Post Malone, Shaboozey and Morgan Wallen.
The American Music Award 2025 nominees have been revealed. The 51st annual ceremony will take place on May 26 in Las Vegas, hosted by Jennifer Lopez.
Kendrick Lamar notches the most nominations this year, with 10 nods. If Lamar garners eight wins this year, he will tie Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most awards in a single year. Post Malone is next in the pack with eight nominations, followed by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey with seven nominations each. With six nominations each are Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA and Taylor Swift.
Up for Artist of the Year are Ariana Grande, Eilish, Roan, Lamar, Wallen, Post Malone, Carpenter, SZA, Swift and Zach Bryan. New Artist of the Year nods went to Benson Boone, Roan, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims and Tommy Richman.
A new category this year, Album of the Year nominations went to Beyoncé (Cowboy Carter), Eilish (Hit Me Hard and Soft), Roan (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess), Charli XCX (Brat), Abrams (The Secret of Us), Future & Metro Boomin (We Don’t Trust You), Lamar (GNX), Post Malone (F-1 Trillion), Carpenter (Short n’ Sweet) and Swift (The Tortured Poets Department). Also new this year is Song of the Year, with the nods going to Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!,” Hozier‘s “Too Sweet,” Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With a Smile,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” Carpenter’s “Espresso,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control.”
In a big year for musical collaborations, Collaboration of the Year nominations went to Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With A Smile,” Marshmello & Kane Brown‘s “Miles On It,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” ROSÉ and Mars’ “APT.” and Swift and Post Malone’s “Fortnight.” Inaugural Social Song of the Year nods went to Roan’s “HOT TO GO!,” Djo‘s “End of Beginning,” Doechii‘s “Anxiety,” Lola Young‘s “Messy,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby.”
On the touring front, Eilish, Luke Combs, Wallen, Swift and Bryan are all up for Favorite Touring Artist. Visually, Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” KAROL G‘s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” all earned nods for Favorite Music Video.
On the country front, Jelly Roll, Combs, Wallen, Post Malone and Shaboozey are all up for Favorite Male Country Artist, while Beyoncé, Ella Langely, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney are vying for Favorite Female Country Artist. Up for Favorite Country Duo of Group are Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, Parmalee, The Red Clay Strays and Zac Brown Band.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken, Moroney’s Am I Okay?, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion and Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going are up for Favorite Country Album. Rounding out the country categories is Favorite Country Song, with nods going to Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay,” Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph‘s “High Road,” Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Nominations for the American Music Awards are based on streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay and tour grosses via the Billboard charts and Luminate data tracking. This year’s eligibility period was March 22, 2024-March 20, 2025.
Fan voting is now open here and the @AMAs Instagram profile in all awards categories. Voting closes on May 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Collaboration of the Year and Social Song of the Year will remain open through the first 30 minutes of the broadcast.
Click here for a full list of nominations.
Curb Records Promotes Allyson Gelnett (Massey)
/by Madison HahnenAllyson Gelnett (Massey).
Curb Records has elevated Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to National Director of Promotion & Strategic Initiatives.
In her new role, Gelnett will work with Senior Vice President, Promotion, RJ Meacham to oversee the creation and execution of promotional strategies to expand fan growth and drive airplay and exposure in pivotal country markets. Gelnett will help with the alignment of promotion, marketing and branding efforts for the Curb Records roster.
“Allyson’s passion for our artists and their music has been clear from day one,” says Meacham. “She builds genuine partnerships with radio and streaming and brings an unmatched drive to deliver results. Her hustle, adaptability, and sharp instincts in an ever-shifting landscape make her the perfect fit for this role.”
“I’m incredibly honored to step into this new role and continue championing the artists and music that make Curb so special, building on a strong foundation that drives long-term success for our team and our artists,” adds Gelnett. “I’m especially thankful to Mike Curb and RJ Meacham for their persistent trust and unwavering support.”
Gelnett first joined Curb Records in 2018 as Director, Regional Promotion on the country promotion team.
