Carrie Underwood To Headline ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’

Ryan Seacrest and Carrie Underwood. Photo: Disney/Gizelle Hernandez

The lineup has been announced for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025, presented by ABC and Dick Clark Productions.

Seacrest will mark his 20th year as host, returning alongside co-host Rita Ora to lead the festivities from New York’s Times Square. Carrie Underwood will headline the night of performances, performing before the ball drops at midnight. Country breakout star Megan Moroney and British singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor are also set to perform.

Underwood shares, “I have such fun memories of performing on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square in both 2007 and 2015, and I’m so excited to perform just before the ball drops again this year. I’m thrilled to celebrate 20 years since winning American Idol by joining Ryan as he hosts his 20th New Year’s Eve in Times Square.”

Previously-announced performers also include rock legend Lenny Kravitz, genre-bending singer-songwriter Teddy Swims, R&B hitmaker Tinashe, chart-topping country superstar Cody Johnson and five-time Grammy nominee Thomas Rhett.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025 will air Tuesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST and stream next day on Hulu.

Flatland Cavalry Slates ‘Flatland Forever Tour’ For 2025

Flatland Cavalry. Photo: Fernando Garcia

Flatland Cavalry will head out on their new “Flatland Forever Tour” next year beginning in February in Atlanta.

Stops on the new trek include Birmingham, Omaha, Ann Arbor, Memphis, Portland, Norfolk and more through May 3. General on-sale for the dates will be available on Friday, Dec. 6 and details can be found at flatlandcavalry.com/tour.

The tour adds to a notable year for the band, who released their new album, Flatland Forever, last month via Interscope Records and recently reached No. 1 on Shazam’s U.S. Top 200 chart after their song “How Long” was featured in the hit show Yellowstone. Receiving over 81,000 Shazams, the song surpassed tracks by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, The Weekend & Playboi Carti and more.

Over the past year, Flatland Cavalry also wrote and recorded songs for two major film soundtracks (Twisters and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), received their first ACM Awards nomination for Group of the Year and garnered more than 500 million streams across platforms.

Flatland Cavalry Confirmed Tour Dates:
December 9—Nashville, TN—Grand Ole Opry
December 31—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena
February 7—Atlanta, GA—Coca-Cola Roxy
February 8—Birmingham, AL—Alabama Theatre
February 13—Cedar Rapids, IA—Paramount Theatre
February 14—Waukee, IA—Vibrant Music Hall
February 15—Omaha, NE—Steelhouse Omaha
February 21—San Angelo, TX—Murphey Performance Hall
February 22—El Paso, TX—Abraham Chavez Theatre
February 27—Ann Arbor, MI—Michigan Theater
February 28—Madison, WI—The Sylvee
April 3—Memphis, TN—Minglewood Hall
April 4—Nacogdoches, TX—Stephen F. Austin University
April 5—Georgetown, TX—Two Step Inn 2025
April 10—Charlottesville, VA—Ting Pavilion
April 11—Norfolk, VA—The NorVa
April 12—Anderson, SC—Wendell’s Dippin Branch
April 27—Indio, CA—Stagecoach Festival
April 30—Eugene, OR—McDonald Theatre
May 1—Tacoma, WA—Temple Theatre
May 2—Portland, OR—Crystal Ballroom
May 3—Bend, OR—Midtown Ballroom
June 19—Lewisburg, WV—Wild Trails Festival 2025
June 26—Mack, CO—Country Jam 2025

BOLD: on-sale this Friday, Dec. 6 at 10:00 a.m. local time

CMHOFM Celebrates Rosanne Cash Exhibit Opening

Pictured (L–R): John Leventhal, Danny Kahn, Jody Williams, Kyle Young, Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Mick Buck, Michael Gray and RJ Smith. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of its “Rosanne Cash: Time Is a Mirror” exhibit last night (Dec. 4), which explores Cash’s over-40-year journey as an artist and songwriter.

