MICKEY GUYTON

The Grand Ole Opry, country music's most historic and storied stage, is getting heavy criticism for an appearance by troubled country star Morgan Wallen.

Giant balloons once again wafted through miles of Manhattan, high school and college marching bands from around the country were back, and so were the crowds at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

South Korean superstars BTS were crowned artist of the year at the American Music Awards on Sunday, brushing aside challenges from Taylor Swift, Drake and The Weeknd as they took home a total of three awards.

Chris Stapleton won the most trophies, but Luke Combs won the biggest one at the Country Music Association Awards.

The CMA Awards will be a night of all-star collaborations between Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean, Kane Brown and Chris Young, and Mickey Guyton with Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards.

Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift will induct new members into the Rock ‘n' Roll Hall of Fame next week, and actor Angela Bassett will do the honors for Tina Turner.

Great country music is always filled with honesty. Despite this trend, rarely does country music see the honest stories of Black women, especially stories resilient and strong in today’s political climate. Many became aware of Guyton’s presence with her moving performance of “Black Like Me” at this year’s Grammy Awards. In an interview with the Grammy Awards, Guyton opened up about what it’s like being one of the only Black women in country. If “Remember Her Name” proves one thing, it’s that Guyton is the country music rebel the genre needs.

This week’s new entertainment releases include new music from producer and multiinstrumentalist Jack Antonoff and Billie Eilish, whose upcoming “Happier Than Ever” is the second studio album from the 19-year-old superstar.

Carrie Underwood has extended her record as the most decorated artist in the history of the CMT Music Awards — thanks to her song “Hallelujah.”.

Linda Martell, one of the pioneers for Black acts in country music and the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry, will be honored at the 2021 CMT Music Awards.

Country music star Jimmie Allen has been selected to sing the national anthem before the Indianapolis 500.

Former tourmates Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris are leading nominees with four each for the 2021 CMT Music Awards, celebrating the best in country music videos.

The Academy of County Music honors drew a record-low audience, joining other awards shows also finding dwindling viewer interest.

Carrie Underwood brought the Academy of Country Music Awards to church.

Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton will have a small audience at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards show on Sunday of vaccinated medical workers.

Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban and Kane Brown all spoke to "CBS This Morning" during the week leading up to the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards.

Country music artist Mickey Guyton earned her first Grammy nomination in November for the song "Black Like Me” and became the first Black female solo artist to be nominated for a Grammy in a country category. The vocal powerhouse will make history again on Sunday as co-host of the Academy of Country Music Awards, alongside fellow country star Keith Urban. She sat with “CBS This Morning” co-host Gayle King to reflect on her trailblazing journey.

Beyonce, left, and Megan Thee Stallion accept the award for best rap song for "Savage" at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish made history at the Grammy Awards. Just as joyously, dozens of creators largely sidelined for a year due to the pandemic got to make music again. 's topical “I Can't Breathe” won song of the year and Megan Thee Stallion was named best new artist. ___This story has been corrected to show the ceremony was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, not Staples Center.

Mickey Guyton made history ahead of the Grammys as the first Black woman to be nominated for Best Country Solo performance for "Black Like Me." Guyton kicked off the performance with a single spotlight, accompanied by a cello, piano and pedal steel guitar. Guyton told "CBS This Morning" that in Nashville, she felt the pressure to conform to a certain version of country music. "Country music is three chords and the truth and people have so much pride in country music because of its honest music but I wasn't being honest. Next, Guyton will be co-host the Academy of Country Music Awards with Keith Urban on April 18 on CBS.

Billie Eilish arrives at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)NEW YORK – The Latest on the Grammy Awards (all times local):8:45 p.m.Billie Eillish has won the Grammy Award for record of the year for the second straight year. Beyoncé broke the record with her victory Sunday night for best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” surpassing the 27 Grammys won by Alison Krauss. DaBaby says he “feels like it’s going to touch everybody.”Ad— Marcela Isaza at the Grammy Awards (@misaza)___3:15 p.m.Brandi Carlile is excited to perform at Sunday’s Grammy Awards, even if there isn’t an audience. “Jojo Rabbit” and the “Joker” soundtrack also won Grammys in the segment of the show that awarded music created for visual media.

Guyton and Urban will host the Academy of Country Music Awards in April. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country stars Mickey Guyton and Keith Urban are taking over as hosts for the Academy of Country Music Awards in April. With the announcement on Thursday by the ACM, dick clark productions and CBS, Guyton will make history as the first Black woman to host the country awards show. The show will air on CBS on April 18 from three Nashville music venues. “I’m beyond thrilled to be co-hosting with my friend Mickey,” Urban said in a statement.

