Country Radio Seminar wrapped up its 2025 event on Friday (Feb. 21) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from the last day of programming.
Networking Kicked Off The Morning
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
The annual Women’s Networking Breakfast kicked off the final day, giving attendees a chance to network across all sectors of the industry. Those in attendance included KFRG/KKWF’s Heather Froglear, 94.9 The Bull’s Angie Ward, Triple Tigers Records Raffaella Braun, Stephanie Hagerty, UMG Nashville’s Miranda McDonald, Katie Neal, WFMS’ Brooks O’Brian, BMG Nashville’s JoJamie Hahr, Audacy’s Marci Braun, iHeartMedia’s Ashley Wilson, Holly Hutton, Audacy Houston’s Melissa Chase, Casey Carter, Lauren Thomas, KCYY’s Christi Brooks, Bev Rainey, WHKO’s Nancy Wilson, KKBQ’s Lo Sessions and Country 102.5’s Dawn Santolucito.
AI’s Legal Impact
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Belmont University’s Brittany Shaffer, Loti AI’s Luke Arrigoni, law Professor Matthew Sag, NSAI’s Bart Herbison, SoundExchange’s Ryan Lehning and RIAA’s Jackie Jones discussed the legal facets of AI and its influence on country music, such as intellectual property rights, music licensing, data privacy, ethical considerations and future legal frameworks in “All Shook Up: AI Legal’s Impact on the Country Music Industry.”
Shaping Workplace Culture
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
During “Culture: The C Word You Should Say,” BMG’s Jon Loba, EntreLeadership Elite’s John Felkins, Dale Carnegie’s Allyn Walker and Audacy’s Mike Peterson gave insight to information and tools to build workplace culture.
Artist Development Paths
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Stone Door Media Lab’s Jeff Green, Warner Music Nashville’s Addison Nunes, Warner Records’ Casey Campbell and G Major Management’s Emilie Gilbert helped attendees understand the data behind artist development, and explored contextualization and hype vs reality in “Artist Development: The Sparks Behind The Streams.”
Conquering Radio Marketing
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
In “Radio, We Have A Problem! A Marketing Problem,” 925XTU’s Nicole Michalik, Live Nation’s Joe McCollum, One Country’s Chase Locke and The Bobby Bones Show’s Amy Brown dove into how radio stations can use its free app to heighten marketing value.
Embracing Cross-Genre Artists
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Audacy’s Erik Bradley, iHeartMedia’s Jonathan Shufford, Cumulus Media’s Leslie Whittle and Warner Music Nashville’s Michael Chase discussed how to market crossover genre artists to country’s growing audience in “We’ve Got Some Help: How To Embrace Crossover Artists and The New Audience.”
Keeping Up With Playlists
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
For “Evolving Your Playlist: F*#@ The Format,” Big Loud Records’ Stacy Blythe, The Smith Richards Collective’s Tim Richards, Audacy’s Drew Bland and SiriusXM/Pandora’s Kathleen St. Clair showcased how to take advantage of genre moments on a playlist by adding dates, charts, sonic trends, brand support and more.
A Sale Idea A Minute
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Brian Peck, John Willyard, Audacy Houston’s Melissa Chase, Brad Davidorf, KSON’s Kimo Jensen and Audacy’s Scott Roddy gave attendees 30 sales ideas in 30 minutes to increase revenue in “Walk Away With 30 Sales Ideas In 30 Minutes.”
BMLG Luncheon
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Attendees enjoyed lunch while enjoying performances from Big Machine Label Group artists, including Shaylen, Jack Wharff, Rascal Flatts, Preston Cooper, Caroline Jones, Chris Janson, Jackson Dean, Mackenzie Carpenter, Riley Green and Chase McDaniel.
The Cycle Of ‘Austin’
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
The final “Cycle of a Song” program for the week concluded with a look at Dasha‘s breakthrough hit “Austin” with Dasha, Warner Music Nashville’s Andy Flick, Spotify’s Talia Kraines, Warner Records’ Ben Farber and Mike Chester, KYGO Denver’s Brian Michel, Alex Lunt and Katy Cooper.
The Annual New Faces Show
Zach Top, Dasha, Drew Baldridge, Ashley Cooke and Warren Zeiders. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
The three day CRS program culminated with its annual New Faces of Country Music show, showcasing talent from rising artists Dasha, Warren Zeiders, Drew Baldridge, Ashley Cooke and Zach Top.
