Morgan Wallen Becomes RIAA’s Highest Certified Country Artist of All Time

Morgan Wallen Becomes RIAA’s Highest Certified Country Artist of All Time

80 New + Updated Certifications;

With 265.5 Million Certified Singles and Albums, Wallen is the 3rd Most-Certified Artist, All-Genres

Five Singles Now Diamond Certified or Higher, Including “Last Night,” “Wasted On You,” “Whiskey Glasses,” “Chasin’ You” and Diplo Collaboration, “Heartless”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After recently becoming Billboard’s Top Artist of 2025 and entering Spotify’s coveted Billions Club with three singles – “Whiskey Glasses,” “I Had Some Help” with Post Malone and “Last Night” – surpassing one billion streams on the platform, Morgan Wallen’s consumption success is now landing him a new accolade as RIAA’s highest certified Country artist of all time.

With 239.5 million certified singles (solo + collaborations) and 26 million albums, Wallen simultaneously becomes the third most-certified artist, all-genre (succeeding only Drake and Taylor Swift for solo titles); and the No. 2 digital singles-certified solo artist, all-genre. The recognition comes just seven years after receiving his first Gold certifications for “The Way I Talk” and “Up Down” in 2018, followed by “Whiskey Glasses” in 2019 – which is officially 13x Platinum certified today.

A Breakdown of the Milestones

With 80 new certifications awarded by the RIAA this month, Wallen now ranks:

• ·         #1 Highest-Selling Country Artist of All Time
• ·         #3 Highest-Selling Artist of All Time (All Genres)
• ·         #2 Most Diamond Singles Ever (All Genres)

He’s also the first country artist to earn five separate Diamond singles, meaning each has sold more than 10 million units:

• ·         “Whiskey Glasses” – 13x Platinum
• ·         “Wasted On You” – 12x Platinum
• ·         “Last Night” – 12x Platinum
• ·         “Heartless” – 10x Platinum
• ·         “Chasin’ You” – 10x Platinum

“Whiskey Glasses” is now the best-selling country song of all time. 

What Counts as a “Unit”?

The RIAA defines a unit as:

·         1 paid digital download = 1 unit

·         150 on-demand audio or video streams = 1 unit

For albums:

·         1 full album sale (physical or digital) = 1 unit

·         10 digital track sales = 1 unit

·         1,500 streams from an album = 1 unit

"While streaming drives most sales today, Wallen’s fan base continues to support physical and digital albums at a scale rarely seen in the genre anymore"

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album

SOURCE Read More: Morgan Wallen Tops List of 10 Highest-Selling Country Artists

 “Morgan Wallen’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. A trajectory powered through deep fan connection, multiple creative collaborations and partnerships with Big Loud and Republic Records. Less than a decade after earning his first Gold singles, he has officially become the highest RIAA certified Country artist with 265.5M units, including credits on five Diamond-certified or higher singles! The sheer volume of streams behind this achievement speaks to how actively audiences continue to show up and his sustained journey reshaping modern music. Congratulations on this new height as Morgan and his team set their sights on the next,” shares RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier.

** OF NOTE **

In the United States, I’M THE PROBLEM, (release date May 16, 2025), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, where it remained for its first eight weeks. After a two-week absence from the top position, it returned to number one for an additional four consecutive weeks, accumulating a total of 12 non-consecutive weeks atop the chart.

It moved 493,000 album-equivalent units in its opening week (** including just 133,000 in pure album sales)

* UPDATE * January 24, 2026

Top 10 Selling Country Albums Of 2025 In U.S. (Physical & Digital Sales Combined) Jan. 2, 2025 through Jan. 1, 2026.

1.     Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem 329,000 pure sales sold over 31 chart weeks

2.     Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken 104,000

3.     Taylor Swift – Red (Taylor’s Version) 88,000

4.     Taylor Swift – Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) 79,000

5.     Zach Top – Cold Beer & Country Music 79,000 

ONE THING AT A TIME debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 dated March 18, 2023, moving 501,000 album-equivalent units (** including just 111,500 from pure album sales).

DANGEROUS: THE DOUBLE ALBUM (released January 8, 2021) debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and US Top Country Albums charts, earning 265,000 album-equivalent units (including just 74,000 copies as pure album sales) in its first week 

IF I KNOW ME (released April 27, 2018) debuted at number 11 on the US Top Country Albums and number 72 on the US Billboard 200, selling a mere 2,700 copies in the first week. In August 2020, the album reached new peaks at number 13 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the US Top Country Albums.

With the May 2025 release of his fourth studio album, I’M THE PROBLEM, Wallen solidified his footing as “one of the biggest stars in the music world right now,” according to Billboard. The project was recently named Apple Music’s No. 1 album worldwide and Spotify’s No. 1 album in the U.S. all-genre for 2025. Now, just seven months after its release, I’m The Problem is 4x Platinum certified, while 22 of its 37 songs are Gold-certified or higher. Additionally, every song on previously released albums If I Know Me and Dangerous: The Double Album (including the bonus configuration) is now RIAA certified. 

Prior albums Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time, which landed No. 1 and No. 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums of the 21st Century, respectively, are now each 9x Platinum certified. Additionally, “Last Night,” which spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart; and three-week Country radio No. 1 “Wasted On You” are each 12x Platinum. 

In total, Wallen now has five singles that are Diamond-certified or higher, including the newly Diamond certified “Heartless,” his 2019 collaboration with Diplo. For the full list of new and updated certifications, see here. 

