The powerful video takes fans on his musical journey. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Month: July 2025
From well-known favorites like Clue to cult classics like Masterpiece, these ’70s and ’80s board games bring a wave of nostalgia for a time when life felt simpler — and maybe even a little more exciting. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Nestled in the stunning scenery of Sedona, this McDonald’s embraces the local vibe with a color choice that’s anything but ordinary. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
The internet is running wild with hoaxes involving several country music celebrities. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Austin Brown is making headlines after returning to the America’s Got Talent (AGT) stage just days after being turned down by the judges with his original audition.
Brown is a former member of country a cappella group Home Free, which he joined in 2012. After spending around 10 years honing in on his skills with the group and performing in competitions such as The Sing-Off in 2013, Brown decided to venture out on his own and explore a career as a solo artist.
“I didn’t want to get 10, 20 years down the road and wish that I had fought harder for my dreams,” Brown said during his appearance on AGT.
In an attempt to launch his solo music career, he found himself taking the America’s Got Talent stage in front of judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Mel B. The Georgia native first auditioned with a performance that failed to earn him a spot in the competition. But rather than giving up, he native asked for a second chance. This bold move resulted in an opportunity to came back with an original song.
“Knowing that I could have a second chance. There’s no way in hell you would ever find me on a plane back to Nashville. I came to a GT season 20 because I’m looking for my big break now,” he shared honestly while preparing to face the judges once again.
He admits that after being rejected the first time, he was left “heartbroken.” But it wasn’t just the response from the judges that disappointed him, it was the fact that he decided to do what he thought the panel wanted him to do instead of showing his true self. So when he made his return, Brown came back stronger and more authentic than ever, but that fear of being turned down again still lingered heavily in his mind.
“Getting another chance, it terrifies me. Simon has scared me since I was a kid, honestly. So having to go back up and front again, take everything I’ve got, but I’m going to, this means so much.”
Standing on the same stage once again with a newfound level of determination, Brown let his vocals soar with his song titled, “Somebody Believed.”
As he hit the final notes of the powerful track, the audience filled the theater with applause. This time, he didn’t just win over the viewers, but he also caught the attention of the judges, who each presented him with high praise.
Vergara stated, “This is you. It feels organic. It was what you were meant to always be singing. And you looked like you were enjoying yourself.”
While Cowell never wavers in his honest critiques, he couldn’t help but tell Brown that he right to try again.
“This, I think, sounded true to who you are. You made the right decision to come back, well done.”
Both Mandel and Mel B sided shared the opinions of their fellow judges, which resulted in all four of them giving Brown a “yes”, thus allowing him to move forward to the next round of America’s Got Talent.
Brown’s musical journey has not been a straight path, but all of his hard work has led up to what will hopefully be the start of the next chapter of his career. He grew up singing Southern Gospel with his father in Tifton, Georgia, and has since developed a unique sound that he’s dubbed “countrypolitan,” which blends classic country and smooth soul. Backed by his wife Amberly and longtime supporters in his family, he took a leap of faith by auditioning for AGT, and his comeback is already proving it was worth the risk.
Fans can watch the remainder of Austin Brown’s journey unfold with new episodes of America’s Got Talent airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, and streaming the following day on Peacock.
The post WATCH: Austin Brown Gets A Second Chance On ‘America’s Got Talent,’ Wins Over Judges With Original Song appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
The Academy of Country Music has unveiled this year’s Special Award recipients for the 60th ACM Awards, and the lineup is nothing short of star-studded.
The honorees who will be will be celebrated during the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors include Lori Badgett, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, and “Twisters,” and Ben Vaughn.
The coveted event is set to take place Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Pinnacle, Nashville’s newest venue at Nashville Yards.
“This year’s ACM Special Awards honorees each have played an essential role in Country Music’s success,” said Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards committee. “From some of Country Music’s legendary artists to the incredible songwriters and powerhouse executives, we are so excited to celebrate these well-deserved recipients next month at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Congratulations to all the honorees.”
In addition to the just-revealed honorees, previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, as well as ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will be celebrated at ACM HONORS.
“We are thrilled to bring the Country Music industry’s favorite night, ACM Honors, to The Pinnacle, Nashville’s newest live music venue, next month,” added Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “This is an exciting time for the Academy as we reimagine this special night through new partnerships and a new format that will elevate the show’s impact. We look forward to celebrating our Studio Recording and Industry Award winners, alongside our soon-to-be-announced Special Award Honorees, whose vital contributions make the music we love possible,” he continued.
