Country Now News

The 60th Annual ACM Awards took place on Thursday (May 8) at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, hosted by Reba McEntire for a record 18th time. Lainey Wilson was the night’s big winner, taking home the ceremony's highest award, Entertainer of the Year, along with Album of the Year for Whirlwind, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, and Female Artist of the Year. Wilson also delivered the live premiere of her high-profile collaboration with Miranda Lambert and Reba McEntire, “Trailblazer.” The ceremony started with a stirring 12-minute medley of past Song of the Year Award winners, with McEntire, Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland celebrating their own hits as well as past classics.

Many of the illustrious performers during the ceremony also took home awards, with Cody Johnson scoring Song of the Year for “Dirt Cheap,” Chris Stapleton once again winning Male Artist of the Year, Brooks & Dunn nabbing Duo or Group of the Year, Zach Top earning New Male Artist of the Year, and Ella Langley receiving New Female Artist of the Year, with the Alabama native – who was the top nominee on the night with eight nods – also winning Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year for “you look like you love me,” alongside her duet partner on the song, Riley Green. 

One of the emotional highpoints of the night was Alan Jackson receiving the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, with the country legend also taking the stage to perform a poignant version of his 2003 Hot Country Songs No. 1 hit,“Remember When.” Keith Urban was honored with the coveted ACM Triple Crown Award, and a series of contemporary performers paid tribute to the distinguished musician, with Megan Moroney delivering an acoustic rendition of Urban’s 2006 hit “Stupid Boy,” before Chris Stapleton delivered a moving version of the 2016 chart-topper “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” which caused Urban and wife Nicole Kidman to share a slow dance in the crowd, then the Brothers Osborne capped off the tribute with a rousing rendition of his 2001 track, “Where The Blacktop Ends,” which caused Urban to strap on his own guitar and join in the fun on stage.

Jessie Jo Dillon received the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award, while The Red Clay Strays won New Duo or Group of the Year, and Old Dominion nabbed the Group of the Year Award. The ACM Awards paid tribute to the event’s illustrious 60 years of history, showing emotional clips of legendary past winners during ceremonies from throughout the years, with tonight’s deserving winners also going down in country music history. (People)

Grand Ole Opry icon Jeannie Seely is recovering from multiple recent health issues, including back and abdominal surgeries, an extensive stay in the ICU, and pneumonia. The 84-year-old country legend expressed gratitude for the support and love she received during her ordeal. "Over the past several weeks, I've received so many wonderful messages of love and concern about being missed on the Grand Ole Opry and on Sundays with Seely on Willie's Roadhouse," Seely said in a statement. "Thank you for those, and I assure you that I miss you just as much! Hopefully I can count on that support as I struggle through this recovery process.” Despite facing a tough rehabilitation process, Seely remains optimistic about the future, looking forward to releasing new music, returning to her radio show and the Opry stage. Seely was honored by the Grand Ole Opry in 2022 for the most performances in Opry history, and she was also the first woman to regularly host Opry segments. (People)

On Wednesday (May 7), Lainey Wilson found out that she had been named the 2025 ACM Awards' Artist-Songwriter of the Year, surprisingly receiving the honor from fellow country music stars Miranda Lambert and Reba McEntire a day before the big ceremony. The trio are set to debut their new collaborative single, “Trailblazer,” at the awards show. Wilson won the award over impressive competition, including music superstars like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, HARDY, and ERNEST, with the award celebrating artists who have disinguished themselves as leading songsmiths and entertainers. Wilson expressed her appreciation for the prestigious accolade by commenting on the ACM Awards post, “This is such an honor, thank you ❤️.” Wilson also won ACM Entertainer of the Year in Thursday night’s (May 8) ceremony, an award that the country music superstar won at last year’s ACM Awards. (Holler)

As Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani approach their tenth anniversary, the country music superstar reflects on their enduring love in a new interview with People. "It honestly does [feel like time is flying by]. It's like, how did this happen so quickly?" says Shelton, 48. He admits that "10 years is a long time," but affectionately says that the relationship "still feels new for me." "I feel like that might be the key to happiness, is that it feels just as exciting and new and happy," Shelton says. In addition to their successful marriage, Shelton collaborated with his pop superstar wife on his new single, “Hangin’ On,” which is featured on his current record, For Recreational Use Only, which was just released on Friday, May 9. The couple even saved one track they worked on in that recording session for a possible future release. "We were both so fired up about both of them that we ended up holding one back for the next project," Shelton revealed. (People)

