TENILLE ARTS “IF SOMEBODY TOLD ME YOU WERE DYING” NOW AVAILABLE

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Tenille Arts’ latest single, the powerful “If Somebody Told Me You Were Dying,” is now available from Dreamcatcher Artists and ONErpm. Written by Tenille with Lydia Sutherland and Joe Tounge, the song puts storytelling front and center as one of her most vulnerable releases to date.

The idea for “If Somebody Told Me You Were Dying” came from a late-night conversation, when Tenille realized she hadn’t seen her ex in two years. It made her reflect on how badly things ended, how much anger she still carried, and how complicated it feels to have so much history with someone, but still feel totally at peace never seeing them again.

“This song digs into the strange, unresolved emotions that followed a breakup with someone who used to be such a huge part of my life who became someone I didn’t want to see again,” confessed Tenille. “That became the heart of the song and the question at the center of it: if somebody told me you were dying, would I even make it to the funeral?”

Sonically, the song feels cinematic, haunting, and a little unexpected from the artist who made music history when her “Somebody Like That” single became the first #1 country song written, produced and performed by all females. When teased online, the response was immediate, with fans connecting not just to breakup pain, but to “no contact” relationships and the grief of losing someone who’s still alive and well.

“If Somebody Told Me You Were Dying” is her second release in recent months, behind “Don’t Ruin Flowers,” as she works toward recording a full album for release in early 2027. She brings forward a double platinum record, two gold records and has amassed nearly one billion global streams. Having recently concluded a world tour supporting Luke Bryan, Walker Hayes and a headline tour promoted by AEG, she’s ready for the next chapter.

About Tenille Arts:

Born and raised in the small prairie town of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Tenille Arts picked up the guitar and penned her first song at age 13 and has been performing nonstop ever since. She has racked up nearly a billion streams and garnered over 750,000 digital followers in a relatively short period of time. Her critically-acclaimed Love, Heartbreak, & Everything In Between album yielded her first #1 single, “Somebody Like That,” which is certified double platinum. The single made history as the first #1 Country song written, produced and performed by all females and was the first Country song by a Canadian artist to reach #1 in the U.S. since 2007 and first Canadian female to hit #1 since Terri Clark in 2004. Her Girl To Girl album was released in 2021, and her “Back Then, Right Now” single was her first to be released simultaneously in Canada and the U.S. Her 2024 14-song to be honest album leads with the stunning single, “So Do I,” written by Demi Lovato, Sasha Sloan, Laura Veltz and King Henry. In 2022, Tenille was nominated by the ACM Awards for New Female Artist of the Year, the iHeartRadio Music Awards for Best New Country Artist, the CMT Music Awards for Female Video and Breakthrough Video of the Year, and she won the MusicRowAward for “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” and the AIMP 2022 “Rising Artist-Writer of the Year Award.”

In Canada, she won the Canadian Country Music Association’s “Rising Star Award,” she has taken home three SASK Music Awards and 18 trophies from the Saskatchewan Country Music Association including the “Female Artist Achievement Award.”

She has made an unprecedented three appearances performing original songs on the top-rated ABC TV show The Bachelor and has performed on the TODAY Show, Kelly Clarkson Show and more.

THOMAS RHETT EARNS 25TH NO. ONE MILESTONE IN UNDER 15 YEARS

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Diamond-certified superstar Thomas Rhett celebrates his 25th career No. One as “Ain’t A Bad Life” ft. Jordan Davis tops the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart this week. Written by Thomas Rhett, Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass, John Byron and Mark Trussell, the track “takes on a bright, acoustic sound, injecting a fresh breath of optimism” (Holler), delivering “charm and catchy melodies” (Country Central). This achievement stands out not only for its sheer volume, but for the remarkable speed and consistency with which he’s dominated the charts in the 14 years since releasing his very first single.

“Hitting 25 No. Ones is something I never could’ve dreamed up,” said Thomas Rhett. “’Ain’t A Bad Life’ is one of those songs that just makes you smile, and getting to share it with my buddy Jordan Davis made it even more special. I’m really grateful to the fans, country radio, and everyone who’s been on this ride with me—this one means a lot.”