More information regarding the highly anticipated night, including the host of the evening as well as the performance lineup will be announced soon.
Tickets for ACM Honors™ will be available for pre-sale on Thursday, July 10 for ACM A-List subscribers and Academy members, with general public sales beginning Friday, July 11 via AXS. Fans can subscribe now to the A-List here to gain access to Thursday’s pre-sale.
SPECIAL AWARD HONOREES:
ACM FILM AWARD – “Twisters” has been chosen to receive the ACM Film Award, inspired by Tex Ritter, which recognizes an outstanding television movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features Country Music. The 2024 summer blockbuster, from Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., and Amblin Entertainment, was directed by Oscar nominee Lee Isaac Chung and stars Daisy Edgar Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos.
Twisters: The Album, the star-studded musical companion to the adrenaline-pumping, big-screen thrill ride, “Twisters,” features an unprecedented 29 original tracks from esteemed and diverse Country artists, marking it as the first film soundtrack since 1980’s “Urban Cowboy” to showcase a completely original Country Music compilation. The album includes songs from artists including Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson, among others. Twisters: The Album was produced and overseen by Atlantic Records’ Kevin Weaver, Brandon Davis, Ian Cripps, and Joseph Khoury, and Universal Pictures’ Mike Knobloch and Rachel Levy (who also acted as Music Supervisors). Additional key players involved include Soundtrack Album Executive Producers, Lee Isaac Chung (“Twisters” Director), and Ashley Jay Sandberg (“Twisters” Executive Producer).
Past recipients of the ACM Film Award include “A Star Is Born,” “Country Strong,” “Nashville,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “Walk The Line,” among others.
ACM ICON AWARD – Eric Church and Ben Vaughn have both been chosen to each receive the ACM Icon Award, honoring the contributions of Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his Country Music career. This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader who, throughout their career, has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts.
Eric Church, who has received seven ACM Awards, has continually pushed the boundaries of the genre, blending elements of blues, rock, and outlaw country while continuing to explore new, unique sounds and inviting the genre to follow. As a prolific songwriter, Church has racked up numerous hits, including the 8x Platinum-certified anthem “Springsteen,” 5x Platinum “Drink in My Hand,” and many others. Known as a voice of rebellion defined by authenticity within mainstream Country Music, Church has continued a commitment to his sound while honoring the genre’s roots. As he approaches the two-decade mark of defining what Country Music can be, he continues to further expand his influence as a leader, serving as a North Star for rising artists while also using his platform for good. In addition to spearheading the Concert for Carolina alongside Luke Combs to raise more than $24 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts, Church’s October 2024 release, “Darkest Hour,” saw the superstar signing over all of his publishing royalties to the people of North Carolina to provide immediate relief while also providing ongoing funds to support a more resilient future for his home state. His fearless approach to both his music and his career path has made him a lasting influence and a true icon of Country Music.
Ben Vaughn is receiving the Icon Award in recognition of his extensive and influential career that spanned over four decades, solidifying his legacy as a voice for both emerging and superstar artists in the music industry. Serving as President and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville until his passing, Vaughn played a pivotal role in the development of numerous artists and songwriters, including Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett, Dan + Shay, Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, and many others.
Past recipients of the ACM Icon Award include Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Mike Dungan, Joe Galante, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, George Jones, The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, George Strait, Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, Trisha Yearwood, and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
ACM INTERNATIONAL AWARD – Luke Combs has been chosen to receive the ACM International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves. The award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of Country Music throughout the world.
Luke Combs blends traditional Country sounds with elements that appeal to a worldwide audience and has become a global sensation. Combs’ global reach is evident in his streaming success. With over 10 billion streams and 25 million monthly listeners across all platforms, he’s a true international presence. His tours have sold out venues in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Australia, showcasing his global fanbase. Combs’ success is a bridge between Country Music’s American roots and the rest of the world.
The Academy of Country Music® announced the winners of the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards™ via social media this morning. Four-time ACM Award-winning artist Carly Pearce sent a special message specifically to all of this year’s Studio Recording Award winners. All ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards winners, previously announced Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner (Lainey Wilson) and Songwriter of the Year winner (Jessie Jo Dillon), as well as the soon-to-be-announced Special Award recipients, will be celebrated at the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors™ on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Pinnacle, Nashville’s newest cutting-edge venue, located at Nashville Yards. ACM Special Award honorees will be announced tomorrow, July 9, 2025.
