Jordan Davis and Wife Kristen Welcome Baby No.4: ‘God Is Good’
Jordan Davis and wife, Kristen have officially welcomed their fourth child!
The couple shared the exciting announcement this morning, revealing that their baby girl, Sadie, arrived on Wednesday, July 2.
“Sadie Davis got here yesterday and her and Momma are doing great…We’re back home and the kids are obsessed with their new baby sister,” the “Bar None” singer revealed.
He also took a moment to thank fans for their support, writing, “Thank y’all so much for the messages and well wishes…God is good and I am so pumped I get to be her Dad.”
The news of baby Sadie’s arrival was shared alongside their first official photo as a family of six inside the hospital.
Fans and fellow artists flocked to the comments section to congratulate the family.
The couple initially shared news of their pregnancy at the end of January using a hilarious video that the country star posted across social media. The clip found Davis reflecting on the fact that his already hectic life was about to get even more chaotic.
“Well this is a dude…Well, a dad. Three beautiful children,” he said, talking about himself. “What’s better than three is four. That’s where we’re going to be at come June. Baby Davis number four. Look out.”
In between the footage of Davis looking over the scenic waterfront view, he included some moments that capture the joys of fatherhood, like crying children and toys slamming into things. He then looks directly into the camera, beer still in hand and says, “you may be thinking, ‘how’s this dude going to do it?’ Well, this dude’s thinking the same thing. But the dude abides.”
“2025 is going to be a big one. Mainly because we’re welcoming a brand-new baby. Pumped to meet you, baby Davis. Gonna need a few more of these things. Let’s keep the party going,” Davis said in conclusion.
Sadie marks the latest member to join the Davis family. The couple, who tied the knot in 2017, are parents to their 5-year-old daughter Eloise Larkin, their 3-year-old son their son, Locklan Joseph, and their youngest, Elijah Patrick, who was born in June of 2023.
Just days before his baby girl was born, Jordan Davis revealed that he was spending baby #4’s due date traveling to a set of shows in Canada.
“Am I cooked?” he asked.
Luckily, Davis returned home to the states just in time to see his little one be welcomed into the world.
He is set to return to Canada on July 10 for a show at Cowboys Park in Calgary, AB before continuing his run of U.S. festival dates throughout the summer.
Although he may have a newborn at home, Jordan Davis isn’t slowing down this year. In addition to his summer tour dates, the Louisiana native will launch his 2025 Ain’t Enough Road Tour on Thursday, September 11 in Greater Palm Springs, CA at Acrisure Arena.
The trek will include stops in Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, St. Louis, Rosemont, Savannah and more before wrapping up on Saturday, October 25 in Estero, FL at Hertz Arena.
The post Jordan Davis and Wife Kristen Welcome Baby No.4: ‘God Is Good’ appeared first on Country Now.
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See Inside Post Malone’s Massive New Nashville Bar, Posty’s
Post Malone has officially opened the doors to Posty’s in Nashville ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend.
Located at 305 Broadway, the 26,000-square-foot establishment opened its doors on Wednesday, July 2. It features six bars and three stages across three floors.
According to a release, Posty’s boasts the largest ground-floor footprint on Broadway, complete with three bars, a VIP lounge, a live music stage, and a gift shop.
Guests can also enter from 3rd Avenue for quick counter-service dining, while the lower-level artist lounge provides a private space with karaoke.
Upstairs, the rooftop patio delivers stunning views of Nashville’s beloved skyline.
Fans hoping to grab a bite to eat are in luck because the Posty’s menu has something for everyone with a variety of flavors and dishes. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, and Southern classics including BBQ ribs, cowboy ribeyes, and more.
A late-night menu is available at the counter near the Roadside entrance off 3rd Ave with selections like grilled cheese and a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich.
“We’ve created a space where everyone can come together and kick some ass. Nashville has really become a second home for me so I can’t wait to invite y’all over to my house,” Post Malone previously shared of Posty’s.
Posty’s is operated by TC Restaurant Group, which is known for its successful management and operations of celebrity branded venues such as Morgan Wallen’s This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, and Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up.
“Post Malone is one of the most influential and gravitational artists of our time, and we’re thrilled to partner with him on this exciting concept,” Adam Hesler, President and CEO of TC Restaurant Group, previously shared.. “We’re honored to work with someone as dynamic as he is and create a venue that embodies his spirit and brings a new experience to Nashville’s Entertainment District. There’s only one reason we would consider expanding our artist partnerships, and that is to have the ability to partner with someone of the caliber, innovation and authenticity of Post. His talent and ability to transcend multiple genres is one of a kind, and we look forward to creating a venue that resonates with his global fan base.”
Post Malone recently wrapped his “Big Ass Stadium” tour, following his record-breaking F-1 Trillion Tour last fall. These tours were in support of his debut country album, F-1 Trillion, which landed at No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.
The post See Inside Post Malone’s Massive New Nashville Bar, Posty’s appeared first on Country Now.
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How A Track Inspired By Koe Wetzel Became A Highlight On Parker McCollum’s New Album
Parker McCollum’s new self-titled album closes with a song that’s become one of his personal favorites, but he revealed it almost ended up in someone else’s hands.
When he first started writing “My Worst Enemy,” McCollum had fellow Texan Koe Wetzel in mind, drawing inspiration from what Wetzel was going through at the time. Fortunately for McCollum, his fellow Texan passed on the chance to cut it and now the track holds a standout spot on the just-released album.
“I was writing it and then Wade Bowen was coming over to my house and I just sat down and I started writing it. I was like, ‘man, I feel like just thinking about Koe and everything he was going through at the time and some of the music he was putting out.’ And so I was kind of writing it with him in mind,” McCollum explained to Audacy’s Katie Neal.
McCollum originally pitched the track to his fellow artist who inspired the deep storyline, but he quickly had second thoughts. “I really wish I wouldn’t have done that,” he admitted, after realizing he wanted to cut the song himself.
He also offered Wetzel the chance to be a featured artist on the track, which he once agin declined.
“Luckily, he didn’t cut it, and then I asked him to sing on it with me, and he didn’t want to do that,” McCollum added. “And so I was like, alright, I’m going to cut it on this record. And it turned out to be one of my favorite songs on the record. I just love it so much. So I’m really glad he didn’t like it.”
The song is as raw as it gets, offering an exploration of self-doubt, internal battles, and loneliness. The moody melody mixed with pain-soaked lyrics paints a vivid picture of someone haunted by a toxic relationship with themselves and feeling trapped in a cycle they can’t escape the voice inside.
“Mirror, mirror could it be any clearer?/ Is there someone that I’m supposed to see?/ Ride or die, been this way my whole life/ Guess it’s all that I’m ever gonna be/ My worst enemy,” McCollum sings through his gritty vocals on the chorus.
In another conversation with Country Now and other outlets, the “What Kinda Man” singer opened up about this decision to place “My Worst Enemy” as the very last track of his self-titled collection.
“It felt real final. It felt like a great goodbye,” he explained. “It wasn’t really the last song on the record or hadn’t even talked about anything like that. And we were all kind in the studio looking at each other doing a live fade out and everybody’s kind of playing down and all of a sudden just that big outro, everybody just knew. I feel like you ride off into the sunset on that outro and we were sitting back listening to it. I was like, man, ‘That’s got to be the last song on the record.’”
“My Worst Enemy” perfectly fits into themes of authenticity and rawness that curses throughout the 14-track project. These songs give fans a deeper look into who Parker McCollum is and allows him to step expectations of others. As a result, he has embraced a sound that’s entirely his own.
The post How A Track Inspired By Koe Wetzel Became A Highlight On Parker McCollum’s New Album appeared first on Country Now.
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Kane Brown Could Break His Album Cycle If ‘2 Pair’ Takes Off
Kane Brown typically takes two to three years between albums to write and ensure the project is ready to share with fans. However, if his latest release, “2 Pair” takes off the way he’s hoping, he says that timeline could shift.
He released his fourth studio album, The High Road, at the top of the year. By his usual pace, that would normally mean that fans shouldn’t expect another full-length project until 2027 or 2028. But in a recent interview with Audacy’s Katie Neal, Brown shared that “2 Pair” has his full attention right now, and it’s already pulling him back into writing mode for a project that would potentially come sooner than expected.
“So this is the song that I’m focused on. But I have writers coming down to Florida actually this week,” he revealed at the time. “It wasn’t going to be a project, but if this song “2 Pair” takes off, then there might be a EP or a quick nine-song album or something coming out.”
He goes on to say that this summertime anthem has him the most excited he’s been about a song in a while. Not only has it encouraged him to get back into writing sessions, but the country star admits he’s also fired up about getting back on his “social media grind.”
“You’re going to see me everywhere,” Brown admitted.
Produced by Jordan Schmidt and penned alongside co-writers Andrew Haas, Gabe Foust, Ian Franzino, Jacob Hackworth and Jaxson Free, the country, pop, and R&B blended track perfectly sets the tone for the care-free nature of the warm season.
Brown explained that this song is intended to be his countrified version of Nelly’s early 2000s track, “Air Force Ones.” The lyrics pay tribute to Brown’s appreciation for the classic country style as he emphasizes the importance of having good pair of leather boots for any occasion.
“Give me two pairs of Luccheses/ All-white shirt and some bootcut jeans/ I’ll go all night, stomping to the beat/ I just got a check, blew it all on my feet like/ Ooh, ooh/ Ain’t s**t you can tell me, I feel like Nelly/ Give me two pairs of Lucchese’s/ All-white shirt and some bootcut jeans, yeah,” he sings.
