The Academy of Country Music has announced the submissions and professional membership voting timeline for the 59th ACM Awards, taking place in May, as well as changes and additions within multiple categories.
Submissions will open at 11 a.m. CT/9 a.m. PT on Monday, Jan. 8. The Academy will accept entries through Friday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT. The ACM Board of Directors approved changes to the New Female Artist of the Year, New Male Artist of the Year and New Duo or Group of the Year, extending charting for those categories to open eligibility to more artists. The Board of Directors also adopted criteria to require a minimum of three eligible submissions to award a category.
The eligibility period for submissions for this year’s awards started on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 and ends on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
New Female Artist of the Year, New Male Artist of the Yea, and New Duo or Group of the Year are presented to an individual artist, group or duo who gains initial fame or significantly greater recognition during the promotion of a debut or sophomore album within the eligibility period. The artist must have released a single that reached the top 50 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or the Mediabase Country charts. Any albums self-released through an independent label the artist owns and operates may not be counted as a debut or sophomore album, unless it produces a top 50 single reported by Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or Mediabase Country charts. The nominees shall be determined by a nomination ballot(s) and are subject to the approval of the Board. The winner shall be determined by a vote of the ACM professional membership.
Any artist who served or is currently serving as a lead member of a duo or group is not eligible for individual category recognition. Additionally, any artist who has gained initial fame as a solo artist or as part of a duo or group in another genre is not eligible in these categories. An artist may be a nominee two times in a three-year period. Once an artist releases the lead single from a third studio album, they will no longer be eligible in this category. If an artist is a winner in the New Female Artist, New Male Artist, New Duo or Group (or any respective previously named category) their first year on a ballot, they will not be eligible in any New Artist categories again. Any artist who has previously won the award for Entertainer, Female Artist, Male Artist, Duo or Group of the Year (or any respective previously named category) is ineligible for a New Artist nomination.
For more information, click here.
Key Dates For ACM Professional Members:
Submissions Period: Jan. 8, 2024-Jan. 26, 2024
First Round Voting, Main Awards: Feb. 26, 2024–March 4, 2024
Second Round Voting, Main Awards: March 18, 2024–March 25, 2024
Final Round Voting, Main Awards: April 15, 2024–April 22, 2024
First Round Voting, Radio Awards: Feb. 26, 2024–March 11, 2024
Final Round Voting, Radio Awards: March 18, 2024–April 1, 2024
“The 59th ACM Awards cycle brings changes to awards categories that will allow more artists, groups and duos the chance to qualify and be recognized with an ACM Award, which will benefit emerging artists and help put a spotlight on the future of the genre,” says Daniel Miller, Chair of the ACM Awards Voting & Membership Committee. “I’d like to thank the Awards Committee members, Board members and Board Officers for their thoughtful contributions in expanding eligibility to reflect our evolving industry and the realities for new artists on their path to success.”
“ACM New Duo or Group of the Year is an illustrious category that has seen the likes of Brooks & Dunn and The Chicks win early in their careers as well as both reigning ACM Duo of the Year Brothers Osborne and reigning ACM Group of the Year Old Dominion. The category hasn’t been awarded in recent years, and we’re hopeful these changes in category rules and minimum qualifying entrant levels will allow us to bring back this award, a fan favorite, as well as celebrate additional deserving emerging artists in the critical early years of their career,” explains Tommy Moore, ACM VP of Artist & Industry Relations, Governance & Board Administration.
“I am proud that the ACM Awards, Country Music’s Party of the Year, continues to be one of the favorite and most-watched awards shows today. With history-making hosts, a ever-present platform in Prime Video, a groundbreaking format, a perfectly suited location in Frisco, Texas, plus country’s most exciting and diverse nominees, winners and performers, there has never been a better time to be a part of the Academy and the ACM Awards,” says Damon Whiteside, ACM CEO. “We look forward to receiving our industry’s submissions for the 59th ACM Awards, and especially to celebrating the best of 2023 next May!”
“The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards,” produced by Dick Clark Productions, will stream live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas exclusively on Prime Video for a global audience for a third straight year, as part of the Academy’s renewed partnership with Amazon.
Miranda Lambert Announces Final Dates For ‘Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas Residency’
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda Lambert has announced the final nine dates for her “Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas Residency,” taking place at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, in March and April.
