Awards
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The 57th annual CMA Awards will air Wednesday, Nov. 8, live on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, crowning this year’s slate of winners, as voted upon by the CMA’s more-than 6,000 members. But the star power extends far beyond only the winners — there are plenty of top-notch performances and presenters, as well.
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The ceremony — which will again be hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning — will feature several special performance moments, including Morgan Wallen joining forces with Post Malone and HARDY to offer up several classic country songs. Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band and Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally will honor the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett.
Jelly Roll, a five-time nominee, will take the stage twice during the evening, first opening the show with a performance of his No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay hit “Need a Favor,” and performing again later in the show for a collaboration with K. Michelle on The Judds’ signature song “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
Meanwhile, newly-minted Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Tanya Tucker will be joined by Little Big Town for a performance of Tucker’s 1972 debut hit “Delta Dawn.”
Lainey Wilson leads this year’s nominees with nine nods, including entertainer of the year, female vocalist of the year, single of the year and song of the year. Wilson is just the fourth artist in CMA history to land nine or more nominations in a single year. She follows Merle Haggard (nine nods in 1970), Alan Jackson (a record 10 nods in 2002) and Miranda Lambert (nine nods in both 2010 and 2014).
Jelly Roll has five nominations this year, including new artist of the year and male artist of the year. Luke Combs and HARDY have four nominations each, followed by Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, producer/mix engineer Joey Moi, songwriter-producer Jordan Schmidt, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and musician/producer Derek Wells with three nominations each.
See below for a full list of performers and presenters:
Performers:
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Jordan Davis
HARDY
Alan Jackson
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Little Big Town
Mac McAnally
Ashley McBryde
Megan Moroney
Old Dominion
Carly Pearce
Post Malone
K. Michelle
Chris Stapleton
Tanya Tucker
The War And Treaty
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Zac Brown Band
Presenters:
Paula Abdul
Bill Anderson
Nate Bargatze
Kevin Cahoon
Jordan Davis
Cynthia Erivo
Sara Evans
Brian Kelley
Lady A
Martina McBride
Parker McCollum
Craig Morgan
Darius Rucker
Corey Seager,
Gerry Turner
Keith Urban
Hailey Whitters
Chris Young
Bebe Rexha & David Guetta are set to perform at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, which are just 12 days away. They are the second BBMAs performers to be announced, following Peso Pluma. Performances and awards will roll out across BBMAs and Billboard social channels, as well as via BBMAs.watch, on Sunday, Nov. 19, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Rexha and Guetta will perform their global hit “I’m Good (Blue)” and their follow-up “One in a Million.” “I’m Good (Blue)” is a finalist for three BBMAs – top collaboration, top Billboard global (excl. U.S.) song, and top dance/electronic song.
In addition, Guetta is a finalist for two awards on his own: dance/electronic artist and a second entry for top dance/electronic song – “Baby Don’t Hurt Me,” a collab with Anne-Marie and Coi Leray.
“I’m Good (Blue)” spent 55 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. Only one song in the chart’s nearly 11-year history has had a longer run at No. 1; “Happier” by Marshmello and Bastille topped the chart for 69 weeks.
Rexha is no stranger to chart-busting collaborations. “Meant to Be,” her collab with Florida Georgia Line, topped Hot Country Songs for a record 50 weeks.
Rexha and Guetta are both past BBMA winners. “Meant to Be” won four years ago for top country song. Guetta was named top EDM artist in 2013.
Rexha has had a total of four top 10 hits on the Hot 100. Guetta has amassed seven. Guetta has had two top five albums on the Billboard 200: Nothing But the Beat (No. 5 in 2011) and Listen (No. 4 in 2015). Rexha’s highest charting album on the Billboard 200 was Expectations, which debuted and peaked at No. 13 in 2018.
Taylor Swift is the top finalist at the 2023 BBMAs with nods in 20 categories. Morgan Wallen and SZA are runners-up, with 17 entries each. They are followed by The Weeknd (16); Drake and Zach Bryan (14); Luke Combs (10); 21 Savage, Metro Boomin and Miley Cyrus (nine each); Beyoncé and Rema (seven each); Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma (six each); and Ariana Grande, Guetta, Eslabon Armado, Karol G, NewJeans and Selena Gomez (five each).
The 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy will honor the year’s hottest names in music determined by year-end performance metrics on the Billboard charts. The program, produced by Dick Clark Productions, will deliver a reimagined award show concept that will entertain fans with music and exclusive content. Performances and award celebrations will take place in global locations, in the midst of sold-out tours, and in custom venues.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the BBMAs and Spotify Fans First have teamed up to identify fans who have consumed the most hours of music over the past year and helped drive their favorite artists to the top spots on the Billboard charts. These fans will receive a “golden ticket” granting them access to attend a performance curated by their favorite artists, expressly for the 2023 BBMAs.
The 2023 BBMAs are presented by Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s travel program and marketplace. One special BBMAs performance and two exclusive acceptance speeches will be hosted at hotel brands within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy will provide a select group of fans access to attend five BBMAs performances via Marriott Bonvoy Moments.
