Latest news with #CMTMusicAwards
Elle
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Kelsea Ballerini Delivers an Acoustic Set to Celebrate ELLE's Women in Music Issue
To celebrate ELLE's Women in Music issue, some of music's brightest stars came together for an intimate dinner at Chez Margaux in New York City. The evening was co-hosted by ELLE editor-in-chief Nina Garcia and Fendi Chief Communication Officer Cristiana Monfardini, and attendees included Ryan Destiny, Dora Jar, Charlotte Lawrence, Muni Long, Grace VanderWaal, Maria Zardoya of The Marías, Blu DeTiger, Frawley, and more. '[Our Women in Music issue] is one of my favorites to put together,' Garcia said in her toast at the beginning of the night. 'It's really about identifying and celebrating the women whose music and voices are changing the industry and influencing our culture.' Guests were then invited to enjoy a family-style meal featuring a delicious assortment of dishes from chef Jean-Georges, including fresh salads, gourmet pizzas, prime tenderloin, crispy French fries, and classic rigatoni pomodoro. For the perfect nightcap, ELLE's digital cover star Kelsea Ballerini performed a cover of 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac. Garcia praised the country singer, who just finished a tour and wrapped up a season of The Voice. 'She's not only talented and beautiful, but also an incredibly gifted musician and writer,' she said. 'We are so happy to have you here.' A known advocate for women's and LGBTQ+ rights, Ballerini was natural fit for ELLE's Women in Music issue. On her album Patterns, she worked with an all-female songwriting team, and even brought drag queens onstage for her performance at the CMT Music Awards. In her cover story, the country star said, 'I never really was loud about anything for a really long time, because I just had to get my footing. And then I was like, 'At the end of the day, I want the people who listen to my music to know what I stand for and hopefully align with it.'' Dessert brought the evening to a sweet close, featuring rich chocolate cake, fresh fruit, and coffee. Click through the gallery below for exclusive photos from inside the event. Samuel is the Content Strategy Manager at Hearst. Prior to this role, he was an Associate Editor and the Assistant to ELLE's Editor-in-Chief, Nina Garcia. Raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Samuel attended Northwestern University and currently resides in New York City. He is probably humming a tune at his desk right now.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Music Industry Moves: Nashville Vet Leslie Fram Launches FEMco Consulting; Joshua Simons, Dave Lory and Dick Wingate Announce Worldwide Entertainment Group
Veteran Nashville music executive Leslie Fram has officially announced her new business venture, FEMco (Fram Entertainment & Music), a consulting collective offering artist development, talent booking and production, and B2B connections to Nashville's entertainment community. FEMco will capitalize on Fram's 13-year tenure in Nashville as SVP of music and talent at CMT/Paramount, as well as her many years working in radio. While at CMT, Fram executive-produced the annual CMT Music Awards, booked CMT Crossroads, Storytellers and more. Most recently, she served as Talent Producer on CBS' 'Ringo & Friends at the Ryman.' More from Variety CMT's Longtime Music Chief Leslie Fram Pens Farewell to Staff as Country Industry Wonders About Channel's Future Lainey Wilson to Be Celebrated as Top Breakout Artist for CMT's Artists of the Year Special CMT's Leslie Fram Leads the Charge to Bring Women Back Out of Country Music's Margins: Strictly Business Podcast Fram says, 'I've always wanted to start my own company, one that was intentionally designed as a purpose-driven business that aligns with my personal and professional aspirations. Through my time in radio and television I've gained a wealth of knowledge, skills and insights from various roles, industries and projects that are not just a collection of past events but a foundation for this very kind of endeavor.' FEMco will also create multiple opportunities for female artists to increase their visibility and reach via events, sponsorships and more through its music-focused production arm, FEMco Presents. Its first franchise, FEMcountry is a continuation of Fram's work in creating critically-acclaimed programs like CMT's Next Women of Country and her passion for elevating female voices in country music. + Veteran entertainment execs Joshua Simons, Dave Lory and Dick Wingate have announced the formation of Worldwide Entertainment Group, a New York-based company providing musical artists with a 'holistic management experience.' The company offers a full spectrum of services including talent management, marketing, promotion, licensing, event management and career development. The first projects include Brian Fresco, whose first single 'Bad 4 You' features Chance the Rapper and Lil Xel and drops on June 6, and singer/songwriter Hannah Wicklund, who will be recording her new album this month. Other staffers include president Jeff Riccio as president of WEG Licensed Merchandise Group, Sandy Rizzo as executive VP of WEG Talent Management, Licensed