SiriusXM Front Row Hosts ‘American Idol’ Judges
Photo: Courtesy of SiriusXM Front Row
American Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie recently sat down for a SiriusXM Front Row hosted by Nicole Ryan, Ryan Sampson and Stanley T from SiriusXM Hits 1’s The Morning Mash Up.
During the interview, the judges discussed the current season of the show, shared their thoughts on hearing their songs performed by contestants and more.
Modern Cult Signs With Parallel Vision & Big Loud Rock
Pictured (L-R): Lloyd Norman, Brad Shultz, Ryan Zumwalt, Darren Potuck, Augie Pink, Rod Wendt, Daniel Oakley, Joey Moi. Photo: Ilona Donovan
Modern Cult has signed with Parallel Vision in partnership with Big Loud Rock. In celebration of announcement, the duo has released their debut single, “Be My Friend.”
“Augie and Rod have an incredible work ethic and a unique sound that stands out in today’s landscape,” says Joey Moi, Big Loud Partner/Big Loud Rock President. “We’re excited to work with our Parallel Vision friends and help bring their distinct sound to the world.”
“We’re incredibly excited to be starting this chapter with Parallel Vision and Big Loud Rock — it already feels like a tight-knit family, which can be rare in this world, and that’s something we’re really grateful for,” Modern Cult adds.
CMHOFM To Host Book Talk On ‘Heartland Rock’
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Writer-Editor Erin Osmon will discuss her new book, Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America, during a discussion led by Allison Moorer at the museum on May 9.
Osmon will discuss the story of heartland rock, and Stephen Wilson Jr. will perform.
The program is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited and a program ticket is required.
Drake White, Alana Springsteen & Tiera Kennedy Join Country Cruising 2027 Lineup
Country Cruising has added Drake White, Alana Springsteen and Tiera Kennedy to its 2027 lineup. The group joins previously announced performers Randy Travis, Paul Overstreet, Craig Morgan, James Otto, KC Johns, Maggie Baugh and many more.
More information is available here.
Priscilla Block To Headline Backlot Country Fest
Priscilla Block. Photo: Courtesy of Backlot Country Fest
Priscilla Block will headline Columbia, Tennessee’s Backlot Country Fest, set to take place on April 11. Additional performers include Shane Profitt, Katie Austin and The Bandana Brothers.
Tickets are available here.
Sunday Mornin’ Country Unveils 2026 Lineup
Sunday Mornin’ Country has unveiled the lineup for this year. Set for June 7 at The Grand Ole Opry House, performers will include Adam Warner, Aubrey Nicole, Cassidy Daniels, Charlie McCoy, Cowboy Joe & The Babcocks, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, Dianne Sherrill, Jimmy Fortune, John Berry, John McEuen, Joy Holden, Leon Everette, The Tennessee River Boys, Mackenzie Phipps, Mandy Barnett, Melanie Walker, Mike Scott, Music City Quartet and The Fox Brothers, among others. Tickets are available now.
“I have been playing the Sunday Morning Country show since the Hee Haw days when Joe Babcock recruited me. I must say that I love the show and look forward to it every year,” says Charlie McCoy.
Big Loud Hosts CRS Drawing
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Woodruff, Mike Sinclair, Jeff Hunt.
Big Loud Hosted a drawing for attendees of CRS.
Jeff Hunt of WVPO took home first prize, a Morgan Wallen signed guitar. Jordan Woodruff of KPNC nabbed second prize, a set of Sony Professional MDR-7506 headphones. Mike Sinclair of WTCM earned third prize, a pair of Loop Quiet 2 Ear Protectors.
Fancy Hagood Launches Radio Series On Apple Music Country
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Apple Music
Fancy Hagood has launched a new radio series, FANCY, airing on Apple Music Country.
The debut episode aired Friday (March 27), and new episodes will be available weekly. Each episode features music, recurring segments and candid conversations with artists and notable voices from within the country world and beyond.
Launching alongside the show is Hagood Music, a companion playlist curated by Hagood featuring music heard on the show and other personal favorites.
“This playlist is simply a playground of songs and artists who make me fall in love with music over and over again,” Hagood tells Apple Music. “If you’re wondering what I’m listening to while driving around town pretending to be the female lead of an A24 indie film, it’s all right here.”
