ENTERTAINER
KELSEA BALLERINI
Five-time Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, producer and Coach on NBC’s The Voice, Kelsea Ballerini embodies “the type of permanent superstardom” (The Tennessean). Following her No.1 debut on Billboard’s Country Albums chart with her Patterns (2024), Ballerini continues to earn praise. She was coined an “arena-country” (New York Times) bona fide star as the “engaging and effervescent entertainer” (Billboard) boasted a sold-out Madison Square Garden during her 36date arena tour as “Cowboys Cry Too (with Noah Kahan)” climbs at Country radio.
LUKE COMBS
“A bona fide country music superstar” –Rolling Stone
“Luke Combs has made a habit out of making history” –Billboard
“One of the genre’s biggest success stories of the modern era” –Under the Radar
“One of the hottest names in country music” –Forbes
“Has set a standard for breakthrough stadium-filling artistry” –Tennessean
CODY JOHNSON
“Johnson’s superstardom will sustain itself because he embodies a culture and genre bigger than his Texas-tattooed heart.” –Tennessean
“… intent on delivering his kind of traditional country music, giving fans a show to remember, and just maybe bridging some gaps.” –Rolling Stone
“Johnson proved that he’s the next big throwback thing in country. His performance showcased the kineticism of Kenny Chesney, the earnestness of Garth Brooks, and the warmth of Alan Jackson.” –Minneapolis Star Tribune
JELLY ROLL
Sold-out Beautifully Broken Arena Tour
“One of the biggest superstars of country music … Jelly Roll is quickly becoming: America’s Counselorin-Chief.” –Variety
“There are few stars bigger than Jelly Roll.” –People
“Not only has Jelly Roll become one of the most successful new artists in country music in 2024, but he’s also been one of the genre’s most prolific voices” –Billboard
“There is no understating the authenticity of Jelly Roll.” –USA Today
CHRIS STAPLETON
“One of the most reliably compelling figures in modern music” –NPR Music
“Stapleton is the rare country star with both traditional bona fides and broad commercial appeal. He has an outlaw soul and a pop star’s capacity for inescapable hooks.” –New Yorker
“In an age rife with division, he’s maybe the only thing Americans all agree on … one of the most reliable hit makers in music.” –GQ
“One of the most consistent quantities in country music.” –Vulture
MORGAN WALLEN
“The biggest country star in the world.” –Billboard
“Morgan Wallen’s country dominance is clear.” –Forbes
“Wallen’s success is a key driver in country music currently having its umpteenth ‘moment.’” –The Times
In 2024, Wallen concluded his One Night At A Time Tour, which became the largest country tour in history with over 3.1 million fans in attendance across 87 shows, 51 stadium plays, 10 countries and three continents.
LAINEY WILSON
“One of country music’s brightest stars.” –Billboard
“The reigning current standard-bearer for women in country.” –Variety
“Wilson is nothing short of a force of nature when she wraps her hands around a microphone.” -–American Songwriter
FEMALE
KELSEA BALLERINI
“Ballerini has long displayed her masterful ability to take even the biggest stages and make them seem like intimate, living room performances thanks to her bold vulnerability” (Billboard). Multi-platinum, five-time Grammy-nominated entertainer Kelsea Ballerini boasts more than 7.5 billion career streams as she continues her 36-date headlining, allfemale arena tour, paving her way as “one of Nashville’s finest” (Vulture).
ELLA LANGLEY
Ella Langley’s debut album was ranked one of the best albums of 2024 by: New York Times, Rolling Stone, Holler, All Country News, Taste of Country & Whiskey Riff.
“One of country’s most promising new stars.” –Grammy.com
“Ella Langley had the biggest year.” –CountryChord
“Hungover showed the full range of her country powers and made for one of the best debuts this year.” –Rolling Stone
“Ella Langley doesn’t tiptoe around the wounds; she finds a way to dig them deeper while locking eyes, dispassionately and proudly.” –New York Times
MEGAN MORONEY
Crowned “The Gen Z Country Queen We Need” by Rolling Stone for good reason. Reaching multi-platinum heights with sold-out tours, she surpassed 2.5 billion streams and debuted Top 10 on the Billboard 200 with Am I Okay? It’s no wonder Us Weekly professed the LP, “ought to make her a household name,” and Esquire proclaimed, “her voice will slay you.” In 2025, “Country’s ‘emo cowgirl’ takes the world by storm,” according to NME.
