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The 56th annual CMA Awards, slated to air on ABC on Wednesday (Nov. 9), will include a celebration of the life and career of the indomitable singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn, who died Oct. 4 at age 90.
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A trio of powerhouse vocalists — Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood — will be among those taking the stage to honor Lynn, and Billboard was inside rehearsals at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for their performance.
The tribute began with video footage of Lynn at the Ryman Auditorium in 1972, accepting her CMA entertainer of the year trophy; she was the first woman to take home the Country Music Association’s highest honor. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that milestone, when Lynn was victorious over category competitors Merle Haggard, Freddie Hart, Charley Pride and Jerry Reed. Lynn won a total of eight CMA Awards during her career, including three female vocalist of the year honors and four vocal duo of the year honors, alongside Conway Twitty. Kentucky native Lynn went on to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988.
Underwood, backed by a full band, began the tribute with a solo performance of Lynn’s 1966 song “You Ain’t Woman Enough (to Take My Man),” as a collage of Lynn’s press photos along with images with her frequent collaborator Twitty flashed on the screen. Underwood was quickly joined by Lambert and later McEntire, offering renditions of songs including Lynn’s 1971 release “You’re Lookin’ at Country.” McEntire’s own distinct Oklahoma drawl was particularly well suited for the song, as she slightly changed the final lyric to “If your eyes were on Loretta/ You’re looking at country.”
Photos of Lynn with a variety of artists, including Dolly Parton, Lambert, Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson continued flashing across the screen as the three female artists concluded the tribute by trading off verses on Lynn’s signature song, 1970’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” before melding harmonies on the final line, “‘Cept the memories of a coal miner’s daughter.”
McEntire, Underwood and Lambert were each close to Lynn, with Underwood and McEntire collaborating with Lynn on the title track of her album Still Woman Enough, which was released in March 2021. Lambert joined Crow and Lynn to record a version of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” for the 2010 album Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn. That release also includes Underwood’s rendition of “You’re Lookin’ at Country,” and McEntire collaborating on Lynn’s “If You’re Not Gone Too Long” with The Time Jumpers.
Following Lynn’s passing in October, Underwood shared a personal story about the late artist. “The first time I met Loretta Lynn was at the Grand Ole Opry at the beginning of my career. I was chatting in the corner with another artist and someone walked behind me and smacked me on the rear end! I turned around and there she was…in a big sparkly dress…laughing as she continued to walk down the hall at what she had just done,” she recalled on social media. “This is one of my most favorite stories to tell. I think it sums up her personality pretty well. She was a cantankerous little pistol…friendly and sweet…never afraid to be herself and speak her mind…I am truly grateful to have known such an amazing woman and artist. Thank you, Loretta, for showing us how it’s done. May you Rest In Peace in the arms of Jesus and add your heavenly voice to the angel choir.”
Lambert said via Twitter at the time, “I’m so heartbroken to hear about Loretta’s passing. She was so kind to me and she blazed so many trails for all of us girls in country music. Thank you for all the songs. Miss You. Fly high.”
McEntire wrote on her Instagram account, “I always did and I always will love Loretta. She was always so nice to me. I sure appreciate her paving the rough and rocky road for all us girl singers.”
Lambert and Underwood are both nominees heading into Wednesday evening’s CMA Awards, and each is once again poised to follow in both Lynn’s and McEntire’s entertainer of the year-winning footsteps (McEntire won the accolade in 1986), as they are set to face off in the category this year against Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Chris Stapleton. This marks the third consecutive year that Lambert and Underwood have been nominated in the category, and the first time two female artists have been nominated in the entertainer of the year category for three consecutive years since 1986-1988, when McEntire and The Judds were nominated.
The 2022 MAMA Awards are set to take place later this month, and to further drum up anticipation for the K-pop awards ceremony — which is set to take place in Japan at the Osaka Kyocera Dome on Nov. 29-30 — the second set of performers for the two-day event were revealed on Wednesday (Nov. 9).
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The new set of performers will be split between two days — HYOLYN, Forestella, BIBI, NMIXX, LE SSERAFIM and Street Man Fighter dance crews will take on the MAMA Awards on Nov. 29, while ZICO, Lim Young Woong, (G)I-DLE, NiziU, INI and NewJeans will hit the stage on Nov. 30.
Previously announced artists that are set to perform at the MAMAs include Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, JO1, Kep1er, ITZY, TREASURE, ENHYPEN and IVE; additional lineup and signature special stages will be unveiled at a later date.
The 2022 MAMA Awards shared the official list of nominees on Oct. 24. BTS‘ J-Hope racked up a total of six nominations for his work on Jack in the Box and his collaborative efforts with Crush on “Rush Hour,” while V and Jimin scored solo noms in the best OST (original sound tracks) and song of the year categories — V for “Christmas Tree” (Our Beloved Summer) and Jimin alongside Ha Sung-woon for “With You” (Our Blues). BTS as a group earned five noms in the best male group, best vocal performance group and song of the year for “Yet to Come,” as well as artist of the year and worldwide fans’ choice top 10.
