BigXthaPlug Performs At Stagecoach 2026

BigXthaPlug took the stage at Stagecoach last weekend, delivering fan favorites like “Hell At Night,” “The Largest,” and “All The Way.” He also joined Bailey Zimmerman onstage and Guy Fieri at “Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse.”

He was awarded a gold plaque for his fourth studio album I Hope You’re Happy along with a platinum plaque for his single “Hell At Night” featuring Ella Langley.

 

Bailey Zimmerman Partners With Wags & Walks

Bailey Zimmerman has partnered with Wags & Walks. As part of this initiative, $1 from every ticket sold to Zimmerman’s upcoming Nashville shows on May 1 and May 2 at Ascend Amphitheater will be donated directly to Wags & Walks.

“At Wags & Walks, partnerships like these are so meaningful in helping us spread the word about rescue,” says Kathryn Hurley, Founder of Wags & Walks Nashville. “Saving dogs is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with real costs, from medical care to everyday needs, so support like this truly makes a difference. We’re so thankful for the opportunity to work together and reach more people with our mission.”

 

Megan Moroney Makes Appearance On Bobby Bones’ ‘The Bobbycast’

Megan Moroney made an appearance on Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast.

Moroney discussed her recent 9 Cities. 9 Days. run, the inspiration behind her music and her upcoming “Cloud 9 Tour.”

 

CAA Hosts Stagecoach Brunch 2026

CAA hosted a brunch last week during Stagecoach. Abby Smyers, Briley King, Stella Lefty, Warren Zeiders, Wyatt Flores and many more attended the event.

 

ADHD DJ Duo Debuts at Stagecoach

ADHD, the DJ duo composed of Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure, made their debut last week at Stagecoach. The duo was born in 2018 when Gorley and Frasure were on the road together for Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes Tour and DJed before the country singer went on stage.

“That might have been the most fun I’ve ever had in 25 years in the music business,” Frasure shares, still on a high from Sunday’s debut. “Super grateful to be able to take our concept of a DJ set predominantly filled with hits we’ve written and debut it for the perfect EDM and Country loving crowd in Diplo’s Honkytonk at Stagecoach.

“Our love for music each began with DJing, so it’s a full circle moment to be able to remix and play the crowd new versions of the hits we’ve written,” Gorley reflects. “It’s been fun to shake things up, to challenge and fuel our creativity in a new way outside of the writing room. The energy in the tent was incredible and we had a blast. Thank you to all the fans who showed up!”

 

Alana Springsteen Stops By ‘Access Daily’ For Exclusive Interview

Alana Springsteen recently stopped by NBC’s Access Daily for an exclusive interview with co-hosts Kit Hoover and Zuri Hall. Springsteen talked about her upcoming album, I HOPE THIS HELPS.

“I thought I was about to walk into my villain era…I was like, ‘We’re ready to take on the world,’” Springsteen shared. “And then I went in and wrote some of the most heartbreakingly vulnerable, contemplative songs I’ve ever written.”

 

3G Productions Appoints Kathy Cluxton As CEO

3G Productions has appointed Kathy Cluxton as Chief Executive Officer. Cluxton will split time between Nashville and Las Vegas.

“I’m excited to join 3G at a time when demand for high-level production and integration support continues to grow,” says Cluxton. “3G has built a strong reputation for delivering for its clients, and I look forward to supporting the team as we continue to scale and invest in the capabilities that matter most to our partners.”

Lainey Wilson will release her Lainey Wilson (Amazon Music presents: Live from Stagecoach 2026) EP on Friday (May 1).

The project will feature six tracks from her recent set at Stagecoach including “Can’t Sit Still,” “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” “Good Horses,” “Road Runner,” “Things A Man Oughta Know” and “Watermelon Moonshine.”

Wilson recently released her Netflix documentary, Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool, and made her film acting debut in Universal’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him. She is nominated for seven awards at the upcoming ACM Awards.

Wilson will join Chris Stapleton on select dates throughout the year.

Jacob Hackworth came barreling out of the gate with his new single, “What Took You So Long,” which officially made its country radio debut this week as the most-added single, with 128 first-week stations, including a record-breaking 96 adds on impact.

The debut marks the highest one-week total for a new artist debut single in Country Aircheck/Mediabase add board history. The milestone also earns Hackworth the distinction of No. 1 most added at country radio this week, signaling huge support from both industry and fans for the Mercury Nashville/Goat Island Sound artist. Hackworth’s team, family and friends surprised him earlier this week, gathering to celebrate the feat.

