
The Country Music Association has announced nominees for the 59th annual CMA Awards.
Ella Langley, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson lead the pack with six nominations each, while other top nominees include Zach Top with five nominations, and Riley Green and Cody Johnson with four nominations each. Kristian Bush, Carson Chamberlain, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen each secure three nominations. Wilson, Combs, Johnson, Stapleton and Wallen garnered a nomination for the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year.
First-time CMA Awards nominees include Johnny Clawson, Jon Decious, Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Dorr, Alexandra Gavillet, Lalo Guzman, Jimmy Harnen, Brandon Lake, Micah Nichols, John Park, Aaron Raitiere, Matt Rovey, Kyle Sturrock, Wales Toney, Tucker Wetmore and Stephen Wilson Jr.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards broadcasts live from Nashvilleâs Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00 â 11:00 PM/EST) on ABC and next day on Hulu.
âEach year, the CMA Awards shine a light on the creativity, passion and dedication of our community,â says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. âThe nominees announced today represent some of the most impactful work happening across Country Music, and we are deeply appreciative of our voting members for lending their time and expertise to this process. Their commitment helps ensure the CMA Awards remain a true reflection of the genreâs excellence. On behalf of CMA, congratulations to all of this yearâs nominees.â
Winners will be determined in a Final Round of voting by eligible CMA Professional voting members. The third and Final Ballot will be emailed on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Voting for the CMA Awards Final Ballot ends Wednesday, Oct. 29 (6:00 PM/CT).
The CMA Broadcast Award finalists were also announced today. Winners will be determined by a Final Round of judging this month. Entries are judged by a panel of distinguished broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions. The winners will be revealed in October and recipients will be celebrated at the CMA Awards.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards Final Nominees:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
â4x4xUâ â Lainey Wilson
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
âAinât No Love In Oklahomaâ â Luke Combs
– Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
– Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
âAm I Okay?â â Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
âI Never Lieâ â Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
âyou look like you love meâ â Ella Langley & Riley Green
– Producer: Will Bundy
– Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
Am I Okay? â Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
Cold Beer & Country Music â Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
F-1 Trillion â Post Malone
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
– Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
Iâm The Problem â Morgan Wallen
– Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
– Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
Whirlwind â Lainey Wilson
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
SONG OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
â4x4xUâ
– Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
âAm I Okay?â
– Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
âI Never Lieâ
– Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
âTexasâ
– Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
âyou look like you love meâ
– Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
âDonât Mind If I Doâ â Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley)
– Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
âHard Fought Hallelujahâ â Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
– Producer: Micah Nichols
âIâm Gonna Love Youâ â Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Producer: Trent Willmon
âPour Me A Drinkâ â Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
âYou Had To Be Thereâ â Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)
– Producer: Kristian Bush
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
Jenee Fleenor â Fiddle
Paul Franklin â Steel Guitar
Brent Mason â Guitar
Rob McNelley â Guitar
Derek Wells â Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
âAm I Okay?â â Megan Moroney
– Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
âIâm Gonna Love Youâ â Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Director: Dustin Haney
âSomewhere Over Laredoâ â Lainey Wilson
– Director: TK McKamy
âThink Iâm In Love With Youâ â Chris Stapleton
– Director: Running Bear
âyou look like you love meâ â Ella Langley & Riley Green
– Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson Jr.
2025 CMA Broadcast Awards â Finalists For Broadcast Personality Of The Year (by market size):
WEEKLY NATIONAL:
âCountry Countdown USA with Lon Heltonâ (Lon Helton) â LH Productions
âThe Country Top 40 with Fitzâ (Cory âFitzâ Fitzner) â Hubbard Broadcasting
âThe Original Country Goldâ (Rowdy Yates) â Syndicated Media
âTodayâs Country Radioâ (Kelleigh Bannen) â Apple Music Radio
âYâall Access with Kelly Suttonâ (Kelly Sutton) â Compass Media Group
DAILY NATIONAL:
âBig D & Bubbaâ (âBig Dâ Derek Haskins, âBubbaâ Sean Powell, Carsen Humphreville, Jonathan Shaffer, and Garrett Freche) â Silverfish Media
âHighway Mornings with Cody Alanâ (Cody Alan and Lauryn Snapp) â SiriusXM
âRidinâ With Rowdyâ (Rowdy Yates) â SuiteRadio / RFC Media
âThe Rob and Holly Showâ (Rob Stone and Holly Hutton) â Audacy
âWilhite and Wall Showâ (Darren Wilhite and Tim Wall) â Ebert Productions
MAJOR MARKET:
âChris Carr & Companyâ (Chris Carr, Sam Sansevere, and âDubsâ Michael Wilczynski) â KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
âHawkeye and Michelleâ (“Hawkeye” Mark Louis Rybczyk and Michelle Rodriguez) â KSCS, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
âThe Lo Showâ (Lauren âLoâ Barker) â KKBQ, Houston, Texas
âRachel Ryanâ (Rachel Ryan) â KSCS, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
âThe Scotty Kay Showâ (Scotty Kay) â WUSN, Chicago, Ill.
