Chris Stapleton, Cam and Carrie Underwood dominate this year’s CMT Music Awards nominations, with three nominations each. The network nominated 12 videos for its Video of the Year category, while other categories include six nominees. The nominations were revealed Monday morning on CMT.com.
Stapleton is nominated for Video of the Year (“Fire Away”), Breakthrough Video of the Year (“Fire Away”), and CMT Performance of the Year (for his rendition of “Nobody To Blame” at the CMT Artists of the Year event).
Cam’s “Burning House” is up for Video of the Year, Female Video of the Year, and Breakthrough Video of the Year.
In the overall Video of the Year category, Cam and Stapleton compete against Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett, Tim McGraw, and Carrie Underwood.
Underwood won her record-setting sixth Video of the Year honor last year (and fourth consecutive win in the category).
Voting Begins Today at CMT.com, with a new category to be revealed on June 1.
The 2016 CMT Music Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.
· Blake Shelton – “Sangria”
· Cam – “Burning House”
· Carrie Underwood – “Smoke Break”
· Chris Stapleton – “Fire Away”
· Florida Georgia Line – “Sippin’ on Fire”
· Jason Aldean – “Tonight Looks Good on You”
· Keith Urban – “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”
· Little Big Town – “Girl Crush”
· Luke Bryan – “Strip It Down”
· Sam Hunt – “Break Up in a Small Town”
· Thomas Rhett – “Die a Happy Man”
· Tim McGraw – “Humble and Kind”
MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
· Blake Shelton – “Sangria”
· Eric Church – “Like a Wrecking Ball” (From 2015 CMT Music Awards)
· Keith Urban – “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”
· Luke Bryan – “Kick the Dust Up” (From 2015 CMT Music Awards)
· Sam Hunt – “Break Up in a Small Town”
· Thomas Rhett – “Die a Happy Man”
FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
· Cam – “Burning House”
· Carrie Underwood – “Smoke Break”
· Jana Kramer – “I Got The Boy”
· Kacey Musgraves – “Biscuits”
· Kelsea Ballerini – “Dibs”
· Maren Morris – “My Church”
GROUP / DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group or duo; awarded to the artists
· Brothers Osborne – “Stay a Little Longer”
· Dan + Shay – “Nothin’ Like You”
· Florida Georgia Line – “Sippin’ on Fire”
· Little Big Town – “Girl Crush”
· Old Dominion – “Break Up With Him”
· Zac Brown Band – “Loving You Easy”
BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
· Brothers Osborne – “Stay a Little Longer”
· Cam – “Burning House”
· Chris Janson – “Buy Me A Boat”
· Chris Stapleton – “Fire Away”
· Maren Morris – “My Church”
· Old Dominion – “Break Up With Him”
CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
· Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis – “Girl Crush” (From 2015 CMT Artists of The Year)
· Brantley Gilbert and Lynyrd Skynyrd – “What’s Your Name” (From CMT Crossroads)
· Carrie Underwood – “Smoke Break” (From CMT Instant Jam)
· Cheap Trick and Jennifer Nettles – “I Want You To Want Me” (From CMT Crossroads)
· Chris Stapleton – “Nobody To Blame” (From CMT Artists of the Year)
· Darius Rucker – “Alright”(From CMT Instant Jam)
Nick Fradiani Sings Acoustic Show In Nashville For Mother’s Day
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): David Nathan, BMLG SVP Promotion and Artist Development; Scott Borchetta, BMLG President and CEO; Nick Fradiani; Jonathan Shuford, WRVW 107.5 The River PD; Garrett Rheam, Republic Records Southern Atlantic Regional, Promotion. Photo: Big Machine Records
Big Machine Records artist and 2015 American Idol champion Nick Fradiani performed an acoustic afternoon set at the Aloft Hotel in Nashville on Sunday (May 8).
The special Mother’s Day event was hosted by Nashville pop station WRVR 107.5 The River.
Scott Borchetta and American Idol alumni Lauren Alaina and Clark Beckham were also on hand. Fradiani, the Season 14 American Idol winner, gave a sample of new music along with a few mashups. His new single is “Get You Home,” which he co-wrote. His debut single, “Beautiful Life,” was selected as the anthem for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In addition to recording his debut album for Big Machine Records, Fradiani is traveling to Aloft hotels across the country to perform intimate concerts.
