Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards took over Frisco, Texas Thursday night (May 11).
Lainey Wilson and Hardy tied for the most wins, taking home four awards each. Lainey won Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, as well as Music Event and Visual Media of the Year for her collaboration with Hardy, “Wait In The Truck.” In addition to his shared wins with Lainey, and his second trophy earned in the Music Event category as a producer of the song, Hardy took home Artist-Songwriter of the Year prior to the ACM Awards livestream.
Chris Stapleton at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Chris Stapleton won the night’s top honor, ACM Entertainer of the Year, for the very first time.
Keith Urban kicked off the ACM Awards livestream on Prime Video with his groovy “Texas Time” before introducing one of the night’s co-hosts Garth Brooks.
When the roar of applause died down, Garth welcomed everyone to the 58th ACM Awards. He was stoic in his opening remarks about the legacy of country music and went through a list of country music GOATS (“Greatest. Of. All Time.”), naming Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Randy Travis and George Strait.
“When you break down what makes up the GOAT, it’s about picking, singing, musicianship, awards and all that stuff,” he said. “When you add the last category—time, length of career—that makes the king of country music a female.
“Give it up for the GOAT: Dolly Parton,” Garth exclaimed. Parton appeared on-stage with a live goat in a wagon. “Did I hear you say you were looking for a goat?” she quipped.
“This is Garth’s very first time hosting an award show,” Dolly said. “You never forget your first time.” She then made a joke about a threesome, exemplifying that all bets are off on the first and only fully livestreamed award show.
Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina were next to take the stage with their sonic boom of a hit, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.” Just as Cole sat back down, he was called to the podium as the night’s first winner, taking home Song of the Year for the smash.
“I moved to Nashville, Tennessee because I wanted to be a songwriter. That’s what this award is,” he said. Cole thanked Messina and his team, and recognized Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Anna Weisband for their contributions to the massive hit. “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” co-writers Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Tim Nichols thanked their families and teams, as well as co-writer Thomas Rhett, who was not in attendance.
Next up, Kane Brown performed his hard-hitting new single, “Bury Me In Georgia” before reigning Female Artist of the Year Carly Pearce took the stage to honor Trisha Yearwood‘s 25th anniversary of winning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. Yearwood joined her for an awesome medley of “Wrong Side Of Memphis,” “XXX’s and OOO’s” and “She’s In Love With The Boy.”
Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter presented Duo of the Year to Brothers Osborne for the night’s next award presentation.
TJ Osborne kept it short and sweet because, as he said, he was hot, nervous and sucking his belly in. John Osborne concurred, adding a special thank you to his wife Lucie Silvas, who just gave birth to twins a month ago.
“I love the country music community. We’re the luckiest people in the world,” John said.
Hardy at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Next up it was time to hear from the night’s top honoree, Hardy, who started the night as a two-time winner, having won Artist-Songwriter of the Year and Visual Media for his “Wait In The Truck” duet with Wilson.
Hardy brought his country-rock sound to the ACM Awards stage, performing his hard-hitting “Truck Bed,” complete with the screamo verse that thrilled the artists and industry members in the audience.
Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny then presented Old Dominion with Group of the Year honor.
“There’s people in this room like Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and Randy Travis. Somehow we are included in this party,” Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey said “We’re so proud to be in a room full of country music fans and make music for those people, but we’re most proud to be able to make music for people that are hurting right now.”
Bailey Zimmerman made his debut ACM performance with “Rock and A Hard Place.” He grinned and pumped his fist in the air as the crowd sang back. “Way to make your breakthrough moment count, young man,” Dolly said when her and Garth re-appeared.
Willie Nelson FaceTimed in for a moment to celebrate his 90th birthday. Cody Johnson did a stellar job with Willie and Waylon’s “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys.” Another Texas native, reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert, performed a stunning rendition of her gorgeous “Carousel,” an enchanting tune about carnival performers from her Palomino album.
Lainey Wilson at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Next up, Tanya Tucker presented Single of the Year to Cole Swindell for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”
“I don’t know what’s going on, y’all. Thank you country music fans—that’s all I’ve ever been,” Cole said. He thanked Warner Music Nashville, Sony Music Publishing, Kerri Edwards and KP Entertainment.
