Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Female Artist of the Year category.
This category honors the achievements of a Nashville female artist during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Warner Records Nashville artist Avery Anna first garnered attention by sharing videos online before releasing her debut EP, Mood Swings, in 2022. Since then, the Arizona native has developed a catalog that blends country, pop and singer-songwriter influences, earning more than 1.7 billion global streams. Her 2022 single “Narcissist” was certified Platinum. Last year, her sophomore album, let go letters, inspired by the real life stories of her fans, was named one of Billboard’s “50 Best Albums of 2025.” In 2026, she took home ACM New Female Artist of the Year and completed her “Girl of Constant Sorrow” headline run. In March, Anna released her EP forgive, forget., featuring “Fear In God,” a faith-inspired duet with Sam Barber. The pair previously reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Indigo” and later performed the song together on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Alongside her headlining dates, Anna has also toured with Megan Moroney, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell and others. Anna is currently amidst a run of festival dates throughout the summer.
Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini entered a new creative chapter in 2026 with the release of her EP Mount Pleasant, a project that continues the personal songwriting that has become a hallmark of her recent work through songs that explore personal identity, relationships and the changing priorities that come with adulthood. She followed the EP this summer with collaborations including “Another Drink” with Marshmello and “Math of Us” with Patrick Droney. Earlier in 2025, Ballerini wrapped her 35-date “KELSEA BALLERINI LIVE ON TOUR,” performing in arenas across the country. Those releases followed her 2024 album PATTERNS, which debuted atop Billboard’s Country Albums chart, and the acclaimed 2023 Rolling Up The Welcome Mat. Ballerini earned nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards, Female Artist of the Year at the 2026 ACM Awards and Best Contemporary Country Album at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards for Patterns, continuing a career that has included seven No. 1 singles, induction into the Grand Ole Opry and collaborations spanning country and pop.
Before moving to Nashville in 2019, Columbia Records’ Ella Langley cut her teeth playing bars and festivals throughout her home state of Alabama. After a few years in Music City, her 2023 debut EP Excuse the Mess introduced fan-favorite songs before she released her debut album, hungover, in 2024. She followed it with her 2026 sophomore album, Dandelion, which debuted at No. 1 and was executive produced by Langley alongside Miranda Lambert and Ben West. The album includes the four-times Platinum single “Choosin’ Texas” and the Platinum-certified “Be Her.” “Choosin’ Texas” spent 11 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the longest-running No. 1 by a woman with a country hit on the chart. The song also recorded six separate runs at No. 1 during a single release cycle while spending 29 weeks atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Langley is currently on her headlining “Dandelion Tour” after earning seven ACM Awards in 2026, including Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
Sony Music Nashville’s Megan Moroney entered 2026 with the February release of her third studio album, Cloud 9, which includes the chart-topping singles “Beautiful Things” and “6 Months Later,” her highest debut on the Billboard Hot 100 to date. The album follows her Gold-certified sophomore release, Am I Okay?, which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 in 2024 and became one of the year’s biggest releases by a female country artist. The project produced the double-Platinum No. 1 hit “Am I Okay?” and the Platinum-certified “No Caller ID,” which set the record for the largest U.S. streaming debut for a female country song. Moroney’s catalog has now surpassed 3.9 billion global streams, led by her four-times Platinum No. 1 hit “Tennessee Orange” from her 2023 debut album, Lucky. Following the sold-out 50-date “Am I Okay? tour,” Moroney returned to the road earlier this year with an international headline run featuring arena dates across North America, Europe and the United Kingdom in support of Cloud 9.
Lost Highway’s Kacey Musgraves returned in 2026 with her sixth studio album, Middle of Nowhere, a 13-song collection she cowrote and co-produced with longtime collaborators Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk. Inspired by the sounds and stories of her Texas upbringing, the album features collaborations with Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings and Gregory Alan Isakov. Later this year, Musgraves will launch the “Middle of Nowhere Tour” in support of the new album. It follows 2024’s Deeper Well, which delivered the biggest debut sales week of Musgraves’ career, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart and became her fifth No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart. The album’s single “The Architect” earned the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. In 2023, Musgraves scored her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “I Remember Everything,” her duet with Zach Bryan, becoming the first country duet in 40 years to top the chart. The song also won the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Across her career, Musgraves has earned eight Grammy Awards.
