54th Annual ACM Award Nominees Revealed

The Academy of Country Music announced today the nominees for the 54TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, honoring country music’s superstars and hottest emerging talent. Iconic entertainer and sixteen-time ACM Award® winner Reba McEntire will return to host LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.

This year will also mark the return of the ACM Artist of the Decade Honor which will be announced in the coming weeks. Only five other honorees have received this award, including Marty Robbins in 1969, Loretta Lynn in 1979, Alabama in 1988, Garth Brooks in 1998 and George Strait in 2009.

Reba McEntire appeared live today on “CBS This Morning” to announce this year’s ACM Award nominees for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Duo of the Year, Group of the Year and Song of the Year. Reba also revealed nominees for Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year on Facebook Live on her Facebook page, which was shared on Academy of Country Music’s Facebook page and CBS This Morning’s Facebook page. Additional nominees were announced on ETonline.com.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

DUO OF THE YEAR
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
LOCASH
Maddie & Tae

GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum
LANCO
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Danielle Bradbery
Lindsay Ell
Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jimmie Allen
Luke Combs
Jordan Davis
Michael Ray
Mitchell Tenpenny

NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
High Valley
LANCO
Runaway June

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Dan + Shay – Dan + Shay
Producers: Scott Hendricks / Dan Smyers / Matt Dragstrem
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

Desperate Man – Eric Church
Producers: Jay Joyce / Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Record Label: EMI Records Nashville

From A Room: Volume 2 – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb / Chris Stapleton
Record Label: Mercury Nashville

Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves
Producers: Ian Fitchuk / Daniel Tashian / Kacey Musgraves
Record Label: MCA Nashville

The Mountain – Dierks Bentley
Producers: Ross Copperman / Jon Randall Stewart / Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Down to the Honky Tonk – Jake Owen
Producer: Joey Moi
Record Label: Big Loud Records

Heaven – Kane Brown
Producer: Dann Huff / Polow Da Don
Record Label: RCA Nashville

Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Wilshire for Rock The Soul Ent
Record Label: Warner Bros. Records

Most People Are Good – Luke Bryan
Producers: Jeff Stevens / Jody Stevens
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Tequila – Dan + Shay
Producers: Scott Hendricks / Dan Smyers
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
Break Up In The End – Cole Swindell
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon / Chase McGill / Jon Nite
Publishers: EMI April Music Inc. / Nite Writer Music (ASCAP) / Songs of Universal, Inc. / Plum Nelly (BMI) / Big Music Machine (BMI)/ Big Ass Pile Of Dimes Music (BMI)

Broken Halos – Chris Stapleton
Writers: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton
Publishers: WB Music Corp./House of Sea Gayle Music, admin. by ClearBox Rights/Spirit Catalog Holdings, S.a.r.l. admin. by Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP); Straight Six Music (BMI)

Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
Writers: David Garcia, Tyler Hubbard, Joshua Miller, Bebe Rexha
Publishers: BMG Platinum Songs/Kiss Me If You Can Music (BMI) (all rights administered by BMG Rights Management (US) LLC) Big Loud Mountain (BMI) and T Hubb Publishing (BMI). All Rights Administered by Round Hill Works. Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. on behalf of itself and Songs of the Corn and Jack 10 Publishing. Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com)

Space Cowboy – Kacey Musgraves
Writers: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves
Publishers: Smack Hits/Smack Songs, admin by Kobalt Music Group ltd. (GMR); Universal Music Works/We Are Creative NBaSmack Hits/Smack Songs, LLC, admin. by Kobalt Music Group Ltd. (GMR); Universal Music Works/We Are Creative Nation/Jake and Mack Music, admin. by Universal Music Works; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./351 Music (BMI).

