Universal Universal Music Group Nashville Pressroom

CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Stapleton is set to release his new album, Higher, on Friday (November 10th). Produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton, and Stapleton, Higher was recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A. Across its 14 songs, Stapleton showcases his supernatural voice and musical versatility with songs that span genres and defy easy categorization. Alongside Stapleton (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide electric guitar), the album features Cobb (acoustic guitar, eclectic guitar), J.T. Cure (bass), Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Derek Mixon (drums), Morgane (background vocals, synthesizer, tambourine), and Lee Pardini (organ, piano).

When releasing new music, Chris and his team feel a combination of anticipation and apprehension about how fans will react. “Whenever we’re releasing new music, we don’t have a specific ritual really, but I think there’s a little bit of apprehension, a little bit of excitement mixed together wondering how fans will react, really,” he says. “I think that’s the main thing going on in our heads when we put something out is we hope whatever we’ve done will be something that people will gravitate to and enjoy.”

The new album follows 2020’s acclaimed Starting Over, which went on to win three awards at the 67th Annual GRAMMYs: Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”) and Best Country Song (“Cold”) in addition to earning Album of the Year honors at both the CMA and ACM Awards. Called a “a sure-footed masterpiece” by the Associated Press, the album landed on “Best of 2020” lists at NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Esquire, Vulture, The Tennessean, and The New York Times, who declared, “Chris Stapleton’s roar isn’t designed to scare you off. It’s regal, an announcement of an alpha figure asserting his primacy…on this, his fourth album, the thrill is back.” Prior to Starting Over, Stapleton released a pair of Platinum-certified releases in 2017 — From A Room: Volume 1 and From A Room: Volume 2 — as well as his 5x Platinum breakthrough solo debut album in 2015, Traveller.

HIGHER Track List:

1. What Am I Gonna Do
2. South Dakota
3. Trust
4. It Takes A Woman
5. The Fire
6. Think I’m In Love With You
7. Loving You On My Mind
8. White Horse
9. Higher
10. The Bottom
11. The Day I Die
12. Crosswind
13. Weight Of Your World
14. Mountains Of My Mind

Chris Stapleton picked up the award for Male Vocalist of the Year–his 7th in that category. He won in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Congrats to our REIGNING winner, @ChrisStapleton, on winning #CMAawards Male Vocalist of the Year again! 🤩 This is his SEVENTH win in this category! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/T96m7ViVkO

— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) November 9, 2023

He says he’s always surprised to hear his name called when it comes to awards. “These things are always fantastic to win, but when you get nominated or invited to these parties, in my estimation, you’ve already won and you’ve already gotten to be far beyond anything, you know, anybody who’s a musician could ever dream of getting to do, and we get to do that every day, we get to live it every day,” says the humble Kentucky native. “As far as thinking about going into anything, I’m always genuinely surprised to win anything, and I’m always grateful for it.”

Chris had the crowd on their feet when he turned in a soaring performance of his latest Top 15 single, “White Horse.” The song is from his new album, Higher, which drops on Friday (November 10th).

Chris will be one of the headliners for the inaugural Walmart “Heroes & Headliners” concert, which will pay tribute to veterans and their families. The concert, which will also feature Imagine Dragons and H.E.R., will be held at Tampa’s MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater on Veteran’s Day (Saturday, November 11th). Fans will be able to stream the show beginning at 6:15pm ET/5:15pm CT on Walmart.com/Live, Facebook, Youtube and X/Twitter.

Brothers Osborne picked up their sixth Vocal Duo of the Year at Wednesday night’s (November 8th) CMA Awards. In accepting their award, the pair thanked their families and the industry, as well as acknowledged the other nominees in the category and were equal parts self-deprecating and humble.

Backstage, TJ told reporters that he truly did not think they’d win the award this year and how he needs to get out of his head at times.