Wallen recently announced his 2026 Still The Problem Tour. Promoted by AEG Presents – with the exception of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama show, which is produced by Live Nation – Wallen’s 12-city, 23-date Still The Problem stadium tour will kick off on April 10, 2026 with two consecutive nights at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Wallen will play two nights in most locations, including stops at four major college football stadiums: Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Michigan’s Michigan Stadium and one night only at Alabama’s Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

A rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, HARDY,  Ella Langley and Thomas Rhett join as direct support, with Gavin Adcock, Flatland Cavalry and Hudson Westbrook as second-of-four and Jason Scott & The High Heat, Zach John King, Vincent Mason and Blake Whiten as first-of-four.

As with previous tours, a portion of every ticket sold will benefit his Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) — which supports programs for youth in the areas of sports and music. Those donations enabled MWF to contribute over $600,000 worth of instruments to schools in need across U.S. touring cities in 2025, in addition to a $30,000 donation to the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jays Cares RBI program, totaling over $5 million distributed to-date. For more information, visit MorganWallenFoundation.org. 

About Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen sets the pace in, and beyond, country music – with Billboard calling him “one of the biggest stars in the music world right now” and The New Yorker adding “[he’s] popular on a scale that seems to circumvent genre entirely.” With 20 No. 1 singles at Country radio, 19 Billboard Music Awards to-date, 216 weeks spent atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart (the most in country music history), the highest selling country tour under his belt and more, Wallen has propelled country music to a global level in less than five years.
 
Wallen’s fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, available now via Big Loud / Mercury, debuted at No. 1 globally across seven countries; while his preceding albums – Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time – have remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart for more than 100 weeks each, making him the first artist ever to achieve that feat. I’m The Problem – which Hits Daily Double observes is “a 37-song cycle of self-reckoning” – has already yielded five No. 1’s at Country radio, including the title track, which remained at No. 1 for eight weeks. Wallen also broke his own record for the most simultaneous entries in Billboard Hot 100 History, with 37 songs charting on release week.
 
After recently concluding his 20-stadium-show 2025 I’m the Problem Tour in September, Wallen is readying his 23-stadium show Still The Problem Tour for 2026. Kicking off April 10 with two consecutive nights at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the run will include stops at four major college football stadiums: Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Michigan’s Michigan Stadium and one night only at Alabama’s Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
 
Wallen donates a portion of every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation — which supports programs for youth in the areas of sports and music. More at MorganWallenFoundation.org.

Carrie Underwood Becomes Highest RIAA Certified Female Country Artist

Over 95 Million Units Certified Including 22.5 Million in Albums & 72.5 Million in Singles 

Credit: Chris Hollo 

Left to Right: Robert Femia (COO & EVP Business & Legal Affairs, MCA), Jackie Jones (SVP Artist & Industry Relations, RIAA), Carrie Underwood, Mike Harris (President & CEO, MCA) Katie McCartney (EVP / General Manager, MCA) and Stephanie Wright (EVP / Head of A&R, MCA)

Carrie Underwood has been named the highest RIAA certified female country artist of all time. She has sold 95 million units (22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles) in the US alone across solo titles and collaborations.

“Accomplishments like this are more than I would have ever dared to dream of when I was starting out,” says Underwood. “I owe everything to the fans, who have literally voted for me from the beginning of my career and have showed up and given me so much love for over 20 years. I feel truly blessed.”

“This monumental achievement solidifies Carrie Underwood’s legacy as a generational talent and a true titan of the music industry. Becoming the highest RIAA certified female country artist of all time is a testament to the unparalleled connection Carrie shares with fans and the enduring power of her artistry,” adds Mike Harris, President & CEO, MCA.

The MCA team presented Underwood with a plaque following her performance at the Grand Ole Opry last week to celebrate the accomplishment. Her highest RIAA certifications include her 9x Platinum debut album Some Hearts, singles “Before He Cheats” (11x Platinum), “Blown Away” (5x Platinum), “Cowboy Casanova” (4x Platinum), “All-American Girl” (3x Platinum), “Church Bells” (3x Platinum) and platinum and multi-platinum collaborations, including her most recent, “I’m Gonna Love You” with Cody Johnson (Platinum).

Additionally, Underwood’s original holiday song from her 2021 holiday album, My Gift (Special Edition), “Favorite Time Of Year,” has been certified Gold.

Underwood has won over 100 major awards including 8 GRAMMY® Awards, 16 ACM Awards including three for Entertainer of the Year (the first female in history to win twice and the only female ever to win three times), 25 CMT Music Awards (holding the record for the most award wins ever for the show), 17 American Music Awards, 10 People’s Choice Awards, and 7 CMA Awards. She has recorded 29 #1 singles (14 of which she co-wrote), and has eight albums that are certified Multi-Platinum or Platinum by the RIAA.  All 10 of her albums (including nine studio albums and her 2014 Greatest Hits: Decade #1) – three of which she co-produced – have debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 chart for all genres, beginning with her 9x Platinum debut album, Some Hearts, which was released in 2005.

** OF NOTE **

I wonder if it is hard pure sales or stream units taken into account? 

REF: Carrie Underwood has become the highest RIAA Certified female country artist of all time with over 95 million units (22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles) .

 According to RIAA, Reba McEntire has sold 41 million certified albums in the United States, making her the eighth best selling female album artist in the USA. 

How many did Taylor Swift sell when she was a tagged country artist? 

Canadian Shania's The Women In Me (12 million shipments throughout the United States.) & Come On Over (over 40 million copies).

Carrie not in top 100 on this list. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-certified_music_artists_in_the_United_States

ABOUT CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Carrie Underwood is a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, film, and as a bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. She has been a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2008 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. 

