Photo: Addison Hilton/Courtesy of CMA
The Country Music Association welcomed its CMA EDU Class of 2026-2027 to Nashville for the 13th annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit, held Monday, July 20 through Wednesday, July 22 at CMA’s headquarters and locations across Nashville.
Photo: Addison Hilton/Courtesy of CMA
Over three immersive days, students participated in hands-on professional development, behind-the-scenes industry education, and conversations with artists, executives and CMA EDU alumni across multiple sectors of the Country Music business. This year’s class is made up of 34 students representing 24 universities across the country.
“CMA EDU is one of the most meaningful ways we invest in the long-term strength of the Country Music industry,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “When we created this program, the vision was to bring students and industry professionals together in one place, and to give emerging leaders access to the people, perspectives and relationships that can shape an entire career. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that vision continue to grow, with hundreds of alumni now working throughout the music industry. We hope every student leaves with new knowledge, genuine connections and the confidence to begin building a career of their own.”
Photo: Addison Hilton/Courtesy of CMA
On Monday, students were welcomed by CMA EDU alum Kate Watson (CMA Senior Director, Industry Relations) and Grace Martins (CMA Manager, Industry Relations), who introduced the class to the program before visiting Rock Nashville for a behind-the-scenes.
On Tuesday, Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO) opened the day with remarks, followed by a session led by Kerns. Students then heard from HARDY and members of his team, including Troy “Tracker” Johnson (Founder & Artist Manager, TRACK mgmt), Taylor Watson (Tour Manager) and Marisa Mineo (Head of Tour Marketing, The Neal Agency), during an artist team panel moderated by Madi White (CMA Manager, Integrated Marketing). The conversation explored how management, touring and tour marketing work together to support an artist’s career.
The afternoon continued with a management panel hosted by Sandbox Entertainment featuring Madison Moll (Digital Manager, Sandbox Entertainment Group), Lucia Kaminsky (President, Sandbox Entertainment Group) and Keith Bunn (Digital Director, Sandbox Entertainment Group) and moderated by Jordan Maynard (CMA Coordinator, Marketing). Students also heard directly from CMA EDU alumni working across the business, including Jackson Kiger (A&R Manager, Sony Music Publishing), Claire Martin (Agent Assistant, THE TEAM) and Landon Collins (A&R Analytics Manager, MCA). The day concluded with a writers round featuring Gloria Anderson, Caleb Mitchell and Braydon Watts.
Photo: Addison Hilton/Courtesy of CMA
Wednesday opened with a keynote conversation featuring Troy Tomlinson (Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville). Students then participated in professional development opportunities including headshots, a Q&A with Kerns, and one-on-one conversations with Watson and Martins. The Summit concluded with a special “Live at CMA” conversation and performance from rising artist Stella Lefty, moderated by CMA EDU student Jade Blatter.
Applications for 2027-2028 program open Aug. 4. More information can be found here.
Josh Ross Signs With CAA [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenJosh Ross
Josh Ross has inked with CAA for representation in all areas.
Ross has earned more than 1.4 billion global streams while building a successful career across North America. The Canadian-born, Nashville-based singer first gained attention with a string of independent releases before breaking through with his debut EP, Complicated.
The project earned him his first JUNO Award for Country Album of the Year in 2025 and included the hit “Trouble,” which reached No. 1 and is certified Double Platinum in Canada and Gold by the RIAA in the U.S. Ross also leads the 2026 CCMA Awards with seven nominations, tying for the most of any artist.
Ross has scored four No. 1 singles at Canadian country radio and made history with back-to-back No. 1 hits on U.S. Country radio with “Single Again” and “Hate How You Look.” “Single Again” made him the first male Canadian country artist in nearly 30 years to top the U.S. Country Airplay chart. The song is now certified 3x Platinum in Canada and Gold in the U.S., while “Hate How You Look” is Platinum in Canada.
He has also toured with Luke Bryan and Jelly Roll. Ross will make summer festival appearances at Festival du Cochon, County Line Country Fest, XRoads41 and more before heading to the UK and Ireland on his headlining “Later Tonight Tour.” He will then join Dan + Shay on “The Young Tour” this fall.
Ross is managed by Simon Tikhman, Chief Zaruk and Tracy Martin of The Core Entertainment.
Izzy Mahoubi Signs With 3686 Records
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Eric Arjes (3686 Records), Izzy Mahoubi and Levi Hummon (3686 Records)
Singer-songwriter Izzy Mahoubi has inked with 3686 Records.
Mahoubi first gained attention after her cover of a Rage Against the Machine song went viral, earning more than 7 million combined views on Instagram and TikTok. The moment introduced thousands of new fans to the Arizona native’s original music and helped establish her signature sound, a mix of Southwest emo, Southern gothic and desert blues, driven by honest songwriting and powerful rock performances.