On display through March 2026 and included with museum admission, “Rosanne Cash: Time Is a Mirror” features stage wear, song manuscripts, instruments, photographs and more, along with an official playlist. From the 1970s to now, Cash has sought to carve in her own path in American music, drawing on rockabilly rhythms, the truth-telling of folk-rock songwriters, west coast country-rock energy and the deep roots of country music.

“Rosanne Cash: Time Is a Mirror” exhibit. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The quadruple-Grammy winner’s hits include “Seven Year Ache,” “Blue Moon with Heartache,” “I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me,” “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party,” “It Hasn’t Happened Yet,” “Tennessee Flat Top Box, “No Memories Hangin’ Round” and “Never Be You,” among others. In 2021, Cash became the first female composer to receive the MacDowell Medal, which has been awarded to an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to American culture since 1960.

To support the exhibit opening, she will participate in a conversation and performance in the museum’s Ford Theater this Sunday (Dec. 8). The sold-out program will be filmed and available to stream on the museum’s website at a later date as part of the “Live at the Hall” digital series. For more information, click here.

K-LOVE Dedicates New Ministry Center In Franklin [See Photos]

Ribbon cutting of new K-LOVE facility in Franklin, Tennessee

Educational Media Foundation, the parent organization of Christian radio networks K-LOVE and Air1, dedicated the permanent home for its new Ministry Center in Franklin, Tennessee on Tuesday (Dec. 3) at a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

The largest Christian radio network with more than 1,100 signals across the country, K-LOVE  relocated to Williamson County from Rocklin, California. The dedication event featured Christian artists Steven Curtis Chapman and Jon Reddick and Pastor/Author Jud Wilhite, along with approximately 500 local leaders, team members and other guests.

The new 166,000 square foot facility features 10 studios for live broadcasts of K-LOVE radio, Air1 radio and AccessMore podcasts. There is also dedicated space for the operation of K-LOVE Books, K-LOVE Live Events and K-LOVE on Demand, the ministry’s video streaming platform. The building also houses several capture spaces to create media content. The auditorium, the K-LOVE Center, is a state-of-the-art live event space where tour rehearsals, concerts and events can be held in support of the industry and other community needs.

“Tennessee has welcomed us with open arms, and we extend our gratitude to the local community for their hospitality,” says Tom Stultz, Interim CEO. “We are grateful to those who have supported this journey and look forward to utilizing this space to continue sharing the Gospel with our audiences across the globe.”

K-LOVE Ministry Center

K-LOVE Ministry Center

K-LOVE Ministry Center

K-LOVE Ministry Center

Industry Ink: Jenn Essiembre, Miranda Lambert, David Olney, More

Jenn Essiembre Joins Big Loud Rock As SVP/A&R

Jenn Essiembre. Photo: Willow Rothbart

Jenn Essiembre has been named SVP of A&R at Big Loud Rock in Los Angeles. In her new role, Essiembre will spearhead the label’s A&R strategy and execution, reporting directly to Big Loud Partner Joey Moi and Lloyd Norman, GM of Big Loud Rock. Before joining Big Loud Rock, Essiembre served as Vice President of 300 Publishing, a division of 300 Entertainment. Her foundation in the industry was built at ole Music Publishing, where she achieved placements with global artists such as Sam Smith, Justin Timberlake and Maluma.

 

Miranda Lambert’s Muttnation Honors Lucky Break Rescue With Inaugural Idyllwind Award

Miranda Lambert with Lucky Break Rescue founder Cait Luca. Photo: Cooper Norland

Miranda Lambert has announced the inaugural Idyllwind Award, administered by her MuttNation Foundation, will go to Lucky Break Rescue in Arizona with a $25,000 donation. Named after Lambert’s first horse, Idyllwind Ellund, the Idyllwind Award will annually recognize an outstanding U.S. equine rescue or sanctuary that rehabilitates and/or rehomes horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned, while also educating the public about the difficult conditions these horses face. Lambert spoke about the Idyllwind Award at the recent taping of the Boot Barn: Voiceless fashion show, premiering on Roku December 15 and airing on Hulu in early 2025. Boot Barn is the exclusive retailer of Lambert’s Idyllwind clothing and boot line.