FANCY is available here on-demand with an Apple Music Subscription.
ERNEST Gets Into A Tropical State Of Mind On New LP ‘Deep Blue’
/by Lorie HollabaughERNEST taps into that island state of mind on his upcoming third album, Deep Blue, set to drop May 1 via Big Loud Records.
He’s unlocking two more early releases from the upcoming project, the title track and an official studio version of Apple Music Lost & Found Session submission “End Of The Night,” today. Deep Blue harkens back to ERNEST’s first-ever project, Locals Only, but showcases seven years’ worth of growth against the backdrop of a tropical escape. Heavily influenced and inspired by the sounds and spirit of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a place that’s made ERNEST who he is both personally and creatively, Deep Blue takes the listener out to sea on a nostalgic, sentimental trip.
The 13-track album features previously-released singles “Lorelei” and “Boat Named After You,” as well as four outside cuts, a first for ERNEST from any previous project. Pulling from the archives, the award-winning writer unearthed a set of backlog cuts from Toby Keith, Nathan Chapman, David Lee Murphy, Tony Lane, Scotty Emerick, Paul Overstreet and more to round out the upcoming oceanside set. ERNEST also co-produced the album alongside longtime collaborator Jacob Durrett, another first, and Lukas Nelson appears on the collection on the poignant track “Time Is A Thief.”
“I want to say thank you to the fans that have been here since the Local Only days.” says ERNEST. “If you are new here, thank you for joining the ride. Most importantly, I want to thank the ocean and the islands. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. I found myself in that Caribbean water and will always call it home away from home.”
ERNEST is currently on the road headlining his nationwide “Live From The South Tour” with DeVille artists Rhys Rutherford, Chandler Walters and Cody Lohden.
Deep Blue Track List:
1. “Lorelei” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Mark Holman)
2. “Edge Of The U.S.A.” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Chris Lane)
3. “What’s A Little Rain” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, David Garcia)
4. “Lucky” (Ernest Keith Smith, Cody Lohden)
5. “Quit While We’re Behind” (Ernest Keith Smith, Scotty Emerick, Trent Tomlinson)
6. “Somewhere In The Caribbean” (Scotty Emerick, Paul Overstreet)
7. “End Of The Night” (Toby Keith, David Lee Murphy, Bobby Pinson)
8. “Waste A Day” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, David Garcia)
9. “Deep Blue” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Rocky Block, Hank Compton, Jamie McLaughlin)
10. “If I’m Not Careful” (Ernest Keith Smith, Ronnie Bowman, Clint Daniels, Chandler Paul Walters)
11. “Same Moon” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Mark Holman)
12. “Boat Named After You” (Nathan Chapman, Tony Lane)
13. “Time Is A Thief” feat. Lukas Nelson (Matt McKinney, Rivers Rutherford, Jimmy Yeary)
All songs produced by ERNEST & Jacob Durrett
Industry Ink: ‘American Idol,’ Modern Cult, CMHOFM, Country Cruising, More
/by Lauryn SinkSiriusXM Front Row Hosts ‘American Idol’ Judges
Photo: Courtesy of SiriusXM Front Row
American Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie recently sat down for a SiriusXM Front Row hosted by Nicole Ryan, Ryan Sampson and Stanley T from SiriusXM Hits 1’s The Morning Mash Up.
During the interview, the judges discussed the current season of the show, shared their thoughts on hearing their songs performed by contestants and more.
Modern Cult Signs With Parallel Vision & Big Loud Rock
Pictured (L-R): Lloyd Norman, Brad Shultz, Ryan Zumwalt, Darren Potuck, Augie Pink, Rod Wendt, Daniel Oakley, Joey Moi. Photo: Ilona Donovan
Modern Cult has signed with Parallel Vision in partnership with Big Loud Rock. In celebration of announcement, the duo has released their debut single, “Be My Friend.”
“Augie and Rod have an incredible work ethic and a unique sound that stands out in today’s landscape,” says Joey Moi, Big Loud Partner/Big Loud Rock President. “We’re excited to work with our Parallel Vision friends and help bring their distinct sound to the world.”
