Country Now News

Morgan Wallen's One Thing at a Time has just secured its 100th nonconsecutive week in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. With this achievement, Wallen becomes the only solo artist to have two albums reach that milestone. His previous album, Dangerous: The Double Album, has spent 158 weeks in the Top 10, the most of any album by a singular artist. On this week’s chart, One Thing at a Time remains at No. 9, while Dangerous climbs to No. 12. Both albums initially debuted at No. 1 when they were first released, with One Thing at a Time spending 19 weeks at No. 1 in 2023-24, and Dangerous topping the chart for 10 weeks in 2021. Since the chart's inception in 1956, the original cast recording of My Fair Lady holds the record with 173 weeks in the Top 10. (Billboard)

Charley Crockett takes his music career in a new direction with his current album, Lonesome Drifter, which was released on Friday (March 14). Over the last ten years, Crockett has released 14 albums on his independent label, Son of Davy, partnering with Thirty Tigers for nine of those releases. “The last few years, all the majors started calling,” Crockett says, admitting that he almost signed with Columbia Records, the home of two of his musical heroes, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. But Island Records proved to be a good fit for the independent-minded artist. “Island agreed to all the things I was looking for, which was I wanted to maintain ownership and have creative control,” he says. Crockett co-produced Lonesome Drifter with singer-songwriter-producer Shooter Jennings, son of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, with the record being the first in a planned trilogy of releases. “I just got the second one done, and I’ve got the theme and sketch of the third one done,” Crockett reveals. (Billboard)

In a new interview with People, Jelly Roll revealed the significant meaning behind the broken chain tattoo on his arm. “It is just about breaking chains in life — anything that is bounding us, any bondage that we have, any addiction, anything we think God can’t get us through,” he shared. “We can break those chains.” The country star has broken free from past struggles in his own life, including substance abuse, addiction, and incarceration, giving him a second chance at life. “I think second chances are earned,” Jelly added. “I think sometimes you can earn them in opportunity — there are opportunities to earn — but I believe that second chances are earned.” Jelly got his beloved tattoo after he and collaborators Taylor Phillips and Jackson Dean wrote a song together called, “I Can’t Break These Chains.” “We loved the song so much we got the tattoo of the breaking chains that day,” Jelly said. “And we still never put that song out! We should put that song out.” (Billboard)

During a recent appearance on Bobby Bones' BobbyCast, Luke Bryan revealed that he initially  passed on Morgan Wallen's song, "Sand in My Boots." The current American Idol judge felt like there was an over-saturation of truck references in his own music at the time, so he turned down the HARDY, Ashley Gorley, and Josh Osborne penned track, which eventually became a huge hit for Wallen. “I just went through two years of my life where I was like, 'Man, I sing about trucks a lot, I sing about tailgates,'” Bryan reflects. “I got in my head a little bit because I think I had a lot of negativity, socially, on socials, that I was getting pegged as maybe a one-trick pony in that lane.” Bryan went on to discuss transitioning away from songs catering to a younger audience, while expressing contentment in his career's primarily fun and light-hearted image, even if it means missing out on certain awards or acclaim. (People)

While appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone’s Future of Music series, Megan Moroney revealed to the publication that she has been single for nearly a year, after her last relationship with a “regular finance dude” didn’t work out. “I feel like I’ve always had bad taste in men,” she admits. “I don’t know if this song will make my next album, but an opening line is ‘I know how to pick them.’” The “Tennessee Orange” singer is keeping her options open, but she says being single while her music career has taken off is actually for the best. “I could not imagine going through the past year if I was upset and crying over a dude,” she said. Moroney’s ascent will certainly continue in 2025, as the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year is set to embark on her headlining Am I Okay? Tour next week, and will receive the Rulebreaker Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards on March 29. (People)