She has also built a successful business portfolio inspired by her passion for health and wellness, as she founded and created the fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, and her first book, FIND YOUR PATH was an instant New York Times bestseller in 2020 when she also launched her popular fitness app, fit52. Carrie launched her exclusive year-round SiriusXM channel, CARRIE’S COUNTRY, in 2023, and created two additional channels, CARR-DIO by CARRIE’S COUNTRY and SAVIOR SUNDAY DAILY by CARRIE’S COUNTRY, both of which stream exclusively on the SiriusXM app.

She became the first artist to perform at the Resorts World Theatre in 2021, where her REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency concluded its 72-show run on April 12, and her concert special, “CARRIE UNDERWOOD: REFLECTION,” is now streaming worldwide on Hulu and Disney+. She has starred in the show open for primetime television’s #1 program, NBC’s Sunday Night Football, for 13 consecutive seasons, and will return for a second season on the judges panel of the hit show “American Idol,” alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on ABC and Hulu, which she joined this year, marking the 20th anniversary of her winning the title.

105 Million Kenny Chesney Fans Can't Be Wrong

105 Million Certifications Can’t Be Wrong --

KENNY CHESNEY’S 22 NEW CERTIFICATIONS

Contribute to 7 Multi-Platinum Albums + 16 Multi-Platinum Singles

51 Songs Across Career Achieve Heavy Metal Status, All BUT His Debut Album, Too

 Kenny Chesney Celebrates 105 Million Units Certified from the
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) | Photo Credit: Jill Trunnell 

Las Vegas, Nev. – When you’re busy moving forward, it’s easy to forget keeping score. Kenny Chesney, the Country Music Hall of Fame electee who just wrapped a full-immersion residency at Vegas’ Sphere, built a career on the quality of the songs and how they resonate with No Shoes Nation as he continually sought to find songs that were better than what he’d already done.

As Billboard’s No. 1 Country Artist of the 21st Century and the artist with the most No.1 Country Airplay singles, Chesney’s songs and albums have been the soundtrack for coming of age across the nation. In the pre-streaming era, when a Platinum-certification meant a million copies sold and people making the decision to put their down their money, he had several multi-Platinum projects – and he could feel the passion when fans sang “Get Along,” “American Kids” or “Young” at shows for the last many summers.

Nothing, though, could have prepared the songwriter/superstar from East Tennessee for the award from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) marking over 105 million units certified in the U.S. alone. He said, “These kinds of numbers almost don’t exist. Who counts that high? But seeing all the discs and the size of the plaque, it hits you how big this really is.

“What I know is what I hear when the band and I are on stage. You can tell when you hear people cheering and singing these songs with every bit of joy they’ve got, this isn’t just a song they like, these songs are something that hits them in the heart. To me, even more than Platinum or Gold, it’s the sound of those voices that tells me how much this music means.”

With No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems; When The Sun Goes Down and Greatest Hits all certified 5x Platinum, The Road and The Radio achieving 4x Platinum status and Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates, Hemingway’s Whiskey and Everywhere We Go all 2x Platinum, there are also nine additional Platinum and six Gold albums in Chesney’s catalogue.

With today’s update, “American Kids” and “You and Tequila” featuring Grace Potter earn 5x and 4x Platinum status respectively. Five songs – “Summertime,” “When The Sun Goes Down” featuring Uncle Kracker, “Come Over,” “Don’t Blink,” “Get Along” – receive 3x Platinum certification, joining previous 3x Platinum “Somewhere With You.” “I Go Back,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” “All The Pretty Girls,” “The Good Stuff” and “The Boys of Fall” join previous 2x Platinums “There Goes My Life,” “Setting The World on Fire” featuring P!nk and “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” not to mention five new Platinum certifications and three new Gold certifications contributing to his overall total of 51 RIAA-certified singles.

L to R: Jackie Jones, RIAA SVP, Artist & Industry Relations, Kenny Chesney
and Michele Ballantyne, RIAA COO/President | Photo Credit: Jill Trunnell

“I know what music meant to me, the way a song can change your moment, give you clarity or just make you feel seen,” says the man who’s in the midst of final edits on Heart Life Music, the story of his journey as a creative soul seeking kindred spirits. “Because some of these songs are fun, that doesn’t mean it can’t matter or doesn’t say something people connect with. And with ballads, I’ve tried to make them speak to a moment that’s so real you can see it.

“Buddy (Cannon) and I have really tried to push what we were doing in terms of the songs and how we recorded them; I wanted to say the stuff people never said for kids like me – and find the sweet spot where melody and lyric reflect each other in a way that made each song even more than any one moment. I wanted songs that I hoped would always be true.”

Tapping moments and emotions at their most potent, Chesney fashioned a series of albums that went through the phases of life without ever relinquishing those moments of being young many people carry throughout their lives. Those songs fuel legendary two-hour performances that deliver an antidote to the animosity of the world, create a nation without polarization and space to come together for the love of what being alive can mean. More than 105 million in certifications can’t be wrong.

CONNECT with Kenny Chesney:

Country Billboard Chart News October 7, 2019

Country Billboard Chart News October 7, 2019

RIAA Certifications

Multi-Platinum = 2,000,000 plus units

Platinum = 1-million units

Gold = 500,000 units

Note: For ALBUM certifications the RIAA base their figures on the number of units SHIPPED together with, track sales and on demand audio/ video stream units and NOT based purely on traditional retail sales.

1,500 on-demand audio and/or video song streams = 10 track sales = 1 album sale.