JUST IN: LeAnn Bennett Joins Black River Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenLeAnn Bennett. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
LeAnn Bennett has joined Black River Entertainment as Vice President, Label Services.
In the new role, Bennett will oversee the company’s business affairs, A&R administration and sync licensing efforts, where she has already served as a longterm collaborator and consultant.
“I’m so excited to be working for such a well-respected record company, the wonderful staff, and the excellent roster of artists at Black River Entertainment,” shares Bennett. “They truly are the best in the business.”
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome LeAnn to the team,” adds Rick Froio, Executive Vice President, Black River Records. “She’s already been part of the family behind the scenes for years, and making it official just feels right.”
With over three decades in the music business, Bennett has held roles at Compass Records, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Orbison Records and Capitol Records Nashville. She also founded Bennett Entertainment Group in 2010, through which her consulting services take place.
Bennett will be based in Nashville and report directly to Froio. She can be reached at lbennett@blackriverent.com.
Second Annual ‘I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion’ To Take Place May 6
/by Madison HahnenThe second annual “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” will take place on May 6 at the Hall Park Hotel in Frisco, Texas, as part of ACM Awards week. Mickey Guyton will serve as host for the evening.
The celebration is named after Pride, the late legendary country artist and baseball player. During his career, he fought through racial discrimination, eventually becoming recognized for his musical talents. He notched a total of three Grammy Awards, the ACM Pioneer Award in 1994 and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. He was the first Black artist to earn a No. 1 country record and leaves a lasting impact through the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation’s Charley Pride Fellowship Program.
“We’re honored to support this celebration that uplifts trailblazers pushing the genre forward, while reaffirming our commitment to broadening the narrative and welcoming a wider range of voices into the spotlight,” shares Ryan Redington, GM of Amazon Music.
The ceremony will honor and recognize the achievements of more than ten honorees, including artists, executives and allies in country music who capture Pride’s victories and relentlessly serve as trailblazers and representatives of hope, advocacy and innovation in the music industry.
This year’s honorees include country singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer, singer, songwriter, producer and American Idol judge Lionel Richie, Guyton, singer, songwriter and record producer Shaboozey, Mexican-American singer-songwriter, artist, actor and activist Freddy Fender Estate, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and Grandmother of Juneteenth Opal Lee, President and CEO of F2 Entertainment Fletcher Foster, The Tennessean/USA Today country music reporter Marcus Dowling, Head of Country Music at Amazon Music Michelle Tigard Kammerer and CEO of mtheory Cameo Carlson.
Whiskey Myers To Release New Album In September
/by Lauryn SinkWhiskey Myers is set to release their seventh studio album, Whomp Whack Thunder, on Sept. 26 via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records. Along with the announcement, the album’s lead single, “Time Bomb,” is available now.
The band, comprised of Cody Cannon (vocals, guitar), John Jeffers (guitar), Cody Tate (guitar), Jamey Gleaves (bass), Jeff Hogg (drums) and Tony Kent (percussion, piano), channels the spirit of classic rock through a modern southern lens. Produced by Jay Joyce, the album features 11 solo-written tracks from Cannon.
“We didn’t set out to chase a specific sound—we set out to make a Whiskey Myers record,” reflects Jeffers. “Jay pulled something out of us that’s raw and real, and every track’s got a piece of our story in it. This album’s about where we’ve been, what we’ve lived and the scars we earned along the way – and I think Whomp Whack Thunder might just be our most fearless album yet.”
Ahead of the fall release, fans can catch early previews of the new music on the “What We Were Born To Do Tour,” kicking off June 6 and hitting cities across the U.S. throughout the summer. Whiskey Myers also co-headlines 14 dates of the “Live in 25 Tour” with Tedeschi Trucks Band later this year in addition to headlining their own personally curated festivals; the seventh annual Wiggy Thump Festival on May 10 in their hometown of Palestine, Texas and the inaugural Moon Crush “Whiskey Moon” music vacation taking over Miramar Beach, Florida. Nov. 7-9.
The album is available for pre-order now.
