After a four-month-long competition that featured more than 800 artists from around the country, Jessie Ritter has been named the 2018 Nash Next champion. Jessie, a Fort Walton Beach, Fla., native, bested nine other finalists during the Nash Next finale at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Oct. 11. As winner of the fourth annual competition, Jessie…
Aspiring country stars have the opportunity to kick-start their careers via the 4th annual NASH Next competition. NASH Next 2018 officially launched on June 18, bringing together aspiring stars, a major record label (Big Machine Label Group) and the power of country radio (Cumulus Media). The winner of the four-month competition will receive a record…
Listen Friday’s at 6pm…
The 2017 Nash Next challenge is down to 10 finalists, and in the lead-up to the announcement of the champion on Nov. 1, NCD will be profiling each of the 10 finalists. Today, we are getting to know the Morgan Leigh Band. In May, Cumulus Media and Big Machine Label Group invited aspiring country artists…
The 2017 Nash Next challenge is down to 10 finalists, and in the lead-up to the announcement of the champion on Nov. 1, NCD will be profiling each of the 10 finalists. Today, we are getting to know Katie Austin. In May, Cumulus Media and Big Machine Label Group invited aspiring country artists and bands…
After more than five months of competition, Nash Next 2017 has announced its 10 finalists. In May, Cumulus Media and Big Machine Label Group invited aspiring country artists and bands to participate in Nash Next 2017, a grassroots talent search and artist development program for country music. Sponsored nationally by Country Inns & Suites by…
Lisa talks with 2016 Nash Next Challenge winner Todd O’Neill about his experience competing in and being named the winner of Nash Next 2016, working with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, the song-selecting process, his debut single, “Love Again,” and more. Show Participants Todd O’Neill Lisa Konicki, NCD editor in chief Show Links & Notes Todd O’Neill’s…
After months of competition, Todd O’Neill was announced as the winner of Nash Next 2016 last night (Oct. 25) during the grand finale held at Mercy Lounge in Nashville. Big Machine Label Group and Cumulus Media joined forces in July 2016 to find America’s new country star. Aspiring artists from all over the country vied…
The Nash Next Challenge is down to its 10 finalists, and in the lead-up to the announcement of the champion on Oct. 25, NCD will be profiling each of the 10 finalists. Today, we are getting to know finalist Gregor Ross. In July, Cumulus Media and Big Machine Label Group invited aspiring country artists and…
Chase McDaniel believes that listening to music in real-time can have a significant impact on listeners, rather than letting an algorithm choose what they hear. The new country artist recalls three life-changing moments he’s had while hearing songs on country radio, and McDaniel hopes his first radio single, “Burned Down Heaven,” has a similar effect…
Lainey Wilson will make her feature film debut in the Universal adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, Reminders of Him. The Grammy-winning country superstar will join a star-studded cast that includes Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, and Lauren Graham, with the film set to be directed by Vanessa Caswill. This won’t be Wilson’s first…
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kacey Musgraves clarified her previous comments on her marijuana use, revealing that she still smokes, though not to the extent she did when she was younger. “I never said I don’t ever partake,” says the 36-year-old singer. “I just don’t wake up and hit a gravity bong…
Reba McEntire has been one of the top female country stars since the ’80s, but she realizes she wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of her dedicated fans. In the new Variety cover feature on McEntire as part of their Power Of Women Nashville issue, the 70-year-old country music icon says she owes everything to…
In a new interview with Variety for their Power of Women Nashville issue, Sheryl Crow reflected on the evolving landscape of women in music, while celebrating the rise of young and talented female musicians. “The caliber of writing is just so good with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, and Phoebe Bridgers, and these women are not…