“I did not expect us to win. I felt that way every single year, and it has always felt like it was this close to slipping away from us,” says TJ. “And I don’t know if it feels that way for other artists, but I do think what happens to all of us in our heads is mostly not reality when we’re thinking about if we’re cool, if we’re still gonna be relevant. But it’s something that I think of regularly and I’m like, I wonder if this is the last year that we get to feel like we’re on top of the world. And then it keeps happening. I think the thing I need to change is probably just wake up and realize that we’re gonna be here for a while, at least I hope, and probably get a better therapist.”

We are shocked and honored each and every time we take home this award. Thank you to everyone who’s had our backs! Love y’all. #CMAawards @CountryMusic pic.twitter.com/RubidFYWN3

— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) November 9, 2023

John is really trying to live in the moment and savor the success and accolades the two have achieved. “We were here (in Nashville) for well over a decade before we ever got signed to a record deal,” he says. “So, you really try to relish these moments that happen because some people are like, ‘Oh yeah, you did it again.’ It’s like, no, this is our moment, this is our year, because at some point, it will pass, you know, and you’ve got to relish it. There will be a time when we aren’t even nominated. There will be a time when we can’t even get in the damn building, and we’ll look back and wished we would have relished it more. So, I definitely don’t want to miss any of this.”

John and TJ are currently making their way up the country charts with their latest single, “Nobody’s Nobody,” from their self-titled album.

Priscilla Block has a new song “Hey Jack” dropping on Friday (November 10th). She even wore a gorgeous chocolate brown outfit with a long flowing cape featuring the title of the song on the back to the BMI Awards on Tuesday night (November 7th).

Mickey Guyton appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon performing “The Tree” with Maren Morris and Brittney Spencer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-Zh6CoL4Zw

The War And Treaty performed at the 17th annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit, spearheaded by ABC Correspondent Bob Woodruff, who was severely injured by a roadside bomb several years ago. The event helps shed a light on PTSD and other conditions caused by war. ABC’s David Muir spotlighted Michael and Tanya (pr. Tonya) prior to the event. Michael is an Iraq War veteran who suffers from PTSD after losing so many friends. He taught himself to play piano in Iraq in one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces. Check out the profile from World News Tonight below.

Cirque du Soleil will bring audiences of all ages a new theatrical touring show starting in Nashville in July 2024 in collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville. While introducing the perfect harmony of captivating acrobatics and soulful melodies of beloved country legends and contemporary stars, this ode to country music’s rich heritage promises an unforgettable experience. With deep roots in storytelling, heartfelt emotions, and the ability to resonate with audiences from all walks of life, both country music and Cirque du Soleil embody themes of love and resilience – as well as a passion for breathtaking, powerful performances.

“Our collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville presents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our creative horizons and reach new audiences, as we delve into the vibrant world of country music entertainment.” Stéphane Lefebvre, President, and CEO of Cirque du Soleil.

“We are thrilled at the idea of joining forces with Cirque du Soleil to offer a one-of-a-kind show celebrating classic and modern country music. Cirque du Soleil is a shining example of making the impossible, possible through creativity, collaboration, and emotion. The opportunity to highlight our incredible catalog and bring the history of country music to life in a live theatrical setting, will allow our music to live on with a new generation of audiences and country music fans,” said Cindy Mabe, Chair and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville.

Ticket Info
Premiering the North American Tour in July 2024 at Tennessee Performing Arts Center® (TPAC), in Nashville. Fans are invited to register on CirqueCountry.com ahead of the ticket sales for exclusive pre-sale, updates, and information. The general public on-sale begins on December 6, 2023.

So, hold onto your cowboy hat as you two-step into a mesmerizing world of breathtakin’ guitar grooves & aerial moves with a boot stompin’ journey into the heart & soul of country.

Casting – Singers & musicians Auditions in Nashville
In the true spirit of country music, Cirque du Soleil will be holding auditions for singers and multi-instrumentalists in Nashville. The audition dates are December 4 to 7, 2023. If you have the vocals of Dolly Parton, the rebel spirit of Johnny Cash, and you can groove like Shania Twain, we want to meet you! Find out more about the audition process here. https://casting.cirquedusoleil.com/auditions-events

Link to download visual assets and video HERE

Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning are in the last few hours of prepping to host this year’s CMA Awards, and they feel they are really zoned in on each other’s timing since being paired together last year.