LARGE MARKET:
âDeb & Matt in the Morningâ (Deborah Honeycutt and Matt Malone) â WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
âThe Q Morning Crew w/ Mike & Amandaâ (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) â WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
âScott and Shannenâ (Scott Dolphin and âShannen Oâ Oesterreich) â WMIL, Milwaukee, Wis.
âTim & Chelseaâ (Tim Leary and Chelsea Taylor) â WIRK, West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
âWayne D and Tayâ (âWayne Dâ Danielson and Tay Hamilton) â WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
MEDIUM MARKET:
âThe Doc Show with Chewyâ (Ken âDocâ Medek and Sean âChewyâ Medek) â WGGY, Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pa.
âEllis and Bradley Showâ (Bill Ellis and Beth Bradley) â WSSL, Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.
âJoey & Nancyâ (Joey Tack, Nancy Barger, and Karly Duggan) â WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.
âMo & StyckManâ (Melissa “Mo” Wagner and Greg “StyckMan” Owens) â WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.
âSpencer Graves Showâ (Spencer Graves, Megan Terry, and Blair Davis) â WDXB, Birmingham, Ala.
SMALL MARKET:
âBen & Arnieâ (Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews) â WCOW, La Crosse, Wis.
âBrent Lane and The Cat Pak Morning Showâ (Brent Lane and Jordan Glass) â WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
âDan Austin Showâ (Dan Austin) â WQHK, Fort Wayne, Ind.
âHilley & Hartâ (Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart) â KATI, Columbia, Mo.
âLiz & Scotty in the Morningâ (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) â KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
2025 CMA Broadcast Awards â Finalists For Radio Station Of The Year (by market size):
MAJOR MARKET:
KKBQ â Houston, Texas
KSCS â Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
KYGO â Denver-Boulder, Colo.
WUSN â Chicago, Ill.
WXTU â Philadelphia, Pa.
LARGE MARKET:
WCTK â Providence-Warwick-Pawtucket, R.I.
WMIL â Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
WSIX â Nashville, Tenn.
WUBE â Cincinnati, Ohio
WWKA â Orlando, Fla.
MEDIUM MARKET:
KUZZ â Bakersfield, Calif.
WHKO â Dayton, Ohio
WIVK â Knoxville, Tenn.
WLFP â Memphis, Tenn.
WQMX â Akron, Ohio
SMALL MARKET:
KATI â Columbia, Mo.
KCLR â Columbia, Mo.
WCOW â La Crosse, Wis.
WKML â Fayetteville, N.C.
WXBQ â Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
âRecorded Live At Analogâ Season Two Debuts On PBS
/by Lauryn SinkDave Stewart at Analog. Photo: Skay Photography
Season two of Recorded Live at Analog kicked off on Thursday, Sept. 4, with its premiere episode airing on YouTube and public television stations nationwide (check local listings). The six-part series, filmed at Analog in Nashville, highlights a wide range of music genres including rock, Americana, country, and jazz.
