ending title track called ‘Dustpiles.’ It’s a witty way of referring to how love should be but in a darker manner: finding that special someone who you are so close and secure, and in the end the two of you ultimately become two piles of dust.”

Earlier this year, Wyatt released “Didn’t Forget,” which features Wyatt Flores. He also recently collaborated with producer Ian Fitchuk on “In Loving Melody,” which followed their previous track, “Pretty Little Liar.”

Wyatt is currently on his headline “Everywhere Under The Sun Tour” with upcoming stops in Birmingham, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.

Niko Moon To Release New Album ‘ROOTS’ In July

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Niko Moon will release his new album ROOTS on July 17 via EMPIRE.

In celebration of the project, Moon released a new single, “RICH MAN.”

“I’ve spent a long time building my life as a singer, songwriter, husband and father, and while that journey has taken me to some beautiful places — including my home now in Nashville — I started feeling pulled back toward the places that raised me: Tyler, Texas, Atlanta, and Georgia This album is an homage to those places, those memories and the stories that shaped me. ROOTS draws not only from my own life, but from the musical history of Texas, Atlanta and the South as a whole. Sonically and personally, this album is a bit of a change for me. Instead of writing about taking somebody to the beach or out to a party, I wanted to take people back to where I come from — back to my roots, and back to the life I’m living today with my family,” he shares.

The project explores his upbringing in Georgia and Texas, and his life in Nashville with his wife and children.

Moon will embark on his headlining “BACK TO MY ROOTS” tour this fall, kicking off on September 11 in Youngstown, Ohio.

ROOTS Track List:
1. “GEORGIA (ROOTS)”
2. “AMERICAN DREAMIN’”
3. “RICH MAN”
4. “TAKE IT SLOW”
5. “GET COUNTRY”
6. “LAKESIDE SUMMER”
7. “SOMEWHERE, SOMEHOW, SOME WAY”
8. “COUNTRY SONG”
9. “DRIFT AWAY”
10. “WITHOUT YOUR LOVE”
11. “LAY IT ON ME”
12. “ONE WAY TO FIND OUT”
13. “RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW”
14. “EASY”
15. “CHANGE THE WORLD”

Recording Academy Hosts 25th Annual Nashville Chapter Block Party

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Pictured (L-R): Denitia, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Alicia Warwick (Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director). Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

The Recording Academy recently hosted its 25th Annual Nashville Chapter Block Party.

Voting and Professional Members enjoyed food, drink and lively performances by Nashville Chapter members Jamie MacDonald, Jo Dee Messina, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Next Gen artists Sammy Arriaga, Denitia and MvkeyyJ. The 25TH Silverbration was hosted by MŌRIAH, and DJ Smoke provided the tunes in between live performances.

Tuesday night’s event was hosted at 6th & Peabody.

MŌRIAH & Alison Brown. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Denitia. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Jo Dee Messina. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026

Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Courtesy of the Recording Academy® Photos by Ed Rode for Getty Images © 2026