NEWS

November 11, 2021

SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE ARTISTS TAKE HOME TWO CMA AWARDS

LUKE COMBS NAMED ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR, DEBUTS NEW SONG “DOIN’ THIS”

PERFORMANCES BY KANE BROWN, MIRANDA LAMBERT, OLD DOMINION, AND CHRIS YOUNG

ELLE KING PRESENTS

Sony Music Nashville artists earned two CMA Awards Wednesday night during the 55th Annual ceremony in Nashville.

Luke Combs took home the night’s top honor with his first Entertainer of the Year win. Old Dominion scored their fourth consecutive win for Vocal Group of the Year.

Kane Brown and Chris Young joined forces to perform their multi-week No. 1 hit “Famous Friends,” while Luke Combs debuted his brand-new song “Doin’ This.” Miranda Lambert opened the show with a high-energy medley of her greatest hits, including “Kerosene,” “Mama’s Broken Heart,” “Bluebird,” “Little Red Wagon,” and “Gunpowder & Lead,” and Old Dominion took the stage with their Top 10 smash “I Was On A Boat That Day.”

Elle King introduced a performance by Zac Brown Band.

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September 10, 2021

SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE EARNS 20 CMA NOMINATIONS

Sony Music Nashville has earned 20 overall nominations for “The 55th Annual CMA Awards.”

Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, and Chris Young each earned three nominations; Ryan Hurd received two; and Brooks & Dunn, Elle King, and Old Dominion each notched one.

Brown earned his first-ever CMA nominations this year as he and Chris Young are up for Single, Musical Event, and Music Video of the Year for their multi-week, No. 1 collaboration “Famous Friends.”

Combs earns his fourth nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year (six-week No. 1 “Forever After All”). He’s won the former trophy for two consecutive years and previously took home the latter in 2019 (“Beautiful Crazy”).

Lambert, the most nominated female artist now ties Brad Paisley as third most nominated artist overall in CMA history. She earned her fifth nod for Entertainer of the Year, 15th consecutive nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year – which she has won seven times – and eighth nomination for Musical Event of the Year (“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” with Elle King), a category she previously won in 2014 (“We Were Us” with Keith Urban).

Reigning Female Vocalist of the Year Morris earned her sixth nomination in that category and in Musical Event of the Year for “Chasing After You,” her collaboration with husband Ryan Hurd. “Chasing After You” is also nominated for Music Video of the Year, as Hurd earns his first nominations ever for the Top 20 hit.

Brooks & Dunn earned their 22nd Vocal Duo of the Year nomination, a category they have swept 14 times.

Elle King is nominated for her second Musical Event of the Year trophy for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” with Lambert, a category she previously won for “Different for Girls” with Dierks Bentley.

Old Dominion earned their sixth consecutive Vocal Group of the Year nomination, which they have won the past three years.

“The 55th Annual CMA Awards” airs live from Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 10 on ABC.
“THE 55th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” – FINAL NOMINEES (by ballot category order):   

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
•   Eric Church
•   Luke Combs  
•   Miranda Lambert   
•   Chris Stapleton
•   Carrie Underwood  

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s) 
•   “Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown 
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young 
Mix Engineer: Sean Moffitt
•   “The Good Ones” – Gabby Barrett 
Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
Mix Engineers: Chris Galland, Manny Marroquin
•   “Hell Of A View” – Eric Church 
Producer: Jay Joyce 
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce  
•   “One Night Standards” – Ashley McBryde 
Producer: Jay Joyce 
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce  
•   “Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton 
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

ALBUM OF THE YEAR 
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
•   29 – Carly Pearce
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Jimmy Robbins 
Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore 
•   Dangerous: The Double Album – Morgan Wallen 
Producers: Dave Cohen, Matt Dragstrem, Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome and Joey Moi 
Mix Engineer: Joey Moi 
•   Heart – Eric Church 
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
•   Skeletons – Brothers Osborne 
Producer: Jay Joyce 
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
•   Starting Over – Chris Stapleton 
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton 
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s) 
•   “Forever After All”  
Songwriters: Luke Combs, Drew Parker, Robert Williford 
•   “The Good Ones”  
Songwriters: Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick
•   “Hell Of A View”  
Songwriters: Casey Beathard, Eric Church, Monty Criswell 
•   “One Night Standards”  
Songwriters: Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde
•   “Starting Over”  
Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR  
•   Gabby Barrett
•   Miranda Lambert   
•   Ashley McBryde  
•   Maren Morris  
•   Carly Pearce