Continuing to share his pride for the track, Brown added, “It’s really just a fun stomping song, like the country version of Nelly’s ‘Air Force Ones.’”
The multi-platinum selling act revealed that there was a lot of work that went being the scenes in order to make “2 Pair” perfect.
“At first, I wanted to release it and then we got feedback of, ‘I want to hear it grow’ and we were trying to do it so fast and make it look like we’re just putting this out, we’re not really putting a lot of effort behind it,” he explained.
Thanks to producer Jordan Schmidt, they eventually landed on a sound that finally made Brown feel like their work was complete and ready to share with the world.
“The chorus is just, it’s going to carry the summer. The song just keeps growing. I love the verses more. Everything about it, I just love 10 times more.”
Kane Brown is keeping plenty on his plate this year. In addition to getting back to work with his songwriting duties, he’s hitting the road for a run of solo shows and major festival appearances this summer. Then, he’ll head overseas for the second leg of The High Road Tour across Europe and the UK.
On top of the tour, he’s also gearing up for his feature film debut in The Token Groomsman. And if “2 Pair” keeps building momentum the way he hopes, fans might be seeing even more from Kane Brown in the near future.
The post Kane Brown Could Break His Album Cycle If ‘2 Pair’ Takes Off appeared first on Country Now.
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Keith Urban Invites ‘The Road’ Contestant Britnee Kellogg to Join Him for ‘We Were Us’ Duet
Fans in attendance at Keith Urban’s High and Alive World Tour stop in Cincinnati, OH last week got an unexpected treat when rising country artist Britnee Kellogg made a surprise pop-up appearance on stage. The two joined forces for a powerful duet of Urban’s 2013 hit with Miranda Lambert, “We Were Us.”
Originally co-written by Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins and Nicolle Galyon, the nostalgic track finds both singers reminiscing on the beauty of young love and wishing they could go back to the way things were. Kellogg stepped into Lambert’s role, blending her powerhouse vocals with Urban’s signature sound and electric guitar picks as they paint a picture of a time when life was simpler and love felt like it would last forever.
The pair of artists commanded the stage as they united on the chorus, “Back when that song was a song/ I could sing along without thinkin’ ’bout you every time it came on/ Every beat, every line, every word, every time/ When a road was a road/ I could roll on through without wishin’ that empty seat was you/ Money was gas, dreams were dust/ Love was fast and we were us.”
Kellogg Reveals How The Opportunity Came About
According to Kellogg, the chance to share the stage with Keith Urban came out of their time working together on The Road, his upcoming competition series created alongside Blake Shelton.
“One of the producers of ‘The Road’ reached out to me to connect me with Keith’s team about performing at a show on the tour to promote the show and I immediately freaked out obviously,” Kellogg tells us. “Working with Keith on the show was such a huge honor, so being asked to sing with him was just a pinch me moment.”
Kellogg went on to share that the moment was “surreal” and explained what made it even more special for her.
“I felt at home, and every time I looked at him he just seemed so proud which was a really wild feeling. He truly is the most incredibly supportive cheerleader,” she said of Urban. “I feel like I had happy feet the whole time and could see my daughters face screaming go mommy and what a feeling to know that she’s seeing me pursue my dreams, and her first concert was Keith Urban featuring her mama. Like what?!”
Urban introduced Kellogg to the stage by telling the crowd she was “someone who you guys don’t know yet but you will.” He also noted she’s the first contestant from The Road expected to join him on stage randomly throughout the tour.
Fans Unite With Support For Kellogg
Since sharing a video of the collaborative performance, Kellogg has received hundreds of supportive messages, leaving her in quite the emotional state.
“My support system is unreal and the comments have had me in a puddle since I posted the video. I’m just so grateful to have never given up. I’ve been pursuing this dream since I was 6 years old, so to continue receiving the love and support is something I will never take for granted,” she said.
Just days before stepping on stage with the Australian singer/songwriter, Kellogg revealed that she’s one of 12 rising artists selected to appear on the new CBS competition series. Set to premiere this fall, the show follows a group of aspiring musicians selected to compete as opening acts for Urban at venues across America.
‘The Road’ Is Set To Air This Fall
Each episode features live performances and behind-the-scenes moments as the artists face the realities of life on the road. Urban will be joined throughout the season by executive producers Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan, “Tour Manager” Gretchen Wilson, and a rotating cast of country stars and live audiences who help decide which acts move on in the competition. Only one artist will walk away with the yet-to-be-revealed grand prize.
She says she’s looking forward to watching with everyone this fall.
“The 12 musicians are absolutely incredible and I have now gained 11 new brothers and sisters that will forever be such a big part of my life,” she gushed. “You can expect to see me being my authentic true self. I am 100% a what you see is what you get, and I always keep it real. You’ll see me glammed up and then no makeup with a trucker hat, being my silly self and singing with all my heart.”
After the show, Kellogg admits she feels like a changed woman and credits Urban for giving her advice she will cherish forever.
“The best advice I received on the show was from Keith Urban. He really helped me open up on stage and step into my confidence. He complimented my songwriting, and I feel like I’m forever changed as a performer because of the belief he instilled in me,” she shared.
The Road is set to premiere in fall 2025 and will air Sundays from 9:00–10:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network. It will also be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
The post Keith Urban Invites ‘The Road’ Contestant Britnee Kellogg to Join Him for ‘We Were Us’ Duet appeared first on Country Now.
... Continue Reading![Clayton Johnson On Finding His Way Back to Country Music And The Stories Behind His Debut EP, ‘Live To Learn’ [Exclusive]](https://countrynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Clayton-Johnson-3-1024x683.jpg)
Clayton Johnson On Finding His Way Back to Country Music And The Stories Behind His Debut EP, ‘Live To Learn’ [Exclusive]
Clayton Johnson has been running in musical circles with some of the biggest names, having played guitar for artists like Scotty McCreery and Sabrina Carpenter. Now, signed to Universal Music Group Publishing, and Audio Chateau Records, the singer/songwriter is making a name for himself with his biggest solo project to date — his debut EP called Live To Learn.
Growing up, Johnson lived in Modesto, Calif., a highly agricultural part of the state. His mother, an avid listener of ‘90s country music, helped shape his love of the country genre. But he didn’t truly immerse himself in country music until later in life. After picking up the guitar at a young age, Johnson went on to dabble in various scenes, including pop-punk. He even ventured off navigating through different entertainment projects, including joining a handful of bands, starring in music videos, and modeling for Boot Barn. But, through all of his endeavors, country music is where he has felt most at home.
“That is where I felt most at home, the most like myself,” Johnson confirmed in an interview with Country Now. “It connected me the most to my family. So I think it was a natural progression for me to come full circle from growing up on it, checking out other genres, and coming back to what inspired me to the first music I grew up listening to growing up.”
An Unexpected Journey Of Ups and Downs
“My career and my path has not been…. a straight path. It hasn’t been an easy path. It’s been a lot of — I find myself trying to find where I feel the most at peace and where I feel the most like myself. It’s taken me to different places of exploration with acting, other genres, living in different places,” he added. “I’m in my mid-30s now and I feel like, as a kid, you have to fall off of a bicycle a couple of times and scrape your knee and feel that pain.”
While his musical path began with a viral moment after a comedy influencer discovered him via a “Howdy” pillow, Johnson didn’t turn his main focus to music until he connected with Kevin Bard, a multi-platinum songwriter and producer who has worked with artists like Dan + Shay and Parmalee.
“I wasn’t trying to start a career being an artist, but as they say, when you are not looking for love that’s when it finds you,” Johnson, who has scored a songwriting credit on “Tough,” a song by Quavo and Lana Del Rey that landed on the Billboard Hot 100, shared. “I decided to step away from music and was just doing it for fun, but that’s when doors started opening up for me with opportunities to pursue something full-time in country music.”
Johnson’s Debut EP Marks A Fresh Start
“I partnered with Kevin Bard, an old friend of mine, and we started working together. It felt right and natural and people were loving the songs,” he added. “Here we are 6 years later, still doing it, still touring, and this is the first full body of work that I put out a few weeks ago, the Live to Learn EP.”
Johnson’s seven-track EP reflects the journey he has been through, with deeply personal lyrics that explore themes of heartbreak, growth, and resilience. The collection also offers some windows rolled-down kind of songs that are perfect for summertime. Perhaps the title track sums up the road Johnson has taken thus far. The track shares the message that life doesn’t come with a how-to book, and the only way to survive is by learning from one’s mistakes. But the tune isn’t a sad song by any means. With its driving melody and vibrant acoustics, Johnson’s delivery of the track is bound to put a smile on the listener’s face.
Listen
“If you wanna break in your boots / You gotta kick up some dirt / You gotta play with some fire / To know how not to get burned / Falling in love’s gonna / Come with a little bit of heartbreak hurt / You’ll take a couple wrong turns / But you gotta live to learn,” Johnson sings throughout the chorus of the track, written alongside Katie Cecil, Shawn Chambliss, and Chris Ganoudis.
“‘Live To Learn’ is the title track on the EP and Lord knows I’ve done a lot of living and a lot of learning. If I hadn’t gone through some of the poor choices I’ve made or things that happened in my life that are out of my control, I wouldn’t be the man that I am today,” Johnson said.