BLACKPINK also earned five nominations for this year’s MAMAs in the best female group, best dance performance female group and song of the year (“Pink Venom”), as well as artist of the year and worldwide fans’ choice top 10. Other artists who secured recognition for this year’s MAMAs include NCT Dream (five), SEVENTEEN (five), Stray Kids (five), IVE (five), NCT 127 (three), TWICE (three) and ITZY (three).
Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde and Cody Johnson are having a stellar morning as the Country Music Association prepares to celebrate this year’s winners.
Early winners were announced Wednesday (Nov. 9) via Good Morning America, which also featured a performance from Keith Urban.
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Johnson’s heart-tugging “‘Til You Can’t” has picked up music video of the year; the clip was directed by Dustin Haney. This marks Johnson’s first CMA Awards win. Heading into the evening’s ceremony, he is also up for male vocalist of the year, single of the year (“‘Til You Can’t”), and new artist of the year (a category he was previously nominated for in 2019).
Meanwhile, the Pearce and McBryde collaboration “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” was named musical event of the year. This honor goes to both artists and producers of the song. “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” was produced by Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.
“Girl” crowned Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart back in May, becoming the third duet between two solo women to top Country Airplay, dating to the chart’s January 1990 launch. The previous female collaborative chart leaders are Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home,” which dominated in April, and Reba McEntire’s “Does He Love You,” with Linda Davis, which ruled for a week in November 1993.
“WOWWWW what a way to start #cmaawards day!!!” Pearce said via social media. “This song means everything to me & seeing the life it has had this year has been so rewarding. Thank you @cma for this. MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR!!! “
McBryde and Pearce each garnered five nominations heading into tonight’s CMA Awards. “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” earns both McBryde and Pearce four out of five of each artist’s nominations, including song, single, music event and music video. Both are also nominated in the female vocalist of the year category, with Pearce being the reigning CMA female vocalist of the year.
The CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, air Wednesday, Nov. 9, on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.
The 56th annual CMA Awards, set to air Wednesday (Nov. 9) on ABC (and available the next day on Hulu), will include several red-hot collaborations, including an opening number that will celebrate the late Country Music Hall of Fame member Loretta Lynn, as Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert team up for a special collaboration.
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The night will be filled with major collaborations, including Elle King joining the Black Keys to perform “Great Balls of Fire” in honor of the late Country Music Hall of Fame member Jerry Lee Lewis. Thomas Rhett will pair with Katy Perry for their collaboration “Where We Started,” while Chris Stapleton will share the stage with Patty Loveless for a rendition of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.”
Duos Brothers Osborne and The War and Treaty will join forces for the Rolling Stones classic “It’s Only Rock & Roll (But I Like It),” while Ashley McBryde will partner with Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammack, Pillbox Patti and Brothers Osborne for a rendition of the 1974 Linda Ronstadt classic “When Will I Be Loved.”
This year’s top nominees include Lainey Wilson, Stapleton, Carly Pearce and McBryde, while those competing for the coveted entertainer of the year honor are Stapleton, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood.
Here’s the full lineup of performers and presenters for Wednesday night’s show:
Performers:
Jimmie Allen
Kelsea Ballerini
Dierks Bentley
Brothers Osborne
Luke Bryan
Brandy Clark
Kelly Clarkson
Luke Combs
Caylee Hammack
HARDY
Cody Johnson
Elle King
Marcus King
Miranda Lambert
Patty Loveless
Ashley McBryde
Reba McEntire
John Osborne
Jon Pardi
Carly Pearce
Katy Perry
Pillbox Patti
Chris Stapleton
Cole Swindell
The Black Keys
The War and Treaty
Thomas Rhett
Carrie Underwood
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Zac Brown Band
Presenters:
Mookie Betts
BRELAND
Jessica Chastain
Jordan Davis
Sarah Drew
Cole Hauser
Tyler Hubbard
Wynonna Judd
Lady A
Rex Linn
Little Big Town
Parker McCollum
Reba McEntire
Ben and Erin Napier
Jeannie Seely
Michael Shannon
Lainey Wilson
The BMI Country Music Awards were held Tuesday evening (Nov. 8) at BMI’s Nashville headquarters, and a cavalcade of music artists and industry members attended the ceremony to venerate the year’s 50 most-performed songs, as well as the songwriters and music publishers behind them.
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Over 900 guests attended the shindig, including artist-writers Ashley McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini, Priscilla Block, Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Michael Hardy (who records under the name HARDY), Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Dustin Lynch, Jake Owen, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.
Leading the ceremony was BMI president/CEO Michael O’Neill, who welcomed the crowd, saying, “We are thrilled to honor all of you who are delivering the best in country music.” Also feting this year’s winning songs, writers and publishers were BMI vp, creative, Nashville Clay Bradley, as well as AVP, creative Mason Hunter, AVP, creative Leslie Roberts and executive director, creative Shannon Sanders.
Bradley noted that among this year’s honorees were 72 first-time BMI award-winning songwriters.
The evening launched with Shy Carter performing “Beer With My Friends” alongside David Lee Murphy.
