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5 Artists That Are Future Entertainer of the Year Winners

Country music is home to many incredible singer-songwriters and superstars. Artists like Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Eric Church, and more have taken home the coveted Entertainer of the Year award at country music award shows like CMA Awards and ACM Awards. Over the years, Country Swag has confidently predicted future winners and Artists to Watch long before their nominations. As Awards season approaches, we thought it would be fun to share five artists that we believe are future entertainer of the year winners. Check out our list below.

  1. Russell Dickerson

It has been evident since day one that Russell Dickerson is an absolute superstar. He finds a way to connect with fans through his music, making everyone want to root for his success. In his young career, Dickerson has broken records, as his singles consecutively find their way to the top of the radio charts. “Love You Like I Used To” is even tied officially with Lonestar’s “Amazed” as the longest-running top-ten single in radio history. It is only a matter of time until he is nominated for the coveted award!

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

  1. Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen was primed for superstardom back in his “The Way I Talk” days. While his career has been turbulent at times, his stardom has not wavered. After a widely successful tour and a record-breaking sophomore album, it appears that Wallen is closer than ever to the Entertainer of the Year award. He even finds himself with a nomination this year! Will he take it home? Tune in to the CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 9 at 8/7c on ABC.

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  1. Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson is an absolute force in country music right now! Her brand new album, Bell Bottom Country is already one of the most talked about records of the year. In her young career, she has already garnered an impressive crew of diehard fans, an army of songwriters and artists who believe in her, and an incredible future. We believe, she will be up for Entertainer of the Year sooner rather than later!

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  1. Conner Smith

When Thomas Rhett tells you he believes in someone then you know they are worth paying attention to! Conner Smith is that person and after meeting him back in 2021 for our NYC Live Sessions, we were quickly belivers ourselves. At just 22 years old, Smith is quickly building a fanbase that is obsessed with everything he puts out. He is a songwriter wise beyond his years, has undeniable charisma, a stage presence worthy of  EOY noms, and his songs are the right mix of catchy and prolific. Give it some time and everyone will know who Conner Smith is!

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on Instagram, TwitterTikTok, and Facebook.

 

  1. HARDY

Already one of the best songwriters in country music, HARDY is on the brink of superstardom. He can truly do no wrong! HARDY carves a space for himself everywhere he goes. His signature country-rock sound is resonating with fans across the world, and his live show is like no other. Mark our words, HARDY will be an Entertainer of the Year winner in the umping years.

To keep up with HARDY, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

 

What do you think of our picks? Who do you see as a future Entertainer of the Year? Tweet us @CountrySwag and let us know!

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Russell Dickerson – Album Review

Russell Dickerson’s new self-titled album is out now, November 4th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

Since the 2017 release of his wedding-ready single “Yours,” Russell Dickerson has been one of country music’s most buzzed-about new stars. Today, the singer-songwriter releases his third full-length album, a self-titled collection of radio-ready jams and romantic ballads that further cement his status as one of the genre’s future superstars.

Known for his electric and energetic live shows, the Triple Tigers Recording artist continues to reveal his talents on his self-titled album. “No matter how far we get into this, I want people to know it’s still me,”  Dickerson says in a statement. “I’m still the hyper, outgoing, fun-loving, crazy dude on stage. But also these songs are so meaningful to me. It’s not all hype and smoke and lights. I am a songwriter, I trust my instincts, and now my instincts are telling me to share 100 percent me, and creatively just let it flow.”

In his dedication to staying true to himself, the Tennessee native co-penned and co-produced each of the album’s fifteen tracks, enlisting a slew of Nashville heavy-hitters, including Josh Kerr, Ashley Gorley, Lori McKenna, Parker Welling, and Zach Crowell to join him.

