Country Now News

Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. debuted their new duet, “Took a Walk,” the theme for the movie adaptation of the Stephen King novel, The Long Walk, during the recent CMA Awards telecast. In a recent interview, the artists’ revealed that their collaboration originated when Shaboozey’s song was featured in the movie trailer, prompting him to write an end-credit track, which Wilson enthusiastically joined. Wilson is a longtime King fan whose viral cover of “Stand By Me” is inspired by the song used in the 1986 film of the same name, which was an adaptation of King’s The Body. Their shared passion for King and a mutual respect led to a “full circle” moment highlighted by their stirring CMA performances, and while both musicians were nominated for Best New Artist at the event (which ultimately went to Zach Top), they emphasized camaraderie over competition and hinted at exciting projects ahead in 2026. (Variety)

On Monday (November 24), Zach Bryan announced the dates and details of his largest international run of shows to date. The jaunt, dubbed With Heaven on Tour, features 34-dates in stadiums and amphitheaters across the U.S. and Europe throughout 2026, beginning in St. Louis on March 7, and concluding on October 10 in Auburn, Alabama, with stops in San Antonio, Louisville, Cleveland, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, San Diego, Denver, Arlington, and Foxborough along the way. The tour supports Bryan’s highly-anticipated upcoming album, With Heaven on Top, which is set for release on January 9, 2026, and will feature special guest opening acts Kings of Leon, Alabama Shakes, Gregory Alan Isakov, MJ Lenderman, and others at select dates. “Due to popular demand and some life changes as of late, we’re going on tour next year,” Bryan shared, while on his recent tour of college football stadiums, the country star staged a historic show at Michigan Stadium, which set the record for the largest single-ticketed concert in U.S. history. Tickets go on sale Friday (December 5), with an artist presale starting Wednesday (December 3). (Variety)

Miranda Lambert has shared the heartbreaking loss of two of her beloved miniature horses, Sugar Pie and Adrianna, who died on the same day after providing the country star 18 years of companionship. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute shared on Friday (November 21), Lambert shared photos and videos celebrating their joyful presence on her Nashville ranch, while reflecting on the bittersweet nature of being an animal mom. “I’ve had 18 years with these littles and I can’t tell you how much joy they brought me,” Lambert wrote in the caption, while adding that, “The best part about being an animal mom is the joy. The worst part is when the time comes to say goodbye. Godspeed little bitty’s. I know you are both in greener pastures as I type this.” This follows Lambert’s recent losses of other rescue pets in recent years, underscoring her deep bond with her "farmily" and ongoing commitment to animal adoption through her MuttNation Foundation. (People)

Keith Urban will host the 2025 CMA Touring Awards for the fourth consecutive year on January 27 in Nashville, honoring the top country music tours and touring professionals. Veteran artist manager Jim Halsey will receive the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award for his six-decade career managing stars like Roy Clark, Reba McEntire, Merle Haggard, and The Oak Ridge Boys, while also expanding country music’s global reach. The awards celebrate musicians, managers, crew members, and venues supporting the industry, with final voting open from December 1 to 16. Nominees for Crew of the Year include the touring staff for Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Dierks Bentley, Megan Moroney, HARDY, Kelsea Ballerini, Tyler Childers, and Lainey Wilson. “The CMA Touring Awards is where we turn the spotlight on our road families and celebrate the hard work they all do for all of us,” Urban says of the event, while adding that, “It’s an honor to host, and I’m glad to be back.” (Billboard)

Taylor Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl tops the Billboard 200 chart for a seventh consecutive week (ending Nov. 20), earning 93,000 equivalent album units on the strength of 75,000 streaming equivalent albums, with nearly 98.5 million on-demand streams. It is the second album in 2025 to spend its first seven weeks at No. 1, joining Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem, and marks Swift’s second album to rule the Billboard 200 for seven weeks or more, following The Tortured Poets Department initial 12-week run atop the chart. The album also ranked No. 1 on Top Streaming Albums and climbed to No. 3 on Top Album Sales with 17,000 sales.