Feeling At Home In Tennessee
One positive choice Johnson has made was moving to Nashville, Tenn. The rising artist says he felt compelled to pack up his bags for Music City early on and couldn’t be happier that he made that decision because “I’ve always felt at peace and at home here.”
“Ever since I moved and was visiting Nashville years ago, I’ve always felt a calling to be here,” he shared. “I had a Facebook memory pop up 15 years ago that said, ‘I can’t wait to move to the South’ and sure enough, here I am years later. I finally made it happen. But, I’ve always felt at peace and at home here. California will always be my home. My parents still have their little ranch out there. We’ll go out there for the 4th of July, which will be nice, but I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be right now.”
Johnson notes that the closing track on Live To Learn called “I’ll Quit Drinking Tomorrow” reflects his current lifestyle in Tennessee the most as he’s always finding a reason to leave the house, whether it’s to hit the lake or to watch a football game with friends.
The highly-relatable tune offers a more traditional-leaning fix for country fans, with its simple melody, subtle pedal steel, and classic electric guitar licks as Johnson sings: “‘Cause the good times are rollin’ / The drinks keep on flowing / And I’ve never been one to say no / Friday to Friday / There’s always a party / And, yeah, it’s gonna take its toll / I’ve said it all before, I know / That I’ll quit drinkin’ / But I’ll quit drinkin’ tomorrow.”
“I’ll Quit Drinkin'”
“That’s kind of like my life in Nashville sometimes, where after a weekend of going out with your friends, you’re like, “OK. I’m going to be healthy, and hit the gym this week. I’m not drinking tomorrow and then someone calls you and says, ‘Hey. Monday night football is tonight. We’re going out to a bar to watch the game,” he shared. “It’s like, ‘Alright. I’ll quit drinking tomorrow.’ There’s always a reason to go out and celebrate life.”
“Some of these songs are meant to just be turned up, to be fun to listen to, to set a vibe driving or hanging out with friends,” he insists. “Other songs are meant for a little bit more reflection. There’s a ballad on there called “Never Have To Say.” It’s one of my favorites.”
Writing Love Songs Inspired By His Parents
“It’s a beautiful love song. I have parents that have been married for almost 40 years and I see the kind of love they have and I’m a single man,” the singer, who was once engaged to Lana Del Rey, adds. “So writing songs that are inspired by them and the love they have, it’s been great to put everything I’ve gone through into this EP. There are some fun songs on there too that are based on true stories. So I think there’s a little bit of everything for everybody.”
“Anybody” also taps into the love song sphere. The track features an uptempo finger-snapping melody, with Johnson swooning over a love interest, telling her: “You make a diamond look like coal / You make the night stars lose their glow / You make every classic fairytale sound the same / What can I say? / You make a champagne high taste sour / You make a day feel like an hour / You make a burnеd out heart like mine feel thе fire again / I never guessed / That I’d be out here writing a love song for anybody / But girl, you ain’t just anybody.”
One song that falls somewhere in the middle of serious and lighthearted is the flirtatious “Talk Is Cheap,” which finds Johnson sharing the reminder that getting to know someone doesn’t cost money.
He sings, “‘Cause talk is cheap / So let’s see you and me / Let our lips get lost / See where it might lead / Yeah, there ain’t no price / On a back booth night / Ain’t gonna cost you a dime / To spend your time on me / ‘Cause talk is cheap.”
“I wrote that song with Kevin Bard and my brother Chantry Johnson, a songwriter out in California. As a single man, you want to be a gentleman on dates. You meet girls and you want to take care of everything. You want to make her dinner and Uber and all of those things. It adds up over time,”’ Johnson said while describing the meaning behind the track. “If you go on a couple of dates a month, that starts adding up quickly. The dates are worth it. I have no problem spending the money on it, but the whole point of the song is you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get to know somebody.”
Earned Recognition From LeAnn Rimes
“‘Talk Is Cheap’ is about how it doesn’t cost anything to find out your favorite song at karaoke or where your parents are from or who your home team is and things like that. It’s a really fun play on words for me and it was cool because at one point in the song, I say, ‘What’s your go-to LeAnn Rimes song at Karaoke?’ I posted it on Instagram with a video clip, and LeAnn Rimes, the queen herself, commented on the video about how much she liked the song,” he added. “So that was cool for me to have somebody like her comment and acknowledge my song with her name on it.”
Elsewhere, Johnson packs in nostalgia in “18 Again,” reflecting on those tender teenage years and the euphoria of falling in love for the first time. The song paints a stunning visual of summertime romance with its powerful descriptions that embody the feelings of being young and carefree while also paying a sweet tribute to lasting love.
“Tailgate dreaming / Jumping off the dock in the midnight moon / And speakers singing / American Girl in the middle of June / A Tennessee sky, you by my side / I swear I can still see your / Feet on the dash, hand in the wind / And just like that, we’re 18 again,” Johnson sings.
“All of these songs are my journey and my stories of love lost and even manifestations of love that I hope to find one day…I think people can relate to the songs that send you back to a time in your life….” Johnson shares of his EP. “I just want to encourage people and hopefully they can relate to this EP where just because you’re going through the fire doesn’t mean that you’re going to completely burn down. You can come out of it stronger and it can make you a better person from it. So that’s really what this whole album encapsulates.”
More Music And Tour Dates To Come
Johnson, who draws comparisons to Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan, recently wrapped touring dates opening for Tyler Rich. Drawing more than 400,000 monthly Spotify listeners, he hints that he may have a full schedule of shows coming later this year.
“As far as what’s coming up next, I have some tours and shows that I’m excited to announce pretty soon. I can’t talk about it quite yet. But, I’ve got some great things in the works because I’ve been doing everything by myself. I haven’t gotten a manager yet,” Johnson said. “Now I’m starting to see a little bit of success. So I’m taking bigger management meetings and booking agent meetings. So I’m just excited to keep this thing going and keep writing songs for myself and for other artists. We’re shooting three videos next week for the last three songs on the EP and it’s going to be great to put out visualizers and keep promoting these songs throughout summer.”
The post Clayton Johnson On Finding His Way Back to Country Music And The Stories Behind His Debut EP, ‘Live To Learn’ [Exclusive] appeared first on Country Now.
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Lauren Alaina Reveals the Sweet Story Behind Her Daughter Beni Doll’s Name
Just weeks after welcoming their first child, Lauren Alaina and her husband Cam Arnold are opening up about the sweet story behind their daughter’s unique name, Beni Doll Arnold.
The songstress clutched her little girl in her arms as she formally introduced her to the world with her other half sitting beside her.
“This is Beni Doll Arnold, our little girl. We want to tell you about her name,” she began.
Drawing From Two Family Names
According to Alaina, she got to pick the baby’s first name, and her husband got choose her middle name. The names that the couple landed on are very sentimental to them as they are connected to two different family members.
“She’s named after my grandfather. It was my mom’s dad, Papa Benny. He helped raise me. He taught me how to play basketball. He bought me my first karaoke machine. If he was alive, he would tell you that he’s the reason I got where I am because he bought me that karaoke machine. He was very proud of that,” Alaina shared with a big smile on her face.
The Georgia native went on to recall the moment she saw a girl a few years ago who was named Beni, with the unique spelling, and decided to write it down in hopes that it could come in handy in the future.
“It wasn’t even our number one name at first, but we were tossing out different names and Beni came up and we were trying to figure out how to spell it because traditionally it’s a boy’s name, but we knew we wanted to name her that,” Alaina continued. “And Cameron said, ‘well, can we do it with an I or something to make it girlier for her?’ And I told him about the girl that I had seen who spelled it B-E-N-I. And he told me he loved that.”
The Special Meaning Behind The Unique Spelling Of Beni
To their surprise, they later discovered that the name “Beni” means “crimson” in Japanese, referring to a deep red color. That unexpected meaning became even more special given Lauren’s late father’s love for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
“My dad passed away last year, and it’s been really hard for me this whole journey not having him and having her. And my dad was a huge Alabama fan. So, the fact that Beni in Japanese meets Crimson, I feel like my dad said, ‘roll tide’ from heaven and told us how to spell it,” she explained.
Doll Comes From Cam’s Side Of The Family
Cam then revealed that he shares the middle name, Doll, which stems from his Aunt – Lucy Doll Arnold.
“She was born on our family farm where my parents live now. It’s like 175-year-old home. Been in the family for over 200 years and she’s just been a big part of our family, and she’s never had kids, so it was just a little nod to keep her name in the family and pass it along.”
He lovingly declared that it’s a “Pretty cute name” while Alaina added, “We love it. She’s one of a kind.”
In the caption of the video, Lauren Alaina wrote that the name Beni Doll Arnold “holds so much meaning and love” and that she can’t wait to one day get the chance to tell her little one about how she’s named after some very special people in their lives.
Beni Doll Arrived June 11, 2025.
The new parents, who celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary back in November, officially welcomed their first child into the world on June 11, 2025. She weighed in at 7 lbs 13oz. and measuring 19 inches long.
The birth announcement was made via social media and shared alongside adorable family photos captured by Laura Moll. Lauren Alaina also penned a sweet message in honor of her daughter’s arrival.
“The right words are hard to find to describe how parts of my heart that I didn’t even knew existed were unlocked at 8:44 am when they laid you on my belly for the first time. I will never be the same. You, to your dad and me, are absolute perfection,” she wrote. “We are honored God chose us to be your parents. Thank you to everyone for all of the love, prayers and support for our precious daughter.”