Something Out West Signs With Big Machine Records
/by Lorie Hollabaugh(L-R, back row): Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg and Allison Jones, EM.CO’s Scott Siman, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, EM.CO’s James Stewart, Big Machine Label Group’s Andrew Kautz, Megan Joyce and Julian Raymond. (L-R, front row): Something Out West’s Drew Arthur, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Something Out West’s Chet Hanks. Photo: Nick Rau for Big Machine Records
New duo Something Out West, comprised of Drew Arthur and Chet Hanks, has signed with Big Machine Records.
Something Out West launched in California, where band members Arthur and Hanks became roommates at a pivotal time in their lives when both were embarking on a journey toward sobriety. This shared path resulted in both a deep friendship, as well as a musical and creative collaboration of late-night jams and songwriting sessions, and eventually moves to Nashville and the formation of their duo. With a blend of distinctive vocals, memorable melodies, and timeless lyrics, Something Out West honors the genre’s storytelling roots while embracing a fresh musical perspective full of contemporary influences.
“Drew and Chet are building a one of a kind sound and story with Something Out West, powered by their undeniable energy and creative connection,” says Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “We’re thrilled for them to join the Big Machine Records family and for the world to experience this fresh, dynamic duo.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Big Machine and Scott Borchetta,” says Hanks. “The support they’ve shown for ‘Leaving Hollywood’ and the rest of the music has been incredible. Drew and I have been making music together for a long time, and we feel really proud to have a home at Big Machine for this upcoming project.”
The duo is currently in the studio with producer Julian Raymond working on their debut project slated for release later this year. Their debut song for the label, “Leaving Hollywood,” is set for release this Friday (Feb. 28.)
“I wrote ‘Leaving Hollywood’ five years ago, but it feels like the timing and the way we’re releasing it were always meant to be,” adds Arthur. “We’re excited for people to hear what we’ve been working on.”
Riley Green Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenRiley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan
Riley Green has entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Both solo-penned “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way” push the singer-songwriter to No. 8 this week.
Ashley Gorley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Park” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Zach Bryan moves up to No. 2 with all solo-written tracks “Blue Jean Baby,” “Dear Miss” and “High Road.”
Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Taylor Phillips (No. 4) and Ernest (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.
Josh Bailey Exits Capitol CMG To Launch New Venture
/by LB CantrellJosh Bailey
Josh Bailey has exited his executive position at Capitol Christian Music Group (Capitol CMG) after more than six years in leadership. He will start his own company.
Bailey joined Capitol CMG as Vice President and quickly rose to Senior Vice President, overseeing A&R and leading the label. During his tenure, the label achieved notable success, supporting artists like Anne Wilson, TobyMac, Tauren Wells, We The Kingdom and others, maintaining its market leadership with consistent streaming and radio success.
Previously, Bailey spent 14 years at Word Entertainment, helping develop and launch artists such as For King & Country and Francesca Battistelli.
Bailey’s new venture is a collaboration with other key industry executives, with details forthcoming.
“Leaving Capitol CMG was not an easy decision,” shares Bailey, “but I’m excited for what’s ahead. I’ll cherish my time from Capitol CMG, but am eager to pursue a new endeavor.”
Maddie & Tae To Showcase ‘Love & Light’ This May
/by Madison HahnenProduced by Josh Kerr, Chris LaCorte and Corey Crowder, the 16 track project tells stories of resilience, confidence, vulnerability and the bond of friendship and sisterhood that Maddie & Tae have nurtured over the years. Together, they’ve grown, started families, explored the world and navigated the ups and downs of their careers. These life experiences and the wisdom they’ve gained are woven throughout Love & Light.
“The thing about being a little bit older,” shares Taylor Kerr, “is you realize how many things you wish someone had told you. All the stuff you worried about, the pressure to be somebody else’s idea – when you really should be out there, well, ‘kissing cowboys.’
“We’ve been out on the road,” she continues, “playing for a few thousand people at our own dates. We realized people are hungry for songs that tell it like it is about being single, being done wrong, being done right, and figuring out how to grow up without losing your sense of self, your friends or your dreams. So, we leaned into all those things.”