Whomp Whack Thunder Track List:
1. “Time Bomb”*
2. “Tailspin”
3. “I Got To Move”
4. “Rowdy Days”
5.”Icarus”
6. “Midnight Woman”
7. “Break These Chains”
8. “Born To Do”
9. “Rock N Roll”
10. “Ramblin’ Jones”
11. “Monsters”
*All songs solely written by Cody Cannon.
CMHOFM To Feature Fiddler Rob Hajacos As Next ‘Nashville Cats’ Honoree
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will highlight the career of fiddler Rob Hajacos in its in-depth interview series, “Nashville Cats” on June 21 in the museum’s Ford Theater.
Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine,” Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” are just a few of the hits featuring Hajacos’ fiddle work. His melodic lines introduced Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait to the world on Strait’s 1981 debut single, “Unwound,” and he contributed fiddle parts to Taylor Swift’s early hits, such as “Love Story.”
A Virginia native, Hajacos received his first fiddle from his parents at four, and his father, Nick Hajacos, also played the instrument. At 19, Hajacos crossed paths with Little Jimmy Dickens, who recruited Hajacos for his Nashville-based band. After several years of touring with Dickens, Mel Tillis and others, Hajacos established himself as one of Nashville’s top session musicians, with his expressive style informed by rock guitar. He is a member of the G-Men, a tight-knit group of musicians who have played on all of Brooks’ studio albums. Hajacos is a member of the Musicians Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame.
The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and will be illustrated with photos, film and recordings. After the program, Hajacos will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. “Nashville Cats” is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for attendance. More information can be found on the museum’s website.
Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, “Nashville Cats” has showcased stories and songs from 54 musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours.
Ashley Monroe Slates New Album For August Release
/by Lauryn SinkAshley Monroe. Photo: Erika Rock
Ashley Monroe is set to release her sixth studio album, Tennessee Lightning, on Aug. 8. Recorded in the wake of Monroe’s transformative bout with cancer, the 17-song collection documents her remarkable journey as a celebration of life, love and the healing power of music.
“I feel like I’ve emerged from these last few years with a pretty profound perspective shift,” says Monroe. “I’ve learned to be more in the moment, to appreciate what’s right in front of me and enjoy every second I get to spend doing what I love with the people I care about.”
Co-produced by Monroe with Grammy-winning producer/engineer Gena Johnson, the album features contributions from T Bone Burnett, Brittney Spencer, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson, Butch Walker, Karen Fairchild and Armand Hutton. Monroe’s newest single, “The Touch (feat. Marty Stuart),” is available now. It follows the release of three album tracks including the ethereal “There You Are,” the revved-up “Hot Rod Pipe Dream” and the shimmering “Risen Road.”
On July 25, Monroe will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her Grammy-nominated 2015 album The Blade with a one-night-only show at Nashville’s The Basement East, where she will perform the record in its entirety. For tickets and more information, visit ashleymonroe.com.
Tennessee Lightning Track List:
1. “I’m Gonna Run (feat. T Bone Burnett)” (Ashley Monroe, Sally Barris)
2. “Risen Road” (Ashley Monroe, Brendan Benson, Waylon Payne)
3. “Closer” (Ashley Monroe, Ashley Ray, Ben West)
4. “The Touch (feat. Marty Stuart)” (Ashley Monroe, Marty Stuart)
5. “Magnolia” (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
6. “My Favorite Movie” (Ashley Monroe, Vince Gill)
7. “Hot Rod Pipe Dream” (Ashley Monroe, Brendan Benson)
8. “Amen Love” (Ashley Monroe, Ashley Ray, Summer Overstreet)
9. “Moth” (Ashley Monroe, Carter Faith, Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander)
10. “Bitter Swisher Sweet (feat. Brittney Spencer)” (Ashley Monroe, Emily Landis, Logan Wall)
11. “You and Me” (Jay Robinson)
12. “Recover (feat. Karen Fairchild)” (Ashley Monroe, Karen Fairchild, Ashley Ray, Andrew Petroff)
13. “There You Are” (Jessi Alexander, Margaret Findley, Sally Barris)
14. “Blown Away (feat. Brendan Benson)” (Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty)
15. “That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” (Leonard Cohen)
16. “Moon Child” (Ashley Monroe, Andrew Petroff, Meg McRee, Tenille Townes)
17. “Jesus Hold My Hand (feat. Armand Hutton)” (Albert Brumley)
Tim McGraw To Headline Historic MLB Speedway Classic At Bristol Motor Speedway
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw will headline a historic pregame concert event leading into the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 2.