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
•   Dierks Bentley
•   Eric Church   
•   Luke Combs  
•   Thomas Rhett  
•   Chris Stapleton  

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
•   Lady A 
•   Little Big Town  
•   Midland  
•   Old Dominion   
•   Zac Brown Band

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
•   Brooks & Dunn  
•   Brothers Osborne  
•   Dan + Shay   
•   Florida Georgia Line  
•   Maddie & Tae

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s) 
•   “Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan 
Producer: Paul DiGiovanni 
•   “Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris 
Producers: Aaron Eshuis, Teddy Reimer
•   “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” – Elle King & Miranda Lambert 
Producer: Martin Johnson 
•   “Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown 
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
•   “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney) 
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
•   Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle 
•   Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar 
•   Aaron Sterling, Drums 
•   Ilya Toshinskiy, Banjo 
•   Derek Wells, Guitar 

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR  
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s) 
•   “Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris
Director: TK McKamy 
•   “Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown 
Director: Peter Zavadil 
•   “Gone” – Dierks Bentley
Directors: Wes Edwards, Travis Nicholson, Ed Pryor, Running Bear, Sam Siske
•   “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney) 
Director: Patrick Tracy 
•   “Younger Me” – Brothers Osborne 
Director: Reid Long 

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR  
•   Jimmie Allen  
•   Ingrid Andress  
•   Gabby Barrett  
•   Mickey Guyton
•   HARDY

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June 11, 2021

SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE SCORES THREE 2021 CMT MUSIC AWARDS

KANE BROWN – THE NIGHT’S TOP WINNER – CO-HOSTS AND WINS MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
CHRIS YOUNG AND BROWN WIN COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR

PERFORMERS INCLUDE BROWN, LUKE COMBS, MIRANDA LAMBERT WITH JACK INGRAM AND JON RANDALL, NIKO MOON, AND YOUNG; RESTLESS ROAD PRESENTS

Sony Music Nashville received three trophies at the 2021 CMT Music Awards Wednesday night.

Kane Brown was the night’s most decorated artist, taking home Male Video of the Year for “Worship You,” as well as Collaborative Video of the Year for the Top 5 hit “Famous Friends” alongside Chris Young. The pair performed the winning number to close the show, which Brown also co-hosted for the second year.

Additional performers included Luke Combs, who took the stage with “Cold As You,” while Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall gave a rendition of “Tequila Does” from their acclaimed album The Marfa Tapes. Niko Moon hit the Ram Trucks Stage to perform his Platinum-certified No. 1 smash “GOOD TIME.”

Trio Restless Road also appeared, presenting the CMT Performance of the Year Award.

For more information, visit SonyMusicNasville.com.

2021 CMT MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS
Video of the Year
Carrie Underwood and John Legend – “Hallelujah”

Female Video of the Year
Gabby Barrett – “The Good Ones”

Male Video of the Year
Kane Brown – “Worship You”

Duo/Group Video of the Year
Little Big Town – “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”

Breakthrough Video of the Year
Dylan Scott – “Nobody”

Best Family Feature
Taylor Swift – “The Best Day (Taylor’s Version)”

Collaborative Video of the Year
Chris Young and Kane Brown – “Famous Friends”

CMT Performance of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey – “The Other Girl” From the 2020 CMT Music Awards

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May 18, 2021

ELLE KING FINDS HER SECOND HOME IN COUNTRY, AS RCA RECORDS AND SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP

KING AND MIRANDA LAMBERT’S “DRUNK (AND I DON’T WANNA GO HOME)” TO IMPACT COUNTRY RADIO VIA RCA/COLUMBIA NASHVILLE ON JUNE 14

Today, RCA Records and Sony Music Nashville announce a new partnership in support of global entertainer Elle King. King’s “glass raising anthem” (Billboard) and “exhilarating new duet” (Rolling Stone) DRUNK (AND I DON’T WANNA GO HOME) with Miranda Lambert will impact country radio on June 14. Listen/Watch the official music video HERE .

