Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Country News snippets April 14 – April 20, 2025

























UK News, UK Chart News, Billboard Country Charts, Album & Single Releases, US News, Music News, Press Releases, TV, Interviews, Articles & Videos, Fashion, Birthdays, RIP’s

CDX NEWS
Tucker Wetmore talks about how his fans prepare for his shows.
Plus... You'll hear Kolby Cooper explain the inspiration for his new album, Love You, Goodnight.
Listen to the audio file

CDX WEEKLY CHARTS April 16th, 2025

Airplay for April 7th, 2025 – April 14th, 2025 – Country Singles

#1 No.1 1 week MORGAN WALLEN – “I’m The Problem” (Big Loud Records) held at No.1, 4751 Spins (+139) 130 Stations 10 weeks on chart

** SPIN GAINER ** MORGAN WALLEN “Just In Case” (Big Loud Records) No.35 880 Spins +418 2 weeks on chart

UK NEWS
(15 April 2025)
Lauded U.S. singer-songwriter Sam Outlaw’s European tour continues with the first of six shows in the UK today, with a show at Cottiers in Glasgow. Outlaw, who began his run of shows this past weekend in the Netherlands with three festival performances at Blue Heart Festival, Heartland Festival and Down By The River, will be making stops to perform in Newcastle, Leeds, London, Hassocks and Bristol before heading to Sweden for four further shows. Hannah Aldridge will be joining Sam as the special guest on all remaining dates. 
“I’m so thankful for all the UK shows this time around since I only got to stop in London the last time I played the UK,” shares Sam. “It’s been quite a while since I’ve toured with something other than the typical “Rock Band” setup so this gives me a great opportunity to showcase everyone’s favorite songs in a new way, and maybe try some songs that I haven’t played much before.”

Outlaw released his new, twelve-song “anti-greatest-hits-album” The Nonessential on March 24th which Americana UK said “demonstrates that Outlaw is a versatile writer and has a distinct knack of composing a quality melody” and which legendary BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Bob Harris deemed his “re-issue of the week.”

(15 April 2025) Jackson Dean, one of Big Machine Record’s breakout artists and a favourite of UK audiences, begins his headline tour of the UK and Ireland next week. Ahead of his arrival on these shores, Dean has shared the exciting news that he will release a brand-new single “Be Your Man” on May 9, marking a bold new chapter for the rising singer/songwriter as he expands to new territory both sonically and lyrically.  
The upcoming live dates, in support of Dean’s highly acclaimed 2024 album On The Back Of My Dreams, begin on April 22 in Birmingham and take place in London, Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow and Belfast before concluding in Dublin on May 1.


(16 April 2025) Having enjoyed some serious success in recent months, including appearances at Country 2 County Festival at London’s O2 and Chris Evans’ ‘CarFest’,
Tennessee Twin (aka Geoff & Victoria Meads) are pleased to announce their third EP SHIFTING SANDS’.
The EP features a number of previously digital-only singles, remastered for CD, plus brand new recordings in ‘Waiting Tables’ and a new, acoustic version of their Nashville competition winning song ‘Wings of Red, White & Blue’.

The pair describe‘ Shifting Sands’ as a reflection on how much the world has changed in recent years, and of how their music has changed with it. The musical moods range from the positive reflections of ‘Rear View Mirror’ and ‘Apple Tree’ to the darker and more conflicting ‘Fit To Love’.
In this new release Tennessee Twin have filled‘Shifting Sands’ with their instantly identifiable songwriting style, rich studio arrangements and, of course, their lush trademark harmonies.
The EP goes on sale on April 23rd and is available from the duo’s website and at live gigs.

(17 April 2025) Named Bob Harris’ Americana Emerging Artist of the Year 2024, Jonny Morgan has captivated audiences at Glastonbury, Union Chapel, the Bluebird Café (Nashville), Black Deer, and O2 Academies. He's making waves in the industry with a debut album that’s earned support from BBC Introducing, Mahogany Sessions, and Absolute Country.
After a standout performance at the UK AMA Awards 2024, he'll be performing on The British Country Music Festival 2025 Main Stage in Blackpool this August!

(17 April 2025) Northern Ireland’s Gareth has announced his forthcoming EP Steal Your

Thunder
is due out May 2nd - available to pre-add/pre-save here. The 5 track EP will contain two unreleased songs - the title track and ‘Time Don’t Wait’ - alongside the already released ‘Last Thing I Do’, ‘Quiet In This House’ and ‘Last Thing I Do’. 
Gareth said of the upcoming release, “‘Steal Your Thunder’ is an introduction of myself to the world. These songs are written and recorded with some of my best friends in Nashville. It shares stories of my life, my family, and my recent move across the world. I am thankful for all the support and feel incredibly lucky to do this as a career. I hope you can connect with these songs and learn a little bit more about me as a person." 

