Country Music News

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)

On Monday (November 17), the Country Music Association announced new presenters, special guests, and performers who will take part in the 59th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 19) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Newly announced presenters include Billy Ray Cyrus and girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley, Lady A, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, LeAnn Rimes, Billy Bob Thornton, Gretchen Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, and more, while Keith Urban and Little Big Town join the stacked roster of performers. The event will be hosted by Lainey Wilson – who is tied with Langley and Megan Moroney for most nominations with six – and other top nominees like Zach Top and Riley Green will also be featured. Lauren Alaina and HaleyyBaylee will cohost backstage coverage on TikTok, while Vince Gill will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, and he will also be honored with a tribute performance during the ceremony, which will air live on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. (People)

Drew Baldridge and his wife Katherine have revealed that they are expecting their second child, a son due this April, expanding their family along with their nearly 3-year-old son Lyric. Married since May 2021, the couple expressed excitement about welcoming another boy and the joy that parenthood brings. Katherine jokes that, “I was already outnumbered by boys, but now it’s official,” while adding, “All I want is a healthy baby, and knowing that Lyric will get to be a big brother makes this even more special.” The 33-year-old country star, who was nominated as Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year for the 2025 MusicRow Awards, appreciates all of his recent career success, but admits that, “2025 has been an incredible year with so many professional firsts, and I’m beyond grateful. But nothing comes close to the joy of being a father.” (People)

Kelsea Ballerini emotionally thanked fans for embracing the vulnerable side of her during an intimate pop-up show in Nashville on Monday night (November 17), where she performed her new EP, Mount Pleasant, live for the first time. At the end of the show, Ballerini broke down in tears while expressing gratitude for her supporters and the trust of her team, while highlighting the importance of authentic expression throughout her career. “Thanks for embracing the not-so-glittery parts of me over the last few years,” she said. “I know that I'm the luckiest to be able to have all these very big feelings and be like, ‘I need to put it in music or I will combust.’” Released November 14, Mount Pleasant follows her 2024 chart-topping album, Patterns, with Ballerini set to perform her new project's lead single, "I Sit In Parks," at the 2025 CMA Awards on Wednesday, where she’s again nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year. (People)

Lainey Wilson is preparing to solo host the 59th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday (November 19) at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. In a Q&A ahead of the event, Wilson recounted how she sought "one piece of advice" from five-time host Reba McEntire. But instead of encouraging her to "just be yourself and have fun," like Wilson expected, "She sent me a list," the singer recalled with a laugh. "I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. One piece of advice!’” Reflecting on the honor of filling such "big ol' shoes," Wilson, who previously cohosted the 2024 show with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, expressed pride and humility in leading the ceremony, which will air live on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. The Grammy-winning Wilson also plans to perform during the CMAs, where she is tied for the most nominations with six, including the show’s biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year, which she took home in 2023. (People)

Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia" continues its dominant run atop the Billboard Hot 100, holding the No. 1 spot for a sixth consecutive week, and joining her previous hits "Anti-Hero" (eight weeks) and "Blank Space" (seven) as her only singles to lead for six or more weeks. Swift now has two singles that have both ruled the Hot 100 for their first six weeks of release – "The Fate of Ophelia" and "Anti-Hero" – an achievement matched only by Mariah Carey, who accomplished the feat in 1995 with her No. 1 hits “Fantasy” and “One Sweet Day” with Boyz II Men. Concurrently, Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl spends its sixth week atop the Billboard 200, marking a historic milestone as both album and lead single extend their six-week reigns simultaneously – a first in chart history. In another notable move in this week’s Hot 100, sombr scores his first Top 10 hit of his career, as “Back to Friends” moves up one spot to reach No. 10.