“As someone who’s lived on a bus and toured from city-to-city for more than half my life, having a Vegas residency has been such a fun change of pace creatively,” shares Lambert. “The band and I are excited to keep this party going!”
“Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas Residency” is designed exclusively for Bakkt Theater. The dates for the final nine performances are March 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, and April 3, 5 and 6. Tickets for the final shows go on sale to the public this Friday (Dec. 8), and fan club members will have access to a presale starting tomorrow (Dec. 5). Citi cardmembers also will have access to presale tickets starting tomorrow until Thursday, (Dec. 7) through the Citi Entertainment program. Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program members as well as Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access to a presale from this Wednesday (Dec. 6) until Thursday. A limited number of tickets are available for the following previously announced performances on Dec. 7, 9, 10, 14 and 16. For more information, click here.
Lambert, Live Nation Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment are donating a dollar of every ticket purchased to Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, the nonprofit that has raised over six million dollars to promote the adoption of rescue pets, support animal shelters across the country, advance spaying and neutering and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster.
ACM Announces Voting Timeline & Category Changes For 2024 Awards
/by Liza AndersonThe Academy of Country Music has announced the submissions and professional membership voting timeline for the 59th ACM Awards, taking place in May, as well as changes and additions within multiple categories.
Submissions will open at 11 a.m. CT/9 a.m. PT on Monday, Jan. 8. The Academy will accept entries through Friday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT. The ACM Board of Directors approved changes to the New Female Artist of the Year, New Male Artist of the Year and New Duo or Group of the Year, extending charting for those categories to open eligibility to more artists. The Board of Directors also adopted criteria to require a minimum of three eligible submissions to award a category.
The eligibility period for submissions for this year’s awards started on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 and ends on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
New Female Artist of the Year, New Male Artist of the Yea, and New Duo or Group of the Year are presented to an individual artist, group or duo who gains initial fame or significantly greater recognition during the promotion of a debut or sophomore album within the eligibility period. The artist must have released a single that reached the top 50 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or the Mediabase Country charts. Any albums self-released through an independent label the artist owns and operates may not be counted as a debut or sophomore album, unless it produces a top 50 single reported by Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or Mediabase Country charts. The nominees shall be determined by a nomination ballot(s) and are subject to the approval of the Board. The winner shall be determined by a vote of the ACM professional membership.
Any artist who served or is currently serving as a lead member of a duo or group is not eligible for individual category recognition. Additionally, any artist who has gained initial fame as a solo artist or as part of a duo or group in another genre is not eligible in these categories. An artist may be a nominee two times in a three-year period. Once an artist releases the lead single from a third studio album, they will no longer be eligible in this category. If an artist is a winner in the New Female Artist, New Male Artist, New Duo or Group (or any respective previously named category) their first year on a ballot, they will not be eligible in any New Artist categories again. Any artist who has previously won the award for Entertainer, Female Artist, Male Artist, Duo or Group of the Year (or any respective previously named category) is ineligible for a New Artist nomination.
For more information, click here.
Key Dates For ACM Professional Members:
Submissions Period: Jan. 8, 2024-Jan. 26, 2024
First Round Voting, Main Awards: Feb. 26, 2024–March 4, 2024
Second Round Voting, Main Awards: March 18, 2024–March 25, 2024
Final Round Voting, Main Awards: April 15, 2024–April 22, 2024
First Round Voting, Radio Awards: Feb. 26, 2024–March 11, 2024
Final Round Voting, Radio Awards: March 18, 2024–April 1, 2024
“The 59th ACM Awards cycle brings changes to awards categories that will allow more artists, groups and duos the chance to qualify and be recognized with an ACM Award, which will benefit emerging artists and help put a spotlight on the future of the genre,” says Daniel Miller, Chair of the ACM Awards Voting & Membership Committee. “I’d like to thank the Awards Committee members, Board members and Board Officers for their thoughtful contributions in expanding eligibility to reflect our evolving industry and the realities for new artists on their path to success.”
“ACM New Duo or Group of the Year is an illustrious category that has seen the likes of Brooks & Dunn and The Chicks win early in their careers as well as both reigning ACM Duo of the Year Brothers Osborne and reigning ACM Group of the Year Old Dominion. The category hasn’t been awarded in recent years, and we’re hopeful these changes in category rules and minimum qualifying entrant levels will allow us to bring back this award, a fan favorite, as well as celebrate additional deserving emerging artists in the critical early years of their career,” explains Tommy Moore, ACM VP of Artist & Industry Relations, Governance & Board Administration.
