This year’s Grammy Awards have set the stage for this Sunday (March 14th), and several UMG Nashville artists are in the running. Little Big Town picked up two nods for Best Country Album for Nightfall, as well as one for Best Country Duo/Group for “Sugar Coat,” along with Brothers Osborne for “All Night,” their sixth career Grammy nomination.

Eric Church’s “Stick That in Your Country Song,” Vince Gill’s “When My Amy Prays” and Mickey Guyton’s “Black Like Me” are nominated for Best Country Solo Performance.

Mickey, the first Black solo female artist to be nominated in a Grammy country category, will perform her nominated song “Black Like Me” on Sunday’s show, and she says it will be very emotional for her, as is her first Grammy nomination.

“Getting my first Grammy nomination for ‘Black Like Me’ means the absolute world to me,” she says. “I’ve been pursuing music for a very, very, very long time, and there are many times that I thought I was going to quit. And my music journey didn’t change until I stopped running away from who I really am, embracing who I really am, and opening the door for other people, other people that are marginalized.”

Of significant note, Taylor Swift earned six nominations. folklore, a follow-up to her Lover album, was nominated for best pop vocal album. The album’s lead pop single, “cardigan,” was also recognized in the overall Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance categories. Her collaboration with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, “exile,” received a nod in Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. If that wasn’t all, the “betty” artist earned a nomination for best song written for visual media for her collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber on Cats’ “Beautiful Ghosts.”

The 63rd annual Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, will broadcast live on Sunday, March 14th beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT on CBS. The show will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Best Country Album

Lady Like, Ingrid Andress
Your Life Is a Record, Brandy Clark
Wildcard, Miranda Lambert
Nightfall, Little Big Town
Never Will, Ashley McBryde

Best Country Solo Performance

“Stick That in Your Country Song,” Eric Church
“Who You Thought I Was,” Brandy Clark
“When My Amy Prays,” Vince Gill
“Black Like Me,” Mickey Guyton
“Bluebird,” Miranda Lambert

Best Country Duo / Group Performance

“All Night,” Brothers Osborne
“10,000 Hours,” Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber
“Ocean,” Lady A
“Sugar Coat,” Little Big Town
“Some People Do,” Old Dominion

The list of performers at this year’s Grammy Awards has been announced. Taylor Swift — who is among this year’s top nominees with six nods including overall Album of the Year for folklore and Song of the Year for “cardigan”  — is set to perform, as is Mickey Guyton who will make her first appearance on the show. Mickey is nominated in Best Country Solo Performance for “Black Like Me.”

Other performers include Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Post Malone, Brandi Carlile, BTS, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Haim, John Mayer, Megan Thee Stallion and Harry Styles, among others.

The 63rd annual Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, will broadcast live on Sunday, March 14th beginning at 8pm ET/5pm PT on CBS. The show will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum announced the premiere of the video special “American Currents: Celebrating the State of the Music” at 7pm CT, Friday, March 19th, 2021, on the museum’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. “American Currents: Celebrating the State of the Music” takes music fans inside the museum’s upcoming exhibition “American Currents: State of the Music,” which not only recognizes artists’ industry accomplishments, but also delves into the extraordinary events that shaped country music amid a global health crisis and a renewed push for social justice.

Country Music Hall of Fame Member and Museum Board President Vince Gill will introduce the exhibition and the program. Additionally, CEO Kyle Young will share remarks highlighting the artists, musicians, songwriters and stories featured in the most recent installment of the American Currents: State of the Music exhibition, which is located in the museum’s ACM Gallery.
The video special “American Currents: Celebrating the State of the Music,” underwritten in part by City National Bank, kicks off a year-long series of programming and online content in support of “American Currents: State of the Music.” The video will remain available to view on the museum’s YouTube channel after the premiere.

During the video program, Luke Combs and Rissi Palmer will discuss the past year – how it changed their perspectives and how they managed to stay creative and positive during troubling times. Combs, Palmer and Billy Strings, who are each featured in this year’s exhibition, will also perform.

Presented annually, “American Currents: State of the Music” is based upon the ongoing research and analysis of curators and museum staff to document and interpret significant developments in country music over the previous year. Those recognized in this year’s exhibition, in addition to Combs, Palmer and Strings, are: Gabby Barrett, Casey Beathard, The Chicks, Eric Church, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, Country Music Hall of Fame member Dolly Parton, John Prine, Sister Sadie and Eddie Stubbs.

The exhibition’s Unbroken Circle section illustrates the connection between country music’s past and present by pairing artists with those who have influenced them or share musical perspectives. Those included are Jimmie Allen and Darius Rucker; Ingrid Andress and Faith Hill; Charley Crockett and Freddy Fender; and Dierks Bentley’s Hot Country Knights and the Statler Brothers’ Lester “Roadhog” Moran & the Cadillac Cowboys.