Embarking on his debut European tour next week, The Beyond The Backyard Tour will see Gareth performing in Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Stockholm and Oslo - limited tickets are available.

The 24-year old, who is gaining immense traction for blending his Irish roots with his love of country music, recently performed at C2C: Country To Country Festival in Berlin, Rotterdam and London, where he brought his mum out during 'Quiet In This House' - the song he wrote alongside GRAMMY winner Shay Mooney (Dan + Shay), and Tofer Brown about leaving home - social snippet available to view here.

UK CHART NEWS
UK Country Radio Airplay Chart (published April 20, 2025)
See The TOP 40 at countrymusic.co.uk
You can find the weekly UK Country Radio Airplay Chart, published by Holler and updated every Sunday at 5pm GMT - HERE.

Chart dated April 20, 2025
Dasha with  'Not At This Party' moved 3-1 (#1 peak) in her seventh chart frame to reach the top.
Myles Smith's 'Nice To Meet You' climbed 5-2 (#2 peak) in his 9th chart week.
Eric Church with “Hands Of Time” moved to No.3 in his 4th chart frame.
Chappell Roan with “The Giver” moved to No.4 in her 5th frame
Old Dominion with “Coming Home” was at No.5 in their 35th frame

UK Official Charts
UK Albums
18 April 2025 – 24 April 2025
Those Damn Crows celebrate their first-ever Official Number 1 album with God Shaped Hole.

On arguably the holiest day of the Christian year, there’s a God Shaped Hole at the top of the album chart, courtesy of Those Damn Crows.
The Welsh rock quintet’s first No.1, it debuts atop the list on consumption of 16,412 units (6,376 CDs, 3,400 vinyl albums, 184 cassettes, 358 KiTs, 5,895 digital downloads and 199 sales-equivalent streams).

Last weeks No.1 Elton John and Brandi Carlile with Who Believes In Angels? fell 1-8

UK Singles
11 April 2025 – 17 April 2025
Alex Warren’s Ordinary continued to prove anything but, securing a fourth straight week at No.1, with consumption increasing 2.75% to 73,490 units (1,943 digital downloads and 71,547 sales-equivalent streams), a new high for a No.1 single in 2025. That is slightly more than the combined consumption of Pink Pony Club – No.2 for the fourth time in total and third week in a row with consumption up 6.08% at 37,111 for Chappell Roan - and Azizam, which debuts at No.3 (35,988 sales) for Ed Sheeran.

The Giver (9-11, 22,163 sales) by Chappell Roan exited the Top 10 slipping 11-9.

Two 2024 No.1 collaborations are spurred back into life by the release of limited-edition Record Store Day vinyl editions. “Fortnight” was a re-entry at No.29 (13,042 sales, including 10,105 7-inch singles) for Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone.

Blink Twice” (No.48, 9,777 sales), a collaboration between Shaboozey and Myles Smith, securing the former’s second hit, the latter’s fifth with this debut
In his 52nd chart frame Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy) fell held at No.50
Dasha with “Austin” moved 74-73 in her 57th chart frame
Post Malone “I Had Some Help” (feat. Morgan Wallen) climbed 79-76 in their 47th frame.

Official Albums Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 24 April 2025)
1 NE 1 Those Damn Crows ~ God Shaped Hole
2 2 34 Sabrina Carpenter ~ Short n' Sweet
3 17 606 Oasis ~ Time Flies... 1994-2009 ****Record Store Day vinyl
4 NE 1 Bon Iver ~ Sable, Fable
5 5 29 Ed Sheeran ~ +-=÷× (Tour Collection)
6 4 53 Ariana Grande ~ Eternal Sunshine
7 6 335 Fleetwood Mac ~ 50 Years: Don't Stop
8 1 2 Elton John and Brandi Carlile ~ Who Believes In Angels?

Official Singles Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 24 April 2025)
1 1 10 Alex Warren ~ Ordinary
2 2 22 Chappell Roan ~ Pink Pony Club
3 3 2 Ed Sheeran ~ Azizam
4 4 6 Doechii ~ Anxiety
5 6 12 Tate McRae ~ Sports Car
6 8 7 WizTheMC and Bees and Honey ~ Show Me Love
7 5 65 Benson Boone ~ Beautiful Things
8 7 9 Sabrina Carpenter ~ Busy Woman
9 13 30 Teddy Swims ~ Bad Dreams
10 14 10 Ravyn Lenae ~ Love Me Not
11 9 5 Chappell Roan ~ The Giver (Peak No.2; 5 weeks - 27/03/2025 to 24/04/2025)
48 NE 1 Shaboozey and Myles Smith ~ Blink Twice (Peak: No.48, 1 week 24/04/2025)
50 50 52 Shaboozey ~ A Bar Song (Tipsy) *** (Peak No.3 36 weeks - 25/04/2024 to 26/12/2024 + 16 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 24/04/2025)
73 74 57 Dasha ~ Austin *** (Peak: No.5, 43 weeks - 07/03/2024 to 26/12/2024 + 7 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 20/02/2025 + 7 weeks 13/03/2025 to 24/04/2025)
76 79 47 Post Malone ft Morgan Wallen ~ I Had Some Help *** (Peak: No.2, 31 weeks - 23/05/2024 to 19/12/2024 + 16 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 24/04/2025)

