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The AMA Nominees Are Announced!

The nominees for this year’s American Music Awards are out. Taylor Swift leads the pack with eight nods. Morgan WallenOlivia DeanSabrina Carpenter, and sombr are all close behind with seven nods each.

Other highlights include Olivia Dean and sombr going head to head in categories including New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Breakthrough Album of the Year. EJAEAudrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from “KPop Demon Hunters” were nominated for Song of the Year, Best Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Song.

Queen Latifah will host the 52nd American Music Awards on May 25th in Las Vegas, marking her return to the role 30 years after co-hosting in 1995. The show will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+, with fan voting running through May 8th.

Check out all the nominees below.

GENERAL CATEGORIES

Artist of the Year

  • Bad Bunny
  • Bruno Mars
  • BTS
  • Harry Styles
  • Justin Bieber
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Lady Gaga
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Taylor Swift

New Artist of the Year

  • Alex Warren
  • Ella Langley
  • KATSEYE
  • Leon Thomas
  • Olivia Dean
  • SOMBR

Album of the Year

  • Cardi B – “AM I THE DRAMA?”
  • Fuerza Regida – “111xpantia”
  • Justin Bieber – “SWAG”
  • Lady Gaga – “Mayhem”
  • Morgan Wallen – “I’m The Problem”
  • Olivia Dean – “The Art of Loving”
  • Playboi Carti – “MUSIC”
  • Sabrina Carpenter – “Man’s Best Friend”
  • Tate McRae – “So Close To What”
  • Taylor Swift – “The Life of a Showgirl”

Song of the Year

  • Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
  • Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
  • The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – “Golden”
  • Kehlani – “Folded”
  • Leon Thomas – “MUTT”
  • Morgan Wallen – “I’m The Problem”
  • Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
  • Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
  • SOMBR – “back to friends”
  • Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Collaboration of the Year

  • BigXthaPlug, Bailey Zimmerman – “All The Way”
  • David Guetta, Teddy Swims, Tones And I – “Gone Gone Gone”
  • Morgan Wallen, Tate McRae – “What I Want”
  • PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
  • Shaboozey, Jelly Roll – “Amen”

Social Song of the Year

  • Disco Lines, Tinashe – “No Broke Boys”
  • PinkPantheress – “Illegal”
  • Role Model – “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out”
  • Tyla – “CHANEL”
  • Zara Larsson – “Lush Life”

Best Music Video

  • KATSEYE – “Gnarly”
  • ROSALÍA, Björk, Yves Tumor – “Berghain”
  • Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
  • Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”
  • Tyla – “CHANEL”

Best Soundtrack

  • “F1 The Album”
  • “Hazbin Hotel: Season Two”
  • “KPop Demon Hunters”
  • “Wicked: For Good”
  • “Charli xcx – Wuthering Heights”

Tour of the Year

  • Beyoncé – “Cowboy Carter Tour”
  • Kendrick Lamar, SZA – “Grand National Tour”
  • Lady Gaga – “The Mayhem Ball”
  • Oasis – “Oasis Live ‘25 Tour”
  • Shakira – “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour”

Breakout Tour

  • Benson Boone – “American Heart World Tour”
  • Kali Uchis – “The Sincerely, Tour”
  • The Marías – “Submarine Tour”
  • Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay? Tour”
  • Sleep Token – “Even in Arcadia Tour”

Breakthrough Album of the Year

  • Olivia Dean – “The Art of Loving”
  • SOMBR – “I Barely Know Her”
  • Zara Larsson – “Midnight Sun”

Best Throwback Song

  • 4 Non Blondes – “What’s Up”
  • Black Eyed Peas – “Rock That Body”
  • Goo Goo Dolls – “Iris”

Best Vocal Performance

  • Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
  • The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – “Golden”
  • Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
  • RAYE – “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”
  • SIENNA SPIRO – “Die on this Hill”

Song of the Summer

  • Alex Warren – “FEVER DREAM”
  • Bella Kay – “iloveitiloveitiloveit”
  • BTS – “SWIM”
  • Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
  • Harry Styles – “American Girls”
  • Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide”
  • PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson – “Stateside”
  • SOMBR – “Homewrecker”
  • Tame Impala, JENNIE – “Dracula”
  • Taylor Swift – “Elizabeth Taylor”