Other sponsors include Lexus.
Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado is set to host the 2024 Juno Awards, which are slated for Sunday, March 24, from the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This will be Furtado’s second time as Juno Awards host. She also fronted the 2007 show in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, at which she won five awards.
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Tickets to the 2024 Juno Awards broadcast go on sale Friday, Nov. 10.
Furtado, 44, amassed 10 Juno Awards from 2001 to 2007. The international pop star also won a Grammy in 2002 for “I’m Like a Bird,” which was voted best female pop vocal performance.
In addition to hosting, Furtado is set to perform on the show, as are fellow past Juno Award winners Charlotte Cardin, The Beaches and Maestro Fresh Wes.
The Montreal-born Cardin won four awards at last year’s show – artist of the year; album of the year and pop album of the year for Phoenix; and single of the year for “Meaningless.”
The Beaches won rock album of the year last year for Sisters Not Twins (The Professional Lovers Album). The Toronto rock band had won breakthrough group of the year in 2018.
Hip-hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes is the 2024 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee. The rapper (real name Wes Williams) made history as the first Black Canadian artist to achieve gold and platinum status in the country. In 1991, he became the first Juno winner for best rap recording of the year for “Symphony in Effect.” He also won best video that year in tandem with Joel Goldberg for “Drop the Needle.”
Tegan and Sara will receive the 2024 Humanitarian Award for their charitable achievements. Academy Award-nominated actor (and Halifax native) Elliot Page (Juno), will present the honor live on the Juno Awards broadcast.
Tegan and Sara are outspoken advocates for LGBTQ+ equality and gender justice. The Tegan and Sara Foundation is an extension of their work, identity and longstanding commitment to building progressive social change.
Tegan and Sara won three Juno Awards in 2014 – single of the year for “Closer,” pop album of the year for Heartthrob and group of the year.
The 53rd Annual JUNO Awards will broadcast and stream live across Canada on March 24 at 8 p.m. ET/9 p.m. AST on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos and CBC Music’s YouTube page.
Furtado will become the fourth person to host multiple Juno broadcasts in this century, following Michael Bublé and actors Simu Lu (who hosted in both 2022 and 2023) and Russell Peters.
Ashley Gorley was named ASCAP country music songwriter of the year at the 61st ASCAP Country Music Awards. The invitation-only event, which celebrated the songwriters and publishers of country music’s 50 most-performed ASCAP songs of the past year, was held at The Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville on Monday (Nov. 6).
This was the 10th time Gorley has been named ASCAP country music songwriter of the year, which extends his record.
Gorley, 46, had a hand in writing 10 of ASCAP’s most-performed country songs of the past year, five of which were recorded by Morgan Wallen: “You Proof” (which was named ASCAP country song of the year), “Last Night,” “Everything I Love,” “One Thing at a Time” and “Thinkin’ Bout Me.” Gorley’s other award-winners for the year were “Gold” (Dierks Bentley), “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” (Cole Swindell), “What He Didn’t Do” (Carly Pearce), “Girl in Mine” (Parmalee) and “You Didn’t” (Brett Young).
This is the third time that Gorley has co-written the ASCAP country song of the year. He accepted the honor for “You Proof” alongside winning publishers Round Hill Songs and Sony Music Publishing. The song debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the first song to top Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for 10 weeks.
Gorley has received five CMA nominations for song of the year and five Grammy nominations in songwriting categories — though he has yet to win at either awards show. He has received four Grammy nods for best country song and one for best rock song (for co-writing Weezer’s “All My Favorite Songs”).
Jordan Davis, 35, collected his first ASCAP country music songwriter/artist of the year honor. The MCA Nashville artist’s top 10 Hot Country Songs hits “Next Thing You Know” and “What My World Spins Around” were also honored as most-performed songs. “Next Thing You Know” is nominated for single, song and music video of the year at the 57th CMA Awards, which will be presented on Wednesday. Davis won the CMA Award for song of the year last year for “Buy Dirt,” which he co-wrote with his brother, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins and Matt Jenkins and recorded with Luke Bryan.
Sony Music Publishing was named ASCAP country music publisher of the year. The company represents 21 of this year’s most-performed songs including “Heart Like a Truck” (Lainey Wilson), “Heartfirst” (Kelsea Ballerini), “Need a Favor” (Jelly Roll), “Next Thing You Know” (Jordan Davis), “What He Didn’t Do” (Carly Pearce), “Gold” (Dierks Bentley), “Everyone She Knows” (Kenny Chesney), “5 Foot 9” (Tyler Hubbard), “No Body” (Blake Shelton) and “You, Me, and Whiskey” (Justin Moore and Priscilla Block).
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP chairman of the board and president Paul Williams and ASCAP vice president of Nashville membership Mike Sistad presented what ASCAP calls the “Of the Year” winners.
A complete list of ASCAP Country Music Award winners can be found here: ASCAP.com/countryawards23.