“I’ve met some of the most badass songwriters and artists and had some of the most rock & roll experiences of my life in country. So I think we’re gonna get along just fine,” laughs King. “Plus, I’m always trying to prove to my PaPaw in Ohio that I haven’t forgotten my roots or where I came from, so this helps a lot.”

“Drunk” came roaring out of the gate and has already racked up over 40 million streams globally. The single debuted at No. 1 in early March on both Billboard’s Rock Digital Sales Chart and the Country Digital Song Sales Chart. Additionally, King is the first female artist in history to have scored four radio No. 1 singles on different formats including Adult Pop Songs, Adult Alternative Songs, Alternative Songs and Country Airplay charts.

“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” is clearly THE party everyone was missing. Upon its release, Stereogum wrote “this may end up being a Top 10 pop song, country song, and rock song of 2021,” and iHeart Radio called it “a party anthem all about living your best life on the spur of the moment.” “Drunk” was the top-selling song performed at the recent ACM Awards according to Billboard. Watch their performance HERE.

“Drunk” was co-written by Elle King with Martin Johnson, who also produced the track, and was recorded in Nashville and New York pre-pandemic. This is the second time King collaborated with Lambert, having recorded together their first release “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” (along with Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes and Caylee Hammack) which became “Music Event of The Year” at the “2020 ACM Awards.” Elle also was a special guest on Miranda’s 2019 Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars tour. In addition, King’s 2016 collaboration with Dierks Bentley on “Different for Girls,” also scored a No. 1 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck and Billboard country airplay charts and won a CMA Award for “Musical Event of the Year” the same year.

The 2-time Grammy nominated King joins Chris Stapleton’s “All-American Road Show” this summer. Ticket information available HERE.

About Elle King

Multi-platinum, award-winning recording artist Elle King has enjoyed over 1.5 billion streams worldwide.

Her debut album Love Stuff featured her breakthrough single “Ex’s & Oh’s,” which earned her two GRAMMY nominations and is certified 4x times platinum. The breakthrough single hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs Chart, topped the AAA, Hot AC, and Alternative Radio charts, leading King to become the second female artist in 18 years to reach No. 1 at the latter format. Her single “Shame,” featured on her second studio album Shake The Spirit marked King’s fourth radio #1 single. Prior to the release of her current single “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” King released her latest EP Elle King: In Isolation in summer of 2020, a collection of raw demos/songs she’s recorded acoustically while quarantining at home.

Rolling Stone wrote “Elle King is a little bit country, a little bit rock n’ roll, but ultimately, she’s punk as fuck.” Variety wrote “…King churned the clotted cream of punkish country, raw R&B, crotchety rock and deep blues into rich, buttery musical drama…(she) belted, crooned, purred, sauntered and swaggered her way through a tautly rocking set…one thing became very clear: nearly every song was equally contagious, catty-cool, and hit-worthy.”
ElleKing.com | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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May 14, 2021

ANDREW JANNAKOS RELEASING NEW EP GONE TOO SOON JUNE 4

RCA Nashville rising singer-songwriter Andrew Jannakos will release his new EP, Gone Too Soon, on June 4. Pre-add/pre-save HERE.

Today Jannakos gifted fans with a new song from the project, “Somebody Loves You,” which he co-wrote with Jason Afable, Kyle Clark, and Sam Koon.
“My life has changed so much since I released the single ‘Gone Too Soon.’ We built an entire team from scratch, moved to Nashville, and I get to work with so many amazing people,” said Jannakos. “I’m very ready for people to hear what we have been working on in the studio with Derek Wells at the helm. These songs mean so much to me, and the fact that I co-wrote each song on the EP makes me even more excited to hit the road and play them for the fans! My dreams are literally coming true in real time.”
Jannakos will go live on his Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at 6 p.m. CT tonight to play the new song and several others in celebration of the EP announcement.