POP CATEGORIES

Best Male Pop Artist

  • Alex Warren
  • Benson Boone
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Harry Styles
  • Justin Bieber

Best Female Pop Artist

  • Lady Gaga
  • Olivia Dean
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Tate McRae
  • Taylor Swift

Breakthrough Pop Artist

  • KATSEYE
  • SIENNA SPIRO
  • Zara Larsson

Best Pop Song

  • Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
  • The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami – “Golden”
  • Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
  • Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
  • Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Pop Album

  • Lady Gaga – “Mayhem”
  • Olivia Dean – “The Art of Loving”
  • Sabrina Carpenter – “Man’s Best Friend”
  • Tate McRae – “So Close To What”
  • Taylor Swift – “The Life of a Showgirl”

COUNTRY CATEGORIES

Best Male Country Artist

  • Jelly Roll
  • Luke Combs
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Riley Green
  • Shaboozey

Best Female Country Artist

  • Ella Langley
  • Kelsea Ballerini
  • Lainey Wilson
  • Megan Moroney
  • Miranda Lambert

Best Country Duo or Group

  • Brooks & Dunn
  • Old Dominion
  • Rascal Flatts
  • Treaty Oak Revival
  • Zac Brown Band

Breakthrough Country Artist

  • Sam Barber
  • Tucker Wetmore
  • Zach Top

Best Country Song

  • BigXthaPlug, Bailey Zimmerman – “All The Way”
  • Ella Langley – “Choosin’ Texas”
  • Morgan Wallen – “Just In Case”
  • Russell Dickerson – “Happen To Me”
  • Shaboozey – “Good News”

Best Country Album

  • BigXthaPlug – “I Hope You’re Happy”
  • Megan Moroney – “Cloud 9”
  • Morgan Wallen – “I’m The Problem”
  • Sam Barber – “Restless Mind”
  • Tucker Wetmore – “What Not To”

HIP-HOP CATEGORIES

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

  • Don Toliver
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Playboi Carti
  • Tyler, The Creator
  • YoungBoy Never Broke Again

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

  • Cardi B
  • Doechii
  • GloRilla
  • Sexyy Red
  • YKNIECE

Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist

  • EsDeeKid
  • Monaleo
  • PLUTO

Best Hip-Hop Song

  • Cardi B – “ErrTime”
  • Drake – “NOKIA”
  • Gunna, Burna Boy – “wgft”
  • Playboi Carti, The Weeknd – “Rather Lie”
  • YKNIECE, Quavo, Metro Boomin, Breskii – “Take Me Thru Dere”

Best Hip-Hop Album

  • Cardi B – “AM I THE DRAMA?”
  • Don Toliver – “OCTANE”
  • Gunna – “The Last Wun”
  • Playboi Carti – “MUSIC”
  • YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “MASA”

R&B CATEGORIES

Best Male R&B Artist

  • Bruno Mars
  • Chris Brown
  • Daniel Caesar
  • PARTYNEXTDOOR
  • The Weeknd

Best Female R&B Artist

  • Kehlani
  • Summer Walker
  • SZA
  • Teyana Taylor
  • Tyla

Breakthrough R&B Artist

  • Leon Thomas
  • Mariah the Scientist
  • Ravyn Lenae

Best R&B Song

  • Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”
  • Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller – “It Depends”
  • Kehlani – “Folded”
  • Leon Thomas – “MUTT”
  • Mariah the Scientist – “BURNING BLUE”

Best R&B Album

  • Bruno Mars – “The Romantic”
  • Justin Bieber – “SWAG”
  • Leon Thomas – “MUTT”
  • Mariah the Scientist – “HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY”
  • Summer Walker – “Finally Over It”

LATIN CATEGORIES

Best Male Latin Artist

  • Bad Bunny
  • Junior H
  • Peso Pluma
  • Rauw Alejandro
  • Tito Double P

Best Female Latin Artist

  • Gloria Estefan
  • KAROL G
  • Natti Natasha
  • ROSALÍA
  • Shakira

Best Latin Duo or Group

  • Clave Especial
  • Fuerza Regida
  • Grupo Firme
  • Grupo Frontera
  • Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda

Breakthrough Latin Artist

  • Beéle
  • Kapo
  • Netón Vega

Best Latin Song

  • Bad Bunny – “NUEVAYoL”
  • benny blanco, Selena Gomez, The Marías – “Ojos Tristes”
  • Fuerza Regida – “Marlboro Rojo”
  • Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera – “ME JALO”
  • KAROL G – “LATINA FOREVA”

Best Latin Album

  • Fuerza Regida – “111xpantia”
  • KAROL G – “Tropicoqueta”
  • Netón Vega – “Mi Vida Mi Muerte”
  • Peso Pluma, Tito Double P – “DINASTÍA”
  • ROSALÍA – “Lux”

ROCK CATEGORIES

Best Rock/Alternative Artist

  • Deftones
  • Linkin Park
  • The Marías
  • Sleep Token
  • Twenty One Pilots

Breakthrough Rock/Alternative Artist

  • Geese
  • Gigi Perez
  • SOMBR

Best Rock/Alternative Song

  • Noah Kahan – “The Great Divide”
  • Linkin Park – “Up From The Bottom”
  • SOMBR – “back to friends”
  • Sublime – “Ensenada”
  • Tame Impala – “Dracula”

Best Rock/Alternative Album

  • Sleep Token – “Even In Arcadia”
  • SOMBR – “I Barely Know Her”
  • Tame Impala – “Deadbeat”
  • Twenty One Pilots – “Breach”
  • Zach Bryan – “With Heaven On Top”

DANCE/ELECTRONIC CATEGORIES

Best Dance/Electronic Artist

  • Calvin Harris
  • David Guetta
  • Fred again..
  • ILLENIUM
  • John Summit

K-POP CATEGORIES

Best Male K-Pop Artist

  • ATEEZ
  • BTS
  • ENHYPEN
  • Stray Kids
  • TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Best Female K-Pop Artist

  • aespa
  • BLACKPINK
  • ILLIT
  • LE SSERAFIM
  • TWICE

AFROBEATS CATEGORIES

Best Afrobeats Artist

  • Burna Boy
  • MOLIY
  • Rema
  • Tyla
  • Wizkid

AMERICANA/FOLK CATEGORIES

Best Americana/Folk Artist

  • Lord Huron
  • The Lumineers
  • Mumford & Sons
  • Noah Kahan
  • Tyler Childers

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1963, five weeks after Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash, her song “Sweet Dreams (Of You)” was released.
  • Today in 1981, Ronnie Milsap recorded “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For The World.”
  • Today in 1985, the “Greatest Hits” album by Lee Greenwood was released.
  • Today in 1989, Dolly Parton was a guest host on “Saturday Night Live,” singing “Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That.”
  • Today in 1992, Reba McEntire’s video, “For My Broken Heart,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1993, Trisha Yearwood’s “Hearts in Armor” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1994, the “Best Of Reba McEntire” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1994, the Statler Brothers got great news on two fronts. Their “Partners In Rhyme” album was certified gold and “The Best Of The Statler Brothers” collection was certified triple platinum.
  • Today in 1996, Alan Jackson released the single, “Home.”
  • Today in 1996, Clay Walker was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and told he would be dead within eight years. He is still alive today.
  • Today in 1997, Sawyer Brown’s album, “Six Days On The Road,” was released.
  • Today in 1997, Aaron Tippin’s “Greatest Hits and Then Some” collection arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1998, in a first for CMT, the network launched Faith Hill’s album “Faith” with a live concert. Others participating on the show included Tim McGraw, Vince Gill and singer/songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman.
  • Today in 1999, Shania Twain’s self-titled debut album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1999, the British music magazine, “Mojo,” compiled a list of the Top 100 Singers of All Time – in every genre of music. While John Lennon topped the list, country legends were well represented, too. Elvis Presley came in at #2, and the list also included Buddy Holly at #41, Emmylou Harris at #43, Johnny Cash at #45, Willie Nelson at #47, Patsy Cline at #55, Charlie Rich at #70 and Hank Williams Sr. at #91.
  • Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s Volvo was rear-ended on West End Avenue in Nashville, causing a three-car collision. While handling the paperwork, the driver who hit Gill’s car gave him a tape, hoping Gill will record one of his songs.
  • Today in 2002, CRIKEY! Steve Irwin and Jamie O’Neal together? Yup…well…sorta. According to Australia’s “Business Review Weekly,” they were among the top-earning entertainers Down Under. With an estimated income of $8.7-million in 2001, “The Crocodile Hunter” was just shy of Jamie’s longtime friend/actor Russell Crowe and legendary rockers AC/DC on the earnings list. Jamie herself came in at #57.
  • Today in 2004, Big & Rich staged a parade in Nashville as they shot the video to “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy).” Also taking part: Gretchen Wilson, Gary Chapman and the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders.
  • Today in 2008, Lady Antebellum’s self-titled debut album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2013, Kellie Pickler was told she was a “million-dollar dancer” on “Dancing With The Stars.”
  • Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton celebrated his 40th birthday…with the arrival of his twin boys, Macon and Samuel. The world got the news on the 53rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards when host Reba McEntire announced the news live during the show.