The ACM New Female Artist of the Year, Hailey Whitters, charmed the room with “Everything She Ain’t.” Donning a pink, frilly dress, Whitters had the audience tickled to clap along to the beat.
Music Event of the Year was the next award presentation. It went to Hardy and Lainey for “Wait In The Truck.” Hardy let everyone know that he forgot to spit his dip out, so to bare with him. He thanked Wilson and said, “thank you everyone for resonating with this song, especially something with this subject matter.”
Lainey agreed, “I think it’s really important to sing about things that are hard to talk about. This is a song about real life.”
Next up was a performance of “Love You Anyway” from Luke Combs. Combs introduced pop superstar Ed Sheeran, who sang a verse of his folky “Life Goes On,” before Combs joined him. The two sounded great together and embraced in a friendly hug before Garth appeared and asked the two about their friendship.
Carly Pearce and TJ Osborne introduced The War And Treaty, who blew the roof off the place with “Blank Page.” Garth and Dolly gave it high praise, rightfully so.
The hosts then recognized some of the country giants we lost this past year, including Loretta Lynn and Naomi Judd. Dolly broke out in a verse of “Precious Memories” to mark the moment.
Dolly then presented the Female Artist of the Year award to Lainey Wilson.
“I can’t believe I just met Dolly Parton,” an emotional Lainey said. She thanked Jesus, her family, her label, Red Light Management, Sony Music Publishing and WME. “For the little girls watching this, this right here stands for hard work. If you’re going to be a dreamer, you better be a doer.”
Ed Sheeran and Luke Combs at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
ACM’s Entertainer of the Decade Jason Aldean brought the party for a performance of his new song, “Tough Crowd” before Ashley McBryde enlisted Caylee Hammack, Pillbox Patti, Brandy Clark and John Osborne for a rousing performance of “Bonfire At Tina’s.”
Garth presented Male Artist of the Year to Morgan Wallen, who was not in attendance to accept due to a vocal injury.
Jelly Roll performed “Save Me.” Lainey joined him for a verse before bringing the heat on her performance of “Grease.” After an additional stunning performance, Lainey won yet another award for Album of the Year for her Bell Bottom Country.
Jordan Davis played a sweet acoustic version of “Next Thing You Know” before it was time to crown the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year. Trisha Yearwood re-appeared to present the honor to Chris Stapleton. It was his first time receiving the award and qualifies him for the ACM Triple Crown Award, celebrating artists who have won New Female/Male Artist of the Year, Female/Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
“I am in shock, truly. Thank you. By an imaginable metric, I don’t deserve this,” Stapleton said, thanking his band and crew, Red Light Management, UMG Nashville and his family.
Before the night was over, Dolly took the stage for the world premiere of the debut single from her new rock album, Rockstar, called “World on Fire.” It was the right way to end the night, capturing the audience in one final celebration and marking the end of the 58th ACM Awards.
ACM Awards Bring The Party To Texas [Show Recap]
/by LB CantrellGarth Brooks and Dolly Parton at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards took over Frisco, Texas Thursday night (May 11).
Lainey Wilson and Hardy tied for the most wins, taking home four awards each. Lainey won Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, as well as Music Event and Visual Media of the Year for her collaboration with Hardy, “Wait In The Truck.” In addition to his shared wins with Lainey, and his second trophy earned in the Music Event category as a producer of the song, Hardy took home Artist-Songwriter of the Year prior to the ACM Awards livestream.
Chris Stapleton at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Chris Stapleton won the night’s top honor, ACM Entertainer of the Year, for the very first time.
Keith Urban kicked off the ACM Awards livestream on Prime Video with his groovy “Texas Time” before introducing one of the night’s co-hosts Garth Brooks.
When the roar of applause died down, Garth welcomed everyone to the 58th ACM Awards. He was stoic in his opening remarks about the legacy of country music and went through a list of country music GOATS (“Greatest. Of. All Time.”), naming Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Randy Travis and George Strait.
“When you break down what makes up the GOAT, it’s about picking, singing, musicianship, awards and all that stuff,” he said. “When you add the last category—time, length of career—that makes the king of country music a female.
