The “I Had Some Help” singer is taking the stage at the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game — and for the kid who used to sleep in Texas Stadium, it’s a full-circle moment. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Month: November 2025
![<a href="https://countrynow.com/vincent-mason-reflects-on-milestone-year-and-preparing-for-stadium-dates-with-morgan-wallen-exclusive/" target="_blank">Vincent Mason Reflects On Milestone Year and Preparing For Stadium Dates With Morgan Wallen [Exclusive]</a>](https://countrynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-23-1024x683.jpg)
Vincent Mason is wrapping up his biggest year so far, and the momentum isn’t slowing down. As he prepares to join Morgan Wallen in stadiums next year, he’s already thinking about what that next level of touring will look like.
In 2025, Mason packed in a ton of live performances, from major festivals to opening slots for Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan, and more. He told Country Now backstage at the CMA Awards that touring with McCollum was a huge bucket-list moment, especially since the Texas native is one of the reasons he started writing songs in the first place. However, getting the call to join Wallen, one of the biggest names in the genre, is a milestone that feels surreal.
“Morgan Wallen was really the one though that everyone kind of stopped in their tracks. My family and my friends from home, they were all kind of like, damn,” he said reflecting on that moment.
When asked if he’s ready to tackle stadium-sized crowds on the upcoming Still The Problem Tour, Mason confidently stated, “I’m ready.”
“Hopefully it’ll be like the other shows we’ve played. It won’t be too different,” he added.
Beyond the tour news, the Georgia native’s momentum is carrying over into some major career milestones, including his recent appearance on an episode of TODAY, where he performed his debut radio single that’s officially cracked the Top 40, “Wish You Well.”
That TV moment also arrived right on the heels of his debut album, There I Go, and the announcement of his headline run, Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Vincent Mason There I Go, which begins in early 2026.
Looking back on everything he’s packed into the past year, Vincent Mason admits it’s finally starting to hit him just how far he’s come since the first day he arrived in Nashville with nothing but a dream.
“It was definitely the busiest year I’ve ever had. It’s kind of crazy to think back to the stuff we were doing in January, thinking it’s the same year…got to tour with some heroes of mine, which is really, really awesome. And put out the first album, sent the first single to country radio. So definitely a lot to deal with in real time.”
He went on to say that in the last few weeks he has found himself feeling especially thankful that he gets to do what he loves for his job. And now that he’s started to cement himself in the business, Mason revealed that Music City finally feels like his home.
“We’ve been working hard, but I guess it just kind of hit me. I don’t have to go off and do anything else. All I have to do is just keep making albums and I love doing that. So I can do that…I can do that forever. All I got to do is play shows and make more records and I love that.”
A full list of upcoming tour dates for the “Wish You Well” singer can be found HERE.
The post Vincent Mason Reflects On Milestone Year and Preparing For Stadium Dates With Morgan Wallen [Exclusive] appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
After a whirlwind year, one that saw him make history with his first No.1 on U.S. country radio, release his debut album, and hit the road with artists like Jelly Roll and Dylan Scott, Josh Ross recently carved out a few minutes for something a little different: spending time with some adorable rescue puppies. The fast-rising hitmaker joined Country Now for a special Pupdate, and let’s just say, the pups instantly stole the show.
The MCA / Universal Music Canada / CORE Records artist immediately dropped to the floor with Kobe, Karl, and Kaleb, three adorable rescue pups from Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Within seconds, they were climbing into his lap, tails wagging as Ross laughed and played along. It was the sweetest kind of chaos and made for the most distracting and fun interview ever.
As the pups wrestled around him, Ross took a moment to reflect on everything that has happened this year. His debut album, Later Tonight, arrived in September, and getting the music out to fans, he admitted, has been nothing short of a dream.
“It was my first, my debut record and you never know what to expect,” he shared. “For me it was nice to compile a bunch of songs that I’ve worked a lot of years at and towards and just watching the record grow on the road, it’s been really, really awesome.”
Now that the album is out in the world, Ross is already excited for what’s next.
“I feel like some of the songs on the record are three to five years old and then other ones were six months old. But I feel like it’s a chapter of my life that I’m kind of excited to put away. I feel like there’s a lot of growth, whether that be heartache or learning the business, and I’m just excited for the next chapter.”
One major milestone from that chapter is “Single Again,” which recently climbed to No.1 on U.S. country radio after a massive 71-week ascent. The feat makes Ross the first male Canadian country artist in nearly 30 years to top the Billboard Country Airplay chart, a milestone he doesn’t take lightly.
“I don’t take it for granted and it kind of just refuels you and makes you excited for the next things to come,” he pointed out.
