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5 Artists That Are Future Entertainer of the Year Winners

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Country music is home to many incredible singer-songwriters and superstars. Artists like Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Eric Church, and more have taken home the coveted Entertainer of the Year award at country music award shows like CMA Awards and ACM Awards. Over the years, Country Swag has confidently predicted future winners and Artists to Watch long before their nominations. As Awards season approaches, we thought it would be fun to share five artists that we believe are future entertainer of the year winners. Check out our list below.

  1. Russell Dickerson

It has been evident since day one that Russell Dickerson is an absolute superstar. He finds a way to connect with fans through his music, making everyone want to root for his success. In his young career, Dickerson has broken records, as his singles consecutively find their way to the top of the radio charts. “Love You Like I Used To” is even tied officially with Lonestar’s “Amazed” as the longest-running top-ten single in radio history. It is only a matter of time until he is nominated for the coveted award!

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  1. Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen was primed for superstardom back in his “The Way I Talk” days. While his career has been turbulent at times, his stardom has not wavered. After a widely successful tour and a record-breaking sophomore album, it appears that Wallen is closer than ever to the Entertainer of the Year award. He even finds himself with a nomination this year! Will he take it home? Tune in to the CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 9 at 8/7c on ABC.

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  1. Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson is an absolute force in country music right now! Her brand new album, Bell Bottom Country is already one of the most talked about records of the year. In her young career, she has already garnered an impressive crew of diehard fans, an army of songwriters and artists who believe in her, and an incredible future. We believe, she will be up for Entertainer of the Year sooner rather than later!

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  1. Conner Smith

When Thomas Rhett tells you he believes in someone then you know they are worth paying attention to! Conner Smith is that person and after meeting him back in 2021 for our NYC Live Sessions, we were quickly belivers ourselves. At just 22 years old, Smith is quickly building a fanbase that is obsessed with everything he puts out. He is a songwriter wise beyond his years, has undeniable charisma, a stage presence worthy of  EOY noms, and his songs are the right mix of catchy and prolific. Give it some time and everyone will know who Conner Smith is!

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

 

  1. HARDY

Already one of the best songwriters in country music, HARDY is on the brink of superstardom. He can truly do no wrong! HARDY carves a space for himself everywhere he goes. His signature country-rock sound is resonating with fans across the world, and his live show is like no other. Mark our words, HARDY will be an Entertainer of the Year winner in the umping years.

To keep up with HARDY, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

What do you think of our picks? Who do you see as a future Entertainer of the Year? Tweet us @CountrySwag and let us know!

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Lainey Wilson Joins Country Swag Live in NYC for Exclusive Interview + Performance

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Country Swag hosted Lainey Wilson in New York City for an exclusive interview and stellar performance by the rising artist. Watch the video below.

One of our favorite rising artists, Lainey Wilson joined Country Swag at Chelsea Table + Stage in New York City for an exclusive interview and special performance. The singer-songwriter chatted with Country Swag’s on-air personality, Lauren Davidson about her brand new album, Bell Bottom Country, her upcoming acting debut on Yellowstone, and what to expect next. Check out the interview and clips from her incredible performance of “Watermelon Moonshine” and “Heart Like A Truck” here!

Don’t miss Lainey Wilson when she comes back to New York City on February 3, 2023 at Irving Plaza. Get your tickets and check out the rest of the tour dates here.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Kameron Marlowe announcements and releases.

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Lainey Wilson’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more.

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Lainey Wilson ‘Bell Bottom Country’ – Album Review

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Lainey Wilson’s new album, Bell Bottom Country is out now, October 28th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

From the opening chords of “Hillbilly Hippie,” it’s clear that Bell Bottom Country is not your typical modern country album, in the best way possible. There’s twang and soul, rock and revival, creating a unique sound that immediately invites listeners in, letting them know they’re about to experience something special.

ACM New Female Artist of the Year Lainey Wilson has firmly embraced her own style which she describes as “country music with flare.” On her sophomore release, Bell Bottom Country she exemplifies that description. “I’ve lived quite a bit of life the past few years, and I have a lot more to say,” she reveals. “Sure, I love a good pair of bell bottoms, but Bell Bottom Country to me has always been about the flare and what makes someone unique — I have really embraced mine, and I hope y’all can hear that across this project.”

