Country Music News

During a recent appearance on Friday Night Takeover with Rob + Holly, Jelly Roll shared the inspiration behind his hit single, “Liar,” which is currently on a six-week run at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart "This song is just about standing up and being like, it's a lie," Jelly shared. "Tell me I can't lose 150 pounds. That's a lie. Tell me I can't learn the guitar in my late 30s. That's a lie. Tell me I can't start my Country music career at 37. That's a lie." Jelly also gave an update on his personal health journey, as the country star continues to lose weight due to exercising and eating healthier while on tour. “The physical is finally matching the change that's happening inside,” Jelly admits. “I am busting a** out here, dude. I'm gonna lose another 100 pounds right in front of everybody's eyes just like I just lost 150 in front of everybody's eyes.” (Audacy)

After making surprising appearances at Nashville's iconic Tootsie's Bar and the Bluebird Café last weekend, Ed Sheeran's deep ties to Music City have come into focus. The English pop superstar has a decade-long history of songwriting for country music icons including Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Kelsea Ballerini. An unreleased collaboration with Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, as well as Nashville star Ross Copperman, called “Blue Mustang” will hopefully surface someday. “I love Ed Sheeran,” Hubbard said before his C2C Festival 2025 performance in London. “He spent some time in Nashville making music, writing songs, and I was fortunate enough to get in a room with him and write a couple of songs. He's obviously one of the greats, and somebody I admire for many reasons. His creativity and his songwriting skill is next to none.” As Sheeran gears up for his new music project, Play, hopefully he includes these unreleased country-infused tracks. (Holler)

In a new interview with Holler, Shaboozey hints at potentially releasing a deluxe version of his latest album, Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going, following the success of his recent single, “Good News.” Despite not working on a full-length studio record at the moment, the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” hitmaker hints at what his next chapter will sound like. “I think this next one is just about kind of digging deeper into the tradition and the history of country music,” Shaboozey says. He says his new project is tapping into “more modern, contemporary country stuff that you would find in Nashville right now. I'm definitely excited to show that. I think it's less conceptual and more just songs I've written that I love a lot, that tell more about who I am and where I am at this moment.” Shaboozey’s fan-favorite, folk-infused anthem, “Blink Twice,” will hopefully appear on the expanded deluxe edition of the country star’s recent album, as the Virginia native looks to usher in his next era. (Holler)

Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Lainey Wilson are the initial performers announced for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards. The ceremony will take place on May 8 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and will be hosted by country legend Reba McEntire. Shelton, a five-time co-host, will perform his current Top 20 hit on both Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, "Texas" from his upcoming album, For Recreational Use Only, which is due out the day after the awards show. Church will showcase new music from his forthcoming album, Evangeline Vs. The Machine, released a week prior to the ACMs. Wilson, last year's Entertainer of the Year, will be riding high on the success of her 2024 album, Whirlwind, which reached No. 3 on Top Country Albums and No. 8 on the Billboard 200. Nominations for the 2025 ACM Awards – which will be celebrating six decades of country music – will be revealed on March 27, with additional performers and presenter announcements to come. The awards show will stream live exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. (Billboard)

In a new interview with People, Chase Rice reflects on his desire to take a step forward in his music career. In early March, the 39-year-old country star surprise released a three-song EP, Live From Chief’s, which includes standout covers of Eric Church’s “Carolina” and George Strait’s “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” along with the previously unreleased “Cowboy Goodbye.” "Lately, I'm really big on real stories to me or well-written stories that are probably true for somebody else," says Rice of his new song. "This is obviously me going down that road. It's all real-life stories about my life, and it's just how I felt." Rice is a newly independent artist, and he hopes to share his music – including his upcoming album, Eldora – with fans no matter how hard he has to work. "That has been the frustrating part of the last two years because it's the best music I've ever made," explains Rice. "But the masses haven't heard it. So how do we get people to really believe what I'm doing? And the short answer for me is just keep doing it." (People)

Dolly Parton has shared her feelings about the emotional tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, that took place at the end of the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary special. The event came to a stirring finish as the Opry stage was filled with country superstars delivering a heartfelt rendition of Parton’s classic song, "I Will Always Love You," honoring Dolly during her time of grief. On Friday (March 21), two days after the Opry special aired, the 79-year-old country icon gave her reaction to the honor in a statement on her Instagram Stories. “I have not stopped crying over the beautiful tribute of ‘I Will Always Love You’ on the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry show," wrote Parton. "All those beautiful people with all their beautiful voices singing my song as a tribute to my husband Carl… the emotion was beyond words. I have cried enough to wash a great deal of the pain away so thanks to all of you beautiful people that helped make that possible. I also will always love you." (People)

