IT’S AWARDS WEEK IN NASHVILLE

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Nashville was abuzz this week. It’s known as “Awards Week” with all your favorite recording artists off the road and gathering with songwriters, producers, and their families to honor the best of country music. Honoring the songwriters and the songs were the SESAC Awards, the ASCAP Awards, and the BMI Awards, topped off by the biggest show of the week, the CMA Awards. Nashville Insider was on the Red Carpet all week talking with country music’s top stars, songwriters, and other celebrities. We’ll bring it all to you in next week’s episode. Don’t miss it.

CHRISTIAN HAYES UNDERSCORES THE BEAUTY OF IMPERFECTION WITH “WILDFLOWER,” AVAILABLE NOW!

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Capitol Records recording artist Christian Hayes has poetically drawn on his life experiences growing up in the foothills of Appalachia since his grandfather gifted him his first journal at seven years old. While his debut EP Last I Love You, released in September, followed Hayes’ journey navigating heartbreak and growing up, he’s now offering an upbeat new song underscoring the beauty of finding love in imperfection with “Wildflower,” available now.

Self-written by Hayes, the concept for “Wildflower” was born from Hayes’ observation of seeing beauty found in imperfections and embracing uniqueness in love. Recalling how wildflowers are each unique and grow to their own accord, Hayes drew from this inspiration to celebrate the qualities that make them distinctly beautiful.

“I had family members who I watched struggle a lot with discontent growing up, always striving to find that perfect spouse, rather than being happy with the one they were with,” Hayes reflects. “This song was inspired by that inner conflict, but rather than always striving for perfection where it doesn’t exist, the ‘wildflower’ serves as a metaphor to finding a person who’s right for you, while embracing the beauty in their imperfections.”

The song comes on the heels of the September release of Last I Love You, which casts a wide net, fusing Americana and folk while bouncing between campfire ballads, cinematic soundscapes and raw, rowdy barn-burners. At the center of that sound is Hayes himself: a wise-beyond-his-years musician who knows he can’t move forward without taking a look at his past.

Genuine and articulate, Hayes comes from a long line of storytellers that includes his Grandpa Jack – a poet by profession – who gave Christian his first journal. Born and raised in the foothills of Appalachia, Hayes began playing guitar at age eight. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attended the University of Alabama.

Hayes recently signed with Capitol Records, as well as with William Morris Endeavor (WME) for booking, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) for publishing, Wildrose Projects for management and Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) for business management.

EMERGING ARTIST EMILY BROOKE RELEASES NEW ALBUM “ALL OF THE PIECES (unplugged)” – OUT NOW!

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Rising country-pop artist Emily Brooke releases her new album all of the pieces (unplugged). The album guides listeners through an emotional journey, reflecting on Brooke’s personal experiences with love and healing.

“I am so excited about the release of my new album all of the pieces (unplugged). I’ve been anticipating this for a long time and can’t wait for my fans to immerse themselves into the album,” Brooke shares.

all of the pieces (unplugged) captures the full spectrum of Brooke’s emotions through personal experiences. The album takes listeners on a journey from the thrill of new love to the pain of heartbreak. Each track unfolds in sequence, immersing the audience in the highs and lows of romance. The raw, textured, unplugged recordings create a captivating album from start to finish, fully capturing the emotion of each song. Her latest single releases, “if you didn’t notice” and “last to know” are featured on all of the pieces (unplugged) and set the tone for the rest of the album.
Hailing from the charming town of Wellington, Florida, Brooke has been making waves in Nashville as an upcoming country/pop singer-songwriter. Despite being only 26 years old, Emily has dedicated over a decade to her craft, immersing herself in the world of songwriting and performance. Her journey through the music industry is nothing short of impressive; she has graced the stage as an opener for some of the genre’s most celebrated artists, including Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, Ryan Hurd, Charles Kelley, Craig Campbell, Randy Houser, amongst others.

Brooke’s talent was evident early on in her career when, at just 17, she earned a spot as a Top 24 finalist on American Idol. This achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see her traveling back and forth between her hometown and Nashville. She has collaborated with esteemed songwriters like Jamie Floyd, Josh Kerr, and Hannah Ellis to craft her previous self-titled EP, which achieved notable success by charting at #11 on the iTunes Country Albums chart and #81 across all genres. Her move to Nashville was a pivotal step, transforming her from a promising young artist into a full-time resident of the heart of country music.

