On Wednesday (June 3) Billboard honored this year's Country Power Players award winners at a ceremony held at The Eye Rooftop at Category 10 in downtown Nashville, where many of the genre's leading artists and executives were recognized.
Chief Content Officers Billboard Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz opened the evening by acknowledging the current and enduring power of country music.
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«It’s an ever-evolving art form… new superstars, new hits, new records, innovation while maintaining long-standing traditions,» Lipshutz said. «Charts Billboard They tell us that country music is incredibly popular right now, but everyone on this roof knows that country music was, is, and always will be timeless.".
Melinda Newman, Executive Editor Billboard West Coast Country Music Association, hosted the ceremony and joined in honoring the leaders honored on the list. Billboard «"Influential figures in country music," as well as award-winning artists, she also praised the executives and award-winning artists for "the unprecedented success country music is achieving, continuing to gain popularity both domestically and internationally thanks to your efforts.".
Cover artist Billboard Green was honored with the Country Power Players' Hitmaker Award. "His music is pure country," said Clint Black, presenting Green with the award, later adding, "I'm impressed with his songwriting talent.".
Green, a four-time No. 1 artist on the Country Airplay chart, said the award meant a lot to him as an artist who is the sole writer of some of his hits, such as "Worst Way" and "Don't Mind If I Do" — and it was fitting that Black, also known for writing most of his own hits, presented the award to Green.
«"For me, this kind of recognition is a compliment that gives me the confidence to write more songs and play more shows," Green said, naming many members of his team. He also dedicated the award to his late "Grandpa Buford," who "loved country music." "I had so many great role models growing up," Green said, recalling how his grandmother, Lola Jean, recently attended one of his sold-out concerts in Atlanta. "She said, 'I wish Buford could have seen this.' It's moments like these that make me sure he's sitting in a chair somewhere, watching from above.".
Hardy presented the Rising Star Award to Tucker Wetmore, who has released numerous hits this year, including "Brunette" and "3, 2, 1," and delighted fans around the world with his captivating live performances.
«"One thing I know for sure is he's incredibly hard-working, and hard work brings success, and hopefully that success brings recognition," Hardy said. "I know for a fact that this guy worked his ass off… he's a genuinely good guy… you've conquered Nashville.".
In accepting the award, Wetmore said, "First and foremost, I am nothing without God. He has moved mountains in my life I never dreamed possible, and I just want to thank everyone. I look around and see so many people who have impacted not only my life, but the lives of my family and friends." He thanked many of his industry colleagues, including those at MCA, Mercury, WME, and OH Creative, before adding, "This is an incredible life we get to live as musicians and as artists, and I'm grateful to wake up and do what God has placed on my heart every day.".
Comedian Matt Rife presented The Red Clay Strays with the Pioneer Award, blending humor and heart in his speech. "I'm honored to present this award today to my very good friends and my favorite band in modern music, The Red Clay Strays," he said, calling the band's music "a timeless sound that harkens back to the golden age of music.".
«"Thank you for this award," frontman Brandon Coleman said upon accepting it. "We don't think we've made any breakthroughs, we're just trying to create art that reflects us and that we're happy to leave behind when we're gone... The fact that we've been given an award called 'Breakthrough Artist of the Year' is just amazing, because all we've done is work, trust in God, and just try to tell the truth. We certainly appreciate your help.".
Seven-time "Best Country Show" winner Miranda Lambert was honored with the "Icon" award. Songwriter Tom Douglas, co-writer of one of Lambert's signature hits, "The House That Built Me," presented the award, calling Lambert "a strong woman who teaches" and "seasoned enough to survive everything this city can throw at her, and generous enough to allow young people to look up to her.".
«"I'm so grateful to be a part of this community," Lambert said. "I'm trying to support the next generation. Country music is my life, I've dedicated my entire adult life to it, and I still feel that way even though I've been doing it for 23 years… thank you for all the support over the years.".
The Billboard Country Power Players Executive of the Year award was presented to Austin Neal of The Neal Agency, who helps manage tours for artists such as Riley Green, Morgan Wallen, Ella Langley, Bailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith.
Neal's father, former WME partner Kevin Neal, presented the award, saying, "I'm so proud of my son Austin for receiving this award... Austin has achieved incredible success, and he's such a good man." He also noted that while the Neal Agency started out as a small agency, "it's not a small agency anymore" thanks to its strong client base.
Taking the stage, Neil became emotional as he discussed the moment his father presented the award and recalled his early faith in Green's music. "There are so many people here who have influenced my career, and I can't thank each of you enough," Neil said.
Ahead of CMA Fest in Nashville Billboard will present Billboard Country Live, a two-day event headlined by The Red Clay Strays (June 4) and Tucker Wetmore (June 5). Other performers at the event, which begins at 3:00 PM each day, include Carly Pearce, The Band Perry, Chase Rice, Lainie Gardner, Ty Myers, Kaitlyn Butts, Stella Lefty, Braxton Keith, and Alana Springsteen.
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