Despite being a GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM Award winner, Zach Top still keeps things surprisingly grounded behind the scenes. While a lot has changed in his world, the country star says he’s “really, really happy” with where he’s at right now and a big part of that comes from still being able to have a normal routine in his daily life.
Sitting down with The Brothers Hunt (Dan and Reid Isbell) on the God’s Country podcast, the “I Never Lie” singer reflected on some of the biggest changes that has come with his rise to fame.
“I feel like country music, we get it fairly easy in the fame department…versus other people like a movie star,” he explained. “We can go play a show to 20,000 people one night and then go buy bacon at the Kroger the next morning and you don’t need to take a security person.”
Photo Courtesy of Zach Top
As he moves through his days, Top admits he gets plenty of spontaneous fan moments with people asking to take pictures or simply sharing their love for his music. Whatever it may be, he welcomes the interactions with open arms.
“Sometimes they’ll wanna take a picture if they do recognize you in the grocery tour and then sometimes they’re just like, ‘Hey, love your music.’ Like, ‘oh, thank you.’ That’s a nice way to start my Tuesday.”
He adds, “I feel like people expect that they’re bothering you. It’s not that big of a deal…just say ‘hey,’ grab a picture. Sometimes they’ve got a little story they want to share of something, that’s nice. I’m glad to meet you.”
Those small, everyday encounters are something Top doesn’t take for granted, and they’ve also shaped how he approaches his career and life offstage. Living in an age where it’s so easy to capture every moment on a phone, Top says he tries to stay focused on being present in the moment instead of letting technology do the experiencing for you.
He has a front row seat to how technology has impacted concerts, specifically, noting how he often sees fans in the crowd who are filming most of the show rather than visually soaking up the experience.
“You’ll see some of the people that just have their phone up for half the show, it’s like, I’m sorry to break it to you, nobody wants to see your Snapchat story with the terrible audio that your phone is gonna capture. Like, you’re not gonna look back at that,” he said honestly. “I get grabbing a little clip, a little video, but like when you do it for a majority of the show, you’re not even watching the show. You’re watching me through your phone screen, which you can do nonstop anyway at the house.”
The Washington native admits he’s guilty of spending too much time online himself, but says he tries to live in the moment as much as possible and encourages others to do the same.
“If you’re at a show, if you’re on a hike, whatever, if you’re fishing, whatever. And just really soak it all in and like try to take mental pictures of it to where you could relive that rather than flip back through a picture.”
Top never imagined where his love for music would take him, but now that he’s here, he’s choosing to stay present in whatever he does.
The U.S. is a land of plenty, and it certainly grows a lot of strawberries. However, it doesn’t come close to the output of the world’s leading producer.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
We have sad news to report from the world of music today.
Dave Mason — who co-founded the legendary rock band Traffic along with Steve Winwood — has passed away.
News of his death comes courtesy of a statement issued on behalf of Mason’s family.
Portrait of musician Dave Mason, founding member of the band ‘Traffic’, 1968. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason,” a spokesperson told People today, adding:
“Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated songwriter, musician, singer, and author passed away peacefully at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada
“Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved.”
Born in Worcester, UK in 1946, Mason — along with Mason, Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood — founded Traffic in the 1960s.
American actress Leigh Taylor-Young and English singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason at the premiere of ‘Get Shorty’ at the Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA, 12th October 1995. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
The band — which scored hits with “Hole In My Shoe” and “Feelin’ Alright?” — was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Mason’s family did not reveal his cause of death, but the rock legend revealed that he had been battling “ongoing health concerns” in recent years.
In 2024, he revealed that he was suffering from a “severe infection”. He stated that he was still “courageously battling” the following year and was forced to cancel his tour as a result.
“I’m incredibly grateful to my team of doctors,” Mason wrote in a statement at the time “This has been challenging territory, to say the least.”
Mason is survived by his wife, Winifred Wilson, and daughter Danielle. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.
Sen. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, speaks Wednesday, April 23, 2025, on the floor of the Alaska Senate. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
By: Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
Sen. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, speaks Wednesday, April 23, 2025, on the floor of the Alaska Senate. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
With only four weeks left of the legislative session, the Senate Judiciary Committee has merged several bills into a wide-ranging omnibus crime bill. Even with the tight timeline, some lawmakers are optimistic about its chances for passage before the end of the session.
