The newest trailer for ‘The Road’ reveals exactly what the winning artist will take home — and it’s a prize worth fighting for. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Day: August 14, 2025
![<a href="https://theboot.com/ixp/204/p/lauren-alaina-scary-birth-daughter-beni/" target="_blank">Lauren Alaina Shares ‘Scary’ Birth Story of Baby Girl [WATCH]</a>](https://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2025/08/attachment-promo-63.jpg?format=natural)
Lauren Alaina is reflecting on the emotional and frightening birth of her daughter, Beni Doll Arnold, and the special meaning behind her arrival. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
For the ninth biennial Stand Up To Cancer® event (SU2C) some of the biggest names in country music and beyond have come together for a very special televised fundraiser. This star-studded event celebrates the power of music and community while raising vital funds for cancer research.
Fans who tune in can look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with incredible performances and memorable moments from their favorite artists who came together with a shared mission to fight cancer and bring hope to millions around the world.
Here’s everything you need to know before the upcoming broadcast.
When And How To Tune In
The one-hour, commercial-free special will be broadcast simultaneously on more than 30 media platforms across the U.S. on Friday, August 15, at 8 p.m. ET and PT / 7 p.m. CT. All four major U.S. broadcast networks are joining the effort by donating their prime-time slots to support the cause.
Additionally, the telecast will be available on-demand across various digital and streaming platforms, offering viewers flexible access to this must-see, one-night-only event.
For the first time ever, the broadcast will take place at Nashville’s newest venue, The Pinnacle. This premier venue is located in the heart of Music City.
Who’s Performing
The telecast will be hosted by Grammy® Award-winning artist Sheryl Crow along with SU2C co-founder Katie Couric who will be offering remarks throughout the evening.
Crow will also joins a stellar performance lineup that features country artists such as Marcus King, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Jelly Roll, Dan + Shay, gospel singer, CeCe Winans who will be joined by Nashville Community Gospel Choir. Other popular acts like Jonas Brothers, Noah Cyrus and Gavin DeGraw will also join in the musical celebration that aims to support the SU2C’s mission and while honoring Nashville’s long legacy of storytelling and community.
Additional stars lending their talent to the cause with pre-recorded appearances include Kevin Bacon, Jamie Foxx, Tim McGraw, Zoe Saldaña, Reese Witherspoon, and Keith Urban.
Why Is This Evening So Important
This event is crucial as it highlights the latest breakthrough efforts made possible by Stand Up To Cancer-funded researchers, proving that ongoing support directly fuels advances in early detection and innovative treatments.
Viewers will hear firsthand from leading SU2C-funded researchers more about these recent advances and the never-ending fight against this disease. From breakthroughs in early detection to innovative treatments, the stories of survivors showcase the real impact of SU2C-funded research and the hope it provides to patients and their families.
Leading up to the broadcast, the #Up2Us to #StandUpToCancer campaign launched for its fifth year. This month-long fundraiser will run through Sunday, August 31 with creators across Twitch, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube joining the effort to support cancer research. The campaign features a variety of livestream content, from gaming to other engaging genres, where popular streamers like Tess Bohne, Neebs Gaming, Trisha Hershberger, and others will host fundraising streams to raise awareness and support SU2C’s mission.
Additionally, SMOSH and Marissa Hill are among the YouTube creators attending the SU2C telecast.
The post Everything You Need To Know About Stand Up To Cancer’s Ninth Televised Fundraising Special appeared first on Country Now.
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Growing up, Tim McGraw never imagined the kind of opportunities that would be waiting for him outside of his small hometown in Louisiana. But when he discovered that his real dad was Tug McGraw, a Major League Baseball pitcher and World Series champion, this revelation didn’t just change how he saw his family, it changed how he saw himself.
While he and his father may have had a rocky start, McGraw says the truth gave him something incredibly powerful: hope.
