Music News (2/4/26)

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2026 Grammy Award Winners [Full List]

The 68th annual Grammy Awards took place Sunday [Feb. 1], starting with the Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The televised ceremony then broadcasted live from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

During the televised ceremony, Jelly Roll won Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken. He thanked Jesus, his family, his team, country radio and more. “There was a time in my life where I was broken, that’s why I wrote this album,” Jelly said, before sharing a words about his faith.

At the Premiere Ceremony, Chris Stapleton won Best Country Solo Performance “Bad As I Used To Be” from F1® The Movie, and Tyler Childers took home Best Country Song as the sole writer on “Bitin’ List.” Neither were able to be there to accept in person.

Zach Top won the first-ever Best Traditional Country Album for Ain’t In It For My Health. He thanked God, his family, his collaborators, team and more. “I watched the Grammys as a little kid,” he said. “[Everybody] looked like superheroes up on TV. To be here and be a little part of the whole thing is insane.”

Shaboozey and Jelly Roll won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen.” Shaboozey was emotional talking about and thanking his village, including his mother who was recently able to retire after 30 years as a nurse. “She worked three to four jobs just to provide for me and my four siblings as an immigrant in this country,” he said. “Immigrants built this country, literally, so this is for them.”

Click here to see the full list of winners.

 

The MLC Reveals Advisory Committee Updates

The MLC has made one appointment to the organization’s Operations Advisory Committee, along with six reappointments, including two reappointments to the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee, one reappointment to the Dispute Resolution Committee, and three reappointments to the Operations Advisory Committee.

Kelly Baden (Senior Vice President, Copyright, Royalties and Licensing Operations at Concord) has been appointed to the Operations Advisory Committee. In her role, she spearheads Concord’s global copyright, licensing, and royalties divisions, overseeing global licensing operations and leading teams responsible for licensing sound recordings and musical compositions. Before Concord, Baden held leadership positions in music rights and revenue assurance, including Director of Revenue Assurance at Warner Music Group and roles at Rhino Entertainment and BMG Music Publishing.

Eric Scott (Executive Vice President, Rights and Royalties at BMG) has been reappointed to the Operations Advisory Committee and has been named Chair of the committee. Kristina Johnson (Vice President, Copyright at Kobalt Music) and Iwona Wyrzykowska (Senior Vice President/General Manager, Global Administration Center – Nashville at Universal Music Publishing Group) have also been reappointed.

On the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee, Dale Esworthy (Executive Vice President, Worldwide Administration at Sony Music Publishing) has been reappointed, along with Michael Eames (President and Co-Founder at PEN Music Group, Inc.) who is continuing as Chair of the committee. Matthew Skiba (Vice President, Rights and Content at Vydia) has been reappointed to the Dispute Resolution Committee.

“On behalf of The MLC’s Board and its nominating committee, I am pleased to welcome Kelly Baden to the Operations Advisory Committee and to congratulate our advisory committee members on their reappointments,” says Alisa Coleman, Chair of The MLC’s Board of Directors. “Their collective expertise, dedication, and guidance are invaluable as we continue to strengthen The MLC’s operations and fulfill our mission to ensure that songwriters, composers, and music publishers receive the royalties they have earned.”

More information on The MLC’s Board of Directors and three advisory committees, including lists of current members, can be found here.

 

Abby Lin Joins The Jonas Group As Global Head Of Sync

Abby Lin

Abby Lin has joined The Jonas Group as Global Head of Sync.

In her new role, Lin will oversee global sync initiatives while working closely with the company’s songwriters, artists and creative partners to expand placement opportunities worldwide. She will also focus on mentoring talent, uncovering new creative opportunities and building long-term relationships across film, television and brand platforms.

“Abby’s track record in sync is unmatched, and her ability to connect music with story is exactly what we value at The Jonas Group,” says Kevin Jonas Sr., Founder and CEO. “She’s a trusted leader and collaborator, and we’re excited to have her guiding our global sync strategy.”