âRecorded Live at Analog offers artists the opportunity to connect with their longtime fans while reaching new audiences through PBS stations, PBS.org and YouTube, uninterrupted by commercials,â says Executive Producer Don Maggi. âThe series gives viewers a chance to experience their favorite artistsâor discover new onesâin the uniquely intimate setting of Analog in Nashville. Weâre excited to share the broad range of music styles we have coming up in the new season.â
âThe show is a connection point for fans that leaves a lasting legacy well beyond a single night,â says Meredith DiMenna, Director of Marketing and Programming at Analog at the Hutton Hotel. âOur setting enhances the experience through the comfort, elevated service, and hospitality that have become a signature of our property.â
The season premiere featured Dave Stewart the highly acclaimed Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Songwriter Hall of Famer, Eurythmics co-founder, producer and renowned songwriter, honoring Bob Dylan, by playing songs from his latest album Dave Does Dylan, and sharing anecdotes from their 40 years of friendship.
“I started learning Dylan songs and singing them in folk clubs in the Northeast of England at the age of 15 years old. I still sing and play these at home and never grow tired of these songs written by a rare mind where words dance like music and music speaks like truth. Dylan is and always will be my True North,â says Stewart.
Recorded Live at Analog Season Two Schedule:
Dave Stewart Does Dylan – September 4th
Molly Tuttle & Ketch Secor – September 11th
Chase Rice – September 18th
George Thorogood & The Destroyers – September 25th
Back Home Again: A Tribute to John Denver – October 2nd
Deborah Silver – October 9th
On The Row: Preston Cooper Shares Songs & Stories From Debut Album
/by Lauryn SinkPreston Cooper. Photo: David McClister
Preston Cooper recently stopped by the MusicRow offices to share a few songs and stories ahead of the release of his debut album. Fresh off a performance at Red Rocks Amphitheater on the road with Riley Green, the Ohio native released his album Toledo Talkinâ on Aug. 29.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink and John Nix Arledge, Preston Cooper, MusicRow’s LB Cantrell and Madison Hahnen.
Inspired by the sounds of Bob Segar, Chris Stapleton and Stevie Ray Vaughn, two years ago, Cooper was discovered by The Warren Brothers while playing a benefit show in Ohio, and they later invited him to Nashville to write with them. A few months later he moved to Music City and signed a record deal with The Valory Music Co.
Cooper kicked off his visit with âOne More Place Iâve Never Been,â joking that the list of places he has never been is quickly getting shorter. He continued with âWeakâ and wrapped the set with the reflective title track to the project “Toledo Talkinâ.â
Recently named an iHeartRadio On The Verge Artist, he is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 24.
âTo be invited by the Opry to play there, it is hard to explain the feeling because it doesn’t feel real. Two years ago I was literally playing bars in my hometown, and the Opry just felt like 10 years down the road, if even at all,â he said of the invitation.
Cooper recently wrapped his run as direct support for Kameron Marloweâs “Keepinâ The Lights On Tour” and select dates of Riley Greenâs “Damn Country Music Tour.”
Luke Combs Enters Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenLuke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein
Luke Combs has entered the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His own “Back In The Saddle” alongside his collaboration with BigXthaPlug “Pray Hard” push the singer-songwriter into No. 18 this week.
Charlie Handsome sits at No. 1 for the 15th consecutive week with “Don’t We,” “Hell At Night,” “Holy Water,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I’m The Problem,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN” and “What I Want.” Blake Pendergrass moves up to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Don’t We,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman” and “Wish You Well.”
Chase McGill (No. 3), Morgan Wallen (No. 4) and John Byron (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Brantley Gilbert Releases New Track From Upcoming ‘Greatest Hits…So Far’ Project
/by Lorie HollabaughBrantley Gilbert has a released a new single with a clever twist on heartbreak, âWant You Back,â out now via The Valory Music Co.
Written by Gilbert with Hardy, Hunter Phelps and Will Weatherly, the track appears on Brantley’s Greatest HitsâŠSo Far, due out Dec. 12, and finds Gilbert wishing his ex had done him dirty so heâd have a reason to move on. The upcoming album also includes previously unreleased songs âReal Americanâ and âRide With Me,â as well as fan favorites like “Country Must Be Country Wide,” “Bottoms Up,” “You Donât Know Her Like I Do,” and many more.
Throughout the course of his career, Gilbert has racked up more than 8.3 billion streams, and boasts back-to-back Platinum albums and seven No. 1s including the 7x Platinum âBottoms Up;â double-Platinum âCountry Must Be Country Wide;â double-Platinum âYou Donât Know Her Like I Do;â double-Platinum âOne Hell of An Amen;â and the Platinum âWhat Happens In A Small Townâ with Lindsay Ell.
