Saturday, 5 July 2025

Country News snippets June 16 – June 22, 2025

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
























CDX NEWS
This week on CDX Country News with Shannon McCombs...
You'll hear Keith Urban talk about his passion for playing Live. Dierks Bentley describes what goes into making an album. Plus... It's Baseball season and former player, Brett Young explains how his love of the game mixes perfectly with his career.
Listen to the audio file

 CDX WEEKLY CHARTS June 18, 2025

Airplay for June 9th, 2025 - June 16th, 2025 – Country Singles

#1 No.1 3 weeks RILEY GREEN – “Worst Way” (Nashville Harbor Records And Entertainment) held at No.1 4944 Spins (-14) 134 Stations 21 weeks on chart

** SPIN GAINER/ MOST ADDED ** Zach Top "Good Times & Tan Lines" (Leo33) No.51 1 week on the chart

UK NEWS
On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist 21 June – 27 June 2025
A List
Alex Warren Feat. Jelly Roll - Bloodline [A-A-A-A]
B List
Lainey Wilson - Somewhere over Laredo [B-B-B-B-B]

(20 June 2025) Jade Helliwell’s first single from the forthcoming album “Look What You've Done” will be available on Friday June 27, 2025 - PREORDER

(20 June 2025) Jeorgia Rose dropped a 15-track deluxe edition of her album Blooming (Where She’s Planted) on June 20th

Not quite ready to let go of her blooming era she shared 3 new songs “Boots Back”, “Snowflake” and “Table For One”. 
She shared: “These songs feels like the perfect final petals of this album & I love them so much. This chapter has been such a huge part of me and I just had more stories to tell. I hope you love these songs as much as i do, wherever you’re planted thank you for blooming with me. This album is a love letter to the girl I was and a warm hug to the girl I’m becoming. these songs healed parts of me I didn’t even know needed healing & now they’re all yours”.
Choose your preferred music service HERE.
The original 12-track album BLOOMING was previously released September 26, 2024.

(20 June 2025) British country-pop sensation Twinnie has released her latest single, “Back to Jack,” now streaming everywhere. The song blends Twinnie’s signature storytelling with catchy country-pop melodies, exploring the pull of old habits and complicated love.  
Inspired by Amy Winehouse’s iconic 'Back to Black' and shaped by Twinnie’s own heartbreaks, “Back to Jack” is a bold country-pop crossover that delivers raw honesty and a fiery edge. Twinnie transforms the pain of love lost into a powerhouse anthem: soulful, sassy, and irresistibly catchy. 
With vulnerable lyrics like “when you’re letting me down, he’s picking up / when you’re making me cry, he’s getting me drunk / but, I want you,” Twinnie turns emotional wreckage into something cinematic, with equal parts heartbreak, heat, and the kind of honesty you only spill over whiskey.  
On June 20, the music video for “Back to Jack” made its stunning broadcast debut on Paramount’s Times Square Billboard and is now in rotation across CMT Channels, including CMT Equal Play on PlutoTV. The track is also featured on the coveted CMT Spotify and CMT Apple Music curator playlists, highlighting Twinnie as one of today’s standout country artists.

Twinnie performed at the iconic Glastonbury Festival, taking place June 25–29, 2025. This year’s lineup is one for the books, featuring a powerhouse mix of headliners and major acts including The 1975, Neil Young & the Chrome Hearts, Olivia Rodrigo, Rod Stewart, Noah Kahan, Charli XCX, Alanis Morissette, Doechii, Gracie Abrams, and many more.
SET TIMES
Wednesday 20.30 - 21.30 Fireside acoustic session, Atchin Tan
Thursday 21.45 - 22.30 Flying Bus stage, Unfairground
Friday 13.30 - 14.15 Gateway stage Theatre & Circus
Friday 16.15 - 17.00 Achin Tan
Saturday 14.20 - 15.00 Flying Bus, Unfairground

(20 June 2025) Rising UK country pop singer-songwriter, Chanel Yates has been announced to perform at Reading & Leeds Festival, taking place August 21 - 24 2025. 
Yates will be performing alongside artists such as Chappell Roan, Hozier, Lola Young, Bloc Party, The Kooks and Alessi Rose on Friday, August 22 in Reading and Saturday, August 23 in Leeds.
Yates, who will be playing on the BBC Introducing stage, shared of the announcement, "The Big Girl Boots are well and truly on!! I couldn’t be more excited to bring country music to Leeds and Reading Festival this year! It’s been a bucket list moment for me for as long as I can remember, and the fact I get to represent country on that stage is huge. Let’s make it the biggest sea of cowboy hats L&R has ever seen. WHAT A DREAM!!!"
Chanel most recently released her latest single ‘Shotgun Seat’ on May 30th which has already received over 300k streams and received airplay on BBC Radio 1.

UK CHART NEWS
UK Country Radio Airplay Chart (published June 22, 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.


LONDON, U.K. Nashville-based independent label Triple Tigers Records – the home of Russell Dickerson, Scotty McCreery, Jordan Fletcher and Shane Profitt – is celebrating a major international milestone this week with two of its standout artists, Dickerson and McCreery, both landing in the Top 5 of the UK Country Airplay Chart - as announced by Holler and Absolute Radio Country.
Dickerson’s global smash ‘Happen To Me’ has soared to the #2 spot, jumping from #7 last week, while McCreery’s energetic collaboration ‘Bottle Rockets’ featuring Hootie & The Blowfish, climbs to #5 after just three weeks on the chart.