Joining “Beautiful As You” and “After All The Bars Are Closed,” the acclaimed single marks the third No. One from Thomas Rhett’s newest album, ABOUT A WOMAN (Deluxe). The “energized and upbeat” (Forbes) 25-track project born of charismatic craftsmanship, feel-good energy and his beloved awestruck romantic authenticity combine in a creative high-water mark. It also features collaborations with Lanie Gardner, Blake Shelton, Teddy Swims and Tucker Wetmore—showcasing why he continues to be one of Nashville’s most versatile hitmakers.

Thomas Rhett recently announced his return to the road this summer, bringing his “bombastic, good-time energy” (Esquire) to venues across the country on the SOUNDTRACK TO LIFE TOUR. The 20+ city run will feature two special stadium dates this July with longtime friend Niall Horan at GEODIS Park and Hersheypark Stadium. In addition to his headlining tour, Thomas Rhett is appearing with Morgan Wallen on his Still The Problem Tour and will make his highly anticipated return to the U.K. this summer for a three-night run at Wembley Stadium with Luke Combs.

Pairing a laid-back perspective with a vocal drenched in casual country soul, Thomas Rhett has spent just over a decade building one of country music’s most consistent hitmaking careers with more than 16 billion streams and armfuls of awards, including eight ACM Awards—among them “Entertainer of the Year”—two CMA Awards, five GRAMMY® nominations and trophies from the CMT Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards; he has also received five CMA Triple Play Awards for penning three No. One songs within a 12-month period. He’s just teamed up with GRAMMY®-nominated global artist and producer Marshmello on their new single “Where We Go” and recently released a fresh take on “Georgia On My Mind” as part of ESPN’s official campaign for the 2026 Masters Tournament.

Country Recording Artist Sarah Harralson Set To Release New Self-Penned EP, Just The Beginning, With Companion Short Film, Due Out Everywhere On May 15

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Country recording artist and singer-songwriter Sarah Harralson is set to release her new self-penned EP, Just The Beginning, [pre-save/pre-add] with a companion short film, due out everywhere on Friday, May 15 by ©®Synapse Publishing & Entertainment, LLC. The ambitious project comes 12 years into the young recording artist’s music career as she takes an autobiographical approach on both the music and film project, giving fans a very personal look into her life as a songwriter and traveling troubadour.

“This EP and short film is a collection of songs that I have written over the past few years about some really deeply personal stuff that I went through in my early childhood,” Harralson said. “It’s different from my past releases because this is more about childhood and family, as opposed to breakups and love songs.”

On her new single “It Can’t Rain All The Time” – described as “…a moving, soul-tinged track…” by Nashville.com – inspiration for the song came from a famous line in the nostalgic 90’s era film, The Crow. Harralson also reflects on the loss of her mother in 2024, highlighted in the song’s official music video on YouTube [@SarahHarralson] that was Produced/Directed by Dante Nazzaro, on behalf of Synapse Spotlight Productions, LLC.

Sarah co-produced Just The Beginning with Dale Penner (Nickelback, Loverboy) at The Owl in Nashville. The EP features the musicianship of renowned session players Cole Edmonson (Tigirlily Gold) on guitar, David Santos on bass, Bryn Scott-Grimes (Goldpine) on harmonica, Merna Lewis on fiddle, Paul Ray on piano, and Sarah’s husband Andrew Kugler on drums. Harralson also performed the organ, acoustic guitar, and harmonies on the EP.

“You also see this in the short film when I go back to Birmingham and Knoxville, where I’m from,” she continued. “I hope people can relate to that. I titled it Just the Beginning, because even though this is a big part of my life, my childhood, it doesn’t necessarily define all of me. There’s so much more to come!”

About Sarah Harralson:

Twelve years into her Nashville music career, Knoxville native, Sarah Harralson, is making waves in the music industry. She released her debut country EP, Watered Down Whiskey, in 2018 with producer Scotty Schultz (Shooter Jennings). She has also worked with guitarist Johnny Garcia (Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood) under Busy at Play Publishing for her 2022 album, Whiskey History, and her album, Outside the Lines, was released in August 2023 with Sarah being a producer on many of the songs. “Blue Ribbon” is a song on this album that honors her mother’s fight against colon cancer with proceeds going toward the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. She toured internationally in Eastern Europe in 2023 on behalf of The America for Bulgaria Foundation and was invited to be a member of the Recording Academy in 2021.