Other significant moves in this week’s Top 10 include a series of strong debuts, as Summer Walker scores her fourth career Top 10 as Finally Over It launches at No. 2, while NF notch their fifth consecutive Top 10 release with FEAR arriving at No. 4, and 5 Seconds of Summer notch their seventh Top 10-charting effort of their career with EVERYONE’S A STAR! premiering at No. 6. The rest of the Top 10 features a string of former chart-toppers, as Wallen’s I’m the Problem falls one spot to No. 3, the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack drops two slots to No. 5, Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend dips two places to No. 8, SZA’s SOS slips two spots to No. 9, and Wallen’s One Thing at a Time falls a slot to No. 10. Rounding out the Top 10 is Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving, which drops two places to No. 7 despite its 20% gain following her appearances as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on Nov. 15. (Billboard)

Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” leads the Billboard Hot 100 for a seventh consecutive week, becoming her third song to rule the chart for at least seven weeks, and the first track to spend its first seven weeks at No. 1 since BTS’ “Butter” in 2021. The single logged 23.4 million streams (down 11%), 62.8 million radio impressions (up 1%), and sold 19,000 units (down 22%), topping the Streaming Songs chart for a sixth week, while rising to No. 3 on Radio Songs, and falling to No. 2 on Digital Song Sales. Meanwhile, its parent album, The Life of a Showgirl, remained No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for the seventh week, continuing Swift’s record-setting simultaneous reign atop both album and singles charts for their first seven weeks.

Another notable move in this week’s Hot 100 Top 10 features Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” flying up three places to reach No. 8. Carey’s 1994 modern holiday classic makes its earliest seasonal return to the Top 10 and its first ever November appearance in the top-tier of the chart, on the strength of 15.7 million streams (up 14%) and  9.7 million airplay audience impressions (up 82%). This week’s Top 5 features a series of non-movers, as HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, holds at No. 2, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” stays at No. 3, Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” remains at its No. 4 peak, and Swift’s “Opalite,” keeps at No. 5, while Leon Thomas’ “Mutt” rises one spot to reach a new best at No. 6, as Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” slides one slot to No. 7, Kehlani’s “Folded” falls one place to No. 9, and Morgan Wallen’s “I Got Better” drops one spot to No. 10. (Billboard)

At the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration on Thursday night (November 20), actress Gwyneth Paltrow surprised the Nashville crowd by joining country singer Holly Williams and her husband Chris Coleman on stage to perform two of Williams’ songs, “Drinkin’” and “Waiting on June.” Williams – the granddaughter of country music icon Hank Williams – introduced Paltrow by saying, “Can y’all believe your luck? Y’all are used to those Nashville guests, but not those Oscar-winning Hollywood guests.” After their duet, Williams joked with the crowd, “Isn't it annoying when they can just do everything and they just walk out looking all like that, right? Looking real good.” She praised Paltrow’s “secret voice” and their longtime friendship, which dates back to Paltrow’s 2010 role as a country singer in Country Strong, and their ongoing bond as mom friends. The heartfelt performance delighted fans, highlighting the star-studded spirit of the Opry’s milestone event. (People)

HARDY has scored his fifth Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, as “Favorite Country Song” rose five places to reach No. 7. The track garnered 20.5 million audience impressions for the week of Nov. 14–20, an increase of 17% over the previous span. The track, co-written by HARDY and Nate Smith among others, follows his earlier success with “Truck Bed,” which hit No. 1 in March 2024. Alongside his own rising hit, HARDY also holds writing credits on two Morgan Wallen singles currently charting, including the No. 6 hit, “I Got Better,” and “I Ain’t Coming Back” (featuring Post Malone), which has reached a new peak of No. 24. With 14 No. 1s as a songwriter – and three as a performer – HARDY has solidified his influence in country music since 2018, having writing credits on 41 charting songs by 31 artists. (Billboard)

