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Derek Bruner Launches Verity Artist Management With Cochren & Co., Rhett Walker & More

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Longtime artist manager Derek Bruner has launched the new management company Verity Artist Management after 12 years with First Company Management.

Verity Artist Management, based in Franklin, Tenn., has launched with clients including Contemporary Christian Music artists Rhett Walker, Cochren and Co., MacKenzie Phillips, Holly Halliwell and 7eventh Time Down, who all join from First Company.

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Bruner says he decided to launch the new company in June, telling Billboard, “I spoke to some of the artists I worked with, and they were like, ‘Yeah, we’d love to come with you. We love working with you,’ so it’s been an honor and joy to start this.”

Bruner notes that the company is gearing up to add day-to-day staff.

“I’m definitely looking to expand, but also looking to do this in the right way, take care of what I have, [and] be a good shepherd to these artists,” Bruner says.

Cochren & Co., which is signed with Gotee Records, has notched Billboard Christian Airplay chart hits including “Running Home” and “Money Can’t Buy,” while Walker, signed to BEC Recordings, has earned Christian Airplay hits including “Gospel Song” and “When Mercy Found Me.” Bruner has managed 7eventh Time Down (known for songs such as “God Is on the Move”) for nearly 20 years, even prior to his work with First Company. The Gotee Records-signed Phillips recently released the song “Kindness of Your Heart,” while Halliwell released the new song “Salt.”

“Derek Bruner has always been able to be five steps ahead of what’s trending, looking ahead and helping to push his artists’ platforms,” Walker told Billboard in a statement. “I’m excited to see him be able to chase his passions, full speed, with his new company and the lanes it will open up for his artists.”

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“I’ve watched Derek Bruner lead with integrity and vision for years, and Verity Artists is the natural next step of that,” added Mikey Howard of 7eventh Time Down. “This company isn’t just about managing artists — it’s about believing in them, standing for truth, and building something that lasts. I couldn’t be more excited to see Verity Artists shine a light in this industry.”

Cochren & Co. said in a statement, “I first met Derek when I was an opener at a show near my hometown in Indiana. Over the past several years I’ve seen firsthand his integrity, knowledge, and hard work in this industry. I’m excited to work with him in this new season.”

Bruner moved to Nashville in 1997 and has worked in areas including radio promotion, artist management and touring, with roles as tour manager and front of house for the group Jump5; booking agent at Vanguard Entertainment; and radio promotion/A&R for Slanted Records/Spring Hill Music Group. He previously launched the management company Caliber Group. For the past dozen years, Bruner worked in management at First Company Management, which was founded by music executive Wes Campbell in 1995 and is known for its work with CCM group Newsboys, among others.


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Kendrick Lamar, Clipse & Doechii Show Rap Can Shine in Every Style With 2026 Grammy Noms

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On Friday (Nov. 7), the Recording Academy unveiled the nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, and as always, the hip-hop world has plenty to celebrate and debate. With everyone on pins and needles, this year’s lineup delivers no shortage of storylines, surprises and standout performances from rap’s elite.

For the second consecutive year, Kendrick Lamar leads all contenders with a staggering nine nominations, courtesy of his late-2024 masterclass, GNX. After last year’s dominant run, capped by him ultimately claiming song and record of the year for “Not Like Us” at the Grammys in February, Lamar is looking to go back-to-back, with “Luther” also recognized in both categories. Joining him in the Big Four categories are fellow rap titans Tyler, The Creator and the Clipse, both of whom are nominated for album of the year. Tyler’s Chromokopia flexed his creative range and unfiltered candor, while Clipse’s unapologetic return to their trademark druglord narratives with Let God Sort Em Out sparked a wave of critical acclaim and Grammy contention.

The women of hip-hop also showed out in this year’s nominations, further proving the genre’s depth. Doechii, Cardi B, and GloRilla each earned major recognition, underscoring why rap remains in a healthy, evolving place despite outside noise. Doechii, who claimed best rap album last year, scored six more nominations on the strength of her viral smash “Anxiety” and the enduring impact of Alligator Bites Never Heal. Likewise, GloRilla’s 2024 comeback has catapulted her back to the top of the food chain, marking a powerful redemption run.

