The nominees for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards have been revealed, with Ella Langley, Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson leading the pack.
Langley, a first-time ACM Award nominee, scores eight nominations including Female Artist of the Year, New Female Artist of the Year and six nominations for her song with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me.”
Johnson ties for the most nominations for a male artist with seven nominations, including his second nomination for Entertainer of the Year, and his third year in a row being nominated for Song of the Year, with “Dirt Cheap” being nominated in the category, as well as Single of the Year and Visual Media of the Year. Wallen ties for the most nominations for a male artist with seven nominations, including his third consecutive nomination for Entertainer of the Year.
Wilson ties for the most nominations in different categories, earning nods in six separate categories, including her first nomination for Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Her nominations for Song of the Year mark her fourth consecutive year being nominated and her seventh total nomination (including artist and songwriter credits) in the category.
In addition to Johnson, Wallen and Wilson, the Entertainer of the Year category includes Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton and, for the first time, Kelsea Ballerini.
First-time artist ACM nominees include Langley, Gavin Adcock, Dasha, Noah Kahan, Jessie Murph, Muscadine Bloodline, Shaboozey, Zach Top, The Red Clay Strays, Treaty Oak Revival and Tucker Wetmore.
Hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning entertainment icon Reba McEntire, the 60th ACM Awards will stream live exclusively on Prime Video on Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. CST from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. So far, Wilson, Blake Shelton and Eric Church have been announced as performers, with more to come. A limited number of tickets to the 60th ACM Awards are available now at SeatGeek.
MAIN ACM AWARD NOMINEES:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Kacey Musgraves
Lainey Wilson
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
The War And Treaty
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Flatland Cavalry
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kassi Ashton
Ashley Cooke
Dasha
Ella Langley
Jessie Murph
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gavin Adcock
Shaboozey
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Bailey Zimmerman
NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Restless Road
The Red Clay Strays
Treaty Oak Revival
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
– Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) – Megan Moroney
Producer: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Columbia Records / Sony Music Nashville
– Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
Producers: BazeXX, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Devin Dawson, Charlie Handsome, Ben Johnson, mgk, The Monsters & Strangerz, Austin Nivarel, SlimXX, Ryan Tedder, Isaiah Tejada, Alysa Vanderheym
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Republic Records
– Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33
– F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records
– Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
– “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry
Record Company-Label: American Dogwood / EMPIRE
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records
– “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton
Record Company-Label: Mercury Nashville
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
– “4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
Publishers: Louisiana Lady; One Tooth Productions; Reservoir 416; Songs of One Riot Music; Sony/ATV Accent
– “The Architect” – Kacey Musgraves
Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne
Publishers: Songs for Indy and Owl; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Songwriter: Josh Phillips
Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane Publishing; Write or Die Music; Write the Lightning Publishing
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters, Ryan Vojtesak
Publishers: Bell Ear Publishing; Master of my Domain Music; Poppy’s Picks; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing; Universal Music Corporation
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
Publishers: Back 40 Publishing International; Langley Publishing; One Tooth Productions; Sony/ATV Tree; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
– “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan, Alysa Vanderheym
Record Company-Label: Black River Entertainment
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records
– “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
Producer: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville
– “We Don’t Fight Anymore” – Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce
Record Company-Label: Big Machine Records
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
– “4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jennifer Ansell
Director: Dano Cerny
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Dustin Haney
Director: Dustin Haney
– “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
Producers: Christen Pinkston, Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Dustin Haney
– “Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Wes Edwards, Angie Lorenz, Jamie Stratakis
Director: Running Bear (Stephen Kinigopoulos, Alexa Stone)
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Producer: Whale Tale Music, Alex Pescosta
Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
ERNEST
HARDY
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessi Alexander
Jessie Jo Dillon
Ashley Gorley
Chase McGill
Josh Osborne
The 2025 ACM Studio Recording Awards and Industry Awards will be presented to recipients at the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors, a special event held annually in August in Nashville. More details about this year’s show will be announced in the coming months.
STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS:
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
J.T. Cure
Mark Hill
Rachel Loy
Tony Lucido
Craig Young
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR
Fred Eltringham
Tommy Harden
Evan Hutchings
Aaron Sterling
Nir Z
ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tim Galloway
Todd Lombardo
Mac McAnally
Bryan Sutton
Ilya Toshinskiy
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dave Cohen
Ian Fitchuk
Billy Justineau
Gordon Mote
Alex Wright
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dan Dugmore
Jenee Fleenor
Josh Matheny
Justin Schipper
Kristin Wilkinson
ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kris Donegan
Jedd Hughes
Brent Mason
Sol Philcox-Littlefield
Derek Wells
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Brandon Bell
Drew Bollman
Josh Ditty
Buckley Miller
F. Reid Shippen
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Dave Cobb
Ian Fitchuk
Charlie Handsome
Jon Randall
Alysa Vanderheym
INDUSTRY AWARDS:
CASINO OF THE YEAR – THEATER
Deadwood Mountain Grand – Deadwood, SD
Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – Cherokee, NC
The Theater at Virgin Hotels – Las Vegas, NV
Yaamava’ Theater – Highland, CA
CASINO OF THE YEAR – ARENA
Golden Nugget Lake Charles – Lake Charles, LA
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena – Atlantic City, NJ
Harveys Lake Tahoe – Stateline, NV
Mystic Lake Casino Showroom – Prior Lake, MN
Turning Stone Resort Casino – Verona, NY
FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR
C2C Country to Country – London, England
CMC Rocks – Ipswich, Queensland
Stagecoach Festival – Indio, CA
Two Step Inn – Georgetown, TX
Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, IL
FAIR/RODEO OF THE YEAR
Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
California Mid-State Fair – Paso Robles, CA
Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, WY
Minnesota State Fair – Falcon Heights, MN
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Houston, TX
CLUB OF THE YEAR
Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX
Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN
Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA
Joe’s on Weed St. – Chicago, IL
THEATER OF THE YEAR
The Caverns – Pelham, TN
MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston, MA
The Met Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
Tennessee Theatre – Knoxville, TN
OUTDOOR VENUE OF THE YEAR
BankNH Pavilion – Gilford, NH
CMAC – Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY
Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL
The Wharf Amphitheater – Orange Beach, AL
Whitewater Amphitheater – New Braunfels, TX
ARENA OF THE YEAR
Dickies Arena – Fort Worth, TX
Moody Center – Austin, TX
TD Garden – Boston, MA
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center – Knoxville, TN
Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR
Deana Baker
Bobby Clay
Gil Cunningham
Weston Hebert
Stacy Vee
Taylor Williamson
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Brent Fedrizzi
Alex Maxwell
Patrick McDill
Anna-Sophie Mertens
Rich Schaefer
Aaron Spalding
Alabama Announces New ‘Live In Concert 25 Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughAlabama is returning to the road for a limited number of dates on their new “Live In Concert 25 Tour.”
Lorrie Morgan, Pat Green, Eddie Montgomery, Lee Greenwood, Jamey Johnson, Ned LeDoux, BlackHawk and Alex Miller will support on various dates on the new tour, which will kick off in April and visit Phoenix, Wichita, Allentown and more through Aug. 28.
“There’s nothing I look forward to any more than performing the songs our great fans have made hits and some surprises along the way,” says Alabama Founder Randy Owen. “Every show I count as one more beautiful blessing! Much love to you, our fans! Looking forward to seeing all of you on the tour!
“We are eager to get back on the road and make more cherished memories with each of you,” adds Alabama Founder Teddy Gentry. “It is a joy to play for our followers and friends who have supported us through thick and thin. We can’t wait to reconnect and share the music that brought us all together.”
“Alabama Live In Concert 25” Tour Dates:
April 17 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center (w/ Lorrie Morgan)
April 19 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino Resort (w/ Lorrie Morgan)
April 27 – Wichita, KS – Intrust Arena (w/ Eddie Montgomery)
May 23 – Bonner Springs, KS – Azura Amphitheater (w/ Lee Greenwood)
May 25 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena (w/ Pat Green)
June 5 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada – The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
June 7 – Bradley, IL – Bradley 316 Festival (w/ Eddie Montgomery)
June 14 – Creighton, PA – Iron City Stage at Pittsburgh Brewing Company
(w/ Jamey Johnson)
June 18 – Redding, CA – Redding Civic Auditorium (w/ Eddie Montgomery)
June 20 – Sparks, NV – Nugget Event Center (w/ Ned LeDoux)
July 19 – Old Washington, OH – Old Washington Music Fest
July 25 – York, PA – York State Fair (w/ Alex Miller)
Aug 9 – Galva, IL – The Back Road Music Festival (w/ BlackHawk)
Aug 28 – Allentown, PA – The Great Allentown Fair
Adrian James Music Group Establishes In Nashville
/by Madison HahnenAdrian James Music Group has established in Nashville, which includes Adrian James Publishing, Adrian James Records, Adrian James Management and Adrian James Recording Studio. The companies will provide a complete array of services that support and foster the artistic journey. The publishing arm will collaborate with Kobalt for their Publishing Administration.