“And we didn’t let go of that sound where we take acoustic instruments, really make them shine and then thread all that electric goodness through a pretty stout base,” adds Maddie Font.
The duo released a track off the album today (Feb. 24), “Kissing Cowboys,” co-written by Font, Kerr, Luke Dick and Laura Veltz. Previously released tracks “Free Like,” “Sad Girl Summer” and “Heart They Didn’t Break” are also on the project.
Love & Light Track List:
1. “Fall in Love & Find Out” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Brad Tursi)
2. “Any Kinda Lovin’” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Daniel Ross, Laura Veltz)
3. “One Hit Wonders” (Maddie Font, Ryan Beaver, Jamie Moore)
4. “Heart They Didn’t Break” (Ryan Beaver, Benjy Davis, Anna Vaus)
5. “Only Jesus” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller)
6. “Free Like” (Maddie Font, Casey Brown, Deric Ruttan, Parker Welling)
7. “Down That Road” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Corey Crowder, Chris LaCorte)
8. “Kissing Cowboys” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Luke Dick, Laura Veltz)
9. “Somebody Will” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Brent Anderson, Jason Massey)
10. “Girl in Alabama” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Summer Overstreet)
11. “Ain’t Enough” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Corey Crowder, Josh Thompson)
12. “What a Woman Can Do” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Barry Dean, Luke Laird)
13. “Drunk Girls in Bathrooms” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Ryan Beaver, Jamie Moore)
14. “Chasing Babies & Raising Dreams” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Anna Vaus)
15. “Sad Girl Summer” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Matt McGinn)
16. “Love & Light” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Devin Dawson, Josh Kerr)
SOLID Announces 2025 Board Of Directors
/by Lorie HollabaughSOLID’s 2025 Board of Directors. Photo: Chrissy Nix
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) has announced its 2025 Board of Directors.
This year’s Executive Board includes President Zach Green (Green P&M), Vice President Leah Ducey (Universal Music Group Nashville), Secretary Alannah Schwartz (Endurance Music Group) and Treasurer Kim Albritton (ClearBox Rights, LLC).
The 2025 SOLID Board of Directors consists of Ambassadorship Chairs Becky Parsons (Found Sound Media) and TC Courtney (Universal Music Publishing Group); Communications Chairs Nicole Marchesi (Opry Entertainment Group) and Ryan Nisley; Community Outreach Chairs Layne Faltinsky (BMG Publishing) and Leigh Ferro (Curb Records); Education Chairs Nina Owens (The Teapot Legacy) and Michelle Wichern (Outback Presents); Music Market Chairs Brendan McManus (Warner Music Group), Eunice Hernandez (Studio Bank) and Brian Day (Curb Records); Social Chairs Marisa Righi (Freeman) and Jessica Hamorsky (Playback Studios, LLC) and DEI Chairs Savannah Alday (William Morris Endeavor) and Taylor John (Mechanical Licensing Collective).
Additionally, this year’s SOLID Alumni Board will be led by President Brooke Mansfield (Riser House Entertainment). Board members include Haley Webster (Mtheory), Jesse Flohr (McIvor Marketing), Lizzy Stone (Wiles + Taylor & Co) and Ryan Cunningham (ONErpm).
“We couldn’t be more thrilled and humbled to serve as the 2025 SOLID Board,” says Green, board member President. “We’re already hard at work to ensure that our members and partners have an exciting, community driven year of programming to look forward to. The growth that I’ve seen personally since joining this organization five years ago is profound, from our ever expanding DEI goals to new records in fundraising for our SOLID Shares partners, we are always finding new ways to raise the bar.”
Winners Revealed For 2025 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards
/by LB CantrellThe winners of the 2025 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards were announced on Friday night (Feb. 21) at the annual New Faces of Country Music dinner.
Big Loud was awarded with the Platinum Label of the Year honor, and the label group’s Stacy Blythe and Jen Danielson also walked away with SVP-VP/National Promotion and Label Streaming Specialist of the Year, respectively. Capitol received the honor of Gold Label of the Year and Big Machine’s Brooke Diaz was named Director/National Promotion of the Year.
Nashville station WKDF took home the Medium Market Station of the Year award, while the station’s Travis Daily was named OM/PD of the Year and Allison Warren tied for Market Manager/GM.