Ella Langley Continues To Set Records With “Choosin’ Texas”

Every week that goes by, Ella Langley‘s “Choosin’ Texas” sets new records. While it’s a little early to call it her career record, this one’s gonna be tough to beat. On Billboard’s most recent “Top 100” chart, the song once again sits in the #1 slot, making it her 6th non-consecutive week on top of the all-genre chart. As if that wasn’t a strong enough showing, her new single, “Be Her,” climbs into the Top 10 at #8. And then there’s the “Hot Country Songs” chart, where “Texas” notches it’s twentieth week at #1, with “Be Her” right behind it at #2. Langley becomes only the second woman to chart two titles in the top 10 of the “Hot 100” and “Hot Country Songs” simultaneously; Taylor Swift first did it with “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and “Red” back in October 2012.

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1932, Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Holly, Kentucky. She was the first woman to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1972 and landed in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988.
  • Today in 1958, Don Gibson’s “Oh Lonesome Me” hit the top spot on the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 1964, Fiddler Stuart Duncan was born in Quantico, Virginia. He plays on numerous country hits with the Nashville Bluegrass Band and also with Faith Hill (“Breathe”), The Band Perry (“If I Die Young”) and Shania Twain (“Man! I Feel Like A Woman!).
  • Today in 1979, the “Classics” album by Kenny Rogers & Dottie West was released.
  • Today in 1979, Barbara Mandrell’s remake of the R&B hit, “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right” tops the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 1981, Hank Williams Jr. recorded “A Country Boy Can Survive.”
  • Today in 1983, Kenny Rogers’ album, “We’ve Got Tonight,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1986, “Alabama’s Greatest Video Hits” video by Alabama was certified gold. As a bonus, Alabama won Entertainer of the Year for a record fifth straight time at the 21st annual Academy of Country Music awards, aired by NBC from Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. The band also collected its sixth straight Top Vocal Group trophy.
  • Today in 1992, the single, “Achy Breaky Heart,” by Billy Ray Cyrus was released.
  • Today in 1997, the website, country.com, now known as CMT.com, was officially launched.
  • Today in 1997, Pam Tillis released her single “All the Good Ones Are Gone.”
  • Today in 1998, Shania Twain joined Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan and Carole King at New York’s Beacon Theatre for a taping of “VH1 Divas Live,” with all six singers combining talents on “Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like).”
  • Today in 1999, the body of Tammy Wynette was exhumed and an autopsy performed in Nashville at the request of her husband, George Richey.
  • Today in 2000, Brad Paisley was named International Rising Star at the HMV British Country Music Awards. Other prizes went to Reba McEntire was dubbed the International Female Vocalist (for the second consecutive year) and the Dixie Chicks scored two trophies in the International Group/Duo and International Album categories. George Jones snagged an award for International Male Vocalist while Dolly Parton won for International Independent Artist. Alison Krauss & Union Station didn’t do too badly either, they garnered their 7th consecutive win as International Bluegrass Group.
  • Today in 2002, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett and Dave Matthews were among the artists saluting Willie Nelson at a special concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
  • Today in 2004, Dolly Parton was honored as a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
  • Today in 2008, Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, and Trace Adkins were the big winners at the CMT Music Awards. Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, and Brad Paisley also took awards, along with country-rock duets by Bon Jovi and LeAnn Rimes and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.
  • Today in 2008, the CMT talent competition “Can You Duet” debuted. Amongst the panelists were Naomi Judd and “Amazed” songwriter Aimee Mayo.