The hitmaker is currently in the midst of his “The Tattoos Tour,” which continues this weekend with shows in Allen, Texas and Kinder, Louisiana, and upcoming dates in Franklin, Tennessee, and Colorado Springs, among others.
Greatest HitsâŠSo Far Tracklisting:
1. “Country Must Be Country Wide”
2. “My Kinda Party”
3. “Dirt Road Anthem (Revisited)”
4. “My Kind of Crazy”
5. “Hell On Wheels”
6. “Kick It In The Sticks”
7. “You Donât Know Her Like I Do”
8. “More Than Miles”
9. “Bottoms Up”
10. “One Hell Of An Amen”
11. “Small Town Throwdown”
12. “Want You Back”
13. “The Ones That Like Me”
14. “What Happens In A Small Town” (featuring Lindsay Ell)
15. “The Weekend”
16. “Welcome to Hazeville” (featuring Colt Ford, Lukas Nelson and Willie Nelson)
17. “Read Me My Rights”
18. “Tattoos”
19. “Over When Weâre Sober” (with Ashley Cooke)
20. “Real American”
21. “Ride With Me”
22. “Fireât Up”
23. “Rolex On A Redneck”
24. “Son of the Dirty South”
Tanner Davenport Establishes Front Doors Management
/by Madison HahnenTanner Davenport
Tanner Davenport has launched Front Doors Management, a new artist management company dedicated to developing and amplifying emerging talent in country, indie rock and Americana music. Its mission is rooted in fostering equity, representation and authentic storytelling, and will be committed to dedicating their services for artists whose voices have historically been underrepresented.
âOver the years, Iâve seen firsthand the positive impact the right support and representation can have on an artistâs journey, and launching Front Doors Management marks the beginning of what I hope will be a life-long shift within our industry,â says Davenport. âWe are witnessing a concerning decrease in representation for Female, Black, Latinx, and LGBTQIA+ communities within country music and its adjacent sub-genres, and I believe now is the time to create a space where these artists are truly prioritized. I am eager to welcome and support new clients through Front Doors Management.â
Davenport will continue his role as Co-Director of the Black Opry alongside the new company, as well as continue to be a part of Joy Oladakunâs management team. He is also currently apart of mtheoryâs Equal Access cohort where he has gained the skills to launch Front Doors.
âTanner has a deep passion for lifting up folks that often get ignored, and embodies the type of artist advocate we know country music needs,” adds Tiffany Provenzano, Executive Director, mtheoryâs Equal Access. “His voice is a powerful force for good in this industry, and we are excited to see this new phase of his business developâ
Interested artists and partners can reach Davenport here.
BREAKING: Nominees Revealed For 59th Annual CMA Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Country Music Association has announced nominees for the 59th annual CMA Awards.
Ella Langley, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson lead the pack with six nominations each, while other top nominees include Zach Top with five nominations, and Riley Green and Cody Johnson with four nominations each. Kristian Bush, Carson Chamberlain, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen each secure three nominations. Wilson, Combs, Johnson, Stapleton and Wallen garnered a nomination for the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year.
First-time CMA Awards nominees include Johnny Clawson, Jon Decious, Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Dorr, Alexandra Gavillet, Lalo Guzman, Jimmy Harnen, Brandon Lake, Micah Nichols, John Park, Aaron Raitiere, Matt Rovey, Kyle Sturrock, Wales Toney, Tucker Wetmore and Stephen Wilson Jr.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards broadcasts live from Nashvilleâs Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00 â 11:00 PM/EST) on ABC and next day on Hulu.
âEach year, the CMA Awards shine a light on the creativity, passion and dedication of our community,â says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. âThe nominees announced today represent some of the most impactful work happening across Country Music, and we are deeply appreciative of our voting members for lending their time and expertise to this process. Their commitment helps ensure the CMA Awards remain a true reflection of the genreâs excellence. On behalf of CMA, congratulations to all of this yearâs nominees.â
Winners will be determined in a Final Round of voting by eligible CMA Professional voting members. The third and Final Ballot will be emailed on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Voting for the CMA Awards Final Ballot ends Wednesday, Oct. 29 (6:00 PM/CT).