Capitol’s Katie Bright was honored with Regional Promotion honor and iHeartCountry’s Rod Phillips earned National Programmer/Curator.
GrassRoots Promotion’s RJ Jordan won this year’s Independent Promotion Executive award.
2025 CRS/Country Aircheck Award Winners:
Station:
– WXTU/Philadelphia (Large Market)
– WKDF/Nashville (Medium Market)
– WKSF/Asheville, NC (Small Market)
Platinum Label: Big Loud
Gold Label: Capitol
OM/PD:
– Ashley Wilson, WKKT/Charlotte (Large Market)
– Travis Daily, WKDF & WSM/Nashville (Medium Market)
– Kix Layton, WKSF/Asheville, NC (Small Market)
APD/MD:
– Lois Lewis, KNIX/Phoenix (Large Market)
– Billy Kidd, WBEE/Rochester (Medium Market)
– Melissa “Mo” Wagner, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)
SVP-VP/National Promotion: Stacy Blythe, Big Loud
Label Streaming Specialist: Jen Danielson, Big Loud
Director/National Promotion: Brooke Diaz, Big Machine
Market Manager/GM: Nichole Hartman, WUSY/Chattanooga; Allison Warren, WKDF & WSM-FM/Nashville (tie)
Personality/Show:
– Angie Ward, WUBL/Atlanta (Large Market)
– Heather Froglear, KFRG/Riverside (Medium Market)
– Eddie Foxx & Amanda Foxx, The Eddie Foxx Show, WKSF/Asheville, NC (Small Market)
National Personality/Show:
– Katie Neal, Katie & Company, Audacy (Daily)
– “Wayne D” Danielson & Tay Hamilton, iHeartCountry House Party, iHeartMedia (Weekly)
National Programmer/Curator: Rod Phillips, iHeartCountry
Regional Promotion: Katie Bright, Capitol
Independent Promotion Executive: RJ Jordan, GrassRoots Promotion
New Face of Country (Professional): Rachel Elliot, iHeart/Kentucky
CRS 2025 Day Three: AI Discussions, Big Machine Label Group Luncheon, New Faces & More
/by Madison HahnenCountry Radio Seminar wrapped up its 2025 event on Friday (Feb. 21) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from the last day of programming.
Networking Kicked Off The Morning
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
The annual Women’s Networking Breakfast kicked off the final day, giving attendees a chance to network across all sectors of the industry. Those in attendance included KFRG/KKWF’s Heather Froglear, 94.9 The Bull’s Angie Ward, Triple Tigers Records Raffaella Braun, Stephanie Hagerty, UMG Nashville’s Miranda McDonald, Katie Neal, WFMS’ Brooks O’Brian, BMG Nashville’s JoJamie Hahr, Audacy’s Marci Braun, iHeartMedia’s Ashley Wilson, Holly Hutton, Audacy Houston’s Melissa Chase, Casey Carter, Lauren Thomas, KCYY’s Christi Brooks, Bev Rainey, WHKO’s Nancy Wilson, KKBQ’s Lo Sessions and Country 102.5’s Dawn Santolucito.
AI’s Legal Impact
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Belmont University’s Brittany Shaffer, Loti AI’s Luke Arrigoni, law Professor Matthew Sag, NSAI’s Bart Herbison, SoundExchange’s Ryan Lehning and RIAA’s Jackie Jones discussed the legal facets of AI and its influence on country music, such as intellectual property rights, music licensing, data privacy, ethical considerations and future legal frameworks in “All Shook Up: AI Legal’s Impact on the Country Music Industry.”
Shaping Workplace Culture
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
During “Culture: The C Word You Should Say,” BMG’s Jon Loba, EntreLeadership Elite’s John Felkins, Dale Carnegie’s Allyn Walker and Audacy’s Mike Peterson gave insight to information and tools to build workplace culture.
Artist Development Paths
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Stone Door Media Lab’s Jeff Green, Warner Music Nashville’s Addison Nunes, Warner Records’ Casey Campbell and G Major Management’s Emilie Gilbert helped attendees understand the data behind artist development, and explored contextualization and hype vs reality in “Artist Development: The Sparks Behind The Streams.”
