Country Now News

Morgan Wallen has been named the RIAA’s highest certified country artist of all time, with 239.5 million certified singles and 26 million albums. Wallen surpasses Luke Combs, who earlier this year was named with the same honor by the RIAA. Morgan now ranks third among all artists behind only Drake and Taylor Swift. With five Diamond-certified singles – “Heartless,” “Last Night,” “Wasted on You,” “Whiskey Glasses” and “Chasin’ You” – Wallen's rapid rise in less than a decade reflects his strong connection with his fans and substantial impact on modern country music. His chart-topping 2025 album, I’m The Problem, was certified 4x-Platinum within seven months, while 22 of the album’s 37 songs have been certified Gold or higher. Wallen’s previous albums, Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing at a Time, are both certified 9x-Platinum. After a monumental, record-setting year in 2025, Wallen will kick off his 23-date Still the Problem Tour in April 2026. (Billboard)

Joe Ely, a pioneering Texas singer-songwriter who helped shape the progressive country sound and Americana genre, died Monday (December 15) in Taos, New Mexico, at the age of 78, from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. Raised in Lubbock and later based in Austin, Ely was renowned for his dynamic live performances and collaborations, opening for legendary acts like The Clash and the Rolling Stones, and earning comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, whom he later collaborated with on the track “Odds of the Blues,” from Ely’s 2024 album, Driven to Drive. Springsteen wrote a heartfelt post on Instagram on Tuesday, where he called Ely a “singular American singer, great musician and great artist. I was lucky enough to count Joe as a true friend and I will miss that voice and his companionship. We’ve lost an American classic.”

A founding member of The Flatlanders, Ely released multiple charting albums, including the influential 1992 LP, Love and Danger, featuring his signature cover of Robert Earl Keen’s “The Road Goes on Forever.” Honored by an induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2022 and celebrated at the 2025 American Music Awards, Ely’s legacy as a Texas musical icon endures. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Marie. (Billboard)

Billboard's 2025 year-end Boxscore charts reveal that Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour was the highest-grossing country tour ever, earning $407.6 million from 32 shows across North America and Europe, while selling 1.6 million tickets. Following Beyoncé are Post Malone's Big Ass Stadium Tour with $231.1 million earned while selling 1.6 million tickets over 51 shows, while Zach Bryan's The Quittin’ Time Tour is third on the list after grossing $159.6 million and selling 941,000 tickets during its 29 show run. Other top country tours include Luke Combs ($76.4M), George Strait ($75.4M), Jelly Roll ($67.5M), and Chris Stapleton ($65.2M), with Kelsea Ballerini the only woman to crack the Top 10, as her ‘Live on Tour’ earned $39.5M after selling 366,000 tickets during 36 shows. With a consistent 14.5% share of the top 100 tours’ grosses, country remains a dominant genre, blending established stars and crossover artists while reflecting strong growth and enduring popularity. (Billboard)

Cody Jinks is celebrating the 10th anniversary and rerelease of his 2015 album, Adobe Sessions, with a special commemorative collection featuring premium packaging and collectible formats, including a previously unreleased exclusive track, “Everything.” The deluxe vinyl includes dual-sided gatefold artwork, while the CD comes in a reversible digipack, with ultra-limited autographed pressings, indie-exclusive color variants, and hand-splattered vinyl editions offering something for both longtime fans and new listeners. Priced from $13 to $65, the releases mark a decade since the album was first issued, which led to a coveted supporting stint on Sturgill Simpson’s 2015 tour. The reissues coincide with Jinks’ ongoing professional success, with the outlaw country star selling over five million tickets to his high octane live shows over the years. Jinks just finished up a co-headlining Same Kind of Crazy Acoustic Tour with Ward Davis, and has a series of 2026 festival appearances planned for next year. (Music Row)