“Give it up for the GOAT: Dolly Parton,” Garth exclaimed. Parton appeared on-stage with a live goat in a wagon. “Did I hear you say you were looking for a goat?” she quipped.
“This is Garth’s very first time hosting an award show,” Dolly said. “You never forget your first time.” She then made a joke about a threesome, exemplifying that all bets are off on the first and only fully livestreamed award show.
Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina were next to take the stage with their sonic boom of a hit, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.” Just as Cole sat back down, he was called to the podium as the night’s first winner, taking home Song of the Year for the smash.
“I moved to Nashville, Tennessee because I wanted to be a songwriter. That’s what this award is,” he said. Cole thanked Messina and his team, and recognized Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Anna Weisband for their contributions to the massive hit. “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” co-writers Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Tim Nichols thanked their families and teams, as well as co-writer Thomas Rhett, who was not in attendance.
Next up, Kane Brown performed his hard-hitting new single, “Bury Me In Georgia” before reigning Female Artist of the Year Carly Pearce took the stage to honor Trisha Yearwood‘s 25th anniversary of winning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. Yearwood joined her for an awesome medley of “Wrong Side Of Memphis,” “XXX’s and OOO’s” and “She’s In Love With The Boy.”
Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter presented Duo of the Year to Brothers Osborne for the night’s next award presentation.
TJ Osborne kept it short and sweet because, as he said, he was hot, nervous and sucking his belly in. John Osborne concurred, adding a special thank you to his wife Lucie Silvas, who just gave birth to twins a month ago.
“I love the country music community. We’re the luckiest people in the world,” John said.
Hardy at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Next up it was time to hear from the night’s top honoree, Hardy, who started the night as a two-time winner, having won Artist-Songwriter of the Year and Visual Media for his “Wait In The Truck” duet with Wilson.
Hardy brought his country-rock sound to the ACM Awards stage, performing his hard-hitting “Truck Bed,” complete with the screamo verse that thrilled the artists and industry members in the audience.
Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny then presented Old Dominion with Group of the Year honor.
“There’s people in this room like Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and Randy Travis. Somehow we are included in this party,” Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey said “We’re so proud to be in a room full of country music fans and make music for those people, but we’re most proud to be able to make music for people that are hurting right now.”
Bailey Zimmerman made his debut ACM performance with “Rock and A Hard Place.” He grinned and pumped his fist in the air as the crowd sang back. “Way to make your breakthrough moment count, young man,” Dolly said when her and Garth re-appeared.
Willie Nelson FaceTimed in for a moment to celebrate his 90th birthday. Cody Johnson did a stellar job with Willie and Waylon’s “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys.” Another Texas native, reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert, performed a stunning rendition of her gorgeous “Carousel,” an enchanting tune about carnival performers from her Palomino album.
Lainey Wilson at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Next up, Tanya Tucker presented Single of the Year to Cole Swindell for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”
“I don’t know what’s going on, y’all. Thank you country music fans—that’s all I’ve ever been,” Cole said. He thanked Warner Music Nashville, Sony Music Publishing, Kerri Edwards and KP Entertainment.
The ACM New Female Artist of the Year, Hailey Whitters, charmed the room with “Everything She Ain’t.” Donning a pink, frilly dress, Whitters had the audience tickled to clap along to the beat.
Music Event of the Year was the next award presentation. It went to Hardy and Lainey for “Wait In The Truck.” Hardy let everyone know that he forgot to spit his dip out, so to bare with him. He thanked Wilson and said, “thank you everyone for resonating with this song, especially something with this subject matter.”
Lainey agreed, “I think it’s really important to sing about things that are hard to talk about. This is a song about real life.”
Next up was a performance of “Love You Anyway” from Luke Combs. Combs introduced pop superstar Ed Sheeran, who sang a verse of his folky “Life Goes On,” before Combs joined him. The two sounded great together and embraced in a friendly hug before Garth appeared and asked the two about their friendship.
Carly Pearce and TJ Osborne introduced The War And Treaty, who blew the roof off the place with “Blank Page.” Garth and Dolly gave it high praise, rightfully so.
The hosts then recognized some of the country giants we lost this past year, including Loretta Lynn and Naomi Judd. Dolly broke out in a verse of “Precious Memories” to mark the moment.
