Tag Archives | 2021

Winners Announced At “The 55th Annual CMA Awards”

By on November 11, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Luke Combs Receives the Top Honor of CMA Entertainer of the Year

Chris Stapleton Leads the Evening with Most Wins, Taking Home Four Awards

Watch the Night’s Performances on YouTube,
and Catch the Full Show Later Tonight on Hulu

NASHVILLE—“The 55th Annual CMA Awards” made a triumphant return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, delivering an emotional broadcast celebrating the very best in Country Music. Shining a light on a community like no other, Country Music’s Biggest Night™ was filled with groundbreaking performances, heartfelt speeches and surprise wins.

Luke Combs accepts the Entertainer of the Year Award at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

Luke Combs, who performed his brand new single “Doin’ This,” received the night’s top honor of CMA Entertainer of the Year, a first for the artist. Sharing that he was at a loss for words, especially after hearing presenter Alan Jackson say his name, twice, Combs acknowledged all of this year’s artists in the category before saying, “I don’t deserve to win it, but I’m sure as hell glad that I did.”

Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson accept the Song of the Year award for “Starting Over” at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville..

Chris Stapleton was the night’s biggest winner, taking home four wins for CMA Album, Single, Song and Male Vocalist of the Year, while also being recognized for his work as a producer on his album and single. In addition to Stapleton, producer Dave Cobb and mix engineer Vance Powell earned two awards for CMA Album and Single of the Year, while songwriter Mike Henderson earned a trophy for CMA Song of the Year.

Brothers Osborne perform “Younger Me” at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

Brothers Osborne won CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, as T.J. Osborne graciously took to the stage to proclaim, “It really does feel like love wins tonight.” Jimmie Allen, who performed “Freedom Was a Highway,” received CMA New Artist of the Year, tearfully taking the stage to share that five years ago, he spent his last $100 to purchase a ticket to attend “The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” just to see his hero Charley Pride perform.

Chris Stapleton and Jennifer Hudson perform a medley of “Night Life” / “You are My Sunshine” at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

In one of the most emotional acceptance speeches of the night, Carly Pearce was brought to tears upon winning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year for the first time, as fellow nominee Ashley McBryde helped her to the stage. Old Dominion continues their reign as CMA Vocal Group of the Year, having now won four years in a row.

Winners announced prior to the live broadcast include Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney, taking home trophies for both CMA Musical Event of the Year and CMA Music Video of the Year for their collaboration “half of my hometown.” The song was produced by Ballerini, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins, and the music video was directed by Patrick Tracy. Jenee Fleenor took home the trophy for CMA Musician of the Year. See below for the full list of this year’s winners.

“Country Music as an artform has always been about storytelling, and this year’s CMA Awards broadcast, from performances to acceptance speeches, featured an incredibly wide range of stories—deeply personal stories, unifying stories, and fun and lighthearted stories,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “That is what makes this genre truly special, and we are so proud to have provided a platform for all of the incredible artists featured on this year’s CMA Awards to share their authentic selves with viewers around the globe. There was something poetic about returning to our home at Bridgestone Arena this year, and I am positive that I am not alone in wanting to relive the evening’s many magical moments.”

Miranda Lambert, the most-nominated female in CMA Awards history, kicked off the night with a career-spanning retrospective of her greatest hits that brought the crowd to their feet as host Luke Bryan took the stage. After greeting his fellow nominees and friends seated at tables in the audience, Bryan was surprised by his “American Idol” co-judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, poking fun at his hosting abilities. Bryan later performed his new single “Up.”

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry present the Song of the Year award at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson captivated the audience with her first-ever CMA Awards performance of “Night Life,” a song originally written and recorded by Willie Nelson and later recorded by Aretha Franklin, followed by a show-stopping surprise duet with Stapleton of “You Are My Sunshine,” the Jimmie Davis-penned classic that both Franklin and Nelson also recorded. Stapleton also performed a stirring rendition of his song “Cold.”