Brooke recently wrapped up the Nashville Country Cafe Tour, where she was the main featured artist performing throughout the Netherlands. The tour brought a taste of Nashville’s country music to European audiences, highlighting the charm and storytelling tradition of country music in an intimate theater setting and emulating a night in Nashville at the Bluebird Café. Her musical style was a unique blend of “sweet and sassy” with a distinct edge, creating a powerful synergy in both her songwriting and performances. This signature sound resonated with many, helping her grow to over 257k fans on social media.

ASHLEY McBRYDE SEARCHES FOR CONNECTION AMONG LOST LEGENDS AND EMPTY HORIZONS WITH “AIN’T ENOUGH COWBOY SONGS” ON DECEMBER 6

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Hailed as “country’s most down-to-earth songwriter” by The New York Times, CMA Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Ashley McBryde offers poetic nostalgia with “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs,” set for release Friday, December 6 via Warner Music Nashville.

Written by McBryde with Chris Harris and Patrick Savage, “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs” emerged from a shared feeling of loss and a desire to reconnect with timeless principles, longing for meaning and clarity in a changing world.

“In the last several years, we’ve all been feeling like something is missing. I noticed it in myself and then noticed it in most people I came in contact with. And we don’t always know how to articulate it,” McBryde admits. “For us, this song helped us do that. We are all starving to reconnect with the things that made us who we are. Sometimes that comes as our sense of justice and duty, maybe for some of us it’s work ethic, for some of us it’s a sense of community.

“When we got together to write, the three of us realized the cowboys we looked up to growing up made us want to be the way that we are – the music associated with them and the lives they lead,” she explains. “Those things fully embodied what I am starving for. There’s no substitute for hard work, resilience, kindness, standing up for and with folks in their weaker moments. There’s no substitute for knowing when to take it on the chin and when to give it. And no matter what else we may try to fill that hole with…there ain’t enough of it to ever resemble the real thing.”

Fans have been clamoring for the full version as McBryde has been teasing the release on social media, including a portion of the song’s live debut in Greeley, Colorado earlier this month, sparking comments such as, “Don’t be shy, drop the whole song,” “Stealing my heart one chord at a time,” and “I think it’s my new favorite song and I am chomping at the bit for it to get released!”

McBryde performed at the 58th Annual CMA Awards Wednesday, Nov. 20 ahead of a performance at the Grand Ole Opry on Dec. 3. She will perform with Cody Johnson in Las Vegas on Dec. 13 before joining him for his Leather Deluxe Tour in 2025 among festival dates at Stagecoach, Country Thunder Arizona and Country Thunder Florida.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT “THE 58TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS”

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“The 58th Annual CMA Awards” took center stage live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, celebrating excellence throughout the night with spectacular solo performances, mesmerizing collaborations, unforgettable surprises and record-breaking wins. Morgan Wallen wins CMA Entertainer of the Year for the first time, while Megan Moroney is crowned CMA New Artist of the Year. Brooks & Dunn and Chris Stapleton both tie for the most-winning CMA Award winners of all time, each with 19 total wins. With hosts Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson at the helm, the evening was filled with effortless humor and quick wit, as the newly formed trio’s remarkable chemistry kept the audience laughing and eagerly anticipating every moment.

Throughout the evening, Country’s biggest names performed, including electrifying solo performances by Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman, as well as groundbreaking collaborations by Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan, Dierks Bentley featuring Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Brooks & Dunn featuring Jelly Roll, Jelly Roll featuring Keith Urban, Ella Langley featuring Riley Green, Post Malone featuring Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims, Cody Johnson and surprise guest Carrie Underwood, and a celebration of 2024 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient George Strait, which included a surprise appearance from the King of Country himself alongside Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum and Chris Stapleton.

Winners were announced in 12 categories, presented by fellow Country stars and legends, actors and actresses, musicians, athletes, and internet personalities including Simone Biles, Clint Black, Jeff Bridges, Mark Collie, Jordan Davis, Freddie Freeman, Don Johnson, Jackson Laux, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Katharine McPhee, The Oak Ridge Boys, Taylor Frankie Paul, Carly Pearce, Caleb Pressley, Nate Smith, Daniel Sunjata, Mitchell Tenpenny and Billy Bob Thornton.

A complete list of winners from “The 58th Annual CMA Awards” can be found below. All balloting is tabulated by the professional services organization, Deloitte.

Watch the evening’s biggest performances now on YouTube. Starting tomorrow, catch the full show on Hulu. Media can access video footage, photos and additional assets from “The 58th Annual CMA Awards” at CMApress.com.

