“How Close” (Will You Stand By Me) is a brand new single from Michele Bettencourt with Vampire Time featuring the amazing Sari Greenberg. It’s the follow up to the chart topping “Gilded Age” that ranked #1 on both the AC40 & Top40 charts at National Radio Hits, on the Independent Music Network’s Mainstream Top30. In addition, the single reach Top5 positions at New Music Weekly & Top45 on the Mediabase Top40 Activator chart. Make sure to visit www.licoricepizza.com for sales and additional information on this brilliant chart-breaking act. The music world is now in for a thrill with the release of “How Close”(Will You Stand By Me) from Michele Bettencourt and Vampire Time featuring the brilliant vocals of Sari Greenberg.
Additional Artist/Song Information:
Artist Name: Michele Bettencourt w/Vampire Time & Sari Greenberg
Song Title: How Close
Publishing: Michele Bettencourt Music
Publishing Affiliation: BMI
Album Title: How Close
Record Label: Licorice Pizza
The mainstream Top40 radio landscape continues to be a high-stakes battleground for chart position, characterized by an intense tug-of-war between major label powerhouses and a rapidly rising class of independent breakouts. As the summer season approaches, programmers are locking in their playlists, balancing massive multi-format collaborations with fresh indie singles that are capturing significant listener engagement.
Major Labels Maintain Dominant Chart Momentum
Justin Bieber
Major label heavyweights are securing prime real estate on the dial, fueled by high-velocity releases from format staples. Leading the charge is Gracie Abrams with her tracking single “Hit The Wall” (Interscope/ICLG), moving alongside Justin Bieber’s highly buzzed-about record “SPEED DEMON” (Def Jam/Republic). Concurrently, Sabrina Carpenter is landing a definitive listener favorite with her latest track, “House Tour” (Island/Republic). Backed by aggressive label infrastructure and undeniable commercial momentum, all three artists are primed for significant chart climbs in the coming weeks.
A powerful wave of cross-format contenders is also moving up the ranks. Shakira & Burna Boy are finding massive multi-format appeal and cross-cultural traction with their vibrant collaboration, “Dai Dai” (Sony Music Latin). At the same time, Meghan Trainor is watching her audience base consistently expand as “Shimmer” (Epic) gains steady programmer additions, while Teddy Swims forges a deep, soul-stirring connection with listeners and programmers alike via “Mr. Know It All” (Warner).
Rising Contenders & Emerging Voices
Epic Records has secured a reliable chart winner with Zara Larsson’s “Lush Life,” which continues its steady and dependable upward trajectory. Simultaneously, Dominic Fike’s “Babydoll” (Columbia) is successfully converting massive streaming metrics into mainstream radio airplay traction, while global powerhouse group Monsta X expands their international reach into the Top40 mainstream with “Heal” (Intertwine).
The lineup of exciting new talent and emerging voices includes Sienna Spiro, the Capitol/ICLG newcomer who is rapidly turning heads and earning critical early programmer nods for her stunning single “Die On This Hill.” She is joined by Olivia Dean, who brings an undeniable, infectious charm to the airwaves with “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” (Island/Republic), and Madison Beer, who is deliberately building a loyal radio audience with the steady momentum of “bittersweet” (Sing It Loud/Epic).
Nostalgic Returns and Summer Airplay Velocity
Warner’s own Sombr is making undeniable strides with “Homewrecker,” capturing valuable visibility and steady rotation across the format. Generating a unique wave of nostalgic excitement is Michael Damian’s collaboration with John Waite on “Rock On 26” (Weir Brothers/Virgin Music Group). For long-time radio professionals and fans, this marks a historic milestone—Damian’s original iteration of “Rock On” famously topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart over three decades ago on June 3, 1989. Driven by strong airplay, growing fan engagement, and strategic label backing, these major-label mainstays possess the necessary velocity to stay permanently fixed on seasonal playlists and countdowns throughout the summer and beyond.