The historic game marks the first regular-season MLB game to be played in the state of Tennessee and will be celebrated with the one-of-a-kind show featuring McGraw, special guests and longtime collaborators in an unforgettable celebration of music and baseball. For the MLB Speedway Classic, a baseball diamond ready for a Major League game will be built across the famed Bristol track at one of the largest standalone sporting venues in the nation. More information on guests scheduled to appear will be made later.
McGraw has special ties to America’s pastime as his father Tug McGraw was an MLB pitcher who played for the NY Mets and the Phillies and contributed to their World Series victories, making the event not only a historic event for baseball, but also a personal one for McGraw as he honors his father’s legacy.
The special pregame concert will be part of the full day of events at Bristol Motor Speedway. All ticketholders to the MLB Speedway Classic baseball game have access to the show and can enjoy the performance from their seat, and new, limited ticket options for the MLB Speedway Classic will be available starting today (Apr. 23). Details on ticket options and upgrades are available at mlb.com/speedwayclassic.
FOX plans to feature portions of the special performance during their pregame event coverage.
The Charlie Daniels Family & 8 Track Entertainment Form New Partnership To Honor Daniels’ Legacy
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Drew Tutton, Wayne Halper, Jeff Goodwin, Charlie Daniels Jr. and Jeff Catton; (L-R, front row): Noah Gordon and Hazel Daniels. Photo: Ryan Nolan
The Charlie Daniels Family and 8 Track Entertainment are joining forces in a new long-term creative partnership focused on honoring Daniels’ legacy through a series of new projects including recordings, a documentary, live concert events and multimedia programming.
The collaboration brings together a deeply personal and professional connection between the Daniels family and Noah Gordon, President of 8 Track Entertainment, who was mentored by Daniels early in his career. This new partnership is designed to celebrate not only Daniels’ music and cultural impact but also his enduring values of faith, patriotism and family. The upcoming initiatives will shine a new light on the life and legacy of the iconic country singer, showcasing never-before-seen footage, recordings and stories from the man who brought the world hits like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Long Haired Country Boy.”
“Mom and I are excited to be partnering with Noah and 8 Track Entertainment on projects I have been longing to do ever since Dad went home in 2020,” explains Charlie Daniels Jr. “Noah and I have known each other for over thirty years and Dad took Noah under his wing when he first came to town, so there is a mutual love for Dad as well as a history which I know will allow us to honor Dad’s memory, his music, his values and his love for God and country. For almost five years on Dad’s social media accounts, I have been saying ‘Keeping Charlie’s legacy alive.’ This partnership will be a key factor in that mission.”
“All of us at 8 Track Entertainment are humbled and proud to be working closely with Miss Hazel and Charlie Jr. to continue the legacy of Charlie Daniels,” adds Gordon. “He was a wonderful mentor to me as a young artist and writer, and I’m beyond grateful to be a part of the future and The Legend of Charlie Daniels.”
Post Malone, Shaboozey, Morgan Wallen Lead American Music Award Nominations
/by Madison HahnenPost Malone, Shaboozey and Morgan Wallen.
The American Music Award 2025 nominees have been revealed. The 51st annual ceremony will take place on May 26 in Las Vegas, hosted by Jennifer Lopez.
Kendrick Lamar notches the most nominations this year, with 10 nods. If Lamar garners eight wins this year, he will tie Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most awards in a single year. Post Malone is next in the pack with eight nominations, followed by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey with seven nominations each. With six nominations each are Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA and Taylor Swift.