Lin joins the company with more than 30 years of experience in music licensing and sync, most recently serving as Vice President of Film & TV Sync Licensing at Sony Music Entertainment. During her tenure, she played a key role in shaping Sync Shop’s film, television and sync licensing strategy, championing Sony’s diverse global roster and securing placements across film, television, streaming platforms, network campaigns and sports content.

In addition to her licensing work, Lin co-developed and hosted exclusive songwriting camps that brought together top songwriters and producers to create original music specifically designed for sync with many of these compositions later earning spots in major films, television series, trailers and national advertising campaigns.

 

Savage Music Launches Publishing Arm

Pictured (L-R): Tyler Savoie (Beachmont), India Ramey, Mason Caviness, Nell Maynard, Josh Polack (Beachmont), Jaime Hart, and Anna Bates (Savage Music). Photo: Orchee Sorker/Savage Music

Savage Music has launched a new publishing arm. The inaugural roster includes Nell Maynard, Beachmont, Mason Caviness, India Ramey and Stephen Sylvester.

“Savage Music is more than just a catalog—it’s a community dedicated to creatives who push boundaries,” says American Songwriter Editor Lisa Konicki. “We are here to fuel artistic growth and guide artists into the future of music paired with media.”

Maynard has earned cuts across genres with LEW, Kate Yeager, and Chris Housman, and is a two-time ISC semifinalist and multi-time NSAI finalist and winner. Beachmont, the Nashville-based producer/songwriter duo of Josh Polack and Tyler Savoie, are the winners of the inaugural Road Ready American Songwriter contest. Caviness earned the top spot of American Songwriter’s 2022 Lyric Contest. Ramey is a multi-time SXSW and AmericanaFest performer. Sylvester earned a spot amongst the American Songwriter Song of the Year Top 25.

 

Seth Michael Signs Joint Venture With Prescription Songs & 7Hills Music

Seth Michael

Seth Michael has signed a joint venture with Prescription Songs and 7Hills Music.

Hailing from Georgia, Michael has contributed to artists’ records including Ashley Cooke, Dylan Scott, Warren Zieders, Alana Springsteen and more. As a producer and songwriter he has earned cuts with Will Terry’s “Hell at This Point,” and Skeez & David J’s “Drinkin Again.” Future works include Midland and Nate Smith, among others.

“Couldn’t be with a better group of humans,” says Michael.

“We are excited to have Seth join the Prescription/7Hills family,” adds 7Hills Music Founder and Prescription Songs A&R consultant Hannah Montgomery Bay-Schuck. “His versatility as a writer, producer, and vocalist, along with his relentless work ethic, makes him a dream addition to the roster.”

“There’s no better way to kick off the year than making our work with Seth official,” shares Prescription Songs A&Rs Chris Martignago and Sophia Battaglia. “His work ethic is truly unmatched, and his balance of hustle and heart radiates through every session—raising the bar musically and energetically. We’re incredibly lucky to have him.”

 

Max King Inks With Lady Luck Songs

Pictured (L-R): Bob Squance, Max King, Kim Penz and Cliff Audretch. Photo: Marcella Fiorenzi

Singer-songwriter Max King has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Lady Luck Songs.

Originally from Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, King began writing songs while attending Belmont University, where he earned a degree in Music Business. Influenced by country’s story-driven approach and the energy of rock, King crafts songs with memorable hooks and relatable stories that straddle genre lines. His songwriting credits include songs recorded by Lecade, Eddie and The Getaway, Callie Prince, Paxton Peay, Sam Stoane, and more.

“Max King is someone we’ve believed in for a long time—his voice, his writing, and his work ethic all point straight to what’s next,” says Lady Luck Founder Kim Penz. “We’re proud to officially welcome him to Lady Luck Songs and couldn’t be more excited about the future we’re building together.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to start this next chapter at Lady Luck,” adds King. “From day one, it felt like we were chasing the same vision. It’s rare to find a team that truly believes in where you’re going, and I’m all in on what we’re creating together.”