Lainey Wilson continued the Whirlwind era in 2025 with the release of the album’s deluxe edition, featuring five additional tracks, including her No. 1 single “Somewhere Over Laredo.” The Louisiana native carried that momentum into 2026 by headlining Stagecoach, launching a run of stadium shows with Chris Stapleton and becoming the subject of the Netflix documentary Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool. At the 2025 CMA Awards, Wilson became the first solo female host since Reba McEntire in 1991 while winning Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Wilson has earned nine No. 1 singles, including “Heart Like a Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” “4x4xU” and “Somewhere Over Laredo,” and more. She also earned three nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Somewhere Over Laredo,” as well as Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Trailblazer,” her collaboration with Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert. Wilson recently released her latest single, “Phone Keys Wallet,” featuring John Mayer.
2026 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Male Artist Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Male Artist of the Year category.
This category honors the achievements of a Nashville male artist during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Luke Combs added another historic year to his career. Last year, Combs became the first country artist to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, in addition to topping the bills at Austin City Limits, Newport Folk Festival and New Orleans JazzFest. He became the first country artist with two songs earning one billion streams on Spotify and, with the release of his recent album The Way I Am, became the highest-certified country artist in history with 168 certified tracks. He also became the first country artist to earn four RIAA Diamond-certified singles, adding another milestone to one of the genre’s most decorated commercial careers. The Grand Ole Opry member and 11x CMA, 4x ACM and 6x Billboard Music Award winner also partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to open Category 10 in downtown Nashville, with new locations planned for Las Vegas and Orlando. Combs has also collaborated with Post Malone, Bailey Zimmerman and Jon Bellion, and joined Alex Warren for a live performance of “Ordinary” at Lollapalooza.
Riley Green is on track for another banner year with the release of his fourth studio album, That’s Just Me, in September. Green’s 2024 project, Don’t Mind If I Do, gave way to breakout hits including “Don’t Mind If I Do,” “Change My Mind,” “Jesus Saves” and his solo-written, third country radio No. 1, “Worst Way.” The album followed Green’s breakout success alongside Ella Langley, with “You Look Like You Love Me” becoming one of his defining hits and earning multiple ACM Awards. Green has won five ACM Awards and four CMA Awards, while also receiving recognition as MusicRow Breakout Artist of the Year, a CMT Listen Up Artist and one of CRS’ New Faces of Country Music. Beyond music, Green recently made his acting debut on CBS’ Marshals and was announced as a coach for Season 30 of The Voice. He also continues to expand his Duck Club Bourbon brand and the charitable work of his Buford Bonds Fund.
Cody Johnson added several major career milestones over the past year. At the 2026 ACM Awards, Johnson was crowned Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, bringing his career total to four ACM wins. Johnson’s catalog now spans six albums, including the 2024 CMA Album of the Year-winning Leather. The project also contained the ACM Song of the Year winner “Dirt Cheap.” He sold more than 400,000 concert tickets in 2025 and landed on Billboard’s Top 100 Tours list. Throughout his career, Johnson has also been recognized as a CMT Artist of the Year, won four CMA Awards and three CMT Music Awards, and was named Best New Country Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Johnson has also appeared on Today, The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Last summer, he cohosted the three-hour CMA Fest Presented by SoFi alongside Ashley McBryde.
