Country music witnessed remarkable shifts in 2024, with both significant gains and losses. Post Malone emerged as a prominent figure, while Kris Kristofferson and Toby Keith faced setbacks. The genre remained in the spotlight, yet women's music faced limited play on country radio. However, doors opened for others, like Shaboozey and Malone, who made their mark on the country charts. Here are five key stories from Nashville's country music scene in 2024.

Women's Ascent in Leadership

Before Cris Lacy and Ben Kline took over as chairman/CEO at Warner Music Nashville in 2022, no women held top positions in major labels in Nashville. By January 1, 2024, women will helm or co-helm all major labels. Cindy Mabe took over as chairman and CEO of UMG Nashville in 2023, and Taylor Lindsey will succeed Randy Goodman as chairman/CEO of Sony Music Nashville on January 1. This shift shows the growing influence of women in the industry.Women in Country Radio: A Glass CeilingWhile women now dominate leadership roles in Nashville, the same cannot be said for country radio. Billboard's Country Airplay chart tracks popularity on country radio. Until December 6, 2024, no female artist had a No. 1 radio hit. Ella Langley and Riley Green ended this streak when "You Look Like You Love Me" topped the charts. This highlights the ongoing challenge for female artists in getting airplay.Country Music's DiversificationOut-of-genre artists like Beyonce and Post Malone releasing country albums in 2024 sparked a big conversation. Country music embraced Post Malone, and fans also loved Shaboozey. Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" was a 19-week No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 and a 7-week No. 1 on Country Airplay. He's a five-time Grammy nominee. Hispanic country artists like MŌRIAH with "Hasta Mañana" and Cash Cortes with "Poor Man's Gold" are on the verge of breaking through. Angie K made her Grand Ole Opry debut to standing ovations.Morgan Wallen's Comeback and DisappearanceMorgan Wallen has had his share of public mishaps since 2021. But 2024 was a big year for him as he became the first artist to have five No. 1 songs on Billboard's Country Airplay chart. His hits included collaborations like "Cowgirls" with Ernest and "I Had Some Help" with Post Malone. However, he faced controversy when he didn't attend the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year ceremony despite winning. He also stepped up in hurricane relief efforts in East Tennessee.Legends Lost and CrownedIn 2024, country music mourned the loss of genre stalwarts like Kris Kristofferson, Toby Keith, and Joe Bonsall. But the community also welcomed new greats into the Country Music Hall of Fame. This year's class included Toby Keith, John Anderson, and James Burton. These events marked a mix of loss and celebration in the country music world.