Mexican star Peso Pluma is set to perform at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, taking place Sunday, Nov. 19. The música Mexicana singer-songwriter will perform “Rubicón,” a corrido — powered by prickly guitars — from his chart-topping album Génesis. The performance will include a special guest appearance by boxing legend Mike Tyson, who is a […]
The 57th annual CMA Awards will take place Wednesday (Nov. 8) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with returning hosts country superstar Luke Bryan and legendary NFL hall of famer Peyton Manning. For the second consecutive year, Lainey Wilson leads all nominees with nine nominations, followed by Jelly Roll with five and Luke Combs and HARDY landing four.
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Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood are both seeking their first entertainer of the year award after multiple nominations. Stapleton, Brothers Osborne and Old Dominion will see if their multi-year streaks for male vocalist, vocal duo and vocal group, respectively, continue. This year also includes some surprises, including Tracy Chapman receiving her first nomination for a 35-year-old song, and Wilson swiftly ascending to entertainer of the year category from winning best new artist only a year ago.
The eligibility period for the 2023 show, which will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, is July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023. According to CMA rules, “singles, albums, music videos and qualified music products for the annual show must have been released or reached peak national prominence during the eligibility period.” More than 7,300 members of the country music industry vote for the nominees and winners through three rounds of voting.
Here are Billboard’s predictions in select categories on who will emerge victorious, from Melinda Newman (executive editor, West Coast and Nashville), and Jessica Nicholson (staff writer, Nashville). So they wouldn’t influence each other, the two did not compare notes on their picks.
Entertainer of the year
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Newman: It’s only been a year since Wilson earned her first CMA Awards nominations (and wins), so her ascent into the entertainer category feels, perhaps, a tad speedy. The other four nominees have been here before, including last year, with Combs prevailing. This year marks Stapleton’s and Underwood’s seventh and sixth nominations in the category, respectively, yet neither has won the award, and, despite strong touring efforts in 2023, it feels like they will go home empty-handed again. This year is a race between Combs, who is seeking his third crown, and Wallen, who is after his first. Both have ascended to stadium-act status, and both have had unbelievably successful years at radio. If there was ever a year for a tie, this might be it, but Combs made the leap to multi-continent international touring sensation this year, so he has a slight advantage.
Will win: Luke Combs
Nicholson: While each of the nominees has had an incredible year, it seems that Combs and Wallen are the front-runners in this race. Both have battled it out in the upper echelons of the Billboard Hot 100 (with Wallen’s “Last Night” spending 16 weeks atop the chart, and Combs’s “Fast Car” reaching No. 2). Combs is already a two-time winner and the reigning champ in this category, while Wallen’s One Thing at a Time has dominated the Billboard 200 this year, with 16 weeks atop the chart. Both have had major stadium runs this year, with tours that have taken them to overseas markets as well as domestic shows. Wallen’s 2023 tour began with shows in Australia and New Zealand, and included stops in Canada, but Combs’s 2023 trek visited Australia, Canada and multiple countries in Europe, which might give him the edge here.
Will win: Luke Combs
Single of the year
Award goes to artist(s), producer(s) and mix engineer(s)
“Fast Car” – Luke Combs (Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton, Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews)
“Heart Like A Truck” – Lainey Wilson (Producer: Jay Joyce, Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce)
“Need A Favor” – Jelly Roll (Producer: Austin Nivarel, Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun)
“Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis (Producer: Paul DiGiovanni, Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley)
“wait in the truck” – HARDY (feat. Lainey Wilson) (Producers: HARDY, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells, Mix Engineer: Joey Moi)
Newman: It’s a little surprising that Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night,” which spent a staggering 16 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, didn’t get a nod here, but voters leaned toward heavier fare for the most part, favoring murder ballad “wait in the truck,” Jelly Roll’s redemption-seeking “Need a Favor” and Combs’ poignant remake of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” Davis was a runner-up last year with “Buy Dirt” and this year’s entry, “Next Thing You Know,” mines the same family-oriented theme, while Wilson’s “Heart Like a Truck” is pleasing, traditional country. All were hits, reaching the top 2 of Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, but the meaty songs here resonated strongest this year, with “wait in the truck” hitting the hardest thanks to HARDY and Wilson’s gravitas-filled vocals.
Will win: “wait in the truck”
Nicholson: This year’s category is packed with hits, including a double-header of chart songs from Wilson (“Heart Like a Truck” and “wait in the truck” with HARDY). Jelly Roll’s rock-infused plea “Need a Favor” is here, as is Jordan Davis’ quieter chart hit, the sentimental “Next Thing You Know.” In terms of chart successes, Combs’s rendition of the Tracy Chapman classic “Fast Car” has been a sales juggernaut, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending five weeks atop the Country Airplay chart. This crossover hit was inescapable this year, which leans the odds in Combs’ favor.
