Friday, 14 March 2025

Country News snippets February 17 – February 23, 2025

UK News, UK Chart News, Billboard Country Charts, Album & Single Releases, US & Canadian News, Music News, Press Releases, TV, Interviews, Articles & Videos, Birthdays
























CDX NEWS
Thomas Rhett talks about his latest single, "After All The Bars Are Closed
Carly Pearce comments on the gifts she gets from fans.
Plus, the latest news from Vince GillTrisha Yearwood, and Brett Eldredge.
Listen to the audio file
 CDX WEEKLY CHARTS February 19th, 2025
Airplay for February 10th, 2025 – February 17th, 2025 – Country Singles
 
#1 No.1 1 week JELLY ROLL – Liar (BMG/Republic/Stoney Creek)
** SPIN GAINER ** MORGAN WALLEN “I’m The Problem (Big Loud Records)
 
UK NEWS
On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist 22 February 2025
A List
Elton John & Brandi Carlile - Who Believes in Angels? [A-A-A]
B List
Lainey Wilson - Whirlwind [B] added to the ‘B’ playlist
OUT
Carly Pearce – Oklahoma [B-B-B-B] removed from the ‘B’ playlist
 

(17 Feb 2025) Emerging British Country artist Brook Ellingworth announces the release of his new single “Roadmap To Your Heart.” Check out the new heartfelt track available now on all streaming platforms here.
"Roadmap to Your Heart" follows Ellingworth’s previous single “Truck Stop” and recent announcement of his debut album, Roll The Dice, set for release on February 28, 2025. The new song opens the album with a dynamic blend of textures, creating a wave-like journey that shifts from full-band intensity to stripped-down choruses, with subtle touches like crickets and group vocals adding depth and imagery. Ellingworth co-wrote the song with singer/songwriter and friend George Huxtable. The track explores the fear of messing up a love so strong that it pushes you to learn every detail that makes the other person feel seen and cherished. 
“We wanted to keep the energy high and the vibe positive, reflecting the excitement and passion that come with such a powerful emotion.” Ellingworth shares. The track really paints a picture, immersing the listener in the emotional intensity of the story.”
 
(18 Feb 2025) Bringing honky tonk heart, grit, and a whole lot of soul— Virginia Dirt are the next act stepping onto The British Country Music Festival stage! This Americana duo “has been making serious waves” in the UK Country scene.
Virgie Lynne brings a divine dive bar Country vibe to her songwriting, while Corrado Cecere, a metal-head rocker with a taste for swamp blues and ZZ Top, adds his own edge. Expect a set that’s equal parts polish and raw energy! 
 

(18 Feb 2025) BBC RADIO 2 LOVES COUNTRY: For the Radio 2 Loves Country season in March, the station will broadcast more programming than ever before to celebrate Country music, shining a spotlight on the much loved musical genre, long supported by the station.
Once again, BBC Radio 2 will be at Europe’s biggest Country music festival, C2C – Country to Country, in London, Belfast and Glasgow from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th March. As the official broadcast partner of C2C since 2013, highlights will be aired across three days and beyond, led by Radio 2’s Country Show presenter, Bob Harris. As well as presenting acts on stage at The O2 in London, Bob will be fronting shows live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds during the weekend on Saturday (3-6pm) and Sunday (8-10pm) where he’ll be joined by musicians for live performances and key moments from the main stage from some of the world’s most popular Country stars and the cream of emerging talent from Nashville and Europe. Four-time Grammy®-nominated artist, Mickey Guyton, will share hosting duties with Bob on stage and on air. Bob will preview the festival on his Country Show on Thursday 13th February (9-10pm) and reviewing the weekend the following week (Thursday 20th March).
 
On Friday 14th March, The Scott Mills Breakfast Show (6.30-9.30am) will broadcast live from BBC Broadcasting House in Belfast; Vernon Kay’s show (9.30am – noon) will feature Tracks of My Years with Lainey Wilson from Monday-Friday that week; and Jeremy Vine (12-2pm) will be broadcasting live from Glasgow. Scott will also be at C2C at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Friday night, co-hosting the event with BBC Radio Ulster’s Country Show presenter John Kerr.
There will be more live performances at Radio 2 Showcases at King Tut’s in Glasgow on Saturday 15th March hosted by Edith Bowman - and available the following week on BBC Sounds – featuring artists Chanel Yates, Harper O’Neill and Kassi Ashton. The Radio 2 showcase at The Limelight, Belfast, on Saturday 15th March is hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Country Show presenter John Kerr with performances from former The X Factor contestant Janet Devlin, Jeff Cohen, Abbie Mac and Kieran O’Connell. In addition, BBC Scotland and BBC Northern Ireland will be producing packages for Bob Harris’ shows on the Saturday and Sunday diving into big Country music stories from Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Scott says: “I can’t wait to take my Radio 2 Breakfast Show to Belfast for this year’s festival, it’s going to be so much fun. It’ll be my first time taking the show on the road and we’ll have big Country guests and live music, as well as reflecting the incredible C2C line-up and Northern Irish Country music scene.”
 