The title track of the EP, which is Jannakos’s current single at country radio, has amassed over 57 million on-demand streams to date. Upon its official release, the 2021 Artist to Watch (Sounds Like Nashville, Country Sway) earned a #1 debut on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart, while the track landed at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and within the Hot 100. Watch the “Gone Too Soon” music video here . The breakout single was also recently featured in a TikTok post from “The Late Late Show,” where James Corden did a duet with Jannakos’s viral TikTok of himself singing the song while cooking, view here.
GONE TOO SOON TRACK LIST: 1.   Gone Too Soon (Andrew Jannakos / Josh Bricker / Jason Afable)
2.   When The Whiskey Runs Out (Andrew Jannakos / Chris La Corte / Justin Wilson)
3.   Like Yesterday (Andrew Jannakos / Kyle Clark / Alex Pennington Smith)
4.   Somebody Loves You (Andrew Jannakos / Jason Afable / Kyle Clark / Sam Koon)
5.   We’ve Always Loved (Andrew Jannakos / Jason Duke / Alex Pennington Smith)
6.   Wine Country (Andrew Jannakos / Jason Afable / Eric Mallon / Alex Pennington Smith)
About Andrew Jannakos: Flowery Branch, Georgia native Andrew Jannakos grew up in a small-town neighborhood where barbecue parties and backyard soccer games were everyday events. Today, that sense of community translates to his nearly one million followers across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Since Jannakos first teased his breakout single, “Gone Too Soon,” in a viral clip now viewed over ten million times, that community is only getting stronger. Many of Jannakos’ initial followers knew him for his illustrious run on season 16 of NBC’s The Voice , but after his girlfriend (now wife) posted a video of him cooking dinner while singing along to “Gone Too Soon” to his TikTok in July 2020, the video racked up 250K likes by the next morning, and ultimately earned him more than half a million followers on the platform. Upon the official release of “Gone Too Soon” to streaming platforms and digital retailers in September, Jannakos debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart, while the track debuted at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and within the Hot 100. “Gone Too Soon” has amassed over 57 million on-demand streams to date and continues to receive a strong response from listeners. Named a 2021 Artist to Watch by Sounds Like Nashville, Jannakos will be releasing his Gone Too Soon EP on June 4. AndrewJannakos.com | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

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May 13, 2021

CMT AWARDS 2021: Most nominated label group, Sony Music Nashville collects 22 artist nominations and over 30% of total nods

Airing Wednesday, June 9th at 7pm CT

Most nominated label group, Sony Music Nashville collects 22 artist nominations and over 30% of total nods

Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert lead the star-studded list with four nominations each; Kane Brown with 3 nods, Luke Combs, Ryan Hurd, and Elle King with 2, and Brooks & Dunn, Willie Jones, Old Dominion, Niko Moon, and Chris Young with one apiece

13 first-time nominees as CMT Music Awards spotlights next wave of music’s biggest stars

Voting open at: vote.cmt.com

CMT today unveiled the highly-anticipated nominations for the “2021 CMT Music Awards,” country music’s only entirely fan-voted award show. Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, the show airs Wednesday, June 9th at 7pm CT on CMT, with a five channel simulcast across MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network and TV Land. Each winner is selected by the fans, with voting now open at vote.cmt.com.

Female powerhouses Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert lead the pack for the most accolades of the evening, with four nominations each, including “Female Video of the Year,” “Collaborative Video of the Year,” and two nominations each for “Video of the Year.” Artists with three nominations include show co-hosts Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, alongside Little Big Town and first-time nominee Mickey Guyton.

The “2021 CMT Music Awards” continues to spotlight the next wave of music’s biggest stars with 13 first-time nominees including Guyton, Dylan Scott, Hailey Whitters, HARDY, Lainey Wilson, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Niko Moon, Noah Cyrus, Parmalee, Ryan Hurd, Tyler Hubbard and Willie Jones.

The first round of nominees for the highly-coveted “Video of the Year” award includes 14 acts, most notably Carrie Underwood, who continues her reign as the most-awarded artist in CMT Music Awards history with 22 wins, nominated this year for her collaboration with John Legend.

