2020 CMA Awards Nominations [Full List]

2020 CMA Awards Nominations [Full List]

Posted on September 1, 2020

Final nominees for the 54th annual CMA Awards will be revealed Sept 1, with select categories announced live on ABC’s Good Morning America by Luke Combs and Carly Pearce in the 8:30 a.m. half hour (local time). Following the Good Morning America broadcast, Ingrid Andress and Gabby Barrett will reveal final nominees in the remaining CMA Awards categories via CMA’s YouTube and Facebook.

TCD will post nominations as they are announced.

The CMA Awards will take place on Nov. 11 in Nashville.

Entertainer of the Year

  • Eric Church
  • Luke Combs
  • Miranda Lambert
  • Carrie Underwood
  • Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year

  • Miranda Lambert
  • Ashley McBryde
  • Maren Morris
  • Kacey Musgraves
  • Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year

  • Eric Church
  • Luke COmbs
  • Thomas Rhett
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Keith Urban

Vocal Duo of the Year

  • Brooks & Dunn
  • Brothers Osborne
  • Dan + Shay
  • Florida Georgia Line
  • Maddie & Tae

New Artist of the Year

  • Jimmie Allen
  • Ingrid Andress
  • Gabby Barrett
  • Carly Pearce
  • Morgan Wallen

Single of the Year (Awarded to Singer, Producer and Engineer)

  • “10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay (with Justin Bieber)
    Producer: Dan Smyers
    Mix Engineer: Jeff Juliano
  • “Beer Never Broke My Heart” – Luke Combs
    Producer: Scott Moffatt
    Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
  • “Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
    Producer: Jay Joyce
    Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
  • “The Bones” – Maren Morris
    Producer: Greg Kurstin
    Mix Engineer: Greg Kurstin
  • “I Hope” – Gabby Barrett
    Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
    Mix Engineer: Buckley Miller

Album of the Year (Awarded to Artist & Producer)

  • Heartache Medication – Jon Pardi
    Producers: Bart Butler, Ryan Gore, Jon Pardi
  • Never Will – Ashley McBryde
    Producers: Jay Joyce, John Peets
  • Old Dominion – Old Dominion
    Producers: Shane McAnally, Old Dominion
  • What You See Is What You Get – Luke Combs
    Producer: Scott Moffatt
  • Wildcard – Miranda Lambert
    Producer: Jay Joyce

Vocal Group of the Year

  • Lady A
  • Little Big Town
  • Midland
  • Old Dominion
  • Rascal Flatts

Song of the Year (Awarded to Songwriters)

  • “Bluebird”
    Songwriters: Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
  • “The Bones”
    Songwriters: Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
  • “Even Though I’m Leaving”
    Songwriters: Luke Combs, Wyatt B. Durrette III, Ray Fulcher
  • “I Hope You’re Happy Now”
    Songwriters: Luke Combs, Randy Montana, Carly Pearce, Jonathan Singleton
  • “More Hearts Than Mine”
    Songwriters: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis, Derrick Southerland

Musical Event of the Year

  • “10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay (with Justin Bieber)
    Producer: Dan Smyers
  • “Be A Light” – Thomas Rhett featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith UrbanProducer: Dann Huff
  • “The Bones” – Maren Morris with Hozier
    Producer: Greg Kurstin
  • “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” – Miranda Lambert (feat. Maren Morris, Elle King, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes & Caylee Hammack)
    Producer: Jay Joyce
  • “I Hope You’re Happy Now” – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
    Producer: busbee

Music Video of the Year (Awarded to Artist & Director)

  • “10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay (with Justin Bieber)
    Director: Patrick Tracy
  • “Bluebird” – Miranda Lambert
    Director: Trey Fanjoy
  • “Homemade” – Jake Owen
    Director: Justin Clough
  • “I Hope You’re Happy Now” – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
    Director: Sam Siske
  • “Second One To Know” – Chris Stapleton
    Director: David Coleman

Musician of the Year

  • Jenee Fleenor
  • Paul Franklin
  • Rob McNelley
  • Ilya Toshinskiy
  • Derek Wells

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Luke Combs Scores 9th Consecutive No. 1 Single With “Lovin’ On You”

Luke Combs Scores 9th Consecutive No. 1 Single With “Lovin’ On You”

Posted on September 1, 2020

Luke Combs scored his unprecedented ninth consecutive No. 1 single—to start a career—with “Lovin’ On You.” The tune topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart this week after a 12-week run, which is Luke’s fastest climb to No. 1.

Luke is the first country artist in history whose first nine singles have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart: “Hurricane,” “When It Rains It Pours,” “One Number Away,” “She Got the Best of Me,” “Beautiful Crazy,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “Even Though I’m Leaving,” “Does to Me” and “Lovin’ On You.”

When “Beautiful Crazy” topped the charts in March 2019, Luke became the first country artist in history whose first five singles reached No. 1.