Dylan Scott, fresh off a record-breaking 2025 featuring two No. 1 hits and major tours including his first arena show, just announced details of his 2026 Till I Can’t I Will Tour. The 18-date jaunt kicks off on March 12 in Syracuse, with stops in major cities like Chicago, Fort Worth, and Las Vegas, before concluding on May 30 in Helotes, TX., with special guest opening acts 12/OC, Kelsey Hart, and Lauren Watkins at select dates. Alongside the tour news, Scott shared a heartfelt family holiday moment by recording his father’s emotional ’80s song, “Two Christmas Trees,” featuring his young son Beckett on backing vocals. This milestone year also saw Scott release his third album, Easy Does It, with standout tracks like the No. 1 smash, “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” and Top 20 hit “What He’ll Never Have,” along with his chart-topping collaboration with Dylan Marlowe, “Boys Back Home,” making Scott the third most-played artist on Country radio in 2025. (Country Now)

Thomas Rhett is hinting at a potential shift into Contemporary Christian Music for his next era. The country star has a batch of new songs co-written alongside Brandon Lake during the CCM star’s recent writing retreat which brought in over 25 singer-songwriters that produced over 40 collaborative tracks blending country and Christian influences. Sharing photos from their sessions on social media, Rhett praised the experience while emphasizing his strong creative bond with Lake. “No clue if the songs me and @brandonlake wrote will ever come out but we sure had a good time,” Rhett captioned the post, while adding a personal message of “Love ya brother” to Lake, who commented, “MY BROTHER. Love you! We gotta release em they’re too good. All 4 or 5 of em I can’t even remember hahaha. What a day!” This session follows Rhett’s growing interest in gospel-leaning music, marked by recent collaborations with Forrest Frank and past duets with Lake, and reflects a natural extension of Rhett’s faith-themed work throughout his career. (Holler) 

Bailey Zimmerman praised Ella Langley’s viral hit single, “Choosin’ Texas,” on social media, sharing a video of himself eagerly singing along to the track. “Ella got me in a chokehold,” Zimmerman wrote over the clip, while captioning his post, “I listen to this song at least 10x a day🤌 @ellalangleymusic INSANE🔥.” Langley’s heartbreak anthem was co-written with Miranda Lambert, and is expected to be featured on her upcoming album alongside a collaboration with HARDY. Since its October 2025 release, “Choosin’ Texas” has become one of the year's biggest hits, amassing 50 million Spotify streams and securing a spot on the Viral 50 USA chart, while cracking into the Top 10 of this week’s Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The song’s triumph adds to Langley’s recent run of success, marked by three CMA Awards and two chart-topping duets with Riley Green. (Holler)

Riley Green and Ella Langley have scored their second No. 1 together on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with “Don’t Mind If I Do,” which rose two places to reach the top spot on the strength of a 14% increase to 29.7 million audience impressions. Green and Langley join Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani as only the second duo since the launch of the tally in 1990 to achieve multiple collaborative No. 1 hits, following the viral success of last year’s chart-topper, “You Look Like You Love Me,” which took home Single of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards. This milestone also marks a rare songwriting achievement for Green, who becomes the first artist since Taylor Swift in 2011-12 to have back-to-back Country Airplay No. 1s composed entirely solo, following his June hit “Worst Way.” Meanwhile, Langley’s solo single, “Choosin’ Texas,” surged up six spots to reach No. 10 following a 31% increase to 16.7 million audience impressions, marking her fourth Country Airplay Top 10 entry. (Billboard)

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was the most-played song on TouchTunes jukeboxes for the second consecutive year in 2025, continuing its 2024 reign that coincided with its record-tying run as the longest-running No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart throughout that year. Released in April 2024, the track dominated each of TouchTunes’ quarterly Frontline Chart throughout 2025 and will move to the Catalog ranking in 2026, setting up a head-to-head with Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” the platform’s top song in 2023 and this year’s No. 2 hit. Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” is the top non-country song of the year, coming in at No. 3 , while Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem” – the most-played new song of 2025 – landed sixth. Wallen also retained his status as TouchTunes’ most-played artist for the second year running, while also topping each installment of Billboard’s newly introduced quarterly TouchTunes Artists Chart, followed by Stapleton, Toby Keith, Shaboozey, and AC/DC. (Billboard)