Sarah is signed to a publishing and recording contract with ©®Synapse Publishing & Entertainment, LLC and is a part of the upcoming Women Behind the Lyrics documentary. Her latest single, “House Divided” reflects on the separation of her parents and the push and pull between two football teams and parents growing up. Her upcoming autobiographical EP, Just the Beginning, is set to release this May with a corresponding short film. Sarah also volunteers with Musicians On Call to bring music to patients’ bedsides. She is a big believer that music heals, and through being a volunteer with this organization since 2015, she has found her mission as an artist performing for over 19,000 hospital patients, earning her the Michael Solomon Golden Ukelele Award in 2024. She is the podcast host of Takin’ a Walk Nashville, which has reached #2 on the Apple Music podcast chart.

REBA MCENTIRE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH MULTIPLE MUSIC RELEASES

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Reba McEntire will begin releasing music capsules each month, thematically curated songs from throughout her career paired with brand new recordings that spotlight the road ahead for the iconic entertainer. The first release, ONE NIGHT IN TULSA, centers songs around her home state and will be released this Friday, April 17 via MCA.

On April 9, McEntire previewed the project during a special performance at her restaurant Reba’s Place, where she debuted a new song and title track of the first capsule “One Night In Tulsa.” Written by Neal Coty, Kylie Frey and Thom McHugh, the song marks a return to the ’90s country ballads that cemented McEntire’s place as one of the genre’s most definitive voices of heartbreak.

ONE NIGHT IN TULSA

“One Night In Tulsa”
“Tulsa Time”
“Oklahoma Swing”
“Does The Wind Still Blow In Oklahoma”
“No U In Oklahoma”

Each digital music capsule pairs a newly recorded song with carefully selected tracks that trace the evolution of one of country music’s most enduring and influential voices. In tandem with each music capsule, tailored playlists will launch to further illuminate the defining eras of McEntire’s career. Beginning May 1 with “The Making of Reba,” the first playlist captures a young McEntire finding her voice through classic country heartbreak, laying the foundation for everything to come. The playlists serve as a companion piece, offering fans a deeper, more expansive look at the moments, milestones, and music that shaped her legacy.

About Reba McEntire:
Multi-media entertainment mogul Reba McEntire has become a household name through a successful career that includes music, television, film, theater, retail and hospitality. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl member has more than 50 award wins under her belt, earning honors from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, CMA Awards, GRAMMY® Awards and GMA Dove Awards. Reba was also a 2018 Kennedy Center Honors recipient, in addition to multiple philanthropic and leadership honors. Reba has celebrated unprecedented success, including 35 career No.1 singles and more than 58 million albums sold worldwide. Reba earned her 60th Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, extending her record for the most Top 10 hits among female artists. Reba’s Top 10 success spans five straight decades, landing her in the singular group with only George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton who have the same achievement. Most recently, her latest single, “Trailblazer,” featuring Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert, garnered an impressive 2.6 million on-demand streams in its first week, marking a new personal best for Reba in the streaming era. The Oklahoma native and Golden Globe® nominated actress has multiple movie credits to her name, a critically-acclaimed lead role on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun, and starred in the 6-season television sitcom Reba. Reba has also proven to be a savvy entrepreneur, with longstanding brand partnerships including her Dillard’s clothing line and western footwear collection REBA by Justin™. She has even added restaurateur to the list with Reba’s Place, a restaurant, bar, retail and entertainment venue in Atoka, Oklahoma. Her book Not That Fancy landed on the New York Times bestseller list.

CINDY MABE LAUNCHES JOAN OF ARC MUSIC

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In the high-stakes landscape of modern music, where data points often outshine melodies and coastal conglomerates are rushing to “strip mine” the sounds of the South, Cindy Mabe is drawing a line in the Tennessee limestone. The former chair and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville—and the first woman to ever lead a Nashville major label group—has officially launched Joan of Arc (JOA) Music, a full-service powerhouse designed to be less of a corporate entity and more of a resistance movement.

Named after the 15th-century French heroine who stood her ground against impossible odds, JOA Music isn’t just a label; it’s a “warrior” brand for creators. Comprising artist development, management, publishing, and label services, the company arrives at what Mabe describes as a perilous “crossroads” for the genre.

