NETFLIX BOOKS BEYONCÉ FOR CHRISTMAS HALFTIME SHOW
December 25 will have wall-to-wall sports on TV. (11/18a)
NEAR TRUTHS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Nervous time in the music biz and beyond. (11/16a)
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NOW WHAT?
We have no fucking idea.
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
WHO'S BUYING THE DRINKS?
That's what we'd like to know.
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WHAT IT IS: Madeline Merlo is a platinum-certified, #1 songwriter and a two-time CCMA winner known for her emotionally rich storytelling. She recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut, won NBC’s Songland season 2 and penned “Champagne Night,” a three-week #1 for Lady A. Merlo also contributed to Jelly Roll’s “Chevrolet” f/Dustin Lynch and “Kill a Man,” as well as Cole Swindell’s “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.” With her new album, ONE HOUSE DOWN (from the girl next door), which offers a heartfelt message of self-acceptance and encouragement, Merlo blends traditional and contemporary influences in a powerful six-song collection.
ALBUM: ONE HOUSE DOWN (from the girl next door)
RELEASE DATE: 10/11
SINGLE: “Broken Heart Thing” f/Dustin Lynch
TV: Songland, Canadian Country Music Awards, Breakfast TV (Canada), CMT Hot 20
LIVE: Opened for Jelly Roll, Dustin Lynch, Jordan Davis, Riley Green, more in 2024; Grand Ole Opry
INTERNET: 106m+ global on-demand streams; CMT 2024 “Next Women of Country”
PRESS: MusicRow, E! News, American Songwriter, Taste of Country, Entertainment Tonight, NPR, CMT, Country Aircheck, People, more
BOOKING: Becca Chisolm/WME
PUBLISHING: Sony Music Publishing
MANAGEMENT: Chelsey Block/Homestead Music
WHAT IT IS: At just 16 years old, Wisconsin native Liamani showcases a talent that belies her youth. Having first stepped into the spotlight as the star of Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, the budding singer caught the attention of Boyz II Men’s Wanya Morris with her vocal prowess, leading to a record deal with Def Jam. With her debut single, “Sunkissed,” now available, Liamani is gearing up for the release of her first album next year. She’s already garnered recognition from the likes of Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber, solidifying her status as an exciting new force.
SINGLE: “Sunkissed”
RELEASE DATE: 10/24
TV: Starred in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
INTERNET: 685k+ Instagram followers; nearly 600k TikTok followers, 5.5m+ likes; 23.3m+ combined YouTube video views, 324k+ subs
PRESS: Sweety High (“Though this is her first release with Def Jam, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with her incredible voice”), Just Jared, more
LAWYER: Jeremy M. Rosen
MANAGEMENT: Joe Mulvihill
WHAT IT IS: Orlando-born singer-songwriter John K crafts music with purpose. Having garnered more than 1.3b+ global streams, the buzzing pop artist and crooner is primed for multiplatinum success, fueled by hits like “if we never met” and collaborations with names like Kelsea Ballerini, highlighting his ability to create songs that evoke cherished memories and inspire resilience. Blending pop sensibilities with heartfelt lyricism, John K’s music serves as a reminder to embrace the present and face life’s challenges head on, making his sound both timeless and immediate.
SINGLE: “Lost”
TV: Today; performed the National Anthem at a Green Bay Packers game
LIVE: Performing at Love in Seoul (11/22-23)
INTERNET: 1.3b+ global streams; 101m+ video views; 434m+ short-form video views; 1.5m+ monthly Spotify listeners
PRESS: Rolling Stone, Grammy.com, MTV, Flaunt, Euphoria, L’officiel, Forbes, more
BOOKING: Kasey McKee/CAA
PUBLISHING: Sony Music Publishing Nashville
MANAGEMENT: David Sheppard/3 Vultures