In-demand Warner Music Nashville talent Chase Matthew will be returning to the UK next month to play 4 headline shows (Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester and London) as part of his 2025 World Tour. His forthcoming album, CHASE drops Friday (21/2)
Chase, A Music City native, continues to make his case as one of the genre’s boldest emerging voices with current single "Darlin’" is currently charging US Country radio. The rising star began his career by blazing an independent trail, leveraging an infectious country-or-nothing personality, rowdy live performances, and authentic music built around his low-slung vocal twang.
Amassing 1 BILLION+ global career streams (with more than 350 MILLION global streams on his first RIAA PLATINUM-certified smash, “County Line”), Chase has garnered over 1.5 MILLION followers across social media; named “One to Watch” by HITS; a member of the Class of 2024 for both Opry NextStage and MusicRow’s Next Big Thing; in addition to being nominated at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards.
Matthew’s will join Keith Urban’s HIGH AND ALIVE WORLD TOUR this summer, with dates in the U.S. and Australia.
 
Chase Matthew UK/EU Tour Dates:
Monday 3 March 2025 - Limelight 2, Belfast (17 Ormeau Avenue, BT2 8HD) TICKETMASTER IE
Tuesday 4 March 2025 - King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow (272A St Vincent Street, G2 5RL) TICKETWEB £16.50
Wednesday 5 March 2025 - The Deaf Institute, Manchester (135 Grosvenor Street, M1 7HE) EVENT £23.10 w/ Tayler Holder
Friday 7 March 2025 – Oslo, London (1A Amhurst Road, Hackney E8 1JB) EVENT £24.75 w/ Tayler Holder
Saturday 8 March 2025 - Berlin, Germany - Uber Eats Music Hall (C2C: Country to Country)
Sunday 9 March 2025 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - RTM Stage, Rotterdam Ahoy (C2C: Country to Country)
 
(21 Feb 2025) Rising UK country pop singer-songwriter, Chanel Yates announced yesterday that her forthcoming single ‘Big Girl Boots’ will be released via Platoon on March 7th. ‘Big Girl Boots’ is available to pre-save here
The release follows the news that Chanel will be playing C2C: Country To Country Festival in both London and Glasgow next month (March 14 - 16).
 
(21 Feb 2025) Northern Ireland’s viral sensation Gareth released his original song ‘Quiet In This House’, following the news that he will be returning to the UK next month to play C2C: Country To Country Festival in London (March 14 - 16).
Commenting on the ‘Quiet In This House’, Gareth shared, “My family and I are very close to each other. We have grown up in the same house... mum, dad, granny, grandpa, and all my brothers and sisters. Every time I leave the house my mum always tells me it’s far too quiet. Moving to Nashville has been such a blessing but also very hard for me because I have to say goodbye to my family. I’ve never left home before and now I've moved to Nashville to chase a dream. This song is my way of sharing that story of moving to Nashville and all the emotions that come with it.”
The song was written by Gareth alongside GRAMMY winner Shay Mooney (Dan + Shay), and Tofer Brown, whose credits include Jon Pardi’s BMI award winning song ‘Night Shift’ and the double platinum single ‘Wine, Beer , Whiskey’ by Little Big Town.
Gareth is set to return to the UK and Europe next month for appearances at C2C: Country To Country Festival in Berlin (March 7), Rotterdam (March 9) and London (March 14 - 16) before embarking on his debut European headline tour in the spring.
 
UK CHART NEWS

UK Albums
21 February 2025 – 27 February 2025
Sabrina Carpenter’s chart run isn’t so SHORT N’ SWEET, as her latest LP returned to Number 1 for a third non-consecutive week.
The 2025 BRITs Global Success award winner jumps four to the summit with her sixth studio album, bolstered by the release of a deluxe edition featuring five brand-new tracks including a reworking of former chart-topper Please Please Please with Dolly Parton.
Short N’ Sweet first topped the Official Albums Chart on its release in September 2024, and went on to become the third-biggest album of last year in the UK.

UK Singles
21 February 2025 – 27 February 2025
Kendrick Lamar earned his first UK Number 1 single with the dizzying Not Like Us, nine months after its initial release.
Following an increase in attention after Kendrick’s performance of the diss track at his Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Not Like Us re-entered the Official Singles Chart Top 10 at Number 2 last week, and ascended to the top spot.
Gaining momentum after the release of Short N’ Sweet’s deluxe edition, Sabrina Carpenter’s former Number 1 single Please Please Please re-entered the Top 10 for the first time in four months thanks to a remix featuring Dolly Parton (9)
In his 44th chart frame Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy) slipped 44-49
Sam Barber ft Avery Anna with Indigo fell 45-50 in their 9th frame
Post Malone “I Had Some Help” (feat. Morgan Wallen) held at No.76 in their 38th frame.
Morgan Wallen with his new single “I'm The Problem” fell 70-80 in the singles third frame.
In her 50th chart frame Dasha with Austin fell 90-92 (peak No.5)

Official Albums Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 27 February 2025)
21 Feb 2025 – 27 Feb 2025
1 5 26 Sabrina Carpenter ~ Short n' Sweet ****deluxe edition released
2 NE 1 Manic Street Preachers ~ Critical Thinking
3 NE 1 PartyNextDoor and Drake ~ $ome $exy $ongs 4 U
4 NE 1 The Wombats ~ Oh! The Ocean
5 7 4 Central Cee ~ Can't Rush Greatness