Will win: “Fast Car”
Song of the year
Award goes to the songwriters
“Fast Car” — Songwriter: Tracy Chapman
“Heart Like A Truck” — Songwriters: Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson
“Next Thing You Know” — Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne
“Tennessee Orange” — Songwriters: David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams
“wait in the truck” — Songwriters: Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt
Newman: The same songs nominated for single of the year are competing here except for “Need a Favor,” which has been replaced by “Tennessee Orange.” It would be something if Chapman won for “Fast Car,” a song that is as heartbreaking today as it was upon its initial release 35 years ago, but that seems unlikely. Other than “Fast Car,” the artists all had a hand in writing the songs they performed and that emotional investment reverberates here. “Tennessee Orange” served as a beguiling introduction to Moroney, while “Heart Like a Truck” showed the vulnerable side of Wilson. “Next Thing You Know” felt like Davis has found his lane that celebrates family and “wait in the truck” refused to pull its punches as it shined a harsh light on domestic violence. The winning song doesn’t need to necessarily make a statement, but “wait in the truck’s” fearlessness in embracing the darkness feels like an achievement worth heralding.
Winner: “wait in the truck”
Nicholson: Most of the same songs nominated in the single of the year category repeat here, including “Fast Car,” “wait in the truck,” “Next Thing You Know” and “Heart Like a Truck.” Wilson’s collaboration with HARDY and her solo “Heart” followed similar chart trajectories this year. “Heart Like a Truck” was named song of the year at the industry-voted NSAI Nashville Songwriter Awards, and it could very well follow that up with a win in this category.
Will win: “Heart Like a Truck”
Album of the year
Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, Ashley McBryde
Bell Bottom Country, Lainey Wilson
Gettin’ Old, Luke Combs
One Thing At A Time, Morgan Wallen
Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, Kelsea Ballerini
Newman: From Kelsea Ballerini’s intensely personal statement of reclaiming her own life after her divorce to Ashley McBryde’s vivid imaginary community in Lindeville, all the nominees here created works that connected with fans and advanced their artistry. Luke Combs’ set is the companion to last year’s winner, Growin’ Up, that celebrates the singer/songwriter embracing middle age. Lainey Wilson graduated to budding superstar status with Bell Bottom Country, which felt like a mission statement as she grew more confident in her delivery and message. It already seemed like Wallen couldn’t rise higher, but One Thing at a Time topped the Billboard 200 for 16 weeks, the most since Adele’s 21 in 2011-12. All will stand the test of time as high-water marks for each artist, but McBryde brought us into a world in an innovative, original way that felt uniquely immersive.
Will Win: Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville
Nicholson: This category celebrates an array of styles, from Wilson’s hippie-country Bell Bottom Country project to Ballerini’s heart-on-her-sleeve Rolling Up the Welcome Mat album, Combs’s hit-filled Gettin’ Old album, and McBryde’s collaborative, creative Lindeville project, which featured John Osborne, Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammack, Aaron Raitiere, Benjy Davis and more.
The undeniably red-hot hit project of the bunch has been Wallen’s One Thing at a Time, which has spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard 200. Still, this is a category where voters have often awarded creative impact over commercial success, so McBryde and her Lindeville cohorts could pick up the win here.
Will win: Ashley McBryde Presents Lindeville
Female vocalist of the year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce
Lainey Wilson
Newman: The same vocalists as last year are competing except for Carrie Underwood, whose slot is filled by a deserving Kelsea Ballerini. Given that she’s been nominated, or won, 16 out of the last 17 years, it’s odd not to see Underwood’s name here, but she’ll definitely be back. Lambert’s been on a bit of a break since parting ways with Sony Nashville, so this is more of a four-way race between the other women. All have had strong years, but Wilson feels unbeatable for the second year in a row.
Will win: Lainey Wilson
Nicholson: Lambert is the winningest nominee in the category, with seven prior wins. Though every nominee here had a stellar touring/performing year, on the recording front, Lambert and Pearce had relatively quieter years. Pearce teamed with Chris Stapleton for the ballad “We Don’t Fight Anymore,” and Lambert paired with Leon Bridges for “If You Were Mine.” Ballerini released one of her most personal, expressive albums to date with her divorce record, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat. Wilson is the reigning champ in this category, and seemed to be ubiquitous this year, thanks to heavy touring, a trio of songs surging up the charts, awards show appearances and a campaign with Wrangler. Wilson seems to be a lock in this category.
Will win: Lainey Wilson
Male vocalist of the year
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Newman: Jelly Roll replaces Eric Church in this year’s list of finalists and it’s hard to overstate the year he’s had, but the same could be said for all the contenders, including second-time nominee Wallen, who won the title at the ACM Awards in May. Either Stapleton or Combs has taken home the award the past eight years, with Stapleton winning a record-setting six times. Despite Stapleton’s once-in-a-generation voice, it’s undeniably Wallen’s turn.
Will win: Morgan Wallen
Nicholson: This is a stacked category, with Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Stapleton and Wallen all vying for the honor. Wallen, Jelly Roll and Johnson are all hoping to pick up their first wins, against veteran winners Stapleton (six times) and Combs (twice). Stapleton is a perennial favorite in the category, and Combs, Jelly Roll and Johnson have all had solid years, but given Wallen’s juggernaut touring in addition to the chart success of “Last Night” and One Thing at a Time, it looks like this could be the year he cinches a win.
