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Final Nominees For CMA Awards Announced Tomorrow On ABC’s “Good Morning America” 

By on August 27, 2018 in In The Press

Final nominees for “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards,” Country Music’s Biggest Night™, will be revealed on “Good Morning America” tomorrow, Tuesday, August 28. Luke Bryan, Dan + Shay and Sugarland will announce six categories (Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year, and New Artist of the Year) live on air from Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink, Bryan’s new restaurant and bar in downtown Nashville.

Immediately following the broadcast at 8:00 AM/CT, the remaining categories (Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, Musician of the Year, and Music Video of the Year) as well as the nine CMA Broadcast Awards categories and nominees will be announced on GoodMorningAmerica.com as well as “Good Morning America’s” Facebook page through Facebook Live and simulcast on “Good Morning America’s” YouTube channel. The livestream can also be viewed on CMA’s Facebook page.

CMA will release and post the full slate of all nominees for “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” to CMAawards.com and service a CMA Awards Nominees Video Highlights Package (VHP), which includes footage of the nominee announcements on “Good Morning America,” artist interviews, and nominee music video clips. All released press material will be available on CMApress.com.

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return to host “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 8/7c on the ABC Television Network. The beloved hosts return for the 11th year.

“The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Gary Halvorson is the Director, and David Wild is the Head Writer.

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Kelsea Ballerini Makes Powerful Return To Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena With Keith Urban

By on August 27, 2018 in In The Press

Photo credit: Joseph Llanes

Commanding the stage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday (8/24), it was a full-circle moment for Black River Entertainment’s KELSEA BALLERINI as she opened for KEITH URBAN on his GRAFFITI U WORLD TOUR stop. Urban’s “Stupid Boy” inspired Ballerini to begin songwriting over a decade ago.

“I moved to Nashville at 15 to do just this,” she shared with the packed house. “My first opportunity was as a songwriter, and I feel like I’ve learned the most by listening to and watching songwriters.” Ballerini also offered advice to all the songwriters in the room wondering if Nashville is the next step in their own journey, “It is. Do it,” she added. “It could change your entire world.”

During her dynamic set, the Country superstar performed tracks from her acclaimed sophomore album UNAPOLOGETICALLY, including the title track, “Roses,” “Miss Me More,” and chart-climbing current single “I Hate Love Songs.” In addition to her GOLD-certified, history-making #1 “Legends,” she also spanned her career-launching PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes: “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” and “Peter Pan,” from her GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME. Ballerini remains the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles from a debut album.

As a “fan of a songwriter,” Ballerini also conducted an arena-sized sing-along with a heart-stirring cover of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic “Landslide.” In addition, she joined Urban later on in the show to duet on his hit “We Were Us.” Applauding her powerful “poise and sass,” The Tennessean claimed, “Ballerini proved she can work an arena crowd and only needs half of a song to make them fall in love.”

The GRAFFITI U WORLD TOUR continues next week with back-to-back shows at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, on Friday (9/7) and Saturday (9/8). Additional details on venues, cities, and dates running through November can be found here.

For more information on KELSEA BALLERINI, visit KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT KELSEA BALLERINI:
Applauded as GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini’s “grown-up statement” (Rolling Stone), the Black River Entertainment artist’s acclaimed sophomore album UNAPOLOGETICALLY takes listeners on an intimate journey of loss, life, and love. The 12-track compilation – all written or co-written by Ballerini – features the GOLD-certified, #1 hit “Legends” and current chart-rising single “I Hate Love Songs.” This summer, she’s Keith Urban’s featured artist on the GRAFFITI U WORLD TOUR, after wrapping her own sold-out headlining THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR. The record-breaker skyrocketed to stardom after releasing PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan” – from her GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME. Ballerini is the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to go #1 with her first three consecutive singles from a debut album. As spotted on “Best Dressed” lists, the style maven appeared in a multi-page fashion spread in Cosmopolitan’s March 2018 issue, with several other high profile looks in 2017: Billboard Magazine’s GRAMMY preview issue; Forbes’ “30 Under 30” class; and People Magazine’s “Beauty at Every Age” list in their iconic World’s Most Beautiful issue. Praised by The New York Times as an “elegant songwriter,” Ballerini has received the esteemed ASCAP Vanguard Award, CMT Next Women of Country’s Impact Award, Nashville Business Journal’s Artist of the Year, ACM Honor’s Gene Weed Milestone Award, iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Country Artist, Billboard Women in Music’s Rising Star, multiple Radio Disney Music Awards plus several breakthrough female awards from ACM and CMT.