“People ask me, ‘How could you have a relationship with your father? You were growing up in nothing. He was a millionaire baseball player. He knew you were there, and he didn’t do anything,’” the country icon told Esquire. “But when I found out Tug McGraw was my dad, it gave me something in my little town in Louisiana, something that I would have never reached for. How could I ever be angry?”
Tim McGraw didn’t meet Tug until he was 11 years old. For most of his upbringing, he was under the impression that his stepfather, Horace Smith, was his biological dad. The stumbled upon this life-changing discovery completely by accident. He had just moved in with his grandparents following his mother’s divorce to his stepdad and he was searching through a closet when he found his birth certificate.
“It said my dad’s full name and it said his occupation was professional baseball player. And it was pretty much a shock. … I thought there had been some sort of mistake,” he explained in an interview with NPR.
Before McGraw had any idea of who his real father was, he was a true fan of Tug’s MLB career.
“Oddly enough, I had three baseball cards on my wall. I can’t remember the first one, one was César Cedeño and the third one was Tug, [who] I had up on my wall because he was one of my favorite players, believe it or not.”
Naturally, McGraw felt the instant desire to meet his biological father. So his mom contacted Tug’s lawyer, borrowed a car that could make the trip, and drove them to Houston, where a few tickets were waiting for them at the box office for the game.
The “Paper Umbrellas” singer’s first attempt at connecting with his father was hopeful but complicated. He recalls tossing a ball with Tug during batting practice and sharing a brief lunch. But the moment was quickly overcome with uncertainty as he recalls Tug telling him, “We can be friends, but I don’t know if I’m your dad or not.”
Tim McGraw still didn’t give up hope for their relationship. He returned to Houston the following year, this time wearing a jersey with Tug’s name and number. Standing in the Astrodome bullpen, calling out to his dad, he recalled being ignored by his father throughout the entire game. That painful moment marked the last time he saw Tug until he was 18 years old.
The pair eventually grew a stronger bond, and McGraw can honestly say that he never had any resentment towards his father for his early absence. Because at the end of the day, he still remembers that hope that he could achieve dreams far beyond his small town.
Since his father’s passing from brain cancer, Tim McGraw has found meaningful ways to honor his legacy. He launched the Tug McGraw Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals affected by “brain-related military trauma and glioblastoma through education, resources, and wellness programs.” Then in 2008, McGraw paid tribute in a deeply personal moment. He attended the World Series to scatter his father’s ashes on the pitcher’s mound and threw out the first pitch in Game 3.
Now, he’s preparing to honor Tug’s legacy once again by headlining the first-ever all-day concert event at the historic Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, on August 30.
The post Tim McGraw Says Discovering The Truth Of His Biological Dad Gave Him Hope appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
It’s been just over two months since Lauren Alaina and her husband Cam Arnold welcomed their baby girl, Beni Doll Arnold. For the first time, Alaina is reflecting on that unforgettable day—June 11, 2025—and opening up about the challenges she faced during childbirth.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight‘s Cassie DiLaura, the country star revealed that her first experience with birth was filled with fear and uncertainty.
“I haven’t even shared this actually, but the cord, her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and up under her shoulder and then between her legs. So every time I pushed her heart rate plummeted,” Alaina explained.
Things quickly escalated to an emergency situation as the doctors realized they needed to get Beni Doll out of that situation as quickly as possible. Understandably, Lauren Alaina recalls feeling all the stress of not knowing whether or not her daughter was going to pull through.
“I was very concerned about her. I mean, everyone was, they brought half of the NICU in there. It was a very scary time and I wasn’t sure if she was okay.”
Beni Doll arrived safe and healthy, weighing in at 7 lbs 13oz. and measuring 19 inches long. The Georgia native says she felt an instant bond the moment she held her daughter, while her husband stood by her side, overwhelmed with his own emotions.
“When they handed her to me, oh man, it makes me want to cry thinking about it. It was the best moment of my life” she said. “Genuinely, nothing will ever top that. I looked over at my husband and he was hysterically sobbing and he’s not a crier. Not a crier, and it was a beautiful moment.”