Official Singles Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 27 February 2025)
21 Feb 2025 – 27 Feb 2025
1 2 25 Kendrick Lamar ~ Not Like Us
9 RE 19 Sabrina Carpenter ~ Please Please Please ****release of duet with Dolly Parton; reset
49 44 44 Shaboozey ~ A Bar Song (Tipsy) *** (Peak No.3 36 weeks - 25/04/2024 to 26/12/2024 + 8 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 27/02/2025)
50 45 9 Sam Barber ft Avery Anna ~ Indigo (Peak No.33; 1 week - 26/12/2024 + 8 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 27/02/2025)
76 76 39 Post Malone ft Morgan Wallen ~ I Had Some Help *** (Peak: No.2, 31 weeks - 23/05/2024 to 19/12/2024 + 8 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 27/02/2025)
80 70 3 Morgan Wallen ~ I'm The Problem (Peak No.44 3 weeks - 13/02/2025 to 27/02/2025)

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 27 February 2025)
21 Feb 2025 – 27 Feb 2025
Ringo Starr with LOOK UP moved 2-1 (6 weeks; #1 peak)
Beyoncé with Cowboy Carter rose 3-2 (47 weeks; #1 peak)
Bonnie Prince Billy with THE PURPLE BIRD fell 1-3 (3 weeks; #1 peak)
Shaboozey with WHERE I'VE BEEN ISN'T WHERE I'M GOING held at No.4 (37 weeks; #2 peak)
Post Malone with F-1 TRILLION held at No.5 (27 weeks; #1 peak)

COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES (Major)

(21 Feb 2025) Chase Matthew - Chase (Chase Matthew Music / Warner Music Nashville) 13 songs, 40 min 14 sec
(21 Feb 2025) Randy Houser - ‎Note To Self (Deluxe) (Magnolia) 14 songs, 50:39 

BILLBOARD/ MEDIABASE Charts

In Brief: Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of March 1, 2025) Starts Sun Feb 23, Ends Sat March 1, 2025

Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of March 1, 2025)
Country Album Chart ** No.1 (75 non-consecutive weeks) ** ONE THING AT A TIME Morgan Wallen
Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (35 non-consecutive weeks) ** “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
Country Airplay ** No.1 (2 weeks) ** “Liar” Jelly Roll
Country Digital Songs ** No.1 ** A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey

Billboard 200 News
PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake’s first collaborative album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart (dated March 1), earning 246,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. in the week ending Feb. 20, according to Luminate. It’s the first leader for PARTYNEXTDOOR and fourth top 10 charting set. It’s 14th No. 1 for Drake among 17 top 10s. Drake now ties JAY-Z and Taylor Swift for the most No. 1s among soloists in the nearly-69-year history of the chart. Overall, only The Beatles, with 19 No. 1s, have more.

Morgan Wallen’s chart-topping ONE THING AT A TIME dipped 8-9 (39,000; down 5%)

Billboard Hot 100 News
Kendrick Lamar and SZA’sLuther” lifted a spot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. The single – whose title is an ode to late R&B legend Luther Vandross, who is sampled on the track — becomes Lamar’s sixth leader and SZA’s third.“Luther,” on pgLang/Interscope/ICLG, totaled 46.7 million radio airplay audience impressions, 45.2 million official streams (up 6% in each metric week-over-week) and 6,000 sold (down 27%) in the U.S. Feb. 14-20. 
Shaboozey’sA Bar Song (Tipsy)” teetered 8-9 on the Hot 100, following its record-tying 19 weeks at No. 1 beginning last July. It ruled the multimetric Hot Country Songs chart for a 35th week, one-upping Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road,” in 2017, to become the list’s sole second-longest-leading title; Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant To Be” led for 50 weeks in 2017-18.                   

Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart News
ONLY GOING HIGHER Jelly Roll’s Liar” (Bailee & Buddy/BMG/Republic/ Stoney Creek) topped Country Airplay for a second week, with 30.4 million in reach (up less than 1%). Of the singer-songwriter’s seven Country Airplay No.1s, encompassing all his entries dating to his first in 2022, four have led for multiple weeks. “Need a Favor” ruled for a personal-best four weeks beginning in August 2023.

Cole Swindell added his 13th top 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart as “Forever to Me” (Warner Music Nashville/WMN) pushed up a spot to No. 10 on the March1-dated list. The song increased by 6% to 17 million audience impressions Feb. 14-20, according to Luminate.  

Billboard’s Country Chart News
No.1 ShaboozeyA Bar Song (Tipsy)”: With a 35th week atop Hot Country Songs, the smash is the sole second longest-leading No. 1 after Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant To Be” (50 weeks, 2017-18). The hit tallied 59.8 million in all-format audience, 16.2 million U.S. streams and 4,000 sold in the week ending Feb. 20, according to Luminate.

No.4 Riley Green Worst Way”: Following the Feb. 12 premiere of its video, the track, which Green wrote, sold 2,000 Feb. 14-20 (up 115%) and arrived at No. 4 on Country Digital Song Sales, marking his fourth top 10. On Country Airplay, it jumped 40-32 (3.5 million impressions, up 48%). On Hot Country Songs, it re-entered at No. 13 for a new high.

No.17 Sabrina Carpenter Featuring Dolly Parton Please Please Please”: Released Feb. 14 on the deluxe version of Carpenter’s album Short n’ Sweet, the remix of the pop hit — adding Parton — drew 6.3 million streams and sold 2,000 in its first week. As Carpenter charts her first Hot Country Songs hit, Parton scored a top 20 entry in a record-extending seventh decade, dating to her first in 1967.