Photo credit: Joseph Llanes

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Miranda Lambert’s Little Red “Bandwagon” Overflowed

By on August 27, 2018 in In The Press

Miranda and Bev Lambert with rescues (clockwise from cushion): Waylon, Delta Dawn, Cher, Bellamy, and Jessi 
Photo Credit: Tammy Gonzales

Thousands of Miranda Lambert’s fans share her passion for rescue animals and have shown it in spades by jumping on the Bandwagon Tour and donating record amounts of dog food, treats, toys, supplies, and cash to Fill the Little Red Wagon. In each city, a deserving shelter-partner was selected to participate and receive the donations. And, just to sweeten the pot, one lucky supporter at each stop was randomly chosen to join Miranda for a meet & greet. Fill the Little Red Wagon is a signature program of the MuttNation Foundation, Miranda’s 501c3 nonprofit, which was founded in 2009 by Miranda and her mom, Bev, to advance the adoption of shelter animals.

In Houston, the abundance of donations more than filled the shelter partner’s coffers. Catherine Hoffman of Corridor Rescue said, “It was a huge blessing for us to get the exposure and all of the donations from Miranda’s generous fans” Throughout the tour, the ‘overflowing’ response was the rule, rather than the exception; evidenced again by Animal Friends of Pittsburgh where they received more than 350lbs of dog food, 75lbs of treats and countless other items.

Lambert, who owns 8 rescue dogs, says, “My fans always amaze me with their compassion and generosity. Knowing so many of us share this love for shelter pets adds another special connection between us and, when I get to hear some of the fans’ stories about their rescues, it always touches my heart.”

 

MuttNation would like to hear how you give back to help shelter animals. If you’ve participated with Fill the Little Red Wagon, if you volunteer at a shelter, if you have helped spread the news about the joys and benefits of adopting shelter pets, share your photos on our social media pages now and learn how to win an autographed photo of Miranda Lambert and a MuttNation ‘Good Doggie’ Bag. Just go to: twitter.com/muttnation; instagram.com/muttnation; facebook.com/muttnation

Shelters supported by Miranda’s Fill the Little Red Wagon on the Bandwagon Tour:

About MuttNation Foundation:
Founded by Miranda and her mom, Bev Lambert, in 2009, MuttNation is a donation-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the adoption of shelter pets, advance spay & neuter and educate the public about the benefits of these actions. MuttNation also works with transport partners to assist and relocate animals under threat of euthanasia and during times of natural disaster. With a goal of finding a forever home for every shelter animal, MuttNation supports animal rescues across the country, hosts adoption events throughout the year, provides positive reinforcement for the shelter adoption experience, works to raise awareness for its causes and develops and implements initiatives to further its mission-driven goals.  www.muttnation.com
About Miranda Lambert: 
Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert is the reigning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, having been bestowed this honor for eight consecutive years. Her accolades include 2 Grammy Awards, 13 (CMA) Country Music Associations Awards, and 28 (ACM) Academy of Country Music Awards as well as many other honors, including the prestigious Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony.

The Texas native released her most recent effort, a double album titled The Weight of These Wings in November 2016, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. She touts six studio albums to her repertoire; Kerosene (2005), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2007), Revolution (2009), Four The Record (2011) and Platinum (2014), the latter earning Lambert a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album, in addition to her previous GRAMMY win for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2010 for “The House That Built Me.”  From The Weight Of These Wings, both of her singles “Vice” and “Tin Man” received multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM Award nominations. For More Information: www.Mirandalambert.com

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Rodney Crowell Added To Lineup For Amy Grant & Vince Gill’s Christmas At The Ryman

By on August 27, 2018 in In The Press

Music icon Rodney Crowell has been added to the bill for “Christmas at the Ryman” the long-running holiday concert series hosted by Amy Grant and Vince Gill.  The beloved Christmas tradition, which began in 2008, will run for 12 non-consecutive nights.

Gill commented about the opportunity to be working with his longtime friend, “I’m looking forward to spending 12 nights sharing the stage with one of my most favorite people on the planet. It’s going to be a good Christmas!”  Crowell added, “I’m really happy to be a part of Vince and Amy’s Nashville tradition.”

Joining Rodney on stage for his set will be Grammy award-winning guitarist John Jorgenson and multi-instrumentalist Rory Hoffman.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here for all of the shows.