During Lainey Wilson's recent performance, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO shared a heartwarming moment as they danced to Wilson's love ballad "4X4XU," captured in a TikTok video posted by Bunnie on Wednesday (May 7). Initially hesitant, Bunnie was coaxed onto the stage by Jelly, who pleaded, "Mama, it's our song! Come dance with me." The Dumb Blonde podcast host wrote over the top of the adorable video that she was "hiding from the crowd bc I had a long day & hadn't planned on coming to this shindig." The video captures the joy and connection between the couple, with Bunnie adding, "I'm learning memories are priceless," before praising Jelly for making that moment special for the couple. "He always knows how to make me have the biggest smile," Bunnie shared, before adding, "If he wanted to, he would, ladies." (Taste of Country)

Jordan Davis is known for his genuine lyrics and strong work ethic, so it makes sense that the country music star is partnering with the 142-year-old workwear brand, Wolverine, since he perfectly represents the brand’s values. The partnership is launching the Wolverine x Jordan Davis Trades Tour, which aims to support eight American small trades businesses with over $100,000 in sponsorships and gear. “Growing up in a family of tradesmen is something I have a ton of pride in,” Davis shares. “It taught me about hard work and creating something from nothing. I want to pass that on to my kids—and this tour is a way to honor the folks still doing it.” This initiative reflects Wolverine's commitment to celebrating hardworking tradespeople while highlighting their impact on American communities. The selected businesses will receive a $15,000 support package and a VIP experience at one of Davis' Ain’t Enough Road Tour stops, further solidifying the bond between Wolverine, Davis, and the essential tradespeople they support. (Billboard)

In a new cover story for The Zoe Report, Maren Morris shared insights into how she handles co-parenting with ex-husband Ryan Hurd. Morris only lives five minutes away from Hurd in Nashville, which makes drop-offs of their five-year-old son, Hayes, easy for both of them. "Our stops are really easy, and we’ll have family dinners,” Morris revealed to the publication. Morris, 35, and Hurd, 38, met back in 2013, and eventually got married in 2018. They had their son together in 2020, before divorcing in 2024, and now they both remain focused on their commitment to being great parents for their child. "There [are] so many emotions when you have a child with somebody and the relationship doesn't pan out," Morris told People in August 2024. "I feel like Ryan and I have done a really great job at just being great parents for him." (People)

Blake Shelton felt burned out after he left The Voice in May of 2023. The country superstar took a year to contemplate his next steps, and got an unexpected phone call from Post Malone to collaborate on "Pour Me a Drink," which reignited his passion for music. Shelton says that the song's massive success "lit a fire under me," and the 48-year-old country star took that creative momentum with him into the studio to record his 13th album, For Recreational Use Only, which is due out on Friday (May 9). The record’s lead single, "Texas," became Shelton’s 30th No. 1 of his career, a milestone he has now learned to embrace. "After 25 years of doing this, and the ups and downs, I don't feel like I have anything to prove anymore," he says. "I used to be almost afraid of my success because I was afraid of losing it somehow. Maybe the worry kept me working hard and focused — but now it's just fun for me." (People)

The full list of presenters for the upcoming ACM Awards was revealed on Thursday (May 7), which includes stars like Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Clint Black, Crystal Gayle, ERNEST, Gabby Barrett, Gretchen Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Jordan Davis, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Parker McCollum, and more. Additionally, Bobby Bones will conduct artist interviews during the show, which will be hosted by Reba McEntire. The 60th ACM Awards will kick off with a 12-minute medley celebrating past Song of the Year winners, followed by performances by Alan Jackson, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Eric Church, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and more. Keith Urban will receive the ACM Triple Crown Award, which will include a musical tribute featuring Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, and Brothers Osborne. The event will air live at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday (May 8) via Prime Video. (People)

Parker McCollum is building anticipation for his forthcoming self-titled album with the release of his latest single, "Big Sky." McCollum had been teasing his new song – which dropped on Wednesday (May 7) – on social media over the past week. "Big Sky" joins McCollum’s earlier singles, "What Kinda Man" and "Hope That I'm Enough," which will all be featured on the rising country star’s new album due out June 27. The project is already being compared to McCollum’s beloved debut, The Limestone Kid. “I was 22 years old, and I wrote that record in my apartment in Austin," he said during a recent live performance. "I've put out three studio albums since that record - and everybody always says, ‘Man, I love The Limestone Kid.’ So this album that's coming out this summer, it's not The Limestone Kid, but it's probably as close as I'm ever going to get...You gotta listen top to bottom...I really hope you guys love it.” (Holler)