New Song, “Heaven Sent” Out Now
She further celebrated the major life news by revealing she was dropping a new song called “Heaven Sent.” The tender tune was penned by Alaina alongside HARDY and Ben Johnson and dedicated to her daughter.
“I have a little surprise for everyone. To celebrate the most precious miracle on Earth I have decided to release a song I wrote about my daughter. We learned she was coming in a time of deep sadness after the loss of my daddy. I wasn’t sure when I would share ‘Heaven Sent’ but watching my own husband become a father the last couple of days has made me want to share it with you now,” Alaina explained. “She came just before Father’s Day. My first without my own father. A day that will forever be hard to me, but I now have a new and perfect reason to celebrate it. Beni’s daddy. My sweet and steady husband. Beni truly is a gift from God that my old man sitting up there in Heaven Sent. It’s out now everywhere.”
Lauren Alaina and Cam Arnold first revealed their pregnancy through the music video for Alaina’s heartfelt song, “Those Kind of Women.” The visual tribute tells a story of motherhood and honors the influential women in her life. It ended with a touching message: “This video is dedicated to my Momma and our sweet Baby Arnold coming summer of 2025.”
Shortly after the video’s release, the couple shared their baby’s gender in a sweet Instagram clip that showed them dipping their pets’ paws in paint and pressing them onto a canvas. When the black and white filter was lifted, a soft pink revealed they were expecting a baby girl.
Throughout her pregnancy, Alaina never slowed down. She opened each night on Rascal Flatts’ 25th Anniversary Life Is A Highway Tour, continued writing and recording new music and even took the stage at CMA Fest, despite being days past her due date.
Now, Lauren Alaina is soaking up her first summer as a mom before returning to the road for three scheduled shows in August and September.
The post Lauren Alaina Reveals the Sweet Story Behind Her Daughter Beni Doll’s Name appeared first on Country Now.
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Everything You Need to Know About Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! July 4th Event Featuring Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley will headline Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th celebration on Friday, July 4. The FREE event will also feature several other performers and an unforgettable fireworks display.
If you’re planning to celebrate Independence Day 2025 in Nashville, here’s what you need to know about the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event.
All events are free and open to the public.
Throughout the day, attendees can visit the Amazon Family Fun Zone at Music City Walk of Fame Park, which will feature family-friendly activities and a diverse music lineup. Performers include Walker Montgomery, The Nashville Soul Experience, Alicia Blue, KIRWAN the Band, and Les Kerr & The Bayou Band, with DJ Rod Youree spinning tunes between sets.
As the day continues, live music will light up The Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage at First and Broadway. Headlined by Dierks Bentley, the event will also feature performances from Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, and Grace Bowers. Nashville’s own Keesha Rainey will sing the National Anthem, while Kelly Sutton will serve as emcee and DJ Dave Aude keeps the energy high between sets.
Following the concert, the celebration will continue at Ascend Amphitheater with a live performance by the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony, set to a spectacular 30-minute fireworks and drone show. Presented by Dr Pepper, this downtown event will feature one of the nation’s largest synchronized displays of its kind.
“Music City knows how to throw a celebration, and this free July 4th event will again be one of the best in the country,” Ken Levitan, board chairman of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and co-president of Vector Management, shared. “With an incredible lineup that includes Dierks Bentley, Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon and Grace Bowers, we’re excited to welcome both visitors and locals for a day filled with unforgettable music, family-friendly activities and pride in the red, white and blue. Events like this not only showcase Nashville’s world-class talent but also drive meaningful economic activity for Nashville and its hospitality industry.”
Let Freedom Sing! is teaming up with Dierks Bentley’s Riser Foundation, which supports charitable organizations focused on children and families, as well as issues like homelessness, literacy, education, and hunger.
In addition, StageWater canned water will be available for purchase at beverage stands and throughout the event footprint. A portion of proceeds from StageWater supports nonprofits that assist those in need within the entertainment industry, including healthcare and hardship grants, and aid for independent venues and promoters. The company is led by CEO Chris Thacker, Bentley’s tour manager, and CMO Zach Belcher, his touring photographer and videographer.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th consistently attracts massive crowds, with more than 200,000 attendees each year and a record-breaking 355,000 in 2024. That record turnout generated an estimated $17.5 million in direct visitor spending.
This marks the 22nd annual celebration produced by Music City Inc. through the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and the 41st overall in the city’s history.
The post Everything You Need to Know About Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! July 4th Event Featuring Dierks Bentley appeared first on Country Now.
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Severe Storm Forces Willie Nelson to Cancel 2025 Outlaw Festival Date in Oklahoma
Willie Nelson has been forced to cancel a stop on the 2025 Outlaw Music Festival after an intense storm damaged touring equipment and instruments.
The country icon, 92, was set to headline the festival alongside Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, and more during a special 10th anniversary show. The star-studded lineup was originally scheduled to take the stage at the Lucky Star Amphitheater in El Reno, Oklahoma on July 1.
KFOR, Oklahoma’s local news channel, reported that the heavy thunderstorms swept through the southern region late Monday afternoon, causing flooding, heavy rain and low visibility and damages to homes in the surrounding area.
According to a statement released by festival organizers, “An extreme weather event on the evening of June 29th in Ridgedale, MO at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena produced heavy rains and high winds forcing the crowd to evacuate.”
As a result of the bad weather, “equipment and artists’ instruments were damaged and waterlogged, making their condition difficult to assess in time to accurately and safely use for tomorrow’s show.” The decision was made to cancel tonight’s show in order to allow time to recover and replace what was needed for the remainder of the tour.
“Blackbird Presents, Lucky Star Amphitheater, and DCF Concerts are disappointed to have to cancel the engagement and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause,” the statement added.
Full refunds will be issued to ticketholders at their point of purchase. Fans should allow 7-10 business days for the refund to appear on their statement.
Nelson’s Legendary Guitar “Trigger” Has Been Marked Safe
Willie Nelson reposted the message to his own social media accounts. While many fans expressed their disappointment over the cancelation, their man concerned were about Trigger, Nelson’s legendary guitar.
One user asked, “Is trigger ok???”
Another wrote, “The real question: is Trigger okay?” followed by a request saying, “Trigger, if you read this, please let us know you’re OK.”
Thankfully, the “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” singer’s team confirmed Trigger was marked safe and was not among the instruments damaged in the storm.
The Outlaw Music Festival is known for being the largest touring music festival in North America. It aims to unite music legends and passionate fans for a one-of-a-kind experience filled with live performances, great food and drinks, and unique shopping.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Willie Nelson along with Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, Asleep at The Wheel, Tami Neilson are expected to resume the show for Willie’s 4th of July Picnic taking place at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas, on July 4.
Nelson has a slew of 2025 tour dates scheduled through September. The Outlaw Fest will also hit towns across Wisconsin, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York and more.
The post Severe Storm Forces Willie Nelson to Cancel 2025 Outlaw Festival Date in Oklahoma appeared first on Country Now.
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Jelly Roll And Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Finally Meet In Emotional First Encounter
After nearly a decade of friendship, Jelly Roll and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson finally had their first in-person meeting, and the moment was as heartfelt as it gets.
On Tuesday, July 1, Johnson took to social media to share a glimpse into the interaction that took place on set of American Idol while Jelly Roll was serving as the show’s first “Artist in residence” mentor. Luckily, the whole thing was caught on camera, allowing fans to see just how close of a bond these two have formed over the years.
The clip begins with Jelly Roll stepping out of his trailer, smiling ear to ear as he walks straight into a tight embrace with Johnson. “I’ve been waiting a decade for this hug,” he says.
From the jump, the two exchanged pure joy and a mutual admiration for each other’s strength, which is something that’s been building over the course of almost 10 years.
Johnson revealed that in that time, they have been “texting, showing love, support, whatever you need…it was very special.”
Johnson’s Sentimental Gift To Jelly Roll
He also took a moment to praise Jelly Roll on his incredible 200+ pound weight loss journey and then presented him with a deeply meaningful gift. Knowing that they both have a deep-rooted history in Music City, Johnson decided to give the country star an old postcard from the Alamo Plaza Motel in Nashville. This was where he stayed when he first moved to town at 15 years and used to be located in the area Jelly Roll grew up in, but has since been torn down.
Johnson explained that the postcard was given to him as a Christmas present form former pro wrestling manager, “downtown Bruno,” who was a prominent figure in his life back in the day. He then decided to regift the nostalgic piece of paper to Jelly Roll knowing that it would be meaningful to him.
“I knew you were here. I said, I gotta give it to my boy, Jelly.”
A brotherly hug almost 10 years in the making 🫱🏾🫲🏼🤎🤍 @JellyRoll615
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) July 1, 2025
Several years ago (roughly 2017) I was going through a very hard thing at the time, I was struggling. My mental wellness turned into my mental hellness. Many of you know the drill, you put on “the face”, show up… pic.twitter.com/eylhhKlWd1
“This is old, old school,” Jelly Roll shared as memories of the place he grew up in flooded back to him. “I was just talking about this. When you first get in the business, in our business, you dream of all the plaques to cover the rafters, you know? So you start filling your walls with plaques. And then Kid Rock writes you a note and you cherish it more than anything…the next thing you know all the plaques came down. And it’s this,” he said holding up the old postcard. “This is the relationship.”