Jelly Roll finally revealed his clean-shaven look on Thursday (November 20) via an Instagram video, after the Grammy-nominated country superstar shaved his beard for the first time in over ten years. Jelly admitted that he originally kept his facial hair because of his previous weight, but now embraces the dramatic change with a self-deprecating sense of humor, saying his new appearance makes him “look like a Ninja Turtle." His wife, Bunnie XO, had teased the transformation on social media a week earlier, telling fans that, "He will show y'all when he’s ready." Jelly’s clean-shaven look goes along with his drastic weight loss over the last few years, with the singer shedding nearly 200 pounds since starting his weight loss journey in 2022 while weighing over 550 lbs. Jelly Roll credited his natural lifestyle changes, like focusing on exercise and healthier eating habits, rather than trendy medications like Ozempic, while highlighting the positive shift in his tour culture toward wellness. (People)

Dolly Parton is expanding her empire into the truck stop business by partnering with Tennessean Travel Stop to rebrand their flagship location in Cornersville, Tennessee, as 'Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop,' set to open in early summer 2026. The collaboration aims to provide travelers and truck drivers with a welcoming, “home-like” rest stop infused with the 79-year-old country icon’s signature style and Tennessee spirit, with plans to open additional locations statewide and nationwide. “I have spent the bulk of my life on the road, and more specifically on a bus,” Parton says in a statement on the website. “All the years spent visiting greasy spoon cafes, truck stops, and roadside pit stops have given me an understanding of what travelers desire on the road. Whether you are driving a truck, a bus, or a car, you want a place that feels like home and recharges you for the rest of your journey. I believe we will fill a void out there on the highways, all while bringing the heart and soul of Tennessee.” (People)

The Mavericks will honor frontman Raul Malo with a special two-night tribute event, Dance the Night Away: A 35 Year Musical Legacy, at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on December 5 and 6. The shows will feature over 25 special guests including Patty Griffin, Jim Lauderdale, JD McPherson, Maggie Rose, Marty Stuart, Jamey Johnson, and Steve Earle, as part of a “lineup of friends and artists performing selections from The Mavericks’ storied catalog of classics.” Malo, currently undergoing treatment for colon cancer and leptomeningeal disease, will not perform but will attend the shows, with the band and guests aiming to celebrate his legacy with heartfelt performances in his honor. “I’m really looking forward to these two nights at the Ryman,” Malo shared in a statement. “The overwhelming support and love from my musician friends, fans, and family will prove these shows to be something special.” Fans holding tickets for the previously canceled Mavericks concerts at the Ryman will have their tickets honored for these tribute shows. (Rolling Stone)

Newly crowned CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Cody Johnson has achieved his highest ever debut on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, landing at No. 2 with his cover of The Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier.” The track’s surge to the tally's top tier was fueled by 11.9 million U.S. streams, 1.3 million radio audience impressions, and 5,000 sales from November 7–13. The track also debuted at No. 1 on both Country Streaming Songs and Country Digital Song Sales charts, marking Johnson’s second and fourth chart-toppers in those categories. Originally written by Bruce Robison and a longtime favorite in Johnson’s live shows, the studio version was released ahead of Veterans Day in response to fan demand. The Chicks’ version of the song previously topped Hot Country Songs for one week in 2003, marking their sixth and most recent No. 1 hit. (Billboard)

On Wednesday (November 19), Dolly Parton took to Instagram to share an apology video for missing the Nov. 17 induction of her Dollywood theme park into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Fame. The 79-year-old country music icon, who is only the second woman inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame on her own, couldn’t attend the ceremony due to ongoing health challenges that have kept her home for the past month. “Hey there it’s Dolly! And I sure wish I could be with you in person today,” Parton said in the video. “But you probably heard that I been dealing with a few health challenges this fall and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while.” She thanked attendees and reflected on Dollywood’s origins and its impact on her community, with the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, averaging nearly three million visitors a year, making it one of the state’s biggest ticketed tourist attractions. (Billboard)