In a new interview with People, Margo Price credits her sobriety with bringing her clarity and creativity, which has led to a more productive personal and professional life. "I played at Willie [Nelson's] ranch last night. I was there until 12:30 [in the morning]," the 41-year-old country star shared. "I was like, 'Okay, if I would've been boozing, it would've been a much rougher morning.' Get up, hit the road and I'm here and ready to give people the best show." Price abused alcohol to cope with the loss of her son in 2010, which led to "a whole ‘nother period of depression." She now feels empowered by her decision to quit drinking, calling it "the most rebellious thing I've ever done in my life." Price recently launched her own Gibson guitar, and states that, "I feel like I'm in the best head space of my life. I feel like my creative juices are functioning on all cylinders and I just feel really happy." (People)

Texas musicians Charley Crockett and Leon Bridges will embark on a joint tour together dubbed, The Crooner and the Cowboy. The jaunt begins with a high-profile performance at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on June 5, and ramps up again in late August with shows in cities throughout North American, including Milwaukee, Toronto, Philadelphia, Charleston, and Birmingham, Alabama, before finishing up with a special homecoming show in Austin, Texas on September 23. “This isn’t just a concert,” reads a statement about the joint tour. “It’s a collision of soul and grit, an evening of music that echoes across time, place, and genre.” Noeline Hofmann, Reyna Tropical, Honky Tonkin’ In Queens, and Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore will all serve as special guest opening acts on select dates on the tour. Presale starts on March 25, while general on-sale begins on March 28th, with $1 from every ticket sold going to Bridges' charity, The Big Good, which is dedicated to community engagement in North Texas. (Consequence of Sound)

Morgan Wallen claims his 19th career Top 10 on Billboard's Country Airplay chart, as the title-track to his forthcoming album, "I'm the Problem," climbs two spots to reach No. 9 this week. The chart-topping single is featured on the country superstar’s highly-anticipated new record which is set to be released on May 16, with Wallen also releasing two new songs, “I’m a Little Crazy” and “Just in Case,” on Friday (March 21). The singer will promote his new record by performing on NBC's Saturday Night Live on March 29. Wallen’s initial Country Airplay Top 10 was his 2018 hit, ’“Up Down” (featuring Florida Georgia Line), and the Sneedville, Tennessee native’s 19 career Top 10s trails only Luke Combs’ record of 20. Meanwhile, Jelly Roll's "Liar" continues its dominance on the Country Airplay chart by remaining at No. 1 for a sixth consecutive week, the longest overall reign of the singer’s seven total career chart-toppers. (Billboard) 

In a new interview with Knox News, Dolly Parton revealed that she set some ground rules before collaborating with pop star Sabrina Carpenter on a remix of the song, "Please Please Please." “I told her, ‘Now, I don’t cuss,'” Parton recalled. “‘I don’t make fun of Jesus. I don’t talk bad about God, and I don’t say dirty words on camera, but known to if I get mad enough.'” Parton went on to praise Carpenter, saying of her new collaborator, "She was so sweet" even if she does “talk a little bad now and then.” Parton also shared an update on how she was holding up after the recent loss of her husband, Carl Dean. “I’m doing better than I thought I would,” she said. “I’ve been with him 60 years. So, I’m going to have to relearn some of the things that we’ve done. But I’ll keep him always close. I’m at peace that he’s at peace. But that don’t keep me from missing and loving him.” (Billboard)

On Thursday (March 20), Eric Church announced the release date and details of his highly-anticipated new album, Evangeline Vs. the Machine, which will be out May 2. The eight-song collection is produced by Jay Joyce, and marks the country star’s first record since 2021’s Heart & Soul triple project. “An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church said in a statement. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art — I think it’s important. I’ve always let creativity be the muse.” The album includes the just released single, "Hands of Time," and "Darkest Hour," which Church released last year to raise funds for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina, with all his royalties from the track being donated to the cause. The album closes with Church's cover of Tom Waits’ “Clap Hands,” showcasing the country singer’s diverse musical influences and openness to experimentation. (Billboard)