Chappell Roan released her highly-anticipated new country single, “The Giver,” on Thursday (March 13), but she reassured her fans that she remains committed to pop music, calling her venture into country music a fun experiment. During an appearance on a new episode of Today’s Country Radio With Kelleigh Bannen, Roan said of her new single, “I really just did it for fun. I’m not switching genres or anything. I wanted to write a country song because I just thought it would be funny. It’s campy and fun.” Roan, who recently took home the Grammy for Best New Artist, was raised in southwest Missouri on a mix of Christian and country music. She admits that she draws inspiration from artists like Lady Gaga as well as Big & Rich, infusing her love for multiple genres into her music. “I have kept country in my heart,” Roan says. “And it’s so incredibly nostalgic to drive in West Hollywood and [play] Jason Aldean or Alan Jackson’s ‘Chattahoochee.’” (Rolling Stone)

On Wednesday (March 12), Willie Nelson announced the upcoming release of his 154th studio album, Oh What a Beautiful World, on April 25th via Legacy Recordings. To promote his new release, the 91-year-old country music legend just shared the title track for the record, as well as the cover art, which features a lone figure riding a horse overlooking a tranquil valley. Nelson's upcoming album features 12 tracks that are all written or co-written by Texas artist Rodney Crowell, who joins Nelson on the title track, which was previously featured on Crowell’s 2014 record, Tarpaper Sky. Pre-orders are currently underway for the album on Nelson’s official website. Alongside the album announcement, Nelson is gearing up for a busy year that features a series of live shows, including 34 dates on the "Outlaw Music Festival Tour" with Bob Dylan and a variety of supporting acts like Wilco, Billy Strings, the Avett Brothers, and Sheryl Crow. (Consequence of Sound)

Zach Bryan has sparked rumors of a new romance with Australian model Hannah Duncan, as he posted an Instagram Story featuring her on Tuesday (March 11). Duncan is shown standing on a beach in workout gear, with Bryan captioning the post, “nothing like a 6 am half marathon ehh? @hannduncan.” The 28-year-old country music star has been spotted with Duncan at a series of recent events in New York City, including a visit to an Australian pub and a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, fueling speculation about their possible romantic relationship. This news comes five months after Bryan’s public split with his ex-girlfriend, Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia, back in October of 2024, with the 25-year-old podcast host claiming emotional abuse by the singer following the breakup. Bryan hasn’t responded to those accusations, and neither his team or Duncan’s representative have yet to make a public statement about their relationship. (People)

Country musician Jason Isbell, 46, and his former wife and collaborator Amanda Shires, 43, have finalized their divorce. Isbell initially filed for divorce in December 2023 after 10 years of marriage, due to irreconcilable differences between the couple. Isbell has since been in a relationship with painter Anna Weyant, 29, and she created the cover art for his new album, Foxes in the Snow, which was released on March 7. The Grammy-winning Isbell previously shared that their marriage fell apart due to work/life balance issues and differing levels of professional success. Isbell and Shires were married in February 2013, and she played fiddle and sang backup for his band the 400 Unit, while he played guitar for her country supergroup The Highwomen. They are parents to 9-year-old daughter Mercy. Despite the divorce, Isbell has expressed that he still plans to perform songs inspired by his marriage. “For me it’s a matter of honoring other people’s connections with that music and also my own past,” he said. “Just because something ended doesn’t mean it failed.” (People)

On Wednesday (March 12), the NCAA and TNT Sports Live Events announced the star-studded lineup of artists who will perform at the 2025 March Madness Music Festival. The three-day event will take place at Tower Park in San Antonio, Texas from April 4th to 6th, and will be held in conjunction with the Division I Men’s Final Four. On April 4, Pitbull will headline the AT&T Block Party, along with performances by Doechii and Ravyn Lenae. On April 5, Jelly Roll will headline Coca-Cola Live!, following sets by T-Pain and Willow Avalon. On April 6, Chris Stapleton will headline Capital One JamFest, with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Benson Boone, and Brothers Osborne also set to perform. CBS Sports and TNT Sports will provide live coverage of all 67 games from the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across four national TV networks, with the Final Four airing on CBS. (Billboard)

Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina hosted a charity drive on Sunday, March 9th, distributing over 2,000 musical instruments to North Carolina hurricane victims. The event was organized by the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, and they aimed to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene by giving out donated instruments that were collected from multiple states. The giveaway, which was spearheaded by program host Michael Johnathon, received an overwhelming response, ultimately placing all donated instruments in the hands of those in need, while highlighting the ongoing significance of relief efforts in hurricane-affected areas. “We haven’t forgotten the situation of folks affected by Helene,” Johnathon said. “You are the comfortable rocking chair of America’s musical front porch. So many people donated violins, guitars, cellos, banjos, trumpets, and more. The response has been phenomenal.” (Consequence of Sound)

During her recent guest-hosting stint on SiriusXM's Women of Country channel, Kelsea Ballerini revealed that she has been friends with fellow country star Carly Pearce for over a decade. The duo bonded before their rise to fame as part of what Ballerini describes as an “all-girl” “therapy group." "We were all just trying to figure out how to break into the industry and like being a support system for each other,” Ballerini says. “And then we both had the opportunity to sign a record deal and start touring and put songs out. And we have just walked alongside each other through the last, more than 10 years, honestly." The artists have collaborated on songs and supported each other both personally and professionally, with Ballerini expressing deep gratitude for their sisterly bond. "It's been really important for me to have her as such a beautiful friend,” Ballerini expressed. “So, shout out to Carly Pearce. I love you forever." (People)

Gibbs High School in Tennessee has renamed its baseball field the 'Morgan Wallen Field' in honor of their most famous alumni. Principal Jason Webster praised Wallen's generosity and his positive impact on the school while making he dedication to the country music superstar. Wallen, a former player at Gibbs High who was part of their 2010 state championship team, graduated in 2011 and has maintained strong ties to both the school and local community. Through his Morgan Wallen Foundation, the singer has donated over $35,000 to enhance various programs at Gibbs, including band and baseball, as well as contributing over $200,000 to renovate local parks and baseball fields. “He’s been a positive promoter of Gibbs and has given back throughout his time after high school,” Webster said of Wallen. “We’re thankful for the things that he does, not just for Gibbs high school, but Knox County schools and the community at large. He’s a very giving person and we’re excited to do this for him.” (Holler)

In a new interview with 60 Minutes Australia, Luke Combs detailed his ongoing struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Combs revealed that he has been diagnosed with what he calls "Pure O," a  variant that causes obsessive mental symptoms and intense anxiety. Combs described the effects of his OCD as “particularly wicked” and more “obscure” than more common symptoms. “It’s thoughts, essentially, that you don’t want to have,’ Combs explained. “Then they cause you stress.“ Combs’ interview took place while he was on the Australian leg of his world tour, where he became the first country artist to headline a full stadium tour in the region.

Opening up about his journey with the disorder, Combs hopes to raise awareness and offer support to those grappling with similar challenges. “It’s possible to continue to live your life and be really successful and have a great family and achieve your dreams while also dealing with things that you don’t want to be dealing with,” he says. (Rolling Stone)

ERNEST and Snoop Dogg's highly-anticipated collaboration, “Gettin' Gone,” appears to be on the horizon as the dynamic duo were spotted shooting a music video on Nashville's Broadway Strip. The clip follows in the footsteps of Post Malone and Luke Combs' viral video shoot last summer. “Gettin’ Gone” was co-written by ERNEST, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, and Mark Holman, and based on the 'Snoop DeVille' jacket that the rapper was sporting, the release of the joint track is anticipated to coincide with the launch of ERNEST's new label, DeVille Records. ERNEST shared an Instagram photo of he and Snoop hanging out at Losers Bar and Grill, captioning the post, “SNOOP X DEVILLE.” The country superstar also shared a video of his son, Ryman, meeting Snoop, captioning the clip, “Ryman is certified 💙.” “Gettin' Gone” is rumored to be the lead single from ERNEST's forthcoming collaborative project, Cadillac Sessions, which will feature contributions from signees to ERN’s Cadillac Music Publishing group, such as rising country singer, Chandler Walters. (Holler)

