Pictured (L-R, back row): UMG Nashville’s (UMGN) David Friedman, UMGN’s Nick Kaper, EMI Nashville’s Briarman Whitfield, UMGN’s Donna Hughes, UMGN’s Royce Risser; (L-R, front row): EMI Nashville’s Jimmy Rector, EMI Nashville’s Heather Carpenter (holding a still of EMI’s John Trapane), Tyler Hubbard, EMI Nashville’s Jackie Stevens, UMGN’s Mike Dungan, EMI Nashville’s Mike Krinik (holding a still photo of EMI’s Trudie Daniell).

Tyler Hubbard’s debut solo single as an EMI Records Nashville artist, “5 Foot 9,” has reached No. 1 at country radio. The feat makes Hubbard the first male country artist formerly in a country duo to hit No. 1 as a solo artist.

The song, which also has 224 million global streams, is the first single off Hubbard’s debut solo album, set for release on Jan. 27. Penned by Hubbard, Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, “5 Foot 9” went No. 1 and was certified Gold within six months of its release, marking Hubbard as the first debut country artist to go No. 1 this year.

Pictured (L-R): Brian Wright (UMGN), Tyler Hubbard, Lindsey Terry (UMGN), Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Erik Peterson (Borman Entertainment). Photo: Devin Groody

Hubbard celebrated the Gold certification last Friday night (Nov. 11) backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, where he received a plaque before making his debut Opry performance as a solo artist. He performed the hit single, along with “Way Home,” and “Dancin’ In The Country,” which will be Hubbard’s next radio single.

“Reaching No. 1 with my first single as a solo artist is an incredible feeling,” says Hubbard. “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of everyone who has supported and stood behind me. I’m thankful to the fans, country radio, my team, and everyone at EMI Records and UMG Nashville for believing in me and working so hard to make this dream become a reality.

“Stepping into the circle to perform on stage at the Grand Ole Opry is such an incredible honor,” he continues “Being at the Opry with family and friends and getting to celebrate ‘5 Foot 9’ being certified Gold is a moment I’ll never forget.”

Ashley McBryde. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA.

During the festivities surrounding the 56th Annual CMA Awards, three-time CMA Award winner Ashley McBryde was honored with the 2022 CMA International Artist Achievement Award. She was surprised backstage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena ahead of her CMA Awards rehearsal by CMA CEO Sarah Trahern and CMA VP, International Relations & Development Milly Olykan.

The CMA International Artist Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development, and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.

Pictured (L-R): Drew Bennett (Manager, Q Prime South), Caitlin Cadden (Warner Music Nashville Director, International Marketing), Cris Lacy (Warner Music Nashville Co-President), Ben Kline (Warner Music Nashville Co-President), Ashley McBryde, Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO), Milly Olykan (CMA VP, International Relations & Development), and Meredith Goucher (CMA Manager, International Relations & Development). Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA.

After performing at C2C in March 2022, McBryde embarked on an eight-date headlining run, selling out shows in Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, and Brighton. She also performed at C2C festivals in 2018 and 2019 as well as 2019’s CMC Rocks in Australia, where she will return in 2023. McBryde also joined Luke Combs as support on his 2018 U.K. tour ahead of her first U.K. headlining tour in 2019.

“Since the first time I was lucky enough to play abroad when C2C took a chance on me in 2018, I have fallen in love with the international fans,” McBryde shares. “I’ve told them over and over that as long as they keep showing up, I’ll keep showing up. That is still true today. I am honored and so proud to be receiving this award and I promise to continue to be the best ambassador that I can be for country music all over the world.”

“Ashley has had an eye on developing her international presence since the beginning of her career,” notes Trahern. “She is a true example of an artist committed to building an international audience, and we are beyond thrilled to present her with this year’s award.”

Pictured (L-R): Milly Olykan (CMA VP, International Relations & Development), Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO), and Ashley McBryde. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA.

“Throughout multiple international tours, Ashley has prioritized various promotional opportunities while traveling to many territories, from presenting on radio shows to guest appearances in film,” adds Olykan. “With international travel halted for an extended period due to the pandemic, Ashley made a point to get back across the pond as soon as borders reopened, performing earlier this year at the U.K.’s C2C: Country to Country festival and headlining her own tour there in May. We are so happy to see her recognized with this honor.”

The CMA International Awards honor industry executives and artists who have supported and made a difference towards the growth and promotion of country music in the international marketplace. Nominees are recognized in six categories acknowledging their dedication and efforts in growing opportunities for country music in their local territories. Winners for the remaining 2022 CMA International Awards categories will be presented with their awards in the coming months.

Pictured (L-R): Combustion General Manager Keithan Melton; Combustion President Chris Farren; Payton Smith; Combustion Senior Creative Director, A&R Blake Duncan; and Combustion VP Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom. Phot:o Courtesy of Combustion Masters

Combustion Masters has signed Payton Smith to its growing label roster.

Smith released his self-titled, debut EP in 2019, featuring standout track “Like I Knew You Would,” which has over 50 million streams worldwide. In 2020, he was named to Taste of Country‘s Hottest Country Artists Under 25 list and was included in MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing class of 2021. His most recent release, “Need You To Not,” is available now.

“Sometimes your gut just screams at you to do something….this is the feeling I got the first time I met Payton,” notes Combustion President Chris Farren. “He is a great singer, sizzling guitar player and has a sense of focus and artistry well beyond his years…as well as being a really good guy! I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Payton and to see where this all goes next.”

“Payton’s the kind of guy you want to run through walls for,” adds Blake Duncan, Combustion’s Senior Creative Director, A&R. “His passion and energy with a guitar is hypnotizing, followed up with his raw and authentic storytelling! We are stoked to add Payton to the Combustion Family!”

Smith is currently in the studio working on new music with Farren at the production helm. The 22-year-old is signed with Eclipse Music Group for publishing.

“The Combustion Music team has the experience and the passion for music that attracted me from our first introduction,” shares Smith. “The vision they show towards my career has me feeling inspired and ready for this new chapter. I could not have hoped for more than to have the opportunity to work with this dream team. Onward!”

The Combustion Masters roster includes Jameson Rodgers‘ debut self-titled EP, BBR/Wheelhouse Records artist Kolby Cooper, Sony/RCA rising artist Corey Kent, and up-and-comer Faren Rachels.

Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced the nominees for the New Faces of Country Music Show, which will take place on Wednesday, Mar. 15 at the Omni Nashville Hotel during CRS 2023. This year’s nominees are Priscilla Block, Callista Clark, Jackson Dean, Ernest, Jelly Roll, Frank Ray, Elvie Shane, and Nate Smith.

The New Faces of Country Music Show was created in 1970 and recognizes emerging artists who have achieved significant success at country radio during the qualification period, which is Nov. 1 – Oct. 31. For more qualification criteria, click here.

Voting for the Class of 2023 will open Monday, Nov. 28 and close Friday, Dec. 2 at countryradioseminar.com. The five acts with the most votes will form the lineup for the sold-out show.

Eligible voters must be full-time employees primarily involved in the programming, promotion, and distribution of country music from the following company types: broadcast radio, satellite radio, television outlets, and digital service providers, while expressly excluding those with vested interests in individual artists or musical works such as labels, managers, agents, and publishers.