Celebrating The Power Of Music
Alongside the video, Dwayne Johnson penned a heartfelt message in the caption, that found him reflecting on how Jelly Roll’s music, particularly the song “Only,” helped him during one of the darkest moments in his life.
“Several years ago (roughly 2017) I was going through a very hard thing at the time, I was struggling. My mental wellness turned into my mental hellness. Many of you know the drill, you put on “the face”, show up to work, smile and get through it. Perhaps not the healthiest thing to do, but it’s what I was used to doing at the time. Then a song came on through my headphones one morning on a random shuffle playlist. “Only” from Jelly Roll.”
He goes on to say that the lyrics “rocked me. hard core.” This is where their friendship truly began. Johnson reveals he was so moved by the story that he reached out to the artist and said, “you don’t know me and I don’t know you, but this song of yours is helping me through some stuff I’m dealing with. I just called to say thank you brother. Our bond was born.”
The gift of the postcard may be “insignificant to the world,” as The Rock pointed out, however given their history, he knew it would be something Jelly Roll would greatly appreciate.
This isn’t the first time Johnson has expressed his love for the “Liar” singer. He previously opened up about discovering his music while appearing on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Jelly Roll later saw the clip of Johnson singing his praises and responded a few weeks later.
To this day, the Tennessee native claims Johnson’s message of support was a turning point in his career.
“You don’t know what that meant to me,” he said in the recent video. “I’m at a point in my career then where you’re wondering will it even work… then I’m seeing you post about this and I call them God Waves. It’s like anytime you’re a little sideways and God gives you one of those, it’s like nah I’m straight. I’m straighter than I thought I was. We’re coasting.”
Jelly Roll then shared another unforgettable memory of when he won his first award anad revealed Johnson beat his own mother to congratulating him. “He beat my mother into my inbox…it took my mom a whole nother hour. DJ was in there immediately,” he said with a laugh.
The video ends with another tight hug between the two stars, showcasing the strength of their years-long bond.
Johnson concluded his message by saying, “Every once in a while we all get sliced up by life, but it’s amazing to see what kind of blessings and people that God and the universe will put in our lives to help us heal through our pain…Love you brother and cheers to all our plaques coming down.”
The post Jelly Roll And Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Finally Meet In Emotional First Encounter appeared first on Country Now.
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Ella Langley Steps In for Tate McRae on ‘What I Want’ During Morgan Wallen’s Wisconsin Shows
Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem Tour brought the star power to Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin over the weekend as part of his I’m The Problem Tour. During both shows of the two-night run that launched on Saturday, June 28, Wallen surprised the crowd by welcoming his opener, Ella Langley, to the stage.
The pair of artists teamed up to perform the fan-favorite duet “What I Want” off Wallen’s latest 37-track album. The song was originally recorded alongside pop star Tate McRae, but since she wasn’t present for the show, Langley stepped up to deliver her part. Langley greeted fans earlier in the night while serving as an opener on select dates of the trek, but she also got the chance to shine with this performance in the midst of Wallen’s set.
As heard in the videos of the delivery that have flooded social media, Langley filled in seamlessly as her Alabama bred vocals intertwined with Wallen’s. The pair of artists won over the massive audience of fans while depicting the moody story of two emotionally damaged people who are both upfront about their baggage. Instead of shying away from heartbreak, the lyrics lean into the mutual understanding their desire to just live in the moment.
Langley’s first appearance on stage was a pleasant surprise, but her performance on night two is what really got fans talking. She and Wallen teamed up once again to sing the same track, but during the Sunday night show, the moment was intensified by the pouring rain that broke out.
The female powerhouse surprises didn’t stop there because Miranda Lambert also made an appearance during Wallen’s set on both of the Wisconsin tour dates. These superstars united to sing his hit, “Cowgirls.”
Lambert certainly dressed for the part as she channeled her inner cowgirl with her ensembles that featured cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, a denim skirt and a graphic tee. The Texas native offered her award-winning vocals to the harmonies of the hard-hitting tune that was originally recorded with fellow country act, ERNEST.
It’s safe to say that with the help of Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert, the East Tennessee native left his mark Camp Randall Stadium. These stops turned out to be historic for the venue, as Wallen hosted the biggest concerts ever held in the state with over 100,000 attendees across two nights. Plus, Wallen was the first artist to headline two consecutive nights at a Wisconsin stadium.
This marked Miranda Lambert’s first weekend serving as a special guest on Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem Tour. She is scheduled to appear several more times throughout the trek, including July 11 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL and July 18 at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Her run with Wallen will come to an end on September 12 in Edmonton, AB.
Ella Langley will also continue to put her talent on display in front of Morgan Wallen’s fans throughout the summer. Her next appearance will once again take place alongside Lambert at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ on July 28. She will deliver her final performance on the last night of the tour, which is set to take place on September 13 in Canada.
Morgan Wallen is already making this trek one to remember. He kicked things off earlier this month in Houston, TX with a pair of star-studded guests joining him on his beloved walk-out tradition.
He appeared alongside former Houston Texans Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson and Houston salesman Mattress Mack on night one as the fan-favorite “Broadway Girls” song blared through the speakers before transitioning into I’m The Problem’s seventh track, “Interlude.” On the second night, rapper Drake and former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens joined for the walkout. For his time in Wisconsin, the country act delivered a solo walkout on Saturday and welcomed former NFL quarterback, Brett Favre on Sunday.
The tour continues this weekend with another round of back-to-back shows in Miami Gardens, FL.
The post Ella Langley Steps In for Tate McRae on ‘What I Want’ During Morgan Wallen’s Wisconsin Shows appeared first on Country Now.
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Danae Hays Hard Launches New Relationship With Jenn Cooke, Sister of Ashley Cooke
Comedian Danae Hays has publicly introduced her new girlfriend, Jenn Cooke, who happens to have country roots as the sister of chart-topping country singer Ashley Cooke.
Hays and Cooke took their relationship to social media last week when they appeared on each other’s accounts while enjoying a staycation in Nashville.
Speculation about their relationship immediately began within the comments section as fans shared their excitement over seeing them together.
“Is this the new girlfriend? Or just a friend? You both are DOLLS,” one user wrote.
Another shared, “So glad to see you happy again! She’s so beautiful! Y’all are beautiful together!”
Later, Hays seemingly confirmed the speculation by sharing a gallery of photos of her and Cooke with the caption, “Summer has been good to me so far.”
Jenn Cooke was quick to reply, writing, “best summer with you babe.”
Others commented on the “hard launch” and shared excitement for them both finding happiness.
In recent posts, Cooke has officially called Hays her “girlfriend” and even shared a video to introduce herself to the wave of new followers.
Ashley Cooke commented on her sister’s latest post, praising, “this era .. you’re glowing.”
Danae Hays’ new relationship comes after her previous marriage to Mandie Kaii, which ended late last summer after three years. News of their split quickly went viral on TikTok, leaving many fans surprised. Since then, Hays has been candid about her journey through heartbreak and healing, which is something her followers have deeply appreciated. Now, they’re cheering her on as she steps into this new chapter.
In recent years, Hays has become a cherished part of the Nashville community, participating in various charity events, including supporting Folds of Honor alongside country stars like Riley Green, Jordan Davis, RaeLynn, HARDY, and others.
This spring, she achieved a lifelong dream by making her Grand Ole Opry debut with a comedy set on March 4. It was a goal she had been manifesting for years, and through dedication and hard work, it became a reality.
Nearly two years earlier, before she had even attempted stand-up, she wrote down her dream of performing on the Opry stage. It felt like a long shot at the time, but her belief and persistence helped bring it to life.
“One of the things that I wrote down was I wanted to have a Grand Ole Opry debut for comedy. And I was like, this is a big lofty goal for somebody that’s never done standup before. And then shortly after I started, I started doing stand-up, and then we went on tour,” she recalled while chatting with Country Now backstage before her big debut. “And so it just feels very surreal. It feels very euphoric. It just feels like something that I’ve idolized in my head for so long is now minutes away.”
Hays recently completed her very first comedy tour and has more dates scheduled through late November.
The post Danae Hays Hard Launches New Relationship With Jenn Cooke, Sister of Ashley Cooke appeared first on Country Now.
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Tim McGraw Shares Rare Glimpse Into Life With Faith Hill During Copenhagen Getaway
Tim McGraw is giving fans a rare look into his personal life with Faith Hill while vacationing in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The country music power couple is enjoying time overseas this summer as their youngest daughter, Audrey, is on tour with Brandi Carlile. According to his post, they caught the sold out show on June 30 in Copenhagen.
While in “The City of Spires,” the beloved couple enjoyed some local fare and took time to snap a photo together.
“Hangin with my baby in Copenhagen to see @audreymcgraw on tour with the fabulous @brandicarlile,” McGraw captioned the photo.
Audrey McGraw, 23, made her musical debut earlier this year with the release of her very first single, “I Am…I Said.” Since then, she’s released additional singles such as “Thunder,” “Speak,” and “Purple Flowers.”
Audrey later landed an opening slot on Brandi Carlile’s The Lost Time European Tour, which kicked off on June 20 in London and is scheduled to run through July 14.
When the tour was announced, Tim McGraw showcased his support for Audrey by proudly sharing, “Look out Europe! Here comes Audrey!”
A devoted dad,, McGraw has continued to showcase support for Audrey. After opening night of the tour, he wrote, “Our little @audreymcgraw on stage at Royal Albert Hall for opening night of @brandicarlile tour!! Pure magic watching our baby girl up there!”