Chart dated June 22, 2025
Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs Church tops the UK Country Radio Chart ** No.1 (1 week) **
Bailey Zimmerman feat Luke Combs with “Backup Plan” moved to No.1 in their 7th frame
Russell Dickerson with “Happen To Me” advanced 7-2 (#2 peak) in his 11th chart week.
Morgan Wallen with “I'm The Problem” jumped 21-2 (#2 peak) in his 20th week 
Alex Warren with Jelly Roll with “Bloodline” pushed 17-4 (#4 peak) in their 4th frame
Scotty McCreery with “Bottle Rockets” (feat. Hootie and the Blowfish) lifted 14-5 (#5 peak) in his 3rd chart week.
Jelly Roll with “Heart Of Stone” slipped 5-6 (#3 peak) in his 11th chart week.
Riley Green with “Worst Way” moved 10-8 (#1 peak) in his 37th chart week.
Ella Langley's 'weren't for the wind' dropped 4-8 (#1 peak) in her 30th week  
Tucker Wetmore with “3,2,1” retreated 3-9 (#1 peak) in his 17th chart week.
Chappell Roan with “The Giver” fell 6-10 (#4 peak) in her 14th frame
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.12 “Good Times & Tan LinesZach Top
Debut No.31 “GrudgeCarter Faith       

 (20 June 2025 – 26 June 2025)
UK Albums
Congratulations to musician and social media creator James Marriott on earning his first Official Number 1 album with DON’T TELL THE DOG. The Swiss-born, Brighton-based artist, known for a 17-year career in music and social media, previously achieved Top 20 success with his 2023 debut Are We There Yet? (17).
Sabrina Carpenter achieved a record-breaking milestone as Short N’ Sweet was confirmed by the Official Charts Company to have the longest consecutive Top 5 streak in UK Official Albums Chart history, reaching Number 3 this week (9,461 sales). This surpasses Ed Sheeran's previous record of 42 weeks with =, as Short N’ Sweet now holds a 43-week run in the Top 5.
Previous female record holder Shania Twain’s Come On Over spent 41 weeks in a row in the Top 5 in 1999/2000.

Morgan Wallen’s with I’M THE PROBLEM fell 26-31 in the sets firth frame.
Beyoncé’s 2024 record-breaker COWBOY CARTER fell 34-40 in her 20th chart week

UK Singles
Out of luck last week when it was shooting for its 13th week at No.1 on Friday The 13th, Ordinary returns to pole position for Alex Warren on consumption of 59,221 units (1,269 digital downloads, 57,952 sales-equivalent streams).

Alex Warren feat. Jelly Roll Bloodline” fell 10-19.
Morgan Wallen ft Tate McRae with “What I Want” slipped 36-43 in their fifth week.
In his 61st chart frame Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy) held at. No.56.
Dasha with “Austin” moved 92-88 in her 66th chart frame.
Post Malone ft Morgan Wallen with “I Had Some Help” fell 88-92 in their 56th frame

Official Albums Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 26 June 2025)
20 June 2025 – 26 June 2025
1 NE 1 James Marriott ~ Don't Tell The Dog
2 14 615 Oasis ~ Time Flies... 1994-2009 ****new physicals released
3 4 43 Sabrina Carpenter ~ Short n' Sweet
4 5 38 Ed Sheeran ~ +-=÷× (Tour Collection)
5 1 2 Pulp ~ More
31 26 5 Morgan Wallen ~ I'm The Problem (Peak No.1; 5 weeks - 29/05/2025 to 26/06/2025)
40 34 20 Beyoncé ~ Cowboy Carter (14 weeks - 11/04/2024 to 11/07/2024 + 1 week - 09/01/2025 + 2 weeks - 13/02/2025 to 20/02/2025 + 3 weeks - 12/06/2025 to 26/06/2025)

Official Singles Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 26 June 2025)
20 June 2025 – 26 June 2025
1 2 19 Alex Warren ~ Ordinary
19 15 4 Alex Warren with Jelly Roll ~ Bloodline (Peak No.9 4 weeks 05/06/2025 to 26/06/2025)
43 36 5 Morgan Wallen ft Tate McRae ~ What I Want (Peak No.30 5 weeks - 29/05/2025 to 26/06/2025)
56 56 61 Shaboozey ~ A Bar Song (Tipsy) *** (Peak No.3 36 weeks - 25/04/2024 to 26/12/2024 + 25 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 26/06/2025)
88 92 66 Dasha ~ Austin *** (Peak: No.5, 43 weeks - 07/03/2024 to 26/12/2024 + 7 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 20/02/2025 + 16 weeks 13/03/2025 to 26/06/2025)
92 88 56 Post Malone ft Morgan Wallen ~ I Had Some Help *** (Peak: No.2, 31 weeks - 23/05/2024 to 19/12/2024 + 25 weeks - 09/01/2025 to 26/06/2025)

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 26 June 2025)
20 June 2025 – 26 June 2025
Mary Chapin Carpenter with PERSONAL HISTORY held at No.1 (2 weeks; #1 peak) Tagged Singer/Songwriter
Morgan Wallen with I’M THE PROBLEM moved 3-2 (5 weeks; #1 peak)
Beyoncé with COWBOY CARTER rose 4-3 (64 weeks; #1 peak)
Taylor Swift with TAYLOR SWIFT slipped 2-4 (172 weeks; #1 peak)
Rascal Flatts with LIFE IS A HIGHWAY - REFUELED DUETS moved 6-5 (2 weeks; #6 peak)
Post Malone with F-1 TRILLION climbed 8-6 (44 weeks; #1 peak)
Taylor Swift with FEARLESS (Taylor’s Version) held at No.7 (219 weeks; #1 peak)
Shaboozey with WHERE I'VE BEEN ISN'T WHERE I'M GOING moved 9-8 (55 weeks; #2 peak)
Jelly Roll with BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN lifted 12-9 (34 weeks; #1 peak)
Luke Combs with FATHERS & SON moved 13-10 (34 weeks; #1 peak)

COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES (Major)
(20 June 2025) Brett Young - 2.0 (Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment) 
(20 June 2025) Brian Kelley - Sunshine State Of Mind Season Two, Chapter One (Nashville South Records) 14 songs, 41:04
(20 June 2025) Lukas Nelson - American Romance (Sony Music Nashville, Warner Chappell Music) 12 songs, 43:02
(20 June 2025) Scotty McCreery - Seasons Change: Platinum Edition (Triple Tigers)
(20 June 2025) William Beckmann - Whiskey Lies & Alibis (Warner Music Nashville) 12 songs, 41:01