Zach Top followed his breakout debut with the release of his sophomore album, Ain’t In It For My Health. The project earned an ACM Album of the Year nomination and won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Traditional Country Album. Its lead single, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” continued Top’s momentum at country radio following one of the genre’s biggest breakout years. His debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, has surpassed one billion streams, earned RIAA Gold certification and also received an ACM Album of the Year nomination. The project includes the 2x Platinum “I Never Lie,” along with Gold-certified hits “Sounds Like The Radio,” “Use Me” and “Bad Luck.” Top was awarded the ACM New Male Artist of the Year honor in 2025 and performed during this year’s ACM Awards before returning to the road. He previously supported Lainey Wilson and launched his sold-out “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour,” establishing himself as one of country music’s most promising traditional artists.
Morgan Wallen added another record-breaking chapter to his career in 2026. His fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, debuted at No. 1 globally across seven countries and spent 13 non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200. At release, all 37 tracks charted on the Billboard Hot 100, allowing Wallen to break his own record for the most simultaneous entries in the chart’s history. The project has already produced six No. 1 singles at country radio, including the title track, which spent eight weeks atop the chart. Wallen’s previous albums, Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time, have each spent more than 100 weeks in the Billboard 200 Top 10, making him the first artist to accomplish the feat. He recently concluded his 23-stadium “Still The Problem Tour 2026.” A portion of every ticket sold continues to benefit the Morgan Wallen Foundation, supporting youth music and athletic programs.
Tucker Wetmore emerged as one of country music’s fastest rising artists over the past year. His 2025 debut album, What Not To, marked the biggest country album debut from a new artist that year while helping push his career total beyond 2.4 billion streams. Wetmore earned his first three country radio No. 1s with the 2x Platinum “Wind Up Missin’ You,” “3,2,1” and “Brunette,” which topped both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase Country charts. This year, Wetmore earned his first ACM Award and performed during the awards show. He also made his Nissan Stadium debut during CMA Fest before continuing his “Brunette World Tour” across the U.S., U.K. and Europe. On the road, Wetmore has had runs alongside Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Jordan Davis. Wetmore has additionally earned Artist to Watch recognition from Billboard, MusicRow, Spotify, Vevo and the Grand Ole Opry.
Garth Brooks’ ‘Blame It All On My Roots Tour’ Adds Washington D.C. Shows
/by Lauryn SinkGarth Brooks.
Garth Brooks will bring his “Blame It All On My Roots Tour” to Washington D.C. on Sept. 18 and 19.
General on sale begins August 21 and all tickets are priced at $155. The show features both end-stage and in-the-round seating, with all seats reserved. There are no pre-sales or advance box office sales.
The tour kicks off Aug. 20 with a four-night stand in Indianapolis, before heading to Denver and Chicago. The new shows will also serve as the foundation for Killer Live, a new upcoming album project that continues Brooks’ tradition of capturing history in real time.
“Blame It All On My Roots Tour” Dates:
Thursday, August 20 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Friday, August 21 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Saturday, August 22 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Sunday, August 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse (matinee show)
Friday, September 4 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Saturday, September 5 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Sunday, September 6 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena (matinee show)
Sunday, September 6 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena (evening show)
Thursday, September 10 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Friday, September 11 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Saturday, September 12 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Sunday, September 13 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena (matinee show)
Friday, September 18 – Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena [JUST ANNOUNCED]
Saturday, September 19 – Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena [JUST ANNOUNCED]
BMI To Honor Sheryl Crow With Troubadour Award
/by Lauryn SinkSheryl Crow. Photo: Dove Shore/Courtesy of BMI
BMI will honor Sheryl Crow with the Troubadour Award during a private event, hosted at BMI’s Nashville office.
“Sheryl Crow is the pinnacle of songwriting excellence,” shares Clay Bradley, BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville. “She has inspired generations of songwriters with her honesty and musicianship while creating a blueprint for creators who are navigating authentic careers. BMI is proud to recognize the mark she has made on American music and her songs that have become part of our lives.”
Crow has sold more than 50 million albums globally with multi-genre hits including “All I Wanna Do” and “If It Makes You Happy.” She has earned more No. 1 singles on the Billboard Triple A chart than any other female artist in history. Since affiliating with BMI in 1991, Crow has garnered prestigious accolades, including the 1997 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year, 12 BMI Awards and eight BMI Million-Air awards.