For more information about American Currents: State of the Music, visit www.CountryMusicHallofFame.org.

If you’ve ever been to a Keith Urban show or seen him perform, he gets his fans energized and almost puts them in a frenzy…especially the female fans. However, he can also have a calming effect as he just composed and recorded a song, “I Am Home,” for the popular Calm app, which is designed to help people sleep better and reduce stress and anxiety. He explains on his socials, “So, I’ve never written a ‘sleep song’ before. This process was different on every level because I wasn’t trying to come up with a hook/chorus. It felt like an incredible amount of liberation and freedom to just let the things flow and move where they wanted to go,” says Keith.

You’ve never heard a @keithurban song quite like this one. Available only on Calm, I Am Home is a dreamy, ethereal sleep song designed to help you unwind and drift off. Listen now: https://t.co/zgHtkVLTth pic.twitter.com/nJMUJMyKfX

— Calm (@calm) February 10, 2021

The current leaders of exercise bikes and workout digital apps, Peloton, is celebrating Black History Month with Artist Series Classes. The Peloton team chose songs by Mickey Guyton to be used for both a ride with Ally Love, as well as a Yoga Flow class with Ross Rayburn. You can still take the classes by clicking on the link: https://pelotoncycle.onelink.me/3050343531/184566dd

Shania Twain is featured on a new radio mix of Irish pop star Ronan Keating’s version of “Forever and Ever, Amen,” featured on his Twenty Twenty album. The song was a huge No. 1 hit for Randy Travis in 1987.

The Academy of Country Music®, dick clark productions and CBS announced today that 15-time ACM Award winner Keith Urban, and New Female Artist of the Year nominee Mickey Guyton, will host the 56^TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, honoring the biggest names and emerging talent in Country Music. CBS presents the 56th ACM Awards® live from three iconic country music venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe Sunday, April 18 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Urban returns for his second year after hosting the 55th ACM Awards in September, while this marks Guyton’s first time hosting the ACM Awards and the 29^th time multiple hosts have taken the ACM Awards stage. Guyton’s performance of her critically acclaimed song “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” at last year’s show featured Urban as a surprise guest on piano.

“I’m beyond thrilled to be co-hosting with my friend Mickey,” said Urban. “I love that finally everyone will get to see her infectious energy and uber creative spirit in full light.”

“Last year I had the opportunity to perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards with someone I long admired, Keith Urban, and this year I am incredibly excited to share hosting duties with him,” said Guyton. “As I’ve said before ‘if you can see it, you can be it,’ and it’s such an honor to step onto the ACM stage as the first ever Black woman to host the show. Over the years, the Academy of Country Music has always been a home for me through opportunities both onstage and throughout their work on diversity and inclusion. This is a moment of great significance for me and I am so thrilled to share it with all the fans.”

“Following Mickey’s groundbreaking and emotional performance featuring Keith Urban at last September’s ACM Awards, the producers knew that they would make a perfect hosting duo,” said ACM, dcp and CBS in a joint statement. “Since then, Mickey had a stratospheric rise and Keith has continued to top the charts. They will make a dynamic pairing that captures the warmth, humor, and comfort that the fans are looking for, and join a legendary list of talented artists that have hosted the ACM Awards over the years.”

Urban is a double nominee in the Music Event of the Year Category for his collaboration with P!nk on his latest single, “One Too Many,” for which he received an additional nomination as the song’s producer. In addition, he received a nomination for his collaboration with Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, and Chris Tomlin on “Be A Light.” To date, Urban has won 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, securing his first win in 2001.  He has spent the better part of his life harnessing a deep-seated passion for music.  This, when combined with his authenticity and talent, helps to exemplify why he is one of the most well-respected artists in the world. In addition to his ACM Award wins, he’s pocketed four GRAMMY© Awards, three AMAs, two People’s Choice Awards and celebrated nine consecutive gold, platinum or multi-platinum albums. His latest studio album, The Speed of Now Part 1, marks the fourth in an historic streak of simultaneous #1 album debuts in the United States, Canada and Australia.  It produced “One Too Many,” his latest single, the Top 5 hit “God Whispered Your Name,” as well as the international hits “Polaroid” and “Superman.”