See what else Billboard has to say about this year’s hip-hop nominees below.

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From The Weeknd to Gracie Abrams, Which Snubbed Artist Should’ve Gotten a 2026 Grammy Nod? Vote!

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Numerous artists are currently flying high after scoring 2026 Grammy nominations on Friday (Nov. 7) –but there are also several major contenders who didn’t get quite as lucky.

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Despite garnering major award buzz this past year, stars such as The Weeknd, Gracie Abrams and Alex Warren didn’t get recognized in certain categories, which were unveiled Friday morning in a livestream on the Grammy website. The absence of the artist born Abel Tesfaye from the nominations list was particularly noticeable, as he had just reconciled with the academy last year and dropped Billboard 200-topping album Hurry Up Tomorrow in February. But while Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter and Bad Bunny got honors in the album of the year category, The Weeknd did not.

Both Abrams and Warren were also excluded from the major categories, with neither “That’s So True” nor “Ordinary” getting song or record of the year consideration, even though those were two of the biggest Billboard Hot 100-charting tracks of the year. Warren at least scored a nod for best new artist, but that category was also missing several big names, including Zach Top, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley and Ravyn Lenae.

The producer of the year, non classical category will turn heads for the second year in a row as well, as Jack Antonoff — who was notably excluded from the list in 2025 — once again did not make the cut. That comes in spite of his work on two album of theyear contenders, Lamar’s GNX and Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, both of which spent time at No. 1 on the U.S. albums chart. Instead, Dan Auerbach, Cirkut, Dijon, Blake Mills and Sounwave will fight it out for the prize.

But while the academy’s word is final, it’s your turn to share how you feel about the outcome of the initial voting process this year. Have any strong feelings on which snubbed artist was the most deserving of recognition? We want to know.

Tell us who you think should have been nominated in a category they were shut out of by voting in the poll below.

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Pete Davidson Surprises on ‘SNL,’ Jokes About Ferry Boat He Bought With Colin Jost: Watch

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Pete Davidson returned to Saturday Night Live for a surprise appearance on Nov. 8.

The comedian and actor, who was an SNL cast member from 2014 to 2022, crashed the “Weekend Update” segment to poke fun at a recent article about a decommissioned Staten Island ferry he purchased with Colin Jost in 2022. The two had planned to transform the vessel into an upscale entertainment venue.

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The New York Times recently ran an article calling the Staten Island Ferry that I purchased with Pete Davidson a ‘money-losing fiasco.’ With more on this, is Pete Davidson,” Jost said in introducing The King of Staten Island star.

“Colin, you’re looking great as ever. [Michael] Che, starting to crack,” Davidson joked, mentioning his recent appearance at the 2025 Riyadh Comedy Festival and that he’s expecting his first child.

“So yeah, in case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia, we’re losing millions on this ferry,” he continued. “I assume that’s what the article says. I can’t spend $5 on a paywall when I got a kid on the way.”

Davidson and Jost then continued trading jokes about the 2,109-ton ferry, which they bought at a New York auction for $280,100.

“We even gave the boat a new name,” Davidson said. “We thought the Staten Island Ferry sounded too depressing, so now it’s called the Titanic 2.” Jost added, “That’s right, and it’s actually going very well. Recently, we got paid by Nike to put an ad on it for the New York City Marathon.”

Earlier on Saturday, Davidson told People that he’d “do anything” for SNL boss Lorne Michaels, saying he’d return to the show if asked.

“I had a great time hosting last time, and anytime you get that call, it’s an honor and a privilege,” the eight-season SNL vet said. “It’s always relevant, it’s a hot show. People look forward to it, and the cast is great.”

Saturday’s episode was hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, with singer-songwriter Sombr serving as the musical guest.

Watch SNL’s “Weekend Update” segment with Davidson below, and find all the ways to stream the full episode here.

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