Mickey Guyton, Brittney Spencer, and Madeline Edwards perform “Love My Hair” at “The 55th Annual CMA Awards,” on Wednesday, November 10, 2021; live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

Mickey Guyton, Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards shared an empowering performance of Guyton’s new song “Love My Hair,” which received a standing ovation. The performance was introduced by 14-year-old activist Faith Fennidy, a young Black girl who, in 2018, left her 6th grade classroom in tears after school officials complained that her hairstyle violated school policy. Fennidy is now an inspiration behind the CROWN Act, created to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles

In one of the night’s most touching moments, Brothers Osborne took the stage to perform “Younger Me,” a reassuring message of hope and strength to the younger version of oneself. Following a cold introduction, T.J. Osborne, who in February of 2021 publicly came out as gay, spoke about watching the CMA Awards for years and thinking how incredible it would be to be on the stage speaking his truth despite feeling that it would never be possible because of his sexuality. “I just wish, I wish my younger me could see me now.”

In true CMA Awards fashion, artists delivered once-in-a-lifetime collaborations throughout the night. Pearce and McBryde performed their heartachingly beautiful duet “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” while Chris Young and Kane Brown brought the crowd to their feet with their chart-topping, smalltown ode “Famous Friends.” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood delivered the world television premiere of their recent No. 1 hit “If I Didn’t Love You,” and Dierks Bentley welcomed BRELAND and HARDY on stage for “Beers On Me.”

Keith Urban took to the streets of downtown Nashville, performing his new single “Wild Hearts” while walking down Broadway into Bridgestone Arena. Eric Church brought his nostalgic song “Heart On Fire” to the CMA Awards stage. Blake Shelton performed his new single “Come Back as a Country Boy.” And Zac Brown Band delivered a unifying message with their song “Same Boat.”

Rounding out the evening, Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, and Thomas Rhett also delivered stellar performances for CMA Awards viewers.

Country artist Russell Dickerson, in partnership with Chevrolet, shared the inspirational story of Sarah Frei before inviting her to join him on stage to honor the CMA Foundation’s 30 Music Teachers of Excellence sitting in the audience. The moving segment brought the room to their feet.

Following is a complete list of winners from “The 55th Annual CMA Awards.”

“THE 55TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” WINNERS:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Luke Combs

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)

“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)

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s)

“Starting Over”
Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Carly Pearce

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Chris Stapleton

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Old Dominion

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

Brothers Osborne

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s)

“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)

“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
Director: Patrick Tracy

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Jimmie Allen

About the CMA Awards
The first “CMA Awards Banquet and Show” was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The CMA Awards have aired on ABC since 2006. ABC is the network home of the CMA Awards and CMA’s other two television properties, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas.”

All balloting is tabulated by the professional services organization, Deloitte.

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte & Touche LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see http://www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of Deloitte’s legal structure. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

Comments { 0 }

First Round Of Star-Studded Performers Revealed For 2021 “CMT Music Awards” Airing Wednesday, June 9th At 8p/7c

By on May 19, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

First round of star-studded performers revealed for 2021 “CMT Music Awards”
airing Wednesday, June 9th at 8p/7c

Brothers Osborne + Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Maren Morris + JP Saxe, 

Mickey Guyton + Gladys Knight and Miranda Lambert + Jack Ingram + Jon Randall set to perform

NASHVILLE, TN — (May 19) — CMT today revealed the first round of powerhouse performers set to take the stage at the 2021 “CMT Music Awards” – country music’s only fan-voted award show – airing Wednesday, June 9th at 8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT on CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network and TV Land.

Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini set to host the 2021 CMT Music Awards in Nashville.
Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

Known for delivering unforgettable, high-energy performances from country’s biggest hitmakers alongside one-of-a-kind collaborations both in- and out-of-genre, the first slate of performers at this year’s much-anticipated show include:

 

  • Brothers Osborne(“Duo/Group Video of the Year”) + Dierks Bentley (“Video of the Year”)
  • Chris Stapleton(“Male Video of the Year”)
  • Luke Combs (“Male Video of the Year,” “CMT Performance of the Year”)
  • Maren Morris (“Female Video of the Year,” “Collaborative Video of the Year,” 2x “Video of the Year”) + JP Saxe 
  • Mickey Guyton (“Female Video of the Year,” “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” “Video of the Year”) + Gladys Knight
  • Miranda Lambert (“Female Video of the Year,” “Collaborative Video of the Year,” 2x “Video of the Year”) + Jack Ingram+ Jon Randall

 

Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

2021 “CMT Music Awards” nominations were unveiled last week, with female powerhouses Morris and Lambert competing for the most accolades with four nods each. Hosts Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown join Little Big Town and Mickey Guyton with three nominations. This year, 13 artists received first-time nominations 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. Carrie Underwood remains the most decorated artist in CMT history with a total of 22 wins and will compete for two trophies, nominated for her collaboration with John Legend.