Dates:
November 28, 29
December 5, 6, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

ABOUT RODNEY CROWELL:
Rodney Crowell is a multiple Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter who has written or recorded 15 #1 songs on the country music charts. He has won five Americana Music Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting in 2009, and is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. His songs have been recorded by country legends (Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, George Strait), current country chart toppers (Tim McGraw, Keith Urban), blues icons (Etta James) and rock and roll legends (Van Morrison, Bob Seger).

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Country Smooth Fest – A New Country Music Festival Comes To New Orleans

By on August 27, 2018 in In The Press

WHAT:  Country Smooth Fest

WHERE:  NOLA Motorsports Park, 11075 Nicolle Blvd, Avondale, LA 70094

WHEN:  October 20-21, 2018

Country Smooth Fest, presented by Country Smooth American Premium Whiskey, announces a two-day Country Musical Festival at NOLA Motorsports Park with headliners Hunter Hayes and Justin Moore, in addition to several other key country music artists.

The two-day event will feature national and regional acts on two stages in an exciting family friendly celebration of all things Americana. Other acts include Joe Nichols, Granger Smith, Tyler Farr, Lindsay Ell, Whiskey Myers and many more. On-site activities include supercar driving experiences, go karting, and more.

Lori Carcich, Founder and CEO of Country Smooth Whiskey and Country Smooth Fest said of the Festival, “Country music and the Americana lifestyle were my inspiration from day one when I created Country Smooth. I am thrilled to be hosting this Festival in New Orleans, my favorite city in the USA!” Country Smooth is an 86 proof American Premium Whiskey distilled in Indiana, bottled in Nashville, TN, currently distributed in six states, including Louisiana and Texas.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.countrysmoothfest.com.

NOLA Motorsports Park is a 750-acre motorsports and special event facility in Avondale, LA., just 20 minutes from downtown New Orleans.

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Reba McEntire Returns To Host And Perform During “CMA Country Christmas”

By on August 26, 2018 in In The Press

Performances Also Feature Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant,
Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley,
Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs and Brett Young 

Tickets for September 27 Taping at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center in Nashville
On Sale Monday, August 27 at 10 AM/CT
Iconic entertainer Reba McEntire will return for a second year as host of the ninth annual “CMA Country Christmas,” the two-hour music celebration that airs on ABC during the holiday season. Marking her third time performing on the show, a lineup of legendary acts and Country favorites will also take the stage for a night filled with Christmas classics and festive one-of-a-kind collaborations.

Joining Reba for “CMA Country Christmas” are Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs, and Brett Young.

CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS – “CMA Country Christmas” host Reba McEntire. (ABC/Bob D’Amico)

“I’ve always cherished celebrating Christmas alongside family and friends, taking time to reflect on the season,” shared Reba. “I’m so excited CMA invited me back to host their show and am looking forward to fun singing carols with my friends.”

“CMA Country Christmas” will be taped Thursday, Sept. 27 at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center in Nashville. Tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 27 at 10:00 AM/CT at CMAchristmas.com.

Uber will offer all “CMA Country Christmas” attendees 20 percent off rides to and from Curb Event Center starting at 12:01 AM/CT on Sept. 27 (up to $5 per ride; code expires at 11:59 PM/CT on Sept. 27). Attendees can download or open the Uber app, go to Payment > Promotions > Apply Promo Code, and apply the code CMACHRISTMAS to receive the discount.

“CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and Jon Macks is the writer.

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Kenny Chesney Hits Millionth Ticket At Gillette Stadium In Boston

By on August 26, 2018 in In The Press

Photo credit: Allister Ann

With an opening video welcome from the New England Patriots organization that included Robert and Jonathan Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski, wide receiver Cordarelle Patterson, offensive linemen Marcus Cannon and David Andrews, plus Patriots Broadcast Analyst Scott Zolak and members of the Massachusetts State Police Mounted United, the greater Boston area was all in for Kenny Chesney’s 18th and 19th shows at Gillette Stadium. With two night attendance of 121,714 – as Chesney’s team worked to make more tickets available this morning – the 8-time Entertainer of the Year not only broke his own attendance record, but he surpassed the million ticket mark by over 90,000.

“This is so much bigger than all of us,” Chesney told Saturday night’s crowd. “It’s like destiny.”