150 on-demand streams = 1 track download

Photo credit: Alex Alvga

Kane Brown was surprised late last week with four RIAA certification plaques while cutting vocals at Sound Stage studio on Music Row. In March, Brown’s sophomore album Experiment and its lead single “Lose It” were certified Gold and Platinum, respectively. Last week, “Good As You” was certified Platinum and Kane Brown’s current single “Homesick” Gold.

Pictured here (left to right) are: Sony Music Nashville’s Sr. Director Marketing Jennifer Way, VP Creative Services Tracy Fleaner and EVP A&R Jim Catino; Kane Brown; Sony Music Nashville’s COO/EVP Ken Robold and SVP Sales/Streaming Caryl Atwood; EFG Management’s Martha Earls and Brown’s producer Dann Huff.

September Wall Bling:

During September the RIAA certified 191 Song Awards and 44 Album awards.
Among the 44 albums the RIAA certified in SEPTEMBER was just one Country entry, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE’s “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country,” which was certified Gold.

The RIAA has issued Multi-platinum single certs include Midlands’ “Drinkin' Problem” (2X), Florida Georgia Line’s “Simple” (2X), “H.O.L.Y.” (5X), “Round Here” (3X), Thomas Rhett’s “Crash And Burn” (2X)

Platinum single certs are Carly Pearce’s “Every Little Thing”, Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It”, Billy Currington’s “Don't It”,  Florida Georgia Line’s Talk “You Out Of It”, Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes”, Brett Young’s “Here Tonight” and Kane Brown’s “Good As You”.

Gold singles include: Midland’s “Burn Out”, Florida Georgia Line’s “Can't Say I Ain't Country”, Colt Ford’s “Back”, Old Dominion’s “One Man Band” (101,000 pure sales), Matt Stell’s “Prayed For You” (91,000 paid for sales),  Ryan Hurd’s “To A T”, Riley Green’s “There Was This Girl”,  Colt Ford’s “Workin' On”, Kane Brown’s “Homesick” and The Lacs’ “Kickin' Up Mud”

Platinum ALBUMS include: Taylor Swift LOVER | released April 26, 2019 Republic Records | certified Gold & Platinum Sept 27, 2019 Digital 1 Million Pop

Gold ALBUMS include: Florida Georgia Line’s CAN'T SAY I AIN'T COUNTRY (95,500 pure sales), Colt Ford’s RIDE THROUGH THE COUNTRY and Morgan Wallen’s IF I KNOW ME (34,500 pure sales)

MULTI-PLATINUM SINGLES

Midland Drinkin' Problem | released October 28, 2016 Big Machine Records | certified 2x Multi-Platinum Sept 10, 2019 Digital 2 Million   

Florida Georgia Line Simple | released June 1, 2018 Big Machine Label Group | certified 2x Multi-Platinum Sept 13, 2019 Digital 2 Million   

Florida Georgia Line H.O.L.Y.  | released August 26, 2016 Bmlg Records | certified 5x Multi-Platinum Sept 13, 2019 Digital 5 Million

Thomas Rhett Crash And Burn | released April 7, 2015 The Valory Music Co | certified 2x Multi-Platinum Sept 19, 2019 Digital 2 Million   

Florida Georgia Line Round Here | released December 4, 2012 Republic Nashville | certified 3x Multi-Platinum Sept 24, 2019 Digital 2 Million          

PLATINUM SINGLES

Carly Pearce Every Little Thing | released Jan 23, 2017 Big Machine Records | certified Platinum Sept 9, 2019 Digital 1 Million

Tim McGraw I Like It, I Love It | released August 4, 1995 Curb | certified Platinum Sept 10, 2019 Digital 1 Million

Billy Currington Don't It | released Oct 24, 2014 Mercury Records Nashville | certified Platinum Sept 11, 2019 Digital 1 Million

Florida Georgia Line Talk You Out Of It | released Feb 15, 2019 BMLG Records | certified Platinum Sept 16, 2019 Digital 1 Million

Thomas Rhett Life Changes | released Sept 1, 2017 The Valory Music Co | certified Platinum Sept 19, 2019 Digital 1 Million

Brett Young Here Tonight | released Dec 7, 2018 BMLG Records | certified Platinum Sept 24, 2019 Digital 1 Million

Kane Brown Good As You | released Oct 19, 2018 RCA Nashville | certified Platinum Sept 30, 2019 Digital 1 Million

GOLD SINGLES:

Midland “Burn Out” | released Sept 22, 2017 Big Machine Records | certified Gold Sept 11, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

Florida Georgia Line “Can't Say I Ain't Country” | released Feb 15, 2019 BMLG Records | certified Gold Sept 13, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

Colt Ford “Back” | released Aug 7, 2012 Average Joes Entertainment | certified Gold Sept 17, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

Old Dominion “One Man Band” | released Jan 18, 2019 RCA Nashville | certified Gold Sept 17, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

Matt Stell “Prayed For You” | released March 15, 2018 Arista Nashville | certified Gold Sept 18, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

Ryan Hurd “To A T” | released Sept 7, 2018 RCA Nashville | certified Gold Sept 18, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

For King & Country “God Only Knows” | released July 5, 2018 | certified Gold Sept 24, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

Riley Green “There Was This Girl” | released June 29, 2018 BMLG Records | certified Gold Sept 24, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

Colt Ford “Workin' On” | released March 10, 2015 Average Joes Entertainment | certified Gold Sept 27, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

Kane Brown “Homesick” | released Sept 7, 2018 RCA Nashville | certified Gold Sept 30, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