Crow joins prior Troubadour Award recipients John Fogerty, Billy F Gibbons, John Hiatt, Robert Earl Keen, John Oates, John Prine and Lucinda Williams.
Skip Ewing Slates New Album ‘Dragonfly’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughSkip Ewing will release his latest album Dragonfly on Sept. 18. A new track from the project, “Not Me This Time,” about finally breaking free from a toxic cycle of heartache and broken promises, is out now.
Steeped in insight gained from over a decade out West and inspired by his 1:1 work with horses in Wyoming learning about the gift of presence and genuine connection, Dragonfly features 10 songs of love, hope, transition, and transformation. The project includes a take on “Down On The Corner,” universal reflection on “Me & God and a Fishing Pole,” unfettered resilience in “Play On,” and angst and heartache in both “Not Me This Time” and the forthcoming “Whiskey and You.”
“Traditionally, dragonflies represent spiritual growth, metamorphosis, maturity, adaptation and renewal, along with light and clarity, joy and happiness,” shares Ewing. “It was an epiphany that this project, along with my renewed efforts to be the artist I’ve always wanted to be, unapologetically embodied all of those things.”
Ewing has made recent appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum and more, and fans can catch him on the road this month in Farmington, New Mexico on Aug. 13 and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on Aug. 14.
Dragonfly Track List:
1. “Me & God and a Fishing Pole”
2. “Play On”
3. “Whiskey and You”
4. “Say Yes”
5. “I Want It All”
6. “Not Me This Time”
7. “Stronger Where You’re Broken (feat. Mae Estes)”
8. “No (A Self Worth Resurrection)”
9. “Stop Talking”
10. “Down On The Corner”
Make Wake Artists Partners With One Twenty One Management
/by Madison HahnenJarrod Holley, Adam Hale and Chris Kappy. Photo: Madelyn McGee
Make Wake Artists has formed a partnership with One Twenty One Management, founded by Adam Hale. The company’s roster includes Muscadine Bloodline, Ben Chapman and Josh Weathers.
Hale spent six years in the Ohio Army National Guard, including a 2011–2012 deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After moving to Nashville, he spent eight years on the road with Newsboys, Colt Ford, Kip Moore, Brad Paisley and others, gaining experience in artist operations, production and logistics. During that time, he met Muscadine Bloodline’s Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton and became the duo’s manager in 2019.
Since then, Hale has overseen multiple releases, headline tours and major support opportunities, including the duo’s first ACM nomination for Duo of the Year. He later launched One Twenty One Management and expanded its roster to include Weathers and Chapman.
“[Chris] Kappy and I first met years ago in the UK while I was tour managing Kip Moore and he was helping build Luke Combs’ career,” Hale says. “I’ve admired how he’s grown Make Wake with a fan-first mindset, and I believe that philosophy pairs naturally with my artist-first approach built on integrity, communication and execution. On top of that, Jarrod Holley has been one of my closest friends for more than 20 years. We talk every single day, bouncing ideas off each other and helping each other navigate this business, so at some point it just made sense to be working under the same roof. Between that relationship and the resources Make Wake brings to the table, I couldn’t be more excited about what this partnership means for our artists and everything that’s ahead.”
“Some partnerships are special because of the artists, and some are special because of the people – this is both,” shares Make Wake’s Holley. “Adam has been one of my closest friends for more than 20 years, so getting the chance to work together at this stage of our careers is a lot of fun. Watching what he, Charlie, Gary and the team have built independently has been phenomenal, and we’re honored they’ve trusted Make Wake with what’s next.”
“I’ve always believed that the best partnerships are built on shared values before shared success,” adds Kappy, Founder of Make Wake Artists. “Adam Hale and the Muscadine Bloodline team have built something authentic by staying true to who they are, and that’s exactly the kind of artist and people we want to be in business with. At Make Wake Artists, we’re focused on helping exceptional talent create long-term careers without sacrificing their identity. Adam’s vision, leadership and commitment to the band make this a natural fit, and we’re excited to work alongside him as Muscadine Bloodline continues to reach new heights. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the Make Wake family.”