Dolly then presented the Female Artist of the Year award to Lainey Wilson.
“I can’t believe I just met Dolly Parton,” an emotional Lainey said. She thanked Jesus, her family, her label, Red Light Management, Sony Music Publishing and WME. “For the little girls watching this, this right here stands for hard work. If you’re going to be a dreamer, you better be a doer.”
Ed Sheeran and Luke Combs at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
ACM’s Entertainer of the Decade Jason Aldean brought the party for a performance of his new song, “Tough Crowd” before Ashley McBryde enlisted Caylee Hammack, Pillbox Patti, Brandy Clark and John Osborne for a rousing performance of “Bonfire At Tina’s.”
Garth presented Male Artist of the Year to Morgan Wallen, who was not in attendance to accept due to a vocal injury.
Jelly Roll performed “Save Me.” Lainey joined him for a verse before bringing the heat on her performance of “Grease.” After an additional stunning performance, Lainey won yet another award for Album of the Year for her Bell Bottom Country.
Jordan Davis played a sweet acoustic version of “Next Thing You Know” before it was time to crown the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year. Trisha Yearwood re-appeared to present the honor to Chris Stapleton. It was his first time receiving the award and qualifies him for the ACM Triple Crown Award, celebrating artists who have won New Female/Male Artist of the Year, Female/Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
“I am in shock, truly. Thank you. By an imaginable metric, I don’t deserve this,” Stapleton said, thanking his band and crew, Red Light Management, UMG Nashville and his family.
Before the night was over, Dolly took the stage for the world premiere of the debut single from her new rock album, Rockstar, called “World on Fire.” It was the right way to end the night, capturing the audience in one final celebration and marking the end of the 58th ACM Awards.
Storme Warren To Exit SiriusXM The Highway
/by Liza AndersonAfter nearly two decades, SiriusXM The Highway morning show host Storme Warren is leaving the company, MusicRow has confirmed. Today (May 12) is his last day.
Warren is a 26-year Nashville industry veteran, celebrating his 40th year in broadcasting this year. As SiriusXM The Highway’s morning show host, he has been responsible for the Hot 30 Countdown and conducting Prime Country interview specials.
In addition to hosting numerous events for BMI and their affiliates, Warren has hosted several high-profile events in Music City and around the world, including Nashville’s annual Independence Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations as well as music festivals all over North America, the Caribbean and Australia. His television credits as host and contributing talent include TNN’s TNN Country News, CNN’s Showbiz Today and GAC & CMC’s Country Music Across America and Headline Country.
Additionally, Warren runs Stone Beaver Productions, a full-service video production company, which has created numerous live and recorded television concert events, DVDs and specials, including Charlie Daniels’ Band CDB DVD Live and Vince Gill: Live at the Ryman.
“We are grateful for Storme’s contributions over the years in helping build The Highway on SiriusXM into the leading destination for today’s country music. We wish Storme all the best and look forward to continuing the tradition of presenting our listeners with the next generation of new country superstars,” says SiriusXM The Highway SVP/GM, Music Programming Steve Blatter.
Warren’s co-host, Macie Banks, will continue on as the sole host on an interim basis. Johnny Chiang, who joined Pandora as Senior Director of Country Programming in August of 2022, has expanded his role to also oversee country music programming at SiriusXM.
Justin Moore & Priscilla Block Jump To No. 1 On MusicRow Chart
/by LB CantrellJustin Moore and Priscilla Block make an impressive leap from No. 12 to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “You, Me, and Whiskey.”
Written by Jessi Alexander, Brock Berryhill and Cole Taylor, the tune is featured on Moore’s seventh studio album, Stray Dog, and is currently climbing on other country radio charts. It spurred Moore and Block to go out on the “You, Me And Whiskey Tour” earlier this year.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Lori McKenna Drops New Track ‘Killing Me’ From Upcoming Album ‘1988’
/by Lorie HollabaughLori McKenna. Photo: Becky Fluke
Lori McKenna will release a new album, 1988, on July 21 via CN Records/Thirty Tigers. Ahead of the release, she has unveiled the track, “Killing Me,” featuring her longtime collaborator Hillary Lindsey.