Since that unforgettable day, the new parents have dedicated their days to adjusting to their third family member. Alaina says it’s been “going great” and have been a lot of lessons learned in the process.
“First time mom, learning all the things, but she’s so sweet. I’m just obsessed with her. I literally stare at her all the time. That’s all I do is look at her and feed her and hold her and love on her,” she gushed.
Alaina stressed that she’s always wanted to be a mom, but she didn’t expect that chapter to start so soon after tying the knot with her husband in February 2024.
“She was a surprise. We were not trying yet. It was a big surprise. So I got ready pretty quick because she was coming and she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s so crazy. People say, you don’t know a love like love your children. And I always heard that and it is so true. I can’t even explain it.”
When Cassie DiLaura asked the “All My Exes” singer how she’s doing mentally on this journey, Alaina answered honestly, noting that while she feels “great,” it has also been an emotional whirlwind. She went from losing her dad J.J. Suddeth suddenly on July 23, 2024 to learning that she would be bringing her first child into the world. And now, she’s gearing up to head back on the road. Between all the major life changes, Alaina has surely had her fair share of emotional ups and downs.
“It’s been an emotional journey for me, for sure. Mentally, I think I’m doing okay. I mean, I am just trying to figure her out and do what’s best for her and we’ve had some obstacles to overcome with breastfeeding and latching issues. I’m doing great. It’s just been such an adjustment,” she said. “I mean, it flipped my whole world upside down in the most beautiful way, but it’s like everything, every thought that I have, she’s first in every thought that I have, so everything comes second to her. It’s so crazy how immediately they put that baby on my chest and my whole world changed.”
While the couple isn’t ready to start talking about expanding their family again just yet, Alaina shared that they do hope to eventually have three or four kids in total. But in reality, she says they will be happy with whatever number of kids they end up with.
“I’m 30, so we got to figure that out. We’re going to enjoy her for now. And if we end up with two or just her, whatever our story is, we’ll be perfect.”
Lauren Alaina is next set to take the stage on August 28 in Evans, GA, followed by a handful of stops throughout October.
It was also just announced that starting in January of 2026, the “Little Things” singer will return to the road with Rascal Flatts for their extended LIFE IS A HIGHWAY TOUR.
The post Lauren Alaina Opens Up About Scary Birth Details: ‘I Wasn’t Sure If She Was Okay’ appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Riley Green isn’t done with his 2024 album Don’t Mind If I Do just yet. Today, he announced the deluxe edition of the RIAA Gold-certified LP, which will arrive August 29 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment with six brand-new songs.
The expanded collection uncovers new layers to Green’s already celebrated album. His signature blend of raw emotion and southern grit will come to life across the six tracks. In addition to “Make It Rain,” a track Green has continued to preview for fans throughout his international Damn Country Music Tour, the project will offer star-studded collaborations including “Cowboy As It Gets” featuring Randy Houser, and the heartfelt duet “I Just Need You” with rising artist Hannah McFarland.
Plus the Alabama native is expected to digs into heartbreak on “What Am I Supposed to Do Now,” channels his love of the great outdoors on “Bet They’re Biting,” and tips his hat to the country legends who shaped him with “One to Willie.” These additions don’t just expand the album, they cement Green’s standing as one of the most prominent voices in today’s country music scene.
Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) Tracklist:
1. “That’s A Mistake”
2. “Change My Mind”
3. “Reel Problems (featuring Luke Bryan)”
4. “Turnin’ Dirt”
5. “Jesus Saves”
6. “Too Early To Drink”
7. “Pick A Place”
8. “Way Out Here”
9. “Waitin’ All Day”
10. “Chip Off The Ol’ Block”
11. “Alchohall Of Fame”
12. “Rather Be”
13. “Good Morning From Mexico”
14. “Torn”
15. “Damn Good Day To Leave”
16. “Looking Back On This”
17. “Don’t Mind If I Do (featuring Ella Langley)”
18. “Worst Way”
19. “Make It Rain”
20. “Cowboy As It Gets (featuring Randy Houser)”
21. “I Just Need You (featuring Hannah McFarland)”
22. “What Am I Supposed To Do Now”
23. “Bet They’re Biting”
24. “One To Willie”
The announcement of Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) comes on the heels of Riley Green’s latest venture, The 90s Country Show on Apple Music Country. Last month, it was revealed that this six-episode series will find Green taking listeners on a nostalgic trip through one of country music’s most defining decades. Green dives into the hits that shaped the era while reflecting on how those artists influenced his own sound and the genre’s evolution.
All of this comes amid Green’s largest trek yet, the Damn Country Music Tour. This run kicked off in Canada earlier this year and continues through November with stops in major cities including New York, Chicago, and Boston, plus a run in the UK.
The post Riley Green To Drop Six New Tracks On ‘Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)’ Album appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Kane Brown is soaking up every second of the final days of summer in the new music video for his latest infectious anthem, “2 Pair.”
The just-released video was directed by Alex Alvga and follows Brown alongside his wife, Katelyn and a few of their friends as they enjoy a sun-filled day on the water. The laid-back visuals begin with the genre-bending country act stepping out of bed with a smile on his face and a pair of boots ready to help him start the day. As soon as he pulls on those slick brown leather Lucchese boots that are highlighted in the song’s lyrics, Brown is ready to start the day.
He leans into the infectious energy of what’s intended to be his countrified version of Nelly’s early 2000s track, “Air Force Ones,” while tipping his hat to the classic country style as he emphasizes that having a good pair of cowboy boots ready for any occasion is a necessity.
“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 Luccheses/ All-white shirt and some bootcut jeans, yeah,” he sings on the chorus.
The global superstar hops into a golf cart and heads down to the docks, where his friends are waiting to start their cruise around the water. The catchy beat is impossible to resist, and seeing the group laugh, dance, and enjoy their tropical getaway only amplifies the energy. The video wraps up with the group enjoying a beach bonfire, where they dance and make lasting memories. Through it all, Kane Brown never takes off his beloved cowboy boots.
Produced by Jordan Schmidt and penned alongside co-writers Andrew Haas, Gabe Foust, Ian Franzino, Jacob Hackworth and Jaxson Free, “2 Pairs” offers the perfect backdrop to a summertime party with its country, pop, and R&B blended sound.
The track follows the success of Brown’s most recent album, The High Road, which arrived this past January. Brown worked on bringing this project to life over the course of two years and the result is one of his most meaningful collections of songs yet. The album spawned standout tracks like “Backseat Driver,” “Haunted (ft. Jelly Roll),” and his Marshmello collab and international hit “Miles On It.”
If Kane Brown were to follow his typical timeline, he won’t be dropping another new album until 2027 or 2028. However, during a recent interview with Audacy’s Katie Neal, Brown teased that “2 Pair” has already got him feeling eager to jump back into the music and it could result in a project coming sooner than anticipated.
“So this is the song that I’m focused on. But I have writers coming down to Florida actually this week,” he shared. “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.”
While we don’t know for sure if that potential plan will pan out, we can say for sure that Kane Brown has plenty more shows scheduled throughout the remainder of the year, including the second leg of “The High Road Tour.” This run will take him across the pond in Europe and the United Kingdom.
Along with all the updates regarding his music, Brown will also be making his feature film debut in “The Token Groomsman,” and making an appearance in “Nashville 911.”
The post Kane Brown’s ‘2 Pair’ Music Video Proves Cowboy Boots Are Always in Season appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Two for the price of one is a commonplace consumer proposition. In the 21st Century, the concept of the hit duet has been developed to an improbable degree, with artists often turning up on other people’s tracks more regularly than putting out their own. It makes sound business sense – hitting two fanbases at once – but it’s also responsible for both lively creative innovation and some of the greatest songs of our time. In the early stages of his career, Justin Bieber was mentored by R&B icon Usher – and they later worked together – but there’s a far broader set of collaborators who have recorded with him since. Here are the ten best Justin Bieber duets to date.
