The couple never shy away from public displays of affection. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Day: December 5, 2025
The reason is completely obvious. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Country Thunder is setting the bar high for the 2026 festival season. Known for being the largest Country music festival brand in North America, the series is already generating major buzz with its newly unveiled lineup for Country Thunder Wisconsin 2026.
The Midwest event will return to Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes on July 16–19 with a stacked bill of powerhouse headliners including Gavin Adcock, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, and Keith Urban. Spanning different eras, sounds, and styles, the lineup also features fan favorites like Gretchen Wilson, Ian Munsick, Nate Smith, and Shaboozey, adding even more excitement to an already loaded schedule.
Each night, Adcock, Green, Urban, and The Red Clay Strays will take the stage to close out the days with unforgettable sets. The daytime lineup is equally strong, with performances from George Birge, Mark Chesnutt, Dasha, Corey Kent, Cole Goodwin, Gabriella Rose, and plenty more.
Beyond the music, Country Thunder Wisconsin offers a beloved “summer camp” like experience with its unique tradition of welcoming attendees to spend their days soaking up nonstop Country music and their nights sleeping under the serene Midwestern sky. Options range from Tent Camping and Crown Camping to Glamping, plus the always-popular ability to rent private port-a-potties for the campsite. A weekend wristband is required to enter the campgrounds.
Fans can reserve their weekend at Country Thunder Wisconsin 2026 for only $20 down, with the remaining balance split into equal monthly payments. Fans can explore all pass options for the Midwest party, including Platinum Experience, Platinum Circle, Reserved Seating, Gold Circle, General Admission, as well as view camping packages and details here.
Country Thunder’s 2026 festival season will kick off with Country Thunder Arizona taking place April 9-12 at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, AZ. But this is just the start because the powerhouse festival brand has also recently rolled out next year’s lineups for Country Thunder Saskatchewan and Country Thunder Alberta, with heavy hitters like Lainey Wilson, Kane Brown, Tyler Hubbard and more on the bill.
With a long history of sellouts across multiple countries, Country Thunder continues to live up to its recognition as one of the most impactful and recognizable live music forces in the Country genre. These country music festival stops are shaping up to be can’t-miss destinations in 2026.
The post Country Thunder Wisconsin Drops a Stacked 2026 Lineup With Keith Urban, Riley Green & More appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
![<a href="https://countrynow.com/priscilla-block-on-her-most-honest-album-yet-and-taking-her-tour-to-the-next-level-exclusive/" target="_blank">Priscilla Block on Her Most Honest Album Yet and Taking Her Tour to the Next Level [Exclusive]</a>](https://countrynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2-13-1024x683.jpg)
2025 was a milestone year for Priscilla Block in more ways than one. Not only did she spend the year touring arenas with Cole Swindell, but she also released her sophomore album, Things You Didn’t See, and launched her own headlining tour.
Backstage at the 59th Annual CMA Awards, Block caught up with Country Now to reflect on the “amazing” response to the project and the vulnerability she poured into it.
“Putting out this record was just so fun and I put a lot into it and I love when you get a good response. When you put a lot of effort into something, it feels good,” she shared. “So I feel like people were kind of shocked a little bit with this record, which is a good thing. I love giving people a little bit of the unexpected.”
The project showcases Block at her most open and honest, especially on emotional tracks like “Couldn’t Care Less” and “Elijah,” while also bringing out her confident, fun-loving energy on songs such as “Yard Sale” and “Goodwill To Gucci.”
As a whole, Block says the album represents every part of who she is, and that’s something she takes great pride in.
“I think it’s important for me to just stay authentic and true to me and I got to do that on this record. And so I feel like every song and the whole story behind it is so me. But hearing other people relate to it like a song ‘Couldn’t Care Less,’ that’s so personal. It’s like, wow, people feel this way too. It’s not just me,” she pointed out.
For Block, the vulnerability came naturally because the songs reflect “real feelings.” With artists like Ashley Cooke, Kelsea Ballerini, and Carly Pearce embracing that same honesty in their latest releases, Block says it’s that authenticity that makes country music so special.