“With us, we’re just comfortable now, like I know how he rolls,” says Luke. “I guess our timing, we know a little bit better about our comedic timing and how that’s gonna roll.”

Peyton agrees and says he had a lot of fun last year, not only hosting, but watching the performances and seeing all of the winners. “I’m honored to be back. It was a lot of fun for me last year, and I’m kind of the outsider here. The music was so great, and seeing all the winners last year, the looks on their faces, as Luke and I kinda discussed last year, this is a life-changing moment for so many of these artists, and so I can appreciate that, and I’m looking forward to seeing some of those other life-changing moments tomorrow night.”

The NFL Hall of Famer has made a lot of friendships with country artists over the years, beginning with Tennessee Vols fan Kenny Chesney. He’s also close friends with Brad Paisley with whom he has done numerous Nationwide Insurance commercials, as well as new pals Jordan Davis and Parker McCollum.

“Probably wasn’t necessarily a huge country fan growing up in New Orleans, because I wasn’t exposed to it as much, but when you spend four years in college in Knoxville, country music is right in front of you, and I just jumped right in and embraced it,” says Peyton. “I got to meet a number of the artists during that time and started going to concerts. I met Kenny (Chesney) on the sidelines at a Tennessee game, and he and I got to be good friends and saw him perform several times. He performed at my wedding, which was a great honor. And that’s just been the coolest part for me is getting to know these artists as friends, as well, not just as entertainers, and I’ve tried to continue to get to know him and spend some time with ‘em, you know playing golf and I’ve appreciated their friendships. I met Jordan Davis four years ago, and he told me that we met before, and I said, ‘I don’t recall that.’ And he said, ‘I was a high school quarterback from Shreveport and I came down to your high school football camp back in 2004.’ And I said, ‘Obviously, we coached you right into country music.’ (LUKE LAUGHS) We couldn’t help him much as a quarterback. I love stories like that, and I went on a golf trip with Parker McCollum earlier this year and he and I have stayed in touch. He’s gonna play this charity event for me in Indianapolis that Luke has played, which means a great deal to me. So, I love it. I love the stories. I love to hear where the artists have come from, whether it’s Albany, Georgia or Gibbs High School outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, and I love to kind of know the hard work that these artists have put in to reach their dreams. It’s been a lot of fun for me, and I really do value these friendships that I’ve made, and I enjoy getting to know new ones each year.”

The 57th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke and Peyton, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 8th) at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC and the next day on Hulu.

Jordan Davis was named Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year at Monday night’s ASCAP Awards in Nashville, having scored two multi-week No. 1 hits this year with “Next Thing You Know” and “What My World Spins Around.”

The Louisiana native also performed on two national television shows on Monday (November 6th), including Live With Kelly and Mark where he performed his current single, “Tucson Too Late.”

WATCH HERE

He also performed his huge smash, “Next Thing You Know” on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday night (November 6th).

WATCH HERE

Jordan is nominated for three CMA Awards, including Single, Song and Music Video of the Year for “Next Thing You Know.”

The 57th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and NFL great Peyton Manning, will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 8th) at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC and the next day on Hulu.

21-time No. 1 hitmaker Tyler Hubbard has earned his second RIAA PLATINUM certification as a solo artist for his hit single “Dancin’ In The Country.” Additionally, Hubbard’s debut album has passed the mark of one billion global streams.

“Dancin’ In The Country” was Hubbard’s second single off of his debut self-titled record in January of this year, and it was his second solo No. 1 song at country radio. He co-wrote the song with Keith Urban, Ross Copperman and Jon Nite. Hubbard shared the song’s official music video in January featuring Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, America’s Got Talent), and it has amassed 6.5M+ views.