  • Today in 2008, Kelly Pickler won three trophies during the CMT Music Awards at Belmont University’s Curb Events Center in Nashville.
  • Today in 2008, Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery and his wife, Tracy, were honored for their charitable efforts on behalf of the Danville, Kentucky fire department’s Christmas Toy Drive. Danville is the singer’s hometown.
  • Today in 2009, LeAnn Rimes’ book “What I Cannot Change” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2010, Kenny Chesney attended a special advanced screening of his concert film “Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D” in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.
  • Today in 2010, Garth Brooks was in Washington, DC for Grammys on the Hill, a music advocacy and awards event.
  • Today in 2010, Lyric Street Records announced that the label was closing. Rascal Flatts was among the acts with the company.
  • Today in 2011, Jason Aldean joined Kelly Clarkson to perform their chart-topping collaboration “Don’t You Wanna Stay” on “American Idol.”
  • Today in 2012, Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood married Kelli Cashiola at Front Porch Farms in Ashland City, Tennessee. Lady A bandmates Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott attended. Singer/songwriter Dave Barnes performed.
  • Today in 2012, Trisha Yearwood launched her cooking show, “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen,” on the Food Network.
  • Today in 2013, Trace Adkins plays a caveman as his team creates a silent movie to support Australian Gold suntan lotion on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice,” hosted by Donald Trump. As the winning project manager, Adkins earns $40,000 for his charity, the American Red Cross.
  • Today in 2015, “Oh Gussie! Cooking And Visiting In Kimberly’s Southern Kitchen,” a cookbook by Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman.
  • Today in 2015, albums arriving in stores included: Reba McEntire’s “Love Somebody” and Dwight Yoakam’s “Second Hand Heart.”
  • Today in 2015, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell and Lyle Lovett played for President Barack Obama as PBS shots a gospel-themed installment of “In Performance At The White House.”
  • Today in 2017, Brett Young’s single, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” and Brett Eldredge’s track, “Wanna Be That Song,” both went gold.
  • Today in 2017, Keith Urban’s albums, “Fuse” and “Greatest Hits,” both went platinum.
  • Today in 2017, Madame Tussauds opened a Nashville location at the Opry Mills Mall. Artists represented in the wax museum include Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley, Blake Shelton, George Jones, Reba McEntire and Loretta Lynn.
  • Today in 2018, Kacey Musgraves’ album, “Golden Hour,” debuted in the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
  • Today in 2019, Hal Ketchum’s wife, Andrea, revealed the singer was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, forcing him to stop touring. He ultimately passed away November 23rd, 2020.
  • Today in 2020, Brett Young’s single, “Catch,” went gold single.
  • Today in 2020, Luke Combs wrote “Six Feet Apart” via Zoom with Brent Cobb and Rob Snyder.
  • Today in 2020, Tyler Rich scored a gold single from the RIAA for “The Difference.”
  • Today in 2020, Jake Owen’s “Made For You” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2021, the Twelve Thirty Club, a restaurant owned in part by former ACM Awards nominee Justin Timberlake, opens in Nashville.

July 8 Is Officially “Toby Keith Day” In Oklahoma

Oklahoma is recognizing the life and legacy of Toby Keith this summer. The state has proclaimed the late country legend’s birthday, July 8, as “Toby Keith Day.” Governor Kevin Stitt made the announcement during Oklahoma Music and Film Day at the state capitol.

“Born on July 8th, 1961 in Clinton, Oklahoma. He was raised in Moore and was later a resident in Norman, rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful, influential, and recognizable country music artists in American history…He remained deeply connected to his Oklahoma roots and proudly reflected the character, resilience, independence, and patriotism of our state through his music and through his steadfast support of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, including numerous USO tours…I now proclaim July 8, 2026 as Toby Keith Day.”