While his daughter is on tour, McGraw has recently faced a few minor setbacks when it comes to his live shows.
The superstar was forced to cancel his July 21 performance at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, CO as he continues to recover from several surgeries, including a recent back surgery.
During an interview with Audacy’s Katie Neal, the “Live Like You Were Dying” singer revealed that over the past two years, he has undergone four major surgeries including a double knee replacement, back surgeries, and a shoulder surgery.
He told Neal, “It’s been a rough go, but you know, I beat myself up over the years pretty badly,”
The Louisiana native shared that he’s finally starting to “come around,” crediting “a lot of PT” (physical therapy) for aiding in his recovery.
“There’s setbacks, you know, you go a couple of weeks, everything is really good, then you have a couple of weeks everything goes backwards again, and so it’s sort of a back and forth thing, but at least I’m up and going and moving,” he said.
In the recent photo with Hill, fans might spot McGraw using a cane — a likely sign of his continued recovery.
He’s slated to perform at two major upcoming events: Bristol Motor Speedway on August 2 and the inaugural concert at the legendary Field of Dreams on August 30.
The post Tim McGraw Shares Rare Glimpse Into Life With Faith Hill During Copenhagen Getaway appeared first on Country Now.
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Jason Aldean Adds 2026 Australia And New Zealand Dates To FULL THROTTLE Tour
Jason Aldean is expanding his headline run into 2026, with new dates added across New Zealand and Australia.
Today’s announcement from the country music powerhouse reveals that the just-added international leg of his FULL THROTTLE Tour will mark Aldean’s first time headlining New Zealand. Additionally, he will return to Australia for the first time since headlining in 2016, when he made history as the first headlining artist to sell out CMC Rocks QLD Country Music Festival.
Aldean’s 2026 international run will kick off on February 19, 2026 at Spark Arena in Auckland. From there, he will deliver six Australian headlining shows across Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and more with Corey Kent serving as a special guest.
The Georgia native has also been tapped to headline the inaugural country music experience, Sunburnt Country, with headlining shows scheduled in Toowoomba, Hunter Valley, and Canberra. Opening the 2026 international leg is Corey Kent, who will join for all dates, as well as Brad Cox, who will support the Sunburnt Country shows.
Produced by Live Nation, Aldean’s FULL THROTTLE TOUR is set to resume July 17th in Tulsa, OK after launching earlier this year (May 2025). Previously announced dates across the US include Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Denver’s Ball Arena, Grand Rapid’s Van Andel Arena, Charleston’s Credit One Stadium, West Palm Beach, FL’s iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, and more.
Before he heads abroad, Jason Aldean has a packed scheduled of U.S. tour dates to finish out through the end of the year. Produced by Live Nation, the FULL THROTTLE TOUR first launched in May and is set to pick back up on July 17th, 2025 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The first leg of the trek featured dates across major U.S. cities including Nashville, Denver, Grand Rapids, Charleston, and West Palm Beach.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the New Zealand and Australia dates of the FULL THROTTLE WORLD TOUR are available starting with Artist presale tickets Wednesday, July 2nd at 12pm.
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney starting Wednesday, July 2 at 12pm through Friday, July 4 at 12pm (local) as well as preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets available starting Monday, July 7 at 1pm. More details can be found at priceless.com/music.
One NZ customers will also have early access to tickets for the Auckland show with an exclusive 48-hour presale beginning Wednesday, July 2 at 12pm via one.nz/music. My Live Nation members may secure tickets in Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney during the presale beginning Friday, July 4 at 1pm until Monday, July 7 at 12pm. Face To Face touring members can purchase tickets for Toowoomba, Hunter Valley and Canberra during the presale beginning Friday, July 4 at 1pm until Monday, July 7 at 12pm.
All shows go on sale to the general public on Monday, July 7 at 1pm. All times are local.
For complete tour and ticket information, including VIP packages, visit livenation.com.au and livenation.co.nz.
FULL THROTTLE TOUR 2025 DATES:
Thu Jul 17 — Tulsa, OK — BOK Center
Fri Jul 18 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP
Sat Jul 19 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Thu Jul 24 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater
Fri Jul 25 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena
Sat Jul 26 — Salt Lake City, UT — Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 07 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena
Fri Aug 08 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center
Sat Aug 09 — Pittsburgh, PA — The Pavilion at Star Lake
Thu Aug 14 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
Fri Aug 15 — Houston, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Sat Aug 16 — Austin, TX — Moody Center
Thu Aug 21 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Fri Aug 22 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
Sat Aug 23 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Thu Sep 04 — Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena
Fri Sep 05 — Green Bay, WI — Resch Center
Thu Sep 11 — Detroit, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sat Sep 13 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Thu Sep 18 — Lincoln, NE — Pinnacle Bank Arena
Fri Sep 19 — Des Moines, IA — Wells Fargo Arena
Sat Sep 20 — Sioux Falls, SD — Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Thu Sep 25 — Lafayette, LA — CAJUNDOME
Fri Sep 26 — Birmingham, AL — Coca-Cola Amphitheater
Sat Sep 27 — Charleston, SC — Credit One Stadium
Fri Oct 03 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 04 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
FULL THROTTLE 2026 Dates – New Zealand and Australia:
Thu Feb 19 — Auckland, NZ— Spark Arena
*Sat Feb 21—Toowoomba, AU — Sunburnt Country
Sun Feb 22 — Brisbane, AU— Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Wed Feb 25— Melbourne, AU — Rod Laver Arena
Thu Feb 26— Sydney, AU — Qudos Bank Arena
*Sat Feb 28— Hunter Valley, AU — Sunburnt Country
*Sun Mar 1— Canberra, AU — Sunburnt Country
*SUNBURNT COUNTRY:
Sat Feb 21 – Queens Park, Toowoomba
Sat Feb 28 – Roche Estate, Hunter Valley
Sun Mar 1 – Stage 88, Canberra
The post Jason Aldean Adds 2026 Australia And New Zealand Dates To FULL THROTTLE Tour appeared first on Country Now.
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Bailey Zimmerman Gets Honest About Drinking Less And Feeling Better Than Ever
Bailey Zimmerman reveals he’s made a lifestyle change that has made an incredibly positive impact on his overall wellbeing.
In a new Instagram post, the rising country star candidly revealed to fans that he has cut back on drinking and as a result has noticed a major difference in his life. The video set to Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me,” found him reacting to claims that he looks “so much happier.”
Zimmerman wrote, “yeah tbh I quit drinkin all the time and that has truly changed my whole life.”
While sharing this life update, he went on to emphasize that the decision was a personal one and not meant to judge anyone else on their drinking habits.
“No judgment towards anybody but I wouldn’t change it for anything… My life has been so much better❤️,” he added in the caption.
This honest reflection shows how prioritizing health and finding balance in his busy artist schedule is already helping the “Backup Plan” singer thrive both personally and professionally.
Second Full-Length Album Arriving In August
Bailey Zimmerman’s important life update follows the news that his second full-length album, Different Night Same Rodeo, will arrive on August 8 via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville.
He made the exciting announcement on Instagram, where he thanked fans for their patience while he put in the work to make the project “perfect.”
“I HOPE THE WAIT IS WORTH IT🔥🤘,” he wrote.
Produced by his longtime collaborator Austin Shawn, the forthcoming collection will feature several fan-favorite releases that have helped build anticipation for the full release. These tracks include “Backup Plan” featuring Luke Combs, Zimmerman’s Platinum-certified Top 10 hit “Holy Smokes,” along with “New To Country,” “Hell or High Water,” “Holding On,” and, “Comin’ In Cold.”
Plus, he recently told fans to “stop what you’re doing and go jam,” to his latest preview of the album, “Ashes” with Diplo. The country act noted that he heard fans’ requests for a new “summer banger” and that’s “exactly” what he delivered with this release.
Listen
With each of these tracks and more, Zimmerman is set to dig deeper than ever before and reveal a new layer of vulnerability while continuing to highlight his evolution as both a singer and a songwriter. At the same time, fans can still expect the kind of electrifying, high-energy anthems that have become an essential part of his growing catalog.
Just as he announced the new project, Bailey Zimmerman also launched his Summer 2025 New To Country Tour with back-to-back sold-out shows in Indianapolis, IN, and Sterling Heights, MI, on June 6 and 7.
Promoted by Live Nation and featuring support from Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge, the highly anticipated trek continues to bring Zimmerman’s must-see live show to 16 amphitheaters across the country. After making his mark in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada, he will bring the run to a close on September 13 in Laughlin, NV.
In addition to his headlining dates, Bailey Zimmerman appears on the performance lineup at several festivals throughout the summer.
A full list of his upcoming tour dates can be found HERE.
The post Bailey Zimmerman Gets Honest About Drinking Less And Feeling Better Than Ever appeared first on Country Now.
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Gavin Adcock Reacts To Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Album Ranking Above Him On Country Charts: ‘It Just Ain’t Country’
During a recent show, Gavin Adcock sparked online buzz after weighing in on the evolving definition of country music and sharing his views on Beyoncé’s place within the genre.
While talking to the crowd, Adcock noted that his upcoming album Own Worst Enemy has reached No. 4 on Apple Music’s Country Albums chart. The project is sitting right behind Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem, Parker McCollum’s new self-titled project, and Beyoncé’s 2024 Cowboy Carter album.