Up for Artist of the Year are Ariana Grande, Eilish, Roan, Lamar, Wallen, Post Malone, Carpenter, SZA, Swift and Zach Bryan. New Artist of the Year nods went to Benson Boone, Roan, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims and Tommy Richman.
A new category this year, Album of the Year nominations went to Beyoncé (Cowboy Carter), Eilish (Hit Me Hard and Soft), Roan (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess), Charli XCX (Brat), Abrams (The Secret of Us), Future & Metro Boomin (We Don’t Trust You), Lamar (GNX), Post Malone (F-1 Trillion), Carpenter (Short n’ Sweet) and Swift (The Tortured Poets Department). Also new this year is Song of the Year, with the nods going to Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!,” Hozier‘s “Too Sweet,” Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With a Smile,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” Carpenter’s “Espresso,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control.”
In a big year for musical collaborations, Collaboration of the Year nominations went to Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With A Smile,” Marshmello & Kane Brown‘s “Miles On It,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” ROSÉ and Mars’ “APT.” and Swift and Post Malone’s “Fortnight.” Inaugural Social Song of the Year nods went to Roan’s “HOT TO GO!,” Djo‘s “End of Beginning,” Doechii‘s “Anxiety,” Lola Young‘s “Messy,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby.”
On the touring front, Eilish, Luke Combs, Wallen, Swift and Bryan are all up for Favorite Touring Artist. Visually, Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” KAROL G‘s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” all earned nods for Favorite Music Video.
On the country front, Jelly Roll, Combs, Wallen, Post Malone and Shaboozey are all up for Favorite Male Country Artist, while Beyoncé, Ella Langely, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney are vying for Favorite Female Country Artist. Up for Favorite Country Duo of Group are Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, Parmalee, The Red Clay Strays and Zac Brown Band.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken, Moroney’s Am I Okay?, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion and Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going are up for Favorite Country Album. Rounding out the country categories is Favorite Country Song, with nods going to Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay,” Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph‘s “High Road,” Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Nominations for the American Music Awards are based on streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay and tour grosses via the Billboard charts and Luminate data tracking. This year’s eligibility period was March 22, 2024-March 20, 2025.
Fan voting is now open here and the @AMAs Instagram profile in all awards categories. Voting closes on May 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Collaboration of the Year and Social Song of the Year will remain open through the first 30 minutes of the broadcast.
Click here for a full list of nominations.
Ben Gallaher’s New EP ‘Bullet’ Set For May 9 Release
/by Lorie HollabaughBen Gallaher is gearing up for the release of his new five-track EP, Bullet, releasing May 9 via Stone Country Records.
Bullet’s title/focus track is a rock ballad about being willing to lay down your life for the one you love and the do-or-die pledge was penned by Gallaher alongside Chris August, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher.
“When you love someone, you’d do anything for them, no matter what,” says Gallaher. “You’d take a bullet for them, and that’s where the inspiration for that song came from. I wrote it for my wife, but now we have a baby boy and so it takes on a whole new meaning.”
Two advance tracks from Bullet are out now. “Kinda Can’t Say No” is about an irresistible woman a man can’t walk away from when he knows he should, while “Cuts Like a Knife” is a cover of the Bryan Adams’ classic, with Gallaher playing every guitar part on the track. The EP also features “Dirt Ones,” a road-trip anthem reminding us to take the road less traveled, and “Mistakes,” a no-regrets rocker about how life’s wrong turns usually only make us stronger.
Gallaher’s online fan base has exploded in the past 18 months with his viral guitar riff “Stomp” generating over 36 million views. The riff has also inspired more than 10,000 fan-created videos, earned praise from guitar heroes including Peter Frampton, and helped Gallaher amass nearly 400,000 social media followers to date.
Bullet Track List:
1. “Bullet” (Ben Gallaher, Chris August, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher)
2. “Kinda Can’t Say No” (Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher)
3. “Dirt Ones” (Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
4. “Mistakes” (Ben Gallaher, Tony Martin, Neil Thrasher)
5. “Cuts Like a Knife” (Bryan Adams, Jim Vallance)