On the project, Dickerson weaves his way through a well-crafted mix of romantic tracks, odes to nostalgia, and a few tried and true party anthems. He dabbles with hints of different genres, but stays true to the country-pop sounds that have endeared him to a legion of fans. Although he can do it all, the effusive talent shines especially bright on the driving and anthemic country-heavy mid-tempos that pepper the album. Songs like “I Wonder,” “God Gave Me a Girl,” and “Blame It On Being Young” are immediate standouts, each allowing him to stretch his vocal chops over building tracks that are stadium-show-ready.

On “God Gave Me a Girl,” his lyrics are at the forefront, cleverly building the phrases atop each other, proclaiming, “God gave me a girl // Girl gave me a kiss // Kiss gave me a feeling that I still get // Every time I look in her eyes…God gave me a girl // At just the right time // And I gave her the world // But she changed mine.”

While “God Gave Me a Girl,” is about true love found, both “I Remember” and “I Wonder” have him pondering the what-ifs of a lost love. On “I Wonder,” he ponders if he’ll regret losing someone forever, while “I Remember” has him nostalgic for young love and college days, forever treasuring the moments of being “young, dumb, wild, and free.”

Nostalgia is a theme that weaves its way through the album, celebrating the good ol’ days on “Blame It On Being Young,” “Drink to This,” “All the Same Friends,” “Beers to the Summer,” and “18.” While “Beers to the Summer” has hints of early Kenny Chesney, “18” is tinged with 80’s pop that has Dickerson longing to have known his wife as a teenager, musing that “I could’ve been your perfect // Perfect first kiss // Wishing that I could’ve kept you out all night // The problem with forever is it ain’t long enough // I wish that I could go back and we’d fall in love // Back when we were 18.”

On “I Still Believe,” Dickerson is a dreamer with small-town country values, as he proclaims his beliefs on the building anthem.

“The best beer is cold // The best friends are old // The best songs go ‘oh-oh-oh’ //  The best girl is mine // The best night’s tonight // With that sky dripping gold // There’s more good than bad // And rich don’t mean cash // Yeah I still believe// I believe, I believe in that.”

Dickerson’s love for his wife is another prevalent theme throughout his album, his romantic side is on display on songs like “Sorry,” “Over and Over,” “She Likes It” with Jake Scott, and “She’s Why.” While “Sorry” is a tongue-in-cheek uptempo that finds the star unable to keep his hands off the woman he loves, “She Likes It” is an R&B-tinted reminder that the attraction goes both ways.

The album ends with the sparse and incredibly moving “Just Like Your Mama,” a song dedicated to Dickerson’s young son, Remington, which even features a special appearance by the adorable toddler. “Just like your mama // No bull and no drama // You’ll know who you are // And you’ll know who you aint,” He sings of the boy who takes after his self-proclaimed better half. You’ll stand on what you believe // Golden heart on your sleeve // You won’t let this world take your shine away // In the mirror, might look just like me // Baby boy, I can already see // You’re better than my wildest dreams, just like your mama.”

On his self-titled album, Russell Dickerson continues to shine as one of Nashville’s most talented singer-songwriters, stretching himself lyrically, musically, and vocally, while remaining abundantly true to himself.

Russell Dickerson – Self-titled Album Track List:

  1. Blame It On Being Young (Russell Dickerson, Josh Kerr, Parker Welling)
  2. Sorry (Russell Dickerson, Hunter Phelps, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson)
  3. She Likes It Feat. Jake Scott (Russell Dickerson, Jake Scott, Josh Kerr)
  4. I Still Believe (Russell Dickerson, Parker Welling, Matt Jenkins, Zach Crowell)
  5. Big Wheels (Russell Dickerson, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson)
  6. I Remember (Russell Dickerson, Alysa Vanderheym, Chris Ryan, Logan Turner, Matt McGinn)
  7. I Wonder (Russell Dickerson, Jon Nite, Casey Brown)
  8. God Gave Me a Girl (Russell Dickerson, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Zach Crowell)
  9. All the Same Friends (Russell Dickerson, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Zach Crowell)
  10. Beers to the Summer (Russell Dickerson, Matt Jenkins, Mark Holman)
  11. She’s Why (Russell Dickerson, Josh Kerr, Sean Douglas)
  12. 18 (Russell Dickerson, Josh Kerr, Illsey Juber, Ashley Gorley)
  13. Over and Over (Russell Dickerson, Josh Kerr, Parker Welling, Jordan Reynolds)
  14. Drink to This (Russell Dickerson, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Parker Welling)
  15. Just Like Your Mama (Russell Dickerson, Lori McKenna, Casey Brown)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. I Wonder
  2. I Still Believe
  3. Beers to the Summer
  4. God Gave Me a Girl
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Russell Dickerson’s self-titled album is out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Russell Dickerson releases.