The company was founded last year by CEO/Partner Adrian James Fuxa and COO/Partner Deb Henson. Both founders are dedicated to supporting artists, building lasting relationships and fostering an environment where music can flourish. Their mission emphasizes collaboration, mentorship and a belief in the transformative power of music. The company’s family-focused approach ensures that every artist and songwriter feels inspired and supported.
Fuxa is a songwriter, producer and musician and is the shaping the company’s creative direction. With time at Berklee College of Music, The Blackbird Academy and Belmont University, James blends his musical talent with technical expertise to cultivate an environment for artists. His innovative approach to music production, paired with his passion for artistry, inspired him to design and build a recording studio that serves as the creative hub of the music group.
“I am blessed to be able to do what I love every single day, and I am so grateful for God, my family, Deb, and everyone else we work with for this new opportunity,” Fuxa shares. “I want to stay on this path and continue to grow this company because I am so passionate about the music. I want to do things right, caring for the artists I work with and helping them realize their fullest potential, and I want to help this community we have formed grow and share the idea that we cannot fail through God, and I look forward to seeing where this path takes us.”
Henson brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned executive, entrepreneur and songwriter. She has held several leadership roles, most recently at Oliver and Nelson Management. With a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and business aspects of the industry, she will oversee the strategic and operational direction of the company. Her passion for helping artists and songwriters reach their full potential is the driving force behind the company’s mission to elevate talent to its highest level.
“At the core of everything we do at Adrian James Music Group is our unwavering passion and commitment to the artists we work with,” adds Henson. “We believe in nurturing creativity, building lasting relationships, and providing the resources needed for artists to reach their fullest potential. It’s not just about business—it’s about empowering artists to create music that speaks from the heart and connects with audiences in a genuine way. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey and excited to see the incredible talent we’ll help grow and support along the way. I am truly blessed, and I thank God every day for this opportunity. AJ and I both put faith-forward and that has become our company motto.”
First CRS360 Webinar Of 2025 Available For Streaming Now
/by Lorie HollabaughThe first CRS360 webinar of 2025, “Fitting In! Listeners Say What Music to Play and the Numbers to Back It Up,” is now available for streaming here.
The session delves into data-driven insights on listener preferences in country music, providing information not included in the CRS ‘25 research presentation, and explores how radio stations can better understand and respond to audience demands through actionable data.
Moderated by Clay Hunnicutt, the session panel features Carolyn Gilbert, President and CEO of Nuvoodoo; Leigh Jacobs, Executive Vice President of Nuvoodoo; and Justin Chase, Chief Content Officer of Beasley Media Group. The three discuss the connection between listener preferences and the data that drives music programming decisions, offering insights into how stations can maximize audience engagement and stay competitive in today’s market.
“At CRS 2025, we delivered some incredibly impactful data on the power of radio, the importance of air talent, how to retain listeners, and steps to grow the audience,” says Hunnicutt. “But that was just the beginning. Through these CRS360s, we’ll share actual music research data for over 400 titles and how they fit in today’s unique music mix. We’ll also dive deeper into other areas we didn’t have time for at CRS. This is a must-see!”
BREAKING: Nominations Announced For The 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards
/by LB CantrellThe nominees for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards have been revealed, with Ella Langley, Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson leading the pack.
Langley, a first-time ACM Award nominee, scores eight nominations including Female Artist of the Year, New Female Artist of the Year and six nominations for her song with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me.”