While plans for a tour were placed on hold, and many in the country faced stay-at-home orders, Urban did what he does best – found ways to stay connected with his fans and used music as balm.  He was one of the first to take to social media to perform a series of “concerts” from his home.  He stole the attention of the world with his performance of Steve Winwood’s Higher Love, for Lady Gaga’s “One World: Together at Home.” His concert for COVID-19 first responders became the first in the U.S. to be held at a drive-in movie theater and supported numerous efforts to assist in COVID relief. Urban’s live shows have become legendary – as unpredictable as they are explosive.  Whether in an arena of 15,000 or outdoors in front of 50,000, they’re an experience of emotion, musical texture, energy and showmanship.  His  musical virtuosity and fluidity is unparalleled leading to collaborations with a diverse group of artists that include, among others; Billy Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, John Mayer, Julia Michaels, Justin Timberlake, Dzeko, Miranda Lambert, Nile Rodgers, Post Malone, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones and Vince Gill.

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, last September, 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 2020 and was named one of the Top 10 songs of 2020 by NPR, Billboard 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” which she will perform as part of the awards ceremony Sunday, March 14. 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.

GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Mickey Guyton makes a guest appearance on rapper Cardi B’s Facebook series “Cardi Tries” today, watch HERE. “Cardi Tries” is a new docuseries starring music superstar Cardi B as she attempts various out-of-character activities such as ballet, basketball and stunt driving. In the episode, Mickey and Cardi try ranching in the Southern California desert as plenty of hijinks ensue.

The Texas native recently made her late-night debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert performing her powerful and autobiographical track “Black Like Me,” watch HERE. “Black Like Me” was named one of the Top 10 songs of 2020 by Billboard, The Associated Press, Rolling Stone and NPR noting, “…her song started many necessary conversations and will be remembered as a milestone in the genre’s evolution.” “Black Like Me” was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the upcoming 63^rd Annual GRAMMY Awards making Mickey the first Black female solo artist to earn a nomination in a country category.

To view a special video highlighting Mickey’s historic accomplishments, click HERE.

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, Rolling Stone and The Associated Press as well as a Top 10 song of 2020 by Billboard. 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.

For more information visit www.mickeyguyton.com

GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter Mickey Guyton releases a special Amazon Original cover of Beyonce’s hit “If I Were a Boy” today, listen HERE. The song is available exclusively only on Amazon Music as part of their slate of Black History Month content highlighting the far-reaching impact of Black music pioneers who have created radical and innovative work. Fans can find additional information HERE.

“It was important for me to record ‘If I Were A Boy’ because I have been fighting in country music for so long to just be accepted for who I am,” shares Mickey. “This song represents the release and the birth of something new. Really this song means so much more to me, and has a completely different meaning, than when I first heard it.”

For the single image, Mickey collaborated with interdisciplinary artist Jamilla Okuba to create an original piece of art. Mickey notes, “I discovered Jamilla through Instagram, and it has been really important for me to support Black Art in whatever capacity that is. When this project came together, I knew Jamilla needed to create the artwork, and it’s just so beautiful that we’re able to do this together.” She continues, “When people see the cover art for my version of ‘If I Were A Boy,’ I really hope that people don’t see me, but that they see themselves.”

Earlier today, Mickey received an Academy of Country Music nomination for New Female Artist of the Year. Last year, Mickey made history as the first solo Black female country artist to perform on the ACM Awards, watch HERE. Accompanied by labelmate Keith Urban, Mickey performed “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” which was hailed as one of the best performances of the night with Rolling Stone noting, “Guyton knocked it out of the park demonstrating that she’s got a world-class set of pipes as well as something important to say.”

Mickey’s powerful and autobiographical track “Black Like Me” is currently nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the upcoming 63^rd Annual GRAMMY Awards making Mickey the first Black female solo artist to earn a nomination in a country category. Mikey recently performed “Black Like Me” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (watch HERE) after the track was named one of the Top 10 songs of 2020 by Billboard, The Associated Press, Rolling Stone and NPR

For more information visit www.mickeyguyton.com

Monday (February 8th) is International Women’s Day, which is a global day celebrating

the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900’s.

Many of your favorite female country artists are also celebrating this day in honor of women everywhere and of their influences and inspirations.

Mickey Guyton announced on her socials today that she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy named Grayson. Her, her husband Grant and baby Grayson are all doing well.

She said in her post, “The hardest and most beautiful thing I have ever done. Welcome to the world Grayson! Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. – Psalm 30:5”

The hardest and most beautiful thing I have ever done. Welcome to the world Grayson!

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. – Psalm 30:5 pic.twitter.com/QRXtAd5Yrb

— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) February 8, 2021

Mickey revealed her pregnancy in August and said, “even in times of darkness, like the ones we as a society find ourselves in today, God always finds a way to shine His light on the beautiful side of life, like the miracle of life itself.”

Mickey is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance for her song, “Black Like Me.”

Mickey Guyton makes her late-night television debut to perform her song, “Black Like Me,” on CBS’ Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

Mickey made Grammys history with her nomination for best country solo performance for her song, “Black Like Me.” The recognition made the mother-to-be the first Black female solo artist to ever be nominated in a country category at the Grammys.