A Mission Beyond the Charts

For Mabe, who exited UMG Nashville in early 2025 after a storied career working with icons like Chris Stapleton, George Strait, and Carrie Underwood, the motivation for JOA was deeply personal. In a pair of searing mission statements titled “The Origin Story” and “The Difference,” Mabe offers a blistering critique of the industry’s current trajectory.

She likens the influx of New York and Los Angeles labels into Nashville to the historical exploitation of Appalachia. “With the rush for coastal legitimizing,” Mabe writes, “it often feels like the coal mines of Appalachia being strip mined of coal all over again.” She warns that “pop labels chase what’s popular, then move on when it cools,” threatening to leave country music as a “dead language” once the current trend cycle ends.

The Four Pillars of the Arc

JOA Music is built on a sophisticated four-division architecture designed to protect the past while monetizing the future:

  • Joan of Arc Entertainment: The central hub for label services, management, and publishing.
  • Joan of Arc Studio Works: A content engine focused on TV/film production and short-form monetization.
  • Joan of Arc Ventures: A wing dedicated to strategic equity-backed partnerships.
  • Joan of Arc Music Preservation Foundation: A philanthropic arm tasked with protecting the genre’s cultural history.

To power this ambitious engine, Mabe has assembled a “dream team” of trusted collaborators. The roster includes UMG veterans Lori Christian (Label Services & Management), Dawn Gates (Business Development), and Leigh Morrison (Artist Relations). Diversifying the leadership, singer-songwriter Harper Grae heads TV/Film scouting, while Allison Winkler leads the Preservation Foundation.

Strategic Alliances

While JOA functions as an independent disruptor, it is bolstered by heavy-hitting partnerships. A distribution deal with Warner Music Nashville (WMN) ensures global reach, a move Mabe says “amplifies our mission” through a shared vision with WMN chair/president Cris Lacy. Further grounding the company in the community are alliances with the CMA Foundation, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the wellness organization Porter’s Call.

Finding “The Magic”

The catalyst for JOA Music came during a moment of profound grief. While attending her uncle’s funeral and hearing the music of Alan Jackson woven through the service, Mabe realized that country music’s ability to “comfort and inspire” was being sacrificed on the altar of technology and “celebrity-named bars on Lower Broadway.”

“My heart hurts for how little so many coming to the industry care about the sheer magic in music,” she writes. Through Joan of Arc Music, Mabe is betting that by protecting the “God, life, and emotion” within the songs, she can ensure that Nashville remains more than just a meme—it remains a home.

MARCUS HUMMON TEAMS UP WITH LEVI HUMMON FOR FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT ON GRAMMY-WINNING “BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD”

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Grammy-winning songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Marcus Hummon teams up with his son, singer-songwriter Levi Hummon, for a moving new rendition of the Grammy Award-winning classic “Bless the Broken Road,” out now via 3686 Records.

“For years, Levi and I have sung this song everywhere, from shows to family gatherings,” says Marcus. “Recording it the way we’ve always performed it, just piano and our voices, felt like the most natural way to honor its journey. I’m grateful he still loves singing it with his dad.”

Originally co-written by Marcus Hummon, Bobby Boyd, and Jeff Hanna, the song earned Best Country Song at the 2005 Grammy Awards and remains one of country music’s most beloved modern standards. Now, more than two decades later, Marcus revisits the track in its most intimate form yet: a stripped-back piano-and-vocal duet with Levi, inspired by the way the two have performed it together for years. Rooted in the song’s enduring message of hope, faith, and trusting the path placed before us, this new rendition offers a moving reminder that even life’s most difficult seasons can lead us exactly where we are meant to be.

“So thrilled to finally be putting this version of ‘Bless The Broken Road’ out into the world. It’s something my dad and I have talked about for years, but never actually brought to life until now,” shares Levi. “This is the version I’ve been singing with him at the piano for as long as I can remember, whether at a songwriter round or in front of family at a reunion. It’s the version that’s always felt most like home to me. I’m so grateful for the memories this song holds, and even more for the moments I still get to share it with my dad.”

