From Wallen's Airplay Dominance To LOCASH's Snub, Radio Has ACM Awards Opinions Megan Moroney leads all nominees with nine nods at Sunday’s 61st ACM Awards, which returns to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the first time since 2022. Shania Twain hosts the ceremony, where women dominate the nominations for the second consecutive year. Miranda Lambert follows Moroney with eight entries, while Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson each receive seven. Carter Faith’s debut album Cherry Valley becomes the first new release nominated for album of the year since Chris Stapleton’s Traveller. Four awards—new female artist (Avery Anna), new male artist (Tucker Wetmore), visual media (Stephen Wilson Jr.), and songwriter of the year (Jessie Jo Dillon)—have already been announced. Radio programmers and on-air hosts expressed varied opinions on who should win, with some favoring established stars and others advocating for underrepresented artists. Morgan Wallen’s airplay dominance remains a central topic, despite his absence from the ballot. Traci Lee, Program Director at New South Radio’s “US96” WUSJ and “The Legend” WHJT, argued that Wallen’s influence in the format should be recognized, though she predicted Zach Top would win album of the year. “There’s something ‘good dangerous’ about Zach Top in this format,” Lee said, noting Wallen’s historical lack of awards despite his massive radio presence. Cory Edmondson of NRG Media’s “Froggy 98” KFGE highlighted the disparity between Wallen’s airplay and his award count. “In 2025, the gap between the 10th-most-played artist and the second was a 70% increase in spins,” Edmondson explained. “Yet how many awards does he have?” He also praised Moroney’s potential to sweep major categories, crediting her mentors Kenny Chesney and Kristian Bush for her growth.#megan_moroney #miranda_lambert #ella_langley #lainey_wilson #shania_twain
Ella Langley Names Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton and Stevie Nicks as Her Dream Collaborators Ella Langley, the rising country singer whose song “Choosin’ Texas” has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks, recently shared her list of dream collaborators during an interview with Holler in London. The artist, known for her introspective lyrics and genre-blending style, highlighted Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, and Stevie Nicks as her ideal duet partners. Langley, who gained prominence with her 2025 hit “Choosin’ Texas,” emphasized her desire to work with leading female artists in contemporary country music, expressing admiration for their artistry and influence. The interview took place in 2024 during Langley’s BST Hyde Park set, where she opened for Morgan Wallen and Riley Green. During the conversation, she discussed the creative process behind her song “Don’t Mind If I Do,” a collaboration with Riley Green that marked a significant moment in her career. Langley also reflected on her artistic growth, noting her commitment to exploring new creative directions. She mentioned her intention to prioritize female collaborations, stating, “There are so many amazing females in town that I just believe in, and I want to work with and sing with and write songs with.” Since the interview, Langley has already fulfilled part of her vision by teaming up with Miranda Lambert for the track “Butterfly Season,” a standout song from her 2026 album Dandelion. The duet, co-produced by Lambert and Ben West, blends introspective lyrics with a soothing melody, reflecting on personal challenges and the power of self-love. The song has been praised for its emotional depth and the seamless chemistry between Langley and Lambert, who have both carved out influential careers in country music.#miley_cyrus #miranda_lambert #ella_langley #chris_stapleton #stevie_nicks
Ravinia Festival 2026 Schedule Revealed with Star-Studded Lineup The Ravinia Music Festival has officially unveiled its full 2026 schedule, featuring a diverse array of performances spanning multiple genres. The lineup includes iconic artists such as Paul Simon, Gladys Knight, Miranda Lambert, Ricky Martin, and Rod Stewart, alongside rising talents like Chance the Rapper and Alabama Shakes. The festival will also celebrate the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its storied history. The festival’s programming highlights the Hunter Pavilion’s grand opening, a state-of-the-art venue designed to enhance the musical experience for both performers and audiences. President and CEO Jeffrey P. Haydon emphasized the pavilion’s role in attracting world-class talent, noting its advanced acoustics and production capabilities. The venue will host debut performances by artists such as conductor Klaus Mäkelä, Ricky Martin, and Miranda Lambert, creating an environment that fosters artistic inspiration. Tickets for the 2026 season will go on sale on April 23, with details available at Ravinia.org. The festival’s schedule includes a mix of family-friendly events, pop and hip-hop concerts, rock and folk performances, and special collaborations with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Family programming features interactive and educational events, such as the Black Moon Trio’s concert celebrating the Great Lakes, which combines storytelling with music to engage children and adults alike. The JAM Orchestra’s performance of Dr. Seuss Goes to the Opera will introduce opera to younger audiences through an interactive adaptation of Green Eggs and Ham and Gertrude McFuzz.#ravinia_festival #paul_simon #gladys_knight #miranda_lambert #ricky_martin