Conquering Radio Marketing
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
In “Radio, We Have A Problem! A Marketing Problem,” 925XTU’s Nicole Michalik, Live Nation’s Joe McCollum, One Country’s Chase Locke and The Bobby Bones Show’s Amy Brown dove into how radio stations can use its free app to heighten marketing value.
Embracing Cross-Genre Artists
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Audacy’s Erik Bradley, iHeartMedia’s Jonathan Shufford, Cumulus Media’s Leslie Whittle and Warner Music Nashville’s Michael Chase discussed how to market crossover genre artists to country’s growing audience in “We’ve Got Some Help: How To Embrace Crossover Artists and The New Audience.”
Keeping Up With Playlists
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
For “Evolving Your Playlist: F*#@ The Format,” Big Loud Records’ Stacy Blythe, The Smith Richards Collective’s Tim Richards, Audacy’s Drew Bland and SiriusXM/Pandora’s Kathleen St. Clair showcased how to take advantage of genre moments on a playlist by adding dates, charts, sonic trends, brand support and more.
A Sale Idea A Minute
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Brian Peck, John Willyard, Audacy Houston’s Melissa Chase, Brad Davidorf, KSON’s Kimo Jensen and Audacy’s Scott Roddy gave attendees 30 sales ideas in 30 minutes to increase revenue in “Walk Away With 30 Sales Ideas In 30 Minutes.”
BMLG Luncheon
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Attendees enjoyed lunch while enjoying performances from Big Machine Label Group artists, including Shaylen, Jack Wharff, Rascal Flatts, Preston Cooper, Caroline Jones, Chris Janson, Jackson Dean, Mackenzie Carpenter, Riley Green and Chase McDaniel.
The Cycle Of ‘Austin’
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
The final “Cycle of a Song” program for the week concluded with a look at Dasha‘s breakthrough hit “Austin” with Dasha, Warner Music Nashville’s Andy Flick, Spotify’s Talia Kraines, Warner Records’ Ben Farber and Mike Chester, KYGO Denver’s Brian Michel, Alex Lunt and Katy Cooper.
The Annual New Faces Show
Zach Top, Dasha, Drew Baldridge, Ashley Cooke and Warren Zeiders. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
The three day CRS program culminated with its annual New Faces of Country Music show, showcasing talent from rising artists Dasha, Warren Zeiders, Drew Baldridge, Ashley Cooke and Zach Top.
Kelly Sutton Named Host Of Absolute Radio Country’s The Nashville Show
/by John Nix ArledgeKelly Sutton
Absolute Radio Country, the UK’s most listened to country music station, has tapped Kelly Sutton as host of The Nashville Show where she will bring UK audiences the latest news from Music City and offer interviews with the biggest artists in the genre.
Currently, Sutton is the co-host of radio shows Coffee, Country and Cody on WSM radio in Nashville and her own, Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton. In addition to being the only female host of the Grand Ole Opry, Kelly hosts Y’all Access Pass for OneCountry.com and co-heads the Country Heat Weekly podcast on Amazon Music.
“I’ve been blessed over the past two decades to have been able to sit down with some incredible country music legends including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban,” says Sutton. “Now I will be able to bring interviews with the very best names in today’s country music to the UK fans! It feels like a double blessing. I can’t wait to get started on Absolute Radio Country and am looking forward to welcoming all y’all to The Nashville Show very soon.”
Ricky Marshall, Head of Content for Absolute Radio Country adds, “After an incredible three years under the stewardship of Elaina D Smith, I’m delighted to welcome Kelly Sutton to The Nashville Show. Kelly is part of the fabric of Music City, as a host of radio shows, podcasts and the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville she’s perfectly placed to be the new host of The Nashville Show. Bringing the biggest and best guests from the home of country music to the UK’s biggest country music radio station, Kelly will be here to connect our audience direct to Music Row, Broadway and beyond.
CRS Highlights Five Talented Artists At 2025 New Faces Of Country Music Showcase
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Zach Top, Dasha, Drew Baldridge, Ashley Cooke and Warren Zeiders. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
To close out Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025, five breakout artists etched their names into the storied legacy of the New Faces of Country Music showcase.