Next ‘Skyville Live’ Will Feature Billy Gibbons, Frankie Ballard
/by Craig_ShelburneZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. Photo: Blain Clausen
Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top will star in the next edition of Skyville Live, the Emmy-nominated online music series based in Nashville.
The show will be streamed live on May 24. Additional guests include country artist Frankie Ballard, Nashville musician Mike Henderson, rock guitarist Orianthi and neo-soul singer ZZ Ward.
“We’ve had some world-class-kick-ass guitar playing on previous shows…but every artist on here is a brilliant guitarist,” says producer Wally Wilson. “This one’s gonna take us to Six String Heaven with the Rev. Billy G. leading the way!”
The episode is scheduled to stream live exclusively via AOL.com and go90, a free mobile video platform available across all wireless carriers on May 24 at 8/7c. To access go90, download the app via the App Store or Google Play.
Each episode is recorded with full HD video in front of an intimate studio audience in Nashville and live-streamed around the world. Since debuting in January 2015, Skyville Live has welcomed artists like Cyndi Lauper, Kris Kristofferson, Jason Isbell, Gladys Knight, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, and more.
Toby Keith Prepares Tour, Charity Event, New Album
/by Craig_ShelburneToby Keith
Toby Keith will launch his Interstates & Tailgates Tour on Tuesday (May 10) in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Presented by Ford Trucks, the tour is scheduled through Oct. 16 in Austin, Texas. Eric Paslay has been added to the tour on select dates.
Next month, Keith will host the 13th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, in Norman, Oklahoma. The event raises money for the Toby Keith Foundation and its work supporting seriously ill children and their families through the OK Kids Korral. A gala dinner, performance and auction will take place June 3, followed the next day by a shotgun golf tournament. Approximately 750 attendees are expected at the event, which has raised millions since its inception.
Keith is currently in the studio working on a new album, following his 2015 project, 35 mph Town.
Cassadee Pope Anticipates “Summer” Single, EP Release
/by Jessica NicholsonCassadee Pope. Photo: Lance Goodman
Republic Nashville artist Cassadee Pope will release a new EP, Summer, on June 3.
Pope penned three of the four songs on the EP. The project’s title track will be the lead single, impacting radio on June 6.
Pope’s Summer EP is produced by Corey Crowder, who produced and co-wrote “Think of You,” the recent No. 1 single recorded by Pope and Chris Young. Pope will be on the road as part of Young’s I’m Comin’ Over Tour, which has been extended into the fall.
Pope’s prior project for the label, Frame By Frame, was released in 2013.
Summer EP track listing:
1. “Summer” (written by Cassadee Pope, Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton)
2. “Piano” (written by Cassadee Pope, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz)
3. “Kisses at Airports” (written by Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Chase McGill)
4. “Alien” (written by Cassadee Pope, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite)
Ringo Starr Adds Ryman Show After North Carolina Cancellation
/by Craig_ShelburneRingo Starr And His All Starr Band. Photo: Scott Robert Ritchie
Ringo Starr has added a second night at the Ryman Auditorium after dropping his North Carolina show in protest.
Starr was previously scheduled to perform in Cary, North Carolina, on June 18 with his All Starr Band — featuring Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie, Steve Lukather, Richard Page, Warren Ham and Gregg Bissonette. However, he cancelled the show last month in opposition to the passing of HB2, the controversial transgender bathroom law. Bruce Springsteen also canceled his North Carolina show in April.
Tickets for the newly-added Ryman show on June 18 show will go on sale Friday (May 13). The group will also perform there on June 19. The tour wraps July 2 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
In Pictures: Carrie Underwood, Cast Of ‘Nashville,’ Olivia Lane
/by Jessica NicholsonCarrie Underwood Makes Green Bay Stop During Storyteller Tour
Pictured (L-R): WNCY PD Dan Stone; 19 Recording/Arista Nashville’s Carrie Underwood; WNCY MD Charli McKenzie; Arista Nashville Regional Promo Manager Luke Jensen
Cast of Nashville Visits NASH FM 94.7
The cast of ABC’s Nashville joined Shila in the NASH FM 94.7 studios in NYC before heading down to the Theater at Madison Square Garden to perform their Nashville in Concert show on Thursday.