Produced by Dave Cobb and recorded at Cobb’s studio in Savannah, Georgia, 1988 was named for the year McKenna married her husband, Gene, and serves as a love letter to her family and her lifelong friendships. The 10-song album also features her family, with her son Chris collaborating with her on the track “Happy Children.” Throughout the new collection, McKenna reflects on her experiences, lessons and relationships from the past 35 years.
“I was trying to let my age and experience guide me through making a record I wished I’d made when I was younger. I really wanted it to sound like if I made a rock record in the ‘90s, and then I remembered that I made my first album in 1998. There’s something so 30 years ago in my head about this record. In a way, I wish I could start again and know what I know now.”
The forthcoming album follows a series of projects McKenna has released in recent years, including 2016’s The Bird & The Rifle, 2018’s The Tree and 2020’s The Balladeer. In celebration of the new music, McKenna will embark on her “The Town in Your Heart Tour” this summer with shows at Philadelphia’s World Café Live, New York’s City Winery, Nashville’s CMA Theater, Atlanta’s City Winery, Ann Arbor’s The Ark and more.
10. “The Tunnel” (written by Lori McKenna, Ben West, Stephen Wilson Jr)
2023 ACM Award Winners Revealed [Full List]
/by LB CantrellThe country music industry gathered in Texas for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards Thursday night (May 11).
Chris Stapleton won the night’s top honor, ACM Entertainer of the Year. It was his first time winning the coveted award and qualifies him for the ACM Triple Crown Award, celebrating artists who have won New Female/Male Artist of the Year, Female/Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. His win tonight brings his total ACM Awards count to 15.
Lainey Wilson and Hardy tied for the most wins, taking home four awards each. Wilson won Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, as well as Music Event and Visual Media of the Year for her collaboration with Hardy, “Wait In The Truck.” In addition to his shared wins with Wilson, and his second trophy earned in the Music Event category as a producer of the song, Hardy took home Artist-Songwriter of the Year prior to the ACM Awards livestream.
Cole Swindell followed Wilson and Hardy with three wins for the night, taking home two Song of the Year trophies as the artist and songwriter of “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” and one trophy for Single of the Year for the same tune.
Morgan Wallen nabbed Male Artist of the Year. Brothers Osborne took home another trophy for Duo of the Year, and Old Dominion took the Group of the Year honor.
The full list of winners for the 58th annual ACM Awards is below:
Main Awards:
Entertainer Of The Year
Jason Aldean
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton – WINNER
Carrie Underwood
Morgan Wallen
Female Artist Of The Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce
Lainey Wilson – WINNER
Male Artist Of The Year
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Jordan Davis
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
Duo Of The Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne – WINNER
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
Group Of The Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion – WINNER
Zac Brown Band
New Female Artist Of The Year
Priscilla Block
Megan Moroney
Caitlyn Smith
Morgan Wade
Hailey Whitters – WINNER
New Male Artist Of The Year
Zach Bryan – WINNER
Jackson Dean
Ernest
Dylan Scott
Nate Smith
Bailey Zimmerman
Album Of The Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
– Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville – Ashley McBryde
Producer: John Osborne
Record Company-Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson – WINNER
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: Broken Bow Records
– Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Record Company-Label: Columbia Records
– Mr. Saturday Night – Jon Pardi
Producers: Jon Pardi, Bart Butler, Ryan Gore
Record Company-Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Palomino – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Jon Randall, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Mikey Reaves
Record Company-Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville
Single Of The Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
– Heart Like A Truck – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: Broken Bow Records
– Never Wanted To Be That Girl – Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde
Producers: Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally
Record Company-Label: Big Machine Records/Warner Music Nashville
– She Had Me At Heads Carolina – Cole Swindell – WINNER
Producer: Zach Crowell
Record Company-Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Thank God – Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown
Producer: Dann Huff
Record Company-Label: RCA Nashville
