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When ACM noms didn't 'Happen' for Russell Dickerson, this made him feel better

Posted today at 5:00am

Russell Dickerson (Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal)

At Wednesday's #1 party for "Happen to Me" at BMI in Nashville, Russell Dickerson was open about being shut out of the nominations for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, after having the biggest year of his career so far.

It's a disappointment made better by the fact that he's up for best country song at the fan-voted American Music Awards.

"Speaking very candidly," Russell told reporters, "there was another award show that was announced the week before and that was kind of like, 'Oh man, that woulda been cool to be in that category.'"

"So this coming out a week later or whatever was definitely like — [it] picked the spirits back up. And it being an all-genre show is what's a little cherry on top. Feels nice," he added.

The 61st ACMs take place May 17 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, while the AMAs are Memorial Day, May 25, at the same venue.

You can vote for Russell's song online.

Nashville notes: See a 'Lighter' Jelly Roll + Jon Pardi's 'Boots Off' co-star

Posted yesterday at 3:30pm

You can check out Jon Pardi's new video for his hit "Boots Off" co-starring his wife, Summer Pardi.

Craig Campbell will celebrate the fourth anniversary of his Grindstone Cowboy coffee shop in Eagleville, Tennessee, with a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 2.

Jelly Roll's music video for "Lighter" with Carín León is out now. It's from the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album.

'My Way': Riley Green is Cowboy As It Gets with tour kickoff, 'Marshals' debut

Posted yesterday at 2:30pm

Riley Green and Luke Grimes on 'Marshals' (Cam McLeod/CBS)

It's a busy week for Riley Green, as he sets his Cowboy As It Gets Tour in motion Thursday in Southaven, Mississippi.

Justin Moore, Drake White and Mackenzie Carpenter join him for the first show, with Zach John King, Hannah McFarland and Adam Hood coming along later in the run.

Sunday brings his much-anticipated debut on Taylor Sheridan's Marshals. "Music's my only escape," Riley's character says in an Instagram preview that also hints at his past as a "damaged man."

It also includes a snippet of his new song, "My Way," which comes out Friday. It's Riley's first new music this year, save for his duet with Carly Pearce on "If I Don't Leave I'm Gonna Stay."

You can tune in to see his Marshals debut Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.

Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton pull in 'Pollstar' awards

Posted yesterday at 1:30pm

Morgan Wallen (Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABA)

Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton all took home major wins at Wednesday's 37th annual Pollstar Awards in Hollywood.

Morgan picked up the first-ever fan favorite award for live performer of the year, while Lainey's Whirlwind World Tour and Stapleton's All-American Road Show tied for country tour of the year.

The Eagles — which includes Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill — won residency of the year for their show at Sphere Las Vegas.

Nashville's The Pinnacle is the new concert venue of the year, while the Austin City Limits Music Festival was named music festival of the year. Teddy Swims is the new headliner of the year.

The honors are handed out by Pollstar, the publication that covers the concert industry, and voted on solely by members of that industry.

Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town and Jake Owen join Alan Jackson's final show

Posted yesterday at 12:30pm

Alan Jackson’s Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale (Doussan Music Group and Peachtree Entertainment)

Even though the final show of Alan Jackson's touring career is sold out, there's still more talent joining the all-star lineup.

Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town and Jake Owen are the latest names added to the roster, which already includes Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood and Lee Ann Womack.

Alan Jackson’s Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale will take place Saturday, June 27, at Nashville's Nissan Stadium.

Look for even more talent to be announced in the weeks to come.

Kenny Chesney and Rosanne Cash book patriotic show with Springsteen

Posted yesterday at 11:30am

Kenny Chesney and Rosanne Cash will represent country music at an all-genre concert on the campus of New Jersey's Monmouth University.

Music America: The Songs that Shaped Us will take place June 4-5 and celebrate America's 250th birthday, ahead of the opening of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music on campus.

Springsteen himself will be part of the celebration, along with Jon Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, Keb' Mo', Darlene Love, Public Enemy, Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty and the New Breed Brass Band, Stevie Van Zandt, Jimmie Vaughan and more.

Each performer will do a significant song from American history. Tickets for each night will go on sale April 21.

Ella Langley's record-setting 'Texas' remains the pick on multiple 'Billboard' charts

Posted yesterday at 10:30am

Ella Langley and the Lone Star State remain the most popular option it seems, as "Choosin' Texas" remains atop both Billboard's Hot Country Songs and the Hot 100.