BILLBOARD/ MEDIABASE Charts
In Brief: Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of June 28, 2025) Starts Sun June 22 Ends Sat June 28, 2025

Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of June 28, 2025)
Country Album Chart ** No.1 (5 weeks) ** I’M THE PROBLEM Morgan Wallen
Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (5 weeks) ** “What I Want” Morgan Wallen Featuring Tate McRae
Country Airplay Chart ** No.1 (2 weeks) “Worst Way” Riley Green
Country Digital Songs ** No.1 ** (2 weeks) “Scornful Woman” Oliver Anthony Music

Billboard 200 News
Morgan Wallen’s I’M THE PROBLEM ruled the Billboard 200 albums chart for a fifth consecutive, and total, week, as the set holds atop the chart dated June 28. The album earned 186,000 equivalent album units in the United States in the tracking week ending June 19 (down 11%), according to Luminate. The album debuted at No. 1 on the chart dated May 31.
With 186,000 units earned, Problem landed the largest fifth week for an album since Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department earned 378,000 in its fifth week (June 1, 2024-dated chart).
Of I’m the Problem’s 186,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending June 19, streaming equivalent albums (SEA) units comprised 176,000 (down 11%, equalling 229.99 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs — it leads Top Streaming Albums for a fifth week), album sales comprised 9,000 (down 12% — it rises 9-7 on Top Album Sales) and track equivalent albums (TEA) units comprised 1,000 (down 6%).

Wallen’s ONE THING AT A TIME climbed 8-5 (40,000; up 3%) and his former leader Dangerous: The Double Album (bumped 13-9 with 32,000; up 6%).

Billboard Hot 100 News
Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” rebounds for a third week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Morgan Wallen’s What I Want,” featuring Tate McRae, held at No. 3 on the Hot 100, after it launched in May as Wallen’s fourth No. 1 and McRae’s first. It rebounds for a fourth week atop Streaming Songs (21.7 million, down 2%) and notched a fifth week at No. 1 on the multimetric Hot Country Songs chart.
Wallen follows on the Hot 100 with the No. 2-peaking “Just in Case,” which kept at No. 4, and “I’m the Problem,” which held steady at No. 6 – as Wallen logged his fifth week with at least three simultaneous top 10s this year.
Shaboozey’sA Bar Song (Tipsy)” stayed at No.7 on the Hot 100, following its record-tying 19 weeks at No. 1 beginning last July. 
                   
Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart News
‘WORST’ STILL FIRST: Riley Green’s third Country Airplay No.1, “Worst Way” (Nashville Harbor), reigned for a second week, up 1% to 28.6 million in reach. The song, which the singer-songwriter from Jacksonville, Ala., wrote solo, is his first to lead for multiple frames. He previously ruled for one week each as featured on Ella Langley’s “you look like you love me,” in December, and Thomas Rhett’s “Half of Me,” in November 2022.

Tyler Hubbard posted his fourth top 10 as a soloist on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart as “Park” (Hubbard House/EMI Nashville) cruises a spot to No.10 on the ranking dated June28. During the June 13-19 tracking week, the single improved by 6% to 17.8 million audience impressions, according to Luminate. The Snellville, Ga., native co-authored “Park” with Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley (who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 12) and Canaan Smith. The song is from Hubbard’s sophomore solo LP, Strong, released in April. “Park” follows Hubbard’s “Back Then Right Now,” which topped Country Airplay for one week in May 2024. Before that, his “Dancin’ in the Country” hit No. 2 in May 2023, after “5Foot9” became his first charttopper on his own for one week in November 2022. His first entry as a solo act, “Undivided,” with Tim McGraw, reached No. 16 in May 2021. The 38-year-old Hubbard has made 16 previous trips to No. 1, among 19 top 10s, on Country Airplay as one-half of duo Florida Georgia Line with Brian Kelley, who is also now working solo. Hubbard is on tour this summer, with his next stop on June20 in Pocatello, Idaho. The date also marks the release of Kelley’s LP Sunshine State of Mind Season Two, Chapter One.

Billboard’s Country Chart News
No.1 Morgan Wallen featuring Tate McRaeWhat I Want”: The team-up topped Hot Country Songs for a fifth week, with 21.7 million official U.S. streams, 14.6 million in airplay audience (it’s a top 20 pop radio hit) and 2,000 sold, according to Luminate. The next stop for Wallen on his I’m the Problem tour is Madison, Wis., June 28-29.

No.45 Dierks Bentley BROKEN BRANCHES: The 11-song set, co-produced by Jon Randall and Ross Copperman, marks the 14th entry for Bentley on Top Country Albums, where it arrived at No.45 with 7,000 equivalent album units earned in its release week. Broken Branches followed his 2023 set, Gravel & Gold, which began at its No.14 peak that March.

Country Airplay
** No.1 (2 weeks) ** “Worst Way” Riley Green 28.646 million audience (+0.245 million gain) / 8455 radio plays (-79) / 28 weeks on the chart
** Most Increased Audience ** No.2 “Backseat Driver” Kane Brown (+3.666 million gain)
** Airpower ** No.19 “Bar None” Jordan Davis
** Airpower ** No.20 “Heart Of Stone” Jelly Roll
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.32 “2 Pair” Kane Brown
Debut No.57 “Use Me” Zach Top
Debut No.60 “Wrong Hearts” LOCASH

Hot County Songs
** No.1 (5 weeks) ** “What I Want” Morgan Wallen Featuring Tate McRae
** Sales Gainer & Streaming Gainer ** No.15 “Hard Fought Hallelujah” Brandon Lake X Jelly Roll
** Airplay Gainer ** No.18 “Backseat Driver” Kane Brown
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.37 “Scornful Woman” Oliver Anthony Music

Country Aircheck MEDIABASE Chart
Congratulations to Kane Brown, Dennis Reese, Mallory Michaels and the Sony promotion team on taking “Backseat Driver” to No. 1. This is Brown’s 13th visit to the top spot. Songwriters are Jacob Davis and Jordan Walker.
Kane Brown with “Backseat Driver” (RCA) moved 3-1 logging 9234 radio spins (+1662), 34.423 million audience impressions (+4.699 million) with 30241 Total Points (+5782) from 159 tracking stations (159 ADDS) for the published chart dated June 23, 2025.