Morgan Wallen skipped the 2025 CMA Awards for the second consecutive year despite being nominated for Entertainer of the Year, a prize he won in 2024 but lost this year to Lainey Wilson. His close friend and collaborator Ernest candidly stated that Wallen "don’t give a f---" about the award, emphasizing Wallen’s focus on his successful career rather than industry accolades. “Since when has Morgan given a s---?,” Ernest said before the awards show, when asked what Wallen would think of him choosing Wilson as his pick for CMA Entertainer of the Year. “Who’s making more money doing this than Morgan Wallen?,” Ernest continued, while adding, “He don’t give a f--- about this award. I wouldn’t either if I was Morgan Wallen.” Wallen, who also received CMA nominations for Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year – which ultimately went to Wilson and Cody Johnson – has a history of avoiding awards shows, and was previously ruled ineligible for CMAs in 2021 after using a racial slur. (People)

On Monday (November 17), an official trailer premiered for the new Lifetime Christmas movie, Thank God: Christmas at Keller Ranch, which is inspired by Kane and Katelyn Brown's heartfelt 2022 hit song, "Thank God." The film stars Arielle Kebbel and Tyler Hilton as a grieving rancher and an injured pro hockey player who help each other heal emotionally and physically, with faith as a central theme. Premiering on Lifetime on December 13, the film is executive produced by the Browns alongside a talented team, and directed by Stefan Brogren. The Browns, whose husband-and-wife collaboration adds emotional depth to the movie project, have continued to release new music together, with their tender duets “Body Talk” and Do Us Apart” both featured on Kane’s latest record, The High Road, with fans anxiously awaiting a possible full-album pairing from the talented couple. (Holler)

At the BMI Country Awards in Nashville on Tuesday night (November 18), Clint Black was honored with the prestigious BMI Icon Award for over three decades of influential songwriting, highlighted by 13 No. 1 Billboard country hits and numerous accolades including ACM, CMA, and Grammy awards. Celebrated by tribute performances from Midland, Jamey Johnson, Riley Green, Randy Houser, and Wynonna, Black expressed gratitude for being honored at the event, which he attended alongside his wife Lisa Hartman-Black and daughter Lily Pearl Black. “I’m so grateful,” Black said in his acceptance speech, while adding, “To all of you who sang my songs to me tonight, it was a real treat and a real honor. I’m in such great company here tonight.” The event also recognized 38 first-time winners, with Charlie Handsome named Songwriter of the Year for chart-topping hits like “Love Somebody,” “Pour Me A Drink,” and the Morgan Wallen/Post Malone collaboration, “I Had Some Help,”  which also took home Song of the Year. While Warner-Tamerlane was honored for a third consecutive year as BMI's country publisher of the year. (Billboard)

In a revealing, vulnerable Instagram post shared on Tuesday (November 18), Zach Bryan opened up about his recent sobriety and his ongoing mental health journey. The 29-year-old country music superstar – who recently set the record for the largest ticketed concert audience in U.S. history in September – revealed that after enduring “earth-shattering panic attacks” and “paralyzing” anxiety stemming from sudden fame, personal traumas, and public stressors, he sought therapy and confronted his “toxic relationship” with alcohol, remaining sober for nearly two months. “I thought since I was successful, had the money I always longed for, and had great friends, that I could tough anything out,” Bryan wrote, while emphasizing the importance of seeking help despite fears of showing weakness. Supported by his family and his girlfriend Samantha Leonard, Bryan admits that he is in a much better place now. “I feel great, I feel content, I feel whole,” Bryan shared, while adding, “There is nothing I need to get me by anymore.” (Billboard)

The 59th Annual CMA Awards took place Wednesday night (November 19) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, which was solo hosted by Lainey Wilson – who went on to win the event's biggest awards, Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for Whirlwind.