Sony Music Publishing was named BMI music publisher of the year, having published 25 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year, including Ballerini’s “Half of My Hometown,” the King/Lambert collaboration “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Brown’s “One Mississippi,” Lambert’s “If I Was a Cowboy” and Morgan Wallen’s “Sand in my Boots.”
The 2022 BMI country song of the year honor went to Luke Combs’ “Forever After All,” written by Combs, Drew Parker and Rob Williford and published by 50 Egg Music, Big Music Machine, Oak Tree Swing Publishing, Rowdy Rob Music, Straight Dimes Music, and Sony/ATV Tree.
Hardy was named BMI country songwriter of the year, following his ACM songwriter of the year win earlier this year.
Roberts gifted him with a custom guitar with BMI songwriter of the year as he took the stage to thank those who have been instrumental in his career. As a songwriter, Hardy has written not only his own hits including “One Beer,” and “Give Heaven Some Hell,” but was a contributing writer to Dierks Bentley’s “Beers on Me” (which also features him as a vocalist), Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown” and “Sand in My Boots,” Blake Shelton’s “Come Back as a Country Boy” and Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night.”
Hardy thanked his parents and sister for their influence in his life and career, as well as champions including Casey Beathard and Ashley Gorley.
“When I heard that I had won, which was very recently, my first thought was, ‘I’m so glad that I’m with BMI, because it’s the only way I would ever beat Ashley Gorley in anything,’” he quipped. He went on to thank Relative Music Group’s Dennis and Jesse Matkosky.
“Dennis was the first and only person to sign me to a publishing deal back in 2014,” Hardy said. “Since then, we have started a real publishing company called Relative Music and we are damn proud of that s***.”
Hardy thanked his sister Madison for leading him to sign with BMI, and thanked Roberts for being a strong champion for him.
“She took a chance on me…she let me go into her office and play her literally the five or six songs I had to my name,” he said, recalling that one of the songs he played her was “Scars.” “At the end of that meeting, I remember Leslie saying something along the lines of, ‘Yeah, these are okay, but there’s this one song called ‘Scars’ that is pretty good and I think you’re onto something.’ That one comment Leslie made meant the entire world to me. Just like everyone in this room, I moved from a small town to Nashville…hearing that from Leslie gave me all the confidence to believe that I could actually make it in this town.”
Toby Keith was presented with the BMI Icon award, commemorating his work as a songwriter, including crucial contributions to his own catalog of hits, including “American Soldier,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and “How Do You Like Me Now?!”. Previous recipients of the honor include Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton. Keith was previously named BMI country songwriter of the year three times, and won the BMI country song of the year honor for “As Good As I Once Was.”
O’Neill said of Keith, “His creative accomplishments are second to none but at his heart he is a songwriter. That’s who we are celebrating tonight—the writer behind the hits.”
Bradley added, “You are a songwriter’s songwriter.”
Keith’s fellow Oklahoma native Underwood performed Keith’s No. 1 Country Airplay debut hit, 1993’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which Keith wrote by himself.
“It was artists like you that taught kids like me that greatness is possible,” Underwood said.
Eric Church offered a slowed down, uniquely “Chief” version of Keith’s 2003 Billboard Country Airplay chart leader “I Love This Bar.” Church also shared his first memory of seeing Keith at the Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar in downtown Nashville, an incident which involved Keith taking a bullying barfly by the collar and dragging him down a line of barstools, before depositing him at the end of the bar just as Church walks in.
“I thought, ‘I like this motherf***er.’ So that was my first Toby Keith memory, and I cherish that,” Church said. “For me, he’s always been a guy who did it his own way.”
Video tributes poured in throughout the evenings from Willie Nelson, Scotty Emerick, and Keith’s longtime manager TK Kimbrell. Later in the evening, Keith’s dedication to military members was lauded, and as footage of Keith’s post-9/11 Billboard Country Airplay hit “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)” played on the screen, several in the music industry crowd began singing along, ultimately giving Keith a standing ovation. Emerick and Dean Dillon performed Keith’s “A Little Too Late.”
Keith took the stage and offered heartfelt thanks to his parents and family, as well as to Kimbrell and producer Harold Shedd (known for his work with Alabama, K.T. Oslin, Lorrie Morgan and more), who produced Keith’s earliest albums. Shedd was in attendance, spending his 91st birthday to help celebrate Keith. Keith also namechecked producer James Stroud, who co-produced albums including Keith’s Dream Walkin’, How Do You Like Me Now?! and Shock’n Y’all.
Keith also recalled being a Nashville newcomer singer-songwriter from Oklahoma with a collection of songs and a dream.
“When I got to Nashville, was they said, ‘You got to get affiliated.’ I said, ‘What the f***’s affiliated?’” On the advice of producer Shedd, he walked into the BMI Nashville office “in 1990 or 1991” and quickly met Bradley.