The new draft omnibus crime package combines ten bills ranging from raising the age of consent to increasing criminal penalties for AI-generated child sexual abuse material into one large bill supporters hope will have the momentum to pass both the House and the Senate in the next 28 days.
The Senate Judiciary Committee chair Sen. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, introduced the 55-page omnibus bill on Friday, saying the bills have a stronger prospect as a package.
“I think that increases the likelihood we’ll be able to pass it,” he said in an interview on Monday.
With one month to go in the second year of the two-year legislative cycle, this is the last opportunity for bills to be passed by the 34th Legislature.
The draft omnibus crime bill was added to House Bill 239, sponsored by House Majority Leader Rep. Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage, who spoke in support at the hearing on Friday.
“This bill has grown, it’s gone from the sports car to the school bus” he said. “Policies I all support as a bill sponsor.”
Gov. Mike Dunleavy sponsored two bills included in the omnibus package, but did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.
The bills included are in various stages. Some have passed the House, while others are being considered by various committees in the House and Senate. Several lawmakers who sponsored bills now included in the omnibus package agreed that politically it could increase chances of passage by May 20.
Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, sponsored a bill that would create state felony penalties for AI-generated child sexual abuse material. It unanimously passed the House last month.
“I’m excited that it’s included in the omnibus bill, because that shows intent by the Senate to pass the bill,” Vance said on Monday. “So I have great confidence that it will cross the finish line.”
But Claman, who is running for governor, has drawn public criticism for the process of how the omnibus crime bill was put together this session.
Advocates for raising the age of consent — along with the Anchorage Daily News editorial board — criticized Claman for holding a bill to raise the age of consent to 18 in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which passed unanimously by the House last year, in order to be included in the omnibus bill. Critics urged Claman and the committee to pass the bill and allow it to move forward as a stand alone bill toward a full Senate vote and final passage.
Claman has argued that despite limited time left in the session, the bills included have been vetted and the combination package will garner more support among legislators and the governor to pass in the last few weeks of the session.
“I’ve been in the Legislature now since 2015, and so in the last 11 years, we’ve passed 11 different bills relating to public safety,” he said. “So I think there are ten different measures that we put into the bill, and if we tried to do them all individually, probably wouldn’t get them all passed.”
Claman pointed to an omnibus crime bill, House Bill 66, enacted in 2024, with support from Gov. Mike Dunleavy and across political affiliations. “That’s certainly, I think, the best example,” he said. “So I do have confidence we’ll get it passed.”
Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, speaks Friday, April 26, 2024, on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, sponsored House Bill 101, the bill that would raise the age of consent from 16 to 18 years old. Backed by advocates for sexual violence prevention, he said the change in law is essential for protecting teens from sexual exploitation and abuse. Under current law, it’s legal for an adult to have sex with a 16 or 17 year old. But when they are assaulted, teens must prove that they did not consent.
Despite previous disagreement and pushing for a stand alone bill, Gray said Monday he will back the omnibus crime bill in order to see the law changed.
“If that happens, inside an omnibus crime package that has other bills that are also worthy of passage, I’m fine with that,” he said. “I just want the policy to change.”
The draft omnibus crime bill now contains ten bills that previously stood alone:
House Bill 239 — would increase criminal penalties for hit and run incidents so that drivers that cause a death and knowingly failing to stop and render assistance, and establishes mandatory sentencing of four to seven years for a first hit and run felony conviction
House Bill 101 — would raise the age of consent from 16 to 18 years old, with provisions to allow consent to sex with someone up to six years older than them. The draft bill also allows 16 and 17 year olds to consensually exchange sexual or explicit messages within the six year close-in-age gap without penalties.
Senate Bill 247 — would create state criminal penalties for creating AI-generated images or video that depicts sexually explicit or obscene content involving anyone under 18 years old
House Bill 62 — Sponsored by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the bill would establish a statewide tracking system for sexual assault examination kits, expedite processing times, and ensure that survivors can privately monitor the status of their own kit.
Senate Bill 100 — Also sponsored by the governor, and would establish the crime of organized theft, including mail theft and medical record theft
House Bill 242 — would redefine criminal law to prohibit any sexual contact or assault by a health care worker during professional treatment, changing the current law which only applies to patients being unaware of sexual contact or assault for criminal charges to apply.
