September 2, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Mark LevineIt seems like Luke Combs can do no wrong on the country charts.

The upstart hitmaker just scored his ninth consecutive number-one single on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with “Lovin’ on You.” It took the song just 12 weeks to get to the top, making for the fastest run to number one of any single of Luke’s career. Previously, his personal record was 13 weeks, courtesy of 2019’s “Beer Never Broke My Heart.”

With his nine-song run, Luke is tied with Thomas Rhett for the longest consecutive string of number-one hits on the Country Airplay chart. Thomas netted his ninth chart-topping hit with “Beer Can’t Fix,” a duet with Jon Pardi, earlier this summer.

“Lovin’ on You” follows Luke’s most recent chart-topper, “Does to Me,” a duet with Eric Church.

Both of those songs, as well as “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” are featured on Luke’s sophomore album, What You See is What You Get. Last month, the singer announced plans to unveil a deluxe version of that album in the fall, featuring five new tracks.

It’s been a big week for Luke thus far. Not only is he celebrating a number-one song, he also notched six 2020 CMA Award nominations, including his first-ever Entertainer of the Year nod.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

September 2, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LAThe 2020 CMA Awards nominees were unveiled this week, and lots of country stars had reason to walk away thrilled. Miranda Lambert led the pack with seven nominations, Luke Combs scored his first-ever Entertainer of the Year nod, and Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Jimmie Allen and pop star Justin Bieber all celebrated the first nominations of their career.

But not everyone was celebrating after the nominations came out. There were a couple of glaring snubs, too: Neither Kelsea Ballerini nor Kane Brown are anywhere to be seen on the list.

It was a pretty shocking omission for Kelsea, who failed to land a Female Artist of the Year mention for the first time since 2015. She also had ample material for consideration in Album, Song and Music Video categories, having dropped her third studio project, Kelsea, in March.

After the nominees were announced, Kelsea addressed the snub on social media, saying that although she was disappointed, she was trying to keep things in perspective.

“Last time this happened, I wrote ‘Homecoming Queen’ the next day about the feeling,” she wrote, referencing Kelsea’s emotionally potent first single. “Something beautiful will undoubtedly come from the current disappointment.”

She went on to mention those who did receive nods. “Congratulations to my friends & peers that got nominations. Proud to be a part of the country family, always,” Kelsea added.

Other country stars rallied around Kelsea in support, including Old Dominion, Danielle Bradbery and Kane.

“Hold your head up,” replied Kane, who has yet to receive a single CMA nomination in any category despite his impressive catalogue of hits.

Kelsea has been nominated for a total of seven CMA awards over the course of her career but has yet to win a trophy.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

last time this happened, I wrote homecoming queen the next day about the feeling. something beautiful will undoubtedly come from the current disappointment. nonetheless, congratulations to my friends & peers that got nominations. proud to be a part of the country family, always.

— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) September 1, 2020

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