KACEY MUSGRAVES
“Musgraves is once again paving her own path: her country has become folk, her songs are pretty and delicate with lyrics that find profundity in mundanity.” –AP
“She knows that the greatest country songs ever written aim to provide tidy answers to the thorniest questions of existence.” –Washington Post
“This is Musgraves at her finest, mentally and musically.” –American Songwriter
LAINEY WILSON
“The reigning current standard–bearer for women in country.” –Variety
“Lainey Wilson continues her reign as country’s current queen.” –Grammy.com
“Her music has a blend of brawn, heart, and willingness to upend the status quo that’s not only listenable, but also the kind of thing you can’t help but root for.” –Rolling Stone
MALE
LUKE COMBS
“The best country singer of his generation.” –Esquire
“A bona fide country music superstar.” –Rolling Stone
“One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today
“Combs continues to prove himself to be a top talent in the industry.” –American Songwriter
“He’s emerged as the field’s much-loved everyman with hits that country aficionados could not possibly resist.” –Wall Street Journal
CODY JOHNSON
“As a crooner, Johnson may have one of the underrated best vocal styles in music overall. When he grounds his feet and sets his mind to it, he unleashes a stunning instrument that leaves his crowd in awe.” –Tennessean
“With steady-handed touring and his hard-charging, energetic stage show has aided in building Johnson’s reputation as one of the traditional country music’s tip-of-the-spear torchbearers.” –Billboard
“The future of country music is in good hands with Cody Johnson.” –Seattle Times
JELLY ROLL
“Outlaw superstar.”–GQ
“From inmate to icon.” –People
“Jelly Roll’s stardom represents how country’s modern era has aesthetically and sonically evolved.” –Tennessean
“Not since Merle Haggard and Johnny Paycheck has mainstream country music seen an artist who’s sung about being on the wrong side of the law or its consequences, let alone done time there. Jelly Roll’s authenticity creates a fierce bond with the audience that fires this kind of rapt devotion.” –Variety
CHRIS STAPLETON
“The most-gifted pure singer in country music.” –Rolling Stone
“With his bluesy, rangy growl, Stapleton has a once-in-a-generation voice.” –Billboard
“It’s hard to find a voice that is more powerful, soulful and honest in any genre than Stapleton.” –Tennessean
MORGAN WALLEN
“He’s managed incredible feats that few in his genre before him came close to.” –Forbes Wallen dominated the charts in 2024, as Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time landed at No. 1 and No. 6 on Billboard’s No. 1 Albums of the 21st Century, respectively. He also became the first artist ever to have two albums spend over 100 weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart.
DUO
BROOKS & DUNN
Country’s best-selling duo have made a lasting impact with 20 No. 1s, a Grammy-winning catalog and the most ACM wins by a duo. Their acclaimed new album Reboot II features today’s top artists reimagining classics like “Neon Moon” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” spanning genres and generations. The Country Music Hall of Famers continue to sell out arenas and amphitheaters across the country and will bring the Neon Moon Tour nationwide this summer.
BROTHERS OSBORNE
“With TJ’s intoxicating baritone and John’s guitar fireworks, Brothers Osborne has become one of Nashville’s most beloved duos.” –Garden & Gun
“Groundbreaking sonic work is commonplace for the duo.” –Tennessean
“Their sound is instantly recognizable and fully their own.” –Nashville Scene
“One of the key qualities that has driven Brothers Osborne to success is their ability to write songs that are as clever and unapologetically real as they are” –American Songwriter
DAN + SHAY
The reigning, four-time ACM Awards Duo of the Year and three-time Grammy Award-winning duo Dan + Shay have become global superstars, amassing nearly 13 billion streams globally, and 139 worldwide career multiplatinum, platinum and gold sales certifications to date, including 60 US RIAA and 81 international awards. In the 12-plus years since they formed, Dan + Shay have released six studio albums and notched 11 No. 1 singles at Country radio.