The rest of the Top 10 is rounded out by HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from KPop Demon Hunters, holding at No. 2, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” stays at No. 3, Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” climbs one place to a new peak of No. 4, Swift’s “Opalite” falls one spot to No. 5, and Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” remains at No. 6. Leon Thomas’ “Mutt” moves up one place to reach a new high of No. 7, marking four Best New Artist Grammy nominees – Warren, Dean, Thomas, and sombr – with hit songs currently charting in the Top 10. While Kehlani’s “Folded” falls one spot to No. 8, and Morgan Wallen’s “I Got Better” holds at No. 9. (Billboard)

Eric Church just shared an official trailer for the upcoming release of his limited-run IMAX concert film, Evangeline Vs. The Machine Comes Alive, which will hit select theaters in the U.S. and Canada for two nights only on February 11 and 14, 2026. The movie will showcase live performances of the country superstar’s eighth album alongside hits like “Give Me Back My Hometown” and “Springsteen.” Recorded over two nights at Nashville’s The Pinnacle with IMAX’s immersive 12-channel sound, the shows feature a six-piece band, horn and string sections, choir, and vocalist Joanna Cotten. “This project was never about fitting into a box – it’s about breaking the damn thing wide open,” Church said in a press release. “Seeing it in IMAX takes that to another level. The scale and sound experience is like nothing else.” Coinciding with the film, a 19-track live album will drop on February 13 via MCA, with pre-orders available and preview tracks already released. (Billboard)

SESAC honored songwriters and publishers at its annual Nashville Music Awards on Sunday night (November 16), celebrating the most-performed country and Americana songs with over 500 industry creatives in attendance at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Highlights included performances by Stephen Wilson, Jr., Emily Ann Roberts, and Megan Moroney, who played her new single, “Beautiful Things.” Moroney’s track “Am I Okay?” won Song of the Year, while the 28-year-old country star was also honored for writing, publishing and performing the tune, while also receiving accolades for her work on the song “Break It Right Back.” Michael Tyler was named Songwriter of the Year, receiving a custom Gibson guitar, while Warner Chappell Music was honored as Publisher of the Year for the fifth time in eight years. The event also featured tributes to Jim Lauderdale and Steve Bogard on their recent inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, while Kelsea Ballerini honored her longtime co-writer and producer Alysa Vanderheym for her work on the song “Baggage,” from Ballerini’s current Grammy-nominated album, Patterns. (Billboard)

Dolly Parton was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2025 Governors Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (November 16). Due to recent health issues, the 79-year-old country music icon accepted the Oscar statuette via video message from her Nashville home. This marks Parton’s first Oscar win following two previous Best Original Song nominations, previously receiving nods in 1980 for "9 to 5" from the film of the same name, and in 2005 for "Travellin' Thru" from Transamerica. “I've been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible,” Parton said in her message. "It's an honor just to be considered. I don't take this kind of thing lightly. It makes me want to dream up new ways to help lift people up. Isn't that what we're supposed to be here for? So from my heart to yours, I truly thank you." Presented by her 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin, the honor recognizes Parton's decades-long charitable work, including her Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, which has gifted 285 million books to children. (People)

On Friday (November 14), Luke Bryan and Ella Langley released their country-flavored rendition of the holiday classic, “Winter Wonderland,” which is featured on Bryan’s newly released three-song EP, Luke Bryan Christmas. The project marks Bryan’s first holiday EP of his career, and it also includes his versions of “Run Run Rudolph” and “O Holy Night.” Bryan and Langley’s festive collaboration also includes a studio-shot music video directed by Evan Harney, which Bryan teased on social media ahead of the EP’s release. Langley, a rising country star and leading nominee at the upcoming CMA Awards – including nods for Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as single and song of the year for “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green – joins Bryan, a two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, in bringing festive cheer to country music fans with this fresh take on a beloved holiday favorite. (Billboard)

Dasha is celebrating her breakthrough hit, “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” becoming only the second solo female country song to reach 1 billion streams – joining Taylor Swift’s "Love Story" – with the track achieving the milestone within only two years. The 25-year-old California-raised, Nashville-based artist’s first major single was released in November 2023, with the platinum-certified track emerging from a place of personal heartbreak. "I realized how much this song is about empowerment and turning so much anger and hate into such an incredible, beautiful thing," Dasha says. The triumph of “Austin” was fueled by a combination of her gut instincts and key creative partnerships with Version III and her major label, Warner Records, who helped spread the track on the radio and online. "This is my first moment, and I recognize how rare and f---ing insane this is,” Dasha says of the song’s success, while admitting, “You don't usually get this for your first one. This song has brought me my entire career and so much incredible fans.” (People)