Ivan “Churro” Haro is also joining the partnership and serves as day-to-day manager for Muscadine Bloodline, Weathers and Chapman. Haro previously worked with artists including Morgan Wallen, Tyler Rich and Matt Stell. He also manages Glasslands, a metalcore band he is helping develop from the ground up.
Brian Sipe To Join K-LOVE As Vice President Of Live Events
/by Lorie HollabaughBrian Sipe
Brian Sipe has been named Vice President of Live Events at K-LOVE.
Sipe most recently served as the General Manager of the Oak View Group-managed Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky. He has also worked in booking at Rupp Arena and has been the General Manager at venues throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He comes to K-LOVE with an array of accolades including his venues receiving three Academy of Country Music Venue of the Year nominations. Sipe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Elizabethtown College.
In his new role at K-LOVE, he will facilitate the collaboration, inspiration, and direction for Partnership Events. Sipe will be responsible for ensuring live events advance the Ministry’s mission by fostering meaningful engagement and delivering lasting spiritual impact.
“Brian is exactly the kind of leader we were praying God would bring to K-LOVE,” says Chief Media Officer Gator Harrison. “He has earned tremendous respect throughout the live entertainment industry for his experience, creativity, and leadership, but what impressed us most is his love for Jesus and his heart for ministry. Brian understands that our events are more than concerts—they’re opportunities for people to experience hope, community, and the life-changing message of the Gospel. I’m excited to welcome him to our team as we continue moving people closer to Jesus.”
“I am honored to join such an amazing ministry to use my God given abilities for His purpose,” adds Sipe. “I am beyond excited to be able to join such a strong team of people as we grow this ministry together, creating live experiences that fulfill your soul and make an impact on your life forever. I look forward to what God is going to do.”
Sipe is set to join the K-LOVE Ministry on Oct. 5.
Hampton Hall Inks With Creative Nation
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Back Row, L-R): Luke Laird, Cole Brown, Brandon Gill, Abigail Bruner and Jayne Hamblin. (Front Row, L-R): Abby Holcomb, Beth Laird, Hampton Hall, Alex Albanese Graham, Emily Furman and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns
Hampton Hall has inked with Creative Nation.
Influenced by the sounds of Keith Urban, Eric Church and John Mayer, Hall began playing gigs in and around his hometown in North Alabama at nine years old. He will release his debut single on CN Records, “Run From It,” on Aug. 21.
“It’s such a blessing to have Creative Nation in my corner. It’s everything I was looking for in a team and I cannot wait to see what we will be able to accomplish together,” Hall says.
“The most exciting songs often come from artists who have something to prove and Hampton is ready to do just that. His drive, work ethic, and passion for songwriting is admirable. We’re so excited to have him at Creative Nation,” says Creative Manager, Alex Albanese Graham.
“We’re all so excited to have Hampton on the team. He brings a unique way of storytelling to his music and his drive as both a songwriter and an artist would make anyone excited to work with him,” adds Publishing, Management & Records A&R, Cole Brown.
2026 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Female Artist Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Female Artist of the Year category.
This category honors the achievements of a Nashville female artist during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Warner Records Nashville artist Avery Anna first garnered attention by sharing videos online before releasing her debut EP, Mood Swings, in 2022. Since then, the Arizona native has developed a catalog that blends country, pop and singer-songwriter influences, earning more than 1.7 billion global streams. Her 2022 single “Narcissist” was certified Platinum. Last year, her sophomore album, let go letters, inspired by the real life stories of her fans, was named one of Billboard’s “50 Best Albums of 2025.” In 2026, she took home ACM New Female Artist of the Year and completed her “Girl of Constant Sorrow” headline run. In March, Anna released her EP forgive, forget., featuring “Fear In God,” a faith-inspired duet with Sam Barber. The pair previously reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Indigo” and later performed the song together on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Alongside her headlining dates, Anna has also toured with Megan Moroney, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell and others. Anna is currently amidst a run of festival dates throughout the summer.
Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini entered a new creative chapter in 2026 with the release of her EP Mount Pleasant, a project that continues the personal songwriting that has become a hallmark of her recent work through songs that explore personal identity, relationships and the changing priorities that come with adulthood. She followed the EP this summer with collaborations including “Another Drink” with Marshmello and “Math of Us” with Patrick Droney. Earlier in 2025, Ballerini wrapped her 35-date “KELSEA BALLERINI LIVE ON TOUR,” performing in arenas across the country. Those releases followed her 2024 album PATTERNS, which debuted atop Billboard’s Country Albums chart, and the acclaimed 2023 Rolling Up The Welcome Mat. Ballerini earned nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards, Female Artist of the Year at the 2026 ACM Awards and Best Contemporary Country Album at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards for Patterns, continuing a career that has included seven No. 1 singles, induction into the Grand Ole Opry and collaborations spanning country and pop.
Before moving to Nashville in 2019, Columbia Records’ Ella Langley cut her teeth playing bars and festivals throughout her home state of Alabama. After a few years in Music City, her 2023 debut EP Excuse the Mess introduced fan-favorite songs before she released her debut album, hungover, in 2024. She followed it with her 2026 sophomore album, Dandelion, which debuted at No. 1 and was executive produced by Langley alongside Miranda Lambert and Ben West. The album includes the four-times Platinum single “Choosin’ Texas” and the Platinum-certified “Be Her.” “Choosin’ Texas” spent 11 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the longest-running No. 1 by a woman with a country hit on the chart. The song also recorded six separate runs at No. 1 during a single release cycle while spending 29 weeks atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Langley is currently on her headlining “Dandelion Tour” after earning seven ACM Awards in 2026, including Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year alongside Riley Green for “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
Sony Music Nashville’s Megan Moroney entered 2026 with the February release of her third studio album, Cloud 9, which includes the chart-topping singles “Beautiful Things” and “6 Months Later,” her highest debut on the Billboard Hot 100 to date. The album follows her Gold-certified sophomore release, Am I Okay?, which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 in 2024 and became one of the year’s biggest releases by a female country artist. The project produced the double-Platinum No. 1 hit “Am I Okay?” and the Platinum-certified “No Caller ID,” which set the record for the largest U.S. streaming debut for a female country song. Moroney’s catalog has now surpassed 3.9 billion global streams, led by her four-times Platinum No. 1 hit “Tennessee Orange” from her 2023 debut album, Lucky. Following the sold-out 50-date “Am I Okay? tour,” Moroney returned to the road earlier this year with an international headline run featuring arena dates across North America, Europe and the United Kingdom in support of Cloud 9.
Lost Highway’s Kacey Musgraves returned in 2026 with her sixth studio album, Middle of Nowhere, a 13-song collection she cowrote and co-produced with longtime collaborators Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk. Inspired by the sounds and stories of her Texas upbringing, the album features collaborations with Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings and Gregory Alan Isakov. Later this year, Musgraves will launch the “Middle of Nowhere Tour” in support of the new album. It follows 2024’s Deeper Well, which delivered the biggest debut sales week of Musgraves’ career, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart and became her fifth No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart. The album’s single “The Architect” earned the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. In 2023, Musgraves scored her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “I Remember Everything,” her duet with Zach Bryan, becoming the first country duet in 40 years to top the chart. The song also won the Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Across her career, Musgraves has earned eight Grammy Awards.