Sombr
Independent Formats Move to Center Stage
Independent artists are matching the major labels step-for-step, proving that independent hustle and targeted promotion translate directly into radio success. Orly Bekiri’s “Strawberry Girl” (Ni Music Group) is drawing steady programmer attention, while Michele Bettencourt and Vampire Time slice through the mainstream noise with the unique styling of “Gilded Age” (Licorice Pizza). Additionally, Audrey Meigel is making an explosive entrance on the dial with her breakout single “Sun Kissed Breeze,” cementing her position as one of indie music’s brightest emerging stars.
The independent charge continues to gain rapid field traction across the industry. Coso McWhispers is turning heads with the rising single “Crossed Up” (Mask), while Irene Michaels delivers an undeniable breakout statement with her tracking hit “Timeless” (Copper Road/Del Oro Music), which has officially emerged as one of the season’s strongest indie success stories. Meanwhile, industry buzz continues to build around Joe Gundrum’s debut single “Big City Life.” Programmers are already predicting this promising newcomer has a major chart-breaker on his hands, making him an artist that radio listeners should keep a close eye on.
Michele Bettencourt & her Vampire Time band have a brand new single at Mainstream radio entitled “Guiled Age” (Licorice Pizza). It’s the follow-up to the chart topping singles “Vampire Time” and the debut Chart-breaker “Everybody Loves A Circus”. Michele Bettencourt & Vampire Time recently won Mainstream Breakout Single of the year for “Everybody Loves A Circus” (Licorice Pizza) during the annual Independent Music Network Awards. The group is also nominated for this year’s New Music Weekly Awards. Visit licoricepizza.com for additional information. With the release of “Gilded Age” (Licorice Pizza) the best is yet to come for the brilliant Michele Bettencourt & the Vampire Time band.
Additional Artist/Song Information:
Artist Name: Michele Bettencourt w/Vampire Time
Song Title: Gilded Age
Publishing: Michele Bettencourt Music
Publishing Affiliation: BMI
Album Title: Gilded Age
Record Label: Licorice Pizza
Record Label:
Licorice Pizza
Kerry Brown
3236587449
masika@aol.com
Radio Promotion:
National Record Promotion
Larry Weir
3236587449
larry_weir@sbcglobal.net
New Music Weekly has officially revealed the nominations for the 2026 New Music Awards, kicking off another year of celebrating the artists, radio programmers, and industry professionals who help shape today’s music landscape. This year’s ballot reflects the continued rise of both chart‑topping stars and fast‑growing independent voices.
Among the major‑label standouts earning top recognition are Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone, and Teddy Swims—all of whom have dominated playlists, airwaves, and fan conversations throughout the past year. On the independent side, Michele Bettencourt, John Jurney, and Eileen Carey lead a diverse group of emerging and established indie artists whose momentum has been impossible to ignore.
The New Music Awards also extend beyond artists, honoring the essential contributors behind the scenes. This year’s nominations include a wide range of radio stations, program directors, music directors, and industry executives, acknowledging their ongoing commitment to breaking new music and supporting rising talent.
For the first time this cycle, fans and subscribers will play an even more active role in determining the winners. Voting is now open on the New Music Weekly website, giving music lovers the chance to directly influence the outcome of one of the industry’s most inclusive award platforms.
Meanwhile, the magazine is already in pre‑production for a special NMA Nominees Edition, which will spotlight this year’s contenders with expanded features, artist reflections, and behind‑the‑scenes insights. Nominees are encouraged to participate, and many are expected to share their excitement and achievements within this commemorative issue. Special advertising opportunities tied to the NMA nominations are now available through New Music Weekly.