Hubbard followed his solo debut with his wild-and-free anthem “Back Then Right Now” (9.8 via EMI Records Nashville). Watch him perform the song on NBC’s TODAY Show, here: youtu.be/X7vdeTBvb9g?si=6816KsXe5hUExYO1

Hubbard shared his new song “A Lot With A Little” last week (11.3). Listen to the song, here: strm.to/ALotWithALittlePR

He wrapped his sold-out Canadian headline tour last month, and he will serve as direct support on Kane Brown’s In The Air Tour in 2024, with shows in Los Angeles, Toronto, Houston, Atlanta and more.

To stay up-to-date on all things Tyler Hubbard, visit tylerhubbardofficial.com.

Reba McEntire celebrated a “Not That Fancy” weekend with back-to-back appearances at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium in celebration of her new book and album, both titled Not That Fancy.

Reba kicked things off Saturday night as she headlined the Grand Ole Opry, performing songs featured on her new album. Reba’s record label UMG Nashville honored her with a plaque for her hit “Fancy” being certified RIAA double platinum and surpassing 400 million streams.

Left image: Reba is honored with a plaque for “Fancy” being certified RIAA Double Platinum. (L-R: Reba’s manager Justin McIntosh, UMG Nashville CEO Cindy Mabe and Reba McEntire)

Sunday night, she took to the Ryman stage with her Reba co-star Melissa Peterman for “Not That Fancy: An Evening with Reba & Friends” to talk about her new book. Reba delighted fans with personal stories, laughs, and a special performance. The night even included a few surprise guests as her boyfriend Rex, son Shelby, friend Marci and siblings Alice and Pake joined her on stage. Reba was honored with a plaque for her book landing on the New York Times Bestseller list. The title also landed on bestseller lists with The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Publishers Weekly.

“An homage to her faith, family, and Oklahoma upbringing (Booklist), Not That Fancy is a “lifestyle guide that has a sense of humor” (Garden & Gun). Purchase the book HERE.

For the accompanying album Not That Fancy, Reba teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb to record stripped-down versions of some of her most iconic songs, “making room for McEntire’s voice to shine” (American Songwriter). The 14-track collection features a brand new single “Seven Minutes In Heaven,” an homage to Reba’s mother. Listen to the album now HERE.

The 57th Annual CMA Awards take place on Wednesday (November 8th), and UMG Nashville will be represented in many of the night’s categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist, Group, Duo, Single, Song, Music Video, Musical Event and New Artist.

With three nominations, Chris Stapleton, the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, returns to both Entertainer and Male Vocalist categories, marking his seventh Entertainer nod and ninth Male Vocalist nomination. He is also up for Musical Event with Carly Pearce on the song “We Don’t Fight Anymore.” Chris has 34 career nominations.

Jordan Davis is nominated for Single, Song and Music Video of the Year for his multi-week No. 1 smash, “Next Thing You Know.” The song, produced by Paul DiGiovanni, was written by Jordan, Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne.

Carrie Underwood is once again nominated for Entertainer of the Year, while Parker McCollum is up for New Artist of the Year.

Last year, Brothers Osborne picked up their fifth CMA Award for Vocal Duo of the Year and are once again nominated in the category.

Brothers’ John Osborne is also nominated as producer AND Mix Engineer of Ashley McBryde’s album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville. 

Maddie & Tae return to the Vocal Duo of the Year category, while The War And Treaty earn their first CMA nod in the category.

Little Big Town earns their 18th nomination in the Vocal Group Of The Year category, which they’ve taken home six times. This is their 32nd CMA nomination overall.

CMA PERFORMERS INCLUDE:
Luke Bryan – a medley of his hits, including “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “One Margarita,” “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Play It Again” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),”
Chris Stapleton — performing his latest single “White Horse”)
Jordan Davis – multi-week No. 1 smash “Next Thing You Know”
Little Big Town will join newly-minted Country Music Hall of Famer Tanya Tucker on her iconic hit “Delta Dawn.”
Alan Jackson – the 16-time CMA Award winner will perform during a tribute to recently passed singer-songwriter icon Jimmy Buffett. The tribute will also feature Kenny Chesney, longtime Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally and the Zac Brown Band.
The War And Treaty, first-time nominee this year for Vocal Duo of the Year, will perform their song “That’s How Love Is Made.”

