CMAs. ACMs. Billboard. MTV. . . . . the list goes on and on. We all know there is no lack of music awards no matter what type of music you’re into, and if you’re into country, chances are it’s the same faces, just different stages and red carpets. But a new award show has emerged in Nashville over the last five years or so, bringing with it new faces. Independent faces. Go Getter faces. Rising Star faces. Devoted fan base faces. And every year is bigger than the last. What started as a small recognition at The Wild Beaver has grown into a first class production at the Wildhorse Saloon right in the heart of Broadway. And this year, it made its way into TV land.
Following a May taping, The Country Network (@tcn_country) aired the 5th Annual Nashville Universe Awards on June 18. (and if you missed it the first time, don’t worry—it repeats!) Hosted by Nashville Insider’s Adam Wurtzel and The Voice alum (and star of The Adley Show) Adley Stump, the show brought together fans, friends, and industry execs for a night of honoring Music City’s finest independents. And just in case you think Universe is being biased with Nashville in the title, there is actually no rule book that says you must live in good ol’ Tennessee. In fact, longtime NU members like The Darrin Morris Band and Sara Beth hail out of Texas, with a massive fan base and impressive stats. Rising star nominees travel down from Ohio and Virginia, where they have been working hard regionally to build an organic following.
We guarantee the 25,000 members of Nashville Universe aren’t all Nashvillians either. They don’t even have to pay to play the game, unlike some other well known associations. As long as you love and support music, Nashville Universe will provide opportunities for you to share your passion and network with the best in the industry. Over the years, NU has come to include not just singers and songwriters, but musicians, producers, managers, agents, publicists, and reps from labels, publishing companies, and other entertainment organizations. Opportunities like showcases, writers’ rounds, signing booths at CMA Fest, and of course, the Nashville Universe Awards are just a stage away.
Voting for the awards begins online in the spring and runs until the top choices are narrowed down, which means the winners and nominees are based on fan and peer related votes, not an inside committee. This year proved to be stellar in both the awards and performances.
But of course, an award show wouldn’t be an award show without a no show host . . at least for a minute. Adley, bouncing her blonde curls and showing off her flattering halter top blue gown, came out looking for her sidekick. The camera found Adam down the street having a refreshing Music City Light Beer. But have no fear because of the beer, a green bicycle (which they later gave away to a lucky audience member) was all he needed to pedal his way down the sidewalk, thru the Wildhorse crowd and onto the stage for a good laugh!
He made it just in time to introduce the first high energy performance from fan favorite Barrett Baber. And when it came time for the first award, superstar Craig Morgan surprised his band leader, Mike Rogers, with Musician of the Year, showing off the first of many glass guitar trophies. Rising Star nominee Morgan Myles crushed her song “Acapella” in a shimmery one strap dress, followed by sister trio Southern Halo who continued to razzle and dazzle the crowd with their new release, “Anything is Possible.” “Love Me Like You Mean It” writer Lance Carpenter and daughter of Toby Keith, Krystal Keith, won Video of the Year for “Anyone Else” and sent in a special thank you message since they could not be present. Male Vocalist of the Year, Lucas Hoge, paid tribute to his hero with “The Power of Garth” not long after his counterpart, Laura Lynn, collected her trophy for Manager of the Year.
A special honor was given for the first time ever in memory of industry icon and “champion of the underdogs”, Billy Block. Block spent his career providing platforms for rising talent to take the stage, through various forms of media, including a radio show he hosted at Exit/In, The Billy Block Show. Using his knack for spotting raw talent early, he helped launch the careers of artists like Keith Urban, Chris Young, and Kacey Musgraves. Monday night, his widow Jill, shared his mantra with the packed house. “His motto was never, ever, ever give up. Always believe in yourself and the gifts God gave you.” She added, “No just means not yet.” She presented the Inaugural Billy Block Award to up and comer, Billy Dawson, who shared how much Block meant to him and artists all over the world.
British born and Nashville livin’ favorite Fiona Culley commanded the stage like a Queen during her performance of “Better Alone”. The strong and much needed representation of females continued when Tiffany Ashton took home the Rising Star Award, making sure to thank her family, God, and the fans. Prominently and consistently featured in “The Ones to Watch” articles, Smithfield accepted Duo of the Year via video, beating out established acts like American Young and Blue County. Sparkling in silver, Texas showstopper Sara Beth introduced her new trio with “Something About It” while comedian, vocalist extraordinaire, and your host Adley brought the house down with “What If I Stay”. Texas continued to shine with Darrin Morris Band claiming Vocal Group of the Year. Rocking her signature short shorts and cowgirl boots, Female Vocalist Celeste Kellogg gave the crowd a little “Country Swagger” before Entertainer of the Year was presented to a NU staple, 2 Steel Girls. The mother/daughter duo, who had won Song of the Year earlier in the evening, wowed the crowd with their irrevocable harmonies on “In My Head.” And of course, a show ending is not a show ending without the crazy antics of Trailer Choir.
Now take all of that and throw in a couple of drinks, great weather, extraordinary company, and you have yourself one memorable evening. So maybe next year, YOU should think about joining and seeing it all LIVE. And in the meantime, see how you can be a part of one of music’s biggest and brightest networks with the Nashville Universe. Check them out at www.nashvilleuniverse.com and on Twitter @NashvilleUnivrs and Instagram @NashvilleUniverse. Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners and check The Country Network to catch the repeat airings!