On the rising superstar’s second album, she is exposing her various sides, both lyrically and musically. Here, the Louisiana native is tender yet rowdy, sweet yet gritty, and honest yet vulnerable. 

On songs like “Road Runner,” “Atta Girl,” and the previously-released “Heart Like a Truck,” she’s a runner struggling to stay in one place, dealing with the heartbreak that comes with big dreams, proclaiming “I gotta chase the sunrise to keep the tumble in my weed.” Meanwhile, both “Atta Girl” and “Heart Like a Truck” find her down but not out, with a heart that’s a lot stronger than it may seem.

“I got a heart like a truck // It’s been drug through the mud // Runs on dreams and gasoline // And that ole highway holds the key // It’s got a lead foot down when it’s leaving // Lord knows it’s taken a hell of a beating // A little bit of love is all that it’s needing // But it’s good as it is tough // I got a heart like a truck.”

The singer-songwriter embraces a good time on songs like “Hold My Halo,” “Grease,” and “This One’s Gonna Cost Me.” “Grease” is a funky doo-wop-laden jam, while “Hold My Halo” has hints of “Redneck Woman,” mixing driving guitars with a powerful girl-power-infused anthem. Here, Wilson is ready for an evening that would make an angel blush, breaking out the denim, and leaving a little lipstick on a Solo cup. “Gonna tear up this town, like a drunk tornado,” She growls. “Light it up, Tell that angel inside of me to hide her wings and lay low, hold my halo.”

On “Weak-End” she’s dealing with a broken heart, while “Watermelon Moonshine” is a bittersweet ode to young love. While the former is a mournful yet clever take on the drunk dial “Wish that Friday wasn’t just another way to say lonely”), the latter recalls first drinks, first loves, and first times.

“Too young to know what love was // But we were learnin’ on a sweet buzz // There’s never nothin’ like the first time // And mine’s always gonna taste like // Watermelon moonshine”

With “Those Boots (Deddy’s Song),” the thirty-year-old pays homage to her father, who has left big “boots” for a future husband to fill. As of late, the song has become all the more meaningful to the singer, who nearly lost her father earlier this year to a fungal infection that caused him to have a stroke and lose an eye.

Likewise “Me, You, and Jesus,” “Live Off” and “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” find Wilson tipping her cowboy hat to her country life, her faith, and her upbringing. “Wildflowers” is a dusty ode to the way she was raised, proclaiming, “I’m five generations of blazing a trail,” while “Me, You, and Jesus” shows Wilson finding solace with two important men in her life. “When the world comes between us, Y’all don’t give up or give a damn,” She sings on the clever song of love and faith. “You just take me for who I am, We can get through anything, And baby we make one hell of a team, Me, you and Jesus.”

In recent months, there have been multiple female acts (Ashley McBryde, Pillbox Patti, Miranda Lambert) releasing gritty, soulful, and unabashedly country albums, and Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottom Country is yet another release that proves the best country music might just not be found on the radio.

Lainey Wilson – Bell Bottom Country Track List:

  1. Hillbilly Hippie (Lainey Wilson, Terri Jo Box, Jeremy Bussey)
  2. Road Runner (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
  3. Watermelon Moonshine (Lainey Wilson, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Kear)
  4. Grease (Lainey Wilson, Jessi Alexander, Andrew Petroff)
  5. Weak-End (Lainey Wilson, Nicolette Hayford, Faren Rachels)
  6. Me, You, and Jesus (Lainey Wilson, Emily Weisband, Dallas Wilson)
  7. Hold My Halo (Lainey Wilson, Derek George, Monty Criswell, Lynn Hutton)
  8. Heart Like A Truck (Lainey Wilson, Dallas Wilson, Trannie Anderson)
  9. Atta Girl (Lainey Wilson, Dallas Wilson, Brett Tyler)
  10. This One’s Gonna Cost Me (Lainey Wilson, Nicolette Hayford, Faren Rachels)
  11. Those Boots (Deddy’s Song) (Lainey Wilson, Terri Jo Box, Trent Tomlinson)
  12. Live Off (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Adam Doleac)
  13. Wildflowers and Wild Horses (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
  14. What’s Up (What’s Going On) (Linda Perry)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Hold My Halo
  2. Heart Like a Truck
  3. Watermelon Moonshine
  4. Hillbilly Hippie
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Lainey Wilson’s sophomore album, ‘Bell Bottom Country’ is out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Lainey Wilson releases.