Johnson ties for the most nominations for a male artist with seven nominations, including his second nomination for Entertainer of the Year, and his third year in a row being nominated for Song of the Year, with “Dirt Cheap” being nominated in the category, as well as Single of the Year and Visual Media of the Year. Wallen ties for the most nominations for a male artist with seven nominations, including his third consecutive nomination for Entertainer of the Year.
Wilson ties for the most nominations in different categories, earning nods in six separate categories, including her first nomination for Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Her nominations for Song of the Year mark her fourth consecutive year being nominated and her seventh total nomination (including artist and songwriter credits) in the category.
In addition to Johnson, Wallen and Wilson, the Entertainer of the Year category includes Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton and, for the first time, Kelsea Ballerini.
First-time artist ACM nominees include Langley, Gavin Adcock, Dasha, Noah Kahan, Jessie Murph, Muscadine Bloodline, Shaboozey, Zach Top, The Red Clay Strays, Treaty Oak Revival and Tucker Wetmore.
Hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning entertainment icon Reba McEntire, the 60th ACM Awards will stream live exclusively on Prime Video on Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. CST from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. So far, Wilson, Blake Shelton and Eric Church have been announced as performers, with more to come. A limited number of tickets to the 60th ACM Awards are available now at SeatGeek.
MAIN ACM AWARD NOMINEES:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Kacey Musgraves
Lainey Wilson
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
The War And Treaty
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Flatland Cavalry
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kassi Ashton
Ashley Cooke
Dasha
Ella Langley
Jessie Murph
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gavin Adcock
Shaboozey
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Bailey Zimmerman
NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Restless Road
The Red Clay Strays
Treaty Oak Revival
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
– Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) – Megan Moroney
Producer: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Columbia Records / Sony Music Nashville
– Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
Producers: BazeXX, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Devin Dawson, Charlie Handsome, Ben Johnson, mgk, The Monsters & Strangerz, Austin Nivarel, SlimXX, Ryan Tedder, Isaiah Tejada, Alysa Vanderheym
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Republic Records
– Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33
– F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records
– Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
– “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry
Record Company-Label: American Dogwood / EMPIRE
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records
– “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton
Record Company-Label: Mercury Nashville
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
– “4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
Publishers: Louisiana Lady; One Tooth Productions; Reservoir 416; Songs of One Riot Music; Sony/ATV Accent
– “The Architect” – Kacey Musgraves
Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, Josh Osborne
Publishers: Songs for Indy and Owl; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Songwriter: Josh Phillips
Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane Publishing; Write or Die Music; Write the Lightning Publishing
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters, Ryan Vojtesak
Publishers: Bell Ear Publishing; Master of my Domain Music; Poppy’s Picks; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing; Universal Music Corporation
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
Publishers: Back 40 Publishing International; Langley Publishing; One Tooth Productions; Sony/ATV Tree; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
– “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan, Alysa Vanderheym
Record Company-Label: Black River Entertainment
– “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
Record Company-Label: Mercury Records / Republic Records
– “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
Producer: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville
– “We Don’t Fight Anymore” – Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce
Record Company-Label: Big Machine Records
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
– “4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jennifer Ansell
Director: Dano Cerny
– “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Dustin Haney
Director: Dustin Haney
– “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
Producers: Christen Pinkston, Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Dustin Haney
– “Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Wes Edwards, Angie Lorenz, Jamie Stratakis
Director: Running Bear (Stephen Kinigopoulos, Alexa Stone)
– “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley, Riley Green
Producer: Whale Tale Music, Alex Pescosta
Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
ERNEST
HARDY
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessi Alexander
Jessie Jo Dillon
Ashley Gorley
Chase McGill
Josh Osborne
The 2025 ACM Studio Recording Awards and Industry Awards will be presented to recipients at the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors, a special event held annually in August in Nashville. More details about this year’s show will be announced in the coming months.
STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS:
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
J.T. Cure
Mark Hill
Rachel Loy
Tony Lucido
Craig Young
DRUMMER OF THE YEAR
Fred Eltringham
Tommy Harden
Evan Hutchings
Aaron Sterling
Nir Z
ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tim Galloway
Todd Lombardo
Mac McAnally
Bryan Sutton
Ilya Toshinskiy
PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dave Cohen
Ian Fitchuk
Billy Justineau
Gordon Mote
Alex Wright
SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dan Dugmore
Jenee Fleenor
Josh Matheny
Justin Schipper
Kristin Wilkinson
ELECTRIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kris Donegan
Jedd Hughes
Brent Mason
Sol Philcox-Littlefield
Derek Wells
AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Brandon Bell
Drew Bollman
Josh Ditty
Buckley Miller
F. Reid Shippen
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Dave Cobb
Ian Fitchuk
Charlie Handsome
Jon Randall
Alysa Vanderheym
INDUSTRY AWARDS:
CASINO OF THE YEAR – THEATER
Deadwood Mountain Grand – Deadwood, SD
Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – Cherokee, NC
The Theater at Virgin Hotels – Las Vegas, NV
Yaamava’ Theater – Highland, CA
CASINO OF THE YEAR – ARENA
Golden Nugget Lake Charles – Lake Charles, LA
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena – Atlantic City, NJ
Harveys Lake Tahoe – Stateline, NV
Mystic Lake Casino Showroom – Prior Lake, MN
Turning Stone Resort Casino – Verona, NY
FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR
C2C Country to Country – London, England
CMC Rocks – Ipswich, Queensland
Stagecoach Festival – Indio, CA
Two Step Inn – Georgetown, TX
Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, IL
FAIR/RODEO OF THE YEAR
Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
California Mid-State Fair – Paso Robles, CA
Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, WY
Minnesota State Fair – Falcon Heights, MN
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Houston, TX
CLUB OF THE YEAR
Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX
Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN
Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA
Joe’s on Weed St. – Chicago, IL
THEATER OF THE YEAR
The Caverns – Pelham, TN
MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston, MA
The Met Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
Tennessee Theatre – Knoxville, TN
OUTDOOR VENUE OF THE YEAR
BankNH Pavilion – Gilford, NH
CMAC – Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY
Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL
The Wharf Amphitheater – Orange Beach, AL
Whitewater Amphitheater – New Braunfels, TX
ARENA OF THE YEAR
Dickies Arena – Fort Worth, TX
Moody Center – Austin, TX
TD Garden – Boston, MA
Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center – Knoxville, TN
Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER OF THE YEAR
Deana Baker
Bobby Clay
Gil Cunningham
Weston Hebert
Stacy Vee
Taylor Williamson
PROMOTER OF THE YEAR
Brent Fedrizzi
Alex Maxwell
Patrick McDill
Anna-Sophie Mertens
Rich Schaefer
Aaron Spalding
Industry Ink: Luke Combs, Rose Palermo, Hearing Health Fund, More
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Hosts Luke Combs Programs
Chris Kappy and Museum Writer-Editor Angela Stefano Zimmer. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted two programs last weekend in support of its “Luke Combs: The Man I Am Exhibit”: a performance and conversation with Combs’ band, the Wild Cards, and an interview with his manager, Chris Kappy. Hosted by the museum’s Dave Paulson, members of the Wild Cards (Jamie Davis, Korey Hunt, Tyler King, Mat Maxwell, Dustin Nunley, Kurt Ozan and Jake Sommers) shared songs and stories from their decade-long journey with Combs.
The museum’s Angela Stefano Zimmer led a discussion with Kappy about his path to the music industry and Nashville and how he’s helped Combs build his career. In the near decade since Kappy started managing Combs, he has expanded his management company Make Wake Artists to include a team of nearly two dozen. The programs were filmed and will be available to stream on the museum’s website later this year.
Rose Palermo & Team Celebrate With Joe Don Rooney At Rascal Flatts Show
Joe Don Rooney with Rose Palermo and team
Team Rooney celebrated the well deserved success of their client, Joe Don Rooney, and his bandmates of Rascal Flatts at their Huntsville, Alabama show on March 20.
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund & Sweetwater Launch Hearing Health Fund
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and Sweetwater have launched The Hearing Health Fund, designed to provide support for the growing number of music industry professionals who face hearing-related challenges. Musicians and music industry workers are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss than the general public, and research shows that seven in 10 music venue staff are exposed to noise levels above the daily recommended limit, with 70% reporting that they never use hearing protection, and only 15% reported using hearing protection regularly.