Have we missed one of the best Justin Bieber duets? Let us know in the comments section below.
12: “Despacito (Remix)” (Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, featuring Justin Bieber)
Less a classic collaboration, more of an almighty leg-up. The original cut by Puerto Rican vocalist Luis Fonsi and rapper Daddy Yankee had done reasonable business for a few months, before a remix featuring Justin’s vocals helped push it into the stratosphere. remix of the reggaeton/Latin classic became one of the biggest songs of 2017, with sales in the millions and streams in the billions. It’s even been credited with giving Puerto Rico, where the video was filmed, a major tourism boost.
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11: “2U” (David Guetta, featuring Justin Bieber)
Widely known as the Grandfather Of EDM, pioneering DJ David Guetta has worked with many artists over the past two decades. Justin’s contribution to this powerful pop/club banger didn’t extend to filming a video – the pair relied on a group of lip-synching models for that – but “2U” was a substantial hit in 2017.
10: “Friends” (with BloodPop)
After years spent writing for acts such as Lady Gaga and Madonna, BloodPop (aka Michael Turner) took a step into the spotlight with this dance hit, which was released in 2017. Justin co-wrote the track, marking his return to music after a year’s break. It was a big hit, particularly in the UK – where it peaked at No.2 – and was later reissued in a remixed form with additional vocals from Julia Michaels.
9: “Beauty And A Beat” (featuring Nicki Minaj)
Culled from Justin’s third album, Believe, this 2012 single wasn’t one of his biggest hits, but it did reach the top of the US club charts. Nicki Minaj has appeared with almost everybody since her breakthrough, including notable guest turns with Katy Perry and Madonna, though she also took a strong lead in the creation of this cut. Zedd also had a hand in writing it, making “Beauty And A Beat” the only track on Believe that Justin didn’t get a writing credit on.
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8: “#thatpower” (will.i.am, featuring Justin Bieber)
A trip to the Brit Awards in London led to the recording of “#thatpower,” which was issued from will.i.am’s fourth studio album, #willpower. The pair performed the song at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards and it was used as “impact” music on several major TV shows. The track was a sizeable dance hit and crossed over onto the world’s mainstream charts, including a No.2 peak in the UK and a Top 20 placing in America.
7: “Stuck with U” (featuring Ariana Grande)
Even a pandemic couldn’t keep these two popstars apart. “Stuck with U” brought together pop royalty for a good cause, creating the ultimate quarantine love song and one of the best Justin Bieber duets. The sweet duet harmoniously blends two of the best voices in pop, while addressing the ups (and downs) of cohabitation.
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6. “Intentions” (featuring Quavo)
The breakout hit from Bieber’s Changes album saw the crooner return to his “R&Bieber form.” Propelled by a bright, flickering beat, “Intentions” recruits Quavo of Migos for an infectious, yet heartfelt, single.
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5: “Let Me Love You” (DJ Snake, featuring Justin Bieber)
The transatlantic partnership between France’s DJ Snake and Canadian singer Justin wasn’t the first single to be picked from the Frenchman’s debut album, Encore, but it was the biggest hit. A powerful Bonnie And Clyde-themed video certainly helped play its part, too.
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4: “Cold Water” (Major Lazer, featuring Justin Bieber and MO)
If there’s one track on this list of the best Justin Bieber duets that defines the era of the multi-artist billing, “Cold Water” is it. Major Lazer is a collective built around EDM über-producer Diplo, and the team has worked with artists like Ellie Goulding and Bruno Mars. Danish singer MO joins Justin on this track, which hit the clubs in 2016 and became Major Lazer’s biggest crossover smash to date.