Past recipients of the ACM International Award include Dan + Shay, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban, among others.
ACM LIFT EVERY VOICE AWARD – Rissi Palmer has been chosen to receive the ACM Lift Every Voice Award. This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the Country Music genre, transcending demographics and geography. The nominee for this category is proposed by the rising leaders in the Academy’s LEVel UP: Lift Every Voice professional development and enrichment program, a two-year curriculum designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of Country Music into new audiences that transcend demographics and geography.
GRAMMY-nominated artist Rissi Palmer has had an incredible impact on the Country Music genre by breaking barriers and actively uplifting voices. In 2007, Palmer became the first Black woman in 19 years to chart a Country song on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with “Country Girl.” Rissi is the creator and host of Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer, a groundbreaking Apple Music radio show. Now in its fifth year, the show is a celebration of diversity and inclusion in the Country Music genre, offering a platform to amplify the often-overlooked contributions of artists of color. In addition to her musical contributions, Rissi has made an enduring impact through her nonprofit, theColor Me Country Foundation. Under its umbrella, the Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund specifically supports the career development of emerging artists of color and has awarded more than $200,000 to date.
BRELAND received the first-ever ACM Lift Every Voice Award in 2023, and Shannon Sanders received the award in 2024.
ACM LIFTING LIVES AWARD – Jelly Roll has been chosen to receive the ACM Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others. It is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.
Jelly Roll is receiving the ACM Lifting Lives Award for his immense contributions in his philanthropic work. Showcasing heart on every step of his career, he partnered with Live Nation to donate $1 from every ticket sold on his Backroad Baptism Tour, raising over $600,000 for at-risk youth. Beyond raising money, he has visited over 10 juvenile facilities, 4 rehabilitation centers, and numerous homeless shelters to use his growing platform as a beacon of hope and resilience. His commitment to using his platform for positive change extends to national reach; he testified before Congress advocating for the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Off Fentanyl Act. Sharing his personal experiences with addiction, he emphasized the need for mental health treatment and readily available resources to combat the crisis.
Past recipients of the ACM Lifting Lives Award include Paul Barnabee, Luke Bryan, Ross Copperman, Gayle Holcomb, Lady A, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Troy Vollhoffer, and Dwight Wiles.
ACM MILESTONE AWARD – Randy Travis has been chosen as the recipient of the ACM Milestone Award, honoring the contributions of Gene Weed, who directed and produced the ACM Awards for more than 30 years. This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of Country Music during the preceding calendar year.
Randy Travis was instrumental in helping launch the New Traditionalist Movement in the genre, influencing so many artists from Clint Black to Chris Stapleton. Following a life-altering stroke in 2013, his courage has become a symbol of resilience. He has since been honored with many tributes at Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry, as well as become a prominent voice for advocating stroke awareness and healthcare rights in the industry.
He continues to pioneer the future of Country Music, incorporating AI-assisted vocals to reimagine and revive old and never-before-heard songs, allowing for the preservation of a unique sound that defined a generation of the genre.
Past recipients of the ACM Milestone Award include Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, George Burns, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Merle Haggard, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson.
ACM POET’S AWARD – Mac McAnally has been chosen to receive the ACM Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a Country Music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of Country Music.
Since fourteen years old, Mac McAnally has had a knack for songwriting and musicianship, getting his start with the players, producers, and engineers of Muscle Shoals, Alabama in the 70s. Originally, traveling there to play guitar on recording sessions, he was forced by session players and producers around him to share the songs he wrote. Instantly impressed, they decided to record an entire album of McAnally’s songs, which later led to his first record deal.
The three-time ACM Award nominee didn’t just write his own music, he had his songs recorded by Jimmy Buffett, who later became a good friend of McAnally’s, Sawyer Brown, Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Shenandoah, and more. He credits his affinity for literature at a young age for helping shape the depth of his music, whether it be turning a conversation into a layered story or digging deep into the experiences of his childhood. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer and GRAMMY nominee isn’t afraid to go deep in his songs, making him one of Nashville’s most respected and humble songwriters of the generation.