“You know how you got that intern that you always dump your s*** on? They dumped me on Clay,” Keith said. “Since 1990 or 1991, I’ve been affiliated with the greatest organization in the music business, and that’s BMI. They’ve been so great to me as a songwriter because I knew that even if I didn’t make it as an artist, that maybe somebody would cut my songs. I always felt that the songwriting was the most important part of this whole industry.”
Keith also thanked his agent Curt Motley, Live Nation’s Brian O’Connell, and his frequent collaborators Emerick, Dillon, Bobby Pinson and others who have collaborated with him on the road though the years.
“TK [Kimbrell] ’bout gave his career up as a manager to have to manage me, because I was hard to handle…everywhere we went, whatever label we were on, we were in a fistfight. I wanted to play my songs and dress out of my closet and it didn’t work that way then…back then they wanted to groom you and I was ungroomable. Bless TK’s heart, he said ‘I’m with ya, dawg.’”
In closing, Keith made it clear that of all the accolades he’s received in his career, it’s the ones that honor the craft of songwriting that mean the most to him.
“All I ever cared about was Songwriters Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and BMI Icon,” he said.
The 56th annual CMA Awards will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, airing live on ABC. This year’s show will be co-hosted by two-time CMA entertainer of the year winner Luke Bryan, alongside NFL luminary Peyton Manning.
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Will leading nominee Lainey Wilson, who has six nominations in her first year as a nominee, take home her first CMA Awards wins? Will five-time entertainer of the year nominee Carrie Underwood or six-time entertainer of the year nominee Miranda Lambert finally end the 11-year drought of a female in the marquee award’s winner’s circle? (Taylor Swift was the most recent female to take home the CMA’s most coveted honor, in 2011.) Or will reigning CMA entertainer of the year Combs take it for a second straight year — or sales and touring juggernaut Morgan Wallen for the first time? (Combs and Wallen go head-to-head in the male vocalist category as well, while five-time male vocalist winner Chris Stapleton will also be a factor in both races.)
Cody Johnson saw a major breakthrough this year with “’Til You Can’t.” Could he pull off the male vocalist win, or a single of the year win for the track? Meanwhile, Johnson and Lainey Wilson face off in the new artist of the year category, both with chart-topping hits and strong touring years under their belts.
Here are Billboard’s winners predictions (in select categories) 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 CombsMiranda LambertChris StapletonCarrie UnderwoodMorgan Wallen
Newman: All the nominees had strong touring years coming out of COVID. Combs, the reigning entertainer of the year, has moved up to stadiums. Both Lambert and Underwood not only went on national tours, but opened highly acclaimed residencies in Las Vegas. But Wallen seems to have the wind under his wings after his arena tour was one of the year’s hottest tickets, and Nashville has embraced him again with fervor.
Will Win: Morgan Wallen
Nicholson: Since taking home the entertainer of the year honor for the first time last year, Combs has continued selling out headlining arena and stadium shows, earned chart-toppers on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart (“Doin’ This”) and Hot Country Songs (the four-week leader “The Kind of Love We Make”) and notched another Billboard Top Country Albums chart-topper with his latest project, Growin’ Up. Meanwhile, Lambert, Underwood and Stapleton have all had stellar years that between them have included album releases, tours and Las Vegas residencies. It’s Wallen who poses the toughest competition, notching his first EOY nomination this year on the strength of multiple chart-leaders on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts in 2022, in addition to selling out arenas and stadium shows on his Dangerous Tour. But with Combs already set to take his touring international next year, he could very well pull off another win here.
Will win: Luke Combs
Single of the year:
Award goes to artist(s), producer(s) and mix engineer
“Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan; producer: Paul DiGiovanni; mix engineer: Jim Cooley
“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (feat. Kenny Chesney); producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins; mix engineer: Dan Grech-Marguerat
“Never Wanted to Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde; producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne; mix engineer: Ryan Gore
“’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson; producer: Trent Willmon; mix engineer: Jack Clarke
“You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton; producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton; mix engineer: Vance Powell
Newman: All five entries struck a note with audiences and are worthy contenders and were bonafide hits. But country music loves its stories that celebrate wisdom, nostalgia, church, love and home; “Buy Dirt” ticks all the boxes. Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan’s warm delivery and Paul DiGiovanni’s genial, loping production sell this song, which topped Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and was named Nashville Songwriter Association International’s song of the year in September.
Will win: “Buy Dirt”
Nicholson: Texas native Johnson earned a two-week Country Airplay No. 1 (and nine-week Hot Country Songs No. 1) this year with the earnest, live every day to the fullest message in “’Til You Can’t.” “Buy Dirt” recently picked up song of the year at NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards and was a two-week No. 1 Country Airplay hit. However, Stapleton is the reigning winner in this category, and is looking to retain his winning status with this sultry chart-topper. Still, “‘Til You Can’t” was a mainstay at country radio this year, pulling in strong listenership even after it fell from the pinnacle position.
Will win: “’Til You Can’t”
Female vocalist of the year:
Miranda LambertAshley McBrydeCarly PearceCarrie UnderwoodLainey Wilson
Newman: The contenders had exemplary years, but Lainey Wilson, who leads all CMA nominees with six nods, has burst through with a vengeance after a few years of building. Like McBryde, she has an edge to her that is undeniably appealing and could signal a shift in where the format is headed. One of the toughest categories to call.