Ella Langley sparked and then dispelled rumors of her engagement within a whirlwind 24-hour period. After hinting that she had "some surprises" on the way on her Instagram earlier this week, speculation over her relationship status intensified when she shared a video of her performing “Honky Tonk Angels” while sporting a prominent ring on her finger. The country star is already facing relentless media attention about her relationship status amid rumors of a love triangle involving fellow country stars Riley Green and Megan Moroney, so the clip sent fans into a frenzy about a possible engagement. However, her subsequent video revealed the ring to be a prop, with Langley quipping, “That’s frightening… married to my job,” while trying it on her finger. The clip dashed the romantic hopes of her fans, while also confirming that the "surprises" Langley has planned likely revolve around a new music video on the way. (Holler)

On Thursday (March 20), Morgan Wallen revealed the release date and cover art for his highly-anticipated fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, which will be released on May 16. The new record coincides with the kick-off of his inaugural Sand in My Boots Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Wallen also released two new songs on Friday, “I’m A Little Crazy” and “Just In Case.” “I have been a problem, for sure, and I’ve got no problem admitting that,” Wallen said in a statement. “But there are other sides to me as well. I’ve spent the last 11 months really trying to figure out, ‘Do I still want to be the problem? Is it time to move past that phase in my life?’ I think it probably is, and this might be the last time I get a chance to honestly say it.” The album was crafted over nearly a year on a farm outside Nashville with producers Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome, and it blends “Wallen’s country, cross and dirt-rock influences." Wallen will also be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on March 29. (Billboard)

Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, are navigating a challenging IVF journey with humor and resilience. Bunnie recently shared a funny TikTok video that captured her in a delirious state after receiving anesthesia during a fertility treatment session. “Not gonna lie, I love propofol,” the Dumb Blonde podcast host rambles. “I’m f–king high as hell. I’m so thankful, praise Jesus … Did I poop on the doctor?” Despite her initial stress about the fertility treatment, the couple remains dedicated to expanding their family through IVF, while also choosing to share their journey publicly with their fans. “We had planned on doing this privately, but decided our IVF journey needed to be shared because we’ve always been so open,” Bunnie has said of the process. Jelly Roll, meanwhile, continues his sold-out tour in support of his Billboard 200-topping album, Beautifully Broken. In April, he’ll kick off his joint North American stadium tour supporting Post Malone. (Billboard)

As part of the celebration surrounding the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, Luke Combs reflected on his history with the iconic institution. The country superstar recalled his first unsuccessful attempt to attend an Opry show during a college spring break trip to see Ashley Monroe perform. His college roommate’s car issues derailed their plans and they ended up missing the performance, but Combs connected with Monroe on Twitter to share that he sadly missed her set. “She responded and told me she was doing a signing after the show,” Combs shared. “So I went over and got my album signed. I still have it to this day.” Combs also shared a bold statement he made to Monroe that night. “I told her, ‘One day, I’m going to play the Opry, and I’m going to play with you,’” Combs recalled. “Years later, I actually got to tell her that story for the first time in Maui at the BMI Songwriters Festival, where we were playing together. It was a full-circle moment.” (All Country News)

Country stars of all ages took part in the three-hour Opry 100: A Live Celebration special that was broadcast on NBC on Wednesday night. They all paid tribute to the history and impact that the Grand Ole Opry has had over the course of its 100 years. The show promised “iconic performances and star-studded collaborations that made country music famous,” and the program featured memorable and rousing live tunes performed at both the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville and at the Opry’s beloved home from 1943-1974, the historic Ryman Auditorium. The night’s host, Blake Shelton, referred to the rousing festivities as “the party we’ve been waiting 100 years to celebrate,” and the event delivered both spirited performances of honky-tonk classics and moving tributes to country legends. 

The show started off with Reba McEntire paying tribute to Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, who paved the way for her to stand on that Opry stage. Lainey Wilson was gifted one of Hank Williams guitars by Marty Stewart before they dueted on Hank’s classic, “Lost Highway.” Carrie Underwood honored Randy Travis, the man who invited her to join the Opry in 2008, while Kelsea Ballerini paid tribute to Barbara Mandrell by singing “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” as the music legend sat on stage taking in her performance. The War and Treaty were joined by a host of special guests while they paid a soulful tribute to the gospel roots of the Opry, while Aloe Blacc and the McCrary Sisters honored Charley Pride by playing his classic, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin.” 

Ronnie Milsap received a standing ovation following an on stage shout-out from Shelton, while Crystal Gayle was moved by Keith Urban’s rendition of her hit single, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Eric Church delivered a moving tribute to the 59 country music fans massacred at the Las Vegas music festival in 2017 with a stirring version of “Why Not Me.” Carly Pearce honored Dolly Parton with a tender take on her classic hit, “Jolene,” while Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood paid tribute to George Jones and Tammy Wynette with a series of their hits. Post Malone and Ashley McBryde celebrated the legacy of Johnny and June Carter Cash, who first met backstage at the Opry following Johnny’s debut there in 1956, while Posty also joined with Travis Tritt to perform his 1992 hit, “T.R.O.U.B.L.E..”