Country Airplay
** No.1 (2 weeks) ** “Liar” Jelly Roll 30.377 million audience (+0.115 million gain) / 8356 radio plays (-9)
** Airpower ** No.14 “I’m The Problem” Morgan Wallen
** Airpower ** No.20 “Coming Home” Old Dominion
** Hot Shot Debut/ Most Increased Audience ** No.23 “She Hates Me” Dierks Bentley (+6.308 million audience gain)
Debut No.47 “After All The Bars Are Closed” Thomas Rhett
Debut No.60 “Ends Of The Earth” Ty Myers

Hot County Songs
** No.1 (35 weeks) ** “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
** Airplay Gainer ** No.15 “Guy For That” Post Malone featuring Luke Combs
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.17 “Please Please Please” Sabrina Carpenter featuring Dolly Parton
Debut No.19 “Bad State Of Mind” Treaty Oak Revival
** Streaming Gainer ** No.21 “Dear Miss” Zach Bryan
** Sales Gainer ** No.30 “Forever To Me” Cole Swindell
Debut No.42 “Oil Money” Graham Barham
Debut No.47 “She Hates Me” Dierks Bentley
Debut No.48 “Tough People” Drew Baldridge
Debut No.50 “Low Road” Adrien Nunez

Country Aircheck MEDIABASE Chart
Congratulations to Post Malone, Luke Combs, Stacy Blythe, Tyler Waugh and the Big Loud promotion team on taking “Guy For That” to No. 1. This is Malone’s third No.1, and at just 35 weeks since his first chart topper, he became the fastest artist in the Mediabase era (1999 to present) to score three No.1s. The previous record belonged to Florida Georgia Line, who took 41 weeks to score their first three No. 1s in 2012-13.
In the pre-Mediabase era, only four artists scored three No 1s faster, all in the early 1990s: Clint Black (34 weeks), Joe Diffie (33), Tracy Lawrence (33) and Wynonna Judd (32). Additionally, the song’s 2,647 play increase to reach the top is the largest in chart history. Songwriters are Louis Bell, Ryan Vojtesak, Jonathan Hoskins, Ernest Smith, James McNair, Austin Post and Combs. 

Tigirlily Gold’s Forever From Here Is The Most Added
Kudos to Luke Jenson and the Monument crew on racking up 84 adds for “Forever From Here” by Tigirlily Gold to top the week’s Add Board. The duo’s first release to top the Add Board is also the first by a female duo or group since Maddie & Tae’s “Die From A Broken Heart” did so in May 2019.

February 24, 2025 The Weeks ADDS
Artist/Title (Label)        TW       Historic
TIGIRLILY GOLD/Forever From Here (Monument)       84         89
MIRANDA LAMBERT/Run (Republic/Big Loud)   73         74
VINCENT MASON/Wish You Well (Music Soup/MCA)     55         57
LANCO f/C. ASBURY/We Grew Up Together (Riser House)        22         23
RILEY GREEN/Worst Way (Nash. Harbor)          16         110
PARKER MCCOLLUM/What Kinda Man (MCA)   14         131
THOMAS RHETT/After All The Bars Are Closed (Valory) 13         112
DIERKS BENTLEY/She Hates Me (Capitol)        9          120

NEWS
(19 Feb 2025) Rising Country singer/songwriter Mackenzie Carpenter teams up with GRAMMY-nominated trio Midland for their new charming and flirtatious duet “I Wish You Would (ft. Midland)”. The track captures the story of two bar patrons whose undeniable chemistry draws them together in a Country dive. With its mix of twangy guitars, steady drumbeats and masterful vocals from Carpenter and Midland’s Mark Wystrach, the song sets the perfect mood for a night brimming with excitement and possibility. Written by Carpenter alongside Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore and Chris Tompkins, the track overflows with anticipation from the couple who are secretly begging the night to stretch on so they can continue to surrender to the spark between them.  

Carpenter’s debut album HEY COUNTRY QUEEN is released on March 7. She will visit the UK to play C2C festival 2025, March 14 – 16.

(19 Feb 2025) New York, NY  The music and life story of beloved country music icon and legend Loretta Lynn will be celebrated and depicted in a new stage musical COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER starring Tony Award-winner Sutton FosterThe production is in development under the direction of Tony Award-winner Sam Gold. Music Production is by Tony Award-winner Jeanine Tesori. Gold and Tesori last worked together on the Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home.
Loretta Lynn, one of country music’s most iconic figures, left an indelible mark on the genre with a career spanning over six decades. Known for her powerful storytelling and unapologetically honest lyrics, she sold over 45 million records worldwide and earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association (CMA) awards, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy includes timeless hits such as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” and “The Pill.”  Lynn’s career, which began in the early 1960s, was marked by its longevity and influence. She passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 90, leaving behind a profound impact on music and culture.

(19 Feb 2025) Spotlight Seven: Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold and Tucker Wetmore have been named the Grand Ole Opry's Opry NextStage Class of 2025. The program, launched in 2019, spotlights rising country talent with heightened promotion on the Opry stage and across Opry Entertainment Group platforms.