The Hearing Health Fund includes a free, three-part hearing screening with a certified audiologist and free Etymotic Research ER-20XS High Fidelity Earplugs. To apply for the Hearing Health Fund, complete the online form at sweetrelief.org/hearinghealthfund.html.
Ashley Longshore Celebrates Women & Art In Nashville At Live Nation Event
Ashley Longshore
Pop art provocateur Ashley Longshore debuted the newest additions to her iconic ROAR! portrait series at the Saint Elle on March 20. A collaboration with Live Nation Women, Longshore revealed portraits of some top female musicians today, including Rihanna, Stevie Nicks, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry, P!nk and President and Chief Strategy Officer of Live Nation Women, Ali Harnell.
Nashville’s own Reese Witherspoon and Brittany Howard made appearances alongside their new portraits. Other notables in attendance included Scout Willis, Karen Fairchild, Morgane Stapleton and Cody Belew. Longshore, a Southern belle with a growing legion of both fans and collectors, showcased 73 pieces total including some new additions inspired by Nashville featuring local icons like Minnie Pearl and her expanding widely-loved Dolly Parton series.
Trombone Shorty Foundation’s Apprenticeship Program Sends Students To Music City
Photo: Joseph Patrick
The Trombone Shorty Foundation’s Music Industry Apprenticeship program sent students to Nashville this month to learn about the rich history in the area, and connect with music industry professionals. Over a jam-packed week of activity, the students experienced a songwriting workshop led by singer-songwriter Steve Poltz; a visit to the Grand Ole Opry; meeting with representatives from WME, Range, Concord Records and the ACM Awards, a visit to WXNP; a meeting with the Black Opry and an open soundcheck and concert with Trombone Shorty, where one of the Apprentices was able to perform and take the stage with Troy for the very first time.
CMA Honors Justin Thomson With 2024 International Country Broadcaster Award
/by Lorie HollabaughJustin Thomson. Photo: Maclay Heriot
CMA presented its International Country Broadcaster Award to Justin Thomson at CMC Rocks during a backstage reception at the CMA Bar on March 22 for industry attendees hailing from Australia, New Zealand and North America.
Natalie Waller (Head of ABC Music and Events, Chair of ARIA and CMA Board member) presented Thomson (National Content Director, KIX Country Radio and iHeart Radio Australia) with the award, honoring exceptional achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the U.S. who has made significant contributions to the development of country music in their country.
Thomson has routinely been acknowledged by the international country music industry as a pivotal figure in broadening the genre’s presence in Australia. In 2023, he brought KIX Country to Nashville for CMA Fest, offering 30 hours of coverage with over 50 artists, while also promoting the genre through KIX’s broadcasts of the CMA Awards and CMA Country Christmas. He returned to CMA Fest last year, creating more content opportunities for U.S. artists looking to expand their reach into Australia. Additionally, Thomson has traveled to Canada to cover the CCMA Awards and to the U.K. for C2C.
Clint Lagerberg Inks With Peermusic Nashville
/by John Nix ArledgeClint Lagerberg. Photo: Eric Erwin
Peermusic has signed Clint Lagerberg to a worldwide publishing deal. The signing encompasses co-publishing of future works and select back catalog.
Lagerberg is a Grammy-nominated, ACM-nominated, NSAI “Song Of The Year” and MusicRow “Song of the Year” winning songwriter/producer. His notable songs include Rascal Flatts’ “Here Comes Goodbye,” Josh Kelley’s “Georgia Clay,” and Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” marking the most successful song in Urban’s career to date. He has also scored cuts with artists such as Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Matt Stell, LoCash, Tim McGraw and more.
“Clint is a great producer and he wrote one of my favorite songs in country music—”Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban. He’s already proven his ability to land songs on the top of the charts, but it’s his process that is really impressive to me,” shares President of Peermusic Nashville Michael Knox. “Clint has the technical knowledge and ability to see it through from conception to song production and delivery. Best of all, he’s an incredible person. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him to the Peermusic Nashville roster.”
Lagerberg notes, “”I’ve been a super fan of Knox from the first day we met forever ago. I knew he assembled a power team at Peermusic so when it came time to take publisher meetings I only had to take one. I knew within 5 minutes of us all sitting down that Peermusic was it. I’ve been writing in Nashville for 20 years and this team makes me feel that day one excitement all over again. I’m more inspired than I’ve ever been and I couldn’t be more pumped to be on this ride with them.”
