The A-Side Record: Volume 4 – Country Music’s Latest News

The A-Side Record: Volume 4

Written by Amanda Tempel

Is it just me, or are we always in the middle of award-show season? Not that I’m complaining—two big ones are right around the corner, and I am so here for it.

First up, the Academy of Country Music Awards is airing on May 8, and Reba is hosting! I’ve been loving the nostalgic flashbacks they’ve been sharing on social media lately. The ACMs were such a big deal in my house growing up. Spring had finally settled in, and we'd all gather in the living room, staying up way past bedtime just to soak in every performance and every winner.

One of my most vivid ACM memories? Faith Hill's epic sweep in 1999. She took home wins for Vocal Event, Music Video, Song, and Top Female Vocalist. That same night, Martina McBride performed “Whatever You Say,” and let me tell you—it still stands as my all-time favorite ACM performance.

On the next episode of Across The Country with Amanda (my syndicated radio show), I’m spotlighting some of the greatest past winners and giving a little love to this year’s nominees. The ACMs are always a bit of a wild card when it comes to who takes home the hardware, but I’ve got a feeling Zach Top and Ella Langley are in for a big night.

And let’s not forget—this year marks the 60th anniversary of the ACMs! I'm super curious to see how they’ll weave in those legendary past moments and maybe even pull off a few surprise collaborations. If the Opry’s 100th anniversary taught us anything, it's that nostalgia always hits the right note.

Meanwhile, the American Music Awards are coming next month with Jennifer Lopez as host. Country nominees include Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and more. The AMAs are based on chart performance and sales, so it’s a different vibe from the ACMs, but just as exciting. And for the first time ever, the show will air on CBS—can’t wait to see what the new format looks like!

I mentioned Martina McBride earlier, she’s featured on Hannah Ellis’ new song, “The Women I Am”. Hannah actually opened for Martina on her last tour, and it’s so cool to see them come together on this track.

I’m also really excited about Ashley Monroe’s next album, Tennessee Lightning, dropping August 8. The first single, “The Touch,” features none other than Marty Stuart. Plus, Ashley is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her album The Blade with a special show in July at The Basement East in Nashville. Can you believe it’s been a decade? That record still holds up as one of my all-time favorites.

I got to see the final night of Clint Black’s “Killin’ Time 35th Anniversary Tour”. Hearing that iconic album played live, start to finish, in order—it was pure country music magic. Clint is just one of the best to ever do it.

Before I go, here’s a little roundup of what I’ve been listening to (and loving) lately:

The New Stuff:

• “New Kind of Emotion” – Runaway June

• “The Giver” – Chappel Roan

• “I Wish You Would” – Mackenzie Carpenter & Midland

The Classics:

• Plenty of McBride & The Ride and Little Texas '90s hits. Also, I’ve had Matt King’s “A Woman Like You” on repeat. Because some things never go out of style.

Let me know what you're loving lately too—I always love hearing from fellow country music fans. And don’t forget to tune in to the show this weekend!

- Amanda

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Listen to Across The Country With Amanda, a weekly syndicated radio program featuring the legends you love, and the best in today’s country! Find a station near you here.

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