“The 58th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Alan Carter is the Director and Jon Macks is the Head Writer.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR  
Morgan Wallen

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

“White Horse” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Leather – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke

SONG OF THE YEAR
“White Horse”
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Chris Stapleton

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Old Dominion
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

Brooks & Dunn

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green)
Producer: Will Bundy

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Charlie Worsham – Guitar

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR 
“Wildflowers and Wild Horses” – Lainey Wilson
Director: Patrick Tracy

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR 
Megan Moroney

KELSEA + KAHAN: GRAMMY Nominees

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“Cowboys Cry Too” Up for “Best Country Duo/Group Performance”

Four-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini can now make it five. Receiving her first “Best Country Duo/Group Performance” nomination for “Cowboys Cry Too” with two-time GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter Noah Kahan. The pair’s inherent chemistry and willingness to probe people’s most vulnerable emotions connected with the GRAMMY voters in a palpable way.

Having come together with a “Stick Season” mash-up performance at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, Kahan and Ballerini recognized each other’s curiosity about the faltering places most of us face – and decided to collaborate further. That collaboration sees the 2024 “Best New Artist” GRAMMY nominee coming into the emerging country music superstar’s world to co-write a song that leaves space for grief, doubt and raw feelings.

“I’m just so proud of the heart of this song, and the vulnerability it celebrates and stands for,” Ballerini says of the duet that debuted at No. 27 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, was most added its first week, as well as amassing 12 million streams. “I believe a lot of people wish they could drop their armor, admit when they’re hurt or scared — and not feel like a failure for owning very human emotions.

“When Alysa (Vanderheym) and I were writing this last fall, there was a real feeling of freedom celebrating the scope of feelings. Noah adding his perspective and lyricism made it a different level, and I’m so grateful he added his magic and made this song what it is.”

The New York Times offered, “With string-band fiddle and mandolin set amid an arena-country march, Ballerini and Kahan praise vulnerability as a different form of toughness, one that’s not encouraged by family or culture,” People raved, “the artists bare it all, talking emotional suppression and stoic fathers, noting it’s OK to pour one out from time to time – ‘cause cowboys cry too’,” and American Songwriter praised the “beautifully crafted country song that hits all the right notes, from the fiddle to acoustic guitar;” AS also cited the duet’s power, “While this song could have worked with just Ballerini, Kahan’s verses punch it up and give it a new point of view. This expands the song beyond a single mindset, making it universally understood.”

Kahan embraced the process, saying, “It’s the writers who are willing to go to the awkward places that inspire me. Kelsea is one of those, and I knew if we could find something we both believed to sing, it would expand how we look at the way we live, what society decides and we should reject. ‘Cowboys Cry Too’ is everything I believed our collaboration could be.”

With Kahan’s vocal produced by Gabe Simon, Billboard notes that in spite of earlier collabs with Kacey Musgraves and others, the record, which features John Osborne on lead guitar, “(Kahan} has never sounded as comfortable picking up the cowboy hat as he does here.”

Both artists are TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Next and Saturday Night Live veterans, as well as all-genre GRAMMY “Best New Artist” nominations for following music instead of formats. “Cowboys Cry Too” shows the fluidity with which both Ballerini and Kahan inhabit their songs, delivering on their strengths as citizens of a global world that recognizes the critical need for a space that allows people to find shelter from the storm.

JAMEY JOHNSON RELEASES NEW ALBUM, MIDNIGHT GASOLINE

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Jamey Johnson releases his much-anticipated debut Warner Music Nashville album, Midnight Gasoline, today, marking his first new solo studio album in 14 years which is a collaboration with his label, Big Gassed Records, and Warner Music Nashville. It is also the first of his Cash Cabin Series, which is a collection of albums recorded at the famed studio in Hendersonville, TN, that was owned by Johnny and June Carter Cash and is now owned by their son, John Carter Cash.

Midnight Gasoline, known as Cash One, is a musical continuation of his last two solo studio albums, That Lonesome Song, which was certified platinum for 2 million in sales, and the gold-certified 2010 album, The Guitar Song, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart. Rolling Stone and Spin named The Guitar Song to their all-genre Top 5 Best Albums of the Year. (He also released a 2012 duets project, the GRAMMY-nominated Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran, and a Christmas EP.)