Hot off that success, Ross released “Hate How You Look” as his new radio single. Though he didn’t write it, the story is something he and others can certainly relate to.
“I feel like it’s a situation that some of us have been in where you maybe break up with somebody, you don’t see them for a period of time, and then once you see them you’re like, ‘damn, they look really good.’ Maybe you regret a little bit not being with them anymore,” he said with a laugh. “And yeah, it’s just a really fun tempo song. I like rock songs too, so it kind of leans into that.”
With his new single climbing the charts, Josh Ross is already looking ahead to an even bigger 2026. His year will kick off with a massive headlining Canadian Tour, and many of the dates have already sold out.
For Ross, headlining his own shows is one of his favorite parts of the job.
“I really love opening for other acts, but there’s something special about when it’s your own fans and getting to really put the time into building your own live show,” he shared. “This is the first time we’re doing double nights at some venues that are 2,500-plus people, and I’m just really excited to put together a new set list with a new record. It feels like I’ve been playing a lot of these songs for the last two years, and now there’s so much new material.”
Kobe, Karl, and Kaleb are still looking for their forever homes. Those interested in adopting should contact Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, a foster-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Middle Tennessee and run primarily by volunteers. Proverbs is fully dedicated to the care and well-being of every animal they rescue. To learn more or make a donation, click HERE.
The post Josh Ross Gets Swarmed by Rescue Puppies While Reflecting on His Biggest Year Yet and Debut Album ‘Later Tonight’ appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Dasha just hit a major career milestone as her breakout debut single, “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” officially surpassed one billion streams on Spotify. With this achievement, she becomes only the second solo female country artist in history to join Spotify’s prestigious Billions Club, marking a huge moment not only for her career, but for women in country music.
“I still can’t wrap my head around this. Austin changed my life, and now just two years after I put it out on my own – it’s officially hit a billion streams on Spotify. Knowing that the only solo female country artist to do that before me is Taylor Swift, someone who’s inspired me from day one, feels completely surreal,” shares Dasha. “All I’ve ever wanted is to make music that helps people feel like the strongest, most badass version of themselves. Austin was written in pure rage, but it somehow turned into this beautiful source of community and empowerment. I’m the luckiest girl in the world. I have the best team, the best family and friends, and now a billion streams on my first breakout song… that’s the juiciest cherry on top.”
The billion-stream milestone comes exactly two years after its release. “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” first grabbed attention with its boot-stomping groove, clever lyrics, and Dasha’s signature California-meets-Nashville twang. The song also launched one of the biggest line-dancing trends of 2024.
“Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” has brought Dasha around the world with performances at Stagecoach, Austin City Limits, CMA Fest, and the CMT Awards.
Later, she sold out her first headlining world tour, Dashville USA, and performed on two of TV’s biggest broadcasts: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
“Austin (Boots Stopped Workin’)” went on to become one of the most-streamed country songs of the year and won the Female Song of 2024 at the People’s Choice Country Awards.
Other highlights from 2025 include a nomination for Push Performance of the Year at the MTV VMAs, earning a Best New Female Artist nod at the ACM Awards, and taking the Mane Stage by storm at Stagecoach Festival.
2026 is already shaping up to be another milestone year for Dasha. See below for a list of upcoming tour dates.
Dasha Tour Dates
February 12 – Boston, MA @ Roadrunner
February 13 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
February 21 – Okeechobee, FL @ Fred Smith Rodeo Arena – Festival
February 22 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
February 26 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory
February 27 – Chesterfield, MO @ The Factory
February 28 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Grand Theater
March 14 – Perth, WA @ Red Hill Auditorium
March 17 – Melbourne, VIC @ Margaret Court Arena
March 18 – Sydney, NSW @ ICC Sydney Theatre
March 21 – Ipswich, QLD @ CMC Rocks QLD
April 23 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater w/ Russell Dickerson
April 24 – St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre w/ Russell Dickerson
April 25 – Orlando, Fl @ Addition Financial Arena w/ Russell Dickerson
June 25 – Cadott, WI @ Hoofbeat Country Fest – Festival
June 26 – Brainerd, MN @ Lakes Jam – Festival
August 7 – Boots & Hearts – Festival
The post Dasha Makes History as Only the Second Solo Female Country Artist to Join Spotify’s Billions Club appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Season 28 The Voice contestant, Austin Gilbert, took the stage with a Jake Owen classic this week, putting his own spin on “Eight Second Ride” as he fought for a spot in competition’s Playoffs. The rising singer stepped into the final night of Season 28 Knockouts ready to prove himself, going head-to-head with fellow Team Reba member Peyton Kyle.