Will win: Morgan Wallen
New artist of the year
Zach Bryan
Jelly Roll
Parker McCollum
Megan Moroney
Hailey Whitters
Newman: Bryan and Jelly Roll are already bonafide headlining arena acts, so it seems strange to even see them in this category, since their stars have ascended so quickly. Additionally, Bailey Zimmerman has dominated the charts in recent months with three Country Airplay No. 1s, so his omission is glaring. McCollum, Moroney and Whitters look like they’re all headed toward long, bountiful careers with Whitters snagging the top new female trophy at the ACM Awards. If voters are going by the numbers, it’s hard to deny Bryan or Jelly Roll, but, if like me, voters feel like they are both past the point of winning this award, Moroney could be the surprise winner.
Will win: Megan Moroney
Nicholson: Bryan is far and away the biggest success story of this crop of newcomers. He’s selling out stadiums nationwide and regularly notching songs and albums to the upper echelons of the all-genre Billboard charts. But Bryan’s comments following last year’s CMA Awards, could have deterred some CMA voters. “Handle on You” hitmaker McCollum, “Everything She Ain’t” singer Whitters and “Tennessee Orange” crooner Moroney have all made strides over the past year, but recent Billboard cover star Jelly Roll has been one of the biggest breakout artists, earning two No. 1 Country Airplay hits this year (including the four-week Country Airplay chart-topper “Need a Favor”) and currently enjoying a top 10 hit on the chart with his Wilson collab “Save Me.” Add in a top headlining tour, and this one is Jelly’s to lose.
Will win: Jelly Roll
Vocal duo of the year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
Newman: Maddie & Tae are competing for the ninth time without a win, and they will likely go home empty-handed again, given Brothers Osborne have snagged the trophy five of the last seven years and Dan + Shay grabbed it the other two. Brooks & Dunn, who last won in 2006, are legends, of course, but it seems odd that they are even plunked into this category, since they exist primarily as an occasional touring act. The War And Treaty are a strong addition, but they likely can’t stop the momentum that the excellent Brothers Osborne continue to have.
Will win: Brothers Osborne
Nicholson: This year, 14-time category winners Brooks & Dunn face off against five-time category winners and reigning champs Brothers Osborne, as well as two-time winners Dan + Shay, Maddie & Tae and newcomers to the category, husband-and-wife duo The War And Treaty. Dan + Shay, Brothers Osborne and The War And Treaty all released new studio projects this year. Brothers Osborne scored a top 25 Country Airplay hit with “Nobody’s Nobody,” released their self-titled album and played a string of headlining shows, while Dan+Shay made media waves leading up to the release of their 2023 album Bigger Houses by revealing they nearly broke up, and earned a top 20 Country Airplay hit with “Save Me The Trouble.” Brothers Osborne’s labelmates The War And Treaty also scored a major chart hit this year with their Zach Bryan collaboration “Hey Driver” (which reached the top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100). They’ve been opening tour dates on Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show (in addition to a string of overseas headlining tour dates) and have been ubiquitous on awards show appearances this year. All of these high-profile appearances could give W&T the edge.
Will win: The War And Treaty
Vocal group of the year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band
Newman: The nominations in this category have remained static for the past five years with the same acts vying for the title, with the exception of 2020, when a dissolving Rascal Flatts took Zac Brown Band’s spot. They are all worthy contenders, but, as with vocal duo, the category could benefit from some new blood or have voters pay a little attention to who else is making noise, like Parmalee, whose “Take My Name” was Billboard’s 2022 Country Airplay Song of the Year. Old Dominion continues to grow both creatively and commercially, so expect them to take home their sixth consecutive trophy in this category, tying Little Big Town’s six wins.
Will win: Old Dominion
Nicholson: Old Dominion has arguably been the most visible of this year’s nominees, thanks to to their album Memory Lane and their Country Airplay top 10 hit of the same name. Zach Brown Band earned a top 20 Country Airplay hit with “Out in the Middle,” but Old Dominion seems to be on track to extend their five-year winning streak.
Will win: Old Dominion

One of the Nashville music industry’s most festive, star-studded weeks got underway on Sunday evening (Nov. 5) in the walkup to Wednesday’s CMA Awards, with SESAC’s Nashville Music Awards celebrating the writers and music publishers behind many of the year’s most-performed country and Americana songs.
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Following a cocktail hour where more than 400 of Nashville music industry denizens schmoozed, Megan Moroney started the ceremony by performing an acoustic, husky-voiced rendition of one of the celebrated songs of the evening, “Tennessee Orange.” The ballad, which Moroney co-wrote, is nominated for song of the year during the CMA Awards (Moroney is also up for new artist of the year).
SESAC executives including chairman/CEO John Josephson, president/COO Scott Jungmichel, chief creative officer Sam Kling, senior VP/head of Nashville creative Shannan Hatch, and Lydia Schultz Cahill and ET Brown (senior directors, creative services), guided the evening’s festivities and led the charge in honoring the writers’ and publishers’ accomplishments.
“We have a hugely talented group of creators here tonight,” Jungmichel said. “Supporting you continues to be our focus.”