Senate Bill 17 — would establish the crime of airbag fraud for knowingly selling, installing or manufacturing a counterfeit airbag in a vehicle
House Bill 81 — would establish minor marijuana related convictions to remain confidential on individuals personal records, under certain criteria
House Bill 384 — would expand confidentiality agreements between victims and service providers by updating the definition of “victim counseling center” to include tribal organizations
Senate Bill 233 — would reassign the Controlled Substances Advisory Committee from being administered by the Department of Law to the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
The new version of Vance’s bill focused on AI-generated child sexual abuse material included in the bill is closer to her initial proposal. Social media controls for minors added by the House were stripped out of the Senate version. Vance said she supports the amended version given First Amendment protections around social media.
“I think that was a wise decision right now, because Alaskans are very mixed on how they feel that we should address social media,” Vance said.
Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, is the sponsor of House Bill 242, and said she supports her bill being included in the Senate omnibus, but she is still pushing to advance her standalone bill in the House.
Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, speaks on the House floor on Apr. 13, 2026. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
“I need people who didn’t serve on the two committees that heard it in the House to understand it,” she said, as the Senate draft will come back to the House for a concurrence vote. “It still helps to educate on the issue.”
Hannan’s legislation follows a high profile case in Juneau last year where the court dropped several charges against a chiropractor because under current law part of the legal definition of sexual assault by a medical provider requires the alleged victim to be unaware the assault is happening.
“Right now, the victim needs to be unaware, and the perpetrator needs to know that they are unaware,” Hannan said Tuesday. “So to change that in statute, I think is an important policy statement for us to make.”
Hannan said significant policy bills typically take several years to get through the Legislature, with public input, debate and support gathering. But she expressed confidence in the support for the omnibus crime bill in the weeks ahead.
“We’re running the clock down,” she added. “The only downside, from my perspective, is the advocates and the victims that were directly involved in the case that inspired this bill. You know, they get more acknowledgement when it’s the standalone bill… But in the end, if the goal is to change the policy, there’s no downside to it.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee will continue to hold hearings on the crime bill this week and its members have until Friday to introduce amendments before it advances to the Senate floor for a vote. Claman said he expects that to be in the last week of April.
Now, the show is gearing up to start filming again.
Taylor Frankie Paul will be returning when she’s ready.
Her ex, Dakota Mortensen, will not.
Dakota Mortensen attends the Los Angeles Premiere and FYC Event of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives” Season 2 at Paramount Studios on May 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images)
The hiatus is (nearly) over!
TMZreports that Hulu is finally mobilizing to resume production on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
(Can you believe that it’s only been, like, a month and some change since they paused filming? That was an entire canceled season of The Bachelorette ago.)
Taylor plans to return to the series when she is ready.
Her life has been completely turned upside down over the past five weeks. She’s recovering from a lot right now.
However, even when she returns, the cast of the reality series won’t quite be the same.
As it turns out, Dakota will not be returning to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to film when production resumes.
He and Taylor share a lot of history.
(As has become abundantly clear in recent weeks, plenty of that history is ugly, with allegations of domestic violence on both sides.)
Additionally, they also share a two-year-old, Ever.
However, production cameras and editors alike may have to do some fast footwork to keep her story uncoupled from her ex.
Is it possible to tell someone’s story while excluding an ex?
Believe it or not, Taylor’s situation is not unprecedented in the world of reality television.
Across many networks and reality series, certain things have had to be excluded from shows in ways that producers hope won’t feel conspicuous to audiences.
Sometimes, it’s a little thing. Editors for 90 Day Fiance and Mama June: Family Crisis have scrubbed out racist hate symbols that would otherwise be on casual display.
(Advertisers don’t like their commercials to air right after a swastika tattoo was on screen!)
But there are more dramatic examples. Exes in bitter divorces, exes who don’t allow their children to film on the spouse’s show, exes who are accused of terrible crimes and will no longer appear on camera.
In the wee hours of April 20, 2026, Dakota Mortensen posted this apology of sorts. (Image Credit: Instagram)
Though Taylor’s situation is not unique, that does not make it less painful for everyone involved.
At the moment, she’s focused upon healing, her mental health, and upon being a mom.
It’s unclear how much of a deep dive the show plans to do on what’s gone on in her life.