Russell Dickerson will be hitting the road on his She Likes It fall tour, with tickets available here.

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

Russell Dickerson is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Russell Dickerson Shares New Song “Big Wheels”

Russell Dickerson’s new song, “Big Wheels” is out now, October 14th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new track below.

As we anticipate the November release of Russell Dickerson’s forthcoming self-titled studio album, the singer-songwriter is giving fans another taste of the record. A fun and vivacious new song, “Big Wheels” is officially here.

If you have ever been lucky enough to see Dickerson in concert, you know he is all high-energy. “Big Wheels” is the perfect high-energy song to add to his already impressive setlist. The track is 2 minutes of pure bliss. It will make everyone want to hang out on a back road, jamming out to country music with beer and good friends.

“Long johns, John boats, and John Deere // We stick to shit we know here // Big wheels, backroads, and cold beer // To get inside, you gotta jump // Green handle at the pump // and you can // hear us when we’re rolling up // If it’s like there where you’re from”

Dickerson is infectious. His highly anticipated album is sure to be one for the books. “Big Wheels” is a great, fun song to add to the project. Fans can also listen to another song off the project and learn more about the upcoming album here.

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Russell Dickerson’s new song, “Big Wheels” is out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Russell Dickerson releases.

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Big Wheels” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Russell Dickerson Drops Brand New Song + Announces Self-Titled Album

Russell Dickerson drops a brand new song, “I Wonder,” ahead of his self-titled album, dropping November 4th. Listen to the new track here.

Today is a good day for country music! Russell Dickerson surprises with a brand new track and also revealed plans for album number three. Slated for a November 4th release, the self-titled album is set to have 15 tracks, including Dickerson’s current single “She Likes It” ft. Jake Scott. Today, we get a taste of the project with his new song, “I Wonder.”

Although we are used to Dickerson giving us catchy love songs to swoon after, “I Wonder” is a different type of song – but still just as captivating. The track encompasses remorse and introspection post-break-up. With “I Wonder,” the singer-songwriter proves that he can convey any emotion through his lyrics.

“I said goodbye // I drove away // Said I ain’t the one, lied to your face // About half a mile, all gas, no breaks // Thought I was right // My mind was made // Then I see your lipstick on a Starbucks cup // Got me thinking I might of messed up // Can I live and never kiss those lips again // And I wonder”

As we anxiously anticipate album number 3, “I Wonder” is a must-add to your music catalog. It is also the perfect addition to his live shows. Dickerson is one step closer to that coveted Entertainer of the Year that we know he will take home one day.

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Russell Dickerson’s new song “I Wonder” is out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Russell Dickerson releases.

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“I Wonder” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Thomas Rhett Adds Tyler Hubbard & Russell Dickerson on New Song

Thomas Rhett’s new song “Death Row” featuring Tyler Hubbard and Russell Dickerson is out now, March 4th. Listen to the brand new track below.

For the last couple of months, superstar, Thomas Rhett has been sharing songs off his upcoming record, Where We Started (due out April 1st). As usual, Rhett runs the emotional gamut, giving fans songs to drink to, songs to cry to, and songs that make you think. His brand new song, “Death Row”, out today, hits the emotional trigger.