The CMA Broadcast Award finalists were also announced today. Winners will be determined by a Final Round of judging this month. Entries are judged by a panel of distinguished broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions. The winners will be revealed in October and recipients will be celebrated at the CMA Awards.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards Final Nominees:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
â4x4xUâ â Lainey Wilson
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
âAinât No Love In Oklahomaâ â Luke Combs
– Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
– Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
âAm I Okay?â â Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
âI Never Lieâ â Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
âyou look like you love meâ â Ella Langley & Riley Green
– Producer: Will Bundy
– Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
Am I Okay? â Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
Cold Beer & Country Music â Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
F-1 Trillion â Post Malone
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
– Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
Iâm The Problem â Morgan Wallen
– Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
– Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
Whirlwind â Lainey Wilson
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
SONG OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
â4x4xUâ
– Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
âAm I Okay?â
– Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
âI Never Lieâ
– Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
âTexasâ
– Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
âyou look like you love meâ
– Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
âDonât Mind If I Doâ â Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley)
– Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
âHard Fought Hallelujahâ â Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
– Producer: Micah Nichols
âIâm Gonna Love Youâ â Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Producer: Trent Willmon
âPour Me A Drinkâ â Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
âYou Had To Be Thereâ â Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)
– Producer: Kristian Bush
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
Jenee Fleenor â Fiddle
Paul Franklin â Steel Guitar
Brent Mason â Guitar
Rob McNelley â Guitar
Derek Wells â Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
âAm I Okay?â â Megan Moroney
– Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
âIâm Gonna Love Youâ â Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Director: Dustin Haney
âSomewhere Over Laredoâ â Lainey Wilson
– Director: TK McKamy
âThink Iâm In Love With Youâ â Chris Stapleton
– Director: Running Bear
âyou look like you love meâ â Ella Langley & Riley Green
– Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson Jr.
2025 CMA Broadcast Awards â Finalists For Broadcast Personality Of The Year (by market size):
WEEKLY NATIONAL:
âCountry Countdown USA with Lon Heltonâ (Lon Helton) â LH Productions
âThe Country Top 40 with Fitzâ (Cory âFitzâ Fitzner) â Hubbard Broadcasting
âThe Original Country Goldâ (Rowdy Yates) â Syndicated Media
âTodayâs Country Radioâ (Kelleigh Bannen) â Apple Music Radio
âYâall Access with Kelly Suttonâ (Kelly Sutton) â Compass Media Group
DAILY NATIONAL:
âBig D & Bubbaâ (âBig Dâ Derek Haskins, âBubbaâ Sean Powell, Carsen Humphreville, Jonathan Shaffer, and Garrett Freche) â Silverfish Media
âHighway Mornings with Cody Alanâ (Cody Alan and Lauryn Snapp) â SiriusXM
âRidinâ With Rowdyâ (Rowdy Yates) â SuiteRadio / RFC Media
âThe Rob and Holly Showâ (Rob Stone and Holly Hutton) â Audacy
âWilhite and Wall Showâ (Darren Wilhite and Tim Wall) â Ebert Productions
MAJOR MARKET:
âChris Carr & Companyâ (Chris Carr, Sam Sansevere, and âDubsâ Michael Wilczynski) â KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
âHawkeye and Michelleâ (“Hawkeye” Mark Louis Rybczyk and Michelle Rodriguez) â KSCS, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
âThe Lo Showâ (Lauren âLoâ Barker) â KKBQ, Houston, Texas
âRachel Ryanâ (Rachel Ryan) â KSCS, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
âThe Scotty Kay Showâ (Scotty Kay) â WUSN, Chicago, Ill.
LARGE MARKET:
âDeb & Matt in the Morningâ (Deborah Honeycutt and Matt Malone) â WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
âThe Q Morning Crew w/ Mike & Amandaâ (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) â WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
âScott and Shannenâ (Scott Dolphin and âShannen Oâ Oesterreich) â WMIL, Milwaukee, Wis.
âTim & Chelseaâ (Tim Leary and Chelsea Taylor) â WIRK, West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
âWayne D and Tayâ (âWayne Dâ Danielson and Tay Hamilton) â WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
MEDIUM MARKET:
âThe Doc Show with Chewyâ (Ken âDocâ Medek and Sean âChewyâ Medek) â WGGY, Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pa.