“I am proud that the ACM Awards, Country Music’s Party of the Year, continues to be one of the favorite and most-watched awards shows today. With history-making hosts, a ever-present platform in Prime Video, a groundbreaking format, a perfectly suited location in Frisco, Texas, plus country’s most exciting and diverse nominees, winners and performers, there has never been a better time to be a part of the Academy and the ACM Awards,” says Damon Whiteside, ACM CEO. “We look forward to receiving our industry’s submissions for the 59th ACM Awards, and especially to celebrating the best of 2023 next May!”
“The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards,” produced by Dick Clark Productions, will stream live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas exclusively on Prime Video for a global audience for a third straight year, as part of the Academy’s renewed partnership with Amazon.
SMACK Elevates Molly Bouchon To Director Of Marketing & Artist Development
/by Liza AndersonMolly Bouchon. Photo: Lance Wilson
SMACK has elevated Molly Bouchon to Director of Marketing & Artist Development.
Bouchon joined the company in 2019 as Director of Digital, working closely with the management team on all digital and streaming activations for their roster, which includes Shane McAnally, Walker Hayes, Kylie Morgan, Gina Kirschenheiter and Jenna Davis, and handling any digital needs for over 20 full-time SMACK songwriters.
In her new role, Bouchon’s digital work will expand across SMACK and SMACKRecords. She will also oversee label marketing and social strategy, press/partner pitching and distribution for SMACKRecords artists such as Davis.
“Molly has made herself an integral piece of everything we do at SMACK. She has a unique role that interfaces with all the divisions here and works with them all at a high level. This promotion reflects her high quality of work within those roles and expands it with the addition of SMACKRecords,” say Robert Carlton, President of SMACK.
“It has been amazing to watch SMACK continue to grow our management and publishing rosters, along with adding an internal influencer marketing division and now relaunching the independent label, SMACKRecords,” says Bouchon. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this growth, and to work alongside rising artists to help further their careers and dreams. Big thanks to Robert Carlton for trusting me with this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what our team can do together!”
Musicians On Call Announces New Music Industry Advisory Board
/by Lorie HollabaughMusicians On Call (MOC), the nonprofit that brings music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments, has announced the inaugural members of its new national Music Industry Advisory Board.
The group will serve as ambassadors for MOC’s mission while gaining a deeper understanding of philanthropy and how nonprofit boards operate. Together, they will work to deliver the healing power of music to more communities across the country.
Music Industry Advisory Board Members:
“The music community has always shown great support for our mission, and we are so grateful to have these leaders officially join the MOC family as part of our Music Industry Advisory Board. These talented professionals work at the top organizations in the music business and were identified as the future leaders of this industry, so we are excited to work with them to change the landscape of how music is used to bring healing and joy,” says Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President & CEO. “This advisory board will also give them the opportunity to learn the in’s and out’s of being an impactful leader on a nonprofit board and network with others in the industry. We are honored to be a part of their growth as leaders in this way.”
For over 20 years, the nonprofit has used music to promote and complement the healing process through bedside, virtual and digital streaming programs that are available across all 50 states. As the nation’s leading provider of live music in hospitals, MOC volunteers have performed for more than one million individuals in healthcare facilities nationwide.
CMA Presents Jim Free, Mike Dungan With Honors
/by LB CantrellMike Dungan, Charlie Morgan and Jim Free at a reception held during CMA’s Board of Directors meeting. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
During a reception at its Board of Directors meeting last week, the Country Music Association presented some industry veterans with awards.
The CMA honored Jim Free with the 2023 J. William Denny Award, which is presented in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors.
Free has served the CMA Board of Directors since the late 1980s. Throughout his time on the board, Free has made lasting and impactful contributions to country music, including introducing Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan to the CMA Board, where they laid out their plans for their documentary film series Country Music.
“It is extremely unusual in any of our businesses to find a place where everybody who competes against each other comes together and works for a product,” said Free. “And it’s country music. This place is it. I’ve been honored to be a part of this.”
Also during the reception, former Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville and long-serving CMA Board member Mike Dungan was presented with the CMA Chairman’s Award by CMA Board Chairman and Global Head of Programming at Apple Music, Charlie Morgan.
