The Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 57th annual GMA Dove Awards, honoring the best in Christian and Gospel music. Phil Wickham leads all male artists with nine nominations, while CeCe Winans tops all female artists with seven. They are joined in the Artist of the Year category by Brandon Lake, Josiah Queen and Lauren Daigle.
Eight-time Dove Award winner Tauren Wells will return as host for the fourth year in a row, one of the longest hosting runs in Dove Awards history. Wells also serves as an executive producer this year, earned two nominations, and will perform during the show.
“The Dove Awards are more than just an awards show,” says Wells. “The promise of scripture is if two or three people come together that Jesus is in our midst. We know this isn’t about trophies; it’s about elevating the name of Jesus and celebrating those who have done that very well this year. I’m so grateful to be back hosting and I cannot wait to get back on that stage, it’s truly an honor.”
Behind the scenes, the songwriters, producers and creators behind this year’s biggest Christian and Gospel music earned major recognition. Jonathan Smith leads all nominees with 14 nominations, followed by Jacob Sooter with 12 and Steven Furtick with 11. Their work appears on many of this year’s top nominated songs and albums. Meanwhile, this year’s New Artist of the Year nominees, bodie, Emerson Day, Jamie MacDonald, Megan Woods and SEU Worship, highlight some of the genre’s fastest-rising new artists.
A full list of nominees can be found here.
“Every year, the Dove Awards bring the diverse voices of the Christian music community together to celebrate the God we all serve, and that’s exactly the heart behind this year’s theme, ‘Together For One.’ This year’s class of nominees embodies that spirit, creating life-changing music that continues to unite people across the globe,” adds Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association.
The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held Oct. 6, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are available here.
The show will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app on Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. CT. It will re-air on Oct. 16, at the same times. Fans can also listen live during the Oct. 9 broadcast on SiriusXM’s The Message (Channel 65).
Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum Expands Management Team
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (clockwise): Dustin Shetley, Meg Harkins, Pam Alterio & Steven Hart
Dolly‘s Life of Many Colors Museum has hired four new team members as preparations continue for the museum’s upcoming opening this fall: Dustin Shetley, Meg Harkins, Steven Hart and Pam Alterio.
Shetley and Harkins join as Guest Experience Managers, while Hart has been named Financial Analyst, and Alterio joins as Operations Coordinator. The new team members will help bring Parton’s story to life, and create an unforgettable guest experience for visitors from around the world.
An East Tennessee native who grew up visiting Dollywood with his family, Shetley brings 18 years of leadership in retail to his new role as Guest Experience Manager. In his new position he will oversee the museum’s retail operations, with a focus on team development and delivering exceptional guest experiences and creating a welcoming, world-class experience for guests.
Harkins also joins the museum as Guest Experience Manager. A Georgia native, Harkins has spent eight years working in museums and cultural institutions, and after relocating to Nashville, served as a tour guide and museum manager at the Ryman Auditorium. Through her work with Ryman Hospitality Properties and Opry Entertainment Group, she specialized in creating engaging experiences for both guests and employees.
Serving as Financial Analyst, Hart oversees financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and performance analytics for the museum. He brings over a decade of experience in financial planning and wealth management, having guided long-term financial strategies for clients in Colorado. After relocating to Nashville, Hart was drawn to the opportunity to build the museum’s financial operations from the ground up and help turn data into decisions that support an exceptional guest experience while helping Dolly’s legacy continue to shine.
In her new role as Operations Coordinator, Alterio brings more than 20 years of experience providing administrative and operational support across the entertainment and hospitality industries. With a passion for the arts and a strong background in building relationships and supporting day-to-day operations, Alterio is excited to help contribute to a welcoming and memorable experience for every guest.
Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum is set to open this fall in Nashville, offering visitors an immersive journey through the stories, music, memories, and moments that have defined Dolly’s extraordinary life and career. Tickets for the Life of Many Colors Museum are available for prebooking now.
Lineup Unveiled For 30th Annual Concert For Cumberland Heights
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell and more are among the lineup for the special 30th annual Concert for Cumberland Heights, “Riding With The King: A Tribute To John Hiatt,” set for Nov. 9 at the Ryman Auditorium.
This year’s concert carries extra significance, as it coincides with Cumberland Heights’ 60th anniversary of providing addiction treatment and recovery services to Middle Tennessee and beyond, and also marks the concert’s standing as the longest-running benefit at the Ryman. The tribute also marks a special milestone for the concert series, celebrating 30 years of music, storytelling and service in the name of the artist whose legacy inspired it.
The evening will bring together some of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in American music for a night of songs and stories honoring Hiatt’s decades-spanning influence, all to support a cause near and dear to Hiatt’s heart. The all-star lineup for the special anniversary show also includes Rosanne Cash, Lilly Hiatt, Shawn Colvin, Richard Thompson, Robert Earl Keen and Pat McLaughlin, along with a special performance by John Hiatt himself. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Established in 1996, the Concert for Cumberland Heights benefits the John Hiatt Fund for Adolescent and Young Adult Treatment, which supports programs and patient scholarship assistance at Cumberland Heights. Over the past three decades, the concert has raised millions of dollars to help teenagers, young adults and their families find hope and healing from addiction. This year’s dual milestones, 30 years of the concert and 60 years of Cumberland Heights, make the tribute to Hiatt even more meaningful given his own longstanding connection to the organization’s mission.