In a recent discussion about Christmas traditions with his record label, Big Loud, Morgan Wallen revealed that his favorite holiday movie is the 2003 comedy Elf, starring Will Ferrell. “I don’t watch many Christmas movies, but if I had to pick, probably Elf,” Wallen said. When the country superstar was asked if he preferred real or fake Christmas trees, Wallen responded, “I like real, but I didn’t grow up with real. My mom always kept a few fake ones.” The 32-year-old Sneedville, Tennessee native shared, “My mom is a big decorator, so I kinda got some of that from her. I enjoy the decorations,” while he added, “It’s always the saddest day of the year for me when the Christmas tree goes away.” After a busy year promoting his blockbuster album, I’m the Problem, which topped the Billboard 200 for 12 weeks and ranked No. 2 on their 2025 Year-End chart, Wallen was ultimately named the publication’s Top Artist of 2025. (Billboard)

Jake Owen is reassuring fans that he is doing okay and staying sober after posting a raw, emotional Instagram video expressing doubts about the music industry and his personal struggles, which he later deleted. In a follow-up TikTok, the 44-year-old country singer explained that he had broken down emotionally but emphasized he has been sober for four years and was not intoxicated during the original clip. He acknowledged the challenges of balancing his career with family life, while expressing gratitude for the support from friends and fans. “I don’t want to worry anybody. I am OK. I’m fine,” Owen said in the video, while adding that the experience “made me realize that we all do have things that we have to work on. I for sure don’t have it figured out and I’m working on that.” Owen has a 12-date tour planned in early 2026, where he will be performing his entire new album, Dreams to Dream. (Billboard)

Taylor Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl secures its ninth nonconsecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart dated December 20, earning 89,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. for the week ending December 11. Of Swift’s 15 No. 1 albums, only The Tortured Poets Department (17 weeks), 1989, and Fearless (each 11 weeks) have spent more time atop the chart. This week’s sales included 50,000 streaming equivalent albums (down 5% with 65.83 million streams), and 39,000 pure album sales (down 16%), with Showgirl climbing back to No. 1 on Top Album Sales while falling two spots to No. 4 on the Top Streaming Albums chart.

Half of the Top 10 on this week’s Billboard 200 are holiday albums, led by Michael Bublé’s Christmas, which climbs up two spots to reach No. 4, followed by Bing Crosby’s Ultimate Christmas ascending two slots to No. 5, Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song jumps up five places to No. 6, Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack move up a spot to No. 8, and A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector vaults up four slots to No. 9. The non-holiday albums rounding out the Top 10 are Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem holding at No. 2, the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack remaining at No. 3, Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving moves up a spot to No. 7, while Stray Kids’ former chart-topper DO IT falls six slots to No. 10 in its third week. (Billboard)

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday (December 10), marking two decades since their private ceremony in Oklahoma. Yearwood shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute marking the special occasion, which included a tender photo of her kissing Brooks’ cheek, along with the caption: “The very best part of the last 20 years has been you. Merry Christmas, Valentine. I love you.” Brooks also surprised the audience in Atlanta on Wednesday night with a performance alongside his wife as part of her Christmastime With Trisha Yearwood: 12 Days of Christmas Tour, with the couple performing their new holiday duet, "Merry Christmas, Valentine" in celebration of their special milestone. The collaborative original song is featured on Yearwood's new holiday album, Christmastime, which just debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart. (People)

Hailey Whitters and husband Jake Gear welcomed their first child, son Rye Whitters Gear, on December 4. The couple shared the joyful news on Instagram on Tuesday (Dec. 9) alongside adorable photos of them with their new baby. “And just like that everything is different,” Whitters wrote in the caption. “We don’t know what we ever did without you here. We can’t wait to see who you become. Welcome to the world, our sweet son.” The 36-year-old country star – who won New Female Artist of the Year at the 2023 ACM Awards – announced her pregnancy back in August, calling their baby “our greatest production yet.” Whitters and Gear were married in October 2022 in a quaint country church in her hometown of Shueyville, Iowa, after being together for over a decade. (People)

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani remain "solid" in their marriage despite recent speculation about a possible divorce. A source tells People that there is "no truth to the split rumors," and that the couple is simply managing their demanding careers. Married since 2021 after six years of dating, the pair continue to prioritize family time amid busy schedules – with Shelton releasing his 13th album in May and preparing for a Las Vegas residency in January, while Stefani is promoting her new music and getting ready for No Doubt’s upcoming reunion shows in May. Shelton is a stepdad to Stefani’s three sons she shares with her ex-husband Gavin Rossdale, with the couple trying to strike a balance between work and family life. In May, Shelton said their relationship “still feels new for me,” as the couple celebrated ten years together. (People)