The release marks a true full-circle moment. As the original writer behind hits like Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly,” The Chicks’ “Cowboy Take Me Away,” and Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road,” Marcus brings the song’s legacy back to its source, while Levi adds emotional depth and a modern reach, having amassed more than 215 million global streams.

Known for his genre-blending songwriting and collaborations with artists including Steven Tyler, Tim McGraw, and K-pop star D.O. of EXO, Levi brings a fresh generational perspective to the song, while preserving the warmth and spiritual resonance that made it timeless.

Together, the father-son rendition stands as both a celebration of the song’s enduring message of hope, faith, and divine timing and a bridge between Marcus’ storied catalog and Levi’s growing global audience.

HOPE ON THE INSIDE PRESENTS: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

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Recently, the nonprofit organization Hope On The Inside (HOTI) hosted Hope on the Inside Presents: Ladies and Gentlemen fundraiser. With guests outfitted in their best cowboy cocktail attire, the Listening Room Cafe filled with the purpose of giving back, raising money for life-changing prison re-entry and rehabilitation initiatives. The evening kicked off with performances by Chancie Neal and the harmony-drenched trio Three Times A Lady. Brianna Calhoun, the nonprofit’s founder, shared her testimony of breaking the cycle of incarceration after seven jail stints, made possible by the help of those who showed up for her. Drawing on that experience, she chose to spotlight the Nashville Metro Jail’s Behavioral Correctional Center, highlighting its unique and exceptional support plan for incarcerated individuals. The night was capped with an intimate writers’ round featuring songwriters Kix Brooks, Bob DiPiero, Vince Gill and Tim Nichols. Each shared rarely-heard stories, connected through moments of laughter and took turns performing some of country music’s biggest hits including “Red Dirt Road” recorded by Brooks & Dunn, “American Made” recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys, “One More Last Chance” recorded by Vince Gill and “I Never Lie” recorded by Zach Top.

Fans unable to attend the event can donate to Hope On The Inside and Nashville Metro Jail’s Behavior Correctional Center HERE.

In 2023, Louisiana natives Briana Calhoun and country legend Kix Brooks, one half of Country Music Hall of Famers Brooks & Dunn, partnered to launch the nonprofit Hope on the Inside. The organization’s mission is to bring music, testimony and meaningful conversation into correctional facilities, helping those who have been incarcerated to live with purpose. During Hope on the Inside visits, artists perform songs rooted in real life and real struggle, and Calhoun shares her own story of addiction, incarceration and redemption, creating a space for honest conversations with those currently serving time. Hope On The Inside is set to expand its innovative outreach, using art, education and entertainment to inspire genuine change across communities. Fueled by the belief that music is an ultimate cure, the nonprofit strives to connect hearts, inspire change and uplift the voices of those who have walked the hardest roads.

ALEX MILLER KEEPS PUSHING NEW BOUNDARIES WITH “MORE COUNTRY THAN YOU”, DUE APRIL 10

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Country traditionalist Alex Miller is proving that staying true to your roots doesn’t mean standing still. The Kentucky native is set to release his highly anticipated fourth studio album, MORE COUNTRY THAN YOU, tomorrow via Billy Jam Records, marking a bold new chapter in his rapidly ascending career.

The release comes as Miller rides the momentum of his highest-charting single to date, the Alan Jackson and Jim McBride-penned “Secondhand Smoke.” In a whirlwind media blitz leading up to the launch, Miller has been ubiquitous across the airwaves. Today, he brought his signature baritone to WSM Radio and Circle Country TV’s Coffee, Country & Cody Show, followed by a deep dive on the Heart Of the Gulch podcast. This follows a busy week featuring appearances on Today In Nashville, The Josie Show, and a cover story for the April issue of Country Music People magazine.

Produced by industry veteran Jerry Salley, the 10-track collection has already garnered high praise. MusicRow’s Robert K. Oermann lauded Miller’s authenticity, noting, “This Kentucky wonder is wonderfully C-O-U-N-T-R-Y whenever and whatever he sings.”

The album’s rollout has been supported by a series of high-profile premieres, including the title track via PEOPLE Magazine, the jaunty “The Byrd” on American Songwriter, and the poignant “Just A Mom” through Everything Nashville. Other tracks like “Memories And Gin” and “Money Well Wasted” have further showcased Miller’s ability to blend classic honky-tonk sensibilities with fresh, modern production.