Luke Combs took to the Ryman stage to deliver a knockout rendition of George Jones’ classic, “The Grand Tour,” and his own hit, “Hurricane,” which he played during his Opry debut in 2016. Vince Gill dedicated an emotional version of his 1994 hit, “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” to his mother, who will turn 100 this October, “the same age as the Grand Ole Opry” he said proudly. Dolly Parton – an Opry member for 56 years – didn’t take part in the celebration due to the recent death of her husband, Carl Dean, but she recorded a video honoring the history of the beloved Opry, which was followed by a star-studded group singalong of her classic hit, “I Will Always Love You,” which brought the show to an emotional close.

Variety is set to host the inaugural Power of Women: Nashville event on May 1. The ceremony will honor country music stars Kelsea Ballerini, Mickey Guyton, Reba McEntire, and Lainey Wilson, who will each appear on four separate covers of the accompanying issue of the publication. Each musician will also bring attention to a charity of their choosing, to which Variety will make a donation. Ballerini, Guyton, McEntire, and Wilson will each be celebrated for their unique contributions to the music industry and their continued support of important charitable causes. Nine-time Grammy award-winning musician Sheryl Crow will serve as the event's host, and actress and activist Ashley Judd will attend to introduce the upcoming documentary event, The Judd Family: Truth Be Told, which will premiere on Lifetime in May. “As the Power of Women franchise continues to expand, we are thrilled to celebrate the incredible women of Nashville who have been driving the entertainment industry forward for decades,” said Variety CEO and Group Publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns. (Variety)

Award-winning Yellowstone and Landman creator Taylor Sheridan will host his first music festival, Bosque Ranch Live, on September 13 at his Weatherford, Texas ranch. The event will feature performances from rising country artists Drayton Farley, Kaitlin Butts, and Jackson Dean, all of whom have had music featured in Sheridan’s shows. The concert is limited to only 500 attendees, with different ticket levels offering a variety of special perks and unique experiences. “My career is built on the art of storytelling,” Sheridan said. “And nowhere is the storytelling tradition more alive than in country music. My hope is that Bosque Ranch Live is a space where these stories can come to life and sets the stage for more events like it to come.” While this is the first music event hosted at Sheridan’s ranch, the 1,000-acre location has played host to the NCHA Brazos Bash, and has served as a filming location for Yellowstone and its 1883 spin-off. For ticketing information and additional details, visit the event’s website. (Billboard)

Carly Pearce released a deluxe edition of her recent album, Hummingbird, on Friday (March 14), and in a new interview with People, the country star opened up about the bonus songs included on Hummingbird: No Rain, No Flowers. "'Heart First' and 'If Looks Could Kill' are actually two songs that I wrote during the writing for ‘29,’ and just didn't make the album that I now feel are important songs to the story," says the 34-year-old singer. "But 'No Rain' was written two months ago, and it was actually written for my new album that I'm working on." While “Heart First” and “If Looks Could Kill” have origins dating back to Pearce’s 2021 album, 29: Written In Stone, those old songs end up linking that project to her current work, while also helping the musician bring an end to that creative chapter in her life. "These songs feel like the right way to close this chapter and feel excited about what's to come after a painful five years," Pearce shares. (People)

NBC’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration revealed the lineup of country superstars who will be paying tribute to legends during the TV special. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will honor George Jones and Tammy Wynette, while Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde will pay tribute to Johnny and June Carter Cash. Reba McEntire will pay homage to both Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, while Kelsea Ballerini will sing Barbara Mandrell’s “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” and Carly Pearce will honor Dolly Parton. Keith Urban will perform Crystal Gayle’s “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” and Aloe Blacc and the McCrary Sisters will honor Charley Pride with “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin.”

Travis Tritt will team up with Post Malone to sing the country veteran’s 1992 hit, “T.R.O.U.B.L.E.,” Alan Jackson will perform “Chattahoochee,” while host Blake Shelton will join Trace Adkins and Clint Black to perform “a nostalgic ‘90s party jam.” The show will also include performances from Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, and more. The three-hour live broadcast will air on Wednesday, March 19 at 8 p.m. ET from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, with pre-recorded segments filmed at the Opry’s original home, the Ryman Auditorium. (Variety)