“We’re incredibly excited to be starting this chapter with Parallel Vision and Big Loud Rock — it already feels like a tight-knit family, which can be rare in this world, and that’s something we’re really grateful for,” Modern Cult adds.
CMHOFM To Host Book Talk On ‘Heartland Rock’
Osmon will discuss the story of heartland rock, and Stephen Wilson Jr. will perform.
The program is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited and a program ticket is required.
Drake White, Alana Springsteen & Tiera Kennedy Join Country Cruising 2027 Lineup
Country Cruising has added Drake White, Alana Springsteen and Tiera Kennedy to its 2027 lineup. The group joins previously announced performers Randy Travis, Paul Overstreet, Craig Morgan, James Otto, KC Johns, Maggie Baugh and many more.
More information is available here.
Priscilla Block To Headline Backlot Country Fest
Priscilla Block. Photo: Courtesy of Backlot Country Fest
Priscilla Block will headline Columbia, Tennessee’s Backlot Country Fest, set to take place on April 11. Additional performers include Shane Profitt, Katie Austin and The Bandana Brothers.
Tickets are available here.
Sunday Mornin’ Country Unveils 2026 Lineup
Sunday Mornin’ Country has unveiled the lineup for this year. Set for June 7 at The Grand Ole Opry House, performers will include Adam Warner, Aubrey Nicole, Cassidy Daniels, Charlie McCoy, Cowboy Joe & The Babcocks, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, Dianne Sherrill, Jimmy Fortune, John Berry, John McEuen, Joy Holden, Leon Everette, The Tennessee River Boys, Mackenzie Phipps, Mandy Barnett, Melanie Walker, Mike Scott, Music City Quartet and The Fox Brothers, among others. Tickets are available now.
“I have been playing the Sunday Morning Country show since the Hee Haw days when Joe Babcock recruited me. I must say that I love the show and look forward to it every year,” says Charlie McCoy.
Big Loud Hosts CRS Drawing
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Woodruff, Mike Sinclair, Jeff Hunt.
Big Loud Hosted a drawing for attendees of CRS.
Jeff Hunt of WVPO took home first prize, a Morgan Wallen signed guitar. Jordan Woodruff of KPNC nabbed second prize, a set of Sony Professional MDR-7506 headphones. Mike Sinclair of WTCM earned third prize, a pair of Loop Quiet 2 Ear Protectors.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThe biggest headline arrives with the announcement of this year’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. Songwriter Paul Overstreet, bluegrass pioneers The Stanley Brothers, and global country superstar Tim McGraw will be formally inducted later this year, recognizing decades of influence that have helped define the genre’s past and present.
Warner Records Nashville has undertaken a set of leadership promotions. Patrick Sabatini steps into an expanded role as Executive Vice President overseeing operations and business and legal affairs, while Kristen Williams and Victoria Mason take on EVP roles in radio partnerships and marketing, respectively. The label also elevated Brooke Hardesty and Rohan Kohli to SVP roles, and welcomed Austin Jenkins to its A&R leadership.
The Orchard has appointed Heather Vassar as Senior Vice President in Nashville, and Range Media Partners elevated Cam Lutz to Partner.
On the publishing front, ERNEST has signed a global deal with Warner Chappell Music. Additional artist development news includes Jacob Hackworth’s signing with MCA in collaboration with Goat Island Sound, as well as Mack Geiger joining RECORDS Nashville and Columbia Records. Big Loud Texas Publishing continues to expand its roster, with Julianna Rankin signing a publishing deal alongside Sony Music Publishing.
UTA named Brandi Brammer and Elisa Vazzana as Partners, while The Core Entertainment added Sarah Pfeiffer as Head of Marketing and Gabriella Pulley as Chief of Staff. HEY NOW Records made multiple hires across promotion and streaming, including Brooke Diaz as Vice President of Promotion, and Bill Lubitz and Jane Staszak as National Directors for the West and East Coasts, and Anna Scott Welch has joined as Director of Streaming.
The Press House appointed Alyssa Beach as its Nashville Director. FBMM also recognized internal growth, promoting Shelley Grayson and Chris Trump to Associate Business Manager roles.