Fans, artists, and industry members can explore the full list of nominees and cast their votes by visiting the NMA Ballot
Top40/CHR Song of the Year:
“Abracadabra” Lady Gaga
“Anxiety” Doechii
“Apt.” Rosé and Bruno Mars
“DtMF” Bad Bunny
“Manchild” Sabrina Carpenter
“Testimony” Cabela & Schmitt
“Wildflower” Billie Eilish
Top40/CHR Male Artist of the Year:
Alex Warren
Bad Bunny
Benson Boone
Myles Smith
Jelly Roll
Justin Bieber
Weeknd
Top40/CHR Female Artist of the Year:
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Chappell Roan
Doechii
Lady Gaga
Raye
Sabrina Carpenter
Taylor Swift
Top40/CHR Group of the Year:
Clipse, Pusha T, and Malice
Huntr/X, Ejae, Audrey, Nuna, Rei Ami
Kendrick Lamar with SZA
Rosé and Bruno Mars
New Top40/CHR Artist/Group of the Year:
Addison Rae
Katseye
Leon Thomas
Lola Young
MGK
Olivia Dean
Sombr
Top40/CHR Breakthrough Artist of the Year:
Cabela & Schmitt
Huntr/x
Lola Young
PT The Gospel Spitter
Turnstile
Zara Larsson
Top40/CHR Radio Station of the Year:
KLQQ
KQID
KRYC
KSPI
Top40/CHR Program/Music Director of the Year:
Dan Mathews
Jason Kranz
Jim Koski
Joshua Godwin
Top40/CHR Record Label of the Year:
BMG
Columbia
Sony
Universal
AC Song of the Year:
“Holy Water” Marshmello & Jell Roll
“Love Me Not” Ravyn Lenae
“Manchild” Sabrina Carpenter
“Mystical Magical” Benson Boone
“Ordinary” Alex Warren
“Revolving Door” Tate McRae
“Undressed” Sombr
“Wildflower” Billie Eilish
AC Male Artist of the Year:
Benson Boone
John Jurney
Justin Bieber
Myles Smith
Sombr
AC Female Artist of the Year:
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Chappell Roan
Eileen Carey
Ravyn Lenae
Sabrina Carpenter
Sarah Reeves
AC Group of the Year:
Alex Warren w/Rose
Harper Grace w/Kelsey Hart
Jonas Brothers
OneRepublic
Maroon 5 & Lil Wayne
Marshmello & Jell Roll
Morgan Wallen w/Tate McRae
New AC Artist/Group of the Year:
Bad Suns
Blackpink
Head And The Heart
Huntr/X
Luchino
Michele Bettencourt w/Vampire Time’s
The Grimm
AC Breakthrough Artist of the Year:
Cabela & Schmitt
DPB w/Ouiwey Collins
John Jurney
Lana Del Rey
Lawrence Cameron McGhee
Shinedown
AC Radio Station of the Year:
KKUL
Radio Max Music
WDNH
WNHE-1
WOCO
AC Program/Music Director of the Year:
Brigitte Reinert
Larry Kazynsnki
Michael Stanton
Ron Dale
Ron Kovacs
AC Record Label of the Year:
Atlantic
Sony
UMG
WMG
Country Song of the Year:
“A Song To Sing” Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
“Good Times & Tan Lines” Zach Top
“I Got Better” Morgan Wallen
“Happen To Me” Russell Dickerson
“Heart Of Stone” Jelly Roll
“Nose On The Grindstone” Tyler Childers
Country Male Artist of the Year:
Blake Shelton
Jelly Roll
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Rob Georg
Russell Dickerson
Zach Top
Country Female Artist of the Year:
Dasha
Kelsea Ballerini
Lainey Wilson
Margo Price
Megan Moroney
Miranda Lambert
Country Group of the Year:
Brandon Lake w/Jelly Roll
Lauren Alaina w/Chase Matthew
Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Parmalee
Rascal Flatts & Jonas Brothers
Riley Green w/Ella Langley
Scotty McCreery w/Hootie & The Blowfish
Tim McGraw w/Parker McCollum
New Country Artist/Group of the Year:
Ella Langley
Greyland James
Gigi Perez
Hudson Westbrook
Joshua Slone
Tucker Wetmore
Zach Top
Country Breakthrough Artist of the Year:
Bailey Zimmerman
Corey Kent
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Riley Green
Shaboozey
Zach Bryan
Zach Top
Country Radio Station of the Year of the Year:
Country Bear
Hot Country 102
KDKD
KGFY
KKUL Country
KOKX
WOCO
Country Program/Music Director of the Year:
Brian Dougherty
Jay McRae
Larry Kaszynski
Randy Gerrald
Stan Edwards
Steve Stevens
Thomas Barstow
Country Record Label of the Year:
RCA
Stoney Creek
Sony
UMG
WMG
Crossover Artist/Band of the Year:
Jelly Roll
Post Malone
The Grimm
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