Rascal Flatts. Photo: Evan DeStefano
Rascal Flatts returned to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Thursday night (Feb. 5) for the first time in a decade on the second leg of their “Life Is A Highway Tour.”
Pictured (L-R): Maverick’s Brian Wolf, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus, Maverick’s Clarence Spalding.
To honor their achievements in a storied 26-year career, Big Machine Label Group Founder, Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta presented the trio with a plaque to commemorate over 10 million album equivalents before the trio took the stage. Three of the band’s songs have earned new RIAA certifications, with “I Won’t Let Go” and “I Like The Sound Of That” now certified double-Platinum, and “Yours If You Want It” earning a Platinum certification.
Chris Lane took the stage first, setting the tone for the night ahead with a set that included fan-favorites “Take Back Home Girl,” “Big, Big Plans” and “I Don’t Know About You.”
Next to the stage was Lauren Alaina, who kicked off her set with a mashup of her playful “Thicc As Thieves” and Gretchen Wilson’s “Here For The Party,” before moving into “Doin’ Fine” and “Getting Good.” Alaina surprised the crowd with Chase Matthew for their current single “All My Exes.”
The crowd got quiet as Alaina shared how a conversation with her brother after the loss of their father inspired her latest single, “Little Things.” “When something really big that matters happens, it points out all of the little things that don’t matter at all. We are all so caught up in so many things, and I know for myself I need to focus more on the things that really matter,” she said before performing the grief-heavy track.
Alaina finished her set with “What Ifs,” and “Road Less Traveled” as fans lit up the Bridgestone Arena with flashlights.
Rascal Flatts. Photo: Evan DeStefano
With the crowd fired up, Rascal Flatts made their way to the stage, kicking off with “Here’s To You.” The trio kept the energy high and the crowd singing along as they moved through “Yours If You Want It,” “Fast Cars And Freedom” and “Stand.”
The band leaned into nostalgia with “Mayberry” and “Prayin’ for Daylight” before calling Alaina back to the stage for “My Wish.” The energy picked right back up with the lively “Banjo.”
The lights dimmed as Joe Don Rooney took a moment on the stage to share his gratitude for the fans. “Twenty-six years is a long time to do anything, but we are so grateful that you all still care and still like our music. What a gift it is to be able to be on stage and sing and play for you guys.” He performed a solo rendition of “I’m Moving On” before inviting the rest of the band back for anthemic “Why Wait.”
The band pressed on with their current single “I Dare You,” before inviting Lane back to the stage for a duet on “These Days.” The crowd roared as Jay DeMarcus took to the piano for the iconic “Bless the Broken Road.”
Photo: Evan DeStefano
As the night began to wind down, the group delivered a run of career-defining hits, including “I Like the Sound of That,” “What Hurts the Most,” and “Me and My Gang.”
After a brief break, Rascal Flatts returned for an encore of “Summer Nights” and a crowd-wide singalong as Gary LeVox made his way into the crowd during “Life Is a Highway” to end the night.
The “Life Is A Highway Tour” continues tonight (Feb. 7) in Indianapolis, Indiana.
NSAI Reveals First Honorees For 2026 NSAI Member Awards
/by Lauryn SinkNSAI has revealed the first honorees for its annual awards, set to take place on March 26 at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville.
Grayson May, the recent recipient of the 2026 Todd Given’s Memorial Scholarship, Adam Epstein, Julia Keefe and Ralston Wells will each receive a Friend of NSAI award for their support of the organization. NSAI will award five Milestone awards to Jessie Brackin, Philip Morgan, Jacob Rice, Abbey Rowe and Gabe Walsh. This award is given to members who have achieved notable career success over the past year.
Lydia Vaughan will serve as the opening performer.
Tickets are available now.
The NSAI Member Awards take place during Tin Pan South week, set for March 24-28.
Hudson Westbrook Notches First No. 1 Hit
/by Madison HahnenHudson Westbook. Photo: Emma Kate Golden
Hudson Westbrook has earned his first No. 1 single on Mediabase Country with “House Again.” With the achievement, the 21 year-old becomes the youngest solo male to ever top the country radio charts with a debut single.
The tune was co-penned by Westbrook, Dan Alley and Neil Medley, with production from Ryan Youmans and Lukas Scott.
Last month, Westbrook released his second EP Exclusive, where he collaborated lyrically with Medley, Scott, Beau Bailey, Alley and more across the five tracks. Throughout this year, Westbrook will open up for George Strait, Bailey Zimmerman and Morgan Wallen, as well as make appearances at CMC Rocks QLC, Stagecoach, Windy City Smokeout and more.
Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Makes History
/by Madison HahnenElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has made history with “Choosin’ Texas,” making her the first woman to simultaneously lead the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts.
As noted by Billboard, only three titles previously been No. 1 on the lists simultaneously, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” and Wallen’s “Last Night.”
“Choosin’ Texas” was co-penned by Langley, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor, with production from Langley, Miranda Lambert and Ben West. The track has amassed over 310M global streams, officially reaching RIAA Platinum status. The tune also landed on several year end lists last year including Billboard, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, FADER and more.