“We’re so excited to be adding this new award to our MuttNation programs,” says Lambert. “The strong bond that horses form with people is one of the most magical – and caring for horses that have been mistreated takes a very special kind of person. Cait Luca, who started Lucky Break Rescue, is one of the most special I’ve ever known. Her rescue is the perfect choice for this first Idyllwind Award.”

 

CMHOFM Honors David Olney With Songwriter Round Tribute

Pictured (L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Public Programs Manager Aimee Graham, Jim Lauderdale, Steve Earle, Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris at the museum.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a songwriter round honoring singer-songwriter David Olney last weekend. The program included tribute performances by Steve Earle, Mary Gauthier, Jaimee Harris and Jim Lauderdale. Olney, who died in 2020, released more than two dozen albums during his five-decade career as both a solo artist and a member of the Nashville Jug Band and the X-Rays. His songs have been recorded by Kieran Kane, Del McCoury, Linda Ronstadt, Townes Van Zandt and Emmylou Harris.

The program was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series, available to stream on the museum’s website.

 

Blessing Offor Debuts On ‘Today With Hoda & Jenna’

Blessing Offor

Blessing Offor made his debut on Today With Hoda & Jenna last week, performing his latest single, “All Over The World.”

On Friday (Dec. 6), Blessing will release a new EP, Covers, featuring his unique take on Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed,” Taylor Swift’s “Holy Ground,” John Mayer’s “Gravity” and Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” featuring Bob Lanzetti of Snarky Puppy. Previously only available via Amazon Music, Offor’s version of “Godspeed” marks one of his top-streamed songs across platforms. This will also mark the first time “Holy Ground,” and “Gravity” have been available outside of Apple Music.

 

Bayker Blankenship Performs On’ CBS Saturday Morning’

Bayker Blankenship performs on CBS Saturday Morning

Rising star Bayker Blankenship made his network TV debut this past Saturday on CBS Saturday Morning. A Livingston, Tennessee native with over 770,000 followers on TikTok, Blankenship performed his songs “Tennessee Sunset,” “Maxed Out” and the unreleased “300 Miles” (which drops Dec. 11) for CBS Saturday Morning’s Saturday Sessions. In addition, Blankenship recently announced his upcoming “The Maxed Out Tour,” which kicks off in Athens, Georgia on Jan. 15.

Spotify Releases 2024 Wrapped Campaign

Spotify once again rolled out its popular Wrapped campaign today (Dec. 4), unveiling its annual Spotify for Artists report alongside personalized insights for fans. The 2024 Wrapped campaign introduces enhanced tools, new features and cutting-edge AI integrations designed to deepen engagement between creators and their audiences.

“While Wrapped for Artists has always been a fun way for artists to look back on their year and celebrate with fans, we’re always looking to enhance the experience,” shares Madeleine Bennet, Head of Global Music Go-to-Market for Spotify. “The Spotify for Artists team has been super focused on helping artists build stronger connections with their listeners around new music releases, especially through tools like playlist pitching, Countdown Pages and Clips. Because releasing new music is such a crucial moment, this year’s Wrapped will put a special emphasis on these milestones.”

For artists, Spotify for Artists offers a dedicated microsite with shareable visuals and personalized data stories, including top listeners, most-streamed tracks and new insights like top-performing Clips and biggest release weeks. Songwriters, podcast creators, and—new this year—authors also have their own Wrapped experiences, complete with interactive microsites and share cards tailored to their audiences.

AI plays a bigger role this year, with Spotify launching a personalized AI podcast summarizing users’ top music and an AI DJ providing commentary on listening habits in English and Spanish. Premium users can create customized playlists using Wrapped data via the AI Playlist feature, further personalizing their experience.