The annual event spotlights five emerging artists who have achieved significant country radio success during the qualification period—from Nov. 1, 2023 to Oct. 31, 2024. Since its inception in 1970, the showcase has been a pivotal launching pad for country hitmakers. On Friday (Feb. 21), Drew Baldridge (Lyric Ridge/BMG/Stoney Creek), Ashley Cooke (Big Loud/Back Blocks), Dasha (Warner Records), Zach Top (Leo33), and Warren Zeiders (Warner Records) proudly added their names to that legacy.
Dasha performs. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Dasha was the first to grace the stage in the grand ballroom at the Omni Nashville Hotel, where radio professionals, label personnel and other industry figures gathered. Following a sizzle reel highlighting her accomplishments, she captivated the audience with her crystal-clear vocals and star-quality presence.
She delivered her pop-country offerings, including “Didn’t I,” “Heartbreaker From Tennessee” and “Even Cowboys Cry,” each enriched with fiddle and banjo. Then, she introduced her upcoming album cycle with the energetic “Not This Party,” which immediately got the room moving.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the radio professionals who had transformed her career, Dasha then performed her Platinum-certified mega-hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” keeping everyone on their feet.
Drew Baldridge performs. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Next up was Baldridge. He began his set with a video featuring fans sharing how his music and personal journey—rising from setbacks during the pandemic after being dropped by his label and agency, to self-financing his tour through fans’ backyards—had impacted them. Baldridge’s story was especially compelling this year as he achieved his first No. 1 single, “Somebody’s Daughter,” as an independent artist by building his own team and financing the project himself.
He introduced a new song, “Rebel,” followed by his new single, “Tough People,” now being worked alongside BMG/Stoney Creek. In a memorable moment, he brought St. Jude survivors onstage to underscore their strength and resilience.
With raw emotion and gratitude, Baldridge then revisited the breakthrough track “Somebody’s Daughter,” soaking in the audience’s rapt response.
Warren Zeiders performs. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Zeiders followed, stepping onstage after a sizzle reel that showcased his achievements, his deep connection with fans on the road and his recognition as one of People’s Sexiest Men Alive. Zeiders opened his set with “Relapse,” flashing his signature smile during “You For A Reason.”
He then delivered his 2024 No. 1 hit “Pretty Little Poison”—the second most-played song on country radio that year—expressing his thanks to radio programmers, before wrapping up with “Ride the Lightning,” the very song that first put him on the map.
Ashley Cooke performs with Joe Jonas. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Cooke brought a touch of humor with a playful intro video—a CRS New Faces tradition. Alongside Big Loud’s radio promotion head Stacy Blythe, Cooke starred in a skit about her comically struggling with the animal noises required for her radio liners, a challenge that improved with some friendly industry advice. The skit was charming and lighthearted.
Taking the stage with undeniable confidence, Cooke shone on tracks like “Your Place,” her first No. 1 at country radio, and “I Almost Do.” She then mesmerized the audience with a new song titled “The F Word.” By her final performance, a substantial crowd had gathered near the stage, eager for her closing number—a special duet, “All I Forgot,” featuring surprise guest pop star Joe Jonas.
Zach Top performs. Photo: Courtesy of CRS
Top was the final act of the evening. With the crowd continuing to swell, Top made a grand entrance—without any video introduction—and received a rapturous reception. Keeping his set refreshingly simple yet impactful, he opened with his debut country radio single “Sounds Like The Radio,” followed by “Bad Luck,” and what he described as possibly “the countriest song you’ve heard in 20 years,” titled “Use Me.”
He then delivered his newly minted top 10 single “I Never Lie,” before concluding his set with the fan favorite “Cold Beer & Country Music.”
Brett Eldredge Drops Two Tracks From Upcoming New ‘Lonestar Lovers’ EP
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Eldredge is gearing up for the release of his new Lonestar Lovers EP, due out March 14 via his own Warm and Cozy Records.
The EP’s first two singles “You’ll Be Mine” and “Gorgeous” are available now, and the new songs preview a new chapter of music from the award-winning multi-Platinum singer-songwriter, producer and entertainer.
The new EP follows Eldredge’s Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family), his eighth full-length LP and third holiday album. Known for his annual holiday “Glow Tours,” Eldredge previously served up two fan-favorite holiday albums, Glow [2016] and Mr. Christmas [2021], and his cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside!” [feat. Meghan Trainor] has emerged as a staple, generating over 207 million Spotify streams and counting.