“What an amazing year it has been for country and Americana songwriters,” said Hatch, noting songwriter Rafe Van Hoy’s recent induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame earlier this year. “Also, more Nashville writers were honored than ever during the SESAC [all-genre] Awards earlier this year.”
SESAC writers Josh Hoge and Christian Stalnecker contributed to writing “Thank God,” recorded by Kane Brown and his wife Katelyn Brown. The song became a No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay chart hit and on Sunday evening, was named SESAC’s song of the year during the Nashville Music Awards. The gratitude-filled ballad is also up for musical event of the year at Wednesday’s CMA Awards. Brown was on hand to help present Hoge and Stalnecker with the honor.
Sony Music Publishing was named publisher of the year, after earning seven awards throughout the evening, for the company’s role in publishing sterling country radio hits including “Thank God,” “Tennessee Orange,” “Dancin’ in the Country,” “You Didn’t,” and “Pick Me Up.”
The SESAC Heritage Award celebrated the legacy of “I’ll Fly Away” songwriter Albert E. Brumley and recognized SESAC’s 80-year partnership with the song and Brumley. Betsy Brumley accepted the heritage award on his behalf. Jamey Johnson was also on hand to perform a gorgeous acoustic version of the song.
Other SESAC-affiliated songwriters honored throughout the evening included Margo Price, Jeremy Ivey, Justin Ebach, Casey Brown, Dillon Carmichael (who earned his first industry award that evening and took the stage to perform a rendition of his song “Son of a A”) and Kelsey Waldon.
The evening concluded with the coveted songwriter of the year trophy, which went to Jon Nite, in recognition of his work in composing songs including “Dancin’ in the Country” (recorded by Tyler Hubbard), “You Didn’t” (Brett Young), and “Pick Me Up” (Gabby Barrett). Video tributes for Nite came from Keith Urban, Tyler Hubbard, Gabby Barrett, songwriter-producer Ross Copperman, Sony Music Publishing’s Josh Van Valkenburg, as well as tributes from Nite’s family.
“I don’t deserve this; this is unbelievable,” Nite said after taking the stage, first thanking his family and his Sony Music Publishing champions.
Nite recalled moving to Nashville over two decades ago, with $500 to his name. He offered advice to any aspiring songwriters: “Keep writing the songs that are part of your life—those are the only ones that work.” He noted the intense work ethic and long-term vision required for forging success within the industry, saying, “I wrote 1,000 songs before I got one cut.” He ended on a note of gratitude, and a bit of incredulousness, for being able to live out his dreams, saying, “It’s unbelievable that SESAC pays us to do what we do…what we love.”
See a full listing of the year’s SESAC Nashville Music Awards honorees below:
“Thank God”
Written by: Josh Hoge, Christian Stalnecker
Published by: Blunts and Bonfires Music, Feels Like Friday, Sony Music Publishing, Chorus 2 Music, RMM 416 Publishing
Recorded by: Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown
“DANCIN’ IN THE COUNTRY”
Written by: Jon Nite
Published by: Cuts Like A Nite Music, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Tyler Hubbard
“TENNESEE ORANGE”
Written by: Megan Moroney
Published by: Georgiamo, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Megan Moroney
“YOUR HEART OR MINE”
Written by: Justin Ebach
Published by: Phat Racoon, Universal Tunes
Recorded by: Jon Pardi
“YOU DIDN’T”
Written by: Jon Nite
Published by: Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Brett Young
“PICK ME UP”
Written by: Jon Nite
Published by: Cuts Like A Nite Music, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Gabby Barrett
“GIRL IN MINE”
Written by: Casey Brown
Published by: Track & Feels, Warner Chappell Music, Tape Room Tunes
Recorded by: Parmalee
“WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE”
Written by: Chris LaCorte
Published by: Card Tables Music, Hang Your Hat Hits, Concord Tunes
Recorded by: Sam Hunt
“BURY ME IN GEORGIA”
Written by: Josh Hoge
Published by: Blunts and Bonfires Music, Chorus 2 Music, Sony Music Nashville
Recorded by: Kane Brown
“OUT IN THE MIDDLE”
Written by: Ben Simonetti, Zac Brown
Published by: Simonetti Music Publishing, Day For The Dead Publishing
Recorded by: Zac Brown Band
“Y’ALL LIFE”
Written by: Josh Jenkins, Pete Good
Published by: Follow Me Where I Go, SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by: Walker Hayes
“SON OF A”
Written by: Dillon Carmichael
Published by: Riser House Tunes, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by: Dillon Carmichael
“PARTY MODE”
Written by: Jared Keim
Published by: Twelve6 Sequoia, Warner Chappell Music
Recorded by: Dustin Lynch
“CHANGE OF HEART”
Written by: Margo Price, Jeremy Ivey
Published by: Peach Pit, Fisheye, RMM 416 Publishing, Good Songs We Love
Recorded by: Margo Price
“THAT KIND OF LIFE (THAT KIND OF DAY)”
Written by: Jim Lauderdale
Published by: Wudang Mountain Songs, Critter City Music
Recorded by: Jim Lauderdale
“TALL AND MIGHTY”
Written by: Kelsey Waldon
Published by: MyKaintuck Publishing, Do Write Music
Recorded by: Kelsey Waldon
“DON’T LET THE DARKNESS”
Written by: Ed Jurdi
Published by: Three Pisces Music
Recorded by: The Band of Heathens
“ALL I REALLY WANNA DO”
Written by: Henry Brill
Published by: Kobalt Group Publishing
Recorded by: Devon Gilfillian
MTV pulled the plug on the 2023 MTV EMA Awards on Oct. 19, just over two weeks before the show was set to be staged in Paris. The network attributed their decision to the “volatility of world events.” But on Sunday (Nov. 5), which would have been the EMAs date, MTV released the winners list, saying, “as fans worldwide voted for their favorite categories including best artist, best song and more, MTV is recognizing the following artists with 2023 MTV EMAs.”