“Lovin’ On You,” which was penned by Luke, Ray Fulcher, James McNair and Thomas Archer, is the fourth single from Luke’s 2019 No. 1 album, What You See Is What You Get.

“Fun song,” says Luke. “I wrote it with Ray, James and Thomas . . . three guys I like writing songs with. Real kind of country and honk-tonky kind of [song] . . . I was in the throes of love, and there we go.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Miranda Lambert Releases Lively New Single, “Settling Down” [Listen]

Miranda Lambert Releases Lively New Single, “Settling Down” [Listen]

Posted on August 31, 2020

Miranda Lambert will follow up her recent No. 1 single, “Bluebird,” by releasing “Settling Down.”

Penned by Miranda, Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby, “Settling Down” is featured on Miranda’s 2019 album, Wildcard. The mid-tempo tune will impact country radio on Sept. 21.

The new single juxtaposes Miranda’s wanderlust with her desire to spend time at home.

“My mom always tells me—it’s where the line [in the song] comes from—but she would always say, ‘You’re a wild child and a homing pigeon,’ because I really love to be home,” says Miranda. “I love my animals and my family and, you know, making casseroles and listening to Merle Haggard. I love to be on my own porch, but I also can leave and be ready to go anywhere in 15 minutes. I just need a guitar and some fringe and I’m ready to roll out the door. Everything else you can buy at Target, you know what I mean? I have this itch always to find a new adventure, but I’m always so ready to just walk through my own front door.”

Listen to “Settling Down” below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Brad Paisley to Guest Host “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Sept. 9

Brad Paisley to Guest Host “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Sept. 9

Posted on August 31, 2020

Brad Paisley will guest host Jimmy Kimmel Live on Sept. 9. The titular host has been on a break from the spotlight since June.

A number of celebrities have guest hosted the late-night talk show this summer, including David Spade, Anthony Anderson, Kerry Washington, Rob Lowe, Ben Stiller, George Lopez, Joel McHale and more.

Brad, of course, is no stranger to hosting big events. He co-hosted the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood from 2008 to 2018. In December 2019, Brad hosted his own prime time TV special, Brad Paisley Thinks He’s Special.

Jimmy Kimmel Live airs weeknights on ABC at 11:35 p.m. ET.

photo by TCD

Kelsea Ballerini Uncorks New Video for “Hole in the Bottle” [Watch]

Kelsea Ballerini Uncorks New Video for “Hole in the Bottle” [Watch]

Posted on August 31, 2020

Kelsea Ballerini uncorked a new video for her single, “Hole in the Bottle.”

“Hole in the Bottle,” which was co-penned by Kelsea, Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley and Steph Jones, is currently No. 38 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after 12 weeks. The new tune is the third single from Kelsea’s 2020 self-titled album, following her Top 20 lead single, “Homecoming Queen,” and “The Other Girl,” which peaked at No. 52.

Watch Kelsea’s new video below.

Tim McGraw’s “Here On Earth” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Top Country Albums Chart

Tim McGraw’s “Here On Earth” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Top Country Albums Chart

Posted on August 31, 2020

Tim McGraw’s 16th studio album, Here On Earth, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart this week (8/27/20).

The new album moved 24,202 equivalent units, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. Buoyed by the May release of the album’s lead single, “I Called Mama,” the new project is Tim’s first solo release since 2015’s Damn Country Music. Tim and wife Faith Hill released a duets album, The Rest of Our Life, in 2017.

“I had a concept,” says Tim. “Now, that’s not to say that this is really a concept album, but I had an idea when I went into this project that I really wanted to sort of make a tapestry of life. Little vignettes along the way that tell a story about certain things that happen in the progression of life and how that can relate to the listener, and how everyone can sort of find a way to walk through this life on this album, find a way to relate to the characters in the stories. And that’s what good art does I think, in all sorts of ways. It allows you to superimpose yourself.”

Tim’s new 16-song album features a host of top songwriters, including Tom Douglas, Lori McKenna, Shane McAnally, Marcus Hummon, Luke Laird, Ross Copperman, Laura Veltz and more.

Here On Earth Track List & Songwriters
1. “L.A.” | Carlton Anderson, Shane Minor, Phil O’Donnell
2. ”Chevy Spaceship” | Jonny Price
3. “Here On Earth” | Jessie Joe Dillon, Chase McGill, Jon Nite
4. “Damn Sure Do” | Tony Lane, James T. Slater
5. “Hallelujahville” | Tom Douglas, Blake Griffith, Brett Taylor
6. “Good Taste In Women” | Jaren Johnston, Bryan Simpson, Nathan Spicer
7. “Hard To Stay Mad At” | Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna
8. “Sheryl Crow” | Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, Laura Veltz
9. “Not From California” | Levi Hummon, Marcus Hummon, Matt McVaney, Brad Warren, Brett Warren
10. “Hold You Tonight” | Ross Copperman, Jon Nite
11. “7500 OBO” | Matt McGinn, Jennifer Schott, Nathan Spicer
12. “If I Was A Cowboy” | Zack Dyer, Lonnie Lee Fowler, Dave Turnbill
13. “I Called Mama” | Marv Green, Lance Miller, Jimmy Yeary
14. “Gravy” | Andy Albert, Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
15. “War Of Art” | Lance Miller, Jeremy Spillman, Brad Warren, Brett Warren
16. “Doggone” | Claire Douglas, Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, Aimee Mayo