MUSCADINE BLOODLINE
“Two of country music’s liveliest entertainers, and a duo deadset on creating their career on their own terms.” –Billboard
“One of the strongest country albums of 2024, heavy on introspection and songwriting depth.” –Rolling Stone
“The genre’s most dynamic duo.” –All Country News
“An absolute force on the country music scene.” –Whiskey Riff
THE WAR AND TREATY
“One of the most riveting acts in country and Americana music.” –American Songwriter “Giants of country music with the pipes to back it up.” –Associated Press “... a glorious and rich blend of soul, gospel, and country … they’ve already been expanding the genre’s parameters, and their honey-dipped harmonies and brave honesty are damn near irresistible.” –Esquire
“One of the most exciting live acts in American music.” –Los Angeles Times “Every time they touch a stage, anywhere, the live tour crowds spontaneously burst into standing ovations.” –Tennessean
GROUP
FLATLAND CAVALRY
LITTLE BIG TOWN
“Little Big Town is not only Nashville royalty … but a designated ambassador to the wider music universe.” –Billboard
“The quartet has created a legacy in their two decades together, releasing soulful ballads and jovial party starters that have helped the three-time Grammy winners become one of the most critically acclaimed country groups of their generation.” –Grammy.com
“Precision has been Little Big Town’s hallmark.” –New York Times
OLD DOMINION
Old Dominion’s skyscraping anthems and electrifying live shows have propelled the multi-platinum band to the forefront of country music. They cemented their status as enduring Nashville hitmakers with their greatest-hits compilation Odies But Goodies (September 2024), while raising $1.25M for charity with a residency at the Ryman Auditorium this February. Their massive How Good Is That World Tour will hit amphitheaters and stadiums nationwide this summer. With 10 consecutive Group of the Year nominations, Old Dominion is the seven-time reigning ACM Group of the Year.
RASCAL FLATTS
“... their music has been the soundtrack to huge moments and milestones for fans all over the world.” –E! News
“One of country music’s most-beloved acts.” –Parade
“If there is one thing that hasn’t changed about Rascal Flatts in their years as a band, it’s their ears for infectious country pop with rich musical arrangements and lyrics that cut deep.” –CMT
“The trio have an incredible decades-long music legacy.” –People
THE RED CLAY STRAYS
Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, The Red Clay Strays have emerged as one of music’s fastest-rising bands, straddling Southern rock riffs, tender-hearted soul music, and tried-and-true country crooning. In 2024, they released their acclaimed sophomore album, Made By These Moments, produced by nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb. Featuring standout singles “Wanna Be Loved,” “I’m Still Fine,” and “Drowning,” the album marked their first Billboard 200 entry and hit Top 10 on the Top Country Albums Chart.
NEW FEMALE
KASSI ASHTON
“Kassi Ashton is as self-assured as she is unapologetic, and her debut album ‘Made from the Dirt’ is no exception.” –People
“With a voice that can belt and break with the bluesy propulsion of Adele, emote like Beyoncé and capture the heartbreak of Patsy Cline, she’s breaking the mold of what it means to work within the Nashville system” –Rolling Stone
ASHLEY COOKE
“Ashton is a force to be reckoned with.” –Taste of Country
The 2025 CRS New Faces of Country Music honoree and 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards Best New Country Artist nominee Ashley Cooke soars to prominence with sizzling new Joe Jonas collab, RIAA gold No. 1 “your place,” and tours with Cody Johnson and Kane Brown.
“Making a name for herself around Nashville for her honeyed vocals and personal songwriting.” –American Songwriter
“A promising Nashville up-and-comer.” –Los Angeles Times “A fast-rising star in the country world.” –People
DASHA
Since childhood, Dasha never doubted she’d make it in music – only when. In 2024, “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” skyrocketed her career, earning a People’s Choice Country Award and becoming one of the year’s most-streamed country songs. She sold out her first global headlining tour and performed at Stagecoach, CMA Fest, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now, she’s gearing up for a massive 2025 tour with Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett and Dylan Scott.
ELLA LANGLEY
“Langley delivers a master class in how to create old-school country music in a brand new way.” –Taste of Country “Ella Langley’s debut album hungover is nothing short than inspiring. The album arrives like a breath of fresh country air, redefining the genre’s boundaries with a remarkable blend of raw authenticity and polished artistry. –AllCountryNews “an intrepid artist with a fully developed perspective and a fine-tuned sound.” –Billboard
JESSIE MURPH
20-year-old powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Jessie Murph had an incredible 2024 with the release of her debut album That Ain’t No Man It’s the Devil. Continuing to dominate the road in 2025, she will make her Coachella debut and embark on a summer headline tour. Jessie’s collaborations have also heated up the charts. Her collaboration “High Road” with country outlaw Koe Weztel topped the Country radio chart becoming the first song by a female artist to top the chart with a debut entry since Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope” in 2020. Jessie’s blockbuster anthem “Wild Ones” with Jelly Roll has also reached RIAA-Platinum status and scored Jessie two nominations at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards including Best Pop Collaboration for “Wild Ones” and Best PUSH Artist.