During a recent appearance on the Bruce Springsteen Archives’ Conversation With Our Curator podcast, Kenny Chesney reflected on the profound influence Springsteen has had on his songwriting and live performances. Chesney shared some personal anecdotes about The Boss, including a memorable 2005 encounter when he nervously requested Springsteen play “One Step Up,” a song Chesney covered on his chart-topping 2002 album, No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems, which marked a turning point in his music career. Though Chesney grew up without much exposure to Springsteen’s music in East Tennessee, discovering it in college deeply impacted his artistic approach, inspiring him to give his all on stage much like Springsteen does. “Bruce set a standard and set a bar so high, it's hard to reach it,” Chesney shared. “I do feel like there are some parallels, as far as loving their audience...From the first note, everybody is in this together, and that really struck me. It's how we like to do things out here too.” (Holler)

On Wednesday (December 10), Clint Black announced the details of his forthcoming memoir, Killin’ Time: My Life and Music, which is set for publication on May 19, 2026 via Harper Influence. Named after the Grammy-winning country legend’s breakthrough 1989 album, the book chronicles his journey from a Texas upbringing to his rise in Nashville’s music scene, sharing personal stories about his marriage to Lisa Hartman Black and overcoming a recent spinal injury. “This is the story of a dreamer with a persistent soul,” Black says of the memoir. “After 10 years of playing clubs in Texas, I never knew if I’d get the chance to record my music in Nashville. And then, in one year, my life changed forever.” Black, who has sold over 20 million records and earned numerous accolades including the 2025 BMI Icon Award, expressed excitement about sharing this intimate account of the “40-year rollercoaster ride” that shaped him as a singer-songwriter, husband, and father. Killin’ Time is now available for pre-order from HarperCollins Publishers. (People)

The lineup for CBS Presents New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash has expanded to include newly announced performers Riley Green, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Stephen Wilson Jr., Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Marcus King, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Dwight Yoakam. Those artists will join previously announced headliners Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman during the five-hour televised event airing on December 31, with performances taking place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The event will also feature special guests like CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and appearances by Dusty Slay, Cassie DiLaura, Buzz Brainard, and UFC champion Kayla Harrison. Fans can also attend a free, 21+ in-person watch party at Luke Combs’ Category 10 bar in Nashville, where Yoakam and King will perform, along with special appearances from Cody Alan and Caylee Hammack. Tickets are available from AXS for guaranteed or VIP entry. (Billboard)

Jelly Roll got emotional when Craig Morgan surprised him with an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry during Wednesday’s (Dec. 10) episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. This marks a full-circle moment for the Grammy-nominated singer, who credited Morgan’s song, "Almost Home," with helping him through incarceration. Having made his official Opry debut in 2021, Jelly shared how Morgan’s music inspired him to pursue a career in country music. In a pre-taped video, Morgan told Jelly “how much it meant to me to hear you say my music helped you get through some really tough times," while adding, "And who would've ever dreamed that I'd be back at the Opry House today to say Jelly Roll, you're officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It's an honor to say welcome to the family, brother." Jelly then buried his head in his hands and broke down in tears over the news, clearly moved by the invite. (People)

Morgan Wallen's Sand in My Boots festival, which replaced the Hangout Music Festival for 2025, will not return in 2026. Gulf Shores, Ala., Mayor Robert Craft announced the news during a city council meeting, citing organizers' inability to secure suitable artists for the festival. The decision to cancel the 2026 event was made by AEG Presents and supported by the city, allowing time for event organizers to plan a higher-quality festival in the future, with permits already approved for Hangout Music Festival to return in 2027. Wallen, who launched Sand in My Boots alongside his chart-topping latest album, I’m the Problem, had expressed hopes to host the festival again, but the city insists future events avoid the rowdy crowds and behavior issues linked to previous Hangout lineups. Craft added that Sand in My Boots festival attendees, compared to those at Hangout Fest, were "more mature" and "better behaved." (People)