Fan voting is now open at vote.cmt.com and continues until Tuesday, June 1st at 3PM ET/2PM CT. A full list of nominations is available here.

 

 

“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.

Official sponsors of the “2021 CMT Music Awards” include Lipton Iced Tea, Little Caesars®, Ram Truck Brand and Verizon.

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.

Comments { 0 }

CMT And Ty Herndon Announce Return Of Concert For Love & Acceptance On June 30th

By on May 17, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases
(NASHVILLE, TN – May 17, 2021) Country music artist and philanthropist Ty Herndon, in partnership with CMT, today announced Wednesday, June 30, as the date for the 2021 Concert for Love and Acceptance. Produced by Herndon’s charitable foundation, The Foundation for Love & Acceptance, the event will return as a star-studded online event, co-hosted by Herndon and CMT’s Cody Alan, who has hosted the event alongside Herndon since 2017. GLAAD, MusiCares, and Nashville’s Oasis Center are the beneficiaries of event proceeds.
The show will take place at 8:00 p.m. ET and will be live-streamed exclusively on CMT’s Facebook and YouTube channels, and at F4LA.org/concert.
The event will include appearances and performances by Brothers Osborne, Kristin Chenoweth, Terri Clark, Brooke Eden, Harper Grae, Chris Housman, LOCASH, Kathy Mattea, Rissi Palmer, Gretchen Peters, Tenille Townes, Walker County, and Chase Wright.
Additional talent will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with the dynamic team at CMT once again to bring the Concert for Love & Acceptance to a broad audience as musicians, actors, comedians, and more demonstrate their support for LGBTQ youth and artists in the country music community and beyond,” said Herndon. “This event comes from my heart, and I hope it continues to resonate with people all around the world as we spread a message of acceptance for all people and work toward a world where only love remains.”
For the fourth consecutive year, CMT returns as Presenting Partner of the event, with Cody Alan serving as co-host, a role he’s held for the past five years. A well-known and respected veteran personality, producer, and programmer in the broadcast industry, Alan is a past recipient of the ACM National On-Air Personality of the Year award, and host of CMT Hot 20 Countdown, CMT’s flagship music TV show, delivered to over 90 million homes weekly, as well as host and executive producer of CMT After MidNite and CMT Radio Live, heard on 220+ stations, with nearly 8 million monthly listeners.
“It’s a privilege to return as co-host of the annual Concert For Love & Acceptance, whose mission is as important today as when it launched six years ago. With dangerous and discriminatory legislation pending in our home state of Tennessee, the vocal support of the country music community is immeasurable in changing hearts and minds. I’m eager to again partner with Ty Herndon, CMT, GLAAD, and our new beneficiaries at MusiCares and Nashville’s Oasis Center to highlight the critical work to move LGBTQ+ rights forward,” said Alan.
GLAAD and Herndon created the first Concert for Love and Acceptance in 2015 shortly after Herndon became the first major male country artist to come out as gay. Event appearances and performances have included Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Reba McEntire, Brett Young, Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Tyler Rich, Michael Ray, Rita Wilson, Matt Bomer, Chris Daughtry, Terri Clark, Chris Carmack, Gavin DeGraw, Crystal Gayle, Billy Gilman, Cassadee Pope, Calum Scott, Mickey Guyton, Levi Hummon, Cam, Cale Dodds, Runaway June, Chely Wright, Billy Dean, Hunter Hayes, Brandon Stansell, Meghan Lindsey, Thompson Square, WWE Superstars, Meghan McCain, and more.
Herndon serves as executive producer of the 2021 Concert for Love & Acceptance, alongside returning executive producer Zeke Stokes, who has been in that role since the Concert began in 2015. Stokes is President of ZS STRATEGIES and a former Vice President of GLAAD.
Stokes announced Music City PrEP Clinic as the exclusive Presenting Partner of the 2021 Concert For Love and Acceptance. The organization serves to help Middle Tennesseans live an HIV-free life through PrEP medication, education, anti-stigma campaigns, and support.
 
