Country Now News

Arizona native Dierks Bentley will headline the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl's Fan Fest before the January 8th College Football Playoff semifinal at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The fifteen-time Grammy nominee becomes the first national musical act to perform at the annual Fan Fest on the new Vrbo Sound Stage. "It's always a great time playing in Arizona and there's nothing like the energy around college football," Bentley said. "We're looking forward to being part of the Fiesta Bowl and will have a blast getting the party started!" The free family event begins at 12:30 p.m. outside the stadium, featuring music, games, and food vendors. The War & Treaty will perform the National Anthem. (Story URL)

Country singer and TikTok star Tayler Holder saved multiple goats from a fire that consumed his family's barn on December 15th. The 28-year-old discovered the blaze after walking outside his home and seeing flames and smoke coming from the structure. Video footage shows Holder, his girlfriend Zoey Aune, and friend Zachary Aubuchon rushing to extinguish the fire and rescue animals trapped in a pen next to the flames. When breaking barriers around the goat enclosure took too long, Holder jumped inside and lifted each goat over the fence to safety. "I thought we lost all of them, but luckily we caught it right as it happened and had so many amazing people around us to help," Holder wrote on Instagram. The Pleasant View Fire Department arrived within minutes. All animals survived without injury thanks to the quick response from emergency crews and Holder's group. (Story URL)

HARDY teams up with comedian Bert Kreischer to co-host New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash on CBS and Paramount+ December 31st. The five-hour broadcast runs 8-10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ET/PT from Nashville. "Celebrating New Year's Eve in Music City is always a blast," HARDY said in a statement. "It's great to be back playing NASHVILLE'S BIG BASH and I'm stoked to cohost this year with one of the funniest dudes I know." Kreischer added: "This lineup is insane. To be working with my buddy HARDY … it feels like I should be paying CBS to do this." Headliners include Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman performing at Bicentennial Park. Additional acts featured include Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Keith Urban, and others across various Nashville venues. (Story URL)

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee granted country music star Jelly Roll a full pardon Thursday for past criminal convictions. The singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, was among 33 people pardoned by Lee. The 41-year-old was convicted of robbery at age 17 after stealing $350 from people in a home in 2002, resulting in one year in prison plus probation. In 2008, police found marijuana and crack cocaine in his car, leading to eight years of court-ordered supervision. "His story is remarkable, and it's a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for," Lee told reporters. DeFord began petitioning the Board of Parole last October. The pardon allows him to travel internationally for tours and missionary work without paperwork restrictions, while restoring civil rights including voting. (Story URL)

The NBA announced Thursday that Ludacris, Shaboozey and K-pop group Cortis will headline the NBA Crossover concert series during 2026 All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. Three shows will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center February 12-14. Cortis performs February 12, becoming the first K-pop act to headline NBA Crossover. Ludacris headlines the Michelob ULTRA Courtside Concert February 13. Shaboozey closes the weekend February 14, saying "This year has been quite a ride, and closing out NBA All-Star Weekend in L.A. really feels special." Single-day general admission tickets cost $50, with VIP packages available. The weekend also features NBA Beats and Brunch events February 14-15 before the All-Star Game at Intuit Dome. (Story URL)

Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance, using his real name Zachary Baker, debuted his first solo single, “Dark Horse,” on Wednesday (December 17). Baker embraces a full-on country sound on his new track, which is far removed from his main band’s progressive hard rock style. Showcasing soulful vocals and traditional Southern instrumentals, the track fits seamlessly into the sound currently featured on mainstream country radio. Baker announced his new single with an Instagram post that features the track’s spare, black-and-white cover art shot by Silken Weinberg, along with the caption, “This is for the ones who never give up no matter what your story is.” Baker is currently preparing his debut full-length solo album, while Avenged Sevenfold is gearing up for their summer 2026 North American co-headlining tour with Good Charlotte. (Consequence of Sound)

Taste of Country’s list of the Top 10 country albums of 2025 showcase a diverse range of styles unified by one key element: authenticity, with artists confidently embracing their unique identities and connecting deeply with fans. Topping the list is Tyler Childers’ Snipe Hunter, which blends eccentric storytelling with mainstream appeal, proving he can grow in fame without losing his roots, while Parker McCollum’s self-titled fifth album comes in at No. 2 on the strength of strong songwriting that honors his Texas roots. Morgan Wallen’s chart-topping I’m the Problem, despite its massive commercial success, ranks eighth, highlighting the year's rich competition.

Other standout albums reflect varied approaches, from Jake Owen’s candid reflection on personal struggles in Dreams to Dream, to Margo Price’s blend of traditionalism and political commentary on Hard Headed Woman, and Eric Church’s experimental concept album, Evangeline vs. the Machine. Emerging talents like CMA New Artist of the Year Zach Top and Carter Faith and established artists like Thomas Rhett and Maddie & Tae also made powerful artistic statements, all proving that, in today’s expansive country genre, staying true to oneself remains the ultimate key to success. (Taste of Country)

Keith Urban visited Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville this week, where he spent time with patients and families, led an acoustic sing-along at the hospital’s Seacrest Studios, and donated guitars to support the hospital’s music therapy program. The donation will aid board-certified therapists in using music to provide emotional support, manage pain and anxiety, and promote healing for children while they are in the hospital. Meg Rush, president of the hospital, praised the 58-year-old country superstar for his continued generosity, saying, "Keith is a wonderful friend to our hospital with several visits over the years," while adding that, "His thoughtful and generous gift of guitars to our Music Therapy Program will help us continue using music as added therapy to bring comfort and healing to children during their hospital stay." Following his recent CMA Awards performance after concluding his High and Alive World Tour, Urban plans to continue touring internationally in 2026. (People)

Reba McEntire paid tribute to her late stepson Brandon Blackstock on what would have been his 49th birthday on Tuesday (December 16), sharing a heartfelt Instagram post expressing love and remembrance. Alongside a sweet photo of her standing next to Brandon, his brother Shelby, and his sisters Shawna and Chassidy, McEntire tenderly captioned the post, “Happy birthday Brandon!  We love and miss you a bunch. ❤️❤️❤️.”  Blackstock, a talent manager and former husband of Kelly Clarkson, passed away from malignant melanoma on August 7. Additional family members including Shelby and Brandon’s daughter Savannah also shared emotional tributes, reflecting on his lasting impact while celebrating his memory amid their ongoing grief. Shelby posted a photo of Brandon on Instagram, alongside the caption, “I think about you every day, and it’s still hard to believe you’re gone. I know you’re having the best birthday up there— with an endless supply of Coors Lights & your favorite.” (People)

During a recent appearance on The Michael Waddell Podcast, Blake Shelton fondly recalls introducing his wife Gwen Stefani to his Oklahoma ranch as "one of the joys of my life." The 49-year-old country star shared how Stefani, a California native unaccustomed to rural life, was amazed by the vast, natural beauty of his property. "She goes, 'So this is your ranch, like ... you own this?,’” Shelton recalls, before adding, “I go, 'Yeah, this is the ranch. This is part of the ranch.' And she goes, 'But I didn’t know you could have a creek or a river. You can have that?'” Shelton continued, "She goes, 'No, I just thought anything like this, what I’m looking at, would be like a national park, like a park or a state park or something, but this is just on your land?' And I go, 'Yeah.'" Despite their different backgrounds, Stefani embraced the peaceful rural lifestyle, making the moment when they first visited the ranch together an especially meaningful memory for Shelton. (Taste of Country)

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)