NEW MALE
GAVIN ADCOCK
Gavin Adcock’s Actin’ Up Again album was crowned the biggest major-label country debut from a solo male artist released in 2024. With more than 15 million on-demand U.S. streams the week of release, the project was also 2024’s top streaming major-label debut across the whole genre. With more than 832 million US streams to date, Adcock is currently on his entirely sold-out date headline tour with +100k tickets sold.
SHABOOZEY
Shaboozey is redefining country music with his sound, seamlessly blending country influences into a style all his own. His breakout success propelled him into the spotlight, fueled by the massive popularity of “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which is RIAA-certified platinum (8x). With his innovative storytelling and undeniable presence, Shaboozey continues to push boundaries, captivating audiences and cementing his place as one of the most exciting new voices in music.
ZACH TOP
“Zach Top is Crafting Country’s Future” –Billboard
“Top is country music’s next big thing” –American Songwriter
“It’s clear that Zach Top isn’t just reviving traditional country—he’s making it the hottest thing in town.”
–MusicRow
“Zach Top is more than just a promising artist—he’s a torchbearer for country music’s rich heritage.”
–All Country Music
TUCKER WETMORE
“At the forefront of country music’s crop of newcomers” –Billboard
“This guy is going to be a megastar. Get familiar with the name now.” –Barstool Sports
“A quick study of modern tastes, naturally adept at toeing the line between country music, Western culture and global popularity.” –The Tennessean
“Everything he touches turns to gold.” –Country Central
Named an Artist to Watch by Spotify, Billboard, MusicRow, Opry, VEVO & more.
BAILEY ZIMMERMAN
“Has gone from burgeoning TikTok star to bona fide hit-maker and, now, Billboard’s inaugural country Rookie of the Year.” –Billboard
“That working-class realness comes across natural and unforced in Zimmerman’s recordings, which often combine country melodies and lyrics about heartbreak with darker, grunge-inspired rock underpinnings.” –Rolling Stone
“Now, he’s had some of the biggest songs of the past year, not just in the country realm but on the all-genre charts.” –Variety
“When Religiously: The Album came out in May, its first week won Zimmerman credit for having the biggest streaming debut album of the year in any genre up to that point in 2023, along with, not incidentally, the best streaming bow for any debut country album, ever.” –Variety
“Also rare is the way Zimmerman has been an exception, not the rule, in parlaying being a smash on TikTok into becoming a smash by the standard measures of radio and streaming.” –Variety
NEW DUO/GROUP
RESTLESS ROAD
Made up of three different but complementary voices, Restless Road has received praise from American Songwriter, People, Taste of Country and more. The band’s “flawless harmonies and individual vocal talents” (Billboard) have accumulated over 375 million cumulative career streams and amassed a following of over five million across social media. They’ve performed on ABC’s The Bachelor, NBC’s Today and were named as one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists To Watch and Opry’s NextStage Artists
THE RED CLAY STRAYS
Hailing from Mobile, AL, The Red Clay Strays have emerged as one of music’s fastest-rising bands, straddling Southern rock riffs, tender-hearted soul music, and tried-and-true country crooning. In 2024, they released their acclaimed sophomore album, Made By These Moments, produced by nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb. Featuring standout singles “Wanna Be Loved,” “I’m Still Fine,” and “Drowning,” the album marked their first Billboard 200 entry and hit Top 10 on the Top Country Albums Chart.
TREATY OAK REVIVAL
The five-piece band from Odessa, Texas, has over one billion streams with two self-released albums. The band dominates country and rock with 18,000 albums sold weekly. Have A Nice Day charted on the Billboard 200, while their latest single, “Bad State of Mind,” entered the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Chart and Spotify Viral 50 USA. On tour, they’re selling out 15,000 capacity venues and performing at festivals like Stagecoach and Bonnaroo.
ALBUM
Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine), Megan Moroney
Megan Moroney’s Deluxe Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) features the platinum “Am I Okay?” and gold “No Caller ID.”
The original release captured No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the Top Country Albums Chart. Associated Press raved her “charms grow stronger,” while Los Angeles Times hailed it as “a sharply rendered set of dark yet witty country songs.” Variety assured it, “establishes that she’s one of traditional-leaning country’s best and brightest new standard-bearers.”