Charles Esten, Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio spoke to Shila about the success of the show, which is wrapping up its fourth season.
Pictured (L-R): Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen, Nash FM 94.7’s Shila, Charles Esten.
Olivia Lane Visits Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family
Big Spark Music Group’s Olivia Lane performed her single, “Make My Own Sunshine,” on Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family earlier this month.
Pictured (L-R) Co-hosts Mark Steines and Cristina Ferrare visit with Olivia Lane on Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family. Copyright 2016 Crown Media Family Networks/Photographer: Steve Lucero
CMT Music Awards Nominations Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Stapleton, Cam and Carrie Underwood dominate this year’s CMT Music Awards nominations, with three nominations each. The network nominated 12 videos for its Video of the Year category, while other categories include six nominees. The nominations were revealed Monday morning on CMT.com.
Stapleton is nominated for Video of the Year (“Fire Away”), Breakthrough Video of the Year (“Fire Away”), and CMT Performance of the Year (for his rendition of “Nobody To Blame” at the CMT Artists of the Year event).
Cam’s “Burning House” is up for Video of the Year, Female Video of the Year, and Breakthrough Video of the Year.
In the overall Video of the Year category, Cam and Stapleton compete against Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett, Tim McGraw, and Carrie Underwood.
Underwood won her record-setting sixth Video of the Year honor last year (and fourth consecutive win in the category).
Voting Begins Today at CMT.com, with a new category to be revealed on June 1.
The 2016 CMT Music Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.
· Blake Shelton – “Sangria”
· Cam – “Burning House”
· Carrie Underwood – “Smoke Break”
· Chris Stapleton – “Fire Away”
· Florida Georgia Line – “Sippin’ on Fire”
· Jason Aldean – “Tonight Looks Good on You”
· Keith Urban – “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”
· Little Big Town – “Girl Crush”
· Luke Bryan – “Strip It Down”
· Sam Hunt – “Break Up in a Small Town”
· Thomas Rhett – “Die a Happy Man”
· Tim McGraw – “Humble and Kind”
MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
· Blake Shelton – “Sangria”
· Eric Church – “Like a Wrecking Ball” (From 2015 CMT Music Awards)
· Keith Urban – “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”
· Luke Bryan – “Kick the Dust Up” (From 2015 CMT Music Awards)
· Sam Hunt – “Break Up in a Small Town”
· Thomas Rhett – “Die a Happy Man”
FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
· Cam – “Burning House”
· Carrie Underwood – “Smoke Break”
· Jana Kramer – “I Got The Boy”
· Kacey Musgraves – “Biscuits”
· Kelsea Ballerini – “Dibs”
· Maren Morris – “My Church”
GROUP / DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group or duo; awarded to the artists
· Brothers Osborne – “Stay a Little Longer”
· Dan + Shay – “Nothin’ Like You”
· Florida Georgia Line – “Sippin’ on Fire”
· Little Big Town – “Girl Crush”
· Old Dominion – “Break Up With Him”
· Zac Brown Band – “Loving You Easy”
BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
· Brothers Osborne – “Stay a Little Longer”
· Cam – “Burning House”
· Chris Janson – “Buy Me A Boat”
· Chris Stapleton – “Fire Away”
· Maren Morris – “My Church”
· Old Dominion – “Break Up With Him”
CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
· Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis – “Girl Crush” (From 2015 CMT Artists of The Year)
· Brantley Gilbert and Lynyrd Skynyrd – “What’s Your Name” (From CMT Crossroads)
· Carrie Underwood – “Smoke Break” (From CMT Instant Jam)
· Cheap Trick and Jennifer Nettles – “I Want You To Want Me” (From CMT Crossroads)
· Chris Stapleton – “Nobody To Blame” (From CMT Artists of the Year)
· Darius Rucker – “Alright”(From CMT Instant Jam)
Capitol CMG Signs The New Respects To Recording And Songwriting Agreements
/by Jessica NicholsonThe New Respects
Capitol CMG Label Group has signed Nashville-based band The New Respects, which includes siblings Zandy Fitzgerald, Lexi Fitzgerald, Darius Fitzgerald and their cousin Jasmine Mullen.