Taylor Swift was the big winner, with three awards – best artist, best live and best video for “Anti-Hero.” Surprisingly, the award for best US act eluded her. That went to Nicki Minaj, who also won best hip-hop.
Jung Kook and Måneskin were also double winners. Jung Kook won best K-pop and best song for “Seven” (featuring Latto). Måneskin won best rock and best Italian act.
Rema was the winner in the newly-added best Afrobeats category.
David Guetta, who was born in Paris, the intended site of this year’s show, won best electronic.
This year’s event was to have been broadcast live to more than 150 countries from the Paris Nord. It would have marked the first time the ceremony has been held in the City of Light since 1995.
This marked the first time the MTV EMA Awards have been canceled since it was launched in 1994. Even during the pandemic, the show went on as scheduled.
MTV released the following statement on Oct. 19: “Given the volatility of world events, we have decided not to move forward with the 2023 MTV EMAs out of an abundance of caution for the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans and partners who travel from all corners of the world to bring the show to life. The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music. As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration. With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning. Voting is continuing and the winning artists will receive their MTV EMA Awards. We look forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November of 2024.”
Here’s the complete list of 2023 MTV EMA nominees, with winners marked. The winners for biggest fans and best group had not been identified at the time of publication.
Best Song
Doja Cat – “Paint the Town Red”
WINNER: Jung Kook feat. Latto – “Seven”
Miley Cyrus – “Flowers”
Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire”
SZA – “Kill Bill”
Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero”
Rema, Selena Gomez – “Calm Down”
Best Video
Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion – “Bongos”
Doja Cat – “Paint The Town Red”
Little Simz – “Gorilla”
Miley Cyrus – “Flowers”
Olivia Rodrigo – “vampire”
SZA – “Kill Bill”
WINNER: Taylor Swift – “Anti-Hero”
Best Artist
Doja Cat
Miley Cyrus
Nicki Minaj
Olivia Rodrigo
SZA
WINNER: Taylor Swift
Best Collaboration
Central Cee x Dave – “Sprinter”
David Guetta, Anne-Marie, Coi Leray – “Baby Don’t Hurt Me”
WINNER: KAROL G, Shakira – “TQG”
Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage – “Creepin’”
PinkPantheress, Ice Spice – “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2”
Rema, Selena Gomez – “Calm Down”
Best New
Coi Leray
FLO
Ice Spice
WINNER: Peso Pluma
PinkPantheress
Reneé Rapp
Best Pop
WINNER: Billie Eilish
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Miley Cyrus
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
Best Afrobeats
Asake
Aya Nakamura
Ayra Starr
Burna Boy
Davido
WINNER: Rema
Best Rock
Arctic Monkeys
Foo Fighters
WINNER: Måneskin
Metallica
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Killers
Best Latin
WINNER: Anitta
Bad Bunny
KAROL G
Peso Pluma
ROSALÍA
Shakira
Best K-pop
FIFTY FIFTY
WINNER: Jung Kook
NewJeans
SEVENTEEN
Stray Kids
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Best Alternative
Blur
Fall Out Boy
WINNER: Lana Del Rey
Paramore
Thirty Seconds to Mars
YUNGBLUD
Best Electronic
Alesso
Calvin Harris
WINNER: David Guetta
Swedish House Mafia
Peggy Gou
Tiësto
Best Hip-Hop
Cardi B
Central Cee
Lil Wayne
Lil Uzi Vert
Metro Boomin
WINNER: Nicki Minaj
Travis Scott
Best R&B
Chlöe
WINNER: Chris Brown
Steve Lacy
Summer Walker
SZA
Usher
Best Live
Beyoncé
Burna Boy
Ed Sheeran
Måneskin
SZA
WINNER: Taylor Swift
The Weeknd
Best Push
November 2022: Flo Milli
December 2022: Reneé Rapp
January 2023: Sam Ryder
February 2023: Armani White
March 2023: FLETCHER
WINNER: April 2023: TOMORROW X TOGETHER
May 2023: Ice Spice
June 2023: FLO
July 2023: Lauren Spencer Smith
August 2023: Kaliii
September 2023: GloRilla
October 2023: Benson Boone
Biggest Fans
Anitta
Billie Eilish
BLACKPINK
Jung Kook
Nicki Minaj
Olivia Rodrigo
Sabrina Carpenter
Selena Gomez
Taylor Swift
Best Group
aespa
FLO