âEllis and Bradley Showâ (Bill Ellis and Beth Bradley) â WSSL, Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.
âJoey & Nancyâ (Joey Tack, Nancy Barger, and Karly Duggan) â WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.
âMo & StyckManâ (Melissa “Mo” Wagner and Greg “StyckMan” Owens) â WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.
âSpencer Graves Showâ (Spencer Graves, Megan Terry, and Blair Davis) â WDXB, Birmingham, Ala.
SMALL MARKET:
âBen & Arnieâ (Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews) â WCOW, La Crosse, Wis.
âBrent Lane and The Cat Pak Morning Showâ (Brent Lane and Jordan Glass) â WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
âDan Austin Showâ (Dan Austin) â WQHK, Fort Wayne, Ind.
âHilley & Hartâ (Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart) â KATI, Columbia, Mo.
âLiz & Scotty in the Morningâ (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) â KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
2025 CMA Broadcast Awards â Finalists For Radio Station Of The Year (by market size):
MAJOR MARKET:
KKBQ â Houston, Texas
KSCS â Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
KYGO â Denver-Boulder, Colo.
WUSN â Chicago, Ill.
WXTU â Philadelphia, Pa.
LARGE MARKET:
WCTK â Providence-Warwick-Pawtucket, R.I.
WMIL â Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
WSIX â Nashville, Tenn.
WUBE â Cincinnati, Ohio
WWKA â Orlando, Fla.
MEDIUM MARKET:
KUZZ â Bakersfield, Calif.
WHKO â Dayton, Ohio
WIVK â Knoxville, Tenn.
WLFP â Memphis, Tenn.
WQMX â Akron, Ohio
SMALL MARKET:
KATI â Columbia, Mo.
KCLR â Columbia, Mo.
WCOW â La Crosse, Wis.
WKML â Fayetteville, N.C.
WXBQ â Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
NMPA Elects New Board Chair & Vice Chair
/by LB CantrellRalph Peer II and Golnar Khosrowshahi
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has elected peermusic Executive Chair Ralph Peer II to Chair of its Board of Directors. Golnar Khosrowshahi, Founder and CEO of Reservoir, has been elected Vice Chair. The election followed the retirement of former Board Chairman Irwin Z. Robinson.
Peer has served on the NMPA Board for 54 years. As an executive, he has become one of the most accomplished and respected figures in music publishing history. Under his leadership, peermusic has developed a global network of music publishing companies operating from 39 offices in 32 countries. With well over a million titles owned or administered, he directs the largest privately owned music publishing company of its kind in the world.
A lifelong advocate for the protection and crediting of copyright and lyric rights, Peer has been involved in every issue facing the music publishing industry over the past 50 years. He was the first music publisher to receive Lifetime Achievement Awards from the NMPA, as well as the Music Publishers Association (MPA). He was the inaugural recipient of the ICMP Award for outstanding contribution to global music publishing; a previous recipient of the Music Publishers Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame; and was previously honored as Music Maker of the Year at MIDEM.
In 2018, Peer received Franceâs top cultural honor âOfficier dans lâOrdre des Arts et des Lettres,â recognizing his outstanding contributions to the arts in France and around the world.
Now serving as Vice Chair, Khosrowshahi has been an asset to the NMPA Board for over a decade. As Founder and CEO of Reservoir, she has built an award-winning independent music company headquartered in New York City with operations in Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, London, Abu Dhabi and Mumbai.
Established in 2007, Reservoir is the first female-founded and led publicly traded independent music company in the U.S. Golnar is consistently named a Billboard Power Player, and in 2022, she was recognized as Billboard‘s Women in Music Executive of the Year and subsequently joined the Hall of Fame. She was honored as Music Weekâs International Woman of the Year in 2023 and was named to Fast Companyâs Most Creative People In Business, Forbesâ 50 Over 50, Inc.âs Female Founders 250 and Varietyâs New Power of New York and Power of Women lists. Reservoir has twice been awarded both Publisher of the Year at Music Business Worldwideâs The A&R Awards and Independent Publisher of the Year at the Music Week Awards.