Tequila – Dan + Shay
Writers: Nicolle Galyon / Jordan Reynolds / Dan Smyers
Publishers: Beats and Banjos (ASCAP), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP), A Girl Named Charlie (BMI) / Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI) / Buckeye26 (ASCAP) / Jreynmusic (ASCAP)

Yours – Russell Dickerson
Writers: Casey Brown / Russell Dickerson / Parker Welling
Publishers: BMG Platinum Songs/Kailey’s Dream / So Essential Tunes / Not Just Another Song Publishing / Hillbilly Science and Research Publishing/Trailerlily Music

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
Babe – Sugarland featuring Taylor Swift
Producer: Roger Hunt
Director: Anthony Mandler

Burn Out – Midland
Producer: Ben Skipworth
Director: TK McKamy / Cameron Duddy

Burning Man – Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne
Producer: Nate Eggert
Director: Wes Edwards

Drunk Girl – Chris Janson
Producer: Ben Skipworth
Director: Jeff Venable

Shoot Me Straight – Brothers Osborne
Producer: April Kimbrell
Director: Wes Edwards / Ryan Silver

Tequila – Dan + Shay
Producer: Christen Pinkston
Director: Patrick Tracy

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR*(Off Camera Award)
Ross Copperman
Ashley Gorley
Shane McAnally
Chase McGill
Josh Osborne

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Burning Man – Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne
Producers: Ross Copperman / Jon Randall Stewart / Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Drowns the Whiskey – Jason Aldean featuring Miranda Lambert
Producer: Michael Knox
Record Labels: Macon Music, LLC; Broken Bow Records; BBR Music Group; BMG

Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – David Lee Murphy featuring Kenny Chesney
Producers: Buddy Cannon / Kenny Chesney / David Lee Murphy
Record Label: Reviver Records

Keeping Score – Dan + Shay featuring Kelly Clarkson
Producers: Scott Hendricks / Dan Smyers
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha Featuring Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Wilshire for Rock The Soul Ent
Record Label: Warner Bros. Records

Kip Moore Set To Release “The Bull” As New Single To Country Radio

Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore is unleashing “The Bull,” as the next single from his studio album SLOWHEART. With a take-no-prisoners attitude and a spiraling acoustic guitar lick, the song became a quick standout on the album, immediately resonating with Moore’s fierce fanbase during his energetic live performances.

Co-written by Jon Randall and Luke Dick, the song marks Moore’s first-ever outside recording, available HERE. 

“This song embodies who I am and what we’ve been doing on the road as a band for years,” said Moore. “I think it’s something a lot of people can relate to, having to get back up and keep going after what you believe in. I’ve been waiting on this song to be heard.”

Moore was also recently recognized for his global success and growth, with a nomination for CMA’s International Achievement Award. The nod follows the recent extension of his Room To Spare: Acoustic Tour, following a sold-out run last fall.

Moore will head out on a stacked tour next month with shows scheduled in the U.S., Canada and The U.K. where tickets to all four dates of his upcoming U.K. shows in London, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Manchester sold out within minutes of going on sale. Moore has relentlessly poured his energy into nurturing his international fanbase, with Music Rowhighlighting “Moore is part of a groundswell of rising country artists with a focus on building their international presence, and with good reason.”

Moore’s new single “The Bull” is taken from his revered third studio album SLOWHEART, that also spawned his fourth No. One hit “More Girls Like You.” SLOWHEART garnered instant praise from critics as the “sound of an uncompromising, genre-defying artist firing on all cylinders,” (NOISEY) as well landing on multiple “Best Of” lists including Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, UpRoxx, Bobby Bones Show and many more.

SLOWHEART follows the acclaim that surrounded Moore’s sophomore album WILD ONES and his PLATINUM debut album UP ALL NIGHT that spawned three No. One hit singles, including GOLD certified “Beer Money,” PLATINUM certified “Hey Pretty Girl,” and the DOUBLE PLATINUM breakout hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck.”

For more information, visit kipmoore.net.

Dierks Bentley’s “Seven Peaks Music Festival” Returns For A Second Year

Multi-PLATINUM entertainer Dierks Bentley and the world’s leading live entertainment company Live Nation announced that Seven Peaks Music Festival will officially return for a second year on Aug 30 – Sept 1 over Labor Day Weekend. Set against the heart-stopping mountain views of Buena Vista, CO, fans traveled from 49 states and as far as Australia for the inaugural event in 2018.

By signing up to the festival’s official newsletter at SevenPeaksFestival.com, fans can gain access to a special Pre-Sale code to purchase passes before they go on sale to the general public.

Additionally, Alumni fans, that bought passes for the inaugural year, will have the first chance at passes with the Alumni Pre-Sale. More information on the upcoming event including lineup and ticket details will be revealed in the coming weeks. 