Previous recipients of the ACM Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rodney Crowell, Dean Dillon, Kye Fleming, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, K.T. Oslin, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Billy Joe Shaver, Shel Silverstein, Sonny Throckmorton, Shania Twain, Cindy Walker, and Hank Williams, among others.
ACM SERVICE AWARD – Lori Badgett has been chosen to receive the ACM Service Award, which honors the contributions of Mae Boren Axton. This award is presented to an outstanding Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.
Over the course of more than 25 years, Lori Badgett has become a vital force in both the music industry and her hometown of Nashville, blending financial expertise with a passion for giving back. A key figure at City National Bank, Lori helped establish the bank’s presence in Nashville and now plays an integral role in serving a majority of the city’s Country Music professionals. Additionally, Lori has played a leading role in the Academy of Country Music and its charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives, having chaired both organizations. Her guidance and leadership were essential during the Academy’s transition from Los Angeles to Nashville, helping to anchor the organization more firmly within the local music landscape. She continues to serve on multiple committees for both organizations. And through her ongoing work with ACM Lifting Lives and other music-focused nonprofit organizations, she has championed initiatives that support the well-being of artists and industry professionals alike.
Past recipients of the ACM Service Award include Mickey Christensen, Chris Christensen, Eddie Miller, RAC Clark, Duane Clark, Bill Mayne, and Charlie Cook.
ACM SPIRIT AWARD – Cody Johnson has been chosen as the recipient of the ACM Spirit Award. This award is inspired by Merle Haggard and is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of Country Music legend and 20-time ACM Award recipient Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.
Before signing to a major label, Cody Johnson built his fan base entirely from the ground up. His unwavering commitment to traditional Country values and his Texas roots have set him apart in a time when the genre often trends toward pop. With nearly 10 billion global streams, Johnson’s sound resonates deeply with heartland America and pays homage to the spirit of Merle Haggard’s timeless storytelling. Staying true to his traditional Country sound, Johnson is not just a success story—he is.
Previous recipients of the ACM Spirit Award include Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Charlie Daniels, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, and Chris Stapleton.
ACM ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD – As previously announced, Lainey Wilson was awarded the 60th ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year Award, marking her first win in the category. This award is presented to an individual known both as an artist and a songwriter, selected by a Professional Panel of judges whose members are songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization (PRO) representatives. The Panel submits five nominees, at which time ACM members in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Songwriter, Music Publisher/PRO and Record Company categories vote for the winner. This win brings Lainey Wilson’s ACM Awards count to sixteen.
HARDY received the first-ever ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year Award in 2023, while Chris Stapleton received the award in 2024.
ACM SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD – As previously announced, Jessie Jo Dillon was awarded the 60th ACM Songwriter of the Year Award. This award is presented to an individual known predominantly as a songwriter, selected by a professional panel of judges composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization (PRO) representatives. The Panel submits five nominees, at which time ACM members in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Songwriter, Music Publisher/PRO and Record Company categories vote for the winner. This is Jessie Jo Dillon’s second ACM Award and second consecutive win in the category after earning the title in 2024.
Past recipients of the ACM Songwriter of the Year Award include Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, HARDY, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, and Roger Miller, among others.
The post Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Eric Church & More Named Special Award Recipients For 18th ACM Honors appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Chris Young has recently announced that his tenth studio album, I Didn’t Come Here To Leave, is set to arrive on October 17, 2025 via Black River Entertainment. To celebrate the news and give fans another glimpse into the 14-track project, he also unveiled the title track.
Penned by Young with Dallas Davidson and Kyle Fishman, “I Didn’t Come Here To Leave” serves as the perfect anthem for the kind of nights when the only plan is having no plans at all.
The pounding lyrics paint the picture of someone blowing off steam in a bar after a long, lonely stretch. It taps into the familiar theme in country music storytelling which involves turning to good friends, strong drinks, and a good time to feel alive again.
Young makes it clear that he’s not leaving until closing time as he dives into the chorus with his baritone vocals singing, “I didn’t come here to leave/ I want the whole bottle/ I didn’t come in for one I came in full throttle/ Between the bartenders and friends I ain’t seen/ No way I’m leavin’ at two/ I didn’t come here to leave/ Takin’ tequila shots/ And singin’ all night long/ I’m takin’ over the playlist/ I’m playin’ sad songs/ One of those nights I need to set myself free/ Damn right, I came here to stay/ I didn’t come here to leave.”