The Lacs “Kickin' Up Mud” | released Oct 25, 2010 Average Joes Entertainment | certified Gold Oct 1, 2019 Digital 0.5 Million

PLATINUM ALBUMS

Taylor Swift LOVER | released April 26, 2019 Republic Records | certified Gold & Platinum Sept 27, 2019 Digital 1 Million Pop

GOLD ALBUMS

Florida Georgia Line CAN'T SAY I AIN'T COUNTRY | released Feb 15, 2019 BMLG RECORDS | certified Gold Sept 13, 2019 0.5 Million

Colt Ford RIDE THROUGH THE COUNTRY | released July 4, 2008 Average Joes Entertainment | certified Gold Sept 16, 2019 0.5 Million

Morgan Wallen IF I KNOW ME | released April 27, 2018 Big Loud Records | certified Gold Sept 19, 2019 0.5 Million

In Brief: Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of October 12, 2019)

Country Album Chart ** No.1 (1 week) ** self-titled Whiskey Myers

Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (1 week) ** “One Thing Right” Marshmello & Kane Brown

Country Airplay ** No.1 (1 week) ** “Prayed For You” Matt Stell

Country Digital Songs ** No.1 (14 non-consecutive weeks) ** “The Git Up” Blanco Brown

Billboard Top 200 / Country Album Chart News (Chart issue week of October 12, 2019)

The Billboard 200 chart measures multi-metric album consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).

DaBaby scores his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart as Kirk opens in the top slot.

The set, which is the hip-hop artist’s second studio effort, starts with 145,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Oct. 3, according to Nielsen Music. Of that sum, just 8,000 were in album sales, as the set was powered largely by streaming activity. It logged 2,000 in TEA units and 136,000 in SEA units. The latter sum equates to 181.7 million on-demand audio streams for the set’s 13 songs during its first week -- the fifth-largest debut streaming week for an album in 2019.

Kirk was released on Sept. 27 via SouthCoast/Interscope Records.

Kirk, which is DaBaby’s actual last name (real name: Jonathan Kirk), followed his first studio release, Baby on Baby, which peaked at No. 7 on the June 1-dated list.

Through the week ending Oct. 2, Baby on Baby has earned 719,000 equivalent album units, and collected over 1 billion on-demand audio streams for its songs.

Country-rock band Whiskey Myers captured its first top 10 album on the Billboard 200 as the group’s self-titled effort started at No. 6 with 42,000 equivalent album units earned (of which 39,000 were in album sales). Sales of the new album were boosted by a concert ticket/album sale redemption offer with the band’s tour in 2019.

The debut of the new album follows the Texas act’s first big national attention back in 2018, when it was seen performing the song “Stone” in an episode of Paramount Network’s Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner. During the release week of the new album, Whiskey Myers landed its first live performance on national television, performing “Rolling Stone” on NBC’s Today on Oct. 1.

Whiskey Myers also scored its first chart hit on a Billboard airplay chart recently, as the new album’s “Gasoline” premiered at No. 37 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart dated Oct. 5.

Billboard Top Country Albums (Chart issue week of October 12, 2019)

Top Country Albums now ranks the most popular country albums of the week, as compiled by Nielsen Music, based on multi-metric consumption (blending traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA), and streaming equivalent albums (SEA)).

10 digital track sales from an album = 1 track equivalent album (TEA) “sale”

1,500 on demand song streams from an album to one streaming equivalent album (SEA) “sale”.

Nielsen Music compiles the sales and streaming data. Billboard continues to publish pure album sales charts (subscription to billboard biz ), exclusively comprising Nielsen’s sales data.

Whiskey Myers earned its first Top Country Albums No. 1 as its 14-track self-titled set (Wiggy Thump/ Thirty Tigers |  iTunes) bowed with a career-best 42,000 equivalent album units earned (with 39,000 in album sales), boosted by a concert ticket/ album sale redemption offer for the Texas band’s 2019 tour.

Whiskey Myers previously tallied two top 10s, Mud (No. 4, 2016) and Early Morning Shakes (No. 10, 2014), while Firewater reached No. 26 in 2011.

Jon Pardi with HEARTACHE MEDICATION (Capitol Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville) started at No. 2 on Top Country Albums (#11 Billboard 200; 34,000 units; 23,200 in album sales). Pardi earned his third top 10. The albums sales were boosted by a concert ticket/ album sale redemption offer (fans who entered their redemption code received their physical CD of Jon Pardi's new album),

CHART HISTORY

CALIFORNIA SUNRISE opened at No1 on Top Country Album (#11 Billboard 200; chart dated July 9, 2016) with debut sales 23,800 copies. As of Sept 25, 2019, it has sold a total of 276,200 copies

WRITE YOU A SONG (Capitol Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville) opened at No.3 on Top Country Album (#14 Billboard 200; chart dated Jan 23, 2014) selling 17,050 copies. By the end of February 2016 it had sold 85,000 copies.

Critical reception for Jon Pardi’s Heartache Medication:

10 Tracks/ Time: 41:08 Indie & Alternative > Alternative Rock Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com

Entertainment-Focus (Rating: 3.5/5) Heartache Medication isn’t as instant as California Sunrise was and for me it’s not as strong a record. That being said, there are plenty of

strong songs here and I’m glad Pardi is operating in his own lane.