– ‘Til You Can’t – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: Warner Music Nashville/CoJo Music
Song Of The Year [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
– Sand In My Boots – Morgan Wallen
Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Michael Hardy
Publishers: Relative Music Group; Sony/ATV Accent; Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing
– She Had Me At Heads Carolina – Cole Swindell – WINNER
Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Cole Swindell, Jesse Frasure, Mark D. Sanders, Thomas Rhett, Tim Nichols
Publishers: Ashley Gorley Publishing Designee; Be A Light Publishing; Colden Rainey Music; EMI Blackwood Music Inc; Songs Of Roc Nation Music; Sony Tree Publishing; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Universal Music Corp; WC Music Corp; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
– ‘Til You Can’t – Cody Johnson
Songwriters: Ben Stennis, Matt Rogers
Publishers: Anthem Canalco Publishing; Dead Aim Music; The Stennis Mightier Music
– Wait In The Truck – Hardy feat. Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy, Renee Blair
Publishers: Humerus Publishing Global; Nontypical Music; Pile of Schmidt Songs; Rednecker Music; Relative Music Group; Round Hill Verses Publishing; Sony/ATV Accent; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; The Money Tree Vibez; WC Music Corp; Who Wants to Buy My Publishing
– You Should Probably Leave – Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois, Chris Stapleton
Publishers: One77 Songs; Sea Gayle Music; Songs of Southside Independent Music Publishing; Spirit Two Nashville; WC Music Corp
Visual Media Of The Year [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
– Heartfirst – Kelsea Ballerini
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: P Tracy
– She Had Me At Heads Carolina – Cole Swindell
Producer: Troy Jackson
Director: Spidey Smith
– Thank God – Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown
Producer: Luke Arreguin
Director: Alex Alvga
– ‘Til You Can’t – Cody Johnson
Producer: Maddy Hayes
Director: Dustin Haney
– Wait In The Truck – Hardy feat. Lainey Wilson – WINNER
Producer: Inkwell Productions
Director: Justin Clough
– What He Didn’t Do – Carly Pearce
Producer: Ryan Byrd
Director: Alexa Campbell
Songwriter Of The Year
Nicolle Galyon
Ashley Gorley – WINNER
Chase McGill
Josh Osborne
Hunter Phelps
Artist-Songwriter Of The Year
Luke Combs
Ernest
Hardy – WINNER
Miranda Lambert
Morgan Wallen
Music Event Of The Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
– At the End of a Bar – Chris Young with Mitchell Tenpenny
Producers: Chris DeStefano, Chris Young
Record Company-Label: RCA Nashville
– She Had Me At Heads Carolina [Remix] – Cole Swindell & Jo Dee Messina
Producer: Zach Crowell
Record Company-Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Thank God – Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown
Producer: Dann Huff
Record Company-Label: RCA Nashville
– Thinking ‘Bout You – Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter
Producer: Zach Crowell
Record Company-Label: Broken Bow Records
– Wait In The Truck – Hardy feat. Lainey Wilson – WINNER
Producers: Derek Wells, Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt
Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records
Country Artist Jimmie Allen Sued For Sexual Assault By Former Manager
/by LB CantrellJimmie Allen
A lawsuit has been filed against Jimmie Allen for sexual assault by his former manager. Allen’s alleged assaults on his former manager are detailed in her interview with Variety. To protect her identity, she is referred to as “Jane Doe” throughout the Variety piece.
MusicRow has confirmed with BBR Music Group they they have suspended all activity with Allen effective immediately. UTA has also suspended representation of Allen.
Among other claims, his former manager says Allen raped her and repeatedly sexually harassed and abused her. In a statement to Variety, Allen denies the allegations but does acknowledge that the two had a sexual relationship.
The lawsuit also includes Allen’s former management company, Wide Open Music, and its founder Ash Bowers, whom she says fired her when she complained. According to the report, Bowers denies the allegations.
Tracy Lawrence Hosts Third Annual Mission:Possible Celebrity Golf Tournament
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Damon Johnson, WME’s Greg Oswald, Jamey Johnson, Tracy Lawrence and Randy Houser. Photo: Jordan Smith
Tracy Lawrence held his third annual Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament on Monday (May 8).
The tournament successfully raised over $390,000 to help build support and awareness for the homeless population in Middle Tennessee and beyond. Players tee’d off at Old Hickory Country Club for a fun-filled round of golf, the 2023 Mission:Possible Celebrity Shootout dedicated to the late Keith Gattis, and a fundraising auction hosted by Shawn Parr featuring performances from Lawrence, Hardy, Dan Tyminski, Tyler Farr, Brett James, Cole Taylor and Josh Mirenda.