Stephen Schwartz, the acclaimed songwriter behind Wicked, is set to receive the 2025 Johnny Mercer Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York City on June 12. The honor comes amidst the success of Wicked as the highest-grossing film ever based on a Broadway musical, with a sequel slated for release in 2025. The 76-year-old Schwartz also wrote the music for the Broadway hits Godspell and Pippin, and has won three Oscars, four Grammys, and a Golden Globe, while receiving six Tony nominations. “With every lyric and melody, Stephen invites us on an unforgettable journey,” SHOF chairman Nile Rodgers said in a statement. “He is the only person who can turn a simple story into a Broadway musical masterpiece, one catchy chorus at a time!” Gracie Abrams was previously announced as the recipient of the SHOF’s other major honorary prize, the Hal David Starlight Award, with the class of 2025 inductees including George Clinton, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Mike Love, Tony Macaulay, and three members of The Doobie Brothers. (Billboard)

Country singer Wade Bowen and his band survived a frightening bus accident over the weekend. The crew was on their way to a show in Lubbock, Texas, when another car collided with their bus as they were leaving Austin. In an Instagram post shared on Monday (March 10), Bowen captures a photo documenting the severe damage sustained by the bus. “Thankfully we are all ok. I’m so blessed to have the band and crew I do,” Bowen wrote in the caption. “Everyone came together and figured out how to make it to our next show in Lubbock and pull off a magical night. In spite of everything, we had one of my favorite shows ever in the town that started it all for me.” Bowen praised the “police officers, firemen, tow truckers, and everyone that took good care of us,” while reflecting, “We are very lucky… to be safe.” (The Boot)

Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson both launched advertising campaigns recently. Jelly surprised his fans by donning Daisy Dukes in an eye-catching new Zevia commercial, which showcases the country star’s favorite Creamy Root Beer flavor. Jelly Roll breaks stereotypes by promoting the zero-sugar soda, while challenging the idea that real men can't prioritize their health. Inspired by his own ongoing journey towards better health, Jelly aims to encourage others to make mindful choices for their well-being, while fostering a sense of community and authenticity.

Meanwhile, Lainey Wilson is starring in a new ad for Whataburger. The commercial features clips of the country star performing, interactions with her fans, and lively moments with her band, which makes the country singer so hungry she could “eat all the tires” off her tour bus. “When you're on the road, there's a lot of late nights. A lot of early mornings, a lot of honey butter chicken biscuits," Wilson says in a voiceover. "And a lot of great times with my band." The clip ends with Wilson greeting fans in the fast-food chain restaurant, with the singer exclaiming, "What-a-BURGER!” followed by the message, "Tell 'em Lainey sent ya." (People)

Bunnie Xo took to TikTok recently to share an update on her journey with in vitro fertilization with her husband, Jelly Roll. The Dumb Blonde podcast host, whose real name is Alyssa DeFord, opened up about the couple’s ongoing efforts to expand their family in the heartfelt clip, where Bunnie reveals: "I’m literally going through IVF treatments right now — the hormones, the shots, all that," she said. "I’m going through all of the emotions, the rollercoaster, [and] the worry, just so that I can have a little piece of my husband and me — just a little piece wrapped in skin— to just add to the other two beautiful children that we have together." Bunnie is a stepmom to Jelly’s two kids, son Noah, 8, and daughter Bailee Ann, 16. (People)

On Monday (March 10), Wynonna Judd took to Instagram to share a video announcement for her highly anticipated 2025 Greatest Hits Tour. The trek will feature the country music icon performing a series of fan-favorite classics from her time with The Judds as well as her solo career, including hits like "No One Else on Earth" and "Tell Me Why." Judd’s tour is scheduled to kick off on June 13 in LaGrange, Georgia, with dates spanning across the U.S. and Canada throughout the summer, before finishing up on September 5 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “I continue to marvel at the fact that I still get to do what I love, after all these years. Can you believe I’ve never done a Greatest Hits Tour? THE TIME HAS COME!!!! 🥹” Judd captioned her post. Ticket sales for the tour begin on Friday (March 14), with a fan club presale starting on Tuesday, March 11. (The Boot)