Industry Highlights: Alicia Keys Joins CAA, SONA Opens Emerging Songwriter Award, Prescription Songs Signs Rich Harris, CMA Launches Womens Leadership Academy
Alicia Keys has signed a comprehensive representation deal with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), while the Songwriters of North America (SONA) announced the opening of nominations for its 2026 Emerging Songwriter Award. In Nashville, Prescription Songs added producer‑songwriter‑engineer Rich Harris to its roster, and the Country Music Association (CMA) revealed the newest cohort for its Women’s Leadership Academy.
The Keys‑CAA deal, confirmed by Variety, covers all areas of the singer‑songwriter’s career. Keys, who has sold an estimated 65 million records worldwide and whose 2001 debut album Songs in A Minor remains a commercial and critical milestone, is also the creator of the Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen. The musical, which won two Tony Awards and a 2025 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, showcases Keys’ songwriting and lyrical work. Keys is a founding member of the nonprofit She Is the Music, which advances women’s careers in music. She is currently managed by Roc Nation and had previously been represented by WME for nearly 15 years.
SONA’s Emerging Songwriter Award, launched in partnership with YouTube Songwriters, is now accepting nominations through Friday, August 14, 2026. The award is open to SONA members who have released at least three songs publicly in the past two years and have written at least three songs cut by other artists. Five finalists will be selected by the SONA membership and announced at the Annual SONA Awards on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Finalists receive a package that includes priority invitations to YouTube events, strategy sessions with the YouTube team, and opportunities to perform at select SONA events. “SONA has always been built on a simple idea: by Songwriters, for Songwriters,” said Michelle Lewis, SONA Co‑Founder and CEO. “It’s Songwriters celebrating Songwriters, and recognizing the incredible new voices shaping what comes next.”
Prescription Songs, a Nashville‑based music publishing company, announced the signing of Rich Harris. Harris, who has worked with artists such as SZA, DJ Khaled, and Sexyy Red, also has a background in commercial work. The signing was led by A&R representatives Chris Martingago and Sophia Battaglia in partnership with Pray for My Haters, a venture founded by producer‑songwriter Tony Esterly and manager Dave Hopper. Harris expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting the team’s understanding of his work.
The CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy, which began its program in early August, has announced a record‑setting class of 16 women. The cohort‑based program will run for 12 weeks, offering weekly group coaching, peer connection, and hands‑on leadership training. Participants will also gain access to executive coaches, industry mentors, and a network of alumni. The announcement highlighted the diversity of the cohort, which includes industry leaders such as Elisabeth Ashley (Manager), Kelly Bolton (Vice President, A&R, Warner Records), Victoria Cappelli Greiner (Senior Director of Digital Marketing, AEG Presents), and others from major labels, streaming services, and entertainment companies.
These developments illustrate the ongoing activity across the music industry, from high‑profile artist representation deals to initiatives that support emerging songwriters and women leaders. The CAA signing underscores the continued relevance of traditional talent agencies, while SONA’s award and the CMA Academy reflect a broader push toward nurturing talent and leadership within the sector.
At present, Alicia Keys is set to begin touring under CAA’s management, SONA is accepting nominations for its award, Prescription Songs is integrating Rich Harris into its publishing operations, and the CMA Women’s Leadership Academy is preparing to launch its 12‑week program in September.
