Here's a question: The past hits were done as "Lady Antebellum" and not "Lady A". Will everyone, including radio, change those recorded by the original name to the new one even though they were not released under the new name.
Or is this sort of like John Mellencamp > Johnny Cougar > John Cougar > John Cougar Mellencamp to John Mellencamp?
Mellencamp had the "Cougar" name forced on him by the record label. He has stated that never wanted to use it, but reluctantly went along. It shouldn't be that difficult for Radio announcers/programmers to use the name the artist wants.
If they play a Mellencamp song from his earlier days, it's okay not to say "Cougar". I remember when Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol. Now, that's a bit more tricky. The Artist Formerly Known as Prince...