Johnson’s co-writers on this album include Jim “Moose” Brown, Dallas Davidson, Ira Dean, Dale Dodson, Rob Hatch, Randy Houser, Ajay Popoff, Jeremy Popoff, James Slater, Ernest Keith Smith, Chris Stapleton and Tony Jo White. Other songs were written by Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick, Kyle Fishman, Jeff Hyde, Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo and Troy Verges.

The album also contains “21 Guns,” “What a View,” “Trudy,” “Sober” and “Saturday Night in New Orleans,” all of which were released during the last few months.

COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER-SONGWRITER ROBBY JOHNSON’S NEW SINGLE “ROAD I’M ON” IS AVAILABLE NOW

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Country artist Robby Johnson is excited to release his new single, “Road I’m On,” today. This emotionally charged track intertwines themes of struggle, resilience, and the search for peace, starting with a powerful metaphor of life as an uphill battle. Johnson’s vivid lyrics recount his challenging childhood marked by his father’s absence and his mother’s sacrifices, setting the stage for an exploration of self-doubt and the lasting impact of early trauma. The chorus, “This road I’m on,” resonates as both a lament and an anthem of determination, highlighting how our past shapes our present.

“Road I’m On” is more than just a song; it’s my story,” Johnson shares. “Sometimes when we look at our past, it helps us appreciate what we have now with a deeper appreciation than you ever thought could be possible. Always remember, if things are tough, they will get better. Never give up.”

Johnson opens up with Cowboys & Indians about the pain from his youth, his journey into adulthood, and finding purpose.

The verses in “Road I’m On” tell Johnson’s transformation from a child with a “beaten up guitar” to a traveling musician, emphasizing music’s power as a form of healing. The song’s imagery—“a hole in his soul” and “running errands through my heart”—depicts deep, lasting pain while also expressing hope for peace.

After a decade of chasing songwriting dreams in Nashville, the release of Johnson’s Christmas song, “Oh! Santa, Please” brings a new holiday classic that is becoming a household favorite one listen at a time. Johnson has admitted after battling with self-doubt and the weight of unfulfilled aspirations despite years of family sacrifices, he found inspiration in an unexpected moment. The song, centered on asking Santa for the perfect gift, mirrors Johnson’s own journey and hope for a breakthrough. Completing the song took a stroke of divine inspiration, with the final, perfect hook arriving in a dream, proving that with the power of persistence, faith, and belief. breakthroughs often come when least expected. “Oh! Santa, Please” is now available on all streaming platforms.

“My family has made countless sacrifices for us to be in Nashville,” Johnson shares. “After feeling like I had let them down, I woke up to an incredible gift – a Christmas song that seemed to write itself.”

MIRANDA LAMBERT DROPS WHIMSICAL VIDEO FOR FAN-FAVORITE TRACK “ARMADILLO” FEATURING ARTIST CECI MULIA’S VISUAL STORYTELLING

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NPR’s “most accomplished and consistently great artist in contemporary country music” Miranda Lambert continues the creative streak around her latest critically acclaimed album, Postcards from Texas, with the release of a humorous new lyric video for fan-favorite track “Armadillo.” The video, a colorful celebration of Lambert’s signature blend of humor and raw Texas spirit, was created by cutting-edge artist Ceci Mulia who expands on Lambert’s knack for vivid storytelling with a playful twist. Watch HERE.

Lambert previously collaborated with Mulia on the popular lyric video for fellow Postcards from Texas track “Alimony,” released earlier this summer. Together, Mulia and Lambert have created a visual storyline that cleverly bridges the themes of both “Alimony” and “Armadillo.” The two distinct songs are united by Mulia’s imaginative style and ability to blend humor, surrealism and a distinct visual flair, capturing the essence of Lambert’s Texas-rooted tales, bringing the tracks’ characters and plots to life in a way that’s as witty as the music itself.

Both “Armadillo,” celebrated by Billboard as a “quirky, freewheeling tale [with] toggling pace and unabashedly country storyarc,” and “Alimony,” which the Associated Press praises as “such a rewarding lyric reversal, it feels almost prototypical – as if plucked from some great country music songbook instead of written into it,” serve to represent Lambert’s trademark sense of humor on the wide-ranging Postcards from Texas, which arrived earlier this fall via Republic Records. The album, lauded by Paste as “the best major-label country album of 2024,” continued her unbeaten streak of 10 consecutive Top 10s on the Top Country Albums chart.