3: “As Long As You Love Me” (featuring Big Sean)
Rodney “Darkchild” Jenkins had a hand in “As Long As You Love Me,” the second single from 2012’s Believe. The song offers the first signs of Bieber experimenting beyond the obvious, and Big Sean’s contribution adds some ballast to the dub-heavy electronica. In the US, it became one of the 40 biggest songs of the year.
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2: “Where Are Ü Now?” (with Jack Ü)
Who can imagine how different the original vocal and piano demo by Justin sounds compared to the cut we all know, which was remodeled by Diplo and Skrillex? The EDM titans helped turn “Where Are Ü Now?” into one of the decade’s biggest dance hits and the song marks the point when Justin truly broke beyond his core teenage fanbase for the first time. Released ahead of Purpose, it raised expectation for that 2015 album to a fever pitch.
1: “I Don’t Care” (with Ed Sheeran)
You can imagine the commercial appeal of pairing the world’s two biggest male pop stars on a new track but, perhaps, no one should be surprised that this midtempo pop song is also a creative triumph. Lifted from Ed Sheeran’s collaborations album, No.6 Collaborations Project, it was written by Ed and Justin, alongside the ever-dependable Max Martin and Shellback, with Poo Bear and Fred Gibson. It was the first new music from Ed in more than two years, and its jet-setting video, with sequences shot in Japan and the US, has already been seen many millions of times.
Shop the best Justin Bieber collabs on vinyl now.
Discover more about the world’s greatest R&B artists | uDiscover Music
The February 1980 release of Lady T, Teena Marie’s sophomore album, was a quantum leap in her career. The unveiling of her face on the cover raised questions: Wait!! She’s white!? For those who missed her premiere Soul Train appearance with Rick James in 1979, her 1980 performance of “Behind The Groove” on the show confirmed that she was, indeed, the woman on the cover. But, by that time, she was a bona fide soul star.
After the triumph of Lady T, Berry Gordy assured her she was ready to produce herself, and she immediately entered the studio to begin Irons in the Fire, the first album that would proclaim “written and produced by Teena Marie” on the back cover. Ozone, the Nashville funk band that complemented Lady T, was front and center, along with bass player Allen McGrier who joined Teena’s touring unit in 1979 fresh from The Dells’ band. At the core of the background vocals were godsister Jill Jones and Mickey Boyce, a childhood friend and lifelong collaborator. The icing on the cake was the warmth of Paul Riser’s string arrangements which added a heightened sophistication to Teena’s wise-beyond-her-years compositions.
Listen to Teena Marie’s Irons in the Fire now.
The album’s first single, “I Need Your Lovin’,” initially didn’t pass the Gordy test. He insisted the song didn’t have a hook – and Teena argued that it had three: the bass line, the M-O-N-E-Y pre-chorus, and the chorus itself. He listened again and agreed. The single would hit the Top 10 on Billboard’s R&B chart, #2 on their disco chart, and #37 on the pop chart.
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The album’s second single, “Young Love,” just missed the R&B Top 40, but Teena, like Marvin Gaye, was an album artist. “Young Love,” the title track, the Latin-flavored “You Make Love Like Springtime,” and the jazz triumph “Tune In Tomorrow” all became Quiet Storm classics, making Teena just as renowned for her ballads that didn’t chart as the dance cuts that did. Released just six months after Lady T, Irons In the Fire became Teena’s first Top 10 R&B album.
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With Irons, Teena established herself not just as a composer of love songs, but as a spiritual seeker. The first single’s subtle reference to her “third eye,” the title track’s prayerful introspection, and the liner notes’ Ntozake Shange-esque poem communicated Teena’s depth. The increasingly curious and engaged audience she was amassing was drawn into the world she inhabited.
Listen to Teena Marie’s Irons in the Fire now.
Discover more about the world’s greatest R&B artists | uDiscover Music
Dr. Umar Johnson’s FDMG Academy is reportedly facing seizure over $76K in unpaid bills, with critics accusing him of mismanagement and dodging accountability.
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