Each contestant chose their own songs, giving fans a closer look at who they are as artists. Gilbert leaned into his country roots with the high-energy Jake Owen hit, while Peyton took on Gavin DeGraw’s “I Don’t Want to Be.”
“I chose this song because I love to work a crowd. It gets me going and it gets a crowd hyped up and on their feet. It’s a country anthem,” Gilbert told his coach, Reba McEntire.
He certainly made his presence known in front of the coaches and live audience as he stepped up to the mic donning his signature western look. An epic light show lit up the stage at the top of the performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable delivery.
Without a doubt, Gilbert brought the energy to the stage as he channeled his passion for capturing his audience’s attention. The Eugene, Oregon native let his authentic twang shine as he told the classic country tale of a guy meeting a girl in a bar and instantly feeling a spark between them.
The chorus goes, “And she said, Hey boy, do you mind Taking me home tonight?/ Because I have not never seen a country boy/ With tires on his truck this high/ I said, Climb on up, but honey, watch the cup/ That I’m spitting my dip inside/ And hold on tight ’cause it’s going to be wilder/ Than any eight second ride.”
He earned a standing ovation from the coaching panel and some very high praise, making it a very hard decision for McEntire.
“You guys both showed up, you left nothing. This is what the knockouts are about. Honestly Reba, I don’t know that I could choose because both of you nailed it so well,” Michael Bublé admitted.
Snoop Dogg told Gilbert he thought his song choice was “perfect” as it “showed a whole lot of what you have to offer and why Reba stole you.”
While Niall Horan gave some strong critiques to both acts, he gave his vote to Kyle.
Austin, you never disappoint, you sing your butt off and you did a great job. I’m very very proud of ya. Payton, I liked you from the beginning because I was the only one that turned for you…thank you for that,” she told the contestants before admitting that she was “really torn” about her decision.
While both Gilbert and Kyle delivered standout performances, only one could move forward. In the end, Peyton earned the win, with coach Reba McEntire praising his versatility.
“Peyton has got an amazing voice,” she said. “I think you could throw the phone book at him and he’d try to sing that and he’d do it very well.”
Austin’s run on The Voice may have ended in the Knockouts, but his performance proved why his heart and authentic country sound has connected with fans and the coaches all season long. The 25-year-old Army veteran earned his spot in the competition at the start of the season with a powerful rendition of Luke Combs’ “The Kind of Love We Make,” which earned him a spot on Michael Bublé’s team. McEntire later stole Gilbert for her team following Battle Rounds.
This latest round of performances marked the final night of the Season 28 Knockout Rounds, which found the coaches selecting two of their teammates to face off in a sing-off. This time, the artists got to choose which song they sang and there were no Saves or Steals meaning in each round, one singer had to go home.
Next week, the winners of this round will advance to the The Voice Playoffs, followed by the two-night finale taking place December 15 and 16, 2025, on NBC.
The post Austin Gilbert Put His Stamp On Jake Owen’s ‘Eight Second Ride’ During ‘The Voice’ Knockouts Round appeared first on Country Now.
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The Voice is nearing the end of the Season 28 competition, with only a few contestants remaining, including Kirbi who won over the coaches once again with her latest performance, a cover of Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
Last night’s episode found Kirbi facing off against fellow member of Team Niall Horan, Dustin Dale Gaspard. With no Saves or Steals left this round, each artist had one chance to prove they belonged in the Playoffs.
The songstress, known offstage as Savanna Kirby, took this expectation to heart and turned out to be one of the night’s biggest as she poured her heart into a stunning take on the Grammy-nominated song. Kirbi leaned into her roots with the powerful contemporary Christian track, explaining that the song felt deeply personal to her and her background.
“I feel like if I could sum up who I am in a song, this would probably be it,“ Kirbi said while reflecting on her song choice during rehearsals. ”I come from the Shoals area. I grew up singing blues and soul music, so I feel like this kind of has that aspect.”
She also shared that she’s a longtime Jelly Roll fan and even got to chance to open for him once in the past, making the moment even more meaningful. The Alabama native brought that motivation onto the stage where she delivered a performance packed with soul, grit, and unapologetic passion.
Kirbi showcased her wide vocal range and felt every lyric of the moving story that hones in on raw vulnerability and offers a faith-driven message, drawing a huge reaction from the crowd and all four coaches.
After her delivery she received nothing but kind and encouraging words from the professional superstars sat before her.
“You got into it, it was very emotional,” said Reba McEntire. “It was really, really good.”