Certainly the man Variety called “Country music’s only true long-term stadium act” and The Wall Street Journal deemed “The New England Patriots’ Other Star” hit the stage both nights intent on rocking the packed stadium with everything he had. By the time guitarist Kenny Greenberg swooped in to a vamp on Bachman Turner Overdrive’s “Taking Care of Business” in the show opening “Beer In Mexico,” the East Tennessee songwriter/superstar was covered in sweat from racing from one side of the 40 foot strut to the other. Throwing himself at the music, the audience cheered – often for 40, 60, 90 seconds between songs – and sang the songs back with a fervor that pushed the energy even higher.

“This entire summer has been a new threshold in terms of how No Shoes Nation has come at these songs, these shows, these moments,” reflected the man who just notched his 30th No. 1 Billboard Country single. “Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, something else would happen… And then we saw a whole new response, whether it was the cheers, the way the audiences sang or the looks on people’s faces. It was incredible.”

Invoking Robert Kraft’s philosophy that sports, music and traditions bring people together, the only country artist on Pollstar’s Mid-Year Top 10 Tours thanked the assembled audience for allowing him to become one of their traditions. Sharing the love of sports and music, Chesney closed both nights with “The Boys of Fall,” his ode to the honor code of high school football players everywhere.

He also played “(She Comes from) Boston” both nights. Saturday, he brought millionth ticket purchaser Karen Duggan on stage, explaining that she represented each and every one of them before performing the song about the island dwelling expat to the capacity crowd.

“The spirit of the people of Boston have been part of this journey since the first year we started playing stadiums. They love life, they work hard, they believe in music – and they understand how much I see their lives in my own life. I’d’ve never believed when I was young that I would play, let alone sell out the stadium where the Patriots play. But when I hear those voices as I hit that stage, I’m sure glad unthinkable dreams come true.”

Over a dozen years, Chesney rocked 1,090,326 people across 19 shows in Boston. Chesney also had another platinum summer. With just under 1.3 million total attendance, he racked up 1,298,088 tickets sold across 19 stadiums and 41 total shows on his Trip Around the Sun Tour.

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Dustin Lynch Invited To Become Newest Member Of The Grand Ole Opry

By on August 25, 2018 in In The Press

Realizing a lifelong dream, country star DUSTIN LYNCH has been invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Opry member Trace Adkins made the special surprise invitation Tuesday night (8/21) during Lynch’s performance, telling him, “Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is at the top of my list of achievements in my career and always will be. We want people to be members of the Grand Ole Opry that will have a respect for this institution that it deserves, that it has earned for 92 years.” Adkins added, “We think that Dustin Lynch is going to carry on in that proud tradition, and we’re glad to have you.”

“I can’t even talk cause I’m gonna start crying,” a stunned Lynch told the crowd. “I’ve got my family here tonight and a lot of my team members – a lot of guys and girls that are responsible for getting me on this stage for the very first time, getting my music played at Country radio and all over the world now, and I wanna say we would not be here if it wasn’t for you. Thank you guys so much. A lot of things have happened over the past six years, but it started with that last song we just played. ‘Cowboys and Angels’ was the very first song I got to play on the Grand Ole Opry – March 2, 2012 – I’ll never forget that day. I wanna say Mom and Dad, thank you so much. I’m glad you came tonight. We have so much to celebrate. I’m gonna attempt to sing a song with a frog in my throat and tears in my eyes.”

Equally surprised were Lynch’s parents – who have attended every one of his Opry performances to date – who were on hand to share in the emotional moment, cheering on his career milestone from their seats in front of the stage.

A friend to the Opry over the years, Lynch has stepped into the six-foot circle on the Opry’s center stage numerous times as he’s released three Top 5 albums and five consecutive #1 singles, earning PLATINUM level certifications. He is set to be formally inducted as an Opry member on Sept. 18.

This indelible honor comes as the latest pinnacle moment for Lynch, who has proven himself as one of the genre’s brightest stars. One of the most-played artists of 2017, he topped the charts for four consecutive weeks with his PLATINUM-certified smash “Small Town Boy,” penned by Kyle Fishman, Ben Hayslip, and ACM Songwriter of the Year Award winner Rhett Akins. His new single “Good Girl” – which Lynch surprise-released at this year’s iHeartCountry Festival and performed at CMA Fest – is climbing the charts.

Lynch performed at the ACM Honors ceremony at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this past week. He’s also set to hit the road with co-headliner Cole Swindell and special guest Lauren Alaina for the REASON TO DRINK…ANOTHER TOUR beginning Oct. 4 in Tuscaloosa, AL.