Will win: Lainey Wilson
Nicholson: Wilson has earned two No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay hits this year, as well as notching a pair of top 25 hits on the same chart with “Heart Like a Truck” and the HARDY duet “wait in the truck,” and is the most-nominated artist heading into this year’s CMA Awards. This marks Underwood’s 16th nomination in this category (she’s previously won five times), following her release of Denim & Rhinestones. Meanwhile, Lambert, a seven-time winner in this category, released her progressive eighth album Palomino. and Pearce aims to continue her reign as the current female vocalist of the year — thanks to a No. 1 Country Airplay hit, “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” that she shares with fellow category nominee McBryde. This category feels a bit like anyone’s game to win, as newcomer Wilson also has a strong shot and could pick up her first win here, but newly minted Opry member Pearce has gained a strong following among industry voters since earning her first Country Airplay No. 1 in 2017 and is likely to pick up a second win.
Will win: Carly Pearce
Male vocalist of the year:
Eric ChurchLuke CombsCody JohnsonChris StapletonMorgan Wallen
Newman: Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton have dominated this category the past seven years with Stapleton the reigning champ, but it feels like Nashville is ready to celebrate some new blood. There is no denying the power of such now standard bearers as Stapleton and Eric Church, but Texas titan Cody Johnson hit the mainstream this year with a powerful force. I smell an upset.
Will win: Cody Johnson
Nicholson: As with entertainer of the year, this category is likely a showdown between chart-dominating and hard-touring Combs and Wallen, though don’t rule out Stapleton, who has won this honor five previous times. Johnson has had an incredible touring year, plus the chart-topper “’Til You Can’t,” though that may not be enough for him to beat out category veterans such as Church, Stapleton and Combs. Wallen’s success on radio and touring has been undeniable. Look for him to pick up his first male vocalist win.
Will win: Morgan Wallen
New artist of the year:
HARDYWalker HayesCody JohnsonParker McCollumLainey Wilson
Newman: Walker Hayes had a Top 10 hit in 2017 with “You Broke Up With Me,” so it’s a little odd to see him here five years later — but there’s no denying that last year’s “Fancy Like” brought him to a prominence that he had not previously attained. All contenders have landed at least one No. 1 song or album and continue to rise, but it feels like Wilson’s year.
Will win: Lainey Wilson
Nicholson: Hayes is still riding high on his long-waited breakthrough, thanks to the enduring crossover success of hits “Fancy Like,” “AA,” and “Y’all Life.” Johnson, who previously earned a nomination in this category in 2019, earned a radio juggernaut this year with “’Til You Can’t,” and has followed with the earnest “Human,” both from his double album. HARDY has been opening shows for buddy Morgan Wallen and expanding on his country releases with “Sold Out” reaching No. 1 on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. He’s also rising on the country chart with “Wait in the Truck,” featuring fellow category nominee Wilson. Meanwhile, the sole female nominee, Wilson, is riding high on an undeniably red-hot career streak right now, with a new album, the previously-mentioned two Country Airplay hits, an opening slot for Jon Pardi and a role on the new season of Yellowstone. Wilson leads the pack here.
Will win: Lainey Wilson
Album of the year:
Award goes to artist(s), producer(s) and mix engineer(s)
Growin’ Up – Luke Combs; producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; mix engineers: Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
Humble Quest – Maren Morris; producer: Greg Kurstin; mix engineer: Serban Ghenea
Palomino – Miranda Lambert; producers: Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Mikey Reaves; mix engineer: Jason Lehning
Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ – Lainey Wilson; producer: Jay Joyce; mix engineer: F. Reid Shippen
Time, Tequila & Therapy – Old Dominion; producers: Shane McAnally, Old Dominion; mix engineer: Justin Niebank
Newman: It’s three past winners — Luke Combs, Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert (the only double winner here) — versus newcomer Wilson, who receives her first nod, and Old Dominion, who have been here once before. Despite its critical acclaim, Lambert hasn’t had the radio success with Palomino that the other projects have earned, but that shouldn’t detract from the album’s merit. Wilson is the only artist here who also has a nomination in the prestigious song of the year category, but Combs is likely to return to the podium.
Will win: Luke Combs
Nicholson: Combs dominated this category in 2020 with What You See Is What You Get, while Lambert previously won for her albums Platinum and Revolution. Morris won the accolade in 2019 for Girl and was previously nominated in 2016 for Hero. Wilson’s six overall nominations in her first year as nominee includes this album of the year nod for Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, while Old Dominion was previously nominated in the category for their self-titled album in 2020. But Lambert is an expert at crafting solid albums and Palomino is no exception. She’s also a favorite with CMA voters, making her likely to pick up a win here.