Dungan’s honor is not an annual award, but is given when the incumbent Chairman feels an individual or individuals, through outstanding service to CMA, merits the recognition.
Additionally, in recognition of their service to the CMA Board of Directors, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern presented mementos to outgoing CMA Chairman Morgan and current President, incoming 2024 CMA Chairman and Farris, Self & Moore LLC Partner, Kella Farris.
Cole Swindell To Kick Off ‘Win The Night Tour’ In May
/by Liza AndersonCole Swindell will kick off his 2024 “Win The Night Tour” on Thursday, May 16 in London, Ontario. Special guests Dylan Scott, Jon Langston, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Meghan Patrick and Restless Road will join him on various dates throughout the trek.
“My band and crew on the road have been a big reason for the successes in my career and I never take that for granted,” says Swindell. “It is our goal every single night to give the fans the best show we can, so the last three words we say before stepping on stage is ‘Win The Night.’ This one is for my band, my crew, my team and for the ones that continue to show up-the fans! We can’t wait to get out there in 2024 with Dylan [Scott], Jon Langston, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Meghan Patrick and Restless Road.”
The “Win The Night Tour” will also visit Oshawa and Ottawa, Ontario before coming stateside to Brandon, Mississippi, Orange Beach, Alabama and more.
His Down Home Crew will have the opportunity to purchase tickets during their special presale, beginning tomorrow (Dec. 5) at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets for most dates will go on sale to the public this Friday (Dec. 8) at 10 a.m. local time, and tickets to the Cincinnati, Ohio show going on sale next Friday, Dec 15. For more information, click here.
Additionally, the four-time ACM Award winner released a new song, “3 Feet Tall,” on Friday (Dec. 1). “3 Feet Tall” is the first track to be released from Swindell’s fifth studio album coming in the new year. Written by Trannie Anderson, Trey Lewis and Jordan Walker, the song discusses the difficult situations of divorce from the perspective of children.
“Win The Night Tour” Dates:
*Tickets on sale Dec. 15
May 16 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens (Dylan Scott, Meghan Patrick)
May 17 – Oshawa, ON -Tribute Communities Center (Dylan Scott, Meghan Patrick)
May 18 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre (Dylan Scott, Meghan Patrick)
May 24 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Jon Langston)
May 25 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Jon Langston)
May 30 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
May 31 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
June 1 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
June 7 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
*June 8 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
June 27 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (Dylan Scott, Lily Rose)
June 28 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (Dylan Scott, Lily Rose)
June 29 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Lily Rose)
July 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 12 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 13 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 19 – Idaho Falls, ID – Hero Arena Inside Mountain America Center (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 20 – Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
Tape Room Music Partners With Warner Chappell & Red Light Management To Sign Ned Cameron
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Tape Room’s Caroline Hodson, Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, Tape Room’s Blain Rhodes, Ned Cameron, Tape Room’s Ashley Gorley and Kelly Bolton. Photo: Elise Darby
Ned Cameron has signed a global publishing deal with Tape Room Music, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music and Red Light Management.
With over one billion worldwide streams, the Grammy-nominated writer and producer has collaborated with artists including Kid Ink, Machine Gun Kelly, Wiz Khalifa, Sean Kingston and more. Hailing from San Francisco, Cameron found early success in the West Coast hip-hop scene, independently writing and producing with Kid Ink. He has also collaborated with bay area artists such as E-40 and Keak da Sneek, among others.
“Ned brings a unique and fresh sound to country music,” says Ashley Gorley, Founder, Tape Room Music. “He is equally humble, driven and talented, which makes him a great addition to the Tape Room team. We’re fired up to be working with him!”
Spencer Nohe, Senior Director, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville adds, “Ned checks all the boxes you hope for as a publisher – he is talented, humble and hard-working. He burst onto the scene in Nashville and immediately made an impact with his songs and relationships with his co-writers. We are so grateful to help amplify his talents and partner with Tape Room on this deal.”
“I’m beyond excited to join the team. Ashley, Blain [Rhodes], Kelly [Bolton], Caroline [Hodson], Spencer [Nohe], and their entire rosters are superstars, and I’m grateful to be in such good company,” says Cameron. “It’s been a hell of a road so far, and I’m just happy to be here.”
Scotty McCreery Invited To Become A Member Of The Grand Ole Opry
/by LB CantrellGarth Brooks invite Scotty McCreery to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry
Multi-Platinum country artist Scotty McCreery was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Sunday night (Dec. 3) by member Garth Brooks.
