St. Jude patient Sully with Bobby Bones. Photo: Lily Nelson

Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots held their sold-out, eighth annual Million Dollar Show at the Ryman Auditorium on March 4, raising $221,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

O-Town and Bobby Bones. Photo: Mick Bodie

Known for their annual star-studded and surprise-filled roster, this year’s lineup included performances by Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots, Miranda Lambert, O-Town, Bailey Zimmerman, Tracy Lawrence, Clint Black, George Birge, The Castellows and Iris Copperman.

Fans were treated to several surprise guests throughout the evening, with Matt Stell opening the show with “I Prayed For You,” and Maddie & Tae surprising fans with “Die From A Broken Heart” and “Cowboy Songs.” Russell Dickerson then revved up the crowd with his infectious energy, performing his hits “Blue Tacoma,” and “Yours,” along with his new single “Happen To Me.” Rock band Lit also performed their hits “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Miserable,” and the Turnpike Troubadours took the stage to perform “Diamonds & Gasoline” and “Good Lord Lorrie.”

The all-star night ended with a bang, as Lambert got fans on their feet with a boot-stomping version of her songs “Bluebird” and “Kerosene.” And as a final surprise, Bones welcomed Post Malone to the stage as the closing act, making his unofficial Ryman debut performing Hank Wiliams’ “Honky Tonk Blues” and his single “Stay.”

Since 2014, Bones and The Bobby Bones Show have raised over $27 million to help kids fight cancer and life-threatening diseases. Bones will host Music Night Live March 8 at 7 p.m. CT, giving viewers the chance to experience a Nashville Writer’s Round with an exclusive live broadcast from Nashville with stories and songs from award-winning songwriters.

Miranda Lambert and Bobby Bones. Photo: Reid Yarberry

Russell Dickerson. Photo: Mick Bodie

Bailey Zimmerman and Bobby Bones. Photo: Mick Bodie

George Birge. Photo: Mick Bodie

The Castellows. Photo: Mick Bodie

CMT has revealed the seven artists joining its Next Women of Country (NWOC) franchise, the brand’s initiative to support and promote emerging female talent

The CMT Next Women of Country: Class of 2025 includes Alexandra Kay, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Lanie Gardner, Meghan Patrick and MŌRIAH.

Launched in 2013, the Next Women of Country campaign has become a leading platform for rising female artists in the genre, featuring digital series and nationwide tours with stars like Jennifer Nettles, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Tanya Tucker and Maddie & Tae. The franchise celebrated its 10th anniversary last year.

Throughout the year, the 2025 class will receive cross-brand support, including features on CMT, CMT Music, PlutoTV’s CMT Equal Play channel, CMT Hot 20 Countdown, social media, curated playlists and the Paramount NYC Times Square Billboard.

Lauren Alaina (NWOC class of 2014) surprised this year’s inductees at CMT Studios, where she shared the news and discussed their journeys. The interviews will air during a special CMT Hot 20 Countdown on March 8 and 9 at 9 a.m. ET/8 a.m. CT. CMT will also highlight the new class throughout the week with an all-female video rotation and Times Square promotions.

Sarah Hudspeth. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Publishing has promoted Sarah Hudspeth to Creative Manager.

“Sarah’s remarkable ability to spot emerging talent and her unwavering passion for the creative community has always set her apart,” says Rebekah Gordon, Vice President of Publishing. “I’m thrilled to have her as an integral part of our team and am excited to see how she’ll continue to shape the future of Black River Publishing.”

Hudspeth first joined Black River in 2023 as Creative Coordinator. In her new role, Hudspeth will seek out new songwriting talent and oversee the daily calendars for Black River Publishing’s roster, which includes Scotty Hasting, Pryor Baird, MaRynn Taylor, Hannah Kerr, Bryan Simpson, McCall Chapin, Dan Wilson, Jason Earley, Blake Ruby and Josh Kerr,

“The past two years at Black River have been extremely rewarding, and I have learned so much,” shares Hudspeth. “I am very excited to dive into a new role and continue to grow our incredible roster. It is an honor to work with such talented and passionate songwriters who inspire me every day.”

A Belmont University graduate, Hudspeth started her journey at Black River Publishing as an intern, and is a member of the SOLID Class of 2025 and a mentor for CMA EDU.

Pictured (L-R, front row): Dan Wise, Leigh Holt, Kimberly Hopkins, Kelli Haywood and Bryan Ward; L-R, back row): Lani Short, Hayley Beals, Jami Crockett and Bray Antolick

Hsquared Management has hired Kimberly Hopkins. In her new role, Hopkins will serve as the day-to-day manager for Provident Label Group artist Lizzie Morgan and Hsquared’s growing list of clients.

With a degree from Belmont University and an extensive background in managing talent and overseeing large-scale music projects, Hopkins brings a wealth of experience across multiple sectors of the industry to Hsquared. The Pittsburgh native previously worked as an executive assistant at WME and as a day-to-day manager for Lauren Daigle and Lizzie Morgan at maddjett. Most recently, she served as a music coordinator for WWE. In addition to Hopkins’ hiring, Hsquared recently celebrated the release of client Annie F. Downs’ latest children’s book, Where Did TJ Go? (Baker Books), which she co-authored with her sister, Tatum Green.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kimberly to the Hsquared family,” shares co-founders Kelli Haywood and Leigh Holt. “Her diverse industry experience and passion for artist development perfectly align with our vision for strategic growth. As we continue to expand our roster and celebrate milestones like Annie’s powerful new book, having someone of Kimberly’s caliber join our team strengthens our ability to serve our clients with excellence across all entertainment arenas.”

With a focus on transcending genres, seasoned entrepreneurs Haywood and Holt merged their respective companies in the summer of 2024, bringing more than 45 years of combined industry experience together to fuel an intentionally diverse roster of talent. Hsquared Management supports an array of gifted artists, authors, speakers and podcast hosts, including Morgan, Downs, Riley Clemmons, Megan Danielle, Demi-Leigh Tebow, David Thomas & Sissy Goff, Carlos Whittaker and their newest signee, 17-time GMA Canada Covenant Award and Juno Award-winner Jordan St. Cyr.