THE GOOD: Pardi continues to explore a traditional Country music sound, The arrangements on the album are impressive,

Some really strong tracks

THE BAD: The album is a couple of tracks too long

Sounds Like Nashville (Rating: Positive) Heartache Medication marks progression for Pardi, as he takes the beloved elements of traditional country music that enamored fans on California Sunrise and uniting them with richer emotions that show how positivity can stem from sadness, sending the listener off with a sense of peace. 

Sturgill Simpson also earned his third top 10 whose SOUND & FURY (Elektra/EMG) ignited the chart with bow at No.3 (#12 Billboard 200; 32,000 units; 26,300 in album sales).

Luke Combs’ first LP, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU, fell 2-4 on Top Country Albums (#21 non-mover Billboard 200; 1,900 sales; total 529,100) it was the 12th best-selling album in this chart frame

Additionally, Combs’ latest release, THE PREQUEL (River House/Columbia Nashville/ Sony Music Nashville) fell 5-7 (#46-53 BB200) in its 17th frame

Dan + Shay with their self-titled album (Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville) dropped 3-5 (#37-41 BB200) in their 67th frame.

Morgan Wallen with IF I KNOW ME (Big Loud Digital EX) fell 4-6 (#43-49 BB200) in his 70th frame.

Chris Stapleton with the 231-week TRAVELLER (MERCURY/ UMGN) slipped 7-8 (#57-58 BB200).

Last weeks’ No.1 Zac Brown Band with THE OWL (ZB Collective/BMG | Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com) plummeted 1-9 (#2-73 Billboard 200).

Former No.1 Kane Brown with sophomore album, entitled EXPERIMENT fell 9-10 (#79-82 BB200) in his 47th week as his self-titled album held No.14 (#111 non mover BB200).

Outside the Top 10

Former 6-week non-consecutive week No.1 Jason Aldean with REARVIEW TOWN (Macon/Broken Bow Records) fell 10-11 (#86-87 BB200) in his 77th week.

Former No.1 Thomas Rhett with CENTER POINT ROAD (Valory Music/ Big Machine Records) fell 8-12 (#74-94 BB200) in his 18th week.

Former No.1 Maren Morris with GIRL (Columbia Nashville/ Sony Music Nashville [SMN]) fell 12-13 (#100-103 BB200; 500 sales; 30-week total 72,800) in her 30th frame.

Former No.1 Kacey Musgraves with GOLDEN HOUR (MCA Nashville) rose 18-16 (#138-135 BB200; 1,700 sales; 74-week total 263,400) in her 74th frame.

Florida Georgia Line with CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY (Big Machine Label Group) fell 17-19 (#132-135 BB200; 700 sales; 33-week total 96,800) in their 33rd chart frame.

In his second week Riley Green with 14-track Different Round Here (BMLGR | Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com ) fell 11-20 (#95-178 Billboard 200; #8-21 Country Sales; 1,100 sales; 2-week total 3,300).

Former No.1 Carrie Underwood with CRY PRETTY dropped 22-24 (#184-195 BB200; 1,200 sales; 55-week total 507,900) in her 55th week.

Former No.1 The Highwomen (Low Country Sound/Elektra/EMG | Amazon UK - Amazon.com ) with their self-titled album retreated 13-25 (#106-200 BB200; 3,600 sales; total 46,100).  

Outside the Top 25

Billy Strings with 14-track bluegrass set HOME (Billy Strings |Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com ) made a debut at No.41 selling 3,600 copies.

Matt Stell with 7-track EVERYWHERE BUT ON (EP) (RECORDS, Arista Nashville | Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com) made a debut at No.46.

FALLING SHORT of Top 50:

On the Country Album Sales list (pure sales; old methodology)

Michaela Anne with 11-track DESERT DOVE (Yep Roc Records | Amazon UK - iTunes) made a debut at No.35 selling 600 copies.

Charlie Parr with 11-track Folk/Country set CHARLIE PARR (Red House | Amazon UK) made a debut at No.47. selling 300 copies.

Year-To-Date Albums

7,661,000 sales which is 28.1% down at the same point in 2018 (10,660,000 sales).

Album consumption is 39,993,000 units which is 6.4% up at the same point in 2018 (37,575,000 units)

Billboard Hot Country Songs (Chart issue week of October 12, 2019)

On Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart - which blends:

a) All-format airplay, as monitored by BDS

b) Sales, as tracked by Nielsen SoundScan and

c) Streaming, (tracked by Nielsen BDS from such services as Spotify, Muve, Slacker, Rhapsody, Rdio and Xbox Music, among others) according to BDS it results in:

Marshmello and Kane Brown’s “One Thing Right” (Joytime Collective/RCA Nashville) jumped 4-1 on Hot Country Songs, up 10% to 12.4 million U.S. streams and 9% to 10,000 sold.

Brown added his third No.1 on the tally following “Lose It,” which led the list dated Nov. 24, 2018, and “What Ifs” (featuring Lauren Alaina), which reigned for five weeks starting Oct. 21, 2017.

DJ Marshmello scored his first Hot Country Songs No. 1; he boasts three leaders on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, including “Happier” (with Bastille), which dominates for a record-extending 55th week.

Hot County Songs

** No.1 (1 week) ** “One Thing Right” Marshmello & Kane Brown

** Airplay Gainer” No.3 “Prayed For You” Matt Stell

** Digital Gainer/ Streaming Gainer ** No.16 “Heartache Medication” Jon Pardi

** Hot Shot Debut ** No.40 “10,000 Hours” Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber

Debut No.43 “Getting Good” Lauren Alaina

Debut No.48 “I Hope You're Happy Now” Carly Pearce & Lee Brice

Billboard Country Airplay (Chart issue week of October 12, 2019)

Matt Stell notched his first No.1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart as his launch single, “Prayed for You” (Wide Open/RECORDS/Good Company/Arista Nashville), rose 3-1 in its 37th week on the chart dated Oct. 12, up 5% to 37.5 million audience impressions in the week ending Oct.6, according to Nielsen Music.