Will win: Miranda Lambert
Vocal duo of the year:
Brooks & DunnBrothers OsborneDan + ShayLoCashMaddie & Tae
Newman: This would be a good time for some new duos to emerge. Like some of the other categories, a handful of acts — in this case, Dan + Shay and Brothers Osborne — have won the past six years, and both are nominated again. With Florida Georgia Line on hiatus, LoCash reclaims a spot, scoring their first nomination since 2017. I see this as a toss-up between equally worthy Dan + Shay and Brothers Osborne, with reigning champs Brothers Osborne emerging victorious.
Will win: Brothers Osborne
Nicholson: Maddie & Tae released the radio single “Woman You Got” in 2021, and followed with the two-part project Through the Madness this year, in addition to leading the CMT Next Women of Country All Song No Static Tour. But with the release of Brothers Osborne’s “Younger Me,” a song inspired by Brothers Osborne member TJ’s coming out journey, the duo has further cemented their place as a champion for inclusivity in country music, at a time when the country music industry as a whole continues to grapple with the topic. Brothers Osborne has won this category four times in recent years; look for them to continue their winning ways.
Will win: Brothers Osborne
Vocal group of the year:
Lady ALittle Big TownMidlandOld DominionZac Brown Band
Newman: Lady A, Little Big Town and Old Dominion have dominated this category for the past 13 years, with Old Dominion victorious for the past four. While it feels like many of the categories are headed for a shake up, there isn’t a new face to challenge Old Dominion with this category being fairly static. Given their success with singles from Time, Tequila & Therapy, which is nominated for album of the year, they can clear space on their mantel for another trophy.
Will win: Old Dominion
Nicholson: Each of these groups released new music over the past year, with Zac Brown Band’s The Comeback debuting the highest on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The group also earned a Country Airplay No. 1 in December with “Same Boat,” and recently added Caroline Jones to their band lineup, marking the group’s first female band member. Little Big Town has been on the road co-headlining The Bandwagon Tour with Miranda Lambert, while also bringing their glorious harmonies to support Wynonna Judd on select dates for The Judds: The Final Tour. Old Dominion has won in this category the past four years, and earned a platinum hit with “I Was on a Boat That Day,” so it seems they are the ones to beat.
Will win: Old Dominion
Song of the year:
Award goes to songwriters
“Buy Dirt” — songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
“Never Wanted to Be That Girl” –songwriters: Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce
“Sand in My Boots” — songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Josh Osborne
“Things a Man Oughta Know” — songwriters: Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
“You Should Probably Leave” — songwriters: Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Chris Stapleton
Newman: A songwriters’ award, three entries overlap with single of the year here: “Buy Dirt,” “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” and “You Should Probably Leave.” “You Should Probably Leave” is Chris Stapleton at his growly best as he attempts to resist temptation, but “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” is all raw nerves (and perhaps autobiographical) as Pearce finds out her partner is cheating on her and Ashley McBryde realizes she is sleeping with a married man. Instead of fighting over the cheater, as in 1990s’ Reba/Linda Davis classic “Does He Love You,” they both bond over their remorse. Wilson’s “Thing’s a Man Oughta Know” took best song honors at this spring’s ACM Awards, so it could sneak in here.
Will win: “Never Wanted to Be That Girl”
Nicholson: This year’s race pits a sultry ballad about temptation (“You Should Probably Leave”) against songs of betrayal (“Never Wanted to Be That Girl”), hard-earned wisdom (“Buy Dirt,” “Things a Man Oughta Know”) and heartbreak (“Sand in My Boots”). With a string of writers and recent award recognitions from NSAI, ASCAP and SESAC, look for “Buy Dirt” to notch a win.
Will win: “Buy Dirt”
Grammy nominations day is fast approaching. The Recording Academy will announce the nominations for the 65th Annual Grammy Awards live from the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live in Los Angeles and as part of Latin Grammy Week on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET. The event will stream live on live.Grammy.com and on the Academy’s Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok channels.
At long last, we’ll have answers to 14 burning questions that have kept us up nights for months.
The answers to some questions are so obvious that we’ll dispense with them right here and not even put them on our list.
Will Harry Styles finally land a nomination in a Big Four category? Yes. And most likely in each of the three top categories – album, record and song of the year.
Are Beyoncé and Adele headed for a rematch in the Big Three categories? It sure looks like it. The superstars went head-to-head in each of the Big Three categories six years ago. They are likely to square off again this year with their albums 30 and Renaissance and their hit singles “Easy on Me” and “Break My Soul.”
Will Kendrick Lamar be nominated for album of the year? He will. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers would be his fourth studio album to be nominated, which would put him in a tie with Ye (a.k.a. Kanye West) for the most nods in this category by a rapper (as a lead artist). And unlike Ye, Lamar’s nominations will be for four consecutive studio albums.
Will Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti become the first Spanish-language album to receive an album of the year nomination? It will. Related factoid: It will become the first album to receive album of the year nods at both the Grammys and the Latin Grammys.
With those “no brainer” questions out of the way, here are 14 burning Grammy questions that aren’t so easily answered.
Performing rights organization ASCAP honored some of the most performed country songs of the past year, at the 60th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards, revealing this year’s slate of honorees across ASCAP’s social media platforms.
