Erinn Callahan

6 days ago | americansongwriter.com | Erinn Callahan

Lainey Wilson blew away the competition during Thursday’s (May 8) ACM Awards, first with a sweeping performance of her song “Whirlwind” and then again on the awards circuit. Holding on to her Entertainer of the Year title, the Louisiana native also took home trophies for Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (for last year’s Whirlwind) and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Taking some time to soak in the moment, Wilson celebrated her triumphs while reflecting on what it took to get here.

1 week ago | americansongwriter.com | Erinn Callahan

Despite going winless at the 2025 ACM Awards, Thursday’s (May 8) ceremony wasn’t a total wash for Jelly Roll. In addition to teaming up with Shaboozey for a rafter-shaking performance of their new collab “Amen,” fans following the “Need a Favor” crooner’s social media accounts saw how much fun he was truly having. Making up for the lack of new hardware, Jelly fangirled over a certain country star, shared a backstage joint with another, and very nearly took home a new pet piglet.

1 week ago | americansongwriter.com | Erinn Callahan

With just seven finalists remaining, American Idol will soon crown its 23rd winner. Debuting in 2002 with judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson at the helm, the singing reality competition show is permanently entwined with the 21st century pop culture fabric. This year saw a full-circle moment when season 4 winner Carrie Underwood returned as a judge, 20 years after the show kick-started her career. More than two decades in, viewers seemingly still can’t get enough of Idol.

1 week ago | americansongwriter.com | Erinn Callahan

Last night’s ACM Awards was one for the books, featuring an emotional tribute to Alan Jackson, incredible performances from Jelly Roll and Shaboozey, and another dominating night by Lainey Wilson. Watching the spectacle from her home, Lauren Alaina was understandably “feeling some type of way.” The American Idol runner-up got vulnerable on social media, opening up about FOMO. In January, Alaina announced that she and husband Cam Arnold are expecting their first child.

1 week ago | americansongwriter.com | Erinn Callahan

When Kelsea Ballerini’s debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It,” also became her first No. 1 hit, country music listeners knew they had something special. Over a decade later, she is selling out arenas and sharing her expertise with aspiring singers as a coach on The Voice. Thursday’s (May 8) 60th ACM Awards marked a special night for Kelsea Ballerini, and not just because she scored her first nomination in the highly coveted Entertainer of the Year category.