(21 Feb 2025) 2025 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards: Announced Friday night (2/21) at the CRS '25 New Faces dinner, this year's CRS/Country Aircheck Awards honorees were:  
Station
WXTU/Philadelphia (Large Market)
WKDF/Nashville (Medium Market)
WKSF/Asheville, NC (Small Market)
Platinum Label: Big Loud
Gold Label: Capitol 
OM/PD
Ashley Wilson, WKKT/Charlotte (Large Market)
Travis Daily, WKDF & WSM/Nashville (Medium Market)
Kix Layton, WKSF/Asheville, NC (Small Market) …more HERE

(21 Feb 2025) Hope Floats: Communication, self-care, the courage to ask for or offer help and the power of vulnerability were key themes in CRS Thursday's (2/20) CMA-sponsored "Mental Health Matters." For performers and personalities in particular, the affirmation of fans can provide an adrenal rush that's hard to replicate. "I did not know this could blow up as fast as it did when it came to the shows," artist Wyatt Flores said. Equating adulation to addiction, he added that it changed him permanently. "I don't feel things the same way ... I just wish I could laugh the way I used to, [but] I've become numb to certain things. That's the dark side of this industry ... [and] why a lot of people use substances."

(21 Feb 2025) Things A Woman Oughta Know: Lainey Wilson and Kassi Ashton will perform at the Katie Neal co-hosted Audacy’s Leading Ladies April 3 at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Women Who Rock, benefitting Magee-Womens Research Institute. Tickets go on sale Feb. 28 here.

(21 Feb 2025) While supporting friend and collaborator Cody Johnson at Bridgestone Arena last Friday, Randy Houser was surprised with a plaque to commemorate “Note to Self” being Certified Gold.
It was presented to him by son Huck and actor Johnny Galecki:  watch the moment here (Instagram).

(23 Feb 2025)
Country Radio Seminar 2025 Concludes with Standout Performances, Impactful Panels, and Industry Networking 

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025 wrapped up on Friday, February 21, after three days of unforgettable musical performances, insightful panels, and dynamic industry sessions.

This year’s event was a resounding success offering attendees a dynamic lineup of showcases and events including theAmazon Music Presents: “Country Heat at CRS 2025”showcase,Warner Music Nashville’s Luncheon, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, “Team UMG” at the Ryman,BBR Music Group Decades Party, Big Machine Label Group’s Luncheon, and the highly anticipated New Faces of Country Music Show and Dinner.

CRS will be returning in 2026 on March 18-20. Registration will be open later this year.
CRS '25 Daily Buzz Magazine view

AMERICANA NEWS
(18 Feb 2025) Billy StringsHIGHWAY PRAYERS (Warner Records | 519 plays) remained at No.1 &

Jason Isbell with “Bury Me” (Southeastern Records | 534 plays) held at No.1 on the albums and singles Americana Radio Charts (week of February 18, 2025). Visit americanamusic.org to see the full charts and details for the current week's Albums and Singles. 

(22 Feb 2025) Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo' reconnect and join forces once more for another TajMo project as they share the title track (feat. Ruby Amanfu) from the forthcoming record Room On The Porch (out May 23). Listen here

BLUEGRASS NEWS
Willis, VA (February 21, 2025) – Mason Via returns with his latest single, "Fireball," an electrifying yet heartfelt track that perfectly captures the balance between wild nights and unwavering love. Co-written with rising country artist Zach John King, the song was originally meant for a major country star—but Via felt such a deep personal connection to the lyrics that he knew he had to record it himself.
"We were writing just off Music Row, hoping to pitch this song to a big-name artist," Via shares. "But the more I sat with it, the more I realized how much it resonated with me. I couldn’t get it out of my head. I just married the love of my life—she’s my rock through the chaos of being a full-time musician. Having her by my side has kept me grounded and sane. With how fast life moves these days, I’m just grateful to be in love—it’s a great time to be in love!"
Fireball is a tribute to the kind of love that keeps you steady, even when life is moving full speed ahead. With lyrics like “She’s the steady in my storm, the rock to my roll” and “She’s a Sunday morning hymn that’s running right through me,” the song paints a vivid picture of love that both fuels the fire and keeps it burning strong. PURCHASE/STREAM

MUSIC NEWS
(19 Feb 2025) Sabrina Carpenter adds an extra show! Sunday 6 July BST Hyde Park are delighted to announce that double GRAMMY®-winner, pop powerhouse Sabrina Carpenter will headline a second huge night at American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Sunday 6 July, following her sold-out show on Saturday 5 July. She'll be joined by special guests Clairo and Olivia Dean, with the full line-up still to be announced.

Facebook is about to mass delete a lot of old live streams Facebook will start deleting users’ live broadcast recordings after 30 days starting on February 19th. Users who go live after that date must download the videos to save them from getting deleted before their 30-day expiration period ends. Alternatively, you could share the recordings to your profile as Reels, although that means fitting clips into that format’s 90-second time limit.  Meta says it’s making the change because “most live video views occur within the first few weeks of broadcasting” and to “align our storage policies with industry standards and help ensure we are providing the most up-to-date live video experiences for everyone on Facebook.”  All previously recorded live videos that are older than 30 days will also be removed. 

AWARDS
(20 Feb 2025) Curb Records recording artist and captivating storyteller, Lee Brice, took his intimate acoustic tour, You, Me & My Guitar Tour, to the famed Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday night. The tour, which kicked off on January 31st, is an unforgettable journey through Brice’s life in song as told through his impactful narration and the various instruments adorning the stage. The unforgettable evening had the packed house singing along with all of Lee’s hits, laughing uncontrollably listening to his stories, and two fans left that evening engaged.