This is the track's sixth non-consecutive week at #1 on the all-genre Hot 100, while it's spending its 20th week at the pinnacle on Hot Country Songs.

"Choosin' Texas" is only the 11th title to spend that many weeks on top, on par with recent entries like "What I Want" by Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae and "I Remember Everything" from Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves.

2017's "Meant to Be" by Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha holds the record for the most time at #1, with 50 weeks. When it comes to solo female artists, only Gabby Barrett has spent longer at the top than Ella, with "I Hope" making it 27 weeks starting in 2020.

Next up, we wait to see if the Alabama's native's second album, Dandelion, can manage a #1 debut on the all-genre Billboard 200, after its April 10 release.

'What He'll Never Have': Why Dylan Scott's son shouldn't expect a check from dad just yet

Posted yesterday at 5:00am

Dylan Scott (Disney via CMA/Kayla Schoen)

Dylan Scott's son Beckett Scott Robinson has been interested and involved in what his dad does for a living ever since he was singing "Old Town Road" as a toddler back in 2019.

The 8-year-old finally got to make his studio debut late last year on his dad's "Two Christmas Trees" recording.

"He crushed it, man. I was a proud dad, for sure," the "My Girl" hitmaker says.

While Dylan's always been supportive, he's starting to think he may need to slow down Beckett's musical ambitions a bit.

"He's getting the big head his own self. I gotta back him down a little bit," the father of three tells ABC Audio. "I got him out onstage with me this summer, and now anytime he's on the road with me, he wants to be onstage."

"Now he's singing, he's doing the gritty, he's taking his hat off and throwing it to the fans, which is costing me money because I gotta buy him more hats. I'm like, 'Hey son, settle down a little bit.'"

Dylan's oldest was also hoping for a check.

"He even had the nerve to ask me, he said, 'Well Dad, so you get paid to do this, so when I come out there, do I get paid as well?' I said, 'Absolutely not. [You're] not piggybacking off of my hard work,'" he reveals.

It seems Beckett needn't worry about cash flow at the Robinson household, however, as his dad's latest hit, "What He'll Never Have," is currently #3 and rising on the Mediabase chart.

Nashville notes: Flatland Cavalry's 'Unglued' video + Russell Dickerson's 'Wild' concert

Posted Wednesday afternoon

Flatland Cavalry's just released their new music video for "Unglued," on the heels of their third consecutive nomination for ACM group of the year. It's from their new album, Work of Heart, which came out in March.

Country Thunder Florida is moving to Coachman Park in Clearwater in 2026, with Zach Top, Gavin Adcock and Kane Brown set to headline the May 8-10 event that includes Randy Houser, Max McNown, Shaboozey, Dasha and more. Though it's located less than 20 miles from the original location on St. Pete Beach, ticket holders who'd like a refund can get one at the point of purchase.

You can check out a new live performance video of Russell Dickerson's latest hit, "Worth Your Wild," on Spotify, recorded at his largest show to date at RodeoHouston March 5.

Reba McEntire spends 'One Night in Tulsa' to kick off new music series

Posted Wednesday afternoon

Reba McEntire's 'One Night in Oklahoma' (MCA)

There's new music on the way from Reba McEntire, and the Country Music Hall of Famer's delivering it in a new way.

Each month, she'll unveil a new digital music capsule that pairs a new song with tracks from her catalog that match the same theme.

The first arrives Friday and is titled One Night in Tulsa, named for a new track she previewed at her April 9 show at her restaurant, Reba's Place, in Atoka, Oklahoma. Her cover of “Tulsa Time," her hit with Vince Gill, “Oklahoma Swing,” “Does the Wind Still Blow in Oklahoma” and “No U in Oklahoma” wrap up the collection.

There will also be new tailored playlists that highlight her half-century recording career, starting May 1 with The Making of Reba.

Keith Urban rides ACM's Next Wave as Whiskey Jam heads for Vegas

Posted Wednesday afternoon

Whiskey Jam Welcome Party + ACM Next Wave: Country's Beach Bash (Academy of Country Music)

Keith Urban will headline ACM Next Wave: Country's Beach Bash on Saturday, May 16, ahead of the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday.

He joins the previously announced lineup of Tucker Wetmore, Dasha, Ashley Cooke, Flatland Cavalry and Braxton Keith, as well as 2026 Opry NextStage members Hudson Westbrook, Vincent Mason, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Emily Ann Roberts, Alexandra Kay and Willow Avalon.

