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Elaina Smith to Host CRS 2026 New Faces Show
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 1:18pm CT |
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Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced that award-winning personality Elaina Smith will return as host of the New Faces of Country Music Show at Country Radio Seminar 2026. The annual seminar is scheduled for March 18-20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Smith, a nationally recognized Country radio host, currently leads the syndicated program Backstage Country. She is also known for her previous work on Nights with Elaina and her podcast, Breaking Thru with Elaina, which focuses on emerging artists and industry voices. A multi-year host of the New Faces event, Smith has become closely associated with the showcase, which is one of the most anticipated highlights of CRS.
Co-partnered by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the New Faces of Country Music Show recognizes artists who have demonstrated significant momentum at country radio during the qualification period leading into CRS 2026.
This year's New Faces performers are Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross.
Additional information about CRS 2026 is available at CountryRadioSeminar.com.
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