Beautifully Broken, Jelly Roll
Debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200 All Genre Chart
Features 2x Grammy-nominated No. 1 song “I Am Not Okay, six-week NO. 1 “Liar” and current radio single “Heart Of Stone”
“Best Country Albums of 2024: Jelly Roll is changing the contours of what great country music can be” –Billboard
“Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken expands genre’s potential” –The Tennessean “Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken Offers Country Music a Reset, by aggressively prioritizing mental health > partying”
Variety
Cold Beer & Country Music, Zach Top
“The music is airtight and fluent — a demonstration of vivid coloring within hard lines” –The New York Times “A cohesive, no-skips album where every track holds its own” –Billboard “Star-making tunes” –The Tennessean “Top has captured lightning in a bottle with Cold Beer & Country Music, and that lightning could scorch the path for the genre for the decade to come.” –Holler
F-1 Trillion, Post Malone
F-1 Trillion landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with tracks including “Guy For That” featuring Luke Combs, “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton and mega-smash “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen. “I Had Some Help” crash-landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tallying “the highest weekly sales and streams since 2020” and remained at No. 11 for six consecutive weeks. F-1 Trillion garnered Grammy nominations for Best Country Album and Best Recording Package, in addition to paving the way for his summer 2025 Big Ass Stadium Tour
Whirlwind, Lainey Wilson
“Her music has a blend of brawn, heart, and willingness to upend the status quo that’s not only listenable, but also the kind of thing you can’t help but root for” –Rolling Stone
“The best release of her career” –The Tennessean “She’s becoming a major headlining country star and this album feels like it’s cementing that position” -–NPR Music
“The album is bold and fun, with Wilson clearly feeling her own strength, delivering songs that are sassy, clever, occasionally emotional and thoroughly country” –Billboard
SINGLE
“A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey
Shaboozey is redefining country music with his sound, seamlessly blending country influences into a style all his own. His breakout success propelled him into the spotlight, fueled by the massive popularity of “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which is RIAA-certified platinum (8x). With his innovative storytelling and undeniable presence, Shaboozey continues to push boundaries, captivating audiences and cementing his place as one of the most exciting new voices in music.
“Dirt Cheap,” Cody Johnson
The No. 1 single written by Josh Phillips and produced by Trent Willmon set a career benchmark for Cody the week it went to the top of the charts with 215 million global streams. The song was awarded Storyteller of The Year at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards.
“I
Had Some Help,” Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
“Morgan Wallen and country music newcomer Post Malone’s hit ‘I Had Some Help’ conquers the Billboard Hot 100.” –Forbes
“Country with a capital C.” –NPR
“The most dominant single of the year so far.” –New York Times
“White Horse,” Chris Stapleton
“A rocking reminder that Stapleton is one of the greatest voices we’ve got.” –Rolling Stone
“A barnstorming southern-rock anthem bursting with multiple guitar solos and a colossal chorus.” –Vulture
“This is classic Stapleton – a bluesy moan that slowly burns its way into a hard-charging rocker, aided and abetted by Stapleton’s bruising voice.” –Billboard
“You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley, Riley Green
“Totally charming, original and like nothing else currently on the radio.” –Billboard
“It’s an instant classic.” –Country Chord
“A certified hit.” –Whiskey Riff
“This dynamic duo has struck a chord with country music enthusiasts everywhere.” –Cowgirl Magazine
“Hands down, Riley Green and Ella Langley were the country duo of the year.” –Whiskey Riff
SONG
“4x4xU,” Lainey Wilson, writers: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Wilson “Picture-painting verses and sweeping choruses.” –Tennessean
“A breezy ode to lasting love.” –Rolling Stone
“The song has groove, filling the loved-up opus with an infectious energy.” –Holler
“The Architect,” Kacey Musgraves, writers: Shane McAnally, Musgraves, Josh Osborne
“A record that rewards repeat listens.” –Vogue
