weekly December 9 2024, Issue 939
On Fire:Wallen, Big Loud, Smith Top ‘24
The three-peat is on as Morgan Wallen is Country radio’s top airplay performer for 2024, as he was the prior two years. His six top 10s and eight charting singles during the airplay window (Nov. 12, 2023 to Nov. 9, 2024) is as dominant a performance as any artist over the last 30 years. Unsurprisingly, Wallen’s performance was central in driving Big Loud to its second-straight Label of the Year crown. (See lists of top songs, performers and labels on page 4) The No. 2 overall airplay performer this year was Jelly Roll, up from No. 7 in 2023. He’s followed by Nate Smith, Lainey Wilson and Luke Combs. Wilson was the year’s top female artist, followed by Morgan Megan Moroney; Dan + Jelly Roll Wallen Shay and Parmalee take the top two slots the Duo/ Group category, respectively. Shocking no one, Post Malone was the top New Artist, followed by Warren Zeiders, Shaboozey, Drew Baldridge and Chayce Beckham. Lainey Luke Combs Wilson Speaking of Smith, he claimed the most-heard song of 2024 with “World On Fire.” Zeiders’ “Pretty Little Poison” ranked No. 2; with Jelly Roll w/Lainey Wilson’s “Save Me,” Sam Hunt’s “Outskirts” and Bailey Zimmerman’s “Where It Ends” rounding out the top five. As always, airplay is measured by Country Aircheck’s friends and partners at Mediabase. Full details including the Top 100 songs, Top Performers in all categories and more will be published in the December print edition of Country Aircheck, out next week. (continued on page 7)
Fire Distinguisher: RCA’s Nate Smith (holding plaque) celebrates ”World On Fire” landing atop the Top 100 songs of 2024 (full list in this month’s Country Aircheck print issue). Pictured (l-r) are Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, the label’s Randy Goodman and Lauren Thomas, Country Aircheck’s Chuck Aly, the label’s Mallory Michaels, Country Aircheck’s Lon Helton and the label’s Steve Hodges.
Country Radio’s Giving Season
Anyone needing their faith in humanity restored can look no further than Country radio staff and listeners, who’ve been amassing millions over the past week during annual radiothons and other events, the vast majority benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The total collected so far exceeds $15 million. Radiothons are demanding, require long hours and can be emotionally draining, but are a compelling reminder of the relevance and community inherent in Country radio and its listenership. Country Aircheck salutes all those involved for a job well done. See this year’s results in the table on page 9 and the photos on page 10.
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