Ashley Gorley picked up his ninth ASCAP country music songwriter of the year honor, thanks to his range of penned songs including “Beers on Me” (Dierks Bentley/Breland/Hardy), “Country Again” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “Sand in My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), “Take My Name” (Parmalee) and “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton).
The Chris Young and Kane Brown-recorded “Famous Friends” was named ASCAP’s country music song of the year. The song was co-written by Corey Crowder and published by Big Crowd Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez and Warner Chappell Music. In addition to several chart-topping songs, Crowder has had placements on television series including Nashville, One Tree Hill, and The Real World.
Warner Chappell Music was named ASCAP country music publisher of the year, thanks to work publishing songs including “Buy Dirt” (Luke Bryan and Jordan Davis), “Cold Beer Calling My Name” (Luke Combs and Jameson Rodgers), “Getting Over Him” (Lauren Alaina), “Lil Bit” (Florida Georgia Line and Nelly), “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” (Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce) and “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton).
ASCAP will honor its award-winning songwriters during an invitation-only event held at Nashville’s Soho House on Monday, Nov. 7. For a full list of this year’s celebrated songs, visit ascap.com.
Iconic 80’s funk band Morris Day & The Time will receive the Legend Award at 2022 Soul Train Awards.
The band amassed five top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (then called Hot Black Singles) in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, including “777-9311,” “Jungle Love” and “Jerk-Out,” which reached No. 1 in August 1990. The band had four gold albums, with 1984’s Ice Cream Castle going platinum.
Maxwell was last year’s winner of the Legend Award. Other recent winners include Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Erykah Badu, Toni Braxton, Teddy Riley, Babyface, Kool & the Gang and Dionne Warwick.
Hosted by comedian and actor Deon Cole, the 2022 Soul Train Awards premieres Sunday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
Day went to school with Prince Rogers Nelson and sang in Grand Central, Prince’s first band. In 1984, Morris Day & The Time appeared in Purple Rain, which captured the exploding Minneapolis music scene at its peak. The following year, Day launched his solo career, releasing three albums: Color of Success (1985), Daydreaming (1987), and Guaranteed (1992). Day is releasing his final album, Last Call on Nov. 11, with an eye toward retiring at the end of 2023.
“They say the way you start is the way you finish, and being that I’m retiring end of next year, it’s only fitting that I return to the place that helped start it all,” Day said in a statement. “Our first major TV appearance was in 1981 on Soul Train with Don Cornelius. And 41 years later, to be honored with the Soul Train Awards Legend Award is what we call full circle. Truly amazing!”
“Morris Day & The Time create and perform timeless, feel-good music for fans to enjoy all over the world,” Connie Orlando, evp specials, music programming & music strategy said in a statement. “Their unique sound, style, and artistry continue to serve as inspiration to music lovers and recording artists today.”
BET Soul will dedicate a full hour to Morris Day & The Time music videos on Monday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. ET. Check local listings.
As previously announced, Xscape will receive the Lady of Soul award at the 2022 Soul Train Awards.
Ari Lennox, Chanté Moore, Muni Long, SiR, Tank and BET Amplified stage artists Coco Jones and Q are set to perform on the show, which BET brands as “the feel-good party of the year.” Alex Vaughn, Durand Bernarr, Muni Long and Tasha Cobbs Leonard are slated to blend harmonies for this year’s Soul Cypher. DJ and music producer D-Nice will take command of the turntables.
Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige lead 2022 Soul Train Awards nominations with seven nods each. Ari Lennox received six nods. Lizzo and Chris Brown are tied at five nods each, followed by Burna Boy, Muni Long, and Steve Lacy with four nods each. Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, PJ Morton, and Tems each garnered three.
Orlando will oversee the annual show and executive produce for BET with Jamal Noisette, VP, specials & music programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, will also serve as executive producer along with Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon, two of the top executives in Collins’ company.
It was a fancy evening in more ways than one on Sunday (Nov. 6) as performing rights organization SESAC celebrated the writers and music publishers that contributed to the year’s most performed country and Americana songs in a ceremony held at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
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More than 400 songwriters, publishers and music industry executives attended the festivities, which were led by SESAC’s vp, creative services Shannan Hatch.
“It is so great being here in person to celebrate our writers and affiliates,” Hatch said.
Indeed, given that the evening marked the first time the SESAC Nashville Music Awards have been held in person in three years, the celebration had the hallmarks of an intimate homecoming, as writers, artists and industry members mingled throughout the cocktail hour and ceremony itself.
Proven hitmakers and newcomers alike offered a sterling string of new music. SESAC affiliates Lee Brice and Blanco Brown launched the evening by partnering for a rendition of Brice’s Gold-certified release “Soul.”
“Fancy Like,” the juggernaut hit recorded by Walker Hayes that reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 24 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs rankings over the past year (not to mention being the song that brought the Oreo shake back to the Applebee’s menu) was named song of the year.