“Whatever I write is true to where I’m at or I try to do that, but artists are human. We go through really hard times or times where we’re like, ‘is this thing even working out?’ It’s just the ups and downs that you really go through,” she explained. “And I love that so many people are being just vulnerable in their music right now. And I think we’re in a time where the world wants that… It doesn’t have to be so polished and perfected and the typical hit that you hear all the time, it’s songs are standing out that tell a story. And that’s why I love country music.”
Block is showcasing these new songs and more on her current tour and will continue to do so into 2026 on her Things You Didn’t See headlining tour, which will visit theaters across the country. With this run, she’s stepping a bit outside of her “comfort zone.”
“I’ve been touring for the past four years and this tour, I wanted to challenge myself to work in some choreography and just level up,” she said. “And so it’s definitely nerve wracking…but I think every superstar knows how to move, so I need to figure it out, you know what I mean? So I’m trying. I’m moving, the hair is hairing, I’m doing the whips!”
Priscilla Block’s Things You Didn’t See Tour launches Thursday, January 22, in San Luis Obispo, hitting cities like Denver and Fort Worth along the way. The 20+ date trek concludes March 4 at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium with a special ‘Priscilla Block & Friends’ performance.
The post Priscilla Block on Her Most Honest Album Yet and Taking Her Tour to the Next Level [Exclusive] appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Kelly Clarkson put her own spin on Ella Langley’s chart-topping hit, “Weren’t For The Wind,” during her “Kellyoke” segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and fans are loving it.
Clarkson is known for covering songs across nearly every genre on her show, but there’s something extra special when she delivers a country song. As a Texas native, it’s in her roots, and for years, fans have been begging her to release a full-length country album. While she has dabbled in the genre through collaborations with Jason Aldean, Reba McEntire, and others, a complete project has yet to happen.
As fans await that day, which honestly may never come, they can always count on her to deliver country hits on “Kellyoke,” and her cover of Langley’s hit did not disappoint. The performance even caught the attention of Langley herself, who called it “Insane” and added a few mind-blown emojis, clearly shocked that an iconic artist like Clarkson was covering a song she co-wrote.
Of course, Clarkson’s rendition was flawless and warmly received by fans.
“She has ALWAYS made singing any song, any category absolutely effortless,” one fan wrote, while another shared, “Every country Kellyoke convinces me the most that we need a whole country album.”
“Weren’t For The Wind” was Langley’s first solo No. 1 single and second career No. 1 overall, following “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green. Langley co-wrote the song with Joybeth Taylor and Johnny Clawson, with Will Bundy producing.
When the song topped the charts, Langley shared a heartfelt post thanking everyone who has supported her along the way, giving a special shoutout to her co-writers.
“Weren’t For The Wind” is featured on her 18-track project, Still Hungover.
Langley enjoyed an incredible 2025, capping off the year with two sold-out shows at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium and a standout night at the 59th Annual CMA Awards, where she took home three awards. She also wowed fans with a performance of her red-hot new single, “Choosin’ Texas,” which is quickly climbing the country radio charts.
2026 is already shaping up to be a big year for Langley, who has teased that new music is on the horizon.
The post Ella Langley Reacts To Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Insane’ Cover of ‘Weren’t For The Wind’ appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
In honor of Jelly Roll’s 41st birthday, he and his wife Bunnie XO were treated to a very special surprise this week that took them back to their younger years and gave them the chance to create memories they never had the opportunity to make before.
A new video posted by the Dumb Blonde Podcast host reveals that Jelly Roll’s 17-year-old daughter, Bailee Ann, who has been in their custody since 2017, was the mastermind behind the entire night.
Bailee was dressed to the nines in a glamourous floor-length dress as she waited for her parents to arrive. When Jelly Roll stepped out in a sleek all-black ensemble with a cowboy hat and Bunnie appeared in a stunning gown, Bailee couldn’t help but tell them, “You look like you’re going to prom!”
Once they made their way inside the building, Bunnie admits they were “stopped in their tracks” realizing that’s exactly the look Bailee was hopping for. She had planned their very own version of a school dance called, “Night Under The Stars.” The room was full of family and friends, including Jeffree Star, internet personality and makeup artist, who all cheered as they walked in under the balloon arch, decorations galore, a DJ and a huge dance floor.