“We never thought we’d be signed to a record label, so when Capitol CMG Label approached us, we were shocked,” the band said. “We were just four kids who liked playing music, and people started to listen. They listen to our ideas, our songs, our dreams and our hearts as we do our best to say something that’s worth listening to. We are extremely thankful for the team that we get to work with and honored that they love us the way they do. It still feels like a dream some days, but we’re happy it’s not.”
Capitol CMG President Peter York said, “Capitol CMG is excited and honored to have signed The New Respects to long term recording and songwriting agreements. They represent a rare and special combination of talents. Their music defies categorization and connects to the listener with raw emotion and authentic grooves that are original, yet familiar. They have a distinct place and voice in the never ending sea of new talent, but most importantly a contagious joy that seems to permeate all of their songs in fresh and compelling ways.”
The New Respects will join Lecrae and Switchfoot on The Heartland Tour, hitting nine cities across the country, launching June 10 in Omaha, Nebraska. On the same day, the band’s first single “Hey!” will be available at all digital and streaming outlets.
Weekly Register: Florida Georgia Line, Martina McBride Make Strong Debuts
/by Jessica NicholsonFlorida Georgia Line and Martina McBride make a splash on the country charts with their new offerings.
Florida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line‘s latest single “H.O.L.Y.” surged to the top of the country digital tracks chart, selling 125K this week. Tim McGraw‘s “Humble and Kind” drops to No. 2, with 35K sold this week. The track tops 500K in sales this week, with 508K RTD.
Rounding out the top 5 country tracks this week are Dierks Bentley‘s “Somewhere on a Beach” (28K), Luke Bryan‘s “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day” (26K), and Chris Young‘s “Think of You,” featuring Cassadee Pope (24K).
Cole Swindell‘s “Broke Down” enters at No. 11 on the country tracks chart, and No. 58 overall, with 18.5K sold.
Overall digital track sales have decreased 23.9 percent YTD, while country digital track sales have decreased 20.8 percent.
Martina McBride. Photo: Joseph Llanes
McBride’s Nash Icon project Reckless debuts at No. 2 on the country album charts (No. 31 overall) with 15.5K sold. It’s her first release for that imprint of Big Machine Records and her first collection of new music since 2014’s Everlasting.
Chris Stapleton remains at No. 1 on the country album rankings with Traveller moving 25K this week. Joey+Rory‘s Hymns collection sells 14K to land at No. 3 this week, followed by Sturgill Simpson‘s A Sailor’s Guide To Earth at No. 4 (9.4K), and Sam Hunt‘s Montevallo at No. 5 (9.3K).
Merle Haggard‘s albums dominate the country catalog charts, holding down the top three slots.
Drake’s latest album, Views, tops the overall album rankings, surpassing 1 million combined units of sales and streaming, with 851K albums sold. His single, “One Dance” (featuring Wizkid and Kyla), also tops the tracks chart with 160K.
Overall album sales have decreased 13.8 percent year to date, while country digital album sales have decreased 18.2 percent. Country album sales are down 8.2 percent, while country digital album sales have declined 17.4 percent.
Information courtesy of Nielsen Soundscan.
Jason Aldean, Kid Rock Add Second Fenway Park Show
/by Craig_ShelburneJason Aldean and Kid Rock have announced a second stop at Boston’s Fenway Park, scheduled for Sept 10. The lineup also includes Thomas Rhett, A Thousand Horses and Dee Jay Silver.
The original show, scheduled for Sept. 9, sold out in 90 minutes. Tickets for the new date go on sale Friday (May 13).
Aldean launches his Six String Circus Tour on May 19 in Rogers, Arkansas. His current single, “Lights Come On,” is the lead track from his upcoming seventh album. Kid Rock is currently working on new material and playing only select dates this summer.