Morgan Wallen’s “I Got Better” Is The Most Added
Kudos to Stacy Blythe and the Big Loud crew on racking up 68 adds for Morgan Wallen’s I Got Better.” This is Wallen’s 16th release to top the CA/MB Add Board.

June 23, 2025 The Weeks ADDS
Artist/Title (Label)          TW       Historic
MORGAN WALLEN/I Got Better (Big Loud)     68         74
ZACH TOP/Good Times & Tan Lines (Leo33)      20         91
CHRIS JANSON/Me & A Beer (Warner/Harpeth 60)        9          108
BLAKE SHELTON/Stay Country Or Die Tryin' (Wheelhouse)        8          121
HUDSON WESTBROOK/House Again (River House/Warner/WAR)          8          136
S. MCCREERY f/HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH/Bottle Rockets (Triple Tigers)         8          159
JOHN MORGAN/Kid Myself (Night Train/Broken Bow)     7          58
CAROLINE JONES/No Tellin' (Nash. Harbor)      6          68
KAITLIN BUTTS/You Ain't Gotta Die (To Be..) (Kaitlin Butts/Soundly)       6          10
GAVIN ADCOCK/Never Call Again (Warner/WMN)           5          61
TY MYERS/Ends Of The Earth (Records Nashville)         5          101

NEWS
(17 June 2025) Bell Bottom Country Museum: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails will be open July 18-June 2026 and is included with museum admission. The exhibit will include stage wear, instruments, photographs, childhood memorabilia and more.

GOSSIP
(17 June 2025) Conner Smith has cancelled his June concert appearances after being involved in a car accident that resulted in the death of a 77-year-old Nashville woman. Smith's team confirmed he will not perform at the Military Appreciation Concert in Akron, Ohio, on June 20. WKYC reported that his talent agency, WME, issued a statement: "As Conner Smith takes time to privately process recent events, he will unfortunately not be performing in Akron on June 20. We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time."


(17 June 2025) Hardy has cancelled his European tour at the last minute.
The country artist was scheduled to commence the tour at the Copenhell festival in Denmark on Thursday (19.06.25) and subsequently perform in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin. Without providing a specific reason, he indicated that it "wasn't an easy decision" to make.
He wrote on Instagram on Monday (16.06.25): "I have decided to cancel the European leg of the JIM BOB TOUR.
"It wasn't an easy decision but one I had to make for my band, crew, and family. "Please know that I appreciate all of you and will return as soon as possible."

(20 June 2025) Luke Bryan postponed two weekend shows after vocal issues led to a refund promise for Arkansas fans. On June 19, he struggled during his concert but ensured fans received a full refund. See TikTok clip

AMERICANA NEWS
(17 June 2025) Mumford & SonsRUSHMERE (GOTR/Glassnote) moved 2-1 & Alison Krauss & Union Station with “Richmond On The James” (Down The Road Records held at No.1 on the albums and singles Americana Radio Charts (week of June 17, 2025). Visit americanamusic.org to see the full charts and details for the current week's Albums and Singles. 

(20 June 2025) Drawing from a personal experience with Roy Orbison, Tami Neilson pens "Foolish Heart" to honor the encounter from her upcoming album Neon Cowgirl (out July 11). Listen here

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are returning to the Ryman Auditorium for the group's 10th annual residency from October 16 - 25, featuring special guests and opening acts from public school music programs across the Southeast. Read more

VIDEO: Alison Brown & Steve Martin (feat. Tim O'Brien) "5 Days Out, 2 Days Back" (On Jimmy Kimmel Live!) >> YOUTUBE

BLUEGRASS
(17 June 2025) Willis, VA, Progressive bluegrass quintet Colebrook Road is proud to announce the release of their second single, “Alone Again,” from their highly anticipated forthcoming album.  Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s lesser-known autobiographical poem “Alone” (written in 1829 but not published during his lifetime), the track masterfully blends haunting lyricism with compelling instrumental storytelling. STREAM/PURCHASE
Written by Jesse Eisenbise, “Alone Again” offers a creative and moving interpretation of Poe’s introspective piece.  “I thought Poe’s poem would make a really interesting song,” says Eisenbise. “Especially when paired with a somber minor melody and a tempo that starts like a funeral march, then breaks into a fast-paced section.

(20 June 2025) Renowned bluegrass gospel group The Churchmen are excited to unveil their powerful new single, “Take Me in Your Arms,” released on Morning Glory Music.  Written by Carroll Arnn and Dianne Ramm, the song speaks directly to those who may feel distant from God, offering a heartfelt reminder of His enduring love and willingness to welcome us back with open arms. Purchase/Stream 

MUSIC NEWS
(19 June 2025) How to find fans and build a fanbase as a musician With over 20,000 tracks uploaded to Spotify every day, standing out as an artist has never been harder – but also never more possible. This guide breaks down 10 essential strategies to find fans and build a fanbase as a musician. Over 20,000 tracks are uploaded to Spotify every day. But there are thousands more music listeners waiting to discover their next favorite artist.  Here are 10 tips to find your fans, both online and in your community, and make a splash in everything you do: releases, concerts, merch drops and more.

AWARDS

(17 June 2025) ICYMI: Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award – an honory Oscar – alongside Tom CruiseDebbie Allen and Wynn Thomas during the 16th annual Governors Awards Nov. 16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.

 
TOUR / LIVE EVENTS
(16 June 2025) Show Support: Brad Paisley’s Truck Still Works World Tour has added a Canadian leg in November and December with TBA support. Tickets go on sale Friday (6/20) here

John Morgan kicks off his Friends Like That Tour Oct. 3 in Ocean City, MD with subsequent stops in cities including Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago and Denver; tickets here Friday (6/20). 