This combination photo shows key art for the Acorn TV series "Bloodlands," premiering March 15, left, key art for the Apple TV+ film "Cherry," center, and key art for Nickelodeons "Kids Choice Awards," hosted by Kenan Thompson and airing on March 13. (Acorn TV/Apple TV+/Nickelodeon via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. Ad—AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSIC— The 2021 Grammys will hand out 84 awards Sunday, but what’s more exciting? Other performers include Chris Martin, John Mayer, Doja Cat, Maren Morris, DaBaby, HAIM, Lil Baby, Brandi Carlile, Roddy Ricch, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Mickey Guyton and Black Pumas. Ad— Grown-ups don’t have a lock on awards shows, as Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards proves once again.

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2019 photo, Billie Eilish performs during the first weekend of the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. Eilish will perform at this month's Grammy Awards. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Taylor Swift, BTS, Cardi B and Billie Eilish are set to perform at next week’s Grammy Awards. The Grammys were originally supposed to take place on Jan. 31 but were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Beyoncé is leading nominee with nine, followed by Swift, Lipa and Ricch, who each earned six nominations.

Morris and Stapleton lead the nominations for this year's Academy of Country Music Awards. The academy announced on Friday that Morris and Stapleton both had six nominations ahead of the April 18 awards show, which will air on CBS from Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Maren Morris and Chris Stapleton are the leading nominees for the Academy of Country Music Awards, but only Stapleton joined the all-male ballot for the top prize of entertainer of the year. The academy announced on Friday that Morris and Stapleton both had six nominations ahead of the April 18 awards show, which will air on CBS from Nashville, Tennessee. AdMiranda Lambert, who is already the most nominated artist in ACM history, stretched her streak with five nominations.

This cover image released by Warner Records shows "I Just Wanna Live," by Keedron Bryant. Bryant's song was named one of the top 10 of the year by the Associated Press. Keedron Bryant, “I Just Wanna Live": During times of turmoil and unrest, people respond differently. She asked her son, then 12-year-old Keedron Bryant, to sing the song and the rest is for the history books. The song not only helped Keedron Bryant land a record deal, it helped heal the world at a time when music is a language that unites us all.

In this photo provided by Farm Rescue, volunteers plant crops on Paul Ivesdal's farm June 3, 2020 in Edmore, N.D. Thanks to Farm Rescue, Ivesdal got his crop in even as he was rushed to a hospital and spend eight days on a ventilator. But in 2005, he launched Farm Rescue, inspired by the 1980s farm crisis that forced his parents to sell land and most of their cattle. “They're prideful, hard-working people and typically don't want to ask for help,” Gross said. Viewers can watch the event for free, but all donations will go to Farm Rescue.

This combination photo shows from left, Mickey Guyton, Beyonce Knowles and H.E.R., whose songs about the Black experience all landed Grammy nominations Tuesday. Months later, the song — and others focused on protesting, police brutality and the overall Black experience — are taking center stage at the 2021 Grammy Awards. Beyoncé’s “Black Parade” scored nominations for two of the top awards: song of the year and record of the year. The track will also compete for best R&B song and best R&B performance. For song of the year, “Black Parade” will compete with H.E.R.’s “I Can’t Breathe,” the R&B singer’s track about police brutality.

And it earned him his first Grammy nomination in six years. 3 spot on the pop charts — is up for best rap song and best rap performance. And Anderson .Paak's “Lockdown," about police brutality and racial injustice, is up for best melodic rap performance and best music video. JAY-Z, THE SONGWRITERS, SHINESHappy wife, happy life: Jay-Z has lent his songwriting hand to his wife Beyoncé and he's earned Grammy nominations for it. PAUL McCARTNEY, THE ART DIRECTORPaul McCartney scored his 79th Grammy nominations this year — as an art director.

(Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Beyoncé is bringing her Black parade to the Grammys: The pop star’s anthem about Black pride scored multiple nominations Tuesday, making her the leading contender with nine. A winner of 24 Grammys, Beyoncé becomes the second-most nominated act in the history of the awards show with 79 nominations. Beyoncé is only behind her husband Jay-Z and Quincy Jones, who have both earned 80 nominations each. Jay-Z picked up three nominations this year for his contributions to Beyoncé’s songs: He co-wrote “Black Parade” and “Savage,” thus earning nominations for song of the year, best R&B song and best rap song. Instead, multiple nominations went to Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and Roddy Ricch, who each earned six nominations and followed Beyoncé as the second-most nominated acts.

Others who may earn nominations include Lewis Capaldi, Summer Walker, Morgan Wallen, Doja Cat, BLACKPINK, Ingrid Andress, Snoh Aalegra, Skip Marley, Mickey Guyton and CNCO. Ricch should also earn nominations for his guest appearance on DaBaby’s international hit “Rock Star,” helping him become the show’s overall top nominee. ________FOLKS LOVE FOLKLORETaylor Swift’s last two albums, “Lover” and “reputation,” didn’t earn nominations for album of the year. The seven-member group’s hit “Dynamite” could snag a nomination for best pop duo/group performance, and their latest album could compete for best global music album. 3 on pop charts, should earn a nomination for best country performance and best country song.