“Starting Mission:Possible almost 20 years ago, I knew what we wanted to accomplish, but I never expected our work would gain the significant support that it has,” shares Lawrence. “The golf tournament continues to make me so proud. Seeing some of my closest friends come together for this cause is so special. As always, thank you to our amazing sponsors and to everyone who continues to come out for this fun day of golf and fundraising!”
Since its inception, Mission:Possible has raised over $2.5 million, which has helps to further its goals, advocate for those in need and expand their ability to support causes that align with their mission. The star-studded event has featured appearances by some of the hottest names in country and the sports world, including Jake Owen, John Daly, Randy Houser, Mitchell Tenpenny, Ernest, Jamey Johnson and more.
The tournament also kicked off Lawrence’s Live at Billy Bob’s Texas album release week, which will be available everywhere this Friday, May 12. He plans to celebrate the album launch back at the legendary venue with a packed release day concert.
The Cadillac Three To Host & Headline CMA Fest Show
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: CMA
The Cadillac Three will host and headline “The Cadillac Three & Friends,” during CMA Fest on June 9 at 7 p.m. at Ascend Amphitheater.
The one-night event at the open-air venue will also include performances by Boy Named Banjo, Randy Rogers Band, Elvie Shane, Tenille Townes and special guests.
“We are so excited to be a part of CMA Fest this year by headlining Ascend Amphitheater with a handful of our favorite artists including Boy Named Banjo, Randy Rogers Band, Elvie and Tenille,” says the band. “Being born and raised in Nashville, we’ve been coming to CMA Fest since it was Fan Fair and it’s an honor to get to be a part of the party again. It’ll be a special show and we can’t wait to bring a little country fuzz to downtown Nashville on a Friday night!”
Tickets are required for entry and start at $15. The public sales begins May 12 at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.
Brand-new official CMA Fest merchandise, including an online exclusive Fan Fair throwback hat, are available for pre-order at Shop.CMAfest.com and through the official CMA Connect App. Many more items will be added on May 17. The last day to purchase online and receive in time for CMA Fest is May 24. Fans will also be able to purchase merchandise at multiple locations across the CMA Fest footprint in June.
Garth Brooks & Jelly Roll Set For First-Ever ‘Billboard Country Live’ In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughBillboard is hosting its first-ever Billboard Country Live inaugural conference featuring concerts and music industry panels June 6-7 in Nashville.
The first ever Billboard Country Live in Concert will take place at Marathon Music Works on June 6 with headliner Jelly Roll and Nate Smith to open. The inaugural Country Live in Conversation is set for the following day (June 7), a one-day ticketed conference for fans and industry insiders that kicks off with an intimate Q&A with Garth Brooks. The conference will also feature a number of sessions featuring country acts discussing issues in country music today.
Among the other artists taking part are Carly Pearce, Bailey Zimmerman, Brian Kelley, Lauren Alaina, Megan Moroney and Lady A’s Hillary Scott.
“We’re thrilled to launch the first year of Billboard Country Live with acts that have something to say and sing about,” says Melinda Newman, Executive Editor of Billboard, West Coast and Nashville. “From Jelly Roll performing in a small setting to discussions with some of the biggest names in country, it’s our privilege to highlight the tremendous talent that thrives in Nashville with premier programming we hope will bring people back for years to come.”
The June 7 Billboard Country Live in Conversation will also feature a Q&A with Jelly Roll, as well as a Women of Country panel with Scott, Pearce, Lily Rose and Madeline Edwards. Zimmerman and Moroney will be joined on The Future of Country panel by Smith and Priscilla Block. With the CMA Fest kicking off June 8, a panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of CMA Fest will include artists who span the event’s half century including Kelley, Alaina, Terri Clark and Bill Anderson.
Billboard salutes the hottest show on TV with a look behind the music of Yellowstone with Dani Rose of Honey County, artist manager Brian Schwartz of 7s management and the show’s music supervisor Andrea von Foerster.