Wilson will be on the road with Luke Combs through early 2023 as part of the superstar’s mega tour, with stops at Mohegan Sun on November 4 and 5. For more tour dates, click here. She’ll also appear on the small screen as a part of Paramount Network’s Yellowstone TV series, beginning November 13th.

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Bell Bottom Country is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Here Are The 2022 CMA Awards Nominations

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The Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for The 56th Annual CMA Awards! Lainey Wilson leads the pack with six nominations, while Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton, and songwriter/producer Shane McAnally secure five nominations apiece.
The awards show will air on Wednesday, November 9th on ABC at 8PM ET. Check out the full list of nominations below.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
  • Luke Combs
  • Miranda Lambert
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Carrie Underwood
  • Morgan Wallen
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer  
  • “Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
    Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
    Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
  • “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (feat. Kenny Chesney)
    Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins
    Mix Engineer: Dan Grech-Marguerat
  • “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
    Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
    Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
  • “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
    Producer: Trent Willmon
    Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
  • “You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton
    Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
    Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s) 
  • Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
    Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
    Mix Engineers: Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
  • Humble Quest – Maren Morris
    Producer: Greg Kurstin
    Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea
  • Palomino – Miranda Lambert
    Producers: Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Mikey Reaves
    Mix Engineer: Jason Lehning
  • Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ – Lainey Wilson
    Producer: Jay Joyce
    Mix Engineer: F. Reid Shippen
  • Time, Tequila & Therapy – Old Dominion
    Producers: Shane McAnally, Old Dominion
    Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s) 
  • “Buy Dirt”
    Songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
  • “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”
    Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce
  • “Sand In My Boots”
    Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Josh Osborne
  • “Things A Man Oughta Know”
    Songwriters: Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
  • “You Should Probably Leave”
    Songwriters: Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Chris Stapleton
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
  • Miranda Lambert
  • Ashley McBryde
  • Carly Pearce
  • Carrie Underwood
  • Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
  • Eric Church
  • Luke Combs
  • 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
  • LOCASH
  • Maddie & Tae
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s)
  • “Beers On Me” – Dierks Bentley with BRELAND & HARDY
    Producers: Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman
  • “If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
    Producer: Michael Knox
  • “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
    Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  • “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
    Producer: Zach Crowell
  • “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
    Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
  • Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
  • Paul Franklin, Steel guitar
  • Brent Mason, Guitar
  • Ilya Toshinskiy, Banjo
  • Derek Wells, Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)  
  • “I Bet You Think About Me” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) – Taylor Swift (featuring Chris Stapleton)
    Director: Blake Lively
  • “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
    Director: Harper Smith
  • “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
    Director: Michael Monaco
  • “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
    Director: Alexa Campbell
  • “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
    Director: Dustin Haney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
  • HARDY
  • Walker Hayes
  • Cody Johnson
  • Parker McCollum
  • Lainey Wilson