A seasoned live performer, Mahoubi has shared the stage with artists including Em Beihold, The California Honeydrops, and Adam Melchor while building a loyal fanbase across the Southwest. She has also performed at Arizona’s Mesa Music Festival and Dreamy Draw Festival.
“We are so excited to welcome Izzy Mahoubi to the 3686 Records family,” shares 3686 Records Co-Founder Levi Hummon. “We first discovered her through her viral ‘Rage Against the Machine’ cover, but it didn’t take long to realize her original music was just as incredible. Izzy is the real deal, and we truly believe the world is about to have its faces melted by a genuine rock star. We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what’s next.”
“Signing any deal is a privilege, but signing with a team as passionate and encouraging as 3686 feels like a dream come true,” adds Mahoubi. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work on my next project with. I’m beyond grateful to the entire team, and especially Levi and Eric [Arjes], for believing in me and these Southwest emo songs. I cannot wait to share this next chapter of music.”
MusicRow Weekly (Andy Schuon, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with major executive moves, new signings and milestone career moments across Nashville’s music industry. Click here to see the full edition.
Leading the headlines, the Academy of Country Music has named Andy Schuon as its new Chief Executive Officer. Schuon will officially step into the role on Sept. 1, bringing decades of entertainment and media leadership to the organization as it enters its next chapter.
The Country Music Association also announced a significant leadership change, with CMA SVP of Industry Relations & Philanthropy and CMA Foundation Executive Director Tiffany Kerns set to depart the organization on Sept. 2 after years of service to the country music community.
On the label front, Triple Tigers Records/AKANDO Music welcomed veteran promotion executive Chris Palmer as Vice President of National Promotion, while Riser House Entertainment expanded its promotion team by adding Paul Grosser as Director of Regional Promotion.
Publishing activity remained strong this week as hit songwriter Adam James signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Acclaimed songwriter Stephony Smith also entered a new chapter, inking a deal with SMACKSongs. Meanwhile, rising trio DELTONA signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with The Core Entertainment.
Several artists also announced new career partnerships. Colton Dawson signed with WME for representation, Lakelin Lemmings joined The Kinkead Entertainment Agency for exclusive global booking, Wyatt McCubbin inked with Dave Cobb’s Lucille Records, and Evan Bartels signed with Joan Of Arc Records.
The week also featured memorable career milestones on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Rising artist Tyce Delk made his Opry debut last Thursday (July 16), while Daniel Grindstaff & The Uptown Troubadours also stepped into the Opry circle for the first time.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley and Morgan Wallen take the No. 1 spot with “I Can’t Love You Anymore.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Industry Ink: Shania Twain, SOURCE, Phil Barton
/by Lauryn SinkShania Twain Performs Exclusive SiriusXM Show
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Shania Twain celebrated the release of her new album with a special one-night-only show for SiriusXM to a packed room of subscribers and fans at New York City’s Racket NYC. She performed fan favorites like “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!,” “Come On Over,” and “You’re Still The One” as well as songs from her new album including “Stranger Things,” “Dirty Rosie” and the title track, “Little Miss Twain.”
To commemorate the album release, SiriusXM also launched Little Miss Twain Radio, an exclusive pop-up channel celebrating her career and the music that has shaped her journey.
SOURCE Nashville Celebrates 35 Years
Pictured (L-R): Co-founder Shelia Shipley Biddy, current President Mallory Mason Pascal and co-founder Judy Harris
SOURCE Nashville members gathered at Marathon Village on July 15 to celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary.
Attendees socialized and enjoyed 90s country music, a photobooth and more. Co-founders Shelia Shipley Biddy and Judy Harris were in attendance, who started the organization with the late Pat Rolfe.
The Listening Room Celebrates Phil Barton’s 500th Show
Pictured (L-R): Victoria Banks, Tristan McIntosh, Phil Barton, Liz Rose, Lee Brice, Guest Fan Performer, Chris Blair, Seth Ennis and Cameron Bedell. Photo: Courtesy of The Listening Room Cafe
The Listening Room celebrated Phil Barton‘s 500th show at the venue on July 21 at a sold-out show.
Special guests included Victoria Banks, Tristan McIntosh, Liz Rose, Lee Brice, Chris Blair, Seth Ennis, Cameron Bedell, Cassidy Daniels, Chris Ryan, Kyle Schuesler, Rose Falcon, Rodney Atkins, Andrew Ferris and Emily Shackelton.