Tickets go on sale Friday (July 31) at 10 a.m.
Gospel Music Association Unveils Nominees For 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards
/by Madison HahnenEight-time Dove Award winner Tauren Wells will return as host for the fourth year in a row, one of the longest hosting runs in Dove Awards history. Wells also serves as an executive producer this year, earned two nominations, and will perform during the show.
“The Dove Awards are more than just an awards show,” says Wells. “The promise of scripture is if two or three people come together that Jesus is in our midst. We know this isn’t about trophies; it’s about elevating the name of Jesus and celebrating those who have done that very well this year. I’m so grateful to be back hosting and I cannot wait to get back on that stage, it’s truly an honor.”
Behind the scenes, the songwriters, producers and creators behind this year’s biggest Christian and Gospel music earned major recognition. Jonathan Smith leads all nominees with 14 nominations, followed by Jacob Sooter with 12 and Steven Furtick with 11. Their work appears on many of this year’s top nominated songs and albums. Meanwhile, this year’s New Artist of the Year nominees, bodie, Emerson Day, Jamie MacDonald, Megan Woods and SEU Worship, highlight some of the genre’s fastest-rising new artists.
A full list of nominees can be found here.
“Every year, the Dove Awards bring the diverse voices of the Christian music community together to celebrate the God we all serve, and that’s exactly the heart behind this year’s theme, ‘Together For One.’ This year’s class of nominees embodies that spirit, creating life-changing music that continues to unite people across the globe,” adds Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association.
The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held Oct. 6, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are available here.
The show will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app on Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. CT. It will re-air on Oct. 16, at the same times. Fans can also listen live during the Oct. 9 broadcast on SiriusXM’s The Message (Channel 65).
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame & Ryman To Host 2nd Annual ‘Rock the Ryman’ Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Rock the Ryman” concert is returning to Nashville on Sept. 1. to celebrate the intersection of rock and country music and honor the legacy and impact of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have graced the Ryman stage.
Sponsored by Gibson and its philanthropic division Gibson Gives, the “Rock the Ryman” concert explores how country music has shaped rock & roll and how the genre has merged with today’s Americana, country and beyond. The special evening will be hosted by 2014 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee John Oates, and featured artists include Devon Allman, ROME, Sam Bush, Spencer Sutherland, Wynonna, YOLA with more to be announced soon. Each artist will perform songs by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who were influential to their careers.
“Rock the Ryman” is the latest event in a long-term collaboration between the two institutions since the Ryman’s official designation as a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark in 2022. The collaboration also includes a permanent exhibit on the Ryman daytime tour that features a rotating collection of memorabilia and stories from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have performed on its iconic stage. New additions to the Rock Hall at the Ryman tour exhibit for summer/fall 2026 include:
Tickets to the “Rock the Ryman” concert go on sale to the public on Friday (July 31). Proceeds from the event will help preserve and celebrate the history of rock & roll and support education initiatives
Avery Anna Slates ‘Blood Runs Thicker Tour’ For October
/by Lorie HollabaughAvery Anna
Avery Anna is kicking off her “Blood Runs Thicker Tour” this fall in Raleigh at The Ritz on Oct. 16.
The 10-show run includes stops in Athens, Richmond, Orlando, Charlotte, and more, wrapping Dec. 11.
Tickets are on sale this Friday (July 31).
Anna made her country radio debut this week with the streaming sensation “Blood Runs Thicker,” becoming the second most added and earning the title of most added female overall with the single. She’s also set to take the stage at the upcoming 19th Annual ACM Honors, joining an all-star lineup of performers celebrating this year’s Academy of Country Music honorees on Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
“Blood Runs Thicker Tour” Dates:
Oct. 16 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
Oct. 18 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
Oct. 20 – Normal, IL – Braden Auditorium
Oct. 23 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
Oct. 25 – Richmond, VA – The National
Nov. 7 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
Nov. 12 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
Nov. 13 – Jacksonville, FL – Five
Nov. 14 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues Orlando
Dec. 11 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Devon O’Day Launches Devon’s Farm Media
/by Lauryn SinkDevon O’Day. Photo: Courtesy of Devon’s Farm Media
Devon O’Day has launched Devon’s Farm Media, a boutique communications agency specializing in public relations, media strategy, podcast production, brand development and storytelling.
“I’ve spent my life introducing audiences to extraordinary people and remarkable stories,” shares O’Day. “This isn’t so much a new beginning as it is bringing everything I’ve learned over the past forty years together in one place.”
O’Day is a Tennessee Radio Hall Of Fame Broadcaster. Additionally, she has authored seven books for major publishers, created innovative digital media projects, produced podcasts for artists, businesses and nonprofit organizations, helped raise millions of dollars for charitable causes and more. She currently hosts Backstage Nashville and co-hosts Main Street Media’s streaming television series Taste of Nashville.