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Sara Evans Plans Virtual Book Tour in Support of New Memoir, “Born to Fly”

Sara Evans Plans Virtual Book Tour in Support of New Memoir, “Born to Fly”

Posted on August 31, 2020

On Sept. 8, Sara Evans will release her new memoir, Born to Fly, which takes its name from her 2000 studio album—and No. 1 single—of the same name. Drawing on stories from her own life, the upcoming book finds Sara sharing “wisdom on topics ranging from motherhood and marriage to finding your purpose.”

“I am so excited to release my memoir this year,” says Sara. “With 2020 being the 20th anniversary of my Born to Fly album release, which was such a pivotal project for me and my career on so many levels, this book really brings everything full circle. I am so proud of how it all came together and can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

To celebrate the book’s release, Sara will be taking part in a virtual book tour that kicks off on Sept. 2. During each virtual visit, Sara will discuss the memoir with a local host and take questions from fans. The first 100 fans to purchase the book at the bookstore events will receive a signed book from Sara.

Sara Evans Virtual Books Tour

  • Sept. 2 – 2 p.m. CT – Premiere Live Signing
  • Sept. 8 – 7 p.m. CT – Left Bank Books – St. Louis
  • Sept. 9 – 6 p.m. CT – Parnassus Books – Nashville
  • Sept. 10 – 7 p.m. CT – Books-A-Million – Birmingham, AL
  • Sept. 11 – 7 p.m. CT – Rainy Day Books – Fairway, KS

In May, Sara released her new album, Copy That. The 13-song collection features Sara covering country and pop songs that have inspired her career, including “If I Can’t Have You,” “Come on Eileen,” “My Sharona,” “Crazy Love” and more. The new album also features two collaborations: “Whenever I Call You Friend” featuring Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” featuring Old Crow Medicine Show.

photo by TCD

Chris Young to Headline Virtual Benefit Concert to Support Boys & Girls Clubs

Chris Young to Headline Virtual Benefit Concert to Support Boys & Girls Clubs

Posted on August 31, 2020

Chris Young will headline a virtual concert during the Great Futures Gala on Oct. 2 to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee.

The annual Great Futures Gala, which will be virtual this year, benefits youth-development programs for the more than 4,700 kids served annually at 11 Boys & Girls Clubs across Middle Tennessee. In addition to Chris’ concert, the Gala will include a live and silent auction, as well as appearances from celebrity guests.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Virtual attendees will receive a unique link to access the exclusive program, along with special gifts. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the more than 4,700 Club members who count on their Clubs for tutoring, healthy food and life mentorship.

photo by TCD

Luke Combs Teases New Wife-Inspired Song, “Forever After All” [Listen]

Luke Combs Teases New Wife-Inspired Song, “Forever After All” [Listen]

Posted on August 31, 2020

Luke Combs teased a new wife-inspired song, “Forever After All,” via social media.

Luke shared a snipped of the new song’s lyrics and the accompanying audio: “They say nothin’ lasts forever / But they ain’t seen us together / Or the way the moonlight dances in your eyes / And I know they’ll be that moment / The Good Lord calls one of us home and / One won’t have the other by their side / But heaven knows that that won’t last too long / Maybe some thing last forever after all.”

After dating for four years, Luke and Nicole Hocking got married on Aug. 1 in Florida. Nicole was the muse for Luke’s No. 1 single “Beautiful Crazy,” as well as “Better Together.”

The new song may be included on Luke’s upcoming deluxe album, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get, which drops on Oct. 23. The new album will feature all 18 songs from Luke’s 2019 sophomore album, What You See Is What You Get, as well as five brand-new tracks.

Listen to a tease of Luke’s new tune: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Country Music Hall of Fame Announces Online Fundraiser With Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Reba & More

Country Music Hall of Fame Announces Online Fundraiser With Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Reba & More

Posted on August 31, 2020

Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum will host an online fundraiser via YouTube at 8 p.m. CT on Oct. 28 that features a who’s who of country stars.

Big Night (At the Museum) will pair country music stars with historic instruments for a one-of-a-kind night of music. Artists taking part include Alison Brown, Kane Brown, Carlene Carter, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Keb Mo, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart and The War and Treaty. The event will be hosted by Marty Stuart, with audio supervision by Dave Cobb.

During the free concert, viewers will be encouraged to donate to the museum through YouTube Giving. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

The CMHOF will reopen to the public on Sept. 10. The Hall of Fame has been closed since March 13 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

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