“We’re pleased to welcome Music City PrEP Clinic as a first-time partner on this event and looking forward to shining a light on the critical work they do to keep the LGBTQ community healthy and supported in Nashville and beyond,” said Stokes.
 
Additional financial support is provided by Lester Franzen. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Shannon Shryne at sks@qcauseconsulting.com.
For more information and ongoing updates, as well as to RSVP for the live online event, visit the Foundation for Love and Acceptance at www.F4LA.org.
 
About CMT: CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events, and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (‪CMT.com), and social (CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube). CMT is a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC) (“ViacomCBS”). For more information, please visit cmtpress.com.
About The Foundation for Love & Acceptance: Founded by Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning country music artist and philanthropist Ty Herndon, the Foundation for Love & Acceptance uses the power of music and media to support the country music community and raise vital funds to support LGBTQ youth and families. For more information, visit www.F4LA.org.
About GLAAD: GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.
About MusiCares: MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S. based, independent 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts. For more information please visit: www.musicares.org
About Oasis Center: Oasis Center is a 501c3 nonprofit celebrating over 50 years of serving youth in Middle Tennessee with the mission of building relationships that advance youth well-being, amplify youth voice, and inspire action toward a just community. Based in Nashville, Oasis Center provides over 20 unique programs and services – from crisis intervention and youth leadership to community engagement and college and career access dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized youth in Tennessee. For more information about Oasis Center, please visit www.oasiscenter.org.
Comments { 0 }

The Biggest Weekend In Christian Music Is Back, Live And In Person, Anchored By The K-LOVE Fan Awards, May 28-30 In Nashville

By on May 17, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Nashville, TN… May 17, 2021 – The biggest weekend in Christian music is back – live and in person, May 28-30 in Nashville, anchored by the K-LOVE Fan Awards. On Friday, May 28, a kick-off concert will commence the fan-focused weekend, the first in Nashville since March 2020, followed by a songwriter’s showcase, worship service and more – all at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.  Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House will once again welcome the star-studded fan awards show on May 30, with Matthew West hosting and airing on TBN on June 4 (8pm and 10pm eastern). Coca-Cola Consolidated is sponsoring the show for the fourth consecutive year.  For all updates on the 2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards and weekend events, stay tuned to www.klovefanawards.com, and for information on the broadcast, please visit TBN.org.

Nominees for the K-LOVE Fan Awards were announced today, with newcomers Maverick City Music leading with four, including Group of the Year, Artist of the Year, Breakout Single of the Year and Worship Song of the Year.  for KING & COUNTRY, TobyMac and Zach Williams followed with three nominations each.  Fans nationwide are now able to begin voting for their favorites – a full list of nominees is following:

2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards / Final Nominees:

Male Artist of the Year      
Crowder
Danny Gokey
Matthew West
Tauren Wells
TobyMac
Zach Williams

Female Artist of the Year
Kari Jobe
Lauren Daigle
Leanna Crawford
Mandisa
Natalie Grant
Riley Clemmons

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
Elevation Worship
for KING & COUNTRY
Maverick City Music
MercyMe
We The Kingdom

Breakout Single
Andrew Ripp “Jericho”
CAIN “Rise Up”
Evvie McKinney “Look No Further”
Maverick City Music “Man Of Your Word”
We The Kingdom “Child of Love” (feat. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE)

Worship Song of the Year
Chris Tomlin feat. Lady A “Who You Are To Me”
Cory Asbury “The Father’s House”
Maverick City Music “Man of Your Word”
Michael W. Smith “Waymaker”
Phil Wickham “Battle Belongs”
Tauren Wells feat. Jenn Johnson “Famous For (I Believe)”