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 24 April 2025)
18 April 2025 – 24 April 2025
Alison Krauss & Union Station with ARCADIA Held at No.1 (3 weeks; #1 peak)
Brown Horse with ALL THE RIGHT WEAKNESS held at No.2 (2 weeks; #2 peak) tagged Americana
Taylor Swift with FEARLESS (Taylor’s Version) moved 5-3 (210 weeks; #1 peak)
Shaboozey with WHERE I'VE BEEN ISN'T WHERE I'M GOING was a non-mover at No.4 (46 weeks; #2 peak)
Post Malone with F-1 TRILLION slipped 3-5 (35 weeks; #1 peak)
Beyoncé with COWBOY CARTER moved 7-6 (55 weeks; #1 peak)
Tony Christie with A NEW LIFE rose 13-7 (2 weeks; #7 peak)
Lainey Wilson with WHIRLWIND fell 6-8 (34 weeks; #1 peak)
MJ Lenderman with MANNING FIREWORKS held at No.9 (32 weeks; #2 peak)
Zach Bryan with The Great American Bar Scene moved 11-10 (23 weeks; #1 peak)

COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES (Major)
(18 April 2025) Ian Munsick - Eagle Feather (Warner Music Nashville, Concord Music) 20 songs, 1 hr 4 min

BILLBOARD/ MEDIABASE Charts
In Brief: Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of April 26, 2025) Starts Sun April 20, Ends Sat April 26, 2025

Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of April 26, 2025)
Country Album Chart ** No.1 (83 non-consecutive weeks) ** ONE THING AT A TIME Morgan Wallen
Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (41 weeks) ** “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
Country Airplay Chart ** No.1 (1 week) ** “I'm The Problem” Morgan Wallen
Country Digital Songs ** No.1 ** (2 weeks) “All the Way” Bigxthaplug featuring Bailey Zimmerman

Billboard 200 News

Ken Carson landed his first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, as the rapper’s latest project, MORE CHAOS, entered atop the list dated April 26. It's the third charting set for the rapper, and first top 10.
The set earned 59,500 equivalent album units in the United States in the week ending April 18, according to Luminate. Of that sum, nearly 82% was driven by streaming activity. More Chaos is Carson’s first top 10 effort as well and follows two charted titles: A Great Chaos (No. 11 peak in 2023) and X (No. 115 in 2022).

Morgan Wallen’s ONE THING AT A TIME ascended 7-6 (46,000; up 4%);

Billboard Hot 100 News
"Luther" extended its domination, while "Lose Control" logged a record-breaking 58th week in the top 10.Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” ruled the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart for a ninth total and consecutive week. The single, whose title honors late R&B legend Luther Vandross, who is sampled on the track, became Lamar’s sixth No. 1 and SZA’s third. Lamar and SZA each extend their longest career Hot 100 reigns with the song, whose official video premiered April 11.

Shaboozey’sA Bar Song (Tipsy)” dropped 4-6 on the Hot 100, following its record-tying 19 weeks at No. 1 beginning last July. It posts a 41st week atop the multimetric Hot Country Songs chart.
BigXthaPlug’sAll the Way,” featuring Bailey Zimmerman, dipped to No.8 on the Hot 100, a week after it launched at No. 4.
Morgan Wallen I’m the Problem” slipped 9-10, after it debuted at its No. 2 high in February.                     
Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart News
Morgan Wallen banked his 17th No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart as “I’m the Problem” (Mercury/Republic/Big Loud) ascended a spot to the top of the list dated April 26. The song increased by 7% to 28.8 million audience impressions April 11-17, according to Luminate. The co-write by the 31-year-old from Sneedville, Tenn., reaches the penthouse in 11weeks. It completes the quickest trip to No.1 since Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Wallen, needed just seven frames to reign last June. “I’m the Problem” is Wallen’s third Country Airplay No.1 from his album of the same name ahead of its May16 arrival. “Love Somebody” dominated for three weeks in February, after “Lies Lies Lies” led for one week in November. He scored his initial No.1 in June 2018 as featured on Florida Georgia Line’s “Up Down.” Wallen’s new LP bulges with 37tracks, which is one more than on his 2023 blockbuster, One Thing at a Time. That set has ruled the Top Country Albums chart for 82weeks, the second-most in the chart’s history, after his own Dangerous: The Double Album, which ran up a record 97 weeks at No. 1 beginning in January 2021.