“My mind is absolutely blown. Thank you so much to Country radio for believing in this song, it’s been an incredible time getting to know y’all these past few months, y’all are changing my life, right before my eyes, thank you,” says Hackworth. “I’ve got the best team in the world. Thank you so much to the Mercury team for all their hard work getting this out to people, y’all are making my dreams come true and Goat Island, y’all are the GOATs. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude right now. This is wild.”

“This is one of those moments where the artist, the song, and the team all come together in a big way,” says Damon Moberly, SVP, Promotion & Touring, MCA. “’What Took You So Long’ is a special record, and Jacob is an undeniable talent. I’m incredibly proud of the work Jacob and our team put in to set this up and thankful to our radio partners for the early belief.”

Already established as one of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, Hackworth has earned multiple No. 1s and amassed more than one billion streams in 2025 alone, with roughly 60 major label cuts to his name. Known for his melodic instincts, character-driven writing and powerhouse delivery, Hackworth launched his artist career in 2025 with three initial releases  (“When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t” and “Bad As I Do”), landing on multiple 2026 Artist to Watch lists.

BMG and Concord have combined their businesses.

Operating under the BMG name, the company will span music publishing, recorded music, theatrical rights and digital distribution.

“We believe this is a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring together two world-class teams and rosters at the right moment, as scale in rights ownership becomes increasingly critical to long-term growth,” says Thomas Coesfeld, Chief Executive Officer of BMG and designated Chairman of the combined company. “This transaction accelerates our successful BMG Next strategy by enabling a more ambitious and sustained approach to investing in artists and songwriters, as well as in rights, technology, AI tools, and the talent shaping the industry. As one unified business, we will further deepen our position as a preferred global partner to artists, songwriters, and platforms, combining scale with the agility and independence they value. We look forward to this next chapter and to the opportunities it creates for artists, songwriters, and partners.”

“We are excited to begin working together to build something truly exceptional,” shares Bob Valentine, Chief Executive Officer of Concord and designated CEO of the combined company. “Both companies were founded to support great artistry and with a deep sense of responsibility to the performers, songwriters, and playwrights we serve. We share a philosophy grounded in artist development, strategic long-term management of IP, and operational discipline. Our greater scale will allow us to invest more in creative talent, global reach, accretive acquisition opportunities, and technology, while preserving the nimble, entrepreneurial spirit that artists and songwriters value most. This is not about replicating the major label model; it’s about using scale to strengthen independence. Together, we will build a company that gives artists more reach and more flexibility – all designed to support their distinct visions.”

Upon closing, Valentine will serve as CEO of the combined company, with Coesfeld serving as Chairman.

As previously announced, Coesfeld will assume the role of CEO of Bertelsmann, effective January 1, 2027. A joint management team drawn from both companies will lead the business. The newly formed company’s global headquarters will be in Nashville, with Berlin serving as its European headquarters. Its publishing division will be named BMG Publishing, and its recorded music division will be called Concord Records.

The deal is expected to close later this year.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to BMG. J.P. Morgan is serving as financial advisor to Concord and Latham and Watkins LLP and Reed Smith LLP are serving as legal counsel. Alston & Bird LLP is advising Great Mountain Partners.

Sam Drysdale has signed with ONErpm Nashville.

The Toronto-based singer-songwriter’s 2024 breakout single “Only The Strong Survive” amassed 65 million views and 10 million streams globally, earned a Folk Ontario Award nomination for Song of the Year. His follow-up, “Cold Water,” landed on iHeartRadio’s Future Star program and Rogers’ One to Watch, charting across Top 40, Hot AC, and AC formats and marked his first impact at Canadian radio.

“Artistic independence has always felt like a bit of a high-wire act for me,” Drysdale shares. “Creatively, I value having full control and take pride in doing as much as I can on my own, but the most meaningful part of this journey has been the people I’ve met along the way. ONErpm stood out to me because they truly respect that independence and are committed not only to supporting it, but to empowering it. So much of this industry has started to lean on data, but as an artist I still understand the power of raw belief. That’s where the magic is.”

“From his voice to his writing, Sam Drysdale stands out immediately,” says Ryan Cunningham, ONErpm’s Director of A&R. “There’s a clear vision behind what he’s building, and that came through from our first meeting. We’re excited to partner with Sam and bring that vision to a wider audience.”

Drysdale is slated to release more music this fall.