At a press conference this afternoon (1/13), newly merged Show Dog-Universal announced Trace Adkins has been added to the artist roster. More information as we get it!

Country Aircheck recently released their 2009 Airplay Stats list and Randy Houser ranked No. 1 in the New Artist category. Houser also had two songs in the Top 100 of 2009 – “Boots On” ranked No. 17, while “Anything Goes” ranked No. 75. Also of note, “Boots On” reached Top 2 on Billboard and Mediabase charts and spent two weeks at No. 1 on Music Row charts.

Earning New Artist and Video of the Year nominations for the 43rd Annual CMA Awards, Houser, along with Good Morning America host, Robin Roberts, presented the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift.

In fall of 2009, Houser co-headlined CMT ON TOUR 09: JAMEY JOHNSON AND RANDY HOUSER, making stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Kansas City, and St. Louis, among 26 other markets. Tourmate Jamey Johnson is quoted as exclaiming: “I watched a blind man jump to his feet and drop his crutches the first time he heard Randy Houser sing.” Los Angeles Times’ Randy Lewis also noted Houser as one of 2009’s “notable breakthroughs” in country music while CMT dubbed 2009 “ a whirlwind year” for the bright new country star.

Houser’s current single, “Whistlin’ Dixie,” debuted with 36 first-week stations on board and is No. 35 on Billboard/BDS and quickly ascending on the charts. The recording will appear on Houser’s sophomore album scheduled for release this spring. Most recently, CMT.com named him one of 2009’s Top 10 New Artists.