Tyler Braden To Embark On First Canadian Headline Run This Fall
/by Lauryn SinkTyler Braden. Photo: Marisa Taylor
Tyler Braden will hit the road on his first-ever Canadian tour this fall.
The seven-date “The Days Of Gold Tour” will make stops in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and more. Tickets go on sale Friday (July 31).
Braden has additional upcoming dates on his Australian “Wild At Heart Tour” this fall and his first-ever “The Days Of Gold Tour” across the UK and Europe in February 2027.
The Alabama-born, Nashville-based artist has amassed over one billion global streams and has shared stages with artists including Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Warren Zeiders and Darius Rucker. He recently released a stripped-down take on ROLE MODEL’s viral hit “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out.”
“The Days Of Gold Tour” Dates:
October 27 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House
October 29 – Montreal, QC – Studio TD
October 30 – Ottawa, ON – Bronson Centre Music Theatre
November 3 – Winnipeg, MB – The Park Theatre
November 5 – Saskatoon, SK – Coors Event Centre
November 6 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
November 7 – Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
Opry Plots Face The Fight Night To Bring Awareness To Veteran Suicide Prevention
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry and its presenting sponsor Humana are teaming up to drive awareness and education about veteran suicide prevention with the third annual Face the Fight event on Sept. 9, the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day.
Avid military supporters who will perform during the special evening include Opry members Trace Adkins and Chris Young, Army veteran Scotty Hasting, Breland, RaeLynn, the U.S. Army Chorus and more.
Founded by Humana Foundation, USAA, and Reach Resilience, Face the Fight is a national movement bringing organizations together to dramatically reduce the veteran suicide rate. The coalition now includes more than 300 members working collectively to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and engage communities. Face the Fight-funded programs have also impacted more than 1,400,000 lives with proven interventions.
“Veteran suicide prevention begins with connection, the kind that reminds people they are seen, valued and never alone,” says Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. “In Nashville, Face the Fight is bringing that message to life through a thought leadership convening, meaningful conversations and Face the Fight Night at the Opry, where music and storytelling can help people feel connected to something bigger than themselves. The Humana Foundation and Humana are proud to stand with Face the Fight and its coalition partners as we help turn shared commitment into lasting support for veterans and families.”
The Opry is also supporting the morning’s “Louder Together: Music and the Movement to End Veteran Suicide” thought leadership event at Ole Red ahead of the evening’s show.
Guy Clark Estate Joins The Humanable Movement
/by Lorie HollabaughGuy Clark‘s Estate has joined the Humanable artist roster, certifying his discographies as fully-human and free from the use of generative artificial intelligence in the creation of the music, and helping push the movement of protecting human creation in the arts.
Truly Handmade Records, a division of Guy Clark LLC, has joined the movement and Humanable to certify his and wife Susanna’s discographies as fully-human. Truly Handmade Records was formed by Clark’s grandchildren to honor his legacy and support songwriters who follow in his footsteps. Guy and Susanna’s discographies, including Guy’s 2013 Grammy-winning album My Favorite Picture of You, will be joining the list of fully human music certified via Humanable.
“Witnessing the current landscape where artificial intelligence is transforming art and media, it was important to us to certify that all of Guy and Susanna Clark’s compositions were written by the artists with zero assistance from machines,” says Tamara Saviano, President and Creative Director of Guy Clark LLC. “We hope the quality of their work will inspire future generations of writers and artists to trust their own creativity.”
Humanable Co-Founder
Humanable’s industry-wide standard certification provides a unique, individual identifier that helps prevent GenAI outputs from eroding the royalties of composers, musicians, and artists. Once art is certified, downstream gatekeepers and fans will have an instant visual guarantee that it was not created by GenAI, thanks to the easily recognizable Humanable
Matt McVaney Inks With Back Row Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Michael Kozelj, Matt McVaney, Lindsay Will and Taylor Antle. Photo: Courtesy of Back Row Publishing
Matt McVaney has signed with Back Row Publishing.
McVaney penned and produced Kane Brown’s “Used to Love You Sober” and “I Love That I Hate You,” and wrote “Thunder in the Rain,” the debut single from Brown’s 2016 self-titled album. Since then, as a producer, he has worked with Dalton Dover, Tayler Holder and David J. As a writer, he’s landed cuts with Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lainey Wilson, Chris Young, Chase Matthew, Zach John King and Tim McGraw.
“McV is a world-class writer and producer and I’m so excited to continue working with him in this new chapter at Back Row,” says Lindsay Will, VP A&R, Back Row Publishing. “His musical instincts are unmatched and his vision and passion for music aligned perfectly with our team and I can’t wait to see what we build together!”
“I can tell Back Row Publishing is building something different,” says McVaney. “Lindsay is an absolute champion who is creative, strategic, and pushes the boundaries with every writer. Mike [Kozelj] balances a great business mind with creativity to make sure everyone wins along the way, and Taylor [Antle] has a gift for connecting the dots and always doing what’s best for the writer and company. I truly believe Back Row is creating an unstoppable model, and I’m honored to be a part of what’s ahead.”
Back Row Publishing launched earlier this year, signing Christian Yancey as its flagship writer.