While performing at last night’s Opry Country Christmas show, McCreery was surprised with a wrapped gift from Brooks.
Scotty McCreery invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo
“Merry Christmas,” the icon said. “This is a Christmas present to the Grand Ole Opry.” He added, “We would love to invite you to be the newest member of the Opry.”
“Holy cow. Yes, I would love to,” McCreery replied. “I grew up listening to your records Garth and you’re a part of what made me want to do this for a living and I didn’t think that dream would become a reality, but it is because of all of y’all sitting in this house tonight. God bless y’all.
“When I got started doing this people asked, ‘what are your goals?'” McCreery shared. “And I’d say ‘one day I’d like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.'”
Since releasing his first studio album in 2011 after winning the 10th season of American Idol, McCreery has sold more than four million albums and achieved five consecutive No.1 hits: RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” RIAA Gold-certified “You Time,” RIAA Gold-certified “In Between,” RIAA Platinum-certified “This Is It” and RIAA triple-Platinum certified “Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina native has earned one triple Platinum, five Platinum and four Gold singles as well as one Platinum and two Gold albums. He has won multiple awards throughout his career, including ACM, CMT and BMI honors.
Pictured (L-R): Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, Dan Rogers; Scotty McCreery; Garth Brooks; and McCreery’s Manager, Scott Stem. Photo: Chris Hollo
“We’re thrilled to extend this much-anticipated invitation to our friend Scotty,” said Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “Whether he’s on the Opry performing his hits, putting his spin on some old favorites during a performance on one of our Opry Country Classics shows, or offering a holiday set as he did tonight, Scotty consistently delivers and is always at home on the Opry stage. It’ll be exciting to hear the words ‘Scotty McCreery, you’re a member of the Grand Ole Opry!’ in the early days of 2024.”
McCreery’s induction date will be announced soon.
Whiskey Myers To Kick Off New Tour In 2024
/by Liza AndersonFollowing sold-out dates across the nation this year, Whiskey Myers has announced a new nine-date tour for 2024.
The Red Clay Strays, Lukas Nelson + POTR and Reid Haughton will join the group for select dates of the trek, which will kick off on March 8 in Bossier City, Louisiana with stops in Biloxi, Mississippi on March 9 and Little Rock, Arkansas on May 3, among others.
Additionally, Whiskey Myers will end 2023 with the “Whiskey Myers & Friends Tour,” their first full-band acoustic journey with special guests Adam Hood, Aaron Raitiere and Brent Cobb. Starting today (Dec. 1) in Birmingham, Alabama, the tour already boasts three sold-out shows including two dates at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee, with tomorrow (Dec. 2)’s performance available to stream live via Veeps. The multi-Platinum band has also announced the lineup for their sixth annual Wiggy Thump Festival in Palestine, Texas, featuring Cobb, Jason Boland & The Stragglersand Joey Greer on April 20.
For more information, click here.
CMA Songwriters Series & Spotlight Stage To Return To C2C Festival In March
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CMA Songwriters Series will return to the Country to Country (C2C) Festival on March 7, with Charlie Worsham, Colbie Caillat, Lauren Alaina and Stephen Wilson Jr. set to perform and share the stories behind their songs during the show. Tickets for the event are on sale now at gigsandtours.com and axs.com.
The C2C Festival has also announced that the Spotlight Stage will return to London for 2024, with Caillat, Carter Faith, Chapel Hart, Fancy Hagood, Mason Ramsey, Restless Road, Tigirlily Gold and Wyatt Flores all performing in the main arena. The Spotlight Stage seeks to further demonstrate C2C’s commitment to developing country music, as it provides an opportunity for the genre’s rising stars to perform in front of thousands. Chapel Hart, Restless Road, Tigirlily Gold, Flores and Ramsey will also perform in Glasgow.
Since its inaugural event in 2013 at The O2 London, C2C has grown to a three-day, multi-arena event featuring the best in country music and programming, with tens of thousands in attendance each year.
Taking place March 8-10, C2C 2024 will headlined by Alaina, Kane Brown, Brad Paisley and Old Dominion, with Carly Pearce, Jake Owen, Brothers Osborne, Brian Kelley, Elle King, Priscilla Block and Drake Milligan also performing on the main stage across the weekend in London, Glasgow and Belfast.