On the airplay-, streaming- and sales-based Hot Country Songs list, “Prayed” jumped 8-3 for a new peak.

Penned by Stell, Ash Bowers (also Stell’s manager) and Allison Veltz, “Prayed” marked the first debut single from an artist to reach No. 1 on Country Airplay in 2019. It’s the first such leader since Jimmie Allen’s “Best Shot” began a three-week reign on the chart dated Nov. 24, 2018.

Stell breaks the longest dry spell between debut No.1s since 2014. On the tally dated that Dec. 20, Maddie & Tae led with “Girl in a Country Song,” the first introductory leader since Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” ruled for three weeks starting Dec. 15, 2012.

“As an artist and songwriter, this is always the goal you’re chasing,” Stell told Billboard of his coronation. “I’m really lucky to get to collaborate with my co-writers. Sharing this honor with them, as well as [my label] team, makes it even sweeter.”

Keith Urban banked his 40th Country Airplay top 10 as “We Were” (Hit Red/Capitol Nashville) bumped 11-10 (22.5 million impressions, up 1%). Urban earned his first top 10 since “Coming Home” (featuring Julia Michaels), which hit No.3 in August 2018. He first reached the region in August 2000 with the No. 4-peaking “Your Everything.”

Urban is the seventh artist to total at least 40 top 10s dating to the chart’s inception in January 1990, following George Strait (61), Tim McGraw (57), Kenny Chesney (55), Alan Jackson (51), Toby Keith (42) and Brooks & Dunn (41).

Pop superstar Justin Bieber made his first country chart appearance as his duet with Dan + Shay, “10,000 Hours” (Warner Music Nashville/ WAR), launched on Country Airplay at No. 20 with 10.9 million impressions in the week ending Oct. 6. Released Oct. 4, the song received hourly plays on its first day from participating iHeartMedia stations.

On Hot Country Songs, “Hours” entered at No. 40, entirely from its first three days of airplay; it should surge on the Oct. 19 chart following its first week of streaming and sales tracking (Oct. 4-10).

The track was co-written by Bieber, Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney), Jessie Jo Dillon, Jordan Reynolds and Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd.

Smyers also produced the track, which introduces Dan + Shay’s next album. (The duo is co-managed by Jason Owen and Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun.)

Country Airplay

*** No.1 (1 week) “Prayed For You” Matt Stell *** 37.469 million audience (+4.579 million) / 7439 radio plays (+921)

** Hot Shot Debut/ Most Increased Audience/ Most Added ** No.20 “10,000 Hours” Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber 10.885 million audience gain thanks to 90 fresh radio commitments (ADDS)

** ** No.54 “Why We Drink” Justin Moore

Billboard Country Digital Singles Chart

(Chart issue week of October 12, 2019)

Blanco Brown with “The Git Up” (Trailer Trap Music/BMG/Broken Bow) topped the summit for a 14th non-consecutive week (#7-12 Digital Songs; 11,000 sales; total 381,000).

It was 11 places behind Lizzo with "Truth" (Atlantic) which rebounded for a fifth week atop the Digital Song Sales chart, up 19% to 30,000 sold in the week ending Oct. 3, according to Nielsen Music, and topped Radio Songs for a third week, up 2% to 122 million audience impressions in the week ending Oct. 6. It roses 7-6 on Streaming Songs, up 1% to 27.8 million U.S. streams in the week ending Oct. 3.

Marshmello & Kane Brown with “One Thing Right” held at No.2 (#10-14 Digital Songs) in their 13th frame.

Luke Combs with “Even Though I'm Leaving” (River House/Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville) rose 4-3 (#13-15 Digital Songs) as “Beer Never Broke My Heart” fell 6-7 (#24-29 Digital Songs) in his 22nd frame.

Old Dominion with “One Man Band” (RCA Nashville) advanced 5-4 (#34-21 Digital Songs) in its 15th frame.

Lauren Alaina with “Getting Good” debuted her new single at No. 5 on Country Digital Song Sales (#21 New Entry Digital Songs; 7,000 sold) earning her fourth top 10 and her highest debut since her 2011 breakthrough “Like My Mother Did” arrived at No. 2. Alaina is currently competing on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars.

Chris Lane with “I Don't Know About You“ (Big Loud) pushed 13-6 (#45-27 Digital Songs)

Matt Stell with “Prayed For You” (Arista Nashville) held at No.8 (#28-31 Digital Songs; 5,000 sales; total 101,000).

Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins with “Hell Right” (Warner Music Nashville) moved 10-9 (#32-36 Digital Songs) in their 6th week. Additionally, 9 non-consecutive week No1. Blake Shelton with “God’s Country” (Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville) retreated 9-11 (#29-40 Digital Songs) in his 27th frame.

Carly Pearce & Lee Brice with “Hope You're Happy Now” (Big Machine) made a debut at No.10 (#37 New Entry Digital Songs) selling 5,000 copies.

Outside the Top 10

Kenny Chesney with “Tip Of My Tongue” (Blue Chair, Warner Music Nashville) fell 11-13 (#38-44 Digital Songs).

Luke Bryan with “Knockin' Boots” fell 7-14 (#27-45 Digital Songs) in his 27th week.