CMA Hosts 13th Annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Addison Hilton/Courtesy of CMA
The Country Music Association welcomed its CMA EDU Class of 2026-2027 to Nashville for the 13th annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit, held Monday, July 20 through Wednesday, July 22 at CMA’s headquarters and locations across Nashville.
Photo: Addison Hilton/Courtesy of CMA
Over three immersive days, students participated in hands-on professional development, behind-the-scenes industry education, and conversations with artists, executives and CMA EDU alumni across multiple sectors of the Country Music business. This year’s class is made up of 34 students representing 24 universities across the country.
“CMA EDU is one of the most meaningful ways we invest in the long-term strength of the Country Music industry,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “When we created this program, the vision was to bring students and industry professionals together in one place, and to give emerging leaders access to the people, perspectives and relationships that can shape an entire career. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that vision continue to grow, with hundreds of alumni now working throughout the music industry. We hope every student leaves with new knowledge, genuine connections and the confidence to begin building a career of their own.”
Photo: Addison Hilton/Courtesy of CMA
On Monday, students were welcomed by CMA EDU alum Kate Watson (CMA Senior Director, Industry Relations) and Grace Martins (CMA Manager, Industry Relations), who introduced the class to the program before visiting Rock Nashville for a behind-the-scenes.
On Tuesday, Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO) opened the day with remarks, followed by a session led by Kerns. Students then heard from HARDY and members of his team, including Troy “Tracker” Johnson (Founder & Artist Manager, TRACK mgmt), Taylor Watson (Tour Manager) and Marisa Mineo (Head of Tour Marketing, The Neal Agency), during an artist team panel moderated by Madi White (CMA Manager, Integrated Marketing). The conversation explored how management, touring and tour marketing work together to support an artist’s career.
The afternoon continued with a management panel hosted by Sandbox Entertainment featuring Madison Moll (Digital Manager, Sandbox Entertainment Group), Lucia Kaminsky (President, Sandbox Entertainment Group) and Keith Bunn (Digital Director, Sandbox Entertainment Group) and moderated by Jordan Maynard (CMA Coordinator, Marketing). Students also heard directly from CMA EDU alumni working across the business, including Jackson Kiger (A&R Manager, Sony Music Publishing), Claire Martin (Agent Assistant, THE TEAM) and Landon Collins (A&R Analytics Manager, MCA). The day concluded with a writers round featuring Gloria Anderson, Caleb Mitchell and Braydon Watts.
Photo: Addison Hilton/Courtesy of CMA
Wednesday opened with a keynote conversation featuring Troy Tomlinson (Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville). Students then participated in professional development opportunities including headshots, a Q&A with Kerns, and one-on-one conversations with Watson and Martins. The Summit concluded with a special “Live at CMA” conversation and performance from rising artist Stella Lefty, moderated by CMA EDU student Jade Blatter.
Applications for 2027-2028 program open Aug. 4. More information can be found here.
Tigirlily Gold Slates Sophomore Album ‘Country & Midwestern’ For October
/by Lorie HollabaughTigirlily Gold will release their sophomore album, Country & Midwestern, on Oct. 9. The duo has dropped a new single from the project, their latest track, “Something To Drink About.”
The new album was named after the sisters’ proud North Dakota roots and their previously released song of the same name, and is a celebration of a region often overlooked in country music conversations despite embodying the very spirit the genre was built on. For Tigirlily Gold, being “Midwestern” has always meant hard work, family, faith, grit, and finding joy in the everyday, qualities that have shaped both who they are and the music they make.
“We could not be more excited to finally announce our sophomore album, Country & Midwestern!” says Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh of Tigirlily Gold. “This album came to be by taking the sounds of the 2000s Country music we grew up on and our love of growing up in the Midwest, which is often overlooked and under-appreciated. While the album is sonically nostalgic, the lyrics cover where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going, professionally and personally. We spent the last two years planting many seeds – some that painted fields gold and some that never had the chance to grow. We did not sugarcoat any of our experiences, and hope everyone can hear the heart of this album, because it’s one and the same as ours.”
The project announcement follows the release of a cinematic album trailer in which the duo reflects on the farming lessons that shaped their outlook, from growing up during North Dakota harvest seasons to learning that success isn’t measured solely by the crop, but by having the courage to keep planting.
That same perseverance runs throughout Country & Midwestern, a record born out of years of believing in their dreams, even when the harvest wasn’t yet in sight. The album artwork was photographed in North Dakota by Kendra’s husband, Jared Olson, capturing the wide-open prairie that inspired the record and reinforcing the project’s deeply personal foundation.
Max McNown Readies Third Album
/by Lauryn SinkMax McNown will release his third studio album, Leave On A Light, on Sept. 25 via Fugitive Recordings.