2022 CMA BROADCAST AWARDS – FINALISTS FOR BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (by market size): 

Weekly National

  • “American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
  • “The Country Top 40 with Fitz” (Cory Fitzner) – Hubbard Radio
  • “The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – iHeartMedia
  • “Today’s Country with Kelleigh Bannen” (Kelleigh Bannen) – Apple Music Radio
  • “With Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One
Daily National  
  • “Angie Ward” – iHeartMedia
  • “The Big D and Bubba Show” (Derek “Big D” Haskins, Sean “Bubba” Powell, Patrick Thomas, and Carsen Humphreville) – Compass Media Networks
  • “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, “Morgan #2” Huelsman, “Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Scuba Steve” Stephen Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez, and “Phone Screener Abby” Anderson) – Premiere Networks
  • “Nights with Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One
  • “The Sam Alex Show” (Sam Alex) – Sam Alex Productions, LLC
Major Market 
  • “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
  • “Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht, and McKaila Poppen) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
  • “Danny Dwyer” – KUPL, Portland, Ore.
  • “Josh, Rachael & Grunwald” (Josh Holleman, Rachel Hunter, and Steve Grunwald) – WYCD, Detroit, Mich.
  • “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister” (Matt McAllister, Emily Raines, and Joe Wallace) – KKWF, Seattle, Wash.
Large Market 
  • “Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
  • “The Wayne D Show” (“Wayne D” Danielson and Tay Hamilton) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
  • “The Dale Carter Morning Show” (Dale Carter) – KFKF, Kansas City, Mo.
  • “The Big Dave Show” (“Big Dave” Chandler, Chelsie Shinkle, Jason “Stattman” Statt, and Ashley Hempfling) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • “The Wake Up Call with David and Kelli” (David Bugenske and Kelli Green) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
  • “The New Q-Morning Crew with Mike and Amanda” (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
Medium Market 
  • “Buzz Jackson” – KIIM, Tucson, Ariz.
  • “Cliff & Tanya in the Morning” (Cliff Dumas and Tanya Brakebill) – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
  • “Julie and DJ in the Morning” (“Julie K” Kansy, “D.J. Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers, and Jon Dennis) – WPCV, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
  • “New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
  • “Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
Small Market 
  • “The Cat Pak Morning Show with Brent and Mel” (Brent Lane and Mel McCrae) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
  • “Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning” (“Dr. Shane” Collins and Tess Connell) – WPAP, Panama City, Fla.
  • “The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx) – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.
  • “Liz & Scotty in the Morning” (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
  • “Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
2022 CMA BROADCAST AWARDS – FINALISTS FOR RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (by market size):    Major Market 

  • KILT – Houston, Texas
  • KNIX – Phoenix, Ariz.
  • KSCS – Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
  • WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
  • WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
Large Market 
  • KFKF – Kansas City, Mo.
  • WIRK – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
  • WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
  • WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
  • WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
Medium Market 
  • KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
  • WHKO – Dayton, Ohio
  • WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.
  • WQMX – Akron, Ohio
  • WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Small Market 
  • WCOW – La Crosse, Wis.
  • WKML – Fayetteville, N.C.
  • WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
  • WXBQ – Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
  • WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.

 

Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on November 9th on ABC. + Follow us on Twitter while we live-tweet the show, @COUNTRYSWAG.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

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Here Is ‘Country Goes Reggae’ Album ft. Dolly Parton, Jimmie Allen & More

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The brand new Country Goes Reggae album featuring artists like Dolly Parton, Jimmie Allen, and more is out now, July 22nd. Listen to the unique new project below.

In an exciting and unprecedented collaboration, country musicians such as Dolly Parton, Jimmie Allen, Toby Keith, Lainey Wilson, and more lend their voices and songs to a reggae-inspired project. The 11-track collection recreates the arrangements behind some of our favorite country songs, such as Rascal Flatts, “I Like the Sound of That” and “Boot On” by Randy Houser.

The collaborations are courtesy of one of the top Reggae musician groups, called Positive Vibrations. Country Goes Reggae was produced by Christian and Frank Berman (The Berman Brothers) and their partner, Ron Oehl. This exciting new project breathes new life into country songs, while adding a positive factor to each and every track. It’s the perfect album to listen to all summer long. Get the full trackless and listen below.

Country Goes Reggae Album Tracklist:

  1. Eyes on You (feat. Chase Rice)
  2. Make Me Want To (feat. Jimmie Allen)
  3. Red Solo Cup (feat. Toby Keith)
  4. I Like the Sound of That (feat. Rascal Flatts)
  5. Two Doors Down (feat. Dolly Parton)
  6. Smile (feat. Uncle Kracker)
  7. Things a Man Oughta Know (feat. Lainey Wilson)
  8. Boots On (feat. Randy Houser)
  9. Pass It On Down (feat. Alabama)
  10. Ready to Run (feat. Alexandra Kay)
  11. Save It For A Rainy Day (feat. Landon Parker)
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The Positive Vibrations ‘Country Goes Reggae’ album is out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Country Goes Reggae releases.

Country Goes Reggae is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Lainey Wilson Drops New Song “Heart Like A Truck” Out Now

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Lainey Wilson’s new song, “Heart Like A Truck”  is out now, May 20th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.

A true-blue country songstress, Lainey Wilson is the real deal! If you loved Wilson’s hit single, “Things a Man Oughta Know” and her recent number one song with Cole Swindell, “Never Say Never,” then you will love her new song. Today, the singer-songwriter releases “Heart Like A Truck.”