The track is featured on Langley’s upcoming Dandelion album, releasing April 1o. Langley will also kickoff her “The Dandelion Tour” on May 7, visiting Toledo, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Austin, Fort Worth and more.
FAM Unveils Nashville Ice Storm Relief Grant
/by Madison HahnenFamily Alliance in Music, FAM, is providing relief to those affected by the Nashville ice storm.
Music industry professionals facing financial hardship in caring for a child, elder or loved one due to Winter Storm Fern are can apply. This includes individuals working in any area of the music industry, such as musicians, songwriters, tour managers, sound engineers, label employees, and more. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.
Applications can be filled out here, and close Feb. 16.
Jim Lauderdale Slates ‘Country Super Hits Volume 2’ For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughJim Lauderdale. Photo: Jeff Fasano
Jim Lauderdale is gearing up to release a brand new project, Country Super Hits Volume 2, which is due out on March 27.
In conjunction with the album announcement, Lauderdale released a new single, “Everybody’s Got A Problem,” about one thing that is truly universal. “This song relates to the common experience of going through difficult times, and that very few of us are immune to that,” explains Lauderdale.
The single follows a previous track released from the new project, “People Get Hurt Sometimes.” Chock full of pedal steel, country piano and telecasters, Volume 2 finds Lauderdale telling universal stories in his own singular voice. Since his major label debut in 1991, the recent Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has released a commanding 37 albums under his name, with Country Super Hits Volume 2 set to be his 38th.
Lauderdale continues to tour through the spring, and following the album release, will open and close the summer with multiple dates in Europe on tour with Emmylou Harris.
Country Super Hits Volume 2 Track List:
1. “I’ve Still Got You”
2. “People Get Hurt Sometimes”
3. “Hope Springs Eternal”
4. “You Had To Be There”
5. “Artificial Intelligence”
6. “I’m Waggin’ My Tail”
7. “Everybody’s Got A Problem”
8. “While We Learn To Break Each Others Hearts”
9. “Neighbors”
10. “I Can’t Get Around It”
11. “You’re My Honest To Goodness”
12. “Making A Believer Out Of Me”
13. “We Don’t See You Anymore”
Spotify Unveils ‘About the Song’
/by Lauryn SinkSpotify has introduced its new “About The Song” feature.
Available in Now Playing View, it uses short, swipeable cards to surface the meaning, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes details behind the track you’re hearing. The information is summarized from third-party sources.
First announced in November, the program is currently in beta, and currently rolling out on ios and Android devices in English for Premium users in the United States, U.K., Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
Chris Cagle Receives Pandora Billionaire Plaque, Signs Management Deal
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): WME’s Brian Jones, Cagle’s Manager Cole Johnstone, SiriusXM’s Trapper John Morris, Chris Cagle, SiriusXM’s Ashley Till and WME’s Lance Alleman. Photo: Parker Young
Chris Cagle was honored with a Pandora Billionaire plaque during a special SiriusXM audience event last week in Nashville celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut album, Play It Loud.
The plaque was presented by SiriusXM’s Trapper John Morris at the SiriusXM studios, acknowledging Cagle’s career catalog surpassing one billion streams on Pandora. The SiriusXM Y2Kountry event marked the official kickoff of Cagle’s “Play It Loud 25th Anniversary Tour,” and featured a live performance and in-depth interview with host Ashley Till. Cagle delivered a career-spanning set of his hits, including “Laredo,” “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out,” “What a Beautiful Day,” “Chicks Dig It” and “What Kinda Gone.”
The special event will be broadcast nationally on SiriusXM’s Y2Kountry channel 57 on Feb. 13 and any time on the SiriusXM app, launching a year-long celebration honoring 25 years since the release of Play It Loud.
In conjunction with the anniversary campaign, Cagle has also signed with Johnstone Entertainment for management.
ERN’s Cadillac Music Adds Three To Team
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Dane Schmidt, Jordan Marcus and Jude Warren. Photos: Jessie Addleman
ERN’s Cadillac Music has added three new hires to its team. Dane Schmidt has joined as Senior Director of A&R, Jordan Marcus as Creative Coordinator/Executive Assistant, and Jude Warren as A&R/Executive Assistant.
“Everybody on the team at Cadillac feels like family,” shares Founder ERNEST. “I have known Dane for almost 12 years and our journeys in the business started around the same time. He has always been so great with songs and relationships and adds so much value to our team. Jordan is a lovely addition and has stepped up in her role – constantly finding songs and putting rooms together. Jude started as my intern, but I knew immediately that I should hire him full-time. His ceiling is limitless. It’s full circle and truly all in the family when it comes to the team we’ve curated.”
“Absolutely pumped to join the Cadillac family,” adds Schmidt. “I’ve been fortunate to witness the evolution of Ernest as a songwriter, artist and now publisher: his ability for finding and mentoring talent has been both exciting and inspiring to watch. Beyond grateful to work with him to champion great songs, the incredible talent behind them and push the boundaries of what a modern publishing company can be.”