 

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This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1959, George Jones’ “White Lightning” picked up his first #1 country single in Billboard magazine as a recording artist.
  • Today in 1963, Bill Anderson’s “Still” reached #1 on Billboard’s country chart.
  • Today in 1965, Roger Miller set a record by winning five GRAMMYS in one night. No other country star has ever won that many at one time.
  • Today in 1970, Bettie Azevedez picked up five trophies on behalf of Merle Haggard in the Academy Of Country & Western Music awards at the Hollywood Palladium.
  • Today in 1996, Lonestar’s “No News” topped Billboard for the first time.
  • Today in 2002, Faith Hill was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. She wasn’t there, though, and only about 70 people attended the induction ceremony at the University of Southern Mississippi. Other new inductees include jazz diva Cassandra Wilson; former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley; Walter Turnbull, the founder and conductor of the Boys Choir of Harlem; blues great Howlin’ Wolf; pop musician Van Dyke Parks; and former member of the Temptations David Ruffin.
  • Today in 2003, Andy Griggs, Kris Kristofferson, Jeffrey Steele and others teamed up to play in a Waylon Jennings tribute concert in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event was one of three shows with the theme “Crossing the Bound’ries,” an acoustic evening of Waylon music and anecdotes that also raised funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Also participating were Waylon’s widow, Jessi Coulter, and son Shooter Jennings.
  • Today in 2005, Willie Nelson’s attorney sent a Texas Senator a letter declining to have a toll road named for the singer. Nelson told the Austin American-Statesman, “I’d put my name on an electric chair, too, but I don’t think that’d be too great a thing.”
  • Today in 2009, Big Machine released Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” to radio.
  • Today in 2012, Jana Kramer performed “Why Ya Wanna” as she made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2013, Jason Aldean performed the first of a handful of stadium dates on his 2013 itinerary, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, with Luke Bryan, Jake Owens and Thomas Rhett. Ludacris made a surprise appearance.
  • Today in 2014, Taylor Swift made a surprise cameo appearance during Seth Rogen’s show-opening monologue on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” “You’re getting really upset,” she exclaimed. “And whenever a man shows emotion, I appear!”
  • Today in 2014, the late Johnny Cash was atop the “Billboard” country albums chart with “Out Among The Stars.”
  • Today in 2015, Trace Adkins embarked on a USO tour that took him to Kuwait, Afghanistan and Germany.
  • Today in 2018, Jason Aldean dropped his album, “Rearview Town.”
  • Today in 2018, the John Prine album, “The Tree Of Forgiveness,” was released.
  • Today in 2019, George Strait’s “Honky Tonk Time Machine” was locked in the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
  • Today in 2020, Luke Bryan’s single, “One Margarita,” was released.
  • Today in 2020, “Biography: Kenny Rogers” aired on A&E. On it, Rogers and Dolly Parton sang their classic, “Islands In The Stream,” and featured interviews included thoughts from Lady A, Justin Moore, Reba McEntire, Jamey Johnson, Kim Carnes and Chris Stapleton.
  • Today in 2021, the Dustin Lynch single, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which features MacKenzie Porter, hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2021, Morgan Wallen wrote a letter to fans, announcing he was dropping out of the upcoming Luke Bryan tour as he continues to work out personal issues.

ACM Awards Nominations Are Out

The ACM Awards nominations are out. Remember not that long ago when it seemed country music was dominated by men? Not so much these days. Megan Moroney has the most nominations this year with nine, followed closely by Miranda Lambert with eight and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson with seven each. The first male artist to show up on the list of top nominees is Chris Stapleton with six. Zach Top has five nominations for this year’s ACMs, and Riley Green and Cody Johnson are tied with four. The 61st Academy of Country Music awards happen May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Prime Video will air them live starting at 8 pm ET/5pm PT, viewable on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch as well as the Amazon Music app. See the complete list of nominees below. 