Fans are treated to expanded data stories, such as “Your Music Evolution,” which highlights listening trends across the year and generates a corresponding playlist. TikTok integration allows users to share Wrapped results directly on the platform, extending Spotify’s reach into new spaces.

On a global scale, Taylor Swift claimed the title of Spotify’s most-streamed artist for the second year in a row, with The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology earning the top album spot. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” was the most-streamed song globally, while The Joe Rogan Experience dominated the podcast charts for a fifth consecutive year. Spotify also highlighted the rise of audiobooks, with Sarah J. MaasA Court of Thorns and Roses series topping the charts amid a growing trend of book-to-screen adaptations.

On the country front, Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen appeared in the most-streamed artist top 10 in the U.S., as well as the top-streamed albums. Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” sits at No. 3 on the most-streamed songs list, with Wallen and Post Malone‘s “I Had Some Help” at No. 4 and Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” at No. 9.

Spotify’s global celebration includes localized features like on-platform Easter eggs, augmented reality tools, and installations in cities worldwide. Wrapped 2024 highlights the platform’s expanding focus on personalized experiences and creative tools for artists, fans, and creators alike.

2024 Spotify Wrapped U.S. Top Lists

U.S. Most-Streamed Artists:
1. Taylor Swift
2. Drake
3. Zach Bryan
4. Morgan Wallen
5. Kanye West
6. Future
7. Kendrick Lamar
8. Travis Scott
9. The Weeknd
10. Metro Boomin

U.S. Most-Streamed Songs:
1. “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
2. “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
3. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey
4. “I Had Some Help (Feat. Morgan Wallen)” by Post Malone
5. “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman
6. “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
7. “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone
8. “Birds Of A Feather” by Billie Eilish
9. “I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves)” by Zach Bryan
10. “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan

U.S. Most-Streamed Albums:
1. The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology by Taylor Swift
2. One Thing At A Time by Morgan Wallen
3. Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
4. Stick Season by Noah Kahan
5. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
6. Hit Me Hard And Soft by Billie Eilish
7. SOS by SZA
8. Dangerous: The Double Album by Morgan Wallen
9. Zach Bryan by Zach Bryan
10. 1989 (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift

U.S. Top Podcasts:
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
2. Call Her Daddy
3. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
4. Crime Junkie
5. The Daily
6. The Tucker Carlson Show
7. Huberman Lab
8. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
9. Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
10. Shawn Ryan Show

Top Most Anticipated Podcast Launches in the U.S.:
1. Mind the Game with LeBron James and JJ Redick
2. Talk Tuah with Haliey Welch
3. Drowning Creek
4. Hysterical
5. Murder in the Hollywood Hills
6. Media Pressure
7. Therapuss with Jake Shane
8. Basically Unfiltered with Remi, Alisha, Zane and Heath
9. The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast
10. Clooless Podcast

U.S. Top Audiobooks in Premium:
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
2. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
3. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
4. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
5. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
6. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
7. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
8. Icebreaker: A Novel by Hannah Grace
9. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
10. Funny Story by Emily Henry

Lainey Wilson Launches ‘Heart Like A Truck Fund Week Of Giving’

Lainey Wilson performs at the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Halftime Show. Photo: Erick Frost

Lainey Wilson took the stage last week at the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Halftime Show to help kick off The Salvation Army’s 134th Red Kettle Campaign with special surprise guest Jelly Roll.

Building on the spirit of giving this holiday season, Wilson also launched the “Heart Like A Truck Fund Week of Giving” this week and is making donations to various organizations throughout the week through her Heart Like A Truck Fund charity.

Each day this week, Wilson will spotlight a different organization to raise awareness and contribute to the cause. She kicked things off with a donation to The Salvation Army, followed by a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital today (Dec. 4). Later in the week, Wilson will support organizations chosen by her fans, resulting in Wilson’s Heart Like a Truck Fund committing to donate over $70,000 throughout the initiative. For more information and to make a donation, visit laineywilson.com/hlat.