In his new role, Schmidt will lead the company’s writing roster, which includes Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden, Jacob Durrett, Mark Holman, Rafe Tenpenny and Rhys Rutherford. Prior to ERN’s Cadillac Music, Schmidt led his own creative management company Daschent, which has earned over 25 No. 1s since its inception in 2022. Previous stops also include Sony Music Publishing, Tree Vibez Music and co-founding WeVolve Music.
Marcus has helped songwriters build their careers and navigate their creative journeys. Previously, she worked in live event production at Amazon as well as founded and operated her own private chef company. Prior to ERN’s, Warren held internship roles for King Pen Music and Republic Records.
Rascal Flatts Celebrates 26 Years With Return To Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena
/by Lauryn SinkRascal Flatts. Photo: Evan DeStefano
Rascal Flatts returned to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Thursday night (Feb. 5) for the first time in a decade on the second leg of their “Life Is A Highway Tour.”
Pictured (L-R): Maverick’s Brian Wolf, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus, Maverick’s Clarence Spalding.
To honor their achievements in a storied 26-year career, Big Machine Label Group Founder, Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta presented the trio with a plaque to commemorate over 10 million album equivalents before the trio took the stage. Three of the band’s songs have earned new RIAA certifications, with “I Won’t Let Go” and “I Like The Sound Of That” now certified double-Platinum, and “Yours If You Want It” earning a Platinum certification.
Chris Lane took the stage first, setting the tone for the night ahead with a set that included fan-favorites “Take Back Home Girl,” “Big, Big Plans” and “I Don’t Know About You.”
Next to the stage was Lauren Alaina, who kicked off her set with a mashup of her playful “Thicc As Thieves” and Gretchen Wilson’s “Here For The Party,” before moving into “Doin’ Fine” and “Getting Good.” Alaina surprised the crowd with Chase Matthew for their current single “All My Exes.”
The crowd got quiet as Alaina shared how a conversation with her brother after the loss of their father inspired her latest single, “Little Things.” “When something really big that matters happens, it points out all of the little things that don’t matter at all. We are all so caught up in so many things, and I know for myself I need to focus more on the things that really matter,” she said before performing the grief-heavy track.
Alaina finished her set with “What Ifs,” and “Road Less Traveled” as fans lit up the Bridgestone Arena with flashlights.
Rascal Flatts. Photo: Evan DeStefano
With the crowd fired up, Rascal Flatts made their way to the stage, kicking off with “Here’s To You.” The trio kept the energy high and the crowd singing along as they moved through “Yours If You Want It,” “Fast Cars And Freedom” and “Stand.”
The band leaned into nostalgia with “Mayberry” and “Prayin’ for Daylight” before calling Alaina back to the stage for “My Wish.” The energy picked right back up with the lively “Banjo.”
The lights dimmed as Joe Don Rooney took a moment on the stage to share his gratitude for the fans. “Twenty-six years is a long time to do anything, but we are so grateful that you all still care and still like our music. What a gift it is to be able to be on stage and sing and play for you guys.” He performed a solo rendition of “I’m Moving On” before inviting the rest of the band back for anthemic “Why Wait.”
The band pressed on with their current single “I Dare You,” before inviting Lane back to the stage for a duet on “These Days.” The crowd roared as Jay DeMarcus took to the piano for the iconic “Bless the Broken Road.”
Photo: Evan DeStefano
As the night began to wind down, the group delivered a run of career-defining hits, including “I Like the Sound of That,” “What Hurts the Most,” and “Me and My Gang.”
After a brief break, Rascal Flatts returned for an encore of “Summer Nights” and a crowd-wide singalong as Gary LeVox made his way into the crowd during “Life Is a Highway” to end the night.
The “Life Is A Highway Tour” continues tonight (Feb. 7) in Indianapolis, Indiana.
On The Row: Atlus Shares Stories Of Family, Loss & Resilience
/by Lauryn SinkAtlus. Photo: David McClister
Rising BBR artist Atlus recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share a few songs from his upcoming project, Art of Letting Go.
Raised in a single-parent home marked by poverty and addiction, Atlus worked as a truck driver to support his family before launching his music career. A viral TikTok moment helped propel him to wider recognition. That success led to industry connections, including Jelly Roll, who reached out and ultimately brought him to Nashville, where Atlus has continued building his career and creative team.
MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen, Lauryn Sink and LB Cantrell, Atlus, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.
The upcoming project explores the challenges Atlus’ family faced during his childhood, the complex grief of losing his sister to addiction, the sacrifices of his mom as a single parent and the strength in breaking generational cycles.
Atlus shared “Secondhand Smoke,” “Baby Momma,” “IOD on YOU,” “Art of Letting Go” “Still Haven’t Stopped” and “Devil Ain’t Done,” all from the upcoming project.
Atlus will return to the road next month with upcoming dates in Florida, Texas and North Carolina.