(She’s not facing prosecution, but there’s always a chance that topics like this could end up in court — so talking about them on camera is tricky!)
But still, after such a massive scandal, it would be weird if they didn’t talk about it when she returns.
It’s just a huge mess
Even without weighing in on either abuse allegation, critics have suggested that Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette — which remained shelved, perhaps indefinitely — was what prompted all of this.
There is a widespread belief that Dakota, who had previously been hooking up with Taylor at times despite their divorce, felt jealous that she filmed for the show.
Amy Winehouse remains one of the most singular artists in modern music history, her raw contralto voice and extraordinary songwriting leaving an indelible mark across jazz, soul, and R&B in a career that produced just two studio albums — Frank and Back To Black — yet earned her five Grammy Awards in a single night. Her cultural legacy endures through her music, her unmistakable aesthetic, and the passionate global fanbase she continues to inspire. Whether you’re shopping for a lifelong devotee or a newly converted admirer, this guide brings together the best vinyl, box sets, films, and officially licensed merchandise to honour the Queen of Camden in style.
Vinyl
Amy Winehouse – Frank 2LP Picture Disc
Marking the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s debut album, Frank is released as a picture disc for the very first time across this stunning 2LP set. Housed in a gatefold sleeve, the disc artwork draws on original imagery from the album shoot, making it as visually striking as it is musically essential — featuring classics like “Stronger Than Me”, “F**k Me Pumps” and “Take The Box”.
A posthumous treasure trove for devoted fans, Lioness: Hidden Treasures collects rare recordings, unreleased tracks, and reimagined classics that showcase the full range of Amy Winehouse’s extraordinary talent. Spread across two LPs, highlights include her soulful take on “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”, a stunning duet with Tony Bennett on “Body And Soul”, and an original version of “Tears Dry” that reveals a different side of her creative process.
Amy Winehouse’s landmark debut Frank arrives on this limited double vinyl LP pressing, showcasing the raw talent and unflinching honesty that earned her an Ivor Novello Award and announced her as one of the most singular voices of her generation. Featuring standout tracks like ‘Stronger Than Me’ and ‘Take The Box,’ it remains an essential document of where it all began.
Amy Winehouse – Live at Glastonbury 2007 (Limited Edition Clear) 2LP
Amy Winehouse’s legendary 2007 Pyramid Stage performance at Glastonbury arrives on vinyl for the very first time with this limited-edition clear 2LP. Capturing one of the most emotionally charged live sets of her career, this release is an essential document of her inimitable artistry at its most electrifying.
Amy Winehouse – 12×7: The Singles Collection Box Set
This stunning box set brings together all of Amy Winehouse’s singles from Frank, Back To Black, and Lioness: Hidden Treasures, pressed on black vinyl and housed in individual picture sleeves. Highlights include Ivor Novello Award-winning tracks “Stronger Than Me,” “Rehab,” and “Love Is A Losing Game,” alongside the Grammy Award-winning duet with Tony Bennett, “Body and Soul.” Rounding out the set are a 20-page lyrics booklet and a collection of art cards, making it an essential piece for any serious fan.
This essential 5CD box set brings together the full breadth of Amy Winehouse’s remarkable legacy, spanning her debut album Frank, the multi-platinum Back To Black, and the posthumous Lioness: Hidden Treasures, alongside a live concert recorded at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in 2007 and a disc of remixes — the latter two appearing on CD for the first time. It’s a definitive portrait of one of the most distinctive voices of her generation.
This essential CD/DVD set captures Amy Winehouse at her magnetic, soulful best across a series of landmark BBC performances and interviews. Spanning her celebrated career, it offers an intimate look at one of the most singular voices of her generation in some of her most compelling on-screen appearances.
This black washed pullover hoodie features Amy Winehouse’s iconic script logo on the front and a striking photographic design on the back, making it a bold statement piece for devoted fans. Crafted from a cotton-polyester blend for everyday comfort, it’s a wearable tribute to one of music’s most unforgettable artists.
Celebrate the icon of Camden Town with this bold black zip hoodie featuring striking screen-printed Amy Winehouse imagery on both the front and back. Crafted from a soft cotton-polyester blend, it’s a wearable tribute to one of the most distinctive artists of her generation.