The Academy of Country Music revealed its ACM Radio Award winners, highlighting excellence across markets of all sizes. Chris Carr & Company led the Major Market On-Air category, while B-Dub earned top national honors in both daily and weekly categories. Stations such as KSCS-FM in Dallas and WUBE-FM in Cincinnati were among those recognized.
The week also brought somber news with the passing of acclaimed bluegrass artist and songwriter Ronnie Bowman, who died at 64 following a motorcycle accident.
Finally, industry movement included the departure of Chandra LaPlume from Sandbox Entertainment after five years.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Tucker Wetmore takes the No. 1 spot with “Brunette.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Sam Barber Offers Up ‘Just A Kid’ From Upcoming New LP ‘Broken View’
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Barber. Photo: Scott Sanford
Sam Barber will release his sophomore album, Broken View, April 3 via Atlantic Outpost. Barber is sharing his new single from the project, “Just A Kid,” today, along with an accompanying film.
The short film for “Just A Kid” was directed by Gus Black and shot on the Oregon Coast, and stars Elle Chapman (The Madison), Tyler Johnson Ellis (American Horror Story), Cailyn Rice (Euphoria) and Kevin Michael Brennan. Barber co-wrote and co-produced his new album with Joe Becker with additional songs co-produced with Aaron Dessner, and the project serves as an introspective reflection on life’s complexities, exploring themes of love, loss and self-discovery. The new 13-song collection also includes the recently released single “Borrowed Time.”
Barber’s 2024 debut album Restless Mind earned Gold certification and features standout singles including the double Platinum “Straight and Narrow” and Platinum-certified “Indigo (Feat. Avery Anna),” the latter of which has amassed over 728 million global streams and earned Barber a top 40 placement on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Barber will return to Stagecoach Festival in April before continuing his extensive “The American Route Tour.”
Broken View Track List:
1. “Borrowed Time”
2. “All For You”
3. “Broken View”
4. “Far Past”
5. “Hate It Here”
6. “Hope It Never Rains”
7. “Hopeless Song”
8. “I Will Follow”
9. “Just A Kid”
10. “Lighthouse”
11. “Run”
12. “Satellite”
13. “The More I Hope”
Opry Nextstage Class Of 2026 Join Lineup For ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash
/by Lauryn SinkMembers of the Opry Nextstage Class of 2026 have joined the lineup for ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash. Performers will include Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts and Hudson Westbrook.
The event, a reimagined fan-favorite outdoor concert experience, is set for May 16 at Mandalay Bay Beach. Tickets are available now.
Previously announced ACM Awards week events also include ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends at Topgolf Las Vegas on May 15.
Final lineups for all events will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Shaboozey Among iHeartRadio Award Winners
/by Madison HahnenElla Langley, Morgan Wallen & Shaboozey.
The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards took place last night (March 26) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Shaboozey accepted the award for Country Song of the Year with “Good News.” Country Artist of the Year went to Morgan Wallen, while Ella Langley nabbed Best New Artist (Country). Wallen also took home the trophy for Country Album of the Year with I’m The Problem. Amy Allen was also recognized as Songwriter of the Year.
Other award winners throughout the night included Alex Warren (Song of the Year – “Ordinary”), Taylor Swift (Artist of the Year, Album of the Year – The Life of a Showgirl), HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI (Duo/Group of the Year), ROSÉ & Bruno Mars (Best Collaboration – “APT.”) and Andrew Watt (Producer of the Year).
Big honors of the night also went to Warren for the Breakthrough Award, Miley Cyrus for the INNOVATOR Award, John Mellencamp for the ICON Award, and Ludacris for the Landmark Award.
Performances during the ceremony came from Lainey Wilson, Warren, Mellencamp, Kehlani, Ludacris, RAYE, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue.
See the complete list of winners here.
Big Machine Records/NHRE Hire Four
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Jay Cruze and Carly Leach; (L-R, bottom row): Christina Hunt and Claudia Deters
Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment have added four to the team as the label continues to expand its team following its reacquisition.
Jay Cruze returns to the label in his new role as National Director, Promotion & Marketing; joined by Carly Leach, returning as Coordinator, Promotion & Marketing; and Christina Hunt as Manager, Digital Marketing. New to the team is Claudia Deters, who joins as Label Coordinator/Executive Assistant to President and CEO Jimmy Harnen.