“I’m never gonna run from who I am,” Miller says of the new project. “I’m country as cornbread. But I’m always trying new things and exploring what Country music means to me and sharing that with folks.”

MORE COUNTRY THAN YOU is available everywhere tomorrow, solidifying Alex Miller’s position as one of the most vital young voices in traditional country music today.

WOMEN LEAD NOMINATIONS FOR THE 61ST ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

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The Academy of Country Music, Prime Video, and Dick Clark Productions have officially raised the curtain on the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, announcing a powerhouse slate of nominees that finds women firmly at the forefront of the genre.

The 61st ACM Awards will stream live to a global audience in more than 240 countries and territories exclusively on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The ceremony returns to its high-energy Sunday night slot at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasting from the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Women Lead the Pack

This year’s nominations are dominated by a quartet of female powerhouses. Megan Moroney emerges as the night’s top contender with nine nominations. Moroney secured her first-ever nod for Entertainer of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year, while her hit “Am I Ok?” and the single “6 Months Later” earned recognition across the Song, Single, and Visual Media categories.

Close behind is the most-decorated artist in ACM history, Miranda Lambert, who netted eight nominations—her highest single-year tally since 2016. Joining them in the top tier are Ella Langley and reigning Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson, who are tied with seven nominations each. Langley’s breakout year includes her first Producer credit for “Choosin’ Texas,” while Wilson looks to maintain her perfect streak in the Female Artist and Entertainer categories.

Male Artist Highlights and Triple Crown Hopes

Chris Stapleton leads the male field with six nominations, marking his 11th consecutive year in the Male Artist of the Year category. Meanwhile, Luke Combs enters the night with high stakes; a win for Entertainer of the Year would secure him the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award, a feat previously achieved by legends like Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean.

Other notable nominees include:

  • Zach Top: The reigning New Male Artist earns five nods, including his first for Male Artist of the Year.
  • Morgan Wallen: Receives his fourth consecutive nomination for Entertainer of the Year.
  • Old Dominion: Looking to extend their record-breaking streak with an 11th consecutive Group of the Year nomination.
  • Post Malone: Secured his first-ever ACM nominations, including a nod for Male Artist of the Year.

A Weekend of Country in the Desert

The awards ceremony is only the finale of a massive “ACM Awards Week” takeover in Las Vegas. On Friday, May 15, Riley Green will headline “ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green” at Topgolf, supported by Lauren Alaina and Randy Houser. On Saturday, the party moves to Mandalay Bay Beach for “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash,” featuring rising stars like Ashley Cooke and Tucker Wetmore.

The main event on Sunday promises a “star-powered experience” with confirmed performances from Kacey Musgraves, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, and more.

How to Watch

Fans can catch the action on Prime Video or via the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. Tickets for the live event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and associated festival events are currently available at AXS.com. To gear up for the show, the Official ACM Awards playlist is now live on Amazon Music, featuring hits from all of this year’s top nominees.

The following is the full list of nominees for the ACM Main Awards categories:

MAIN AWARDS:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

  • Luke Combs
  • Jelly Roll
  • Cody Johnson
  • Megan Moroney
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Lainey Wilson

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • Kelsea Ballerini
  • Miranda Lambert
  • Ella Langley
  • Megan Moroney
  • Lainey Wilson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • Luke Combs
  • Riley Green
  • Cody Johnson
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Zach Top

GROUP OF THE YEAR

  • 49 Winchester
  • Flatland Cavalry
  • Old Dominion
  • Rascal Flatts
  • The Red Clay Strays

DUO OF THE YEAR

  • Brooks & Dunn
  • Brothers Osborne
  • Dan + Shay
  • Muscadine Bloodline
  • Thelma & James

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • Avery Anna
  • Mackenzie Carpenter
  • Dasha
  • Caroline Jones
  • Emily Ann Roberts

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • Gavin Adcock
  • Vincent Mason
  • Shaboozey
  • Hudson Westbrook
  • Tucker Wetmore