Jelly Roll and Bunnie got the full prom experience and were even crowned king and queen of the night, followed by a special slow dance together. This whole plan was very sentimental for the two of them as Bunnie shared that they never got to experience this typical high school event when they were younger.
Bunnie explained that they had always encouraged Bailee to embrace the experiences they missed.
“Bailee has always hated school dances,” she wrote in the video. “But because J and I never went to ours, we’ve always pushed her, ‘Go make memories. Go have the experiences we missed.’”
Even with the couple feeling exhausted after a challenging year filled with demanding schedules and mental and physical health struggles, Bailee’s thoughtful surprise gave them exactly what they needed.
“This year has been heavy,” she admitted. “Schedules, mental health, burnout…all of it. We’ve kept to ourselves, and we hate surprises. So when Bailee texted us saying she had one for us, I spiraled. Especially after we swore there’d be no surprises for J’s birthday…But we showed up for our girl anyway…even with our tired hearts.”
The podcast host commended Bailee for planning the whole thing herself without missing a single detail, all in an effort to put a smile on their faces. Plus, she says at the end of it all, she learned a very important lesson as a parent.
“Time is the most precious thing we own. Spend it on your people. The memories you will make with them will outlive everything else.”
The couple both experienced significant trauma in the earlier parts of their lives and now, they are making efforts to heal from that while also nurturing their inner children. This moment was clearly another significant step in that journey.
The post Jelly Roll’s Daughter, Bailee Ann, Surprises Him and Bunnie XO With the ‘Prom’ They Never Got to Have appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Members of this year’s Opry NextStage class, Dasha, Kashus Culpepper, Chayce Beckham, Avery Anna, Tigirlily Gold, and Kaitlin Butts, took the stage at Category 10 for the fifth annual “Opry NextStage Live” on Wednesday (Dec. 3).
Hosted by GRAMMY winner and Grand Ole Opry member Ashley McBryde, the one-night-only event spotlighted the incredible talent of these rising stars and celebrated them as the next generation of country music voices.
As part of the Opry NextStage program, each artist received support from the Grand Ole Opry through original content and brand-wide amplification designed to share their stories and grow their audience. Throughout the year, they also had the chance to step onto Country Music’s Most Famous Stage, the Grand Ole Opry, multiple times.
Ahead of the show, members of the class reflected on the moment they received their invitations to join the NextStage program and reflected on their Opry debuts.
Chayce Beckham
The invitation to join the Opry NextStage class was an easy “yes” for Chayce Beckham.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to be a member of the Opry at some point in my career, so getting to be included in anything that they do… is just a huge honor,” he told us. “And getting to weasel my way in to play a few more shows at the Opry too was definitely something that made me excited about doing it.”
When he made his Opry debut, Beckham’s entire family flew from California to Nashville to witness the milestone.
“I was really nervous when I debuted. I had it in my head that I was going to forget the lyrics or mess it up,” he admitted. “I was just happy whenever it was over, but not in the sense that I didn’t want to be up there — I just wanted to get through it in a successful manner. And once I got off [stage], it almost felt like I didn’t even do it. It was kind of like an out-of-body experience getting to perform in the circle for the first time.”
Avery Anna
For Avery Anna, the moment she got the call to join the NextStage program was unforgettable
“I remember screaming,” she shared. “My heart was racing. I got that same butterfly feeling I had during my debut — the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life. But I knew it meant I’d get to play the Opry a bunch more this year, which is my favorite thing to do.”
She described her Opry debut as “so nervous” but ultimately “the best night” of her life.
Kaitlin Butts
Kaitlin Butts had a different reaction when she received the news.
“I didn’t really understand why they asked me at the beginning of the year. I don’t have a record out. I don’t have a record deal. I’m just kind of this person hanging out in Nashville… I’m like, why did they pick me?” she recalled.
Since then, Butts has signed a record deal, watched one of her songs go viral, and shared the stage with Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, and more. Still, on the night of her Opry debut, nerves were front and center.
“I was feeling terrified,” she said. “I wrote on my guitar, ‘You are Kaitlin Butts. You are from Tulsa, Oklahoma…’ Just things that are me, making sure I didn’t forget anything,” she laughed.