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black Portrait Washed Hoodie
This washed black hoodie channels the iconic aesthetic of Amy Winehouse’s landmark album Back To Black, featuring her name screen printed on the front and a striking illustration on the back. Crafted from a soft ringspun cotton-polyester blend, it’s a wearable tribute to one of the most influential artists of her generation.
This sleek black tote bag puts Amy Winehouse’s iconic Back To Black era front and center, featuring screen-printed artwork and a quote drawn directly from Amy’s own diary. Made from 80% recycled cotton and 20% recycled polyester, it’s a functional and meaningful piece for any devoted fan.
This sleek black glass ornament pays tribute to one of the most iconic albums in modern music, featuring the Amy Winehouse logo on one side and the Back to Black logo on the other. A stylish nod to her enduring legacy, it’s a must-have for any devoted fan of her timeless sound.
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black: The Real Story Behind The Modern Classic [Blu-ray]
This revealing documentary goes behind the scenes of Back To Black, featuring previously unseen studio footage and new interviews with producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi that shed fresh light on Amy Winehouse’s extraordinary gifts as a singer and songwriter. Also included is An Intimate Evening In London, a never-before-seen recording of a private show Amy hosted in February 2008, making this an unmissable document of her legacy.
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black: The Real Story Behind The Modern Classic [Blu-ray]
This revealing documentary goes behind the scenes of Back To Black, featuring previously unseen studio footage and new interviews with producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi that shed fresh light on Amy Winehouse’s extraordinary gifts as a singer and songwriter. Also included is An Intimate Evening In London, a never-before-seen recording of a private show Amy hosted in February 2008, making this an unmissable document of her legacy.
This black crewneck celebrates Amy Winehouse’s iconic personal style, featuring screen-printed diary doodles on the front and her name across the back. Her signature is embroidered on the sleeve cuff, making it a wearable tribute to one of music’s most beloved and distinctive voices.
Channel Amy Winehouse’s iconic aesthetic with this classic black ringer tee featuring contrast piping and a screen-printed Back To Black graphic on the front. Made from 100% cotton, it’s a timeless piece for fans who want to wear their love for one of the most celebrated albums of its era.
As fans count down the days until CMA Fest, the Country Music Association has unveiled even more performers for the already star-studded lineup.
CMA Fest Runs June 4-7, 2026
Newly announced additions include Emily Ann Roberts, The Jack Wharff Band, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Laci Kaye Booth, Maggie Antone, Scoot Teasley, Vincent Mason, Willow Avalon, and Zach John King, all of whom will take the stage inside Nissan Stadium on the Platform Stage.
In addition, country favorites Clay Walker, Jo Dee Messina, Rhett Akins, and Sara Evans are set to open the nightly shows at Nissan Stadium, while Caylee Hammack will perform the national anthem on Thursday.
The crowd at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 8, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo Courtesy CMA
CMA Fest’s free daytime stages are also getting bigger, with a new wave of performers added to the lineup. CeCe will launch Thursday’s festivities at the Chevy Riverfront Stage with the national anthem. The Dr Pepper Amp Stage will spotlight Filmore on Friday and Gabriella Rose and Nappy Roots on Sunday.
Over at the Chevy Vibes Stage, MŌRIAH performs Thursday, followed by Love and Theft on Sunday. The Wrangler Remix Stage keeps the party going with Omer Netzer on Saturday and MORGXN on Sunday. Sunday morning will also bring the return of Cowboy Church, as Brandon Lake leads a high-energy, uplifting gathering at the Chevy Riverfront Stage.
Brandon Lake performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday, June 8, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo by Hunter Berry/CMA
Previously announced performers for the nightly shows at Nissan Stadium include Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top. Fans can view the full lineups for the remaining stages HERE.
Tickets
While the outdoor stages around downtown Nashville are free, there are a variety of paid options for the festival, including four-night stadium passes, single-night stadium tickets, VIP access to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage and Chevy Vibes Stage via Riverside Retreat, access to Fan Fair X, and VIP Packages. More info HERE.
Nissan Stadium during the 2025 CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo by John Russell/CMA
CMA Fest continues to make an impact on the community through its charitable efforts. A portion of proceeds from the event supports the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives nationwide. More information can be found at CMAfoundation.org.
As in years past, CMA Fest will once again be filmed for a nationally televised special set to air later this summer on ABC and Hulu. Robert Deaton will serve as executive producer and writer, with Alan Carter directing the broadcast.