Other artists who will take the stage to perform include previously announced performers — Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Tanya Tucker, K. Michelle,  Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, HARDY, Cody Johnson, Post Malone, Ashley McBryde and Morgan Wallen.

CMA PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, Nate Bargatze, Bill Anderson, Paula Abdul, Chris Young, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Hailey Whitters, Craig Morgan, Lady A, Brian Kelley, Tony award-nominated actor currently starring in the hit Broadway musical “Shucked,” Kevin Cahoon, Emmy and Tony award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress, singer, author and producer, Cynthia Erivo, 2023 World Series MVP, Corey Seager and “The Golden Bachelor,” Gerry Turner.

The 57th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and NFL great Peyton Manning, will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 8th at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC and the next day on Hulu.

CMA AWARDS NOMINATIONS:

Entertainer of The Year:

• Luke Combs
• Chris Stapleton
• Carrie Underwood
• Morgan Wallen
• Lainey Wilson

Female Vocalist of the Year:

• Kelsea Ballerini
• Miranda Lambert
• Ashley McBryde
• Carly Pearce
• Lainey Wilson

Male Vocalist of the Year:

• Luke Combs
• Jelly Roll
• Cody Johnson
• Chris Stapleton
• Morgan Wallen

Vocal Group of the Year:

• Lady A
• Little Big Town  
• Midland
• Old Dominion
• Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo Of The Year:

• Brooks & Dunn
• Brothers Osborne  
• Dan + Shay
• Maddie & Tae
• The War And Treaty

Single of the Year:

• “Fast Car”; Luke Combs; Producer: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathon Singleton; Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
• “Heart Like A Truck”; Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
• “Need A Favor”; Jelly Roll; Producer: Austin Nivarel; Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun
• “Next Thing You Know”; Jordan Davis; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
• “Wait In The Truck”; Hardy f/Lainey Wilson; Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells; Mix Engineer: Joey Moi

Album of the Year:

• Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville; Producers: John Osborne, John Peets; Mix Engineers: Gena Johnson, John Osborne
• Bell Bottom Country; Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
• Gettin’ Old; Luke Combs; Producers Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineers: Michael H. Brauer, Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
• One Thing At A Time; Morgan Wallen Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery Mix Engineers: Josh Ditty, Joey Moi, Eivind Nordland
• Rolling Up the Welcome Mat; Kelsea Ballerini Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Mix Engineers: Dan Grech-Marguerat, Alysa Vanderheym

Song of the Year:

• “Fast Car”; Songwriter: Tracy Chapman
• “Heart Like A Truck”; Songwriters: Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson
• “Next Thing You Know”  Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne
• “Tennessee Orange”; Songwriters: David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams
• “Wait In The Truck”; Songwriters: Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt

Musical Event Of The Year:

• “Save Me”; Jelly Roll w/Lainey Wilson; Producers: Zach Crowell, David Ray Stevens
• “She Had Me At Heads Carolina (Remix)” Cole Swindell & Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Zach Crowell
• “Thank God”; Kane Brown w/Katelyn Brown; Producer: Dann Huff
• “Wait In The Truck”; Hardy f/Lainey Wilson; Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells
• “We Don’t Fight Anymore”; Carly Pearce f/Chris Stapleton; Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce

New Artist of the Year:

• Zach Bryan
• Jelly Roll
• Parker McCollum
• Megan Moroney
• Hailey Whitters

Musician of the Year:

• Jenee Fleenor
• Paul Franklin
• Rob McNelley
• Derek Wells
• Charlie Worsham

Music Video of the Year

• “Light On In The Kitchen”; Ashley McBryde; Director: Reid Long
• “Memory Lane”; Old Dominion; Directors: Mason Allen, Nicki Fletcher
• “Need A Favor”; Jelly Roll; Director: Patrick Tohill
• “Next Thing You Know”; Jordan Davis; Director: Running Bear
• “Wait In The Truck”; Hardy f/Lainey Wilson; Director: Justin Clough