Song of the Year
Crowder “Good God Almighty”
Elevation Worship & Brandon Lake “Graves Into Gardens”
for KING & COUNTRY, Tori Kelly & Kirk Franklin “Together”
Kari Jobe “The Blessing” (feat. Cody Carnes)
TobyMac “Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight)”
Zach Williams & Dolly Parton “There Was Jesus”

Artist of the Year
Elevation Worship
for KING & COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle
Maverick City Music
TobyMac
Zach Williams

Film & Television Impact
A Week Away
Church People
The Chosen
I Am Patrick
I Still Believe

Book Impact
Annie F.Downs “That Sounds Fun”
Bob Goff “Dream Big”
John L. Cooper “Awake & Alive To Truth”
Lecrae “I Am Restored”

About The K-LOVE Fan Awards:
The K-LOVE Fan Awards mission is to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ. This year’s show will be hosted Matthew West. The annual awards show is a John Sanders LLC production presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated.

About K-LOVE:
K-LOVE creates compelling media designed to inspire and encourage people to develop a meaningful relationship with Christ. K-LOVE is listener-supported and delivers Christian music through its almost 600 signals across 50 states, the K-LOVE App, smart devices, klove.com, and       K-LOVE On-Demand offering positive and encouraging music

About the Trinity Broadcasting Network:
Trinity Broadcasting Network is the world’s largest and most watched faith-and-family broadcaster, reaching over 175 nations across the earth with inspirational and entertaining programming 24 hours a day in 14 languages and on 32 global networks. As the world’s most influential non-profit religious broadcaster, TBN has led the way in expanding the impact of faith-based television across the earth through the creation of innovative content designed to reach every viewer demographic with the life-changing message of hope and grace. To find out more about the TBN Networks, visit us at tbn.org.

About Matthew West:                                                                                                  Matthew West is a five-time GRAMMY nominee, a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner, and a 2018 GMA Dove Award Songwriter of the Year (Artist) recipient and has two RIAA® Gold-certified and a RIAA Platinum-certified singles. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, a K-LOVE Fan Award, and named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.”

West recently released the 32-track Brand New Deluxe Edition (Story House Collective/Provident Label Group). Encompassing live and acoustic versions along with the originals from the Brand New album, the deluxe version also offers West’s individually released songs from the past year, “Take Heart,” “Quarantine Life,” and his duet with CMA Awards® winner and three-time ACM® Awards nominee Carly Pearce for “Truth Be Told.”

In addition to his own recording career, he has more than 130 songwriting credits to his name, authored five books, and hosts his own podcast, “The Matthew West Podcast,” on Annie Downs’ That Sounds Fun Network. Along with his father, Pastor Joe West, they founded POPWE, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life. Please visit popwe.org for more information. For all things Matthew, visit his site at MatthewWest.com.

Get Connected with the 2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards:
Website // KLOVEFanAwards.com
Hashtag // #klovefanawards
Facebook // Facebook.com/KLOVEFanAwards
Twitter // Twitter.com/KLOVEFanAwards
Instagram // Instagram.com/KLOVEFanAwards

Comments { 0 }

Superstars Kelsea Ballerini And Kane Brown To host “2021 CMT Music Awards” On Wednesday, June 9th At 8p/7c

By on May 12, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini set to host the 2021 CMT Music Awards. Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

NASHVILLE — (May 12) — 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.”

Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini set to host the 2021 CMT Music Awards in Nashville.
Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

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.

###

Kelsea Ballerini set to host the 2021 CMT Music Awards. Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

About Kelsea Ballerini:
Kelsea Ballerini is recognized as one of the most influential women in country music today and has consistently made history since the start of her career. Following the release of her debut album, she became the only female country artist to hit #1 with the first three consecutive singles from a debut album. She has platinum and gold album certifications, a career total of eleven gold and platinum singles certifications and has accumulated total streams exceeding 3 billion to date. Ballerini has garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations, won two ACM Awards and has also received multiple career nominations from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, CMA Awards, CMT Awards and the People’s Choice Awards. Most recently, she received a 2021 ACM Award nomination for “Female Artist of the Year” and was also welcomed as the Grand Ole Opry’s youngest current member.