“Kirbi, I love the juxtaposition of you singing a song that I’ve heard so many times by great male singers,” added Michael Bublé. “You understand who you are, where you want to go, and that you have the guts to take on songs that may not seem like they may be in your lane. I love that.”
Snoop Dogg commended her on choosing “the perfect song for you,” while her coach for the season confidently told her it was her “best performance to date, without a shadow of doubt.”
In the end, Niall chose Kirbi as the winner of the knockout round, calling the talent in her performance “undeniable”
“There was no way she could sing like that, give the emotion that she gave, and leave this competition. She absolutely deserves to be in my top four. I’m so excited going into the Playoffs,” he gushed.
With her Knockout win, Kirbi moves into the Playoffs as one of the final four artists representing Team Niall, and one of the top 16 contestants left in Season 28. Up next, these hopeful singers will continue to fight for a spot in the live finale, set to take place during a two-night event airing on December 15 and 16, 2025, on NBC.
The highly anticipated results of this year’s competition will be revealed on the final night on Tuesday, December 16, at 9/8c.
The post ‘The Voice’s’ Kirbi Advances After Soulful Performance of Jelly Roll And Brandon Lake’s ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’ appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Shopping for the Rihanna fan in your life this season just got a lot easier. The global icon has announced a new career-spanning vinyl box set, and all orders processed before the end of the year come with a fun holiday bonus.
The R20 box set brings together all eight of Rihanna’s studio albums in one package: 2005’s Music of the Sun, 2006’s A Girl Like Me, 2007’s Good Girl Gone Bad, 2009’s Rated R, 2010’s Loud, 2011’s Talk That Talk, 2012’s Unapologetic, and 2016’s Anti. The LPs are pressed on black vinyl and housed together in a deluxe collector’s box, individually numbered in a limited edition of 1,000. It’s set to ship on Dec. 19 (but not guaranteed for holiday delivery).
All orders processed before Dec. 31 will include a free “Rhenna Holiday” T-shirt. It features an update on the “Rhenna” doodle that served as Rihanna’s longtime social media avatar (and doubles as the cover art for R20). On the tee, Rhenna gets festive with the addition of antlers and a red nose.
In addition to the vinyl box set and T-shirt, the Rihanna shop is selling an R20 hoodie with Rhenna on the front, an R20 layered T-shirt featuring a photo of Rihanna, and a Rhenna doll featuring the full-bodied version of the doodle.
The R20 product line arrives in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Music of the Sun, Rihanna’s 2005 debut album, which included the smash hit “Pon de Replay” and kicked off a prolific career. In the intervening decades, Rihanna has become not only one of the most successful musical artists of all time — with 250 million in global album sales and 14 U.S. No. 1 hits, third most all time — but also a mogul, fashion icon, and Hollywood star.
Buy the Rihanna R20 vinyl box set now.
Discover more about the world’s greatest R&B artists | uDiscover Music
50 Cent has locked in December 2 for the premiere of his Netflix docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning, a four-part exposé arriving just as Diddy faces the fallout from his criminal conviction and a career in freefall.
The timing is deliberate.
The series, produced by 50’s G-Unit Film & Television, promises a deep dive into Diddy’s rise as a Hip-Hop mogul and the controversies that now define his public image.
“They said was capping,
what happened?” 50 Cent joked on Instagram while diddy’s infamousI “Diddy dit it” verse from the “I Get Money” remix played.
The teaser features former Bad Boy artist Mark Curry saying, “You can’t continue to keep hurting people and nothing ever happens. It’s just a matter of time.”
Directed by Alexandria Stapleton, the documentary includes interviews with former collaborators, childhood acquaintances and industry insiders.
The filmmakers say it will feature “explosive, never-before-seen materials” and aim to present both Diddy’s influence on Hip-Hop culture and the allegations that have shadowed his legacy.
The project also marks a personal milestone in Jackson’s long-running feud with Diddy, which began in the late 1990s and escalated through years of business rivalry and personal jabs. Jackson has consistently used social media to criticize Diddy, especially as legal troubles mounted.
He often posted memes and commentary following each new allegation or court appearance, portraying himself as someone who saw through Diddy’s public image long before others.
Diddy was convicted in October on transportation charges linked to prostitution, though he was acquitted of more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
He was sentenced to just over four years in federal prison. His expected release date was initially May 2028 but was recently extended to June 2028 due to reported violations of prison rules, according to NBC News.
While the elder Diddy remains incarcerated at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution, his son Christian “King” Combs is holding onto hope.
Speaking to TMZ at Los Angeles International Airport, the 27-year-old said, “He’s doing good, everything is good. He’ll be home soon.”
He added that the family is “keeping [their] fingers crossed” for a Christmas miracle.