Big Machine Label Group Celebrates Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary Highlighting Several Artists During Action Packed Luncheon

The 2019 Country Radio Seminar came to an end on Friday, February 15th, but not before a stellar luncheon hosted by Big Machine Label Group. This year’s event was hosted by the label’s President Scott Borchetta, with performances by beloved group Rascal Flatts, one of country’s favorite rocker Brantley Gilbert, and introductions to rising stars Riley Green, Lauren Jenkins and Noah Schnacky.

Riley Green set the tone with a solid opening to an afternoon of performances. Highlighting his Top 10 single “There Was This Girl,” plus showcasing additional new music, the year is bright for the artist on the rise.

Next up, Lauren Jenkins. Delivering an acoustic set, Lauren’s captivating vocals were on the forefront and provided for a memorable set. 2019 will no doubt be an outstanding year for Lauren Jenkins as she continues to further introduce herself throughout the year.

One of country’s favorite rockers took the stage next – Brantley Gilbert. Holding nothing back, Gilbert provided a rockin’ performance with several of his well known hits as well as his latest single, “What Happens In A Small Town,” which included a surprised appearance by Lindsay Ell. This was the first time the two artists performed the song live together and it was incredible. It will be exciting to watch & hear the success of this song throughout the coming months.

Artist on the rise Noah Schnacky provided an impressive performance. His smile alone lit up the entire room. Noah left a lasting impression and we can’t wait to see and hear more from him. The future is bright for Schnacky, and 2019 will likely be game changer for the country newcomer.

Country superstars Rascal Flatts took the stage to close out the luncheon with a stellar performance. Treating everyone to their new single and hits that everyone has known and loved throughout the years, there is absolutely no doubt that Gary, Joe Don and Jay are a massive staple in the country genre. The group will be heading out on a summer tour and it will be one you will not want to miss!

**All Photos Courtesy of Jon Currier Photography

Team UMG Nashville Celebrates 10 Years With Star-Studded CRS Luncheon at The Ryman

The 10th Annual “Team UMG at the Ryman” took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN during the 50th Anniversary of Country Radio Seminar. Love was certainly in the air for country music as Universal Music Group proudly showcased artists across their rosters.

Little Big Town opened up the highly anticipated event with their epic harmonies. Set to follow was Jon Pardi as he showcased new music from his forthcoming third studio album which is anticipated for release this summer. Dierks Bentley took the stage to perform his next single heading to country radio, followed by Kassi Ashton. Keep you eyes and ears on Kassi as she is one that we will no doubt be seeing and hearing a lot of throughout this year.

Keith Urban also shared new music during the event and y’all are going to love it – I know, no surprise there – but honestly, it is terrific. Brandon Lay made a strong impression on us. His summer on the road with Kenny Chesney was time well spent for the rising star as his performance was top notch!

Maddie and Tae sounded beautiful and we’re hoping to hear a lot more from them this year. Country newcomer Adam Hambrick made his debut at the Team UMG Luncheon and left a lasting impression. Travis Denning delivered a stellar performance again this year, and Jordan Davis further confirmed why he is well on his way to super-star status with his fantastic performance!

Caylee Hammack made her introduction to the Team UMG Luncheon with an energetic performance. Chris Stapleton took the stage next with a flawless performance – as per usual! Eric Church took the stage and we were actually treated to two songs from Church in the Mother Church of Country Music.

A moment everyone adores is when Vince Gill takes the stage and this year was no different. Vince always manages to tug at the heart strings in the most prolific way, and moved everyone off their feet to give Gill a standing ovation. The respect the industry has for Vince Gill does not go unnoticed.

Darius Rucker closed out the show and he brought a few friends with him as they took the stage as Hootie and the Blowfish. That’s right y’all, Hootie is back! Performing their hits from the years past, the band provided a lasting memory for everyone.

Once again Universal Music outdid themselves by delivering an epic lineup. It was the perfect way for UMG to celebrate this event over the course of the last 10 years and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Country Radio Seminar.

2019 is going to be a fantastic year in country music and listening to each of these artists perform just one song each further confirmed the amazing year that is ahead.