The Concert For Love & Acceptance 10th Anniversary Show Set For June 2
/by Lorie HollabaughTy Herndon and GLAAD’s The Concert for Love & Acceptance is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year on June 2 at 7:30 p.m. The 2025 lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
The event is returning to Category 10, formerly the Wildhorse Saloon, where it has hosted unforgettable performances in years past to kick off the week of CMA Fest. Tickets are on sale now at f4la.org/.
“Reaching this 10-year milestone is incredibly special,” says Herndon.”The journey we’ve been on, building a space where artists and fans alike feel supported and uplifted, is something I’m so proud of. Returning to Category 10, where so many of our incredible past performances took place, makes this year even more meaningful.”
Proceeds from the event support Ty Herndon’s Foundation For Love and Acceptance, which has a dual focus on supporting the LGBTQ community alongside support for mental health and addiction and trauma recovery.
Katelyn Clampett Launches Herd Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughKatelyn Clampett
Songwriter, artist and producer Katelyn Clampett has launched her new company, Herd Music Group, a female-operated music production house in Nashville.
North Carolina native Clampett’s talents have taken her all over the world, performing with top artists in the industry including Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Vince Gill and Dan + Shay, among others. Her songs and content have gone viral across social media platforms, with over 250 million views, and 80 million music streams worldwide. Her songs have been featured on Dancing With The Stars, Britain’s Got Talent, CBS Sports and more. She was also a contestant on American Idol.
“I’m beyond excited to be spearheading a team of hardworking and incredibly-gifted women at Herd, and using our areas of expertise to help advocate for the safety and equality of women in the music industry,” says Clampett. “I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to bring more awareness to female producers and engineers, and also to amplify the voices of female artists to get more women ‘herd.’”
In This Issue: MusicRow Highlights Trailblazing Leadership With Women Of Music Row Issue
/by LB CantrellLast week, MusicRow unveiled its first-ever Women of Music Row Issue at the 12th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast. With over 700 industry members in attendance, the moment was more than a celebration—it was a reflection of the incredible strides women are making in Nashville’s country music community.
This special edition of MusicRow Magazine highlights the stories, challenges, and achievements of women shaping the future of the industry—from boardrooms to writing rooms, and everywhere in between.
On the cover is rising Warner Music Nashville artist Avery Anna, who is gearing up to release her sophomore album, let go letters. The moving LP comprises songs all inspired by real-life situations shared by her fans via the “Let Go Letters.” The letter series has long been a safe space for Avery’s listener community, where she invites fans to “let go” of real-life experiences that may be troubling them by putting them on paper and sending them off.
Inside the issue, two powerhouses leading major labels—Cris Lacy at Warner Music Nashville and Taylor Lindsey at Sony Music Nashville—share their career evolution and how they’re reimagining leadership at the highest level.
Celebrating 10 years in business, the women of Farris, Self & Moore reflect on founding and growing one of Nashville’s premier business management firms. Their story offers a powerful blueprint for sustainable success rooted in trust, strategy and vision.
Industry veteran Jennie Smythe, founder and CEO of Girlilla Marketing, reveals a more personal side in a conversation about her upcoming memoir, Becoming Girlilla. Her story is one of reinvention, resilience and showing up authentically—both online and in real life.
In a raw look at the songwriting landscape, hitmakers Jessie Jo Dillon, Jessi Alexander, Trannie Anderson and Allison Veltz Cruz reflect on the joys and challenges of navigating Nashville as female songwriters. The conversation is underscored by recent data from MusicRow’s own Top Songwriter Chart: Of the 121 writers who made the list last year, only 17 were women—a stark reminder of the ongoing need for equity.
MusicRow also speaks with Todd Cassetty in this issue, the visionary behind Song Suffragettes, whose weekly writers round has become a vital pipeline for rising female artists and writers. With over 4,500 applicants, 500 curated performers and 54 record deals, the numbers speak volumes about the demand—and the talent.
The issue also honors the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2025—Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant—whose work is paving the way for the next generation of industry leaders.
Single copies of MusicRow’s Women of Music Row Issue are available now at musicrow.com for $25 and are included with all yearly MusicRow subscriptions.