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If you watched the annual CMA Fest special Thursday on ABC, you got to witness Jelly Roll putting his “Hands Up” as he debuted his new radio single on national TV.  For the man born Jason Bradley DeFord, it’s an expression whose meaning has changed through the years. “Man, this song is really just three snapshots of… Continue reading ‘Hands Up’: Jelly Roll’s new song captures 3 moments of his life

Dylan Scott’s new radio single, “Dear Big City,” is out now, along with its music video.  Gretchen Wilson’s new version of “Here for the Party” with Ella Langley is the first release from her re-recording of her breakthrough album of the same name. The full project is set to be released in early 2027, with her… Continue reading Nashville notes: Carrie Underwood’s Opry return + Dylan Scott’s ‘Big City’ single

Just two weeks after the release of his new album, The Night Champion, Koe Wetzel is adding five new songs to the collection.  “Anyone who’s followed me for a while knows I’m not very good at calling it a night,” he says. “With how much love the fans have been showing this album already – and… Continue reading Koe Wetzel can’t put The Night Champion to bed

If you like what Miranda Lambert’s been cooking up with “Crisco,” you’ll be glad to know the song is also the title track of her new record arriving Oct. 2.  The 12-song collection also includes “A Song to Sing” with Chris Stapleton, her cover of Jim Croce’s “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” and… Continue reading Miranda Lambert’s been cooking a whole album with Crisco

Dolly Parton made a surprise appearance Wednesday at the grand opening of her new venture, a gas station and restaurant called Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop. The legendary singer-songwriter, author and businesswoman, now 80, cut the ribbon in a grand opening ceremony for the travel stop and welcomed guests in a pink-and-blue fringe outfit, complete with… Continue reading Dolly Parton cuts the ribbon on her Tennessean Travel Stop

Eric Church, Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves, The Carter Family, Bill Anderson, Brett James, Landman, C2C: Country to Country and Mike Curb are among those who’ll step into the spotlight Aug. 19 at the 19th Academy of Country Music Honors.  Carly Pearce will host the show for the sixth year, with Parker McCollum joining her for the… Continue reading Parker McCollum joins Carly Pearce to host the 19th ACM Honors

If there’s a naughty list at CMA Fest, Luke Bryan’s probably on it.  It’s a confession the superstar made backstage as he prepared to close out the 2026 Nissan Stadium shows earlier in June, making him the final artist to play the festival in the original home of the Tennessee Titans. In 2027, it’s set… Continue reading Even if he’s on the naughty list, Luke Bryan vowed to ‘keep it on the rails’ at CMA Fest 2026

Could a top-10 album inspire Keith Urban to cut another record of yacht rock tunes?  If so, he’s well on his way to a sequel, as flow state debuts at #7 on Billboard‘s Top Album Sales chart.  With versions of everything from Seals & Crofts’ “Summer Breeze” to Player’s “Baby Come Back,” the record includes 10 covers. There are… Continue reading Keith Urban slips into a flow state with a top-10 album

If you like the groove Miranda Lambert’s been throwing down lately, there’s more to come.  Though she hinted at it with “A Song to Sing,” her duet with Chris Stapleton from July 2025, Miranda came right out and said it in “Crisco,” which dropped in May: “Ain’t we mixin’ country and disco?” She also spells it… Continue reading Go ahead and bedazzle your boots, ’cause Miranda Lambert’s ‘gotta keep groovin”

Lainey Wilson steps into the spotlight Thursday night for a headlining performance on ABC’s annual three-hour CMA Fest special.  But Lainey has a history with the festival, formerly known as Fan Fair, that dates back to her teens.  “I was probably 14 or 15 when I saw Sugarland in a big blow-up ball and they rolled… Continue reading The greatest hits of CMA Fest, through the eyes of a teen Lainey Wilson