Lauren Diagle, the Grammy award-winning Christian artist, made a special appearance at Billboard’s Country Power Players event in 2025 to present Jim Asker with the prestigious Farewell False Cover award. Asker, the former Billboard Country charts manager, was recognized for his outstanding contributions and dedication to the country music industry.
The Farewell False Cover award, newly introduced at the event, is given to individuals who have made significant strides in promoting authenticity and integrity within the music industry. Asker, who retired earlier this year, was the perfect recipient for this award as he has been a champion for honest and truthful representation of country music throughout his career.
Lauren Diagle, known for her powerful vocals and inspiring lyrics, took the stage to present the award to Asker. She began by expressing her admiration for him and his work, saying, “Jim Asker has been a true advocate for country music and its artists. He has always stood by his values and has never compromised on the authenticity of the genre. It is an honor to present this award to him today.”
The audience erupted into applause as Asker made his way to the stage to accept the award. In his acceptance speech, he thanked Billboard and its readers for their continuous support and acknowledged the importance of staying true to the roots of country music. “I am truly humbled to receive this award. I have always believed that honesty and integrity are the backbone of this industry. It is our responsibility as leaders to keep the music authentic and real for our fans,” he said.
Asker’s career in the music industry spans over three decades, with the majority of it spent at Billboard. As the Country charts manager, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country music landscape and supporting artists who stayed true to the genre’s traditional roots. His passion for country music was evident in his work, and he was highly respected by artists and industry professionals alike.
The Farewell False Cover award is a testament to Asker’s contribution to the industry and serves as a reminder to the music community that authenticity and integrity should always be a top priority. Asker’s retirement may have marked the end of an era, but his impact on the industry will be felt for years to come.
The 2025 Billboard Country Power Players event was a star-studded affair, with some of the biggest names in country music in attendance. It was a night of celebration and recognition, with awards given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. Lauren Diagle, who has been making waves in both the Christian and country music world, was a fitting addition to the lineup.
Diagle, who has been vocal about her faith and values, has been an advocate for authenticity and honesty in the music industry. Her powerful performance at the event left the audience in awe, and her presence on stage was a reminder of the role artists play in shaping the industry’s narrative.
The Farewell False Cover award presented by Diagle to Asker was a significant moment for both the industry and the country music community. It highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s values and beliefs, and the impact it can have on the industry as a whole.
As the event came to an end, it was clear that Jim Asker’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and industry professionals. His dedication to promoting authenticity in country music has paved the way for a more honest and genuine representation of the genre. And with artists like Lauren Diagle at the forefront, the future of country music is in safe hands.