Parker McCollum Added To ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’ Watch Party Lineup

Parker McCollum. Photo: Jason Stoltzfus

Parker McCollum will help ring in 2025 from Brooklyn Bowl Nashville as part of the New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash watch party on Dec. 31.

McCollum will perform some of his biggest hits for the crowd alongside special appearances from SiriusXM and CMT Host Cody Alan and SiriusXM and singer-songwriter Caylee Hammack.

“This past year has been one for the books and it’s all because of the incredible country music fans. I’m excited to be a part of Nashville’s Big Bash to kick in the doors on 2025 with all the fans who have carried me through the year,” shares McCollum. “Can’t wait to party with y’all!”

Tickets and VIP upgrades to Brooklyn Bowl Nashville’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash watch party are on sale now.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, will air live on Dec. 31 through CBS and stream on Paramount +.

Performances live from Nashville’s Bicentennial Park will include Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban and more. Urban will co-host the five hour event with Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith.

McCoy Moore Signs With The Neal Agency

Pictured (L-R): TRACK mgmt’s Tracker Johnson, McCoy Moore, TNA’s Evan Kantor and Ryan Beuschel. Photo: Courtesy of The Neal Agency

Singer-songwriter McCoy Moore has inked an exclusive booking and artist development deal with The Neal Agency.

“I am so excited to work with Austin [Neal], Ryan [Beuschel], Evan [Kantor] and the rest of the TNA family,” Moore shares. “When I moved to Nashville from Florida four years ago, I was praying the day would come where I would get to play shows and share the music I love all over the place. This is the best team I could’ve ever hoped for to help further my career.”

The 23 year old from Lakeland, Florida moved to Nashville in 2020 to begin his journey in music. His first years in town, Moore was seen at writer’s rounds around the city, as well as releasing music independently. In 2023, he signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs and Worktape Music, and is currently working with Will Bundy on new music and is planning on a slew of live shows in 2025.

“I can’t wait to see what all we accomplish together in the years to come, and I couldn’t be more pumped to tour and meet everyone out on the road,” continues Moore. “I’m very grateful for these opportunities and all of my favorite people that are helping me steer this ship.”

“The Neal Agency wants to give every artist every possible tool they need and want to be successful because that’s how much we care about our artists,” says Beuschel.

“We’re honored McCoy is joining TNA as he expands his team,” adds Kantor.

Moore is managed by Tracker Johnson of TRACK management.

Save The Date: MusicRow Announces Date For 2025 Rising Women On The Row, New Print Issue

MusicRow is proud to announce the date for its 12th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast, honoring female executives in the music industry. Once again at The Omni Nashville Hotel, Rising Women on the Row will take place the morning of Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Nominee applications for the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2025 will open in early January. Details regarding tickets will be announced thereafter. For questions, reach out to LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.

Additionally, MusicRow will unveil a new print issue at the 2025 Rising Women on the Row breakfast, which will become part of its six annual slate of magazines. Titled “Women of Music Row,” the new print edition will celebrate the women shaping Music Row and feature editorial content highlighting their contributions and impact in the industry.

For advertising inquiries in the inaugural Women of Music Row issue, reach out to Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com.

MusicRow Owner & Publisher Sherod Robertson held the first-ever Rising Women on the Row in 2012. He was inspired to start the beloved event when thinking of his grandmother, and how she was never honored for her accomplishments and tenacious spirit. Since its inaugural year, MusicRow has recognized over 60 deserving executives as Rising Women on the Row.

Past honorees include—2024: Tiffany Kerns, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Halie Hampton Mosley, Melissa Spillman, Candice Watkins; 2023: Stacy Blythe, Martha Earls, Beth Hamilton, Jackie Jones, Brittany Schaffer, Anna Weisband; 2020/2022: Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Mandy Morrison, Missy Roberts, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright; 2019: Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Jennifer Turnbow; 2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Virginia Bunetta, Kerri Edwards, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Atwood, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.