Tickets are on sale now for the poolside show at Mandalay Bay Beach, in addition to the other ACM events in Las Vegas.

If you're looking for a free show, you'll want to check out the Whiskey Jam Welcome Party set for Thursday, May 14. The Band Perry, Avery Anna, Caroline Jones and Jenna Paulette will take the stage at Ole Red, with more talent to be announced.

Luke Combs is as down-to-earth as he seems — just ask Ed Sheeran

Posted Wednesday afternoon

Luke Combs' 2026 'TIME100' cover (Courtesy Mark Seliger for 'TIME')

For someone who's on the cover of TIME's annual issue ranking the 100 most influential people in the world, Luke Combs is decidedly low-key.

“I get sneezed on or thrown up on like every day," the father of three tells TIME in the accompanying interview. "You catch me Monday through Friday, I'm at the house, Mr. Mom, changing dipes, giving baths, cooking dinners. ... Our life is complicated but oddly simple at the same time.”

Pop star Ed Sheeran puts Luke's down-to-earth appeal in perspective in a tribute.

“I’ve watched him move from album to album and tour to tour, constantly evolving—not just as an artist, but also as a human, and always for the better," he tells TIME. "He’s scaled the highest heights of music while remaining loving and kind to those around him."

"People might call that ‘normal,’ but there’s nothing normal about what Luke has achieved," Sheeran adds.

The two collaborated on a version of Sheeran's "Life Goes On" back in 2023.

You can check out Luke Combs' full 2026 TIME100 feature online.

As Alan Jackson retires from the road, you can drive away in his Corvette

Posted Wednesday morning

If you're an Alan Jackson fan and an auto enthusiast, this is the ultimate: AJ's giving away his personal 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport convertible as part of a fundraiser.

You can also win a VIP trip to Last Call: One More for the Road -- The Finale June 27 at Nashville's Nissan Stadium. That's especially significant since Alan's star-studded final show sold out within a matter of hours.

A dollar from each ticket's already going to research for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which played a part in his decision to come off the road. The new contest will benefit the CMT Research Foundation, as well.

You can find all the info at alltroo.com.

If you enter by June 5, you'll be eligible to win two premium tickets, airfare, hotel and the car Alan drove for many years. After that, the sweepstakes continues through July 10, but only the Corvette is on the table.

'She's So Gone': Dasha sings her reinvention song on Kelly Clarkson

Posted Wednesday morning

Mickey Mouse, Dasha, Minnie Mouse (Disney/Catherine Powell)

"She's So Gone," but we know where she's headed: Dasha's set to perform her Main Street Country track Friday on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Dasha's contribution to the new Disney covers EP comes from a 2011 TV movie.

“I think ‘She’s So Gone’ is one of the most iconic songs to come out of Disney Channel,” the "Austin" hitmaker says. “I remember watching Lemonade Mouth for the first time and the whole movie had me plotting how I was going to reinvent myself before school the next day."

"This track really captures that moment when women find themselves and boldly show the world who they are," she continues. "I’m so excited to share this with a new generation and remind them that they can reinvent themselves and be exactly who they want to be.”

Check your local listings to see when The Kelly Clarkson Show airs in your area.

In the meantime, you can go behind-the-scenes as Dasha lays down her track for Main Street Country, which also includes contributions from Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown, Maddie & Tae, Breland and Restless Road.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Walt Disney Records.

Zach Top's rarely 'South of Sanity' thanks to his tribe

Posted Wednesday morning

Reigning ACM new artist of the year Zach Top grabbed five nominations for the upcoming 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, second only to Chris Stapleton as the male artist with the most chances to win.

In February, the "South of Sanity" hitmaker won his first Grammy for best traditional country album for Ain't in It for My Health.

So how does he stay grounded amid all the acclaim?

"There's a bunch of people that kind of bought into my little dream before it was working," he explains, "and they believed in me and saw me before I was anything. So they do a good job of being encouraging and supportive. And then also if it's like, 'Hey, you're acting like a dummy,' then, you know, they'll tell me that, too."

"You know, between family and my management and so many of the people that I work with [who] were in on it so early, it feels nice that we've all got to see it build the whole time," he continues. "It's a good reminder to, like, be thankful for every little thing, don't get too caught up in all of it."

"It's like, 'Remember when we were just hoping we could do anything like this?' And now we get to be playing on a stadium stage."

And play stadiums he does. Zach's set to play Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock with George Strait April 24, before he steps onstage at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, with Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean April 25.