The brand new track features longtime friends, Tyler Hubbard and Russell Dickerson. Written by Rhett with prolific songwriters, Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley, “Death Row” is a pensive, thought-provoking track. Each singer, Rhett, Hubbard, and Dickerson each take a verse to share stories and experiences that they seemingly learned from inmates doing time in prison. Rhett shared in a recent interview that the new song was inspired by a real-life experience for the trio.

“Just last week, I went to prison // To see some boys down on death row // I brought some guitars and my buddies // To play some songs we thought they’d know // I could feel myself trembling // When I shook one of their hands // I thought that he would be a monster // Turns out he’s a whole lot like I am”

The emotional encounter clearly took a toll on Rhett and his fellow collaborators. The singer-songwriter has a knack for sharing stories, and “Death Row” exemplifies that. Hubbard and Dickerson add additional elements to the already incredible collab. So far, Where We Started is shaping up to be a phenomenal project from Rhett.

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Thomas Rhett’s new song “Death Row” with Tyler Hubbard and Russell Dickerson is out now, March 4th

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Thomas Rhett releases.

To keep up with Thomas Rhett, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

“Death Row” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Tim McGraw Reveals 2022 Headlining Tour with Russell Dickerson

Tim McGraw reveals 2022 headlining tour featuring Russell Dickerson, Alexandra Kay, and Brandon Davis. Get all the dates and details below.

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Country superstar Tim McGraw has officially announced his 2022 U.S. tour! Suprising fans across the genre, McGraw is bringing along one of our favorites, Russell Dickerson as his direct support! The entertainer is also bringing newcomers, Alexandra Kay and Brandon Davis on tour with him. Check out the cute moment below of Dickerson getting the news of the tour!

The McGraw Tour 2022 will kick off in April and run through the beginning of June. New York fans are in luck, as the tour hits New York’s Jones Beach Amphitheater on June 3rd.

Tickets are going on sale this Friday, December 17th via Ticketmaster. For more information, visit timmcgraw.com and follow @thetimmcgraw on social media.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future tour dates, ticket giveaways, and more.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more.

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Russell Dickerson and Lady A Collaborate on “Home Sweet”

Russell Dickerson and Lady A’s collaborative new version of “Home Sweet” is out today, November 19th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

Lady A joined Russell Dickerson on a new collaborative version of the artist’s hit song “Home Sweet”. A tune we already know and love is made even better with the incredible vocals and harmonies from the group. 

Dickerson’s original “Home Sweet” serves as the current radio single from his latest album Southern Symphony. It is a love song to his wife about the perhaps abnormal lifestyle that they live given his career. It centers on the idea that no matter where they are – whether it is in their home, some run-down hotel room, or their tour bus – when they’re together, they’re home. A sentiment that Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood also know all too well. For each of them, and for so many people that can relate, sometimes home just means being with your person or your family, and not a specific address.

You feel that authenticity and relatability out of each of them in this new collaboration of “Home Sweet”.

“No, there ain’t nothing like // Home sweet, you and me // Ain’t got much but we got all we need // Wherever the wind blows // Wherever this life goes // Baby, all I know, ain’t nothing like // Home sweet // You and me”

These artists have been keeping busy and are looking forward to even more exciting times in 2022. Dickerson released a new song last week with Jake Scott called “She Likes It”. The release was followed shortly by another announcement earlier this week of his 2022 All Yours, All Night Tour. The tour kicks off in NYC on January 25th at Irving Plaza. 

Lady A, having just come off their tour, released their new album last month What A Song Can Do.

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Russell Dickerson and Lady A collaborate on “Home Sweet,” out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Russell Dickerson and Lady A releases.

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Lady A, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Home Sweet” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Russell Dickerson Reveals 2022 ‘All Yours, All Night’ Tour

Russell Dickerson is hitting the road with Breland on the 2022 ‘All Yours, All Night’ Tour. Get all the dates and details below.