In a new ELLE digital cover story, Kelsea Ballerini is advocating for inclusivity in country music. The 31-year-old singer expressed support for artists transitioning into the genre – like Beyoncé, Post Malone, and Lana Del Rey – while also stressing the importance of embracing diversity. "If we, as country artists, feel like we can have a collab on top 40 or have a collab with an R&B artist, why wouldn’t we give a welcome to someone else?" Ballerini said. "I think that’s where people who are pushing back really need to check themselves, because music is for everybody. And specifically country music, the marquee of it is it’s the people’s story.” Ballerini also reflected on the rewarding experience of headlining her first ever arena tour. “I really like to be inclusive and I feel like I have songs truly for everyone," said Ballerini, who ensures "that the boyfriends and husbands that have been dragged there unwillingly by their girls also feel welcome, because they are." (People)

In a pair of massive deals totaling $350 million, Zach Bryan has renewed his contract with Warner Records and is reportedly in the process of selling his publishing catalog. The recorded music deal with Warner is for at least two albums and was finalized on Sunday night after Warner faced tough competition from Universal to sign the country music superstar. The buyer of Bryan's publishing catalog is a new entity called the Merrit Group, led by former Warner Bros. Records CEO, Cameron Strang. Bryan is widely recognized as one of the top recording artists in the world, and has been Warner Records' leading performer for nearly three years, ever since his 2022 breakthrough album, American Heartbreak. Bryan will headline a two-night stand at London’s Hyde Park on June 28-29, along with an historic show at the 107,000-capacity Michigan Stadium this summer. Bryan also hinted at an upcoming film project titled Motorbreath, alongside his "final" major label album of the same name. (Variety)

In an Instagram Story on Monday (May 5), Morgan Wallen announced that he will release his new single, “Superman” – a tribute to his son Indigo Wilder – on Friday (May 9), a week before he drops his highly-anticipated album, I’m the Problem. “It’s special to me for obvious reasons," Wallen wrote of “Superman” in the post. "I wanted it to have its own moment, and hopefully that’s what this will accomplish.” Wallen shared a teaser of the emotional tune in an Instagram post back on February 24, writing in the caption, “Been trying for a long time to write a song I loved to my son. None of them ever feel good enough because of how perfect I want something like this to be. And not saying this is perfect, but I am very proud of it.” I’m the Problem will be released on May 16, coinciding with the first night of Wallen's Sand In My Boots Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where he will headline alongside Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, and HARDY. (Holler)

On Tuesday (May 6), the lineup was revealed for the 2025 Austin City Limits Festival, which will showcase a diverse set of headliners such as Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Doja Cat, Luke Combs, and The Strokes. ACL will take place across two weekends in Austin’s Zilker Park from Oct. 3-5 and 10-12, with performances spread out over nine stages. In addition to the headliners, the festival will also feature appearances from Cage the Elephant, T-Pain, Empire of the Sun, DJO, Pierce the Veil, Rilo Kiley, Maren Morris, Mk.gee, Zeds Dead, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Modest Mouse, Wet Leg, King Princess, and many more. The event is once again set to stream on Hulu, which will air select live performances and interviews during the first weekend, with a full broadcast schedule to be announced later in the summer. A variety of three-day ticket packages went on sale on Tuesday (May 6), with single-day tickets available at a later date. (Billboard)

On Sunday (May 4), Miranda Lambert took to the American Idol stage to deliver a fiery rendition of her breakout hit single, "Kerosene.” The performance was a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the song as well as Lambert’s 2005 debut album of the same name, which featured four Top 40 hits on the Billboard Country Chart and has gone on to be certified platinum.  During a recent interview with Variety, Lambert looked back fondly on her musical journey. “I am proud of this. I’m proud of where I was and where I’ve ended up,” Lambert said of Kerosene. “I want to share that because I want to encourage younger artists to make a record you would hand your hero. That’s kind of my rule. And I still feel strongly that I could walk up to George Strait and hand him this record and feel good about it.” As a guest mentor on American Idol, Lambert enjoyed the opportunity to inspire and guide aspiring artists, drawing from her own experience as a third-place finalist on Nashville Star in 2003. (Rolling Stone)