Spending nearly two decades in the country spotlight, Young has cemented himself as one of the genre’s most recognized talents. With his 10th studio album, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter is entering a whole new era by serving up 14 new tracks, 11 of which are co-writes.
The album’s title track follows the first look into the project, “Til The Last One Dies,” which is already climbing the country radio and streaming charts.
Throughout these songs and the remainder of the collection dropping this fall, Young is expected to express himself in a bold, self-assured way that proves he’s still all in, with no plans of slowing down anytime soon. He also admits that to him, I Didn’t Come Here To Leave could be considered one of the best pieces of work that he’s offered to fans since the start of his career.
“At this point in my career, I hope someone listens to this album and says ‘Wow, he dug deep,’” Young explains. “The funny thing is, I’m here saying ‘Yeah, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever made,’ and I believe it wholeheartedly. It’s wild to step back and see a really long list of things I’ve gotten to do already … But I didn’t come here to leave.”
The album’s fall release date also coincides with another special milestone. On October 17, Chris Young will celebrate the 8th anniversary of his induction as a Grand Ole Opry member.
With both the anniversary and his milestone arrival just a few months away, Young has a lot to look forward to. Until then, fans can find him making his way through various fairs and festivals throughout the summer and into the start of the fall months.
The post Chris Young Doubles Down On New Era With New Song And Album Announcement appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Luke Bryan is on the mend and preparing to return to the road after an illness forced him to cancel or reschedule several shows.
The country star took to social media on Wednesday to share a heartfelt message of gratitude to fans for their support during his recovery. In the video, he also thanked Eric Church for stepping in to fill his spot at several festivals while he was out sick.
“What’s up y’all? Hope everybody had a great 4th and I wanted to thank everybody for all the well wishes for the last few shows that I had to postpone and obviously cancel,” he began. “I want to thank my buddy Eric Church for stepping in and helping out with me.”
The Georgia native admitted that the situation was out of his control and that he was irritated to have to miss shows.
“It really, really gets frustrating getting sick like that and losing my voice and having to take a couple weekends off. But thank you guys for supporting me. I love y’all, and we’ll see y’all in the shows to come. Love you.”
Church stepped in for Bryan at Bryan at Country Stampede in Bonner Springs, KS on Thursday, June 26, NebraskaLand Days in North Platte, NE on Friday, June 27, and Country Jam in Grand Junction, CO on Saturday, June 28.
At the time, Bryan apologized for missing the shows and revealed that his voice was “just not there yet.”
Just days earlier, Bryan performed in Rogers, Arkansas but issued full refunds to all ticketholders, feeling that his voice wasn’t at its best.
“I’m going to get real with y’all. This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever dealt with in my life,” he told the crowd. “I cannot have my voice in this venue for some reason. It happens every time, I don’t know why. But you guys keep showing up year after year to see me put on a show.”
Bryan continued, “I saw Luke Combs do this a couple years ago when he was having a weird night onstage and I said, ‘you know what? That’s pretty cool.’ So I don’t give a damn, I’m gonna refund everybody their tickets tonight and we’re going to keep doing the damn show, okay?”
The five-time Entertainer of the Year is slated to return to the stage on July 10 on his Country Song Came On Tour. The trek will make stops in Toronto, ON (July 10, Cuyahoga Falls, OH (July 11), and Hershey, PA (July 12).
His summer tour features a rotating lineup of special guests, including George Birge, Avery Anna, Ashland Craft, Mae Estes, Cole Goodwin, Braxton Keith, Randall King, Vincent Mason, Drake Milligan, Adrien Nunez, and Owen Riegling on select dates.
The tour is named after Bryan’s latest single, “Country Song Came On,” which continues to climb the charts at country radio.
The post Luke Bryan Thanks Fans And Eric Church As He Prepares To Return To The Stage appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Tucker Wetmore is turning heads with a raw, emotional ballad that reveals a whole new side to his artistry. The rising country star recently took to social media to preview an unreleased track titled “Sun Don’t Shine” and fans are already flooding the comments pleading to hear the full version.
Seated at the piano, Wetmore poured his heart into the performance, letting his signature vocals rise and fall as he delivered the emotional lyrics and showcased his impressive vocal range. Through vivid imagery, he describes the city of Memphis as if it were a reflection of heartbreak. He details how a once-vibrant city has now turned dim and lifeless, mirroring the emptiness left behind by lost love.