2022 is looking BIG for Russell Dickerson! The singer-songwriter has officially announced his headlining tour, ‘All Yours, All Night’. The tour kicks off on January 25th in New York City at Irving Plaza and includes stops in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, ending with an iconic stop at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Joining him on tour will be opening act, Breland.

Presale tickets are on sale NOW with code: RDFAM22. For more information, visit russelldickerson.com and follow @russelled on social media.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future tour dates, ticket giveaways, and more.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more.

Russell Dickerson Collaborates with Jake Scott on “She Likes It”

Russell Dickerson collaborates with Jake Scott on new song, “She Likes It,” out today, November 5th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

One of our favorites and day ones, Russell Dickerson is always showing off his skills on social media. Just last month, the singer-songwriter premiered a chorus he had written on TikTok, asking someone else to write a verse to it. Jake Scott obliged and an incredible collaboration was born between the two rising stars. Today, Dickerson and Scott released their new song “She Likes It.”

The pop-country tune is the perfect blend of both artists’ sounds. “She Likes It” fits in with each entertainer’s catalog of music. The song kicks off with Dickerson singing a verse that appears to be inspired by his real life romance with his wife and muse, Kailey. However, the second verse is all Scott! The two singers harmonize and sing the rest of the song together, showcasing both of their star-studded talents equally.

“She likes it when I // Pour tequila cause she knows that we about to have ourselves a little night // When I play John Denver through that little Bose speaker // And I start dimming those lights // She knows by the way that I’m kissin’ on her / That we gon’ take our time // She likes it when I”

Dickerson is an artist that could truly collaborate with anyone. As a fan of his and Jake Scott, this collab is one we will certainly have one repeat.

Russell Dickerson and Jake Scott

Russell Dickerson and Jake Scott’s New Song “She Likes It” it out now

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Russell Dickerson releases.

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“She Likes It” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Country Stars Cover Songs off Justin Bieber’s ‘Justice’ Album and More

Justin Bieber is one of the most successful superstars of our generation. Despite his pop sound, Bieber has appealed to the masses and has fans from every genre, including country music. In celebration of his latest hit record, Justice, we’re taking a look at some of the country artists who have shared their own versions of Justin Bieber’s music.

 

  1. “Off My Face”- CB30

One of our favorite brother-duo groups, CB30 showed off their insane talent and harmonies, covering Bieber’s song “Off My Face” off the brand new record Justice. Fans are already insisting that the singers release their version of the song to streaming services ASAP. For now, fans can listen below on their Instagram.

 

  1. “One Less Lonely Girl”- Russell Dickerson

We are still in love with this old-school cover of “One Less Lonely Girl” by Dickerson. This 2011 cover is still just as amazing as it was back then. The song is one of the few songs that put Bieber on the map, and it’s exciting to look back at it through Dickerson’s (a virtually unknown artist at the time) eyes. Check it out below!

 

  1. “Intentions” – Temecula Road

The harmonious and talented trio, Temecula Road covered Bieber’s song “Intentions” last year. It is safe to say that they absolutely slay the cover, showing off their country roots, on an otherwise pop-infused jam.

 

  1. “HOLY”- Alana Springsteen

One of our newest favorite songstresses, Alana Springsteen is an absolute Queen when it comes to covers! She has covered songs from artists like Taylor Swift, Dan + Shay, and of course, Justin Bieber. Her cover of “HOLY” is so smooth and soothing, and we cannot get enough of it! Check it out below. While you’re at it, make sure to download her new song “Trying Not To” with Roman Alexander.

 

  1. “Love Yourself”- Kane Brown

Before he was a superstar and selling out arenas, Brown was just a kid trying to make it in country music. In 2016, he performed “Love Yourself” in a live studio radio performance, and doubters were stopped in their steps. His version still gives us chills. Watch the clip below!