Brice was presented with two new RIAA certifications by RIAA’s Jackie Jones – “Rumor” 6x Platinum and “Boy” 2x Platinum. Jones was joined on-stage by veteran radio and broadcast host, Storme Warren, who presented Brice with a career plaque commemorating combined RIAA certifications

(23 Feb 2025) Rose Colored Glasses: Songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon will be honored with Song Suffragettes’ Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award when the group celebrates its 11th anniversary March 3 at Nashville’s Listening Room Café. Dillon will participate in a Q&A, while Song Suffragettes alumna Alana Springsteen will perform some of the honoree’s best-known songs. Karley Scott Collins and Shaylen are among the other alumnae set to perform. Tickets here.

TOUR / LIVE EVENTS
(18 Feb 2025) Tour Support: Dierks Bentley's 30+ city 2025 Broken Branches Tour kicks off in Austin May 29 with Zach Top and The Band Loula in support. Tickets go on sale this Friday (2/21) here

Meghan Patrick and Ashland Craft are co-headlining The Rollin' Stoned Tour beginning April 10; schedule here

Post Malone and Jelly Roll will perform in Romania, Austria, Germany, Denmark and more as part of their Big Ass World Tour; details here

Vince Gill's 30+ city summer tour starts May 8 and wraps in August with four nights at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium; schedule here.

(19 Feb 2025) Tour Support: Old Dominion's How Good Is That - World Tour kicks off June 5 in Charleston with subsequent stops in cities including Jacksonville, Greensboro, Oklahoma City and Lake Tahoe before an international leg beginning Aug. 29 in Ontario. Joining on select dates are Ernest and Redferrin; tickets here Feb. 28.

Festive All: Chuck CannonBob DiPieroRebecca Lynn HowardRaul MaloLee Thomas MillerTaylor Phillips, Liz RoseJeffrey Steele and Bridgette Tatum are among the songwriters performing during the Key West Songwriters Festival April 30-May 4; lineup here.

(21 Feb 2025) Bits & Pieces: Jordan DavisGraham BarhamGrace BowersMackenzie CarpenterMadeline EdwardsTigirlily GoldJonathan McReynoldsAdrien Nuñez and Reyna Roberts are performing at Breland & Friends 2025 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium April 22; tickets here Feb. 28.

(23 Feb 2025) Tour Support: Hudson Westbrook's 29-date 2025 Summer Tour kicks off June 7 in Little Elm, TX; full schedule here

TV
ICYMI: Sam Barber and Avery Anna performed "Indigo" on The Kelly Clarkson Show (2/19). 

Eli Young Band Today sang "Nothing On The Wild" on NBC's Today (2/20).

PRESS RELEASES
(18 Feb 2025) Country superstars Rascal Flatts kicked off their LIFE IS A HIGHWAY TOUR this weekend with three sold-out crowds in Evansville, IN, Charleston, WV, and Grand Rapids, MI. Joined by openers Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane, the trio rocked capacity arenas for the first time officially since 2019, “a testament to their musical legacy, deep connection with fans, and the undeniable magic they create together on stage,” (Country Now).
Etching another notch in country music history, Rascal Flatts’ newest single “I Dare You” with Jonas Brothers has broken streaming and radio records for the band, marking the largest streaming debut in their career with over 3.1 million global streams, and becoming their most added single delivering 138 single-day Mediabase adds.

(21 Feb 2025) GRAMMY, CMA and ACM Award-winning Country star Carly Pearce is set to release hummingbird: no rain, no flowers (Big Machine Records), a deluxe version of her critically acclaimed fourth studio album, on March 14, adding five new tracks including the brand new song, “no rain.” Currently on her headline hummingbird world tour, Carly debuted the new song last night to thank London for two special nights of sold-out shows. Watch a snippet of the song’s debut on Billboard’s social HERE.

(21 Feb 2025) With the arrival of Note To Self Deluxe, multi-Platinum artist Randy Houser releases a collaborative take of his song “Cancel” featuring country superstar Cody Johnson via Magnolia Music Group. Listen to “Cancel” and Note To Self Deluxe HERE.
Written by Houser and co-produced with Jay Tooke, “Cancel” draws on spiritual introspection to promote forgiveness, calling for empathy while emphasizing the importance of listening to others and avoiding judgment.
“After I wrote it, I went on Cody’s bus, and we talked about cutting it together,” shares Houser. “I was honored that something so meaningful to me was also important enough to him to want to be a part of it.”

(21 Feb 2025) When Hereford, Texas native Randall King created his sophomore major-label album Into The Neon, the neotraditionalist ventured into a new territory sonically, intentionally adding more edge and instrumentation. King always intended to strip it back, so after switching it up night-after-night across a solid year of touring, Neon (Unplugged) was complete. Recorded at Sound Stage Studios, it’s now available – listen HERE.