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Megan Moroney
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top

GROUP OF THE YEAR
49 Winchester
Flatland Cavalry
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays

DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
Thelma & James

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Avery Anna
Mackenzie Carpenter
Dasha
Caroline Jones
Emily Ann Roberts

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gavin Adcock
Vincent Mason
Shaboozey
Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

“Ain’t In It For My Health” – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33

“Cherry Valley” – Carter Faith
Producer: Tofer Brown
Record Company-Label: Gatsby Records / MCA

“Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)” – Riley Green
Producer: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

“I’m the Problem” – Morgan Wallen
Producers: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett
Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records

“Parker McCollum” – Parker McCollum
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse
Record Company-Label: MCA

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure
Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs for the Munch Music; Songs of Influence; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp

 

“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
Songwriters: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon
Publishers: Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music; Big Music Machine

“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
Publishers: Bada Bing & Bada Langley Publishing; Little Louder Songs; Sony Music Publishing

“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols
Publishers: Music and Magazine Publishing; Rio Bravo Music Inc; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Too Broke to Quit Music; Zach Top Music

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg
Publishers: Concord Sounds; Dtown Boogie Music; Emi Feist Catalog Inc; Songs Of Riser House; Songs Of Wild Cat Well Music; Sony/ATV Countryside; Story Farmer; Tacklebox Music Publishing

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records

“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Producers: Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records

“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Producers: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Broken Bow Records

“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music / Warner Records Nashville

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb
Record Company-Label: Republic Records

“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
Producers: Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook
Record Company-Label: Empire

“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
Producers: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
Producers: Tony Brown, Reba McEntire
Record Company-Label: MCA

“You Had to Be There” – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records

 

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: CeCe Dawson, Megan Moroney

“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: James Stratakis
Director: Alexa King Stone, Stephen Kinigopoulos

“Cuckoo” -Stephen Wilson, Jr.
Producers: Tim Cofield
Director: Tim Cofield

“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Katie Babbage
Director: TK McKamy

“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Dustin Haney

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon
Ashley Gorley
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Blake Pendergrass

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1971, John Denver makes his pop chart debut with “Take Me Home Country Roads.”
  • Today in 1979, the “Greatest Hits” album by Waylon Jennings was released.
  • Today in 1982, the single, “Always On My Mind,” by Willie Nelson entered the Top 40 chart.
  • Today in 1982, Merle Haggard’s “Big City” hit the top of the charts.
  • Today in 1989, after winning countless awards, racking up over 20 #1 hits and selling 50 million records worldwide, Alabama was named “80’s Artist of the Decade” by the Academy of Country Music. Kathy Mattea won Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses.”
  • Today in 1993, Reba McEntire & Vince Gill share the top spot on the Billboard country singles chart with “The Heart Won’t Lie.”
  • Today in 1995, George Strait recorded “Check Yes Or No,” and “I Know She Still Loves Me.”
  • Today in 1996, Lorrie Morgan’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2002, after enjoying more than 4 decades of success in the music business, the Statler Brothers announced plans to say goodbye to touring. The band played their three last shows the following October with the grand finale on October 26th in Salem, Virginia.
  • Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood was the only double-winner at the CMT Music Awards. Keith Urban claimed Video of the Year for “Better Life.”
  • Today in 2007, the former home of Johnny Cash and June Carter burned to the ground in Hendersonville, Tennessee, while workers are restoring it for new owner Barry Gibb. Watching helplessly: Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Tommy Cash, T.G. Sheppard and several Oak Ridge Boys.
  • Today in 2009, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” debuted in theaters. Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Bucky Covington and Rascal Flatts all appeared on screen.
  • Today in 2010, Jerrod Niemann sang “Lover, Lover” in his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2012, Keith Urban was invited by Vince Gill to join the Grand Ole Opry during a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. He was inducted the following April 21st.
  • Today in 2013, Kenny Rogers, Bobby Bare and songwriter/producer Jack Clement were announced as the 2013 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: GHOST

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Ghost”, a 2 year old male Chihuahua/Terrier mix who loves people and likes dogs no larger than he is, though he’s not fond of bigger dogs. He gets excited around cats and is a playful fellow, especially around kids. Ghost also loves car rides and toys, and would love to meet you!

Ghost is fully vaccinated, vetted, neutered, microchipped and ready to go!

And since Ghost is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week his adoption fee is only $50 this week!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Ghost or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.

Check out our visit about Ghost with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

Trailer For Lainey Wilson’s “Keepin’ Country Cool” Documentary Released

The trailer for the Lainey Wilson documentary “Keepin’ Country Cool” is now out. The story of the early life and 14 year “overnight success” of the country star is being told in a new Netflix film that tells her story, from her childhood in Baskin, Louisiana to her current status as the reigning queen of country. “Keepin’ Country Cool” will premiere on Netflix on April 22.

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