“Fancy Like” co-writer Josh Jenkins was named SESAC’s country songwriter of the year; Jenkins is also a writer on the chart-topper “Buy Dirt,” recorded by Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan. “Buy Dirt” recently picked up NSAI song of the year honors, and is in the running for the song of the year and single of the year honors at the CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 9).
“Some call it providence, I call it God’s grace — put someone like me around so many amazing people,” Jenkins said. “No man is an island and I get to be around so many people that are incredible. I get to come up here and say something but I feel like this award is [for] so many people that believe … songs can impact people,” he added, thanking everyone at SMACK for their support.
Hayes also sent in a video message honoring Jenkins and revealing “Fancy Like” as the SESAC country song of the year.
“I couldn’t be prouder of you. I love you so much. Thank you, first of all, for being my brother in Christ, but man, you’re a great writer. God’s given you a gift,” Hayes said told Jenkins via video.
“Fancy Like” publisher SMACK (helmed by Grammy-winning writers Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne) was named publisher of the year, having previously taken this honor in 2020. SMACK is also a publisher on other SESAC-honored songs this year including “Buy Dirt,” “7500 OBO” and “Like I Love Country Music.”
Jordan Davis joined his brother Jacob Davis and their co-writers and brother duo Josh and Matt Jenkins to perform “Buy Dirt,” while indie artist Megan Moroney performed her viral hit “Tennessee Orange,” which currently sits at No. 24 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Moroney wrote the song with David Fanning, Ben Williams and Paul Jenkins, and with production helmed by Kristian Bush.
“Go dawgs,” Moroney said simply, after concluding an understated, acoustic rendition of the track.
Derek Wells was honored with the Spirit of SESAC Award, recognizing his musical contributions to playing on numerous chart-topping songs. One of those hits, “Like I Love Country Music” (recorded by Kane Brown and co-written by SESAC affiliate Matt McGinn) was also honored with a performance activity award during the celebration. Singer-songwriters Brinley Addington, Joey Hyde, Mike Walker, Aaron Eshuis, Phil Lawson and Allison Veltz Cruz teamed for a medley of songs Wells has contributed to including “Homesick,” “Love You Like I Used To,” and “What If I Never Get Over You.”
“This is shocking to me,” Wells said of the honor, and quickly shifting the spotlight to songwriting. “Anything I’ve contributed to a record was inspired by the song that is put in front of you. Without songwriters, people like me wouldn’t have a job or a platform.” He also thanked SESAC “for being a champion of songs and creators.”
The evening concluded as attendees continued to celebrate this year’s winners, as servers passed around Oreo milkshakes to guests.
The full list of the 2022 SESAC Nashville Music Awards award-winning songs and SESAC honorees is below:
“FANCY LIKE” Written by: Josh Jenkins Published by: Follow Me Where I Go, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Walker Hayes
“BUY DIRT” Written by: Josh Jenkins Published by: Follow Me Where I Go, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan
“SAME BOAT” Written by: Zac Brown, Ben Simonetti Published by: Day For The Dead Publishing, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Zac Brown Band
“FREEDOM WAS A HIGHWAY” Written by: Jimmie Allen Published by: Endurance Juliet, Sony Music Publishing Recorded by: Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley
“WILD HEARTS” Written by: Jennifer Wayne Published by: Wild Wild Wild West Songs, BMG Silver Songs Recorded by: Keith Urban
“7500 OBO” Written by: Matt McGinn Published by: McGinndependence Day, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Tim McGraw
“LAST NIGHT LONELY” Written by: Joe Fox Published by: Liz Rose Music, Warner Chappell Music Recorded by: Jon Pardi
“TRUTH ABOUT YOU” Written by: Matt Alderman Published by: Good Vibes Good Times Music, Curb Congregation Songs Recorded by: Mitchell Tenpenny
“LIKE I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC” Written by: Matt McGinn Published by: McGinndependence Day, SMACK Songs, Kobalt Group Publishing Recorded by: Kane Brown
“UP” Written by: Jeremy Bussey Published by: Hit By The Buss Music, Songs of Fluid, Spirit Music Nashville Recorded by: Luke Bryan
“HOME SWEET” Written by: Casey Brown Published by: Blue Corolla Oklahoma, Feel Your Creative Pulse Music Recorded by: Russell Dickerson
“23” Written by: Chris LaCorte Published by: Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits Recorded by: Sam Hunt
“HELLBENT FOR LEATHER” Written by: Ray Wylie Hubbard Published by: Snake Farm Publishing, BMG Silver Songs Recorded by: Ray Wylie Hubbard
“NICE THINGS” Written by: Hayes Carll Published by: Highway 87 Publishing, BMG Silver Songs Recorded by: Hayes Carll
“MODERN WOMAN” Written by: Erin Rae Published by: Good Memory, Confidentially Canadian Publishing Recorded by: Erin Rae
“IN DREAMS” Written by: Sierra Ferrell Published by: Abel Elba, Pulse Music Publishing Recorded by: Sierra Ferrell
“THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP SOMEBODY THROUGH IT” Written by: Jim Lauderdale Published by: Wudang Mountain Songs, BMG Silver Songs Recorded by: Jim Lauderdale