(21 Feb 2025)
Country-rock powerhouse Tyler Braden is set to release his highly anticipated debut full-length album, devil and a prayer, on May 16th via Warner Music Nashville. The album, consisting of 19 songs, was conceptualised by Braden to serve as a representation of his own artistic and personal growth, both combined and delivered to the listener in the imaginative form of a live show. An early highlight to release off the powerhouse vocalist’s forthcoming album is the anthemic “GOD & GUNS N’ ROSES,” which was released alongside the album pre-order.
As an artist, it’s exciting to constantly relearn who you are as you grow, and this album is a huge culmination of those moments,” Braden says. “The whole process of a debut album has taught me so much about myself and I’m stoked for everyone to experience who I’ve become. Front to back, it’s where I’ve been and it’s the direction I’m headed. I built it like a set list, consistently keeping the live aspect in mind, so check it out and then come see it in person!

(21 Feb 2025) With the 2023 release of his sophomore album White Buffalo, Wyoming native Ian Munsick spread the Rocky Mountain gospel with his raw, untamed depiction of the American West. Expanding on the concepts of the land, people, culture and stories that inspire him, Munsick is readying the project’s follow-up, announcing his 20-track third studio album, EAGLE FEATHERdue on April 18, 2025 via Warner Music Nashville.  
Eagle Feather is a tribute to a sacred way of life. One that epitomizes the voice of country music, yet is rarely heard among the masses,” Munsick reflects on the album’s concept. “Every one of these 20 songs is rooted in true, personal experiences that have helped create the man I am today. I offer this body of work to anyone that loves the freedom that inspires our spirit when we look over a sunset on the mountain. Or the sanctity of returning to the people and places we care about the most. May you both receive and gift your Eagle Feather.”

(21 Feb 2025) As their current single “Cowgirl” climbs the country radio charts, multi-PLATINUM country sensation Parmalee, known for five #1 singles and a genre-bending sound, is set to captivate fans once again with the release of their newest uptempo track Feels Like Home.” The heartwarming song, which blends power-ballad lyrics into an irresistible country-pop swagger, is a testament to the transformative feeling of finding that special someone who makes you feel truly at home. Listen to the song here.

(21 Feb 2025) Named to Pandora’s “Artist to Watch: Country” list, Alexandra Kay released the contagiously catchy and confidently spunky uptempo sing-along “Cupid’s A Cowgirl.” Ahead of the opening weekend of her U.S. & Canada headlining“Cupid’s A Cowgirl” Tour,” listen to the new track HERE.

(21 Feb 2025) NASHVILLE, TENN. – Big Loud's powerhouse country songstress Ashley Cooke teamed up with global superstar Joe Jonas for an “unforgettable heartbreak anthem” that cuts deep with "All I Forgot" feat. Joe Jonas, STREAM HERE The emotionally-charged duet blends Cooke's signature warmth with Jonas' smooth pop charm for a gut-punching anthem about love, loss and the memories that refuse to fade at the bottom of a bottle. “We've had the best time creating this for you and truly cannot wait for you to hear it,” shared Cooke in an Instagram post..
“All I Forgot” flips the script on the usual “drinking to forget” trope, capturing the haunting realization that some memories you just can't drown out. Written by an all-star lineup of writers including Cooke, Jacob Kasher Hindlin (JKash), Griff Clawson, David Alexander, Naliya, Charlie Puth and Joe Jonas, the song finds the pair swapping harmonies as they flow through a melody drenched in late-night regret, creating a push and pull that lingers.

(21 Feb 2025) Rising singer/songwriter Annie Bosko honors Kris Kristofferson with a cover of “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” available everywhere now via Stone Country Records. Listen HERE.
 Produced by Trent Willmon (Cody Johnson, Brad Paisley, Eric Church), mixed by Jack Clarke and mastered by Andrew Mendelson, Bosko offers a heartfelt rendition that reflects her respect for Kristofferson’s storytelling and lyrical depth.
 “My dad raised me on traditional country music, so it’s ingrained in my DNA and artistry. As I got older and studied my favorite songwriters, I fell deeper in love with Kristofferson’s storytelling. I always include ‘Help Me Make It Through the Night’ in my live set because it allows me to sing with raw honesty,” Bosko shares. “It’s a masterclass in songwriting—stripped down to nothing but truth, longing and vulnerability.”

(21 Feb 2025) Multi-platinum artist Russell Dickerson releases “Happen To Me”—an upbeat, high-energy track that’s bound to light up the dance floor. Fans have been eagerly anticipating its release, with many already dubbing it the song of the summer. The song has already racked up over 6M views across social media. Written by Dickerson, Chase McGill, Jessie Jo Dillon and Chris LaCorte, the song blends catchy rhythms with infectious lyrics to capture the excitement and carefree vibe of a spontaneous night out. Available to stream HERE

With four back-to-back #1 singles, multi-PLATINUM band Parmalee just kicked off their 2025 Fell In Love With A Cowgirl Tour, before releasing their latest album of the same name on April 4. Featuring current single “Cowgirl,” the final preview dropped on Friday Feb 21 with the reminiscent “Feels Like Home.” Listen HERE

Budding country superstar Alexandra Kay gained her 8.5 MILLION social following through raw vulnerability, candid relatability and covering country songs over her morning coffee. Now, ahead of her headlining U.S. and international tours, the destined-for-stardom songstress drops the contagiously catchy sing-along “Cupid’s A Cowgirl.” Introducing a spirited, up-tempo sonic sound and sharp-witted lyrical shift, it'll have any cowgirl dancing along to the intoxicating beat, admitting love is a rodeo. Listen HERE