Todd Snider, a beloved singer-songwriter known for his candid storytelling and wit within the Americana music scene, has died at 59. News of Snider’s death was announced on Saturday (November 15) on his official social media accounts. His passing follows a recent battle with walking pneumonia that was discovered after a troubling incident in Salt Lake City where the singer was the victim of a “violent assault” outside of a hotel before his show, which led to his arrest following his refusal to leave the hospital after the incident. Snider’s abbreviated final tour was in support of his new album, High, Lonesome and Then Some, which was released on October 17 on his Aimless label through Thirty Tigers, with all dates immediately cancelled due to the injuries he sustained from the attack.

A worrying follow-up statement on Facebook updating fans on his condition stated that after “Todd returned home to recover last week, he began having trouble breathing and was admitted to the hospital in Hendersonville, TN.” This came less than 24 hours before the announcement of Snider’s death, which led to tributes from a series of music contemporaries like Jason Isbell, who wrote, “Freak flags at half-staff for the Storyteller and all the songs he still had left to write. I sure did love him.” Celebrated for albums like East Nashville Skyline and The Devil You Know, which led to Snider being nominated for Artist of the Year at the 2006 Americana Honors & Awards, he was also respected for his honest social commentary in his music, and his distinctive songwriting style. Snider’s tragic passing was met with shock and grief from fans and fellow musicians, who praised his enduring influence and kindness. (Variety)

Jelly Roll has shaved off his beard for the first time in 10 years, revealing a dramatically changed look to match his extreme weight loss. "You guys, I have been with my husband for going on 10 years now, [and] I have never seen this man without his facial hair. Not one freaking time," Bunnie XO, 45, revealed in an Instagram video shared on Thursday (November 13) that captured Jelly’s transformation. The Dumb Blonde podcast host shared her reactions while the Grammy-nominated country singer trimmed his facial hair off camera, with Bunnie seeing his look evolve to a goatee down to a "cop stache," before he finally revealed his fully clean-shaven face. Bunnie covered her mouth in shock, but said reassuringly, "The total naked face, it's not terrible." Although fans are eager for the official reveal, Bunnie shared that Jelly Roll will share his new look in due time. "Hey guys, he will show y’all when he’s ready ❤️," she wrote in the caption. (People)

Megan Moroney has scored her third Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with “6 Months Later,” with the track rising one spot to reach No. 10 following a 6% increase to 18.3 million in audience over the past week. Moroney co-wrote “6 Months Later” with Rob Hatch, David Mescon, and Ben Williams, and the track continues Moroney’s recent chart success following June’s No. 2 hit, “Am I Okay?,” and her debut entry, “Tennessee Orange,” which peaked at No. 4 in June 2023. Since May 2023, Moroney now joins Ella Langley in a tie for second most Top 10 Country Airplay hits among women over that span, trailing only Lainey Wilson’s mark of five, with those three singers also coincidentally the leading nominees at the upcoming CMA Awards. Moroney’s other new single, "Beautiful Things," also gained momentum by climbing to No. 37 on this week’s chart, with both tracks set to feature on her upcoming third album, Cloud 9, due February 20. (Billboard)

On Sunday (November 16), the NFL announced that Jack White and Post Malone will headline the halftime shows of their scheduled Thanksgiving Day games. White will perform during the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers game at Ford Field, while Post Malone will launch The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Kickoff by performing at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs matchup. White is a Detroit native and a 12-time Grammy winner, who was just inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last week as the guitarist/lead singer of The White Stripes, while Malone is a Texas native and avowed Cowboys fan, who has received 18 Grammy nominations as a multi-genre artist but has yet to win. His 2024 country record, F-1 Trillion, topped the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts, receiving a 2025 Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. Malone, who previously sang “America the Beautiful” before the 2024 Super Bowl, will continue his world tour in support of the album shortly after Thanksgiving. (New York Times)