‘HOLY’ LANDS IN TOP 10: Bailey Zimmerman netted his fifth consecutive career-opening Country Airplay top 10 as “Holy Smokes” (Elektra/Warner Music Nashville/WEA) lifted 11-10, up 2% to 15.9million in reach. His first four entries all hit No. 1: “Where It Ends” (October, for two weeks), “Religiously” (September 2023, one), “Rock and a Hard Place” (beginning in April 2023, six), and “Fall in Love” (December 2022, one). Zimmerman earned his first No. 1 on the multimetric Hot Country Songs chart (dated April 19) as featured on rapper BigXthaPlug’s “All the Way,” which soared in at the summit. (The single is not currently being promoted to country radio.)

Billboard’s Country Chart News
No.3 Jelly Roll “Dreams Don’t Die”: Released April 11, the track arrived at No. 3 on Country Digital Song Sales with 4,000 sold through April 17, according to Luminate. Jelly Roll adds his 15th top 10 with the co-write, which was featured on the April 11 episode of CBS’ Fire Country, in which he made his acting debut as a convict turned health-care worker.

No.8 Shaboozey Good News”: Shaboozey earned his second Hot Country Songs top 10 with “Good News” (13-8). The track drew 10.7 million official U.S. streams (up 10%) and sold 2,000 (up 14%). On Country Airplay, it holds at its No. 25 high with 5.5 million impressions (up 3%). Plus, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” rules Hot Country Songs for a 41st week.

No.27 Jon Pardi HONKYTONK HOLLYWOOD: The singer-songwriter from Dixon, Calif., logged his sixth entry on Top Country Albums as his new set opens at No. 27 with 11,000 equivalent album units earned in its launch week. The release’s lead single, “Friday Night Heartbreaker,” bumped 24-23 for a new best on Country Airplay (5.9 million, up 10%).

Country Airplay
** No.1 (1 week) ** “I'm The Problem” Morgan Wallen 28.842 million audience (+1.831 million gain) / 8391 radio plays (+647 / 11 weeks on the chart
** Most Increased Audience ** No.2 “Friends Like That” John Morgan Featuring Jason Aldean
** Airpower ** No.19 “Country House” Sam Hunt
** Airpower ** No. 20 “Fix What You Didn't Break” Nate Smith
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.46 “Favorite Country Song” HARDY
Debut No.60 “Hard Fought Hallelujah” Brandon Lake X Jelly Roll

Hot County Songs
** No.1 (41 weeks) ** “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
** Streaming Gainer ** No. 8 “Good News” Shaboozey
** Sales Gainer ** No.10 “Liar” Jelly Roll
** Airplay Gainer ** No.16 “Friends Like That” John Morgan Featuring Jason Aldean
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.29 “Blink Twice” Shaboozey & Myles Smith
Debut No.35 “Dreams Don't Die” Jelly Roll
Debut No.37 “Favorite Country Song” HARDY
Debut No.45 “Friday Night Heartbreaker” Jon Pardi

Country Aircheck MEDIABASE Chart
Congratulations to John Morgan, Jason Aldean, Lee Adams, Shelley Hargis, Scotty O’Brien and the Broken Bow promotion team on taking Morgan’s debut release, “Friends Like That,” to No. 1. This is the first time in the quarter-century history of the Broken Bow imprint that a debut release has reached the top. Songwriters are Brent Anderson, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan and Morgan.

John Morgan feat Jason Aldean with “Friends Like That” (Broken Bow) moved 3-1 logging 9385 radio spins (+1351), 34.038 million audience impressions (+3.074 million) with 32047 Total Points (+4865) from 158 tracking stations (158 ADDS) for the published chart dated April 21, 2025

Tim McGraw’s “Paper UmbrellasIs The Most Added
Kudos to Erik Powell and the Big Machine crew and Miranda McDonald and the MCA crew on racking up 55 adds for “Paper
Umbrellas” by Tim McGraw featuring Parker McCollum. This is McGraw’s 54th release to top the CA/MB Add Board; his first add leader was “Refried Dreams” in February 1995.