Adcock didn’t appear to have a problem with the fact that he was trailing close behind Morgan Wallen and Parker McCollum, however Beyoncé ahead of him on a country chart didn’t quite sit right with him.
Despite the mixed reviews Cowboy Carter has received since its arrival in March of 2024, it has earned its fair share of success. It won both Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards, making Beyoncé became the first black woman in history to take home the honor for Best Country Album.
Listen To Gavin Adcock’s On-Stage Statement
Adcock did not hold back when sharing whether or not he believes the project deserves to be recognized in the country music genre.
“There’s only three people in front of me on the Apple Music country charts. And one of ‘em is Beyoncé. You can tell her we’re coming for her f**kin’ a**,” Adcock said from the stage.
@itstyler_69 @GavinAdcockMusic show was crazy brother! #countryquotes ♬ original sound – Tyler Jarecki
He continued, “That s**t ain’t country music, and it ain’t never been country music, and it ain’t never gonna be country music,” he continued.
His bold statement earned a round of roaring cheers from the crowd.
“We’re ’bout to play y’all some Southern f–king rock. Y’all hit that s–t, boys,” Adcock added before rolling into the next song in his set.
Following Up With Further Explanation
A few days after sharing his candid thoughts on stage, Gavin Adcock took to social media to clarify his comments and emphasize that he respects Beyoncé as an artist.
“I’m going to go ahead and clear this up,” he began in the self-recorded video clip. “When I was a little kid, my mama was blasting some Beyonce in the car. I’ve heard a ton of Beyonce songs and I actually remember her Super Bowl halftime show being pretty kick a** back in the day.”
He goes on to explain that his real issue lies, not with Beyoncé herself, but with how her album is being categorized in the country music genre.
“I really don’t believe that her album should be labeled as country music. It doesn’t sound country. It doesn’t feel country, and I just don’t think that people that have dedicated their whole lives to this genre and this lifestyle should have to compete or watch that album. Just stay at the top just because she’s Beyonce.”
Fans Come TO Adcock’s Defense
Prior to making his statement, fans came to Adcock’s defense as they filled the comment section of another Instagram post with their opinions that his unreleased project should be the one sitting in the third spot.
“Should be 3rd if u know what im sayin,” one user wrote
“Yeah, you’re #3,” said another, while a fan declared, “Better get that 3 spot.”
New Album Coming This August
Gavin Adcock’s latest chart-rising project, “Own Worst Enemy,” is set to drop August 15. In anticipation of the new album, he recently dropped the track, “Last One To Know.” Penned by the Georgia native with Erik Dylan, Jack Rauton and Luke Laird, the new song places Adcock’s signature rasp and gritty country sound among the backdrop of string a soulful instrumentals throughout the mid-temo track.
A vivid picture comes to life as the singer/songwriter reflects on the reckless choices he’s made and the consequences that come with them. The narrator bears his soul while opening up about his chaotic past that he can’t keep to shake, leaving him feel as though he’s trapped in a never-ending toxic cycle.
He sings, “Wild-a** women, hard-a** living/ Did it to myself, near over and over/ Guess me and my buddy Jim put on a hell of a show/ They woke me up this morning, I was the last one to know.”
Along with “Last One To Know,” Adcock has shared a glimpse into the forthcoming 24-track project with songs like “Loose Strings,” “Need To,” “Unlucky Strikes,” “Never Call Again,” “On One,” “Almost Gone” (feat. Vincent Mason), and “Morning Bail.” The full track listing will be announced at a later date.
In anticipation of his new music, Gavin Adcock continues to showcase his unapologetically honest spirit is currently on the road for his Need To Know Tour. He has a busy month ahead with performances scheduled for various fairs and festivals as well as a headlining date and opening slots on Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem Tour.
The post Gavin Adcock Reacts To Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Album Ranking Above Him On Country Charts: ‘It Just Ain’t Country’ appeared first on Country Now.
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Corey Kent Snags Second No. 1 At Country Radio With ‘This Heart’
Corey Kent just notched another major milestone. On Monday, June 30, it was announced that the Oklahoma-born, Texas-based country artist has officially scored his second No. 1 at country radio with his emotionally charged single, “This Heart.” The track, which has already racked up more than 75 million streams, now sits atop both the Country Aircheck/Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay charts.
Kent had been eagerly counting down the days for this moment to finally come to fruition. Just two days before the milestone was official, the rising country star took to social media to commemorate the feat.
He wrote, “Damn “This Heart” is about to hit #1 on country radio and I can’t believe it…”
Inside The Song’s Heartbreaking Story
Ever since the song’s release in January 2024, fans haven’t been able to stop singing the tension-filled tune alongside the true power that lies within Kent’s vocals.
“This Heart” was written by Thomas Archer, Blake Bollinger, Jacob Hackworth and Michael Tyler and produced by frequent collaborator Chris Farren. The opening guitar strums set the tone for Kent’s aching delivery, as he dives deep into the pain of heartbreak
Listeners follow along as Kent strives to release the pain felt deep within his heart, letting frustration flow throughout every lyric. The hard-hitting storyline is further elevated by the energy of the electric guitar riffs and passionate drumbeats.
“Damn this heart and everything that comes with it/ Damn this “missin’ you every night” feelin’/ I’d rip it out, girl, if I didn’t need it/ If you’re gonna break it, why don’t you keep it?/ It ain’t doin’ nothin’ but keepin’ me up/ I can’t help it, it just loves what it loves/ It hurt like hell when you tore it apart/ But I didn’t know that it would take it this hard/ But damn this heart,” the hitmaker sings on the chorus.
Listen
Corey Kent’s latest accomplishment with This Heart” follows the massive success of his breakout hit, “Wild As Her,” which went Triple-Platinum and hit No. 1 on country radio and served as the lead single off his major label album debut, Blacktop. Before that, his second single, “Something’s Gonna Kill Me,” became a career-standout when it earned an RIAA Gold certification despite not cracking the Top 40.
Kent’s First-Ever Stadium Show
In the midst of his chart-topping streak, Kent continues building momentum on the road. He’s currently headlining shows across the country, including two sold-out hometown dates at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, OK. He recently wrapped a run with Jon Pardi on the “HonkyTonk Hollywood Tour,” has a slew of fair and festival dates booked for the summer and recently got to play his first stadium show while opening for Morgan Wallen in Houston, TX.
He’ll reunite with Wallen again at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA for back-to-back shows on Aug. 22 and Aug. 23.
Reflecting on the opportunity to take the stage at NRG Stadium for the launch of Wallen’s “I’m The Problem” tour, Kent expressed pure gratitude for those who made it an unforgettable night.
“Just wanted to say thank y’all. Opening the first weekend of Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem Tour” in Houston was something I’ll never forget,” he wrote in the caption. “My first stadium show, sharing the stage with Morgan and Koe Wetzel was an absolute honor. Grateful beyond words for the opportunity, and proud as hell of the team and my band that helped get me here. No shortcuts, no bells & whistles, just Faith, heart, grit, and a weekend I’ll never forget.”
Kent Enters A New Musical Chapter
Now, with another No. 1 under his belt and a string of major shows on the horizon, the country act is stepping confidently into his next chapter
“The beginning of a new era 🏴☠️,” he teased on social media, sharing a glimpse into his creative process with a carousel of behind-the-scenes studio shots.
A full list of Corey Kent’s upcoming tour stops can be found HERE.
The post Corey Kent Snags Second No. 1 At Country Radio With ‘This Heart’ appeared first on Country Now.
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Cole Swindell Opens Up About the Long Road to His New Album, ‘Spanish Moss’
Cole Swindell has finally unleashed his new album, Spanish Moss, and he’s getting real about the recording process, the pressure he felt when making the album, and how taking a step back to live his life ultimately made him realize he wasn’t quite finished.
During an open and honest conversation with members of the Nashville media this week, Swindell admitted that the album making process had its share of ups and downs.
“This album, for me to love it this much, it sure didn’t feel like that the whole time. I’m just being honest,” he confessed. “Just going into making an album after Stereotype with ‘She Had Me At Heads Carolina,’ ‘Never Say Never’ with Lainey Wilson. I mean… just, come on. You don’t want to think about that at the time, you just want to enjoy that.”
Recognizing the pressure he felt coming off what was undoubtedly the biggest album of his career so far, the Georgia native also realized, “Hey, this album’s not going to make itself.”
Just before getting engaged and beginning to plan his wedding, Swindell says he went into the studio with Zach Crowell and cut “seven or eight songs.” While he knew there was more work to be done, Swindell says was happy to get a start on the project.
That’s when life happened and making an album was no longer his first priority.
“I think after those songs I kind of put the album on the back burner, not on purpose,” he pointed out. “I’ve waited a long time to just live life and not have to worry about that for a minute. And I think getting engaged, getting married and just doing that and then finally waking up and saying, ‘I’m not finished. It’s not even close to finished.’ So that’s kind of when it all started back.”
Getting back into album mode, Swindell spent time writing and combing through songs that were pitched to him. He says it was “an eyeopener” realizing just how much work had to be done to complete the project.
A true labor of love, Swindell poured everything into the project, determined to ensure they had “the right songs.” To his surprise, some of the most important tracks came together just in the nick of time.
“I just knew it wasn’t quite there, it just didn’t cover all the bases yet and it wasn’t ready,” he explained. “And I think as frustrating as it was, I think the moment it all kind of came together, a lot of these songs came the last week before, a day before we went in the studio to cut for the last time. And it’s two albums in a row that’s happened. And they were some of the biggest songs of the whole thing.”