About Miranda Lambert
Critically acclaimed groundbreaker/songwriter/superstar Miranda Lambert has defined her multi-faceted career as an artist, entertainer, entrepreneur, advocate and businesswoman with an unflinching quest for excellence, honesty and conviction. Her 10th solo studio album, Postcards from Texas, available everywhere now via Republic Records, continued her unbroken streak of 10 consecutive Top 10s on the Top Country Albums chart. The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, including their top honor for Entertainer of the Year, she has also won three GRAMMYs and 14 Country Music Association Awards. A TIME100 honoree and perennial best-of-the-year list maker at the New York Times, TIME, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Stereogum, People and more, NPR has called her “the most riveting country star of her generation.”

A multi-dimensional superstar, she’s earned seven No. 1 solo albums, 10 No. 1 hit radio singles, more than 80 prestigious awards and countless RIAA certifications; conquered Las Vegas with her twice-extended Velvet Rodeo residency; blurred genres with Leon Bridges, the B-52s, Loretta Lynn, Enrique Iglesias, Sheryl Crow and Elle King; and delivered her LGBTQ+ inclusive anthem “Y’All Means All” for Netflix’s “Queer Eye.” She’s taken those standards to become a New York Times bestselling author and the first female restaurateur on Lower Broadway with her Tex-Mex cantina Casa Rosa, while also expanding her creative reach with her Wanda June Home collection exclusive to Walmart and her Idyllwind clothing and boot line at Boot Barn. Her passion for rescue animals inspired the creation of her MuttNation Foundation, which has raised over $10 million since inception to promote adoption, support shelters across the country, advance spay & neuter and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & THE OAK RIDGE BOYS MEMBER JOE BONSALL’S FINAL BOOK ‘I SEE MYSELF: MUSINGS AND MEMORIES OF A BLESSED LIFE’ IS AVAILABLE NOW

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Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, and The Oak Ridge Boys member Joe Bonsall’s latest and final book ‘I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life’ is now available today through Fidelis Publishing LLC in hardbound, e-book, and audiobook formats wherever books are sold!

“‘I See Myself’ is just a collection of visions as I have searched through my mental archives, and they have manifested themselves, reminding me of a life well lived. I have simply followed the leads and written stuff down. I hope these little musings and memories will entertain and, hopefully, inspire you to follow your dreams,” Bonsall wrote.

As a fifty-year member of the legendary country music group The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall left an indelible mark on the music world. His final book, ‘I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life’ received his last sign-off just one week before his passing on July 9, 2024. Earlier this year, Bonsall had announced his retirement from touring due to his battle with a debilitating neuromuscular disorder, which eventually claimed his mobility. The memoir captures his reflections on the contrasts and crossroads of his life, from growing up in inner-city Philadelphia and running with a street gang to finding faith in Christ at a youth camp. His story embodies both the resilience and the joy of a life well-lived, from working as a short-order cook to performing in sold-out arenas and experiencing the heartbreaking limitations of ALS.

“We at Fidelis are honored to publish ‘I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life’ by the music legend Joe Bonsall. His life and career with one of the most successful Country/Gospel bands of all time is the definition of ‘inspirational.’ More so is his testimony about his walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which he did daily.” – Gary Terashita, COO and publisher, Fidelis Publishing, LLC, a company founded by LtCol Oliver L. North USMC (Ret.)

In I See Myself, Bonsall shares his journey through a series of heartfelt memories that showcase his unwavering faith in God and his ability to inspire others, even in the face of changing circumstances.

Known for his love of Southern Gospel music from a young age, Bonsall’s legacy extends beyond music to his deep connection with family, spending cherished moments with his wife and loved ones at their Hendersonville, Tennessee, home. I See Myself is now available for purchase everywhere books are sold.

At a special event held at The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum yesterday commemorating the book release of Bonsall’s memoir, ‘I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life,’ authors, artists, media, and fans alike came together to celebrate his final project. The event was sponsored by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms and paid tribute to Bonsall’s lasting influence on the music industry. The event, led by hosts Deborah Evans-Price and Jimmy Wayne, featured an engaging Q&A session with The Oak Ridge Boys, offering fans insight into Bonsall’s journey. The intimate gathering included support from artists such as Larry and Rudy Gatlin, Tenille Arts, John Berry, T. Graham Brown, and Brooke Aldridge, as well as authors Ken Abraham, Scott McKain, and Peter W. Rosenberger, creating an unforgettable event honoring Bonsall’s remarkable career.