 

Kelsea Ballerini released two acclaimed albums in lockdown last year. In March of 2020, she debuted her self-titled third album kelsea (Black River Entertainment). Her most personal effort to date, the album was met with critical praise, including from NPR who opined, “Kelsea Ballerini is definitely one of the most influential women in country right now… she’s defining the sound of the genre.” The debut single from the album, “homecoming queen?”, which the New York Times deemed “excellent,” was certified platinum, marking her fastest single to achieve this milestone yet. Her third single from the album, “hole in the bottle” recently reached Gold RIAA certification and earned Kelsea her sixth #1. Her latest single from the release, “half of my hometown” features a special guest vocal appearance from eight-time Entertainer of the Year and fellow East Tennessee songwriter/superstar Kenny Chesney. While under quarantine, Ballerini created the second half of that story, ballerini. On this album, she carefully deconstructed each song from the kelsea album and re-recorded everything with minimal accompaniment. Co-producing the release, Ballerini showed another side of herself with this reimagined take, highlighting the lyrical power of kelsea as she stripped all of the songs down to the bare essentials.

Kane Brown set to host the 2021 CMT Music Awards. Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

About Kane Brown:
Noted as the “future of Country” (Billboard) and one of “31 People Changing the South” (Time), the chart-topping entertainer recently earned his first ACM Album of the Year nomination for Mixtape Vol. 1, as well as a Video of the Year win for his anthem “Worldwide Beautiful.” Brown first broke through the country charts with his #1 self-titled debut, which spent 13 weeks at the top of the chart and made Brown the first artist in Billboard history to Top all 5 Billboard Country charts simultaneously. That same year Brown earned three AMA Awards and produced two of the most streamed country songs of all time–the 7X platinum #1 hits “Heaven” and “What Ifs.” Brown’s sophomore album Experiment debuted #1 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart and solidified Brown as the only male country artist in more than 24 years to debut at the top of the Billboard 200. Experiment produced back-to-back #1 hits and was ranked by The New York Times as one of the Top 10 Best Albums of the Year. His latest project, Mixtape Vol. 1 features Brown’s Top 10 pop radio hit “Be Like That” featuring Khalid and Swae Lee, his co-written duet “Last Time I Say Sorry” with John Legend, and his current hit at Country radio “Worship You.” Brown recently announced his Blessed & Free Tour, where he will headline all the NBA arenas in one tour-a first in music. Blessed & Free marks the first tour for Brown since his Worldwide Beautiful Tour, which earned critical praise during its international run.

About CMT:

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT.com) and social (@CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter andYouTube). CMT is a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC) (“ViacomCBS”). For more information, please visit cmtpress.com.

Comments { 0 }

Sarah Trahern To Receive 2020 CRB President’s Award During “CRS Honors” Officially Launching CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience

By on January 21, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Sarah Trahern CMA

(Nashville, Tenn. – Jan. 21, 2021) The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. has announced Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern as the 2020 CRB President’s Award recipient. The award will be presented during “CRS Honors,” the official launch to CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. CT, immediately following the morning sessions of the all-new CRS Streaming Summit.

Trahern was named CMA CEO in 2014 following stops at Great American Country (GAC), The Nashville Network (TNN), and C-SPAN. She helms CMA’s three network television properties (CMA Fest, CMA Country Christmas and the CMA Awards), leads one of the biggest music festivals in the world and serves as President of the CMA Foundation. As a trade association, CMA represents every aspect of the Country Music industry and Trahern has made community outreach a priority, whether it is providing members affordable healthcare options or offering online tools and resources for music professionals displaced by COVID-19 shutdowns. Her vision and leadership have been instrumental in launching CMA’s Music Industry COVID Support (MICS) initiative. She was recently recognized as one of the Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs. Trahern is consistently included on various Billboard lists, including Women in Music and Country Power Players, on which she was profiled as “Executive of the Year” in 2017. In 2011, she was the subject and honoree of the prestigious Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum by the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.

The CRB President’s Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the marketing, production, growth, and development of the Country Radio Seminar and the multiple services that Country Radio Broadcasters provides to the country radio and music communities.

CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, commented, “Sarah is the epitome of this award. Her selfless and tireless work on behalf of artists, songwriters, labels, managers, touring professionals, and Country Radio, and her steadfast support of CRB and Country Radio Seminar make her a highly deserving honoree. I am blessed to call her colleague, confidant and friend. And all of us in Country are blessed to have her as a true leader in our genre.”