He's up for male artist, album for Ain't in It for My Health, plus song and single of the year for "I Never Lie" at the ACMs May 17 in Las Vegas. If he wins, he'll pick up two trophies for song of the year, as both artist and one of the writers.

Nashville notes: Megan Moroney's 'Medicine' + Jamey Johnson's a Truebadour

Posted Tuesday afternoon

Megan Moroney's "Medicine" is the latest track from her Cloud 9 album that's been released as a radio single.

Jamey Johnson will launch his Traveling Truebadour Tour May 8 in Hiawassee, Georgia, with plans to wrap Oct. 11 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Tickets go on sale Friday for the trek, which stands at 31 shows now, though more shows are set to be added.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will salute Ashley Gorley as the latest artist to be interviewed during its Poets and Prophets series on May 30.

ERNEST, HARDY, Zach Top and more raise thousands to feed the hungry in Middle Tennessee

Posted Tuesday afternoon

ERNEST at the 2026 CMA Triple Play Awards at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum on April 13 (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Zach Top, HARDY, Vince Gill and Tracy Lawrence all turned out Monday to help ERNEST raise more than $207,000 at his third annual ERNvitational Golf Tournament.

Proceeds from the event at Old Hickory Country Club in Nashville benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

“I’m proud to play a small part in supporting the work that Second Harvest does serving the community in Middle Tennessee,” ERNEST says. “I’ve seen firsthand how important it is, especially over the last years, and am grateful that our friends here in town come out every year to support it too.”

He'll play the Stars for Second Harvest benefit at the historic Ryman Auditorium June 2.

ERNEST is currently on his Live from the South Tour, ahead of the release of his third album, Deep Blue, on May 1.

Luke Combs wakes up to 20th #1 with 'Sleepless in a Hotel Room'

Posted Tuesday afternoon

Luke Combs claims the 20th #1 of his career as "Sleepless in a Hotel Room" rises to #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay tally.

His most recent chart-topper, "Back in the Saddle," spent two weeks at the top in November. Both tunes come from The Way I Am, which debuted at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart earlier in April.

Luke is now tied for the 10th most number ones since the beginning of the Country Airplay chart in 1990, putting him on the level with Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley and Morgan Wallen.

The North Carolina native claimed his first #1 with his debut single, "Hurricane," in 2017.

Kenny Chesney has the most number ones on the chart, with 33.

Luke's already on track to up his numbers, with "Days Like These" at #6 and "Be by You" just beginning its climb at #48.

Parker McCollum's 'Pretty Heart' turns Platinum 4 times over

Posted Tuesday afternoon

Parker McCollum (Academy of Country Music)

Parker McCollum's debut single, "Pretty Heart," has just been certified quadruple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

The Texas native co-wrote the song from 2021's Gold Chain Cowboy that went on to become his first #1.

"Man...all I have to say is thank you! The amount of support you all have shown me over these years means more to me than you'll know," Parker says in a statement. "All I've wanted to do is make music that connects with people and that I can be proud of. I'm just grateful that y'all are playing my songs."

Parker's self-titled current project includes his latest hit, "Killin' Me," and is nominated for album of the year at May's 61st ACM Awards.

Megan Moroney and Uncle Kracker pop up at Kenny Chesney's 2026 debut

Posted Tuesday morning

Kenny Chesney surprised fans with special appearances by Megan Moroney and Uncle Kracker during his first concert of 2026.

In a set that included "We Do," "Living in Fast Forward," "Young," "Beer in Mexico" and "Keg in the Closet," the superstar closed the 13th Tortuga Music Festival on Sunday. It was his sixth time headlining the oceanside party on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

A dozen songs into his performance, Uncle Kracker appeared in time to sing the second verse of "When the Sun Goes Down," going on to do "Follow Me" and "Drift Away."

“With Kracker playing the festival, we had to do it,” Kenny says. “Nobody makes me laugh harder, brings more soul to that stage or understands this crowd better — and it’s hard to believe anyone can love music as much as we do, but he does.”

From there, Kenny's set continued with "Get Along" and "All the Pretty Girls," which was a perfect intro for Megan.

“Megan at our first show in 2026 sets a pretty high bar,” he says. "But between our duet ('You Had To Be There') and 'Am I Okay?,' her music fits so well with ours, it’s always so much fun when we can sing together. Talk about hitting the beach!"

Kenny kicks off his remaining shows of 2026 June 19 at Sphere Las Vegas.