Khosrowshahi also sits on the NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation Board of Directors and served as Board Chair of Yo-Yo Maâs musical collective, Silkroad. In 2022, she was elected to the Board of Directors for the New York Philharmonic.
Charlie Daniels Band Albums Available Digitally For The First Time
/by Lauryn SinkThree albums from The Charlie Daniels Band are now available digitally for the first time. Country Stars N’ Stripes, Scioto County Fair LIVE 2005 and Live From Gilleyâs have been released via Blue Hat Records.
“Blue Hat is thrilled to re-introduce these classic titles to the digital marketplace for the first time,â says Blue Hat partner Bob Frank. “Deluxe remastered physical will follow in 2026.”
Country Stars Nâ Stripes was originally released in 2005 as a Cracker Barrel exclusive. The album contains twelve tracks including âIn America,â âThis Ainât No Rag, Itâs A Flag,â âThe Southâs Gonna Do It (Again)â and âThe Devil Went Down To Georgia.â
Scioto County Fair LIVE 2005 was originally recorded live by the CDB in Lucasville, Ohio in August of 2005. The 16-track album includes many fan favorites.
The CDBâs Live From Gilleyâs was recorded earlier in Danielsâ career at the worldâs largest honky tonk.
Country Stars Nâ Stripes Track Listing:
1. “Star Spangled Banner”
2. “In America”
3. “This Ain’t No Rag, It’s A Flag”
4. “The Intimidator”
5. “God Bless The Mother”
6. “My Beautiful America”
7. “How Great Thou Art”
8. “Little Folks”
9. “Last Fallen Hero”
10. “America, I Believe In You”
11. “The South’s Gonna Do It (Again)”
12. “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”
Scioto County Fair LIVE 2005 Track Listing:
1. “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye”
2. “El Toreador”
3. “The Legend of Wooley Swamp”
4. “Intro/TV Voodoo”
5. “The Intimidator”
6. “In America”
7. “Opposites Attract”
8. “Floreeda Road”
9. “Simple Man”
10. “Long Haired Country Boy”
11. “Preachin’ Prayin’ Singin'”
12. “Heart Of My Heart”
13. “Band Intro”
14. “William Tell Overture”
15. “Orange Blossom Special – Star Spangled Banner”
16. “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”
Live From Gilleyâs Track Listing:
1. “Love Pourinâ Out Of Me”
2. “The South’s Gonna Do It (Again)”
3. “What’d I Say”
4. “Can’t You See”
5. “Uneasy Rider”
6. “Class Of ’63”
7. “In America”
8. “Long Haired Country Boy”
9. “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye”
10. “Dixie On My Mind”
11. “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”
LOCASH’s Second Annual Golf Bash In Hilton Head Set For Sept. 18
/by Lorie HollabaughLOCASH. Photo: Josh Beech
LOCASH is hosting its second annual Golf Bash at The Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina on Sept. 18.
The duo will launch the pairings party for the event on Sept. 17 with a private show at Atlantic Dunes golf course. Tickets and various sponsorship spots are still available for a limited time, and proceeds from the event will support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children. LOCASH will also donate a portion of the funds raised to benefit The Sea Pines Resort Community Fund, which helps local charities and community efforts throughout the Lowcountry and beyond.
âWe are trying to make The Sea Pines Resort have THE celebrity golf tournament of the East Coast,” says LOCASH. “The âLowcountryâ is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. We love the area, and the folks there top it all off with incredible hospitality. The support and growth weâve seen for the tournament is showing that the sky is the limit. Itâs a chance for people to have a really special experience and to just relax and enjoy with likeminded people. Anytime we break out golf clubs and guitars, itâs the perfect mix of songs, stories, and good times.â
Locash will also headline the third annual Hilton Head Island Jam on Sept. 20 at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Founded by longtime industry exec David Preston, the festival runs Sept. 18-21 and features a lineup that includes Jeffrey Steele, Earl Bud Lee, Deborah Allen, Justin Wilson, George Ducas, Tucker Beathard and more.