Thomas Rhett: Live In Las Vegas will return to BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas Oct. 3-4; tickets here Friday (6/20). 

Riley Green's second Duckman Jam featuring Jamey JohnsonDrake White and Lauren Watkins will take place Nov. 22 in Little Rock. Tickets go on sale Friday (6/20) here. Green has also added two headlining shows in Las Vegas Dec. 12-13 during National Finals Rodeo weekend.

(17 June 2025) Festive All: Blake Shelton will headline Boots In The Park at Woodward Park in Fresno, CA Sept. 13. The festival has been expanded into a two-day event this year, with the all-genre, Pitbull-headlined Party In The Park on Sept. 14. Tickets (6/20) here.

(20 June 2025) Hitmaking country music artist Clay Walker is set is set to make his headlining debut at the legendary Ryman Auditorium on Sunday, November 9 - tickets available now! Fans can look forward to hearing some of Clay’s most iconic hits from "If I Could Make A Living," "This Woman And This Man," "Live Until I Die," "She Won’t Be Lonely Long" and so many more. 
Purchase Tickets: HERE

(20 June 2025) Tour Support: Zach Top extended his Cold Beer & Country Music through this fall with newly confirmed stops including Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (two nights), Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center and Vancouver’s Rogers Arena. Joining him on select dates are Jake Worthington and Andy Buckner. Tickets for the new dates go on sale next Friday (6/27) here.

Hudson Westbrook's Texas Forever Fall Tour kicks off Sept. 4 in Cleveland; full schedule here.
More dates have been added to Brian Kelley's Sunshine State Of Mind Tour, moving the start up to June 27 in Cincinnati. Tyler PiggHuntt Garrett and Katlin Owen will provide support on select dates

Bits & Pieces: Upcoming shows in the Grand Ole Opry's Opry 100 Honors series include tributes to Charlie Daniels (7/8), Porter Wagoner (7/12), Bill Monroe (9/16) and Minnie Pearl & Roy Acuff (10/18). Performer lineups and tickets here.

(22 June 2025) Kenny Chesney To Return To Sphere In 2026 After Wrapping 15-Show Run
In the end, it was
Kenny Chesney, a single drumstick and a high hat, bashing away alongside matchless drummer Nick Buda on the extended ending of “Don’t Happen Twice.” After 15 nights as the first country artist to headline Sphere Vegas, the man just named Billboard’s No. 1 Country Artist of the 21st Century clearly wasn’t ready to leave the stage, the fun, the wicked jams and the overwhelming No Shoes Nation vocal parts behind.
As the show was winding up, Chesney – who’d been in a revelatory story mode all night – told the crowd, “A couple days ago, they asked us to come back next year.” When “Out Last Night,” the robust midtempo about all the things said to get the job done, was delivered with the Vegas strip and signs surrounding the East Tennessee songwriter/superstar, the Sphere was showered with the No Shoes Nation pirate markings and a slice of globe that read #IGoBack26 and #Summertime26.

TV
ICYMI: Kashus Culpepper made his national TV debut with "After Me?," "Southern Man" and "Man Of His Word" on CBS Saturday Morning
Warren Zeiders performed “Pretty Little Poison” and “Ride The Lightning” during the US Army 250th Celebration Military Parade in Washington, DC.
Brett Young talked fitness and new music with Men's Journal.

PRESS RELEASES
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - GRAMMY® & EMMY award-winning singer/songwriter John Berry is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his Top 5 single “I Think About It All The Time.” Written by Bill Livsey and Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Don Schlitz, this was the second single from Berry’s hit album ‘Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye,’ which also featured fan favorites such as “If I Had Any Pride Left At All,” “You And Only You,” and the title track which reached number 2 on Billboard.
“What a fun, infectious song,” shares Berry. “Uptempo songs are pretty hard for me to find, but I knew from the minute I heard it was for me. I’ve always loved Don Schlitz’s songwriting, and it was an honor to record this one.”
Berry recently announced the first dates for his 29th Annual ‘Christmas With John Berry’ Tour. With fourteen shows currently slated and more to come, the tour will kick off on November 28 in Sugar Hill, Georgia, and continue through the holiday season.

(June 18, 2025) GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt celebrates the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough album Tambourine with a two-part release arriving August 29, 2025: a long-awaited vinyl reissue of the original album and Time and Patience, a deeply intimate companion piece featuring home-recorded demos and never-before-heard material from the early 2000s. Together, the two releases honor Merritt’s living legacy while offering a rare window into the emotional journey behind one of Americana’s most beloved voices. 
Prior to the release of these very special albums, Tift Merritt will perform live in the UK for the first time in 8 years, at London’s Oslo on June 25 and at the legendary Glastonbury Festival on June 27.

(19 June 2025) Once again, great things happen when the country music community comes together for a cause! Country For A Cause pulled out all the stops during their CMA Fest 2025 concert at Nashville's 3rd & Lindsley and raised $90,000 for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and celebrated the 11th Anniversary with a four-hour show like no other!
Hosted by country legend T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang, along with Devon O’Day, an eclectic group of stellar performers, including hosts T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang, along with special guests The Oak Ridge Boys, Moe Bandy, Mandy Barnett, John Berry, T. Graham Brown, Tim Atwood, Trey Calloway, Lacy J. Dalton, Billie Jo Jones, Jimmy Fortune, The Malpass Brothers, The Kody Norris Show, Mark Wills, Michelle Wright, and Billy Yates, along with surprise appearances by Grayson Russell, Ruby Leigh, and John Schneider all donated their time and talents to raise money to help children in their health care journey.

** NEW MUSIC **
(20 June 2025) Double platinum-selling, CCMA Award-winning country artist Aaron Goodvin delivers his most personal project to date with the release of his brand new EP, DRINKIN’ HAND. LISTEN HERE .
The six-song collection chronicles Goodvin’s life over the past few transformative years – from overcoming his battle with alcohol to becoming a father – all while earning millions of streams, scoring top-charting radio hits and sparking a global line dance craze. Through it all, he found a new outlook on life.