Well-known for its tradition of embracing one-of-a-kind collaborations, the “2021 CMT Music Awards” again celebrates a wide range of talent from outside musical genres, with Elle King, Halsey, John Legend, Nathaniel Rateliff, Noah Cyrus and P!nk receiving nominations.

The two-and-a-half hour show will also feature “Breakthrough Video of the Year” nominees Dylan Scott, Hailey Whitters (feat. Little Big Town), HARDY, Lainey Wilson, Niko Moon and Mickey Guyton.

The nominees for the “2021 CMT Music Awards” are:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration). Top five nominees, from the first round of voting, will be announced on June 1. Top 3 nominees, from the second round of voting, will be announced on June 8. Final voting will be determined via social media and announced as the final category during the live show.
Carrie Underwood with John Legend – “Hallelujah”
Dierks Bentley – “Gone”
Elle King and Miranda Lambert – “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
Ingrid Andress – “Lady Like”
Kane Brown – “Worldwide Beautiful”
Keith Urban with P!nk – “One Too Many”
Kelsea Ballerini – “hole in the bottle”
Kenny Chesney – “Knowing You”
Maren Morris – “Better Than We Found It”
Mickey Guyton – “Heaven Down Here”
Miranda Lambert – “Settling Down”
Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris – “Chasing After You”
Sam Hunt – “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s”
Willie Jones – “American Dream”
FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
Carly Pearce – “Next Girl”
Gabby Barrett – “The Good Ones”
Kelsea Ballerini – “hole in the bottle”
Maren Morris – “To Hell & Back”
Mickey Guyton – “Heaven Down Here”
Miranda Lambert – “Settling Down”
MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
Darius Rucker – “Beers and Sunshine”
Kane Brown – “Worship You”
Luke Bryan – “Down To One”
Luke Combs – “Lovin’ On You”
Thomas Rhett – “What’s Your Country Song”
DUO/GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo or group; awarded to the artists
Brothers Osborne – “All Night”
Lady A – “Like A Lady”
Little Big Town – “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
Old Dominion – “Never Be Sorry”
Parmalee and Blanco Brown – “Just The Way”
Runaway June – “We Were Rich”
BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
Dylan Scott – “Nobody”
Hailey Whitters feat. Little Big Town – “Fillin’ My Cup”
HARDY – “Give Heaven Some Hell”
Lainey Wilson – “Things a Man Oughta Know”
Mickey Guyton – “Black Like Me”
Niko Moon – “GOOD TIME (Ride Along Video)”
COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists
Carrie Underwood with John Legend – “Hallelujah”
Chris Young and Kane Brown – “Famous Friends”
Elle King and Miranda Lambert – “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
Keith Urban with P!nk – “One Too Many”
Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris – “Chasing After You”
Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard – “Undivided”
CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs “1, 2 Many”
From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Dan + Shay “I Should Probably Go To Bed”
From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus “This Is Us”
From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey “The Other Girl”
From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Little Big Town “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
From CMT Crossroads – Nathaniel Rateliff and Margo Price “Twinkle Twinkle”

Performers and presenters to be announced at a later date.

“2021 CMT Music Awards” is executive produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux, Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin and Amy Lin Johnson; the Executives in Charge of Production are Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino.
For more information, visit CMT.com , follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, use hashtag #CMTawards and ‘like’ the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

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May 12, 2021

Superstars Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini to host “2021 CMT Music Awards” on Wednesday, June 9th at 7pm CT

CMT today announced country superstars Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown will take the stage as hosts of the “2021 CMT Music Awards,” country music’s only entirely fan-voted award show, airing Wednesday, June 9th at 8p/7c on CMT. The show will also air as a five network simulcast across the following MTV Entertainment Group brands: MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network and TV Land. This year marks Ballerini’s first time hosting the CMT Music Awards, as Brown returns for his second consecutive year.

“Kelsea and Kane are two of the brightest, most sought-after stars in country music today and we’re thrilled to welcome them both as hosts of the 2021 CMT Music Awards,” shared CMT producers. “This dynamic duo reflects the show’s revitalized energy as live music returns to center stage in a night filled with incredible outdoor performances, cross-genre collaborations and a few surprises!”