Although the process didn’t unfold the way Swindell initially imagined, he admits he’s grateful for how it all came together in the end.
“It’s just another reminder that I’m not in control of my plan. That’s not how it’s going to happen. And it usually works out a lot better than I had it [planned]…but finally I got it all and I’m like, ‘I’ll go play this for anybody anywhere.’ I’m proud of it.”
Among the album’s 21 tracks is the chart-topping single, “Forever To Me,” and the previously-released fan-favorite “Kill A Prayer.”
Songs like “Left To Get Right” and “Bottom Of It” will quickly become the soundtrack to fans’ Saturday nights but it’s the tender moments like the heartfelt “Dale Jr.” and the grief-stricken “Heads Up Heaven” where Swindell seems to shine the most.
After previously releasing “You Should Be Here” in honor of his late father, Swindell says he wanted to find a way to honor his late mom as well. That’s how “Heads Up Heaven” came to be.
“I know she, since I moved up here, she couldn’t believe anything that was happening. It’s just to see the shock on her face. I’m like, I know, trust me, I feel the same. But I think when I had that title, ‘Heads Up Heaven,’ the whole point of it was the lyric in the song is I guess I just wanted you to know what you’re getting. Just giving them a heads up. She is an angel,” he explained. “That kind of was the whole idea behind it.”
He continued, “One of my favorite lines I’ve ever been part of writing is ‘She was always tellin’ me about you/ Now I bet she’s tellin’ you about me.’ That’s why I write songs. And even the sad ones, those seem to be the ones that mean the most. And I’m cool with that. That’s why I love country music, but I can’t have a set full of those songs. So I like to have some fun ones in there too. But those are, I think really, who I am and the storytelling part.”
2025 is shaping up to to be quite the year for Swindell. In addition to releasing his new album and expecting his first child with his wife, Courtney, the multi-Platinum-selling superstar and multi–ACM Award-winner is also gearing up to hit the road on his headlining Happy Hour Sad Tour. The trek, which features special guests Priscilla Block, Logan Crosby and Greylan James, will kick off on September 4 in Toledo, OH and continue through October 26 with stops across Georgia, Colorado, Washington, Florida and more.
The post Cole Swindell Opens Up About the Long Road to His New Album, ‘Spanish Moss’ appeared first on Country Now.
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Riley Green Gives Two Emerging Artists the Spotlight After Ella Langley Drops Out of Hoofbeat Fest
Cadott, WI country fans got more than they bargained for last night when Riley Green surprised the Hoofbeat Country Fest crowd by bringing out two rising country acts to perform alongside him.
Green headlined Day one of the festival, where he performed to a crowd of over 20,000 and made the night extra special following the announcement that his “You Look Like You Love Me” duet partner, Ella Langley had to pull out of her slot on the festival lineup.
Upon hearing the news on 102.9 The Wolf (KMNB Minneapolis-St Paul), rising artist Hailey James, who was already slated to perform on the main stage earlier in the day, took to social media with the bold request: to step in for Langley during Green’s set.
“You guys, Ella Langley just dropped out of the show this Thursday and I’m not really sure why and I’m really, really sad,” James began. “I feel like I’d be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t shoot my shot now that she’s not gonna be there and take over her part.”
She then spoke directly to Green, manifesting her fate as she said, “Riley, if you’re watching this, I am opening for you this Thursday. I am on the main stage. My name is Hailey James, and I would love to join you for this song.”
James also mentioned that three years ago, she went viral for being pulled up on stage with Dustin Lynch at Country Fest in Wisconsin, thus hopefully proving to Green that she has what it takes to impress a crowd.
“I feel like this is part of my plan, my path, my journey…hopefully you see this.”
She ended her message by showcasing her talent with an acoustic delivery of “You Look Like You Love Me.”
In another follow-up video, James recorded the moment she heard the local radio station sharing her attempt to reach out to Riley Green.
She wrote, “THIS IS CRAZY! @rileyduckman give the people what they want!! And me haha! I’d be so blessed to share the stage with you! HEAR OUR CALL🥺🫶🏻 AND THANK YOU 102.9 The Wolf!! You guys are the best!!”
It turns out her bold attempt worked because Green ended up seeing her video and the next night, she took the stage and her heart out alongside the Alabama native.
@cow97.1 You never know what’ll happen in the Hayfield! #midwestcmo #countrymusic #rileygreen #ellalangley ♬ original sound – COW97.1
Hailey James wasn’t the only act to shoot her shot. Country trio Just Jayne also made their way into Green’s set after a couple of playful TikToks that were posted in the days leading up to their performance at the festival.
The first clip featured the text: “POV we’re playing a festival with Riley Green in 2 days” written over a video of one of the band members scrolling through Green’s Instagram page. She jokingly said, “I feel like he’s probably not even that cute in person.”
@justjaynemusic crying 😭
♬ Worst Way – Riley Green
A user commented “she’s preparing,” causing the group to respond with another video of a member on the plane, listening to the title track to Green’s latest album, “Don’t Mind If I Do,” which also just so happens to be a duet with Ella Langley.
The clever play by Just Jayne landed them the chance to join him for his RIAA Gold-certified collaboration.
The Hoofbeat Country Fest continues tonight, June 27 and runs through Saturday, June 28. Lainey Wilson will serve as tonight’s headliner following by Brooks & Dunn who will shut down the main stage for the final act tomorrow night.
The post Riley Green Gives Two Emerging Artists the Spotlight After Ella Langley Drops Out of Hoofbeat Fest appeared first on Country Now.
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Ella Langley and HARDY Deliver a Savage Twist in Highly Anticipated New Song, ‘Never Met Anyone Like You’
Ella Langley had us all fooled. Based on the title and the teasers Langley has been dropping on social media, it was easy to believe that her new single, “Never Met Anyone Like You” featuring HARDY, was going to be her sweetest love song yet. But with today’s release, we finally get the full picture, and it’s not the love story we expected.
What starts off sounding like a romantic confession quickly unravels into something incredibly heartbreaking. Langley’s usually gritty vocals give a more soft and tender appearance in the beginning of the narrative as she recounts how incredible her love interest is and how easy he was accepted into her life.
She sings, “All of my friends can’t quit talking about you/ They’ve never been like this before/ The way that you turn every head that’s around you/ The second you walk through the door/ Safe to say that you made me insane, even crazy/ Got my whole world upside down/ And I know that you know that I know a lot of folks/ But honey, there just ain’t no doubt.”
Langley appears to be falling head over heels for this man. She makes him out to be a gentleman who shares her love for music, is kind to his mama and has a big heart and fully states, “you’re one in a million” once she hits the chorus.
“I’ve never met anyone like you/ Darling, you’re one in a million/ God couldn’t do it again if/ He tried to/ I’ve never met anyone, never met anyone like you/ Like you,” Langley delivers on the swoon-worthy chorus.
Unfortunately, what we were all convinced was a fairytale love story by this point suddenly comes to a screeching halt as Langley drops a truth bomb.
It turns out that this person is in fact, “one in a million,” not because of how amazing he is, but instead it’s because of the terrible actions that he committed after convincing Langley’s character that he was the one.
The real story comes out as Langley reveals, “Cause you said it was us till the end/ Then you went and hooked up with my friend/ And you blamed it on me/ Left me crying in pieces/ Damn, what a piece of I’ve never met anyone like you/ I’ve never met anyone like you.”
All the snippets the Alabama native shared across social media leading up to the release had fans sharing the lyrics with loved ones and eagerly awaiting the heartfelt tune to be added to her catalog. Today, she finally set the record straight when she wrote, “This isn’t a love song.”
In fact, the song serves as a clear warning about how easy it can be to fall fast and hard for someone’s charm only to later realize it was all an act. This clever country track with an edgy tone elevated by HARDY’s vocals and a perfectly executed curveball was penned by Langley with HARDY and Jordan Schmidt.
Speaking on how proud he is to have had a hand in writing this track, HARDY shared,“This is one of my favorite songs I’ve been a part of in a really long time. I love the craft of songwriting, so anytime that we get to have a twist at the end of the song, it’s my favorite thing in the world. It was a write that wasn’t even supposed to happen, which is a beautiful thing – we were caught off guard by our own creativity. Everybody in the room crushed it that day. I can’t wait to see people‘s reactions because I really do think it’s one of the coolest songs I’ve been a part of. I’m excited for it!”
“Never Met Anyone Like You” dropped amid the rising success of Langley’s RIAA Gold Certified hit “weren’t for the wind,” which is currently No. 28 and climbing on the Billboard Hot 100 and has amassed over 230 million streams worldwide. The breezy single also ranks Top 5 at US Country Radio (#4) and topped SiriusXM The Highway Hot 30 Countdown for two weeks.
Last night fans saw Langley’s performance of the song featured on ABC’s “CMA Fest presented by SoFi” primetime special.
The powerhouse songstress is currently on tour as direct support on Riley Green’s North American ‘Damn Country Music Tour’ and will join Morgan Wallen later this summer for 8 stadium shows on his ‘I’m The Problem’ Tour.
Additionally, she recently announced that she is extending her SOLD-OUT still hungover headline tour this fall. The newly added dates and her full list of tour dates can be found at ellalangley.com.
The post Ella Langley and HARDY Deliver a Savage Twist in Highly Anticipated New Song, ‘Never Met Anyone Like You’ appeared first on Country Now.
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