“She took the lights from the stars and the moon…Now the sun don’t shine in Memphis anymore/ Must have packed it in a bag/ That she carried out the door/ The city dreams is just a city demon/ Quiet and cold/ Girl since you left it’s been dark and storms/ Now the sun don’t shine in Memphis anymore,” he delivers with a soothing, soulful sound oozing from his voice.
Listen
“Sun Don’t Shine” offers a stark contrast to the high-energy hits that fans are used to hearing from Tucker Wetmore like “Brunette,” “3,2,1”, “Wind Up Missin’ You,” “Break First” and more. This time, he’s leaning into Southern soul and poetic lyrics that tackle heartbreak in a fresh way.
Wetmore introduced the track by simply saying, “A little different, but this one’s called ‘Sun Don’t Shine.’” Just by the few notes he’s shared already, it’s clear that this track is definitely different, in the best way. The stripped-down performance, paired with his moving delivery, marks a bold shift for Wetmore and teases a new sound that could be on the horizon.
Fans Demand A Full Release
When the Washinton native asked, “Should we finish it?” fans were quick to share their opinions. The comment section was filled with positive reactions, with many users making it clear that Wetmore should release the full version of the track as soon as possible.
“YES please 😁”
“yes 🔥🔥”
“do please!!!”
“I think you absolutely should”
Though no official release date has been announced, the song is already in high demand. With thousands of fans reacting to the clip across platforms, it seems likely that “Sun Don’t Shine” will be part of what’s shaping up to be a more emotional and stripped back era for Wetmore.
While speaking with NYLON about his sudden rise to fame and the whirlwind of a year he’s had, Wetmore confirmed that he’s experimenting with some new sounds for his sophomore album.
“I want to do things different, and I don’t want to be put in a box,” he told the outlet.
Even though his music continues to claim the hearts of fans all over the world and gaining recognition in the country music community and beyond, Wetmore admits he doesn’t consider himself to be “famous.”
“I wouldn’t call it fame…It’s more like — it’s different. [I’ve] just been all over the place, all over the world, playing music and having people sing my songs back to me. I wake up every day and think to myself, ‘I’m blessed.’”
This summer, the country act has joined Thomas Rhett’s BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025 as direct support. He will take the stage in front of Rhett’s loyal fanbase across 33 dates of the highly anticipated trek. Additionally, he has a few fair and festival dates slotted in between the tour dates, making for a stacked lineup of shows.
The post Tucker Wetmore Previews A Soulful New Sound With Unreleased Track, ‘Sun Don’t Shine’ appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Jessie and D’Lila Combs unveiled their debut fashion label 12twinty1 on Instagram on Wednesday (July 9), introducing a streetwear brand rooted in identity and inspired by their twinhood.
The twin daughters of Diddy announced the launch through a video post, revealing the name draws from their shared birthday, December 21. The brand’s mission centers on comfort, self-expression and inclusivity.
“We’ve been waiting our entire lives for this moment — and it’s surreal to finally share it with you,” the twins said in a joint statement. “This isn’t just a brand. It’s our story. Our bond. Our roots. 12twinty1 was created with purpose, built from who we are, not just what we wear.”
They continued, “The name reflects our birthday, December 21st, but it means so much more: 1 is bold, fearless, and marks the beginning of something powerful. 2 speaks to love, connection, and harmony, the essence of our twin hood. We’ve spent so much time pouring our hearts into creating a brand that speaks to everyone. It’s more than fashion, it’s about identity, confidence, and being seen. This is just the beginning. Stay tuned. We cannot wait to grow this with you.”
The launch marks a new chapter for the Combs family in fashion, following in the footsteps of their father’s once-dominant clothing empire, Sean John.
Founded in 1998, Sean John became a staple in Hip-Hop fashion, pulling in over $500 million in annual sales during its glory days.
In 2016, Diddy sold a majority stake in Sean John to Global Brands Group. After the company filed for bankruptcy, he repurchased the label in 2021 for $7.5 million, aiming to restore its legacy.
But while his daughters are building their own fashion identity, Diddy’s public image continues to unravel.
Last week (July 2), he was convicted on two federal counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. He was acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
Each conviction carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. Legal analysts expect a sentence between 2.5 and 5 years. He remains in custody after being denied bail, with the judge citing concerns about violence in past relationships and potential witness tampering.
Diddy’s sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2025.
AllHipHop