“What she landed on feels both cozy and exploratory – a homecoming disguised as a vision quest.” –Los Angeles Times
“Putting it on my list of year-end ‘best-of’ consideration.” –NPR
“Softly hypnotic and well-written … another musical triumph.” –Billboard
“Dirt Cheap,” Cody Johnson, writer: Josh Phillips
“A masterful country performance on every level. The tug-at-your-heartstrings lyric is powerful enough, but Johnson’s delivery kicks it into another realm. A superstar at work.” –Bob Oermann, MusicRow
“I Had Some Help,” Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, writers: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters, Ryan Vojtesak
“A country rocker with a faster pace than Wallen’s biggest hits and more twang than Posty’s typical oeuvre.” –Billboard
“Their roster is fleshed out by an all-star crew of writers and producers who give the song a breezy, Tom Petty-like melodic rush.” –Billboard
“The track boasts abundant hooks and a contagious momentum.” –Stereogum “Nashville subject matter, storytelling, session players and stars.” –New York Times
“You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley, Riley Green writers: Green, Langley, Aaron Raitiere
Ranked one of the best songs of 2024 by: Billboard, Variety, Los Angeles Times, Cosmopolitan, Holler, Wide Open Country, Country Wire and Whiskey Riff
“2024 undoubtedly belonged to ‘You Look Like You Love Me.’” –Holler
“A fantastic display of the young artist’s boldness and creative assuredness.” –Music Row
“Langley and Green’s country drawls, confidence and humor make for an ace pairing.” –Billboard
MUSIC EVENT
“Cowboys Cry Too,” Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan
Nominated for “Best Country Duo/Group Performance” at the 2025 Grammy Awards, “Cowboys Cry Too (with Noah Kahan)” harmoniously joins two of American music’s most recognizable vocalists, Kelsea Ballerini and Kahan. With more than 150 million streams to date, the “tender duet that values sensitivity in its storytelling” (Billboard) continues to climb at Country radio.
“I Had Some Help,” Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
Over two billion global streams.
“Mega-collab that looks to be on its way to being [Post’s] biggest yet.” –Billboard
“Post Malone is getting his yeehaw groove on with the help of a friend.” –USA Today
“A barroom rave-up by Malone with Wallen that’s more honky-tonk than hip-hop.” –State
“I’m Gonna Love You,” Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
“Cody carries the melody while Carrie harmonizes perfectly on this lovely romantic outing. The piano ballad is a beautifully crafted piece of songwriting, and these two singers make the most of it. An instant wedding classic.” –Bob Oermann, MusicRow
Music critics have praised “I’m Gonna Love You,” claiming it as a “classic country duet” blending Cody’s “charismatic baritone” with Carrie’s “commanding delivery.”
“We Don’t Fight Anymore,” Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton
“Masterful.” –Rolling Stone
“Both are such glorious singers that you hang on every line.” –MusicRow
“If a song could make bones ache, ‘We Don’t Fight Anymore’ would do it.” –Billboard
“The pair’s vocals effortlessly soar together.” –Holler
“You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley, Riley Green
Rising Country maverick Ella Langley had everyone buzzing from her now RIAA certified platinum song with Riley Green. It quickly emerged as Ella’s most-streamed song to date (390 million streams) and the duo’s highest debut on the Billboard Hot 100 (peaked at No. 30). It hit 10 billion TikTok views, and went No. 1 at Country radio, ending the longest break (of 51 weeks) between women topping the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
VISUAL MEDIA
“4x4xU,” Lainey Wilson
“Picture-painting verses and sweeping choruses.” –Tennessean
“A breezy ode to lasting love.” –Rolling Stone
“The song has groove, filling the loved-up opus with an infectious energy.” –Holler
“Dirt Cheap,” Cody Johnson
Cody again teamed up with award-winning director Duston Haney for this video. The No. 1, platinum-selling hit has reached nearly 300 million global streams.
“I’m Gonna Love You,” Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood
The video was shot in Wells, NV by award-winning director Dustin Haney. The song reigned at No. 1 for two weeks and garnered more than 200 million global streams and counting. Written by Chris Stevens, Kelly Archer and Travis Denning, the song became Cody’s fourth No. 1 hit and the 29th No. 1 for Carrie.