April 21, 2025 The Weeks ADDS
Artist/Title (Label)          TW       Historic
TIM MCGRAW f/PARKER MCCOLLUM/Paper Umbrellas (Big Machine/MCA)  55         57
DYLAN SCOTT/What He'll Never Have (Curb)    41         47
FRANK RAY/Miami In Tennessee (Stoney Creek)           24         24
MORGAN WALLEN/Just In Case (Big Loud)       24         114
HARDY/Favorite Country Song (Big Loud)          23         105
MORGAN WALLEN f/P. MALONE/I Ain't Coming Back (Big Loud)           16         16
HUDSON WESTBROOK/House Again (River House/Warner/WAR)          13         71
BRETT YOUNG/Drink With You (Nash. Harbor)  11         69
CHASE MCDANIEL/Burned Down Heaven (Big Machine)            10         54
RUSSELL DICKERSON/Happen To Me (Triple Tigers)    10         133

NEWS
(14 April 2025) Wyoming native Ian Munsick has partnered with Montana Silversmiths to launch an exclusive jewelry collection featuring unique pieces that blend traditional Western style with contemporary flair, available exclusively at Boot Barn Nashville stores and BootBarn.com starting on Thursday, April 17, ahead of the release of Munsick’s third studio album Eagle Feather, available Friday, April 18 via Warner Music Nashville.

(15 April 2025) Doug Gray, lead singer and founding member of legendary southern rock and country group The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB), is taking a hiatus from the road due to health concerns. The MTB will journey ahead and continue performing live on its 2025 All Our Friends Tour as planned.

(15 April 2025) 60 Minutes: "I am incredibly humbled, and grateful for the new partnership with Warner," says Chris Janson. "My Harpeth 60 imprint is second to none with a great promotion staff, headed up by Clay Hunnicut, and flanked by Ray Vaughn and Lauren Bartlett." As reported via Breaking News, Janson has returned to Warner Music Nashville under his own Harpeth 60 Records, originally launched during his time at BMLG. New music is expected soon. 

Garth Brooks and Turnpike Troubadours will perform at the United States Grand Prix Oct. 18 and 19, respectively, at Circuit of Americas in Austin; details here.

(17 April 2025) Country Singer, Lorrie Morgan, Cancels Shows Due to Husband's Health: NASHVILLE, TENN -- Grand Ole Opry star, Lorrie Morgan, has cancelled all concerts and appearances for the next two weeks per her manager, Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group. Morgan's husband of nearly 15 years, Randy White, has been undergoing treatment for mouth cancer. White has been readmitted to a hospital in Middle Tennessee. Country star, Pam Tillis will replace Lorrie on the current Alabama tour.

(17 April 2025) Maren Morris has signed on as an ambassador for plant-based energy drink Reign Storm and is launching a mentorship program for young musicians.
 

GOSSIP

(19 April 2025) Post Malone and his ex-fiancée are in a custody battle for their two-year-old daughter. Jamie Park filed for primary physical custody in Los Angeles, requesting joint legal custody and visitation rights for Post. Meanwhile, Post filed his own custody documents in Utah, though the details are sealed.

According to TMZ, because the Rockstar hitmaker filed first, the case will be handled in Utah. Utah child support payments are generally lower than those in California.

Sources informed the publication that he submitted his paperwork in Utah because that's where the former couple were initially splitting custody of the daughter equally. Park reportedly moved to California at the beginning of the year after their engagement ended in late 2024.


BLUEGRASS NEWS

Willis, VA (April 15, 2025) The David Mayfield Parade is excited to announce the release of their meaningful new single, “Papaw’s Spirit,” available now on all major streaming platforms (STREAM). Written by Parade member Ryan Wallen, the song is a tribute to his beloved grandfather and the lasting legacy of music and togetherness he left behind.


(18 April 2025) Mason Via is thrilled to announce the release of his new single, 'Oh Lordy Me,' ahead of his full album launch on April 25.  Featuring the unmistakable talents of bluegrass legends Ronnie Bowman and Junior Sisk, this lively track blends traditional roots with a modern twist that is sure to make listeners tap their feet and sing along. PURCHASE/STREAM 

Mason describes the song as "so much fun to play at live shows because everyone in the crowd will normally clap and sing along." In the studio, he and his collaborators created the perfect party track, fueled by moonshine and a spirit of joy. "We had a blast hollering out the gang vocals and capturing that real deal fiddlers convention festival feel," Mason shares. "It’s like you’re sitting in on a jam session around the soup kitchen in Galax, VA, with the sounds of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding you."


AMERICANA NEWS

(15 April 2025) Charlie CrockettLONESOME DRIFTER (Lone Star Rider | 789 plays) moved 2-1 & Charlie Crockett with “Lonesome Drifter” (Lone Star Rider/Island | 597 plays) held at No.1 on the albums and singles Americana Radio Charts (week of April 15, 2025). Visit americanamusic.org to see the full charts and details for the current week's Albums and Singles. 


(18 April 2025) AMERICANAFEST is returning to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with a special performance from The Secret Sisters & Maggie RoseSee these two incredible acts take the stage with the Nashville Symphony on Tuesday, September 9, to kick off the festival week. 

Hailed for her “powerhouse vocals” by People Magazine, singer-songwriter Maggie Rose successfully straddles the worlds of pop, rock, soul, Americana and folk. She will deliver performances of "No One Gets Out Alive," the title track from her GRAMMY-nominated album, plus "Mad Love" and more from her catalog backed by her band and the Nashville Symphony. 