Lainey Wilson continued the Whirlwind era in 2025 with the release of the album’s deluxe edition, featuring five additional tracks, including her No. 1 single “Somewhere Over Laredo.” The Louisiana native carried that momentum into 2026 by headlining Stagecoach, launching a run of stadium shows with Chris Stapleton and becoming the subject of the Netflix documentary Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool. At the 2025 CMA Awards, Wilson became the first solo female host since Reba McEntire in 1991 while winning Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Wilson has earned nine No. 1 singles, including “Heart Like a Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” “4x4xU” and “Somewhere Over Laredo,” and more. She also earned three nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Somewhere Over Laredo,” as well as Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Trailblazer,” her collaboration with Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert. Wilson recently released her latest single, “Phone Keys Wallet,” featuring John Mayer.
Sugarland To Celebrate 20-Year Anniversary Of ‘Enjoy The Ride’ With New Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughSugarland. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Sugarland will embark on their new “The Ride or Die Tour” celebrating the 20th anniversary of Enjoy the Ride, the album that cemented Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush as one of country’s most beloved duos, beginning in October.
The 26-city trek kicks off Oct. 1 in St. Augustine and will visit markets across the country including Charleston, Green Bay, Atlantic City, Toledo, and more, wrapping Nov. 21 in Dallas. Details on fan pre-sales, local on-sale dates, and VIP upgrades more can be found here.
“Enjoy the Ride was such a turning point album,” says Nettles. “It literally catapulted us onto the ride of our lives with a carnival of hits and a life on The Road. We couldn’t let its anniversary pass without marking it as something special with our fans, live and on tour!”
“There is truly nothing more satisfying than the lights going up on the Sugarland stage and feeling our songs rumble out of the speakers,” adds Bush. “I’m excited just thinking about it and even more thrilled to be celebrating the anniversary of Enjoy The Ride.”
Since forming in 2002, Sugarland has sold nearly 10 million albums and racked up seven No. 1s and nearly 2 billion streams to date. Their hits include Platinum-certified “All I Want to Do” and “Stay,” double Platinum “Stuck Like Glue” as well as Gold-certified “Baby Girl,” “It Happens,” “Settlin’,”“Something More” and “Want To.” In addition to the global stardom with Sugarland, both Nettles and Bush have achieved success with their solo work.
Most recently, Nettles wrote the book, lyrics, and score for the new off-Broadway musical Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo, in which she starred as the title character. The show world premiered in Summer 2026 at the Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center in New York.
As a producer, Bush has earned multiple CMA and ACM Award nominations and topped Billboard‘s Country Producers chart. He has produced chart-topping projects for Megan Moroney, including her most recent Billboard 200 No. 1 album Cloud 9, as well as work for Lanie Gardner, K. Michelle, and Runaway June. Through his work with Moroney, Bush has also produced recordings featuring Brooks & Dunn, Ed Sheeran, Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, and Kacey Musgraves.
“The Ride or Die Tour” Dates:
10.1 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
10.2 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum
10.3 – Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum
10.8 – Champaign, IL – State Farm Center
10.9 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
10.10 – La Crosse, WI – La Crosse Center
10.13 – Sioux City, IA – Tyson Event Center
10.16 – Rapid City, SD – Summit Arena
10.17 – New Town, ND – 4 Bears Casino
10.18 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center
10.20 – Duluth, MN – ASMOIL Arena
10.22 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy PowerHouse
10.23 – Rockford, IL – BMO Harris Bank Center
10.24 – Battle Creek, MI – Firekeepers Casino
11.3 – Clarksville, TN – F&M Bank Arena
11.5 – Youngstown, OH – The Covelli Center
11.6 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena
11.7 –Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
11.11 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center
11.12 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
11.13 – Atlantic City, NJ – The Borgata Casino
11.14 – Reading, PA – Santander Arena
11.17 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center
11.19 – St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena
11.20 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino
11.21 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theater
Artist Action: Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, Joy Oladokun, Russell Dickerson
/by Lauryn SinkVince Gill Wraps Ryman Residency
Vince Gill and Chrissy Hall. Photo: Catherine Powell
Vince Gill wrapped his six-night sold-out residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Saturday night (Aug. 8).