(20 June 2025) With a fiercely loyal 8.6M-strong following, powerhouse vocalist and heart-first lyricist Alexandra Kay delivers the sultry new anthem 'Feminine Energy' that radiates confidence, allure and full-throttle sensuality. Fusing flirtatious-pop shimmer and bold-country attitude, the track depicts how a fearless love can awaken a woman’s most radiant and powerful self. 
Listen now HERE.
Rushing to drop the empowering anthem, once her teases exploded online, her inbox and comments were flooded with release manifestations. Originally slated to release with her sophomore album later this year – when fans demand, Alexandra listens. Giving another glimpse into her hotly awaited new project and more on the way soon, 'Feminine Energy' follows the dreaming romance of '
The Last' and captivating singalong 'Cupid’s A Cowgirl'.
Having just wrapped two headlining tours that included commanding stages worldwide and selling well-over 80,000 tickets, the Pandora “2025 Artist to Watch: Country” and CMT “2025 Next Women of Country” member will join Brad Paisley on tour this summer – but not before delivering a pulse-pounding, encore-worthy sold-out hometown show at St. Louis Music Park.

(20 June 2025) Singer-songwriter Ashley Anne is flipping the breakup script with her latest single, “plenty of fish,” a cheeky, empowering track that's part tough love, part beach-day banger. LISTEN TO “PLENTY OF FISH” HERE
A flirty, feel-good anthem with a splash of sass, “plenty of fish” delivers the kind of tough love only your best girlfriend can give. “It's a girls girl song,” shares Ashley. “It's coming from the tough love BFF, telling her friend to get over the guy because the right one is still out there.
Set against a breezy, beachy backdrop, the track blends nautical metaphors with sharp-witted advice—perfectly in step with Ashley's coastal roots.

(20 June 2025) Nashville, TN - Multi-platinum Country chart-topper Chris Lane released his latest album, SHADE TREE (LISTEN). Marking his first full project since his 2018 Laps Around The Sun, which included 2X Platinum "Take Back Home Girl" and #1-charted "I Don't Know About You," today's Shade Tree offers new twelve tracks, eight of which are co-written by Lane himself. 
Lane shares, "This album is such a special project and arguably the best music that I've ever released. I wrote Shade Tree as a nostalgic look back on my life growing up in Kernersville, NC. Life was hard. Life was beautiful. We didn’t have much, but somehow, we had it all at the same time. I hope people love listening to the new music as much as I loved making it!" 
The album, which offers listeners a "decidedly more Country sound" (MusicRow), embodies Chris' North Carolina roots and his undeniable devotion to his growing family. Alongside previously released titles like "2x4s & 4x6s" and fan-favorites "Fire We Found" feat. Abby Anderson and "What Am I Supposed To Tell The Dog," the project holds a host of fresh new tracks like "She's Got A Type" and "Shootin' Stars," both of which drop alongside official videos. 

(17 June 2025) Rising country artist Daniel Jeffers returns with a powerful new single, Ain't About You. Written alongside Bobby Hamrick and Justin Halpin, the track is a reflective, emotionally nuanced take on post-heartbreak healing—and the struggle to reclaim music and memories from the ghosts of a failed relationship.
LISTEN TO “AIN'T ABOUT YOU” HERE
 “There was a point in my life where I couldn't listen to any music without some part of it reminding me of a failed relationship,” Jeffers shares. “There was a weird juxtaposition there because music is, and can be, such a healing process when battling a heartbreak. I feel this song lends itself to the people who want to listen—or even remember certain memories—without being reminded of the faults that can bind themselves to them.
With his signature blend of traditional grit and modern edge, the Dallas, NC native continues to carve a compelling path in country music. Jeffers first made waves with his breakout single “Roll One With Willie,” which earned him MusicRow's DISCovery Award and has racked up over 3 million streams across platforms.
 Jeffers recently made his CMA Fest debut in 2025, performing on the Spotlight Stage inside Fan Fair X and introducing his signature sound to thousands of fans in the heart of downtown Nashville. In addition to his performance, he made high-profile appearances on Fox 17 Nashville and News Channel 5, further establishing himself as one of country music's most exciting new voices.

(20 June 2025) Rising Country/Americana four-piece The Jack Wharff Band dropped their debut EP, Richmond’s Most Wanted, via Big Machine Records. With at least one band member co-penning all six tracks on the project, the talented up-and-comers provide listeners with a dynamic, well-rounded project that encapsulates what The Jack Wharff Band does best: creating songs that guarantee exceptional instrumentation, a sound that tests the limits of genre, and lyrics that encourage and inspire.
BUY/ STREAM Richmond’s Most Wanted HERE
Richmond’s Most Wanted perfectly sums up our favorite musical styles and sets the stage for what’s to come,” shares Jack Wharff. “We can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on!”
Richmond’s Most Wanted includes the “intoxicating barroom romance” (Country Central) title track “Richmond’s Most Wanted,” “breakneck bluegrass spiritual” (Holler) “Washed,” the “ballad that feels as intimate as a handwritten letter” (All Country News) “Picture Perfect” and the band’s beloved debut track “Burnin’ It Down” in addition to two never-before-heard songs: “Otherwise” and “Don’t Hold Your Breath.”

