2025 PERFORMERS
-

James T. Slater
James T. Slater is a GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum songwriter and world-class storyteller whose songs have been recorded by some of music’s biggest stars. Born in North Carolina and raised in the tropics of the Panama Canal Zone, Slater’s global upbringing infuses his writing with a unique blend of passion, melody, and lyrical depth. His hits include Keith Urban's "God Whispered Your Name", Rascal Flatts “Unstoppable,” Martina McBride’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes", Jamey Johnson's "High Cost of Living" and Tim McGraw’s “That’s Why God Made Mexico,” among many others. Known for his vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, Slater has also penned songs for artists such as Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, and Enrique Iglesias. A dynamic performer as well as a writer, he brings the same fire to the stage that he does to the page, captivating audiences around the world. With a career spanning genres and generations, James Slater continues to craft songs that move hearts and transcend borders.
-

Jeffrey Steele
Jeffrey Steele is one of American music’s most accomplished songwriters. A Grammy nominee and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, he has written more than 85 Top 10 hits, including What Hurts the Most, My Wish, and These Days. Artists like Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, and Montgomery Gentry have recorded his songs. With over 60 million airplays, Steele’s influence on contemporary country music is undeniable, blending raw emotion, memorable melodies, and powerful, enduring lyrics.
-

Jessi Alexander
Jessi Alexander is a Grammy-nominated, CMA and ACM Award-winning songwriter whose work has shaped modern country music. She’s the pen behind massive hits like “The Climb” (Miley Cyrus), “I Drive Your Truck” (Lee Brice), “Mine Would Be You” (Blake Shelton), and “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde). Known for her emotional depth and lyrical honesty, Jessi’s songs have topped charts and won hearts across genres. A respected voice in the Nashville community, she continues to write with today’s top artists while occasionally stepping into the spotlight with her own soulful performances.
-

Tucker Wetmore
Tucker Wetmore is a rising country artist and Warner Chappell songwriter from Kalama, Washington. A former college football player at Montana Tech, he turned to music after an injury ended his athletic career. Wetmore moved to Nashville in 2020, quickly gaining attention with singles like “Wine into Whiskey” and the 2× Platinum hit “Wind Up Missin’ You.” His debut album, What Not To, released in April 2025, showcases his blend of traditional country storytelling and modern production. Named to Billboard’s Ones to Watch and Opry’s NextStage Class of 2025, Wetmore is solidifying his place as one of country music’s most promising new voices.
-

Mackenzie Carpenter
Mackenzie Carpenter is a rising country singer-songwriter from Hull, Georgia. She co-wrote Lily Rose’s No. 1 hit “Villain” and Megan Moroney’s Top 15 single “I’m Not Pretty.” Her debut album, Hey Country Queen (2025), showcases her blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. Named to Spotify’s Hot Country 2024 Artist to Watch and CMT’s Next Women of Country 2023, Carpenter has opened for Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen, and Megan Moroney. Her tracks “Can’t Nobody” and “Huntin’ Season” have resonated with fans, highlighting her authentic voice and relatable lyrics.
-

Marti Frederiksen
Marti Frederiksen is a renowned songwriter, producer, and musician known for his work across rock, pop, and country genres. He has collaborated with Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood, and Mötley Crüe, among others. Frederiksen co-wrote hits like “Jaded” and “Undo It,” showcasing his versatility and talent. He also provided lead vocals for the fictional band Stillwater in the film Almost Famous. In 2014, he co-founded The Loving Mary Band with Rebecca Lynn Howard and Elisha Hoffman.
-

Lydia Vaughan
Lydia Vaughan is a Nashville-based songwriter originally from St. Louis, Missouri. She began singing in church and fronting an alt-rock band in high school before moving to Nashville in 2015. In 2020, she signed a publishing deal with Cornman Music and Warner Chappell. Vaughan co-wrote the multi-week No. 1 hit “If I Didn’t Love You” by Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, as well as “Out of That Truck,” “Friends Like That,” and “Something’s Gonna Kill Me.” She also penned Jordan Davis’s latest single, “Bar None.” Her songs span country and pop, with TV placements on MTV, CW, and Netflix.
-

Jacob Hackworth
Jacob Hackworth is a Nashville-based songwriter from Kentucky, celebrated for his gritty Southern soul and genre-blending storytelling. His breakout hit, Bailey Zimmerman's “Rock and a Hard Place,” topped the Country Airplay chart for six weeks and reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hackworth also co-wrote Tucker Wetmore’s viral debut “Wine into Whiskey” and Corey Kent’s 2024 single “This Heart,” which climbed to No. 4 on Country Airplay. His recent credits include Chase Matthew’s “Driving Through My Hometown” and Graham Barham’s “Whiskey Whiskey.” Known for his lyrical depth and emotional authenticity, Hackworth continues to shape modern country with a blue-collar work ethic and heartfelt hooks.
-

Micah Carpenter
Micah Carpenter is a Nashville-based songwriter, producer, and musician from Hull, Georgia. After a collegiate baseball career at Georgia Tech, he moved to Nashville in 2019 to pursue music alongside his sister, country artist Mackenzie Carpenter. Micah has co-written songs for artists like Megan Moroney, Dylan Marlowe, and Jonathan Hutcherson, and contributed to Mackenzie's debut album Hey Country Queen. He is also known for his heartfelt solo performances, including songs like “Good as Gospel” and “If It Ain’t Country,” which showcase his Southern storytelling roots. In 2022, Micah signed his first publishing deal with Boom Music Group.
-

Ryan Beaver
Ryan Beaver is a Texas-born, Nashville-based country artist and acclaimed songwriter known for his emotional depth and vivid storytelling. Since moving to Music City in 2013, he has earned critical praise, with NPR calling his album Rx “visceral emotional work” and Rolling Stone naming him an “Artist You Need to Know.” In 2024, Beaver scored his first No. 1 as a songwriter with Warren Zeiders’ “Pretty Little Poison.” His songs have been recorded by top artists including Blake Shelton, Midland, HARDY, and Luke Bryan. Beaver’s gift for honest, heartfelt lyrics continues to make him a standout voice in country music.
-

Randy Houser
Randy Houser is a powerhouse vocalist and hit songwriter from Lake, Mississippi. He made his mark penning Trace Adkins’ “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” before launching a solo career with hits like “Boots On,” “How Country Feels,” and “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight.” His 2013 album How Country Feels produced multiple chart-toppers and earned critical acclaim. Houser’s soulful delivery on “Like a Cowboy” earned a CMA Song of the Year nomination. In addition to his musical achievements, he has appeared in films such as Killers of the Flower Moon and The Hill, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
HOSTED BY STORME WARREN
FROM THE BIG 615
-
Storme Warren
Storme Warren is a celebrated radio and television host known for his passionate support of country music and its creators. As the voice of The Big 615 on Garth Brooks’ Sevens Network via TuneIn, Storme brings fans closer to the music they love. Beyond broadcasting, he is a sought-after host for major music festivals and events across the globe, bringing energy and heart to every stage. A dedicated philanthropist, Storme actively supports numerous causes, especially those benefiting veterans, children, and the music community. His decades of experience and unwavering positivity make him a trusted and beloved figure in the industry.