This combination photo shows Brad Paisley, from left, Bruce Springsteen and Sheryl Crow who will participate in this years Stand Up for Heroes fundraiser on Nov. 18. The fundraiser, which benefits injured veterans and their families, will also feature comedians including Nate Bargatze, Ronny Chieng, Tiffany Haddish, Iliza Shlesinger and Ray Romano. (AP Photo)NEW YORK – This year’s Stand Up for Heroes fundraiser is going virtual for the first time and The Boss will once again be there. Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Tiffany Haddish and Brad Paisley have all signed up to participate — as well as Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, for the first time. The fundraiser, which benefits injured veterans and their families, will also feature comedians and musicians including Nate Bargatze, Ronny Chieng, Mickey Guyton, Patti Scialfa, Iliza Shlesinger, Jeannie Gaffigan and Ray Romano.

Carrie Underwood accepts the entertainer of the year award in a tie with Thomas Rhett during the 55th annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

This combination photo shows, from left, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood, nominees for entertainer of the year at the 55th ACM Awards. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a pre-pandemic world, the Academy of Country Music Awards advertised itself as country music’s night to party with gambling, after-parties and a Las Vegas-style attitude. This year the red carpet, crowds and gambling are all r eplaced with COVID-19 tests, temperature checks and face masks. Swift, who makes her first return to the ACM stage in seven years, was the last female artist to win ACM entertainer of the year in 2011. “I certainly believe that she’s been an entertainer of all entertainers and brought so much grace and class and elegance to country music,” said Bryan.

This combination photo shows country singers, from left, Luke Bryan, Kane Brown and Mickey Guyton who will perform at this year's ACM Awards in Nashville. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – At the Academy of Country Music Awards on Wednesday, there won’t be fake fans, canned applause or pre-taped acceptance speeches. After a five-month delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, the awards show wants to bring the live television experience back again. The 55th annual ACM Awards, normally held in April in Las Vegas, were delayed this year and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, for the first time. “I don’t know if it’s gonna look like an NFL Draft night when we hand out the awards,” Urban said laughing.

Guyton's EP, "Bridges," is set to be released on Sept. 11. (Photo by Victoria Will/Invision/AP)NASHVILLE, Tenn. Mickey Guyton is turning a mirror on country music by speaking her truth and reclaiming both her career and identity. The Texas-born singer fell in love with country music from an early age and learned about Dolly Parton from her grandmother. Mabe asked her to sing What Are You Gonna Tell Her? at the labels annual showcase for country radio programmers in February. In the country music industry, were about peace, love and harmony, and we dont want to ruffle any feathers.

Musicians and fans alike are criticizing country artists like Janson and Rice who performed at outdoor concerts this weekend where social media pictures showed large crowds without masks. Rice performed in front of a large crowd in Tennessee and Janson performed at an outdoor festival in Idaho. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. Fellow musicians and fans alike are criticizing country artists who performed at outdoor concerts this weekend where social media pictures showed large, tight crowds without masks, even as COVID-19 cases resurge in the United States. Country star Kelsea Ballerini called Rice selfish for risking people's health by playing in front of a large crowd. But the owner of the venue where Rice played said the concert was approved by both city and county officials.

This combination of photos shows country singer Rissi Palmer, from left, Chuck Harmony, left, and Claude Kelly of Louis York and country rapper Breland. Black artists say the country music industry still needs to do the hard work of addressing the systematic racial barriers that have been entrenched in country music for decades. The genre has historically been marketed to white audiences and reinforced white male artist stereotypes. (Chris Charles via AP, left, Jeremy Ryan via AP, center and Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP)

Black artists say the country music industry still needs to do the hard work of addressing the systematic racial barriers that have been entrenched in country music for decades. I was called colored, like, I didnt know colored people like country music, said Palmer, who had three singles reach the Hot Country Songs Chart. Both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association started diversity task forces more than a year ago when country music was being criticized for a lack of female voices and women were being left out of major categories like entertainer of the year. But just as country artists outwardly reflect a predominantly white image, there are few Black country music executives working behind the scenes. Theres a dismantling of culture that needs to happen.Palmer, who is recording a podcast that focuses on the experiences of women of color in country music, said she feels optimistic that the current discussions about race and country music can lead to progress, if real changes are implemented.

The trio are among several artists who have released songs in response to the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Its confusion.Other musicians have released songs in the last week in the wake of Floyd's death and those of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Mickey Guyton, one of the few black voices on the country music scene, wrote the song Black Like Me last year about her life story and experiences with racism. The black man in the grip of the oppressor. It was the first time that I shed tears over a man that I didnt even know, over a black man.