Over the course of the residency, Gill delivered three-and-a-half-hour performances each night with no opening act and no intermission. The residency featured two special guest appearances. Gill’s daughter, Corrina, joined him to perform “Heroes,” a new song that has yet to be released and Maggie Rose joined Gill for “A Mother’s Prayer,” the title track of the eighth 50 Years From Home EP.
Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation & Tractor Supply Company Donate Over $250,000 In Surprise Grants To Animal Shelters
MuttNation Foundation Co-Founders Bev Lambert and Miranda Lambert. Photo: Tyler Conrad
Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation has once again teamed up with Tractor Supply Company to donate $255,000 to animal welfare organizations across the country. The Mutts Across America program donates $5,000 to one shelter or foster-based rescue in every state along with a “Wildcard” pick in honor of Lambert’s Grammy-winning album of the same name.
“Mutts Across America is one of my favorite MuttNation programs because it lets us show our appreciation to the people at the shelters who are doing the hard work every day,” says Lambert. “And to make it even more special, the grants are always a surprise – there’s no way to apply or be nominated. Tractor Supply has been such an amazing partner, and we’re so grateful for their commitment to MuttNation and to shelter pets across the country.”
“At Tractor Supply, caring for pets and animals isn’t just part of our business – it’s core to who we are,” shares Kimberley Gardiner, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Tractor Supply. “While we’ve partnered with local and national shelters for decades, our work with MuttNation allows us to deepen that commitment in truly meaningful ways. Together, we’re expanding our reach to drive critical support for the vital work these shelters do every day.”
Alan Jackson Earns New RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Morna Willens, RIAA Chief Policy Officer; Jackie Jones, RIAA SVP Artist & Industry Relations; Alan Jackson, Denise Jackson, Mike Harris, MCA President/CEO; Stephanie Wright, MCA EVP/Head of A&R
Alan Jackson’s career music sales have reached new heights as his recorded catalog has been certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for 85.5-million units sold in the U.S. alone. Jackson was surprised with a plaque commemorating the achievement at his Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale concert in June.
“Alan Jackson has built a legacy through songs that have defined Country music for more than four decades, creating a lasting connection to generations of fans. We were honored to celebrate his impact on the music community, and his remarkable 85.5-million RIAA certifications,” says RIAA SVP Artist & Industry Relations Jackie Jones, who was joined at the event by RIAA Chief Policy Officer Morna Willens.
Jason Aldean Earns New RIAA Certifications
Jason Aldean. Photo: Spidey Smith
Jason Aldean is celebrating a new wave of RIAA certifications.The career milestone comes as Aldean continues his “Songs About Us” Headlining Tour and his co-headlining “Double Down Tour” with Luke Bryan.
New certifications include:
My Kinda Party (album)– 6X Platinum
My Kinda Party – 5X Platinum
Fly Over States – 4X Platinum
Any Ol’ Barstool – 3X Platinum
Amarillo Sky – 3X Platinum
Don’t You Wanna Stay (with Kelly Clarkson) – 2X Platinum
Tattoos On This Town – 2X Platinum
Hicktown – 2X Platinum
Why – 2X Platinum
Lights Come On – 2X Platinum
Little More Summertime – Platinum
They Don’t Know (album) – Platinum
Joy Oladokun Appears On Songs of U.S.
Joy Oladokun made an appearance on Songs of U.S., reflecting on growing up as a child of immigrants with a cover of Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell’s “The Thrill Is Gone.”
The cover and accompanying interview are out now.
Russell Dickerson Celebrates Double-Platinum Certification For ‘Happen To Me’
Russell Dickerson.
Russell Dickerson recently celebrated a double-Platinum certification for his hit single, “Happen To Me.” He was surprised with the plaque following his performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
From his album FAMOUS BACK HOME, “Happen To Me” spent multiple weeks at No. 1 in the U.S., U.K. and Canada, and has amassed more than 400 million global streams to date. He has performed the track on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, ESPN’s College GameDay and CMA Fest presented by SoFi.