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

  • Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top

Producer: Carson Chamberlain

Record Company-Label: Leo33

  •  Cherry Valley – Carter Faith

Producer: Tofer Brown

Record Company-Label: Gatsby Records / MCA

  •  Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) – Riley Green

Producer: Dann Huff, Michael Knox

Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

  •  I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen

Producers: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett

Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records

  • Parker McCollum – Parker McCollum

Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse

Record Company-Label: MCA

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

  • A Song To Sing – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton

Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure

Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs for the Munch Music; Songs of Influence; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp

  •  Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney

Songwriters: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon

Publishers: Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music; Big Music Machine

  • Choosin’ Texas – Ella Langley

Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor

Publishers: Bada Bing & Bada Langley Publishing; Little Louder Songs; Sony Music Publishing

  • I Never Lie – Zach Top

Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols

Publishers: Music and Magazine Publishing; Rio Bravo Music Inc; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Too Broke to Quit Music; Zach Top Music

  • Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson

Songwriters: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg

Publishers: Concord Sounds; Dtown Boogie Music; Emi Feist Catalog Inc; Songs Of Riser House; Songs Of Wild Cat Well Music; Sony/ATV Countryside; Story Farmer; Tacklebox Music Publishing

SINGLE OF THE YEAR[Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

  • 6 Months Later – Megan Moroney

Producers: Kristian Bush

Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records

  • Choosin’ Texas – Ella Langley

Producers: Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West

Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records

  • I Never Lie – Zach Top

Producers: Carson Chamberlain

Record Company-Label: Leo33

  • Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson

Producers: Jay Joyce

Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Broken Bow Records

  • The Fall – Cody Johnson

Producers: Trent Willmon

Record Company-Label: CoJo Music / Warner Records Nashville

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

  • A Song To Sing – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton

Producers: Dave Cobb

Record Company-Label: Republic Records

  • Amen – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll

Producers: Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook

Record Company-Label: Empire

  • Don’t Mind If I Do – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley

Producers: Dann Huff, Michael Knox

Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

  • Trailblazer – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson

Producers: Tony Brown, Reba McEntire

Record Company-Label: MCA

  • You Had To Be There – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney

Producers: Kristian Bush

Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

  • 6 Months Later – Megan Moroney

Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry

Director: CeCe Dawson, Megan Moroney

  • A Song To Sing – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton

Producers: James Stratakis

Director: Alexa King Stone, Stephen Kinigopoulos

  • Cuckoo -Stephen Wilson, Jr.

Producers: Tim Cofield

Director: Tim Cofield

  • Somewhere Over Laredo – Lainey Wilson

Producers: Katie Babbage

Director: TK McKamy

  • The Fall – Cody Johnson

Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry

Director: Dustin Haney

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

  • Jessie Jo Dillon
  • Ashley Gorley
  • Charlie Handsome
  • Chase McGill
  • Blake Pendergrass

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

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  • Megan Moroney
  • Morgan Wallen

THE REAL DEAL: CARRIE BROCKWELL DEFINES AUTHENTICITY IN NEW TITLE TRACK

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Virginia native and American Idol alum Carrie Brockwell is proving that in an industry often chasing trends, there is no substitute for the truth. Following a career-defining 2025—crowned by her win as the Josie Awards Country Vocalist of the Year—Brockwell is set to release her latest single, “That’s Real,” on May 1, 2026.

The track serves as the cornerstone of her highly anticipated full-length album of the same name, arriving May 29. Co-written and produced by Brian Fechino, the single was born from a subconscious habit; Fechino noticed Brockwell used the phrase “that’s real” as a personal shorthand for sincerity.

“We explored what ‘that’s real’ really means,” Brockwell shares. “The song became about letting go, not worrying about what others think, and embracing the joy of being genuine.”

This philosophy has clearly resonated. Brockwell’s ascent has been marked by high-profile endorsements, from a social media shoutout by Ashley McBryde to headlining the Nashville Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Whether performing at the Bluebird Café or the Grand Ole Opry House, her signature blend of classic storytelling and contemporary Americana textures has solidified her status as a powerhouse vocalist.

As she joins the prestigious SongHouse roster and collaborates with the Richmond Symphony, 2026 is shaping up to be her biggest year yet. With a national summer tour on the horizon, “That’s Real” isn’t just a song title—it’s a mission statement.

Watch Nashville Insider for more on Carrie Brockwell.