(20 June 2025) Sibling duo
Juna N Joey is excited to release their new self-penned single, “Keep My Tab Open,” with an exclusive premiere on Nashville.com. The song tells the relatable story of finding love when you’re not really looking for it, all set in a laid-back bar scene that feels down-to-earth and easy to picture. Known for their tight harmonies and natural chemistry, the brother-sister team takes turns leading the vocals while blending together in a way only siblings can. “Keep My Tab Open” is a great example of how Juna N Joey bring emotion and storytelling into their music, with a sound that’s both fresh and familiar to country fans. To purchase/stream: HERE

(20 June 2025) With grit in his voice and truth in his lyrics, Kyle Kelly lays it all on the line in his brand-new single The Way It Is.” Out today across all streaming platforms, the emotionally charged track—written alongside fellow country artist Justin Clyde Williams—dives into the highs, lows, and hard truths of chasing a dream.
LISTEN TO “THE WAY IT IS”HERE
 The song was born in Kelly's garage, wrench in hand, frustration heavy in the air. “I was in a mood that night, discouraged with the business side of things,” he says. “I just kind of shrugged it off and said, 'that's just the way it is.' I wasn't quitting—I know what I signed up for—but that moment turned into the first verse, and a few days later, Justin and I finished the song. The ones that write themselves are usually the most honest.”
That honesty shines in lines like: “While my friends are all having the time of their lives / I'm breaking even, barely getting by / I push the thought to the back of my mind / 'Cause I'm too afraid to change…”

(June 20, 2025) Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson’s highly anticipated new album, American Romance, is out today—his first solo project and first in partnership with Sony Music Nashville. Stream/purchase HERE.
In celebration of the release, Nelson was featured on CBS Mornings earlier today speaking with correspondent Anthony Mason and will perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this Monday, June 23. Critical acclaim for American Romance…

(20 June 2025) Nashville-based singer-songwriter Max McNown released the soulful new single, “This Side of Heaven”, from his upcoming deluxe album Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) out 18th July via Fugitive Recordings x The Orchard x Columbia Records. 
Listen to “This Side of Heaven” here / watch the performance video here.
“When I wrote this I was listening to a lot of Ray Lamontagne, who is a big inspiration to me vocally and as a songwriter” says McNown. “I love the folk-blues slide guitar solos, and we tried to be honest and heartfelt with the lyrics. It's a love song but with that classic soulful feel you get from Lamontagne and maybe Chris Stapleton too who is another big influence on me.”

(June 20, 2025) LOS ANGELES, CA. / LONDON, U.K. Rock legends Mötley Crüe have announced the release of From The Beginning, a brand-new singles collection arriving on September 12, 2025 via BMG, the same day that the legendary rockers will kick off their highly anticipated 10-show residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, NV.

From The Beginning is Mötley Crüe’s definitive compilation and traces the band’s storied career from their start on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles to their current status as global rock titans. The album includes a stunning new version of the band’s revered classic, 'Home Sweet Home', reimagined as a heartfelt duet with none other than globally beloved superstar Dolly Parton that is out everywhere now.
Bringing together two giants of American music, the new rendition of 'Home Sweet Home' feat. Dolly Parton offers a powerful twist on the 1985 hit. To drive home the song’s positive message of hope, a portion of the proceeds from the single will benefit Covenant House, an organization close to the hearts of the members of Mötley Crüe. Covenant House provides safe shelter, meals, hope and more to help youth experiencing homelessness.

(20 June 2025) Texas country legends collide as the Randy Rogers Band teams up with Platinum-selling artist, Parker McCollum, for their highly anticipated new single, Is This Thing Workin’. This collaboration marks a full-circle moment for the two artists, whose
friendship and musical partnership over the last decade. The song, co-written by Randy Rogers, Parker McCollum and Monty Criswell, blends the raw emotion and storytelling that defines Texas country with a modern edge brought by McCollum’s signature sound.
 “Having Parker on a song with me is a full circle moment. We’ve been friends and working together for about 10 years, and now having this song out together is really special. It’s been a lot of years and a lot of hard work getting us both to this point and I hope y’all like it as much as we did putting it together.” - Randy Rogers
The announcement came via a joint Instagram video, where both artists encouraged fans to pre-save the track and teased the official cover art. The release has already generated buzz across social media, with fans eager to hear the fusion of two generations of Texas country. 
Is This Thing Workin’” follows the band’s first new release of 2025, “Break Itself” - a reflective track that takes responsibility for the mistakes which led to a relationship coming to an end. 

(20 June 2025) Sam Paige opens up with fearless vulnerability in her new single and music video, “My Tattoos.” Produced by Nashville’s Alex Seier and directed by Samie Bower, the track chronicles Paige’s personal journey through the stories inked on her skin — each one a symbol of pride, pain, and growth.
From the first verse — “I always wanted more than a memory / Something I can see right in front of me” — Paige turns her body into a canvas of resilience and self-expression. The shimmering, country-pop production supports her confident vocal delivery, and the song becomes a powerful anthem for self-acceptance, especially in a world that doesn’t always embrace body art, particularly on women.
A former poet-turned-performer, Paige draws inspiration from Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson, crafting lyrics that are emotional, accessible, and deeply personal. 

(June 20, 2025 – Nashville, TN) Chart-topping Country music superstar, Scotty McCreery, has released Seasons Change: Platinum Edition, out now and available for a limited time on platinum-colored double vinyl exclusively through Amazon.com, and available on CD at ScottyMcCreery.com.
The career-changing original album, which debuted at #1 on 
Billboard’s  Top Country Albums Chart in 2018, solidified McCreery as a bona fide hitmaker and featured his first three No. 1 hits including “Five More Minutes” (3x Platinum), “This Is It” (Platinum), and “In Between” (Gold). The album showcases masterful storytelling with McCreery co-writing each of the 11 tracks. Frank Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis produced the original album.
The Seasons Change: Platinum Edition will include four additional tracks not featured on the album’s original – acoustic covers of the three No. 1 hits and the fan favorite track, “Still.” These four acoustic songs were recorded at the Cascade Theatre in Redding, CA, and produced by McCreery’s bass player and tour manager Nathan Thomas with McCreery’s band leader Jeffrey Harper and former lead guitarist Dylan Rosson both accompanying him on guitar and background vocals. 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.
Seasons Change truly changed my life,” said McCreery. “It was the first project that really felt 100% me and where I was in life at that time. I’m a guy who loves to reminisce, and I’m thrilled to bring Seasons Change back in this special Platinum edition.”