The night got started with a raucous performance of “Back in the Saddle” by 2-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, Luke Combs. Wilson then sang a medley of the year’s biggest country hits to start her hosting duties, dancing and singing in the aisles with Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Shaboozey, and Little Big Town. High-profile celebrity couple Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley presented the night’s first CMA award, as Single of the Year went to Langley and Riley Green for their smash hit, “You Look Like You Love Me,” which also took home Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Brooks & Dunn won Vocal Duo of the Year for the 16th time, while Zach Top won his very first CMA award for Best New Artist, after a spirited rendition of his current hit song, “Guitar.”

The ceremony was filled with a series of memorable performances, as Chris Stapleton delivered a rousing rendition of his F1 single, “Bad as I Used to Be,” and later joined with Miranda Lambert for their recent duet, “A Song to Sing,” while Kelsea Ballerini performed her brand new single, “I Sit in Parks,” appropriately while barefoot and sitting on a swing. The Red Clay Strays – first-time winners for Vocal Group of the Year – delivered a fiery take on their hit, "People Hatin’,” while Stephen Wilson Jr. performed a deeply moving cover of the Ben E. King classic, “Stand By Me,” later joining Shaboozey for a stirring rendition of “Took a Walk.” 

Four-time CMA Entertainer of the Year – and new inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame – Kenny Chesney paid touching tribute to his late collaborator, the distinguished songwriter Brett James, while performing his classic hits, “When the Sun Goes Down” and “American Kids.” Old Dominion delivered a medley of their hits, and host Wilson did triple-duty – in addition to hosting and being the night’s big winner – by also performing her Whirlwind standout, “Ring Finger,” in tribute to her fiancé Devlin "Duck" Hodges.

Vince Gill was presented the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award by the King of Country, George Strait, after Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless paid tribute to the music legend with a tender cover of his 1989 classic, “When I Call Your Name.” Cody Johnson won his first Male Vocalist of the Year CMA award, while steel guitar legend Paul Franklin was recognized as Musician of the Year, and Post Malone won his very first CMA Award, winning Musical Event of the Year for his collaboration with Blake Shelton, “Pour Me a Drink.” 

On Tuesday (November 18), Rock & Roll Hall of Famers ZZ Top and country legend Dwight Yoakam announced the dates and details of their co-headlining Dos Amigos Tour of the U.S. in Spring 2026. The jaunt is set to span 15 dates across the Midwest and Southeast from March 26 in Brookings, South Dakota, to May 23 in Huntington, West Virginia, with stops in Wichita, Lexington, Peoria, Des Moines, and North Charleston along the way. Despite ZZ Top not releasing new music since 2012, the Texas trio – who recently reunited with drummer Frank Beard after he was sidelined with foot and ankle issues – continues a busy touring schedule, with a series of summer 2026 European dates just announced as part of The Big One Tour. Yoakam will be on the road promoting his 2024 album, Brighter Days, which was the first new record in eight years from the 69-year-old country singer. Pre-sales started on Wednesday (November 19), with general on-sale beginning on Friday (November 21). (Consequence of Sound)

The U.K. government is set to ban reselling concert tickets above face value following pressure from artists including Dua Lipa, Coldplay, the Cure, Radiohead, and Sam Fender, who signed an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging action against ticket touting. The musicians asked government officials to take action to “restore faith in the ticketing system” and “help democratize public access to the arts.” Under the proposed plan, resale of tickets for live music, theater, comedy and sports events will be allowed only up to the original purchase price with minimal extra fees, aiming to reduce ticket costs by an average of £37 ($48) and save fans £112 million ($137 million) annually. Resale platforms will be legally required to enforce these rules, addressing widespread ticket price inflation seen at major events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Oasis’ reunion shows, which even prompted a government investigation into Ticketmaster’s consumer practices. (Variety)