“Think I’m In Love With You,” Chris Stapleton
“Jubilant … It’s both sad and joyous, but it renders an afterlife so comforting that we’d almost be happy to hasten our demise.” –Rolling Stone
“It’s always refreshing to see a music video that is full of actual creativity.” –Whiskey Riff
“A sonic snapshot of all his best qualities. From the husky opening ‘baby!’ into the question of ‘do you ever wonder?,’ Stapleton quickly and perfectly sets the stage for his story to unfold.” –Billboard
“Totally awesome. A groove-soaked, rump shaking, classic soul sound. Stapleton is an artist who grips you tightly with every note he sings.” –MusicRow
“You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley, Riley Green
“Directed by Wales Toney, John Park and Langley, the video captures a classic western feeling complete with some fantastic costuming, set-design and cinematography.” –Country Chord
“[They] bring the storytelling lyrics to life in the cinematic Wild West-themed ‘Video of the Year’ worthy music video.” –Music Mayhem
“The two Alabama natives turned the production into a celebration of the Yellowhammer State, also welcoming fellow statesman and singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson.” –Holler
ARTIST-SONGWRITER
LUKE COMBS
“Powerhouse vocalist and songwriter.” –Rolling Stone
“One of music’s mightiest voices and a hitmaking force arguably unlike any seen out of Nashville this century.” –USA Today
“That’s what Luke Combs is so great at … adapting and humanizing and updating these stories that we’ve heard a million times before so they feel good to us now.” –NPR Music
ERNEST
Thirteen No. 1s as an artist and writer.
“A writer of hit songs and an emerging star in his own right.” –New York Times
“One of the most sought-after songwriters in country music.” –American Songwriter
“Being the country artist responsible for the most chart-friendly and B-side singalong moments of the year is a unique honor.” –Tennessean
HARDY
“One of Nashville’s most successful songwriters.” –Los Angeles Times
“Hardy is … an infusion of energy.” –New Yorker
“Country audiences have fallen hard for [Hardy], and songs like ‘One Beer’ and ‘Wait in the Truck; eventually became era-defining hits.” –Vanity Fair
“He’s a rock star … with a country pedigree.”–Tennessean
MORGAN WALLEN
“There’s heartfelt hardship and classic songcraft at the root of Wallen’s work.” –The Times
“Wallen’s catalog of pop hits is undeniable” –Tennessean
LAINEY WILSON
“To talk to Wilson is to witness a bona fide storyteller at work.” –Glamour
“Taking the time to hone her craft, she’s drilled down on the art of songwriting, telling relatable stories while forging ahead on a unique path paved entirely on her own terms.” –Forbes
“Delivering songs that are sassy, clever, occasionally emotional and thoroughly country.” –Billboard
ADDITIONAL
SONGWRITER
STUDIO RECORDING AWARDS
JESSI ALEXANDER
ASHLEY GORLEY
JOSH OSBORNE
JESSIE JO DILLON
CHASE MCGILL
ADDITIONALNOMINEES
Note: Voting in the following categories is not open to the full Academy membership.
INDUSTRY AWARDS
CASINO –THEATER
Deadwood Mountain Grand – Deadwood, SD • Foxwoods Resort Casino – Mashantucket, CT • Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – Cherokee, NC • The Theater at Virgin Hotels –Las Vegas • Yaamava’ Theater – Highland, CA
Golden Nugget Lake Charles – Lake Charles, LA • Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena – Atlantic City, NJ • Harveys Lake Tahoe – Stateline, NV • Mystic Lake Casino Showroom – Prior Lake, MN • Turning Stone Resort Casino – Verona, NY
ARENA
C2C Country to Country – London, England • CMC Rocks – Ipswich, Queensland • Stagecoach Festival – Indio, CA • Two Step Inn – Georgetown, TX • Windy City Smokeout – Chicago
Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB • California Mid-State Fair – Paso Robles, CA •Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, WY • Minnesota State Fair – Falcon Heights, MN • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Houston
Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX • Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville • Cain’s Ballroom –Tulsa, OK • Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA •Joe’s on Weed St. – Chicago
The Caverns – Pelham, TN •MGM Music Hall at Fenway – Boston • The Met Philadelphia –Philadelphia • The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee Tennessee Theater – Knoxville, TN
OUTDOOR VENUE
BankNH Pavilion – Gilford, NH • CMAC - Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY • Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL • The Wharf Amphitheater –Orange Beach, AL •Whitewater Amphitheater – New Braunfels, TX
Dickies Arena – Fort Worth, TX • Moody Center – Austin, TX • TD Garden – Boston • ThompsonBoling Arena at Food City Center – Knoxville, TN •Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
DON ROMEO TALENT BUYER
Deana Baker • Bobby Clay •Gil Cunningham • Weston Hebert •Stacy Vee • Taylor Williamson
Brent Fedrizzi • Alex Maxwell • Patrick McDill • Anna-Sophie Mertens • Rich Schaefer • Aaron Spalding PRODUCER
Accomplishments,
CASINO –
ARENA