McNown worked closely with longtime collaborator and producer Jamie Kenney and co-writers like Julian Bunetta on the 17-track LP.
“In a way, most of the songs on this album are love songs,” says McNown. “They’re a tribute to my wife and my family, the people who care about who I am outside of music and give me a place of peace and unconditional love to come home to.”
McNown is currently amidst his “The Summer Vacation Tour” with upcoming dates in Delaware, Massachusetts, Illinois and more.
Leave On A Light Track List:
1. “Overdose (Slow Down)”
2. “First Born Daughter”
3. “Done For”
4. “Something to Someone”
5. “Selah’s Song”
6. “World Change Me”
7. “Famous to You”
8. “Same, Same Sun”
9. “Isn’t That Love?”
10. “Heart You Didn’t Break”
11. “Comets”
12. “Make my Peace”
13. “Standstill (My My My)”
14. “Greatest Audience of All”
15. “The Way She Says Goodbye”
16. “Space For You”
17. “The Room”
Reba Releases Fourth Music Capsule With ‘Ring Ring’
/by Lorie HollabaughReba McEntire has released her fourth music capsule, the Ring Ring – EP.
The country superstar returns to the subject of previous hits on the new collection with the title track. Penned by Kellie Pickler, Bob DiPiero and Karyn Rochelle, the Dave Cobb-produced number dials up the drama for a collection of telephone-themed songs spanning her 50-year career. Songs on the collection include “It’s Your Call,” “She’s Callin’ It Love,” “Why Haven’t I Heard From You,” and “Long Distance Lover.”
Launching a tailored playlist in tandem with each music capsule, “The Reinvention Of Reba” Playlist out Aug. 3 follows McEntire refusing to stand still, as she reinvents herself with deeper themes, modern sounds, and songs shaped by life experience.
Reba is delivering a music capsule each month during the milestone celebration, and the One Night In Tulsa – EP, Hurt Like That – EP, and Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’ – EPs are available now, as the thematically curated collections pair a newly recorded song with carefully selected tracks that span five legendary decades.
Ring Ring – EP Tracklist:
1. “Ring Ring” (Kellie Pickler, Bob DiPiero, Karyn Rochelle)*
2. “It’s Your Call” (Shawna Harrington-Burkhart, Liz Hengber, Bruce Burch)+
3. “Long Distance Lover” (Pauline Lee, Robert Rosenberg)^
4. “She’s Callin’ It Love” (Sunny Russ)#
5. “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” (Sandy Knox, T.W. Hale)+
* Produced by Dave Cobb
+ Produced by Tony Brown and Reba McEntire
^ Produced by Jerry Kennedy
# Produced by John Guess and Reba McEntire
IBMA Industry & Momentum Awards Nominees Unveiled
/by Lorie HollabaughThe nominees have been revealed for the 2026 IBMA Industry & Momentum Awards, set to take place on Oct. 22 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
The Industry Awards recognize outstanding work in non-performing industry categories and honor the individuals who help advance bluegrass music and support its artists. The 2026 IBMA Industry Award nominees for Writer of the Year include Paul Burch, John Curtis Goad, Derek Halsey, Garret K. Woodward, and Gary Reid. The Songwriter of the Year nominees are Mark “Brink” Brinkman, Chris Jones, Rick Lang and Tim Stafford.
The IBMA Momentum Awards recognize artists and industry professionals in the early stages of their bluegrass music careers. In addition to honoring emerging talent, the awards also include recognition for a mentor whose guidance has had a significant and positive impact on upcoming artists and industry professionals. The Momentum Awards ceremony will take place on Oct. 21 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
The 2026 IBMA Momentum Award nominees for Band Of The Year include The Creekers, ShadowGrass, Remedy Tree, The Cody Sisters and Under the Rocks. Vocalist of the Year nominees include Adam Miller, Lydia Hamby, Morgan Brake, Akulina Shamanov, and Ellie Hakanson. A full list of this year’s nominees can be found here.
Attendance at both events is included with registration for the IBMA Business Conference, which also provides access to a full lineup of programming at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Registration is now open.
Additional Acts Revealed For AMERICANAFEST 2026
/by Lauryn SinkAdditional artists have been revealed for AMERICANAFEST 2026, which will take place in Nashville Sept. 15-19.
Abigail Rose, Ashley Monroe, Meg McRee, Sam Stoane, The Band Loula, Clover County and more have joined the previously announced performers including Ana Cristina Cash, Amy Grant, Wynonna Judd, Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines, and more. A full list of performers can be found here.
2026 AMERICANAFEST Festival Wristbands, which allow admission into evening showcase venues and select sanctioned special events are available online here