Generations of Grit: Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina Set for “The Conversation” at CRS 2026
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has officially raised the stakes for its 2026 programming, announcing that trailblazing icon Jo Dee Messina and history-making powerhouse Ella Langley will take the stage for this year’s installment of “The Conversation.” Scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel, this keynote session promises to be one of the most anticipated moments of the three-day seminar. Sponsored by SPARC Media Hub, the session offers an intimate, unscripted exchange between two women who represent the past, present, and future of country music.
A Rare “Fly-on-the-Wall” Experience
Now in its third year, “The Conversation” has quickly become a signature series for CRS. The format is simple yet profound: pair two artists from different stages of their careers for a candid, peer-to-peer dialogue. There are no moderators—just two artists asking each other the questions that matter.
Previous years have set a high bar, featuring legendary pairings such as Trisha Yearwood with Lainey Wilson and Eric Church with Jelly Roll. By bringing together Messina and Langley, CRS 2026 continues the tradition of bridging generational gaps to provide attendees with raw insights into the realities of the music business.
The Icon: Jo Dee Messina
Jo Dee Messina is far more than a hitmaker; she is a “North Star” for the industry. With a career defined by powerhouse vocals and an undeniable stage presence, her legacy includes:
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9 Number-One Hits and 16 Top 40 songs.
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Accolades and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys.
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Cultural Resurgence: Her influence is felt deeply in modern country, from Cole Swindell’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California” tribute to covers by Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane.
Messina paved the way for the independent, high-energy female voices that dominate the charts today, proving that authenticity is the ultimate currency in Nashville.
The Powerhouse: Ella Langley
Representing the new vanguard is Ella Langley, an artist whose ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. Known for her sharp-witted songwriting and “no-nonsense” authenticity, Langley recently achieved a feat never before seen in the genre:
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Historic Chart Run: She became the first female artist in history to simultaneously top the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts.
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Award-Winning Start: With four CMA Awards and five ACM Awards already under her belt, she has transitioned from a rising star to a foundational pillar of the next chapter of country music.
CRS 2026: What You Need to Know
Beyond “The Conversation,” CRS 2026 (running March 18–20) is packed with educational panels, networking events, and marquee showcases like the New Faces of Country Music® Show.
Registration and Pricing
While online registration has officially closed, industry professionals and fans can still secure their spot through on-site registration in Nashville.