Ballerini adds: “I’m so excited to be hosting the 2021 CMT Music Awards with Kane! The CMT Awards are so special because they are truly fan voted. Following a year plus where we have not been able to be with the fans and share music together, will make this night even more special.”

Shared Brown: “I loved getting a chance to host the CMT Music Awards last year and I’m excited to be back this year with Kelsea. The CMT Music Awards are special to me – it’s the first industry award I won and getting on that stage was an amazing feeling. I love that the fans get to have their voices heard as we celebrate the best in country music.”

Nominations for the “2021 CMT Music Awards” will be announced tomorrow, Thursday, May 13th at 11a/10c, in tandem with the start of fan voting at vote.cmt.com. Voting will run through Tuesday, June 1st at 12p/11c. Performers and presenters will be announced at a later date.

“2021 CMT Music Awards” is executive produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux, Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin and Amy Lin Johnson; the Executives in Charge of Production are Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino.

For more information, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, use hashtag #CMTawards and ‘like’ the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

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May 3, 2021

SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE EARNS FOUR COUNTRY AND 17 CHRISTIAN/GOSPEL 2021 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Sony Music Nashville earned four country nominations for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, including Luke Combs for Top Country Artist and Top Country Male, Kane Brown for Top Country Artist and Maren Morris for Top Country Female. Provident/RCA Inspiration/Essential Publishing scored 17 nods.

This year’s awards are based on the chart period of March 21, 2020, through April 3, 2021. The 2021 Billboard Music Awards will air live on NBC May 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Billboard Music Awards finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including MRC Data.

Top Country Artist
Gabby Barrett
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen

Top Country Male Artist
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen

Top Country Female Artist
Gabby Barrett
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood

Top Country Duo/Group
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

Top Country Album
Gabby Barrett “Goldmine”
Sam Hunt “SOUTHSIDE”
Chris Stapleton “Starting Over”
Carrie Underwood “My Gift”
Morgan Wallen “Dangerous: The Double Album”

Top Country Song
Jason Aldean “Got What I Got”
Gabby Barrett “I Hope”
Lee Brice “One of Them Girls”
Morgan Wallen “Chasin’ You”
Morgan Wallen “More Than My Hometown”

Top Christian Artist
Casting Crowns
Elevation Worship
for KING & COUNTRY
Carrie Underwood
Zach Williams

Top Gospel Artist
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Maverick City Music
Kanye West

Top Christian Album
Bethel Music “Peace”
Elevation Worship “Grave Into Gardens”
Carrie Underwood “My Gift”
We The Kingdom “Holy Water”
Zach Williams “Rescue Story”

Top Gospel Album
Koryn Hawthorne “I AM”
Tasha Cobbs Leonard “Royalty: Live at the Ryman”
Maverick City Music “Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1”
Maverick City Music “Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 2”
Kierra Sheard “Kierra”

Top Christian Song
Elevation Worship ft. Brandon Lake “Graves Into Gardens”
for KING & COUNTRY, Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly “TOGETHER”
Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, & Elevation Worship “The Blessing (Live)”
Tauren Wells ft. Jenn Johnson “Famous For (I Believe)”
Zach Williams & Dolly Parton “There Was Jesus”

Top Gospel Song
Koryn Hawthorne “Speak To Me”
Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music “Movin’ On”
Marvin Sapp “Thank You For It All”
Tye Tribbett “We Gon’ Be Alright”
Kanye West ft. Travis Scott “Wash Us In The Blood”

VIEW FULL LIST OF NOMINATIONS HERE

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April 19, 2021

SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE WINS FIVE ACM AWARDS, THE MOST FOR ANY LABEL GROUP

Sony Music Nashville earned five trophies at the “56th ACM Awards,” the highest tally for any label group.

Most-awarded artist of the evening, Maren Morris received her second Female Artist of the Year Award. Morris also received her first ACM Award for Song of the Year for her 3X Platinum No. 1 multi-format hit “The Bones,” as both artist and songwriter. She joined husband Ryan Hurd for the first-ever performance of their new duet “Chasing After You” from the Ryman Auditorium (watch here). This marks Hurd’s inaugural ACM appearance.