The Secret Sisters will bring their spellbinding harmonies to songs that untangle the thorniest aspects of life, love and womanhood. The GRAMMY-nominated siblings Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle are also slated to perform orchestral renditions with the Nashville Symphony of "He’s Fine," "If the World Was a House," and many others.


MUSIC NEWS

(20 April 2025) Lil Nas X has rediscovered his enjoyment in music. In an interview with Paper magazine, he shared that after feeling pressured to succeed, he’s now in a good place and making more music. The rapper, whose real name is Montero Hill, mentioned he’s been stepping out of his comfort zone and having fun again, including hosting club appearances. He is set to release his second studio album, Dreamboy, later this year.


AWARDS

(17 April 2025) Academy of Country Music Radio Award winners for the 60th ACM Awards are...

National Daily Personality: Derek "Big D" Haskins, Sean "Bubba" PowellBig D & Bubba

National Weekly Personality: Lorianne Crook, Charlie ChaseCrook & Chase Countdown

Major Market Personality: Josh Holleman, Rachael Hunter, Steve GrunwaldJosh, Rachael and Grunwald In The Morning, WYCD/Detroit 

Large Market Personality: "Big Dave" Chandler, Jason "Stattman" StattThe Big Dave Show, WUBE/Cincinnati


TOUR / LIVE EVENTS

(14 April 2025) Multi-platinum entertainer and “born showman” (MusicRow), Russell Dickerson, adds a third leg to his RUSSELLMANIA TOUR, building on massive momentum from earlier rounds. With sold-out crowds and confetti-filled amphitheaters and arenas, fans can expect even more unforgettable moments as the excitement continues into summer and fall with Round 3 of the highly anticipated RUSSELLMANIA TOUR 2025 (support to be announced).


(14 April 2025) “Spirited entertainer, with infectious energy” (Star Tribune) Jon Pardi follows the release of his fifth studio album this week by extending his HONKYTONK HOLLYWOOD TOUR, produced by Live Nation and Outback Concerts. Picking back up on Sept. 18 in Grand Rapids, MI with Jake Worthington and Colby Acuff, tickets for the newly added stops packed with fiddle, twang, steel guitar and contagious charisma will go on sale this Fri., April 18.


(16 April 2025) Critically acclaimed Country star Drake Milligan announces an impressive slew of dates with “Drake Milligan In Concert,” which slates his 2025 schedule opening for stars like Lainey Wilson and Luke Bryan as well as his own headlining shows. Kicking off the tour in the desert at Stagecoach Festival on April 25th, Milligan will make his way through key markets across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.  

Milligan recently opened for Blake Shelton who spontaneously pulled the newcomer on-stage to perform a George Strait classic, “All My Ex’s Live In Texas.” The viral moment was one Milligan had not expected, but one he was fully prepared for as a fan and student of the King of Country. 


(16 April 2025) Iconic country group ALABAMA announced dates and special events for its annual Fan Appreciation Week in Fort PayneAL. Official dates are June 26 - 28.  
As in years past, ALABAMA's Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry will salute their fans with several events: Gentry's 'Singing with the Stars' Talent Contest, The Buffalo Nickel Coin Show, the Cook Castle Brunch Benefiting the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation, two June Jam Songwriters Showcases and Owen's Fandemonium at the Farm. 

(17 April 2025) Festive All: Nate SmithMegan MoroneyMatt StellTucker Wetmore and Dasha will perform at the Daytime Village at the 2025 iHeartCountry Festival in Austin May 3; tickets here.

PRESS RELEASES
(16 April 2025) Recently announced as one-of-three inaugural signees of DeVille Records, rising singer-songwriter Rhys Rutherford has now released his first-ever offering, the sonically smooth and lyrically clever “Southern Belle.” The new song is the second release – following ERNEST's “folk-rock honky-tonk” (Billboard) collaboration “Gettin' Gone (feat. Snoop Dogg)” – from upcoming Cadillac Sessions, out May 9.
 “I'm proud to release 'Southern Belle' as my first song,” shares Rutherford. “I hope it's a reflection of my influences – from the artists whose country music I grew up on like Tim McGraw and Toby Keith to artists leading the way today like ERNEST and Luke Combs.”
Raised on songs, Rutherford is now putting his education to work. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, the student of songwriting masters learned at the foot of his father – Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rivers Rutherford – soaking up the wisdom and sound of chart-topping contemporary country.