Ingrid Andress with “More Hearts Than Mine” (Atlantic, Warner Music Nashville) fell 23-24 in her 2nd frame 3,000 sales; total 37,000).
Falling Off The Chart

Lady Antebellum with ballad "Ocean" fell of the top 25 after debuting at No. 3 the previous week (2,000 sales; 2-week total 12,000).

Country Aircheck MEDIABASE Chart

October 7, 2019

Carrie Underwood Takes #1 Spot With 'Southbound'

Congrats to Carrie Underwood, Royce Risser, Bobby Young, David Friedman, Chris Schuler and the entire Capitol promotion team on landing this week’s No. 1 with “Southbound.” The song is the third single from Cry Pretty. Writers are David Garcia, Josh Miller and Underwood.

“Southbound” (Capitol) climbed 2-1 logging 8,128 radio spins (+1,123), 46.777 million audience impressions (+7.484) with 25720 Total Points (+3611) from 157 tracking stations (157 ADDS) for the tracking week September 29 to October 5, 2019 and published chart dated October 7, 2019.

Kudos to James Marsh and the WAR team on securing 112 adds for Dan + Shay’s “10,000 Hours” featuring Justin Bieber. The song topped the "Most Added" board this chart week.

 

Warner Music Nashville's Kati Salverson (l), Taylor Aretz (c) and Kate Myers (r) celebrated Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber being most-added at Country radio this week with their new single, "10,000 Hours

Mediabase Adds (Selective)

Artist/Title (Label)        TW       Total Historic Adds

DAN + SHAY & JUSTIN BIEBER/10,000 Hours (Warner/WAR)    112       112      

CARLY PEARCE & LEE BRICE/I Hope You're Happy Now (Big Machine/Curb)     59         68        

LAUREN ALAINA/Getting Good (Mercury)         48         49        

CRAIG MORGAN/The Father, My Son, And The... (Broken Bow) 16         23        

JUSTIN MOORE/Why We Drink (Valory)            16         57        

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Blessings (BMLGR)   15         75        

THOMPSON SQUARE/Masterpiece (Davmo)     13         47        

JASON ALDEAN/We Back (Macon Music/Broken Bow)   12         150      

ERIC CHURCH/Monsters (EMI Nashville)           10         115      

MADDIE & TAE/Die From A Broken Heart (Mercury)       10         103      

RILEY GREEN/I Wish Grandpas Never Died (BMLGR)    9          109      

KELSEA BALLERINI/Homecoming Queen? (Black River)           6          147      

GEORGE STRAIT/The Weight Of The Badge (MCA)       5          30        

KANE BROWN/Homesick (RCA)            5          119      

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Over Drinking (Capitol)         5          60        

TENILLE TOWNES/Jersey On The Wall (I'm Just...) (Columbia)  5          30        

INGRID ANDRESS/More Hearts Than Mine (Warner/WEA)          4          119      

MAREN MORRIS/The Bones (Columbia)            4          84        

CAYLEE HAMMACK/Family Tree (Capitol)        3          116      

HARDY f/T. RHETT/Nothin' Out Here (TVM/Big Loud)     1          2         

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Fooled Around And Fell In Love (RCA)      1          1         

NEONPPL/Love2Love (---)         1          2         

For a detailed report check out Country Aircheck Weekly October 7, 2019, Issue 673  - Magazine View

For the very latest up to the minute Mediabase Chart (Past 7 Days) go here - www.mediabase.com

Billboard Boxscores (Selective Country concerts)

Rank Artist: #9

Event Venue City/State: Keith Urban The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Nev.

Dates: Sept 06-07, 2019 Gross Sales: $1,326,472 Attend: 8247/8247

Shows/ Sellouts: 2/2 ** SOLD OUT ** Prices: $214, $154, $94, $54

Promoters: Live Nation, Caesars Entertainment

Rank Artist: #10

Event Venue City/State: Thomas Rhett Hersheypark Stadium Hershey, Pa.

Dates: Jul. 20, 2019 Gross Sales: $1,297,505 Attend: 22,820/ 26,878

Shows/ Sellouts: 1/0 (4,058 unsold tickets) Prices: $109.25, $35.25

Promoters: Live Nation

Rank Artist: #14

Event Venue City/State: Thomas Rhett Darien Lake Performing Arts Center Darien Center, N.Y.

Dates: July 19, 2019 Gross Sales: $1,086,520 Attend: 20239/20590

Shows/ Sellouts: 1/0 (351 unsold tickets) Prices: $109.25, $35.25

Promoters: Live Nation

Rank Artist: #24

Event Venue City/State: Eric Church Chase Center San Francisco, Calif.

Dates: Sep. 28, 2019 Gross Sales: $843,426 Attend: 11935/11935

Shows/ Sellouts: 1/1 ** SOLD OUT ** Prices: $149, $15

Promoters: Messina Touring Group/AEG Presents

Rank Artist: #32

Event Venue City/State: Brandi Carlile Hearst Greek Theatre Berkeley, Calif.

Dates: Sep. 21-22, 2019 Gross Sales: $656,682 Attend: 11349/13334

Shows/ Sellouts: 2/0 (1,985 unsold tickets) Prices: $96, $40.50

Promoters: Another Planet Entertainment

Rank Artist: #37

Event Venue City/State: Miranda Lambert Huntington Center Toledo, Ohio

Dates: Sep. 20, 2019 Gross Sales: $493,876 Attend: 5558/6290

Shows/ Sellouts: 1/0 ** SOLD OUT ** (732 unsold tickets) Prices: $90.75, $50.75

Promoters: Live Nation

Latest Billboard Boxscore Chart