Kashus Culpepper
For Kashus Culpepper, being chosen felt “surreal.”
“It is so cool to be part of a group of artists that I truly love, and I love their music. And it’s so cool that an establishment like the Opry — that’s been around since the beginning of country music — brought me in and said, ‘Hey, we think you’re cool. We want to help you out.’ I think that is just the most amazing thing,” he said proudly.
During his debut on the hallowed stage, Culpepper was focused on two things: “I think for me, I was just not trying to mess up or cuss. I cuss a lot and I was like, ‘Kash, do not cuss and don’t mess up!’”
Tigirlily Gold
Sister duo Tigirlily Gold described their reaction as an “honor.”
“When we got the call from our managers, we definitely screamed a little bit,” they shared. “The Opry means everything to us. We got to play it for the 20th or 21st time this year, so we love being there as much as we possibly can — as much as they’ll let us.”
The duo recalled completely blacking out during their debut.
“The first song… we have no idea what happened. But by the second song, I remember looking up, looking around, and we got to hug in the circle on our debut night. That was really special.”
Dasha
Dasha echoed the group’s appreciation.
“Getting the Opry behind you and your artistry and your music is the biggest thumbs up in country music,” she said.
Her Opry debut brought a wave of emotion.
“It was such an important moment. I didn’t want to mess it up — I wanted to remember it forever, and I really do,” she shared. “It was such a perfect, special night. We went to the [Nashville] Palace and danced after, and it was the perfect way to celebrate. My dad was there, he was crying, I was crying… we were all crying!”
Last night’s event was livestreamed on the Grand Ole Opry’s social channels, bringing these rising stars’ talents across the globe.
The post Why This Year’s Opry NextStage Class Says Being Chosen Is the Ultimate Stamp of Approval appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Phil Upchurch, a legendary guitarist and composer who played for Quincy Jones, Donny Hathaway and Michael Jackson, passed away on November 23 in Los Angeles at age 84. No cause of death has been announced as of press time.
Upchurch had a lengthy career, recording nearly 30 albums and appearing on more than 1,000 recordings with high-profile music artists. Some of his most recognized work includes Chaka Khan’s 1978 “I’m Every Woman” anthem, which charted Billboard’s R&B charts for three weeks. He also helped to craft Jackson’s “Workin’ Day and Night,” from his 1979 solo album Off the Wall.
The guitarist frequently worked with Donny Hathaway, featuring on all of his solo studio and live albums. He composed jazz guitarist George Benson’s “Six to Four” 1976 single, as well as appearing on Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly, Claudine, Let’s Do It Again, and Sparkle albums. Other notable artists Upchurch performed or recorded with were the Staple Singers, Natalie Cole, Minnie Riperton, Bob Dylan, and Anita Baker.
“We lost a dear Broadway Tours family member. The great Phil Upchurch,” Benson shared in his tribute on Instagram. “Phil was an integral part of the Breezin‘ record having wrote the great song ‘Six to Four’ as well as a key musician on the record Weekend In LA.”
Born in Chicago in 1941, Upchurch grew up with his father, who was a jazz pianist. His passion for music sparked at age 13, when his father gave him a ukulele. Inspired by jazz musicians Oscar Peterson and Jimmy Smith, Upchurch shaped his soul music legacy early on, working with Curtis Mayfield, Otis Rush, and Jimmy Reed. In the mid-1960s, he was house guitarist of Chess Records, playing with The Dells, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Etta James and Gene Chandler. In 1961, he released his first single, “You Can’t Sit Down (Parts 1 & 2)” that peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard pop chart.
Along with his work as a musician, Upchurch published two books and was writing an autobiography at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Sonya.
Discover more about the world’s greatest R&B artists | uDiscover Music
Fat Joe’s legal clash with former business associate Terrance Dixon took a sharp turn after LexisNexis publicly dismantled defense attorney Tyrone Blackburn’s excuse that artificial intelligence tools had generated fake court citations in his filings.