Rascal Flatts

The 2020 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award recipient, Rascal Flatts, will also be recognized during the Opening Ceremonies.  The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio through their creativity, vision, performance, and/or leadership. On the heels of celebrating their 20th Anniversary Year, Rascal Flatts was named the 2020 Artist Career Achievement Award recipient during a surprise announcement made at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2020’s Opening Ceremonies. President/CEO of Big Machine Label Group, Scott Borchetta will present the award to Rascal Flatts.

Hailed as one of the most influential groups in modern country history, superstar vocal group Rascal Flatts are a chart-topping trio created by vocalist Gary LeVox, multi-instrumentalist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney. Since their founding in 2000 and subsequent breakout with the Top 5 hit, “Prayin’ for Daylight,” the band has gone on to infuse country’s traditional mainstream with smooth-pop textures, arena-rocking energy and faithful positivity, impacting countless fans and fellow artists along the way. They’ve racked up 17 Number One hits, over 23.4 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads, 2.2 billion streams worldwide and 4.4 billion streams solely on Pandora, while also selling over 11 million concert tickets and earning more than 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People’s Choice and more, making them the most awarded country group of the past decade. For more information visit rascalflatts.com.

Mickey Guyton

Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Mickey Guyton is also confirmed to open CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience with a performance of the national anthem, sponsored by Veterans Matter.

Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where the CRB President’s Award and Artist Career Achievement awards are historically given, could not be held in person and is subsequently being held virtually during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.

Registration for CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience is $199 per person and is available for purchase at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. Country Radio Broadcasters have also made available an Unemployment, Student, and Young Professional rate.  To apply for one of these special rates, interested parties must apply at Country Radio Seminar’s registration page (here) no later than Feb. 12.  Registrants will need to select the rate they are applying for as the registration type to be considered for the discounted rate.  Contact Ashley Bourque at (615) 329-2615 or ashley@crb.org for any questions about the application.

About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.

About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country Radio. Country Radio Seminar 2021 will be held Feb. 17-19 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487.

About Mickey Guyton: Mickey Guyton was born in Arlington, Texas and began singing in church at a young age. She was drawn to a variety of artists with big voices including Dolly Parton, Cece Winans, Whitney Houston and LeAnn Rimes. After signing to Capitol Records Nashville, Mickey’s first appearance was an all-star concert at the White House captured by PBS. In 2015 she released her self-titled EP featuring her debut single “Better Than You Left Me.” The following year she was nominated for her first Academy of Country Music Award for New Female Vocalist. Mickey returned to the ACM Awards in 2019 performing “I’m Standing With You” from the BREAKTHROUGH movie soundtrack alongside Chrissy Metz, Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina and Maddie & Tae. This last year, Mickey performed her first solo ACM Awards performance of “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” with labelmate Keith Urban’s accompaniment on piano.  The performance, which HITS called “…a Whitney Houston/Beyoncé power-vocal rendition of the glass-ceiling reckoning…” was named one of the best performances of the night. Mickey released her EP, Bridges, on September 11, which includes “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”, hailed by Variety as “country music’s song of the year”, as well as, “Black Like Me,” a song Mickey co-wrote in March 2019 at a cross-genre writing camp. Due to demand, “Black Like Me” was released in June and was named one of the Top 5 songs of 2020 by NPR and The Associated Press. Mickey recently made history as the first Black female solo artist to earn a GRAMMY nomination in a country category (Best Country Solo Performance) for “Black Like Me.” Mickey and her music have been featured recently by The New York Times, CBS This Morning, NPR, Today, Billboard, The Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, ELLE, The Washington Post, Paste, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, American Songwriter, and Pollstar.

About Veterans Matter: Veterans Matter provides justice for homeless veterans by providing housing to those who risked all but are now living on the streets of our nation. Their mission is simple: House as many veterans as they can, as fast as they can in permanent housing, with a 91% success rate keeping them housed. They never quit fighting for us, they will never quit fighting for them.

Comments { 0 }
Verified by MonsterInsights