A songwriter-in-the round session will present Jessie Jo Dillon, Nicolle Galyon and Chase McGill playing their hits and telling the stories behind their creations. Additional names are still to be announced and programming is subject to change.
Both events will be presented in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, and tickets are available for purchase on May 12 at 9 a.m. CT at live.billboard.com.
ACM Awards Week Rocks Texas, Tune In Tonight For Awards
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): ACM CEO Damon Whiteside, ACM New Female Artist of the Year Hailey Whitters and 2020 ACM New Female Artist of the Year Gabby Barrett. Photo: Courtesy of ACM
The country music industry is celebrating all week down in Frisco, Texas in preparation for the 58th annual ACM Awards, which will air live tonight (May 11) at 7 p.m. CT on Prime Video.
In addition to rehearsals taking place throughout the week, public festivities kicked off on Tuesday (May 9) with the first day of the ACM Country Kickoff at The Star free fan festival, including a special opening ceremony with Frisco resident and RCA recording artist Corey Kent, Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside as well as local and state officials and representatives of the Dallas Cowboys.
Pictured (L-R): Brendon Anthony, Director, Texas Music Office; Corey Kent, RCA recording artist, ACM Country Kickoff performer, and Frisco, TX resident; Jeff Cheney, Mayor, Frisco, TX; Chuck Aly, Chair, ACM Board of Directors; Damon Whiteside, CEO, ACM; and Chad Estis, EVP Business Operations, Dallas Cowboys and Legends. Photo: Courtesy of ACM
Other country artists who performed at The Star were exciting up-and-coming artists Kent, Ashley Cooke, Randall King, Erin Kinsey, Chase Matthew, Ian Munsick, Neon Union and Frank Ray.
On Tuesday night (May 9), Gabby Barrett revealed some early winners at the Live From the ACMs: ACM New Artist Winners Celebration. The ACM New Male Artist of the Year was awarded to Zach Bryan, and ACM New Female Artist of the Year was presented to Hailey Whitters. Whitters performed for the crowd after accepting her award and will also take the stage at Ford Center tonight to perform live at the 58th ACM Awards, marking her win.
Pictured (L-R): Chase McGill, The Bluebird Cafe General Manager Erika Wollam Nichols, ACM CEO Damon Whiteside, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley and Hunter Phelps. Photo: Courtesy of ACM
On Wednesday (May 10), fans gathered at the ACM Country Kickoff at The Star stage were treated to performances from ACM New Male Artist of the Year nominees Dylan Scott and Nate Smith; ACM New Female Artist of the Year nominee Caitlyn Smith; ACM Music Event of the Year nominee MacKenzie Porter, who surprised the crowd with a special appearance by her chart-topping duet partner Dustin Lynch; as well as Chayce Beckham, Chapel Hart, Hannah Ellis, Tiera Kennedy, Catie Offerman, Josh Ross and MaRynn Taylor.
Elsewhere, The Bluebird Cafe and NSAI brought four of the ACM Songwriter of the Year nominees together to the brand-new Omni PGA Frisco Hotel for an intimate celebration.
Hosted by beloved actor and singer-songwriter Charles Esten (Nashville, Outer Banks), the brunch featured Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill and Hunter Phelps performing some of their top hits for an enthusiastic crowd. After the show, Esten surprised Gorley with his first ACM Award for ACM Songwriter of the Year.
Pictured (L-R): BBR Music Group’s Lainey Wilson and Big Loud’s Hardy with their ACM Awards for ACM Visual Media of the Year. Photo: Courtesy of ACM
ACM Radio Award winners for the 58th ACM Awards were celebrated at Frisco’s Monarch Stag Cocktail Bar, just blocks away from the ACM Country Kickoff at The Star, toasting their well-deserved recognition and the vitality of country radio.
Later on, Bailey Zimmerman, Ernest, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Hardy performed at Frisco’s Topgolf The Colony for the ACM Lifting Lives Live benefit concert. At sunset, Gorley surprised Hardy with the ACM Award for Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
After the show was over, Hardy and Wilson were surprised by SiriusXM The Highway’s Storme Warren with the news that they had won the award for ACM Visual Media of the Year for their “Wait In The Truck” music video.
Tune in to the 58th ACM Awards tonight on Prime Video.