In a December 3 court submission, Fat Joe’s attorney, Jordan Siev, presented a letter from LexisNexis’ North American Head of Legal, Julie Chapman, stating that Blackburn was “never an authorized user or subscriber” of the company’s Lexis+AI or Protégé platforms.
The letter called Blackburn’s claims “misleading and unsupported by evidence” and urged the court to ignore his attempt to shift responsibility for the bogus citations.
Blackburn had previously told the court he had “adopted upgraded legal research tools, including LexisNexis Protégé,” and claimed the platform “generated suggestions and citation fields that [he] mistakenly incorporated without fully verifying.”
But Chapman’s statement directly contradicted that.
“Although Mr. Blackburn’s firm was once a subscriber to other LexisNexis services, that did not include the Protégé service,” she wrote.
The lawsuit, filed by Fat Joe, accuses Dixon and Blackburn of defamation over allegations that the Bronx rapper was involved in financial exploitation and sex trafficking.
Fat Joe has called the claims a “smear campaign” and argued that Blackburn used unreliable AI-generated content to support baseless accusations.
This isn’t the first time Blackburn’s legal tactics have raised red flags.
Earlier this year, he represented Pastor Duane Youngblood in a defamation case brought by Bishop T.D. Jakes. In that case, Blackburn submitted legal briefs that included what the court later ruled were “fake, AI-generated cases.”
That earlier ruling, first reported by AllHipHop, cast a long shadow over Blackburn’s credibility and highlighted the growing concern around the misuse of AI in legal proceedings. Now that LexisNexis itself has rejected his claims, the scrutiny has only intensified.
Fat Joe’s legal team didn’t mince words in their filing. “This is not an isolated mistake,” it read. “It is a repeated tactic to mislead the court using non-existent legal authority.”
Whether Judge Jennifer Rochon of the Southern District of New York will impose sanctions remains to be seen.
But with LexisNexis confirming Blackburn’s statements were false, the damage to his professional standing may already be done.
AllHipHop
Pharrell Williams seemingly arrived at the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards already carrying the weight of a political controversy that had rippled through social media, think pieces, and community.
As he won Shoe of the Year honors for his Virginia Adistar Jellyfish design, he stepped onstage with clarity about who he is and how he refuses to capitulate to his detractors.
“Sound bite this,” he began, with precision. “Since most people don’t like to read or do research anymore, sound bite this. God is the greatest. Sound bite this. I’m from Virginia. Sound bite this. You don’t know what I know. You ain’t seen what I saw. No, you ain’t been where I go.”
The cadence was barbed, repetitive and intentional. In recent weeks, his political comments had been cast as aloof or dismissive. In the testimony-like speech, he sprinkled in personal testimony and cultural critique.
“I’m from the mud,” he said. “As a child, nobody’s been evicted more times than me. Lights turned off, water turned off, and at times, had to pump the water.”
He went further, giving his life story a sociological frame: “I’m proletariat. In fact, I’m lumpenproletariat. Sound bite this. I had to stay on my feet. Sound bite this. But I could never walk in the shoes of my parents, parents, etc., all they had to endure while staying on their feet.”
He continued to position his worldview beyond celebrity politics and speak as someone who survive America from the bottom up.
“Sound bite this. At least a couple times a day, put down your phone and think on your own,” he said.
His comments came just weeks after he stirred debate at the 5th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day, where he offered unusually blunt views about American politics and racial capitalism.
“I hate politics,” he said at the time. “Despise them. It’s a magic trick. It’s not real. I don’t believe in either side. Because I think when you pick a side, you are inadvertently supporting division.”
The statements were mostly met with backlash online, but Pharrell didn’t retreat. He expanded on the thought, challenging the prevailing frameworks around identity-based support and business advancement.
READ ALSO: Roland Martin Blasts Pharrell Williams For “Dumbest” Comments About Politics
“Yes, it’s not a popular point of view,” he acknowledged. “But…I just gotta say, when I think about it, the wells are drying up.”
“Do you think you’re the best?” he continued. “Do you want the job because you’re Black or because you’re the best?… Yes, these founders happen to be Black and brown, but it should be based on the fact that they’re the best, not because of a shade of skin color.”
The clap back has not rippled over the internet in the same manner as his initial remarks at the time this was published.
AllHipHop