Jonas Brothers
Måneskin
NewJeans
OneRepublic
SEVENTEEN
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
2023 MTV EMA Best Local Act Nominees:
Best African Act
Asake
Burna Boy
Libianca
Tyler ICU
WINNER: Diamond Platnumz
Best Asia Act
WINNER: BE:FIRST
BRIGHT
Moria
Tiara Andini
TREASURE
Best Australian Act
Budjerah
G Flip
WINNER: Kylie Minogue
The Kid LAROI
Troye Sivan
Best Brasilian Act
Anavitoria
Kevin O Chris
Luisa Sonza
Manu Gavassi
WINNER: Matue
Best Canadian Act
Charlotte Cardin
Drake
Jamie Fine
WINNER: Shania Twain
The Beaches
Best Caribbean Act
Eladio Carrion
Mora
Myke Towers
Rauw Alejandro
WINNER: Young Miko
Best Dutch Act
WINNER: FLEMMING
Idaly
Kriss Kross Amsterdam
S10
Zoë Tauran
Best French Act
Aime Simone
Aya Nakamura
WINNER: Bigflo & Oli
Louane
Ninho
Slimane
Best German Act
Apache 207
AYLIVA
WINNER: Kontra K
Luciano
Nina Chuba
Ski Aggu
Best Hungarian Act
WINNER: ajsa luna
Analog Balaton
Beton.Hofi
Co Lee
Hundred Sins
Best India Act
Dee MC
DIVINE
Mali
WINNER: Tsumyoki
When Chai Met Toast
Best Italian Act
Annalisa
Elodie
Lazza
WINNER: Måneskin
The Kolors
Best Israeli Act
Anna Zak
Liad Meir
Noa Kirel
Nunu
Shira Margalit
Best Latin America North Act
Danna Paola
WINNER: Kenia Os
Kevin Kaarl
Siddhartha
Natanael Cano
Best Latin America Central Act
Blessd
WINNER: Feid
Manuel Turizo
Ryan Castro
Sebastian Yatra
Best Latin America South Act
Bizarrap
Duki
Fito Paez
WINNER: Lali
Nicki Nicole
Best New Zealand Act
BENEE
JessB
Jolyon Petch
L.A.B.
WINNER: SIX60
Best Nordic Act
Alessandra
WINNER: Käärijä
Loreen
Swedish House Mafia
Zara Larsson
Best Polish Act
WINNER: Doda
Kasia Nosowska
Mrozu
Sanah
Vito Bambino
Best Portuguese Act
Bárbara Bandeira
WINNER: Bispo
Carolina Deslandes
Marisa Liz
PIRUKA
Best Spanish Act
Abraham Mateo
Álvaro de Luna
Lola Índigo
Quevedo
WINNER: Samantha Hudson
Best Swiss Act
Danitsa
WINNER: Gjon’s Tears
KT Gorique
Monet192
Stress
Best UK & Ireland Act
Calvin Harris
Central Cee
PinkPantheress
Raye
Sam Smith
WINNER: Tom Grennan
Best US Act
Doja Cat
WINNER: Nicki Minaj
Olivia Rodrigo
SZA
Taylor Swift
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – which began 40 years ago and started inducting artists into its ranks in 1986 – welcomed the Class of 2023 to its extensive roster on Friday (Nov. 3) evening at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners were all inducted, along with DJ Kool Herc and Link Wray for musical influence; Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin for musical excellence; and Don Cornelius for the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
The eclectic Rock Hall Class of 2023 brought out performers and presenters who spanned hip-hop, rock, pop, R&B and country: Adam Levine, Brandi Carlile, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Common, Dave Matthews, Elton John, H.E.R., Ice-T, LL Cool J, Miguel, New Edition, Olivia Rodrigo, Queen Latifah, Sia, Stevie Nicks and St. Vincent.
For the first time ever, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame livestreamed its induction ceremony, giving fans the chance to watch the ceremony in real time. The 2023 RRHOF ceremony streamed live on Disney+ starting at 8 p.m. ET, and is still available on-demand. Audio from the ceremony streamed live on Apple Music 1. In previous years, fans had to wait until the show was broadcast at a later date. Those who do want to watch it on TV can catch an edited broadcast of highlights on ABC on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2024, from 8-11 p.m. ET.
The 2023 ceremony marked another first. Willie Nelson – who recently celebrated his 90th birthday — becoming the oldest living inductee to accept his honor in person. Harry Belafonte was older (95) when he was inducted, but he didn’t attend the ceremony.
These are the best moments from the Class of 2023’s induction.
Sheryl Crow Opens the Show With Olivia Rodrigo
Sheryl Crow opened the 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an appropriate bang. Olivia Rodrigo, a Billboard Hot 100-topping artist who is leading a new generation of rockers, joined the newly minted Rock Hall member for an all-smiles duet on “If It Makes You Happy,” which wrapped with a hug. After a speech […]