(18 June 2025) Nashville-based singer/songwriter/guitarist Stephen Wilson Jr. has released the stormy new song 'Dig A Hole'.  A member of Rolling Stone's 2025 Future of Music class, Wilson Jr. imposes his hypnotic vocals over the cryptic lyrical jaunt, "I better save my strength, It's harder than you think to dig a hole." The track was written by Stephen Wilson Jr., Audra Mae Butts and Hillary Lindsey for Netflix's The Waterfront. LISTEN HERE
Next Stephen Wilson Jr. returns to the UK for a sold-out tour including a performance at Glastonbury Festival on Sat 28th. 

(20 June 2025) Arkansas-born country artist Tyler Kinch continues to turn heads with the release of his upbeat new single "Dancing with a Cowboy," now available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The track kicks off the release cycle for his highly anticipated EP of the same name.
LISTEN to 6-tracker EP "Dancing with a Cowboy" HERE
Rooted in small-town grit and blue-collar storytelling, "Dancing with a Cowboy" captures the spirit of a neon-lit southern night—fueled by romance, movement, and the kind of joy you can only find on the dance floor. The single follows the success of "Frontlines," Kinch's emotional fan favorite which earned a standing ovation at the Arkansas Country Music Awards and will also be featured on the upcoming EP.
"This song is all about energy, connection, and that first spark," Kinch shares. "Whether you're dancing in a Texas honky-tonk or in your kitchen barefoot, I want people to feel like they're right there with us."

WATCH
(18 June 2025) Karen Waldrup, known for her powerful voice, viral videos, and creative spirit, is excited to release the official music video for her latest single, “Blue Cowboy Boots”.
Produced and edited by Todd Schmidt, the video takes viewers on an exciting ride through the streets of Louisiana and onto the stage in front of a live audience at the Louisiana Crawfish Festival, offering a journey filled with excitement and festivities. In the song, “blue cowboy boots” serve as a symbol of independence, confidence, and freedom, while doubling as a bold fashion statement. Co-written by Waldrup and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter Ed Hill (Trisha Yearwood, Tracy Lawrence, Luke Bryan), the track was produced by John Piniero and mixed by Ed Seay. 

(20 June 2025) Lainey Wilson unveiled the official music video for her critically acclaimed new single, “Somewhere Over Laredo”, directed by decorated filmmaker TK McKamy (Tim McGraw, Reba, Darius Rucker).
Falling through a rabbit hole of nostalgia, Wilson embarks on a surreal adventure inspired by the timeless magic of The Wizard of Oz. In pursuit of love lost, Wilson takes a trip down the yellow brick road through symbolic memories as a mysterious cowboy lures her deeper into a lucid dream.

Continuing to receive overwhelming attention from fans and critics alike, “Somewhere Over Laredo” was the most added song at country radio at impact, garnered over 1.16 million streams across platforms in its first 24 hours (Wilson’s biggest first day of streaming to date) and earned praise from CBS MorningsRolling Stone and Billboard, the latter of which called it “

(20 June 2025) Dynamic country artist Rachel Holt has officially released the highly anticipated music video for her powerful single, “How Dare Me.” Following the success of the single release, the video brings Rachel’s emotional storytelling to life in a striking and visually compelling way. 

Celeb Secrets Country exclusively premiered the music video, stating, "With powerhouse vocals and a raw, no-nonsense edge, the 19-year-old is proving that traditional country isn’t just alive - it’s evolving."

(20 June 2025) Country artist Belles debuts her brand-new music video for her single, “Broken In Boots” (released June 13, 2025). The heartbreak anthem is out now on all streaming platforms – listen now and watch the haunting new video here.

COUNTRY FASHION
For her debut single photoshoot Amy Alexander wore a Deep-V Alice + Olivia Sunburst Maxi Dress (Product; £572) with pleated sleeves, godet-style skirt, lace embellishments and ruffles.
The single, released May 30, 2025, received its world premiere on Mike & Hertfordshire Mix 92.6 and has played on EP258 (25 June 2025) Homegrown on CountryLine Radio ("Beautiful we love to hear it" - Tim Prottey-Jones
You can listen to the single from HERE




































Amy, a country artist from north of London, fell in love with the genre early on, inspired by Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood. After attending London's C2C Festival in 2013, she dreamed of moving to Nashville. Choosing Nottingham University for its study abroad program with Belmont in Nashville, she met her songwriting partner and manager, Brandon Bernstein, in 2019. They married in 2022. In 2024, Amy collaborated with Grammy-nominated producer Brad Hill and co-producer Dave Thomson on her debut EP. Her goal is to blend modern influences with traditional sounds, sharing powerful vocals and unique storytelling to grow the genre's international fanbase.

BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead:
June 23: Pake McEntire (1953), Diane Trask (1940), the late June Carter (June 23, 1929; died May 15, 2003 (aged 73)), Katie Armiger (1991), Stephanie Lambring (1986) 
June 24: Steuart Smith (1952)
June 25: Michael Francis (Asleep at the Wheel)
June 26: Gretchen Wilson (1973)
June 27: Lorrie Morgan (1959)
June 28: the late George Morgan (June 28, 1925; died July 7, 1975 (aged 51)), Lloyd Maines (Maines Bros Band) (1951), Kellie Pickler (1986) 

RIP
Chronicle: Colleagues and family mourned veteran record executive Mike Borchetta, who died June 14 at the age of 84 (Chronicle 6/14). As VP/Promotion at Curb Records, he was instrumental in signing Tim McGraw, who said in an Instagram tribute, "I will be forever grateful for his belief in me." While serving as Pres. of Lofton Creek Records, Borchetta scored a No. 1 with Heartland's "I Loved Her First" in 2006. Borchetta promoted many other pop and country artists during stints at Broken Bow, Capitol, RCA, Mercury and more. His son, BMLG Chairman/CEO and Big Machine Racing team owner Scott Borchetta said, "This legend's time is done. Without you, there [would be] no music biz or racing in my life. Your memory shall live on." No word on services.

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