(16 April 2025) Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Brent Cobb will release his new album, Ain’t Rocked in a While (tagged ROCK), on July 11th via Ol’ Buddy Records/Thirty Tigers. It’s the first project he’s recorded with his band, The Fixin’s (pre-order/pre-save here). Ahead of the release, the title track has debuted today. 
Listen to the song HERE and watch the official music video HERE
Produced by Cobb and Oran ThorntonAin’t Rocked in a While captures the electric energy of Cobb’s live shows, while still keeping his signature storytelling at the forefront. Recorded live to tape at The Black Palace in Springfield, MO, the album finds Cobb returning to his roots, as he blends his timeless country sound with influences from the classic rock bands he grew up listening to, such as Black Sabbath, Metallica and AC/DC.

Rising country artist Jesse Daniel has released new single 'Time Well Spent For A Man' featuring Charles Wesley Godwin. A heartfelt reflection on taking stock of what’s important in life, the song reunites the two singer/songwriters after touring together last year. The track appears on Daniel’s upcoming LP SON OF THE SAN LORENZO out June 6 via Lightning Rod Records.
Daniel shares, “This song was written by Northern California songwriter Nick Foster. It is an ode to father time. To me, it’s also about focusing on the meaningful things in life. On our deathbed, we’ll remember raising our children, our spouse’s kiss, time spent doing what we loved, as opposed to how many hours we logged in the office. I loved the message of this song and felt compelled to record it. Charles Wesley Godwin came to mind with the subject matter. He’s a family man and an incredible songwriter himself. His vocals really helped add to the depth of the whole thing.”

(16 April 2025)
Parker McCollum has released the latest track, “Hope That I’m Enough,” off his highly anticipated fifth studio album, PARKER MCCOLLUM, out on June 27th. The song, written by McCollum, Matt Jenkins and Jessi Alexander, and produced by Frank Liddell and Eric Masse, is a heartfelt confessional about insecurities in measuring up to be the kind of partner that will last a lifetime. The track aptly follows McCollum’s first single off the forthcoming album, “What Kinda Man.”

(18 April 2025) Big Loud's powerhouse country songstress and breakout star Ashley Cooke has released her latest track, “the f word” . The song finds a lovestruck Cooke aching and regretting saying the F word in front of a paramour's mother, only to reveal that the F word isn't the notorious expletive but rather…forever. Ashley, deeply enamored, tells her partner, “I'm going to spend forever with you” even though the early declaration causes her to cringe.
 "This song immediately caught my attention from the title," shares Cooke. "It's brilliantly written and resonates with an experience I had in a past relationship…The song starts with 'I try not to swear,' which cracks me up because I have the mouth of a sailor, often using many f-words.”

(18 April 2025) Boasting over 160 million streams and 36 million YouTube views, country standout Hayden Coffman releases his long-awaited new album, Love And A Heartbreak, available everywhere today. The project follows a string of fan-favorite singles —“Don't Come With A Label,” “Only Smoke When I Drink,” and “New Bar” —which together have racked up more than 20 million streams. LISTEN TO LOVE AND A HEARTBREAK ALBUM HERE.
“A lot of the inspiration behind 'Love And A Heartbreak' was very fan driven. It really seemed like everybody was relating to that back and forth “love” and “heartbreak” dynamic at my live shows,” shares Hayden. “My co-writers and I took these ideas / experiences into the writing room over the last 2 years and are excited to share the final product with the world!”

(18 April 2025) Powerhouse country rocker and The Voice Season 24 finalist Jacquie Roar is turning the heat all the way up with the release of her latest single, “That’s the Spirit.” If you're not afraid to be the life of the party, this one’s for you!

 Co-written at Curb Word alongside hitmakers Bobby Tomberlin (Diamond Rio, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton) and Curt Gibbs (Dylan Scott, Rodney Atkins), “That’s the Spirit” is a fast-paced, feel-good country anthem built for tailgates, bar nights, and bonfires.
An instant crowd-pleaser, “That’s the Spirit” revs up with fiery vocals and a rebellious edge. With lyrics like “Don’t you dare put that tailgate up / Let that moonshine in your solo cup / That’s the stuff, raise ‘em up, cheers to us,” the song is a no-holds-barred celebration of good times, great friends, and living in the moment.
 “That’s the Spirit is the ultimate summer bop for when you have the music up and windows down," Jacquie says. "The sun is out, and you are the party. Now THAT is the spirit!”

(18 April 2025) Up-and-coming country musician Micah Fletcher releases his latest single "Man I Ain't Met Yet".

Inspired by a lifelong dream of fatherhood, Micah's new song is a heartfelt reflection on the hopes, memories, and future he envisions sharing with his son. The new single was written by Fletcher alongside talented songwriters Tyler Reeve and Forest Finn.
LISTEN TO “Man I Ain't Met Yet” HERE.
“This song comes from a passion I've had my whole life — dreaming about what it'd be like to have a son one day,” says Micah. "I think about all the things he might grow up loving, whether it's playing music on a stage like I do, or just cruising dirt roads the way I always have. Having kids was something I used to daydream about, and when that dream finally became real, I felt this deep pull to write it all down in a song. It's one of the most personal things I've ever written!"
Fletcher, a 20-year-old rising country artist from Gordonsville, Virginia, is making waves with his fresh yet familiar sound and undeniable authenticity. Blending the heartfelt storytelling of country with the energy of modern anthems, he draws inspiration from artists like Nate Smith and Warren Zeiders.