For tour dates and more information, visit DustinLynchMusic.com, and reach out to him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Lindsay Ell And Abby Anderson Rock Rooftop On The Row

By on August 25, 2018 in In The Press

Abby Anderson performs during BMI’s Rooftop On The Row.  Photo credit: Nathan Zucker

This past Tuesday was ladies night on the BMI rooftop as Lindsay Ell and Abby Anderson took on the fifth installment of BMI’s Rooftop On The Row summer concert series. Newcomer Abby Anderson kicked off the night serenading the crowd with her latest radio single “Make Him Wait.” Special guest Kristian Bush joined Ell for her set just as the sun began to set over the skyline. BMI’s rooftop series offers a unique opportunity to enjoy stunning views of Nashville while enjoying complimentary food and beverage and the best of Music City’s veteran and rising talent. The summer’s final rooftop show will take place on September 11th. 

Lindsay Ell and Kristian Bush perform during BMI’s Rooftop On The Row to a packed crowd. Photo credit: Nathan Zucker

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Amazon Music Features Kane Brown’s “Lose It” In New Ad Campaign, “A Voice Is All You Need”

By on August 25, 2018 in In The Press

Photo credit: Joseph Llanes

Spotlighting Multi-Platinum breakthrough star Kane Brown, Amazon Music is building on its ground-breaking momentum with the launch of a brand-new advertising campaign: A Voice is All You Need. The campaign highlights the powerful vocals of notable songs while demonstrating the simplicity of voice with Alexa, featuring Brown’s Top 20-and-climbing hit “Lose it” in an animated video released today here.

“I’m excited to have my new single “Lose It” be part of the new Amazon Music campaign,” Brown enthused. “I really admire the other artists included and know my fans will love this. I’m really proud to be a part of it.”

The ad creative, developed with global independent agency Wieden+Kennedy, celebrates the growth of Amazon Music and its lead in voice innovation while playing off of powerful, isolated vocals from the participating, notable artists in a journey through the voice experience with Alexa on Amazon Music. Also featured in the campaign are artists including Ariana Grande, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, and Queen.

The embed to Kane Brown’s “Lose It” for Amazon Music’s A Voice Is All You Need can be found here.

The animated video for Kane Brown’s “Lose It” will begin appearing today across digital and social channels as well as terrestrial radio nationally in the U.S.

The global campaign comes on the heels of Brown being selected by Time Magazine as “One of 31 People Changing the South,” which lauded Brown for his “willingness to stretch genre boundaries and highly personal storytelling.” And The New York Times proclaimed him “one of Nashville’s most promising young stars and also one of its most flexible.”

Brown is currently working on the highly-anticipated follow-up album to his multi-week chart-topping debut, which is scheduled to release Nov. 9. Produced by multiple-award winner Dann Huff, the album features several tracks co-written by Brown including his current single, “Lose It.” Already Top 20 and rising on Nielson’s Country Core On-Demand Audio and Video Streaming charts and #22 on Billboard and #23 on Mediabase airplay charts, “Lose It” continues to gain momentum and critical-praise, with the New York Times calling it “urgent and saucy…broad-spectrum ecstasy.”

The “Lose It” track and music video are available now. Additionally, the Georgia native recently released “Weekend” from his upcoming album as a track and music video which earned raves as the “perfect jam” (Taste of Country). To view the video visit HERE.

The chart-topping, Platinum-certified album Kane Brown holds 2018’s longest reign on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart with 10 weeks at #1 and has hit a total of 12 weeks at #1. Additionally, Brown’s album has amassed the most weeks of any country album released since December 2016. The records and accolades are adding up. His multi-week #1 song “Heaven” became one of only two singles in the past decade to remain Top 5 for 14 weeks or more on the Billboard Country Airplay Charts. The singer/songwriter’s Triple-Platinum #1 hit “What Ifs” recently became the #3 most-streamed country song of all time.

Brown first topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with the release of his self-titled debut album (2016) and again with the release of Kane Brown Deluxe Edition (2017), which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums and Top 5 on Billboard 200 Charts. That same week, the 24-year-old entertainer made history by becoming the first-ever artist to top all five Billboard Country Charts with his breakthrough #1 Top Country Album; #1 debuting Country Digital Song, the Double-Platinum “Heaven”; and #1 Country Airplay, Hot Country Song and Country Streaming Song, the Triple-Platinum “What Ifs” featuring Lauren Alaina. In addition to making Billboard history, Brown garnered a Guinness World Record for becoming the first act to top five U.S. country charts simultaneously. To date, Kane Brown remains the best new artist country debut of the past four and a half years and is available HERE.

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