Kane Brown was an early winner, taking home his first ACM Award ever for Music Video of the Year (“Worldwide Beautiful”). During the show, he and Chris Young debuted their Top 20 single “Famous Friends” from the Ryman Auditorium (watch here).

Old Dominion took home their fourth consecutive Group of the Year Award, the longest winning streak in the category since 2008. The group was also nominated for ACM Song of the Year for “Some People Do,” which Matthew Ramsey co-wrote.

Luke Combs performed his latest Top 20 single “Forever After All” accompanied by a string orchestra at the Grand Ole Opry House (watch here). Combs was nominated for ACM Entertainer, Male Vocalist and Music Event of the Year for “Does To Me” with Eric Church.

Miranda Lambert hit the stage alongside Elle King at the Grand Ole Opry House to open the show with their newest collaboration, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” (watch here). She later joined Chris Stapleton at The Bluebird Cafe for a performance of “Maggie’s Song” (watch here) and her The Marfa Tapes collaborators Jack Ingram and Jon Randall at the Ryman Auditorium for the premiere performance of “In His Arms” off the anticipated project (watch here). Lambert is ACM’s most-decorated artist of all time, and was nominated for ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as “Single” and “Song” for “Bluebird.”
Brad Paisley surprised ACM New Male Arist of the Year Jimmie Allen at The Bluebird Cafe and performed “Freedom Was A Highway” (watch here).
For more information, visit sonymusicnashville.com.
About Sony Music Nashville: Sony Music Nashville includes its three country label operations – Arista Nashville, Columbia Nashville and RCA Nashville – and Provident Entertainment.

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NEWS

April 9, 2021

KAT &ALEX RELEASE TWO NEW SONGS “HEARTBREAK TOUR” AND “YOU AND THE RADIO”

Country-Latin disruptors, Kat & Alex, have released two new songs today, “Heartbreak Tour” and “You and The Radio,” via Sony Music Nashville.

“Heartbreak Tour” and “You and the Radio” are available everywhere now, HERE.

“Heartbreak Tour” puts the duo’s harmonious vocals at the forefront as they deliver heartfelt lyrics about the push and pull of their journey in music. The song was written by Kat & Alex themselves and produced by Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne). Meanwhile, “You and the Radio” offers upbeat, rowdy guitars and an anthemic chorus that longs for sunset drives with that someone special and the radio on at full blast. The song was written by Robyn Collins (Josh Gracin, Kalie Shorr, Hayley Orrantia), Jordan Minton (Keith Urban, Dan + Shay, Abby Anderson), and Mark Trussell (Keith Urban, Maren Morris) and also produced by Hill.

About “Heartbreak Tour,” Kat & Alex say, “‘Heartbreak Tour’ is extremely special to us because it’s one of the very first songs we wrote together. It came to us at a difficult time in life when we were wrestling between doing music full time and going back to 9-5 jobs. So in reality, it’s a real reflection of our choice to pursue this life and this career together.”

The rising stars burst onto the music scene when they competed individually on American Idol in 2020, giving viewers their first taste of the couple’s unique Country-Latin sound. After their run on Idol, the pair moved to Nashville to embark on their musical journey together. In a few short months, their distinct blend of voices has ignited a fire within the music community, and the two are perfectly positioned to blaze their own trail.

Last Fall, Kat & Alex released their debut single, “How Many Times ,” which showcases the duo’s unique musical style – a unique blend of country and soul with Latin roots. The song was written by Grammy-winning songwriter Jordan Reynolds (Dan + Shay, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett) and his frequent co-writing partner Robyn Collins and it was produced by Brad Hill. The duo also released a version of the song that features a Spanish chorus, in homage to their Latin heritage. Since it’s release, “How Many Times” has surpassed over 9 million streams and was placed on major playlists such as Spotify’s Hot Country, New Boots, Sin Ti, Duetos and Apple Music’s Today’s Country and Country Risers.
KatandAlex.com | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

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