Megan Moroney Takes Home Inaugural Best Country Award At VMAs
/by Madison HahnenMegan Moroney performs during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV
Megan Moroney represented Nashville at the Video Music Awards (VMAs) last night (Sept. 7) in New York, taking home the first-ever Best Country award for her No. 1 hit “Am I Okay?” Moroney also took the Extended Play stage to perform her current single “6 Months Later.”
Bailey Zimmerman performs during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV
UBS Arena also welcomed Bailey Zimmerman on their Extended Play Stage to perform his duet with the Kid LAROI “Lost.” Jelly Roll and Post Malone were also showcased during the ceremony, performing their duet “Losers” streamed from their show in Hanover, Germany. Additional show performers included Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, Conan Gray, Doja Cat, J Balvin, DJ Snake, Lady Gaga, Lola Young, Mariah Carey, Tate McRae, Ricky Martin, Nuno Bettencourt, Sabrina Carpenter, sombr, Steven Tyler & Joe Perry and YUNGBLUD.
The big winners of the night included Ariana Grande taking home Video of the Year for “brighter days ahead,” Lady Gaga nabbing Artist of the Year, ROSĂ & Bruno Mars honored with Song of the Year for “APT.,” Alex Warren winning Best New Artist, KATSEYE taking home MTV Push Performance of the Year for “Touch,” and Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars gaining the trophy for “Die With A Smile.” Sabrina Carpenter also collected the big awards for Best Pop Artist and Best Album for Short n’ Sweet.
There were also three special honors given out throughout the night, with Mariah Carey receiving the Video Vanguard, Busta Rhymes collecting the MTV VMA Rock The Bells Visionary Award, and Ricky Martin honored with the Latin Icon Award.
See below for a full list of winners of the 2025 Video Music Awards.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR, Presented by Burger KingÂź
Ariana Grande – âbrighter days aheadâ – Republic Records
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lady Gaga – Interscope Records
SONG OF THE YEAR
ROSĂ & Bruno Mars – âAPT.â – Atlantic Records
BEST NEW ARTIST
Alex Warren – Atlantic Records
BEST POP ARTIST
Sabrina Carpenter – Island
MTV PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR, presented by BACARDĂÂź Rum
KATSEYE – âTouchâ – HYBE/Geffen Records (Jan 2025)
BEST COLLABORATION, presented by Under Armour
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – âDie With A Smileâ – Interscope Records
BEST POP
Ariana Grande – âbrighter days aheadâ – Republic Record
BEST HIP-HOP
Doechii – âAnxietyâ – Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records
BEST R&B
Mariah Carey – âType Dangerousâ – gamma.
BEST ALTERNATIVE
sombr – âback to friendsâ – SMB Music/Warner Records
BEST ROCK
Coldplay – âALL MY LOVEâ – Atlantic Records
BEST LATIN
Shakira – âSolteraâ – Sony Music US Latin
BEST AFROBEATS
Tyla – âPUSH 2 STARTâ – FAX Records/Epic Records
BEST K-POP
LISA ft. Doja Cat & RAYE – âBorn Againâ – Lloud Co./RCA Records
BEST COUNTRY
Megan Moroney – âAm I Okay?â – Columbia Records
BEST ALBUM
Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet – Island
BEST LONG FORM VIDEO
Ariana Grande – âbrighter days aheadâ – Republic Records
VIDEO FOR GOOD
Charli xcx – âGuess featuring Billie Eilishâ – Atlantic Records
BEST DIRECTION
Lady Gaga – âAbracadabraâ – Interscope Records
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Kendrick Lamar – âNot Like Usâ – pgLang/Interscope Records
BEST EDITING
Tate McRae – âJust Keep Watching (From F1Âź The Movie)â – Atlantic Records
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Doechii – âAnxietyâ – Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Sabrina Carpenter – âManchildâ – Island
BEST ART DIRECTION
Lady Gaga – âAbracadabraâ – Interscope Records
SOCIAL CATEGORIES:
BEST GROUP
BLACKPINK
SONG OF THE SUMMER
Tate McRae â âJust Keep Watching (From F1Âź The Movie)â â Atlantic Records
SPECIAL AWARDS:
VIDEO VANGUARD
Mariah Carey
MTV VMA Rock The Bells Visionary Award
Busta Rhymes
LATIN ICON AWARD
Ricky Martin