Merchandise and Live Performance Groups, Brad Mooberry as chief marketing officer, and Jenn Federici as GM of artist development. Patrick Clifford will be the company's representative in Nashville and A&R. WEG has a distribution deal in place with Jeff Brody, owner of Brody Distribution Group through the Orchard and a merchandise deal with JSR/Forward Merch for the independent artists and projects signed to WEG. WEG also has a partnership in place with Tom Linden, whose company CMMN PPL will be assisting with artist bookings as needed and sourcing touring support opportunities. + Billboard has promoted Mike Van to the role of the publication's first-ever CEO.. In this position, Van will oversee Billboard's global brand footprint in 15 countries, along with all aspects of strategy, revenue, business operations, live experiences, international licensing, and brand partnerships; he will also oversee both the business and editorial teams, with Billboard's editor-in-chief Hannah Karp now reporting to him directly, according to the announcement. Van, who was Billboard's president since 2022, will report to Jay Penske, Chairman and CEO, Penske Media Corporation. He previously held leadership roles at Pandora, Electronic Arts, and Complex. 'Mike is a one-of-a-kind leader, visionary and partner,' said Penske. 'His passion for the Billboard brand and clear vision for its future has always set him apart. Mike has fostered a collaborative environment with a team committed to building a formidable global business – innovating and trailblazing at every level. It has been inspiring to watch Billboard's seismic growth over the last several years and I look forward to seeing the brand continue to thrive under Mike's leadership.' + Splice has announced the acquisition of Spitfire Audio, a major U.K.-based developer of high-end virtual instrument libraries. The acquisition marks Splice's entry into the fast-growing plugin space, adding to the company's Splice Sounds subscriptions and rent-to-own businesses. The companies are set to start work on new products that blend Spitfire Audio's cinematic and orchestral expertise with Splice's sample catalog and AI-powered discovery engine. 'The teams at Spitfire Audio and Splice have deep respect for composers, musicians and producers and are committed to celebrating and supporting their work', said Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice. 'We're both sound-first, creator-led companies who believe great software and technology can supercharge the creative experience. Our shared vision is to develop tools that expand—not replace—human creativity.' Srivastava added. 'With Spitfire's expressive instruments and Splice's AI-powered platform, we're just beginning to explore what's possible.' Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in May 2025
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jelly Roll hopeful correcting past mistakes will urge governor to pardon him
Country superstar Jelly Roll wants to share his message of redemption with others looking for a second chance, but says there's a roadblock in his way. The 40-year-old told the Tennessee Board of Parole that his criminal record, under his birth name, Jason DeFord, is complicating his ability to travel internationally and perform. On Tuesday, the board voted to recommend a pardon for the singer. Ultimately, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will make the final decision. A spokesperson told CBS News the governor would follow a "comprehensive review process" and added that he generally announces pardons annually in December. Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, who has known Jelly Roll for years, contributed a letter of support to his pardon application. "I'm a sucker for redemption," Hall said. "I think he has an opportunity to change lives that none of us who believe we're experts -- and none of us who signed up to do this for a career — can do." What did Jelly Roll serve jail time for? Lyrics from the Jelly Roll's hit songs stem from personal experiences with drugs, crime, jail time and a family history of addiction. Starting at 14 years old, Jelly Roll spent a decade in and out of jail for drug possession, dealing, shoplifting and aggravated battery. He spoke about his road to success with "Sunday Morning" last year, from his old cell at the county detention facility in Nashville. "This is jail. It sucks, every one I've ever been to," he said. "I think that it's cool to see vulnerability that way, and that we can all grow together." Jelly Roll has regularly used his platform to be an example for others. At the 2024 CMT Music Awards he tailored his message to young men in juvenile detention, telling the crowd, "it's important that I stand up here tonight and represent those that are looking for second chances." The next day, he spoke about that moment with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King, saying, "change is around the corner for all of them. So I truly believe that. I epitomize it as much as I can." He has made it his mission to speak and perform at penitentiaries across the country and has even testified on Capitol Hill to advocate for fentanyl victims and take accountability for his past. "I was a part of the problem," he said during his testimony in 2024. "I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution." Sneak peek: The Detective's Wife St. Louis woman says family decimated by cancer after living near toxic creek for decades Arson charges related to massive New Jersey wildfire