In a new interview with The Los Angeles Times, Eric Church disclosed that Morgan Wallen reached out to him after the infamous chair-throwing incident at Church's Nashville bar in April 2024. Church described the arrest as a turning point for Wallen, and expressed pride in the young country superstar’s response to the situation while noting that the incident served as a positive catalyst for Morgan's personal growth. Church said Wallen called him from the street immediately following the incident, and eventually came into the bar to personally apologize to the staff. “I think that was a line for him, and he’s done really well since then — it was a thing he’s reacted positively to as a person,” Church said. “I used the old Billy Joe Shaver line on him: ‘I’m just an old chunk of coal, but I’ll be a diamond one day.’... I was proud of him.” Wallen is set to release his new album, I’m the Problem, on May 16, which features a collaboration with Church on the song, “Number 3 and Number 7.” (People)

In a new interview with People, Reba McEntire reflects on her 'mind-boggling' 50th anniversary in the music industry, expressing gratitude and humility regarding the historic milestone. "Very grateful, very thankful," McEntire says while looking back on her storied career. "And I never thought at the 20th anniversary that I'd be hitting this one. But I have to give a lot of credit to people who have been before me — Tammy [Wynette], Dolly [Parton], Loretta [Lynn] — who have paved the roads for girl singers of my generation and the ones that are coming up after me." As she prepares to host the 60th ACM Awards on Thursday (May 8) – for a record 18th time –  McEntire recalls the life changing event of catching Red Steagall's attention at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo, which gave the country icon the opportunity to release 32 studio albums, while eventually collecting 16 ACM Awards, 15 American Music Awards, nine People's Choice Awards, six CMA Awards, and three Grammy Awards. (People)

Keith Urban will be honored with the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, becoming the first artist to receive this distinction live on the ACM stage since Carrie Underwood in 2010. The ACM Triple Crown Award is only given out to artists who have clinched three of the Academy’s most coveted honors: New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. Urban joins this prestigious club due to his previous wins for Top New Male Vocalist (2001), Male Vocalist of the Year (2005 and 2006), and Entertainer of the Year (2019). In honor of Urban’s historic achievement, the awards ceremony will feature a series of special tribute performances by Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, and Brothers Osborne celebrating Urban's iconic catalog. The 60th ACM Awards will be hosted by Reba McEntire, and will take place on Thursday, May 8, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. (All Country News)

Eric Church released his eighth studio album, Evangeline vs. the Machine, on Friday (May 2), and the eight tracks on the record showcase the country superstar’s imaginative approach to his music with an unconventional blend of strings, horns, and a choir on each song. In a new interview with Variety ahead of the album’s release, Church discussed his commitment to individuality and creativity in his work, while emphasizing the struggle between artistic expression and the mass-produced nature of the industry. Church says the record represents “a dichotomy between creativity and the machine that that creativity has to live and breathe in,” while adding that, “as I’ve gotten older, it becomes harder and harder to be able to embrace what that creative spirit is. When the next thing comes along quickly, you kind of lose the specialness of the moment of that creativity.” Church’s Free the Machine fall 2025 arena tour gets underway on September 12 in Pittsburgh, with support coming from Elle King, Marcus King Band, and Charles Wesley Godwin on select dates. (Variety)

Dasha has been named as Amazon Music’s next Breakthrough Artist, joining prestigious past honorees Chappell Roan, Bailey Zimmerman, and Nate Smith. The service is promoting her with the release of an Amazon Music Original studio version of her cover of Gretchen Wilson's classic, "Here for the Party," which the rising country star recently performed at Stagecoach. Dasha, who gained attention last year when her hit song, "Austin," went viral, is thrilled about being chosen as the Breakthrough Artist. “This past year, I’ve been so lucky to find people who truly believe in what I’m doing and just want to help get the music out there” Dasha said. “Amazon Music really champions breaking the mold and being unapologetic with your art, which is exactly what I’m trying to do.” In addition to a series of high-profile live appearances – which includes her own headlining dates as well as providing support on major tours by Dylan Scott and Thomas Rhett – Dasha also has plans to release a new project later this year. (Variety)