King Combs has been one of his father’s most vocal supporters, even writing a letter to the judge stating,
“I’m asking you to please let my father out of jail!” and calling him “the best father in the whole world.” Much of his optimism appears to stem from speculation about a potential presidential pardon, though the White House has already dismissed those rumors.
If Diddy does manage to return home by the holidays, he may find himself watching Jackson’s documentary from his living room, a surreal twist in a saga that has blurred the lines between personal vendetta and public reckoning.
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GloRilla capped off a milestone-packed 2025 with one bold declaration in Los Angeles: she’s gunning for a collaboration with Beyoncé and isn’t shy about it.
“Beyoncé, of course!” GloRilla told OK Magazine when asked about her dream studio partner.
That confident answer came after a year that’s seen the Memphis rapper rack up accolades, festival stages and major brand deals, making her Queen Bey wish list feel less like a fantasy and more like a matter of time.
The 24-year-old hitmaker was named to TIME’s 100 Next list this year, with Teyana Taylor praising her for staying authentic and pushing boundaries. That recognition helped solidify her place in the next wave of Hip-Hop’s elite.
At the 2025 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, she walked away with both the Impact Award and Songwriter of the Year, two honors that reflect her growing influence behind the mic and pen.
Her collaborations this year have also been strategic and diverse.
She joined forces with Tyler, the Creator on “Sticky,” a track that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song. She also appeared on Kirk Franklin’s “Rain Down On Me,” which won the BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Song.
In February, GloRilla made fashion history by becoming the first artist to simultaneously represent all four of Rihanna’s Fenty brands, Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Savage X Fenty and Fenty by Rihanna.
GloRilla performed her unreleased song “Special” at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival
— The Female Rap Room (@girlsinrap) November 24, 2025
The move signaled her crossover appeal and business savvy, making her a rare artist who thrives in both music and branding.
On the live performance front, she wrapped her Glorious Tour with a headlining slot at Coachella in April and joined Megan Thee Stallion on the Hot Girl Summer Tour, adding more high-profile festival appearances to her résumé.
She also used the stage at Camp Flog Gnaw to unveil a new track titled “Special”, which highlights her evolving sound and lyrical depth. The song’s debut further showcased her versatility and hinted at what’s next.
With a Grammy nod, significant awards, and brand deals already in her pocket, GloRilla’s Beyoncé ambition doesn’t seem far-fetched. If 2025 was her breakout, 2026 might just be her crowning moment.
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Kevin Liles dodged a career-threatening legal blow in New York after a federal judge dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit tied to his time leading Def Jam, citing a long-buried 2005 settlement from Universal Music Group that effectively shielded him from the claims.
The lawsuit, filed in February by a woman identified only as Jane Doe, accused Kevin Liles of sexually harassing, groping and raping her in 2002 while she worked as his executive assistant.
Liles, who served as president of Def Jam from 1999 to 2004, denied the allegations outright, calling them “patently false” and insisting he has “always treated people right, especially women.”
But U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald ruled Monday that the case couldn’t move forward because of a prior agreement between Doe and UMG.
In 2005, the label paid her $47,500 to settle a complaint she filed with New York state regulators, alleging she was fired after reporting verbal harassment and inappropriate dancing by Liles.
That complaint didn’t mention rape, but the judge said the settlement’s language covered all possible claims from that time.
“The agreement and release itself contains no language cabining its terms at all,” Buchwald wrote according to Billboard. “To the contrary, the agreement consistently and intentionally utilizes broad language discharging ‘any and all’ claims which ‘are known or reasonably should be known’ by plaintiff.”
The court dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, which means Doe cannot refile or amend the case.
The ruling effectively shut the door on any future legal action tied to the same events. The decision turned what could have been a damaging legal battle into a closed chapter for the music executive.
This wasn’t the only accusation Liles faced this year.
In a separate incident, he publicly accused rapper Lady Luck of attempting to extort him for $30 million by threatening to publish a book and file a lawsuit filled with “utterly false and horrendous allegations.”
Lady Luck had been signed to Def Jam during Liles’ leadership.
Liles’ influence in Hip-Hop spans decades. After exiting Def Jam in 2004, he co-founded 300 Entertainment in 2012 with Lyor Cohen, Roger Gold and Todd Moscowitz.
The label helped launch the careers of Megan Thee Stallion, Migos and Young Thug before being sold to Warner Music Group for $400 million in 2021.
He stepped down as CEO of 300 in 2024 and left Warner Music Group later that year. While he’s kept a low profile since, industry sources say he’s exploring new ventures outside the music business.
AllHipHop