CBS News
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Jelly Roll hopes correcting past mistakes after serving jail time will urge Tennessee governor to pardon him
Country superstar Jelly Roll wants to share his message of redemption with others looking for a second chance, but says there's a roadblock in his way. The 40-year-old told the Tennessee Board of Parole that his criminal record, under his birth name, Jason DeFord, is complicating his ability to travel internationally and perform. On Tuesday, the board voted to recommend a pardon for the singer. Ultimately, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will make the final decision. A spokesperson told CBS News the governor would follow a "comprehensive review process" and added that he generally announces pardons annually in December. Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, who has known Jelly Roll for years, contributed a letter of support to his pardon application. "I'm a sucker for redemption," Hall said. "I think he has an opportunity to change lives that none of us who believe we're experts -- and none of us who signed up to do this for a career — can do." What did Jelly Roll serve jail time for? Lyrics from the Jelly Roll's hit songs stem from personal experiences with drugs, crime, jail time and a family history of addiction. Starting at 14 years old, Jelly Roll spent a decade in and out of jail for drug possession, dealing, shoplifting and aggravated battery. He spoke about his road to success with "Sunday Morning" last year, from his old cell at the county detention facility in Nashville. "This is jail. It sucks, every one I've ever been to," he said. "I think that it's cool to see vulnerability that way, and that we can all grow together." Jelly Roll has regularly used his platform to be an example for others. At the 2024 CMT Music Awards he tailored his message to young men in juvenile detention, telling the crowd, "it's important that I stand up here tonight and represent those that are looking for second chances." The next day, he spoke about that moment with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King, saying, "change is around the corner for all of them. So I truly believe that. I epitomize it as much as I can." He has made it his mission to speak and perform at penitentiaries across the country and has even testified on Capitol Hill to advocate for fentanyl victims and take accountability for his past. "I was a part of the problem," he said during his testimony in 2024. "I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution."
Sky News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News
Country star Jelly Roll seeks pardon from criminal past
US country music star Jelly Roll is seeking a pardon to wipe his criminal convictions from the record, after spending time behind bars as a teenager. He told the Tennessee Board of Parole that while in detention, he fell in love with songwriting which he says changed his life in ways he "never dreamed imaginable". Now aged 40, the rapper-turned-country singer, real name Jason DeFord, wants to be able to travel internationally to perform, but his criminal past currently makes that difficult. "I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be - to let them know that change is truly possible," Jelly Roll told the board, which has recommended a pardon. The final decision rests with the state's Republican Governor Bill Lee. The singer broke into country music with the 2023 album "Whitsitt Chapel" and crossover songs like "Need a Favor". He has been recognised at both the CMT Music Awards and Country Music Association (CMA) Awards and earned four Grammy nominations, including for new artist of the year. As a part of the pardon application, friends and local leaders wrote to the board about Jelly Roll's transformation and generosity. Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall described how the star had an awakening in one of the jails he managed, while Live Nation Entertainment CEO and President Michael Rapino pointed out his charity work. Jelly Roll has spoken openly about his criminal record and what it has taken to overcome it. He often visits jails before performing concerts and helps feed people who are homeless. Due to his criminal record, which includes a robbery at age 17 and drug charges at 23, he says it "takes a team of lawyers and a mountain of paperwork" to perform internationally, sometimes requiring special permits. Last year, he gave evidence before a Senate committee about his own drug addiction and called for stronger legislation against the fentanyl crisis, saying he has "attended more funerals than I care to share". He was recently able to make his first international tour, taking in Canada and the UK, where he spoke about a rehabilitation programme. Governor Lee said every case seeking clemency, such as pardons, is equally important and goes through a thorough process.