(17 April 2025) Multi-Platinum selling artist and songwriter, Scotty McCreery, is set to release Seasons Change: Platinum Edition, an expanded version of his career-changing album, Seasons Change, available on June 20th. The album, which was originally released in 2018, was McCreery’s fourth album to debut at No. 1 on a Billboard Album Chart and demonstrated his masterful songwriting – co-writing each of the 11 album tracks including his first three No.1 hits: “Five More Minutes” (3x Platinum), “This Is It” (Platinum), and “In Between” (Gold).  The new Seasons Change: Platinum Edition will feature four additional tracks not on the original album: acoustic versions of the album’s three No.1 singles plus fan favorite “Still.”  The album also features a new cover and updated artwork throughout the project, as well as new liner notes and thank you remarks, as McCreery looks back on the last few years of his career since the original album was released. It will be available for a limited time on platinum-colored double vinyl exclusively through Amazon.com, and also available on CD at ScottyMcCreery.com.

(18 April 2025) Heart of Texas Records, in collaboration with StarVista Music, is proud to announce the release of "Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed," the latest single from Tayla Lynn’s upcoming album, SINGIN’ LORETTA — a heartfelt tribute to her iconic grandmother, Loretta Lynn. Premiered by Country Evolution, the track captures the timeless storytelling and emotional depth that defined Loretta’s legendary career. With her signature blend of passion and authenticity, Tayla brings new life to the classic hit, delivering a soulful performance that honors her grandmother’s legacy while adding her own personal touch.
Singin’ Loretta marks Tayla’s second full-length solo album and features a collection of beloved songs that celebrate the spirit and strength of Loretta Lynn’s music. Alongside "Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed," the album includes favorites like "Rated ‘X’," "Blue Kentucky Girl," "One’s On the Way," "Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (with Lovin' On Your Mind)," and "You’re Lookin’ at Country," as well as lesser-known treasures like "There He Goes" and "The Titanic." Singin’ Loretta will be available on May 30th.

(18 April 2025) When Wyoming native Ian Munsick performed his sold-out Red Rocks Amphitheatre debut last year, a surprise on-stage adoption by the Crow Tribe moved him to his core, setting him on a creative trajectory toward his third album. Inspired by the gifts his Native friends presented him that night, including an eagle feather he proudly wears in his hat, the concept and title of EAGLE FEATHER was born. Listen to Eagle Feather, available everywhere now, HERE.
Eagle Feather is the culmination of a three-part thematic trilogy where Munsick used animals as inspirational spirits, which started with Coyote Cry, his debut album. With the eagle feather representing honor, strength and wisdom, it highlights Munsick’s personal growth through life experiences and lessons learned that have shaped him into who he is. 

WATCH
(20 April 2025) On the heels of releasing his third studio album, EAGLE FEATHERvia Warner Music Nashville on Friday (April 18), Ian Munsick debutedng the official music video for “Horses Not Hearts”. Watch below:
Highlighted by Rolling Stone as a “tongue-in-cheek, high-tempo promise of love,” “Horses Not Hearts” was written by Andy Albert, Michael Tyler and Ben Stennis, and debunks the common trope that often paints cowboys as heartbreakers on the run. 

The music video, directed by Dustin Haney, was filmed across Sheridan, Wyoming and Decker, Montana. The video opens with renowned horse trainer and Munsick’s family friend Buck Brannaman, affectionately referred to as “The Horse Whisperer,” intertwining the transferable life lessons that come with the process of breaking a horse. 
Throughout the 3:49, the video conveys the passing of time in a relationship, panning between Brannaman and his wife, Mary, while starring Reata and Gabe Clark as the younger version of the couple, ultimately conveying the steadfastness of their love.

BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead:
April 21: the late Ira Louvin (May 21, 1924; died June 20, 1965 (aged 41)
22 the late Ray Griff - (1940; died March 9, 2016 (aged 75)), the late Glen Campbell - (April 22, 1936; died August 8, 2017 (aged 81)), Kellie Coffey (1978) 
April 23: Roy Orbison (1936)
April 24: Rebecca Lynn Howard (1979), Hayley Clare Oliver (1976), Carly Pearce (1990; Carly Cristyne Slusser
April 25: Rob Crosby (1954), Rory Feek (1965)
April 26: Duane Eddy (1938), Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) (1971)
April 27: Donna Ulisse, Clare Dunn, John Osborne (Brothers Osborne, 1982)

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