Hannah Anders
delivers listeners a new hit, "Like A Lady." The single is now available on all digital streaming platforms. You can find the single everywhere here. 
Hannah Anders delivers a powerhouse anthem with "Like A Lady," channeling the bold, unapologetic energy of early 2000s female country — something modern audiences have been craving. The song’s sharp storytelling paints a vivid picture of an insecure ex-girlfriend belittling Anders, but rather than dwelling on bitterness, it transforms into a defiant celebration of self-worth.
With lyrics like, “A man like mine don’t tolerate, a girl like you for long / He saved up his lovin’ till, the right one came along,” paired with electrifying southern rock instrumentation, "Like A Lady" is the ultimate honky-tonk anthem of resilience. It’s a confident, high-energy track that fuses classic country storytelling with a modern, rebellious edge. "Like A Lady" was written by Hannah Blaylock and Matt Stell and produced by Dr. Ford.

(21 Feb 2025) The Wiggles' Collaborate With Global Superstar Dolly Parton On Two Tracks Featured On Their Forthcoming Album Wiggle Up, Giddy Up!

Australia, 21st February 2025 – For the first time ever, The Wiggles have teamed up with Global Superstar Dolly Parton to make history with a groundbreaking double single release. This glittering and unexpected collaboration is set to bring joy, learning, and flair to families worldwide. Watch ‘Friends!’ music video here

Parton and the world’s most beloved children's group have teamed up to unveil an unforgettable new collaboration -‘Friends!’ - a heartfelt tune penned by Dolly herself. ‘Friends’ is a toe-tapping single about kindness, community and lifelong friendship - an instant classic that kids and grown-ups alike will treasure for years to come.
The track received an exclusive first play on Bob Harris Country’s Feb 20, 2025 Show.

(23 Feb 2025) POLLSTAR’s “under-the-radar superstar” Koe Wetzel is bringing the energy of his dynamic live shows straight to fans with the release of his brand-new album, Live from the Damn Near Normal Tour, dropping Friday, Feb. 28 just in time for the annual Koe Wetzel Day celebration.
The 13-track live album captures the raw, raucous energy of Wetzel’s 2024 Damn Near Normal Tour, featuring live recordings from Colonial Life Arena (Columbia, S.C.), the Moody Center (Austin, Texas) and Dickies Arena (Fort Worth, Texas). Available digitally this Friday and for preorder as a 2LP Opaque White Vinyl, the album celebrates a setlist stacked with live recordings of songs such as the Platinum-certified, 5-week No. 1 “High Road,” Platinum-certified “Sweet Dreams” and Gold-certified “Damn Near Normal” from his critically acclaimed album 9 Lives.

(23 Feb 2025) NASHVILLE, TENN. – Big Loud's powerhouse country songstress Ashley Cooke capped off a milestone week with an unforgettable performance of “all I forgot” feat. Joe Jonas at the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) New Faces 2025 Show on Friday, Feb. 21. To celebrate the song's release, Cooke electrified the crowd by inviting the global superstar to stage for the song's debut live performance. Country Now cited her four-song set as a standout set of the evening, with the industry crowd “wrapped around her finger.”
The surprises didn't stop there – earlier in the week, Cooke took the stage to a packed house at Nashville's Brooklyn Bowl for a headlining show that saw an all-star lineup of special guests including Jordan Davis, Nate Smith and Emily Weisband. Adding to the night's highlights, Cooke's team at Big Loud Records surprised her on stage with an RIAA Gold plaque for her No. 1 single, “your place.”

NASHVILLE, TENN. (24 February, 2025) — Warner Music Nashville singer-songwriter Chase Matthew has quickly emerged as one of Country music’s most in-demand artists. On Friday (21/2), he put his bold creative vision on full display with the delivery of his most accomplished project yet: the thrilling and highly personal third studio album, CHASEListen here.

As Matthew sees it, when an artist releases a self-titled LP, it’s the purest distillation of who they are. “This album is a perfect representation of me, which is why I named it CHASE,” he explains. “My life is a chase. My goals are a chase. It’s a full-circle moment.”

WATCH
(19 Feb 2025) ICYMI: The War And Treaty performed "Love Like Whiskey" on Live with Kelly and Mark (2/19). 

(20 Feb 2025) GOLD CANYON, Ariz. – Dubbed by NPR as “the backbone of contemporary Country music,” Miranda Lambert expands her celebrated POSTCARDS FROM TEXAS musical chapter with an official music video for upcoming single “Run,” impacting at Country radio this coming Monday, Feb. 24. Embracing the sense of freedom and the three-time GRAMMY Award-winner’s fiercely independent spirit on display in the song’s lyrics, the video directed by Kate Rentz is out now. Watch here: 

BIRTHDAYS
In the week ahead
February 24: Sammy Kershaw (1958)
February 25: the late Ralph Stanley (Feb 25, 1927; died June 23, 2016 (aged 89)),Shawna Thompson (Thompson Square) (1978) 
February 26: the late Johnny Cash (Feb 26, 1932 died Sept 12, 2003 (aged 71))
February 28: Joe South (Feb 28, 1942; died Sept 5, 2012 (aged 72)), Jason Aldean (1977), Cliona Hagen (IRE)
March 1: Janis Gill (Oliver) (Sweethearts Of The Rodeo) (1954)
March 2: Luke Combs (1990, Charlotte, North Carolina)

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