(Nashville, Tennessee — February 19, 2026) — Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced that award-winning broadcaster and nationally recognized country radio personality Elaina Smith will return as host of the New Faces of Country Music® Show during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026, taking place March 18–20, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
A trusted voice in the format, Smith is widely known as host of the nationally syndicated program “Backstage Country,” as well as for her previous work on “Nights with Elaina” and her Breaking Thru with Elaina podcast, which highlights rising talent and industry voices. A multi-year host of the New Faces of Country Music® Show, Smith brings deep knowledge of the artists and a strong connection to the country radio community, making her a natural fit to lead one of CRS’s most anticipated events.
Co-partnered by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the show will spotlight a standout class of emerging artists who have achieved significant momentum at country radio during the qualification period leading into CRS 2026. This year’s performers include Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick, and Josh Ross.
For more than five decades, the New Faces of Country Music® Show has served as a defining moment in the careers of many of the format’s most successful artists and remains a must-attend event for radio programmers, label executives, and industry tastemakers.
Registration for CRS 2026 is no longer available online and will be available exclusively on-site at the current rate of $799 through the start of the event. A limited number of New Faces of Country Music® tickets remain available for $110 and are sold separately. Special rates will also continue to be available and include the $199 student rate for currently enrolled students and $349 day passes (limit two per person), which provide full access to all programming, sessions, panels, speakers, networking events, and luncheons for a selected day. Members of WMBA, IBA, and SOLID can also take advantage of a dedicated $450 industry organization rate.
For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com and follow CRS on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also call 615-327-4487 for additional information
About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is an annual convention meticulously designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster the exchange of business practices within the country music industry. With a specific focus on matters relevant to country radio, CRS serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to thrive and contribute. The dates for CRS 2026 are March 18–20.
About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®: Established in 1969, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc ® is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization that serves as a unifying force, connecting radio broadcasters worldwide with the dynamic country music industry. Our mission is to ensure its vitality and foster growth within the industry.