Wilson never shies away from her speaking her truth through her music.  The semi-autobiographical song, “Heart Like A Truck,” continues to prove that notion. The new song is poignant, heartfelt, and raw. It is easy to feel all the experiences a person goes through in the name of love.

“I got a heart like a truck // It’s been drug through the mud // Runs on dreams and gasoline // And that old highway holds a key // It’s got a led foot down when it’s leaving // Lord knows it’s taken a hell of a beaten // Little bit of a love is all that it’s needed // But as good, as it is tough, I got a heart like a truck.”

According to Wilson, these past few months have taught her so much, which inspired this song.  “’Heart Like A Truck’ is all about self-discovery, growth, and embracing scars as badges of honor. After all, a truck that has hit a few bumps and earned some scratches has proved itself and its tenacity—the shiny one on the lot can’t say that,” shared the singer-songwriter in a recent press release.

The new single is definitely a must-listen!

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Lainey Wilson’s new song “Heart Like A Truck” is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Lainey Wilson releases.

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Heart Like A Truck” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson’s Song “Never Say Never” Goes #1

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Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson’s song “Never Say Never” officially goes number one at country radio this week. Check out the #1 song here…

Collaborations are all the rage in country music right now! Last week, Dierks Bentley, HARDY, and BRELAND’s song “Beers On Me,” found its way to the top of the country charts. Today, Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson’s killer duet, “Never Say Never” is number one.

Back in November, Swindell and Wilson mesmerized fans with their unexpected, but perfect collaboration. Written by Swindell, Jessi Alexander, and Chase McGill the edgy track starts out with a guitar before Wilson sings the first line, “I told my momma” followed by Swindell with “I told my friends.” The two continue to trade lines, until the chorus. Eventually, the singers begin to harmonize in the chorus.

“I never say never with you // I end up together with you // It’s Hell, and it’s Heaven with you, baby // anything’s possible // the highs are unstoppable // it’s so uncontrollable, it’s crazy // we say we won’t, and then we do // you’re all I want // I never say never with you”

“Never Say Never” marks the eleventh number-one single for Swindell and the second for Wilson in her young career. Congrats to the entertainers on the #1!

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson releases.

To keep up with Cole Swindell follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Never Say Never” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

2022 ACM Awards: The Complete Recap – Winners, Performances & More

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Check out the full recap of the 2022 ACM Awards, complete with all of the winners, performances, and more special moments from the show.

Dolly Parton and Kelsea Ballerini ACM Awards

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ACM

The Academy of Country Music Awards had a fresh new look this year. The normally three-hour event that has exclusively aired on CBS for the past 23 years found a new home on Amazon Prime. The show was an hour shorter, had no commercials, and had a whole lot more entertainment. Country music icon, Dolly Parton hosted the event from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with the reigning New Male and Female Artists of the Year, Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett. Miranda Lambert was the big winner, taking home the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award. Keep reading below for more winners and special performances from the exciting night.

Allen and Barrett, who were both up for Male and Female Artist of the Year kicked off the show; Allen covered Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and Barrett sang Faith Hill’s “Let’s Go to Vegas.” After Eric Church performed a medley of songs over his 16-year career, New Artist of the Year nominee, Walker Hayes sang his new single “AA” as well as his viral smash hit “Fancy Like” as he danced around the entire stadium high-fiving fans and other artists.

The first two awards of the night were presented to Brothers Osborne for Duo of the Year, and Old Dominion for Group of the Year. It was Brothers Osborne’s third and Old Dominion’s fifth straight win for the respective categories. Maren Morris followed this with a performance of her new song, “Circles Around This Town.”

Lainey Wilson came out on top in the stacked Song of the Year category with her number one hit “Things a Man Oughta Know.” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood won for Single of the Year for their chart-topper, “If I Didn’t Love You.” Viewers got to see both of these songs live later in the show. Wilson also won the New Female Artist of the Year as well. Next up, two Female Artist of the Year nominees, Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce took the stage for “Never Wanted Be That Girl”, a standout performance. This collaboration took home the award for Music Event of Year.

Two of the most memorable performances of the show included Thomas Rhett who performed his current single “Slow Down Summer” as fireworks shot off behind him during the final chorus, resembling a scene from Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Magic Kingdom. Right after, Kelsea Ballerini joined Dolly Parton on stage for a collaboration of Parton’s new song, “Big Dreams and Faded Dreams” from her new “Run, Rose, Run” album. 