“As the Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment team continues to charge forward, I’m very proud to announce these additions and promotions,” says Founder and Chairman Scott Borchetta. “They are Machinists through and through, and their ferocious passion is contagious.”
Cruze will oversee day-to-day chart objectives, single strategy and additional national promotion responsibilities for the label’s radio releases, reporting to Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Senior Vice President Ryan Dokke. He previously served as National Director of Radio Strategy for Blue Highway Records.
Leach, a former Big Machine Label Group intern, will collaborate with Dokke, Cruze and the radio team on weekly tracking reports, creative requests and field support for Senior Directors.
Hunt will support various digital and social initiatives across the label’s roster. She previously served as Label Coordinator & Executive Assistant.
Deters will manage administrative duties, scheduling and coordination for Harnen, while supporting various projects across the label’s roster.
Fender To Celebrate The 75th Anniversary Of The Telecaster With Tele Town Concert At The Ryman
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley, Zach Top, Steve Wariner and more are set to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Telecaster at Tele Town, a one-night concert celebration on May 4 at the Ryman.
The event will bring together artists and fans for an unforgettable evening celebrating the guitar that changed the course of modern music. The lineup will feature artists performing alongside a dedicated house band led by Derek Wells and will also include guitar slingers Brent Mason, Guthrie Trapp, James Burton, Brothers Osborne, Luke McQueary, Ricky Skaggs and Trey Hensley.
“Serving as musical director for Tele Town is a true honor, especially in my home city of Nashville, where I grew up and where the Telecaster’s legacy runs so deep,” says Wells. “Putting this show together has been about more than just great players, it’s about capturing the spirit of an instrument that’s shaped so much of the music we all love. This lineup is full of people who’ve lived with this guitar onstage and in the studio, and I’m certain that when we all are together, you’ll see people playing with love and reverence for what this instrument has meant to us all.”
The evening will be hosted by Nashville guitarist, music insider and historian Zac Childs, who brings deep knowledge of the Telecaster and its history, guiding the audience through performances and collaborations that highlight its pioneering design and role in shaping Music City and the world’s musical identity. Tickets for Tele Town go on sale today (March 27) at AXS Tele Town. All proceeds will be donated to local Nashville charities.
“75 years after its debut, the Telecaster remains proof that simplicity endures, adaptable enough to move across genres, generations, and stages without losing its identity. This celebration is our way of honoring not just an instrument, but a cultural phenomenon that has shaped music for over seven decades,” says Fender Musical Instruments Corporation President of Americas, Justin Norvell. “Tele Town at the Ryman will be the culmination of this celebration – bringing that story to life on one of music’s most hallowed stages in the heart of Music City. From our limited edition collections to the content pieces and community celebrations, we’re ensuring the Telecaster’s legacy reaches both longtime fans and discovers new ones who will carry its voice into the future.”
Julia Cole To Embark On ‘Love You To Death Tour’ This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughJulia Cole. Photo: Matthew Simmons
Julia Cole will launch her new headlining “Love You To Death Tour” beginning May 28 in St. Louis.
Kicking off May 28, the new tour will visit Louisville, Myrtle Beach, Cleveland, Charlotte, Norfolk, Philadelphia and more through June 21.
The tour announcement comes ahead of the release of her new album, Love You To Death, which drops May 22 and will feature her debut radio single “Day Late & A Buck Short” and the just-released “At My Wedding.”
“With this new album, I’ve never felt more sure of who I am and what I want to say,” shares Cole. “Sisterhood Country has always been about showing up for people, and now I get to bring that energy into every room, every city, every night.”
Cole has toured internationally in more than 10 countries, headlining her own tours as well as opening for Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Dierks Bentley and more. The Texas native has already amassed over 700 million career streams and 2.7 million followers across platforms.
“Love You To Death Tour” Dates:
May 28 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House
May 29 – Louisville, KY – Headliners Music Hall
June 6 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Music Fest
June 11- Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
June 12 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
June 13 – Indianapolis, IN – Hifi Indy
June 18 – Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend
June 19 – Norfolk, VA – The Annex
June 20 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
June 21 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry
July 11 – Green Gables, PE, CAN – Cavendish Beach Music Festival