One of the biggest surprise wins of the night was Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous winning the award for Album of the Year. Statistically, it makes a lot of sense, given it was the best-selling album across all genres in 2021 with 3.2 million units sold. Wallen humbly thanked his team, fans, and industry for showing him grace over the past year and dedicated the win to his son.

This was followed by 35-straight minutes of performances by artists such as Gabby Barrett, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan and Jordan Davis. Our favorite performances in this batch included Brother Osborne who gave an exciting performance of their song “Skeletons,” where their glasses, hats, guitars, and matching black and white jumpsuits lit the room neon as the lights went down. Breland had Thomas Rhett and a Baptist choir join him on stage for his fun, new song “Praise the Lord.”

After Lady A performed “What a Song Can Do,” the Male and Female Artist of the Year were awarded to Chris Stapleton and Carly Pearce. Pearce and Stapleton also won this award at last year’s CMAs as well. Top-nominated artist, Chris Young performed two songs after these awards, “Raised On Country” and his collaboration with Mitchell Tenpenny, “At The End of A Bar.”

The show concluded with the announcement of the most prestigious owner of the night, Entertainer of the Year. Miranda Lambert took home the award and although she leads the pack with 29 total ACM awards throughout her career, she has never won the Entertainer of the Year. She is currently in London on tour, but she graciously accepted her award remotely.

Other awards not aired included New Male Artist of the Year to Parker McCollum, Video of the Year to Lambert and Elle King for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” and Songwriter of the Year to Michael Hardy. Other performers include Chris Stapleton, Jimmie Allen, Parmalee with Blanco Brown and Brooke Eden, Brittney Spencer, and Kelly Clarkson. The pre-show included performances by Tenille Townes and Kat & Alex.

Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

To keep up with the Academy of Country Music follow along here on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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CRS New Faces of Country Music Class of 2022 Announced

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Last week, Country Radio Seminar (CRS) officially announced the CRS New Faces of Country Music Class of 2022. Check out the class here.

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The CRS New Faces of Country Music is one of the most coveted showcases during the Country Radio Seminar that spotlights five emerging artists that have achieved significant success in the country genre. This year, Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, Jason Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson were honored with the title.

Over the past year, all five artists have had significant success. Barrett earned her second number one single, while Hayes’ “Fancy Like” catapulted him back into stardom. Both McCollum and Rodgers continue to make waves on the country charts, each earning top singles at country radio. Additionally, newcomer, Wilson, received notoriety and praise for her hit single “Things a Man Oughta Know.”

The New Faces of Country Music is a long-standing tradition in the country music genre. Prominent artists like Reba, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Eric Church, and more are just some of the few who have been honored with the title and praise early on in their respective careers.

It is clear that this year’s class have all proven their talent and their tenacity over the course of their careers, but especially this year. It will be exciting to see them perform at the coveted showcase next year! The upcoming Country Radio Seminar will be held February 23rd to February 25th, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news

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Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson Release New Song “Never Say Never”

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Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson collaborate on their brand new song “Never Say Never,” out today, November 18th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson released their duet, “Never Say Never” and it’s a country music collab that we never knew we needed.

We’ve all had that one relationship where we said it was over, but we keep going back for more and that’s exactly the story this song tells. Written by Swindell, Jessie Alexander, and Chase McGill the edgy track starts out with a guitar before Wilson sings the first line, “I told my momma” followed by Swindell with “I told my friends”. The two continue to rotate lines throughout each verse and join forces for the chorus. The singer-songwriters each have their own unique voice yet blend together perfectly creating a hit.

“I never say never with you // I end up together with you // It’s Hell, and it’s Heaven with you, baby // anything’s possible // the highs are unstoppable // it’s so uncontrollable, it’s crazy // we say we won’t, and then we do // you’re all I want // I never say never with you”

The two stirred up rumors of the track last Friday by sending cryptic tweets to each other. Then earlier this week the artists shared a comical video discussing what each of them wouldn’t do such as wearing bell bottoms or changing a tire. However, one thing they did agree on was collaborating on a song together. And we are so happy they did.

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Cole Swindell pairs up with Lainey Wilson on brand new duet, “Never Say Never,” out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Brantley Gilbert releases.

To keep up with Cole Swindell follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Never Say Never” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.