Morgan Wallen has done a lot in country music over the last ten years. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
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Megan Moroney’s Cloud 9 era has quickly become more than just an album title. It has expanded into a full aesthetic of all things sparkly, dreamlike, and pink, giving fans plenty of inspiration to pull from as they put together their outfits for her massive 2026 headline tour.
The Cloud 9 Tour will be the Georgia native’s biggest and most ambitious trek yet, so you’re going to want to match that energy in your look. Kicking off May 29 and stretching through October 2026, the 43-date global run will feature stops in major arenas across North America, Europe, and the UK.
Picking out the perfect concert look is all part of the experience, but it can also be a difficult task. Luckily, Moroney’s own fashion sense has given fans the perfect blueprint for looks that feel trendy and concert-ready. From sequins and cowboy boots to flowy dresses and statement accessories, we’ve rounded up all the outfit inspiration you need to match the Cloud 9 aesthetic at any of her upcoming shows.
Up first is a soft, flirty look with a Western twist that features Pink Lily’s Dusk To Denim pink strapless denim romper as the base. This standout piece can be elevated with accessories like the brand’s Laurel Pink Scarf Charm Necklace and Tilly Clover Pink Stretch Bracelet as well as American Eagle’s Old Trend Studded Leather Belt. The look is tied together with the Mila Ivory Heart Cowboy Boots, which feel like they could’ve been pulled right out of Moroney’s own closet. Together, it’s a mix of pinks, denim, and country glam that’s made for a night under the bright stage lights.
This look offers more of a subtle and edgier take on the Cloud 9 aesthetic while still maintaining that soft country charm. The Bear Medium Wash Denim Top feels like something you’d throw on without overthinking but still looks well put together. That top paired with another Pink Lily staple, the Seaside Soiree Linen Blend Skort, shifts the outfit into a light, summery movement. To add a bolder twist, the Tess Leopard Cowboy boots are the perfect choice as they bring in just the right amount of personality without overpowering it. To finish it off, the Lulus Lilijana Dark Brown Woven Shoulder Bag ties everything together with an added layer of style.
It’s no secret that Moroney loves a bit of sparkle so why not bring that into your own concert look with Lulus Sandrea Pink Sequin High-Rise Micro Shorts. To keep things balanced, the Lucky You Orange Graphic Tee from Pink Lily adds a laid-back touch while also giving a subtle nod to Moroney’s Lucky album era. A pir of Lulus Precise Radiance Pink Rhinestone Drop Earrings doubles down on the sparkle while the Target Western Faux Suede Fringe Shoulder Bag adds even more pink, because there can never be too much. Complete the look with your favorite pair of boots.
With Moroney having her own line of merch at Target, it makes it easy to pull pieces straight from her world, like the Women’s Pink Cloud Bow Graphic Tank Top. This shirt gives off that soft, dreamy Cloud 9 energy while still feeling casual and wearable for a concert night. Lulus offers the perfect Alaire Ivory Denim High-Rise Mini Skirt to go with it, as well as a pair of Rhythm ‘N’ Blues White Leather Embossed Mid-Calf Western Boots to make it feel complete.
For the fans who want to rock a cute denim dress, Lulus has got you covered with the flattering Phoenix Dark Wash Basque Waist Mini Dress. Add a pink bow hair clip from Moroney’s Target collection for a playful pop of color and finish it off with a gold heart concho belt from Lulus. The result is an effortless outfit that’s gives you the freedom to dance along to the new album all night.
Megan Moroney will kickstart her tour on May 29 in Columbus, OH and May 30 in Indianapolis, IN. Hopefully, this list has provided plenty of inspiration to start planning the best concert looks ahead of the massive 2026 run.
The post What To Wear To Megan Moroney’s Cloud 9 Tour: Outfit Ideas For The Ultimate Concert Look appeared first on Country Now.
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In 2023, Maren Morris did an interview with the Los Angeles Times that would go on to spark years of misunderstandings about her relationship with country music. After continued comments and online conversations questioning her place in the genre, she felt it was time to once again clarify what she really said in that conversation.
This time, she took matters into her own hands and spoke her truth in a nearly seven-minute-long video shared across social media. Morris began by calling attention to one of the headlines that really made waves and has stirred up endless buzz: “Maren Morris is getting the hell out of country music: ‘I’ve said everything I can say.’”
“For years I’ve seen moments on my videos or articles posted about me that say, she said she hates country music. And it’s exhausting because I can’t reply to all of them and be like, cite your sources. A couple years ago I did an interview, and this was the headline,” she said pointing to the harsh statement. “As you can imagine, quite an inflammatory headline and I was not a fan of it. The probably editor of the publication slapped that on there because they’re like, ‘This is going to get a lot of clicks.’ But nowhere in the article do I say that I’m getting the hell out of country music.’”
Despite having “pretty thick skin,” the Texas native admits it’s hard not to feel defeated when her words continue to get taken out of context, causing her to have to clarify time and time again that she wasn’t talking about country music as a genre during that interview with the Los Angeles Times. Instead, she was discussing the truth behind the business side of the career.
She has come to learn that getting criticism thrown her way is all part of living in the limelight, but those outside opinions will never change the fact that country music is and always have been a huge part of her life.
“I love country music full stop. It’s my home. I grew up loving it in Texas, being so proud that so many of my country heroes are from that state. It made me want to be a songwriter. My dad bought me an acoustic guitar and I taught myself how to play and write songs in my bedroom as a kid. And then I moved to Nashville and made my dreams come true.”
She continues, “And look, you’ve got to be prepared for criticism to be in this. Even when I released ‘My Church,’ criticism was pretty early. It was calling me blasphemer. People were like, ‘She’s disrespecting religion with this song and the church’” And it’s literally just a song about me loving driving around in my car, listening to music. That’s my version of church.”
@marenmorris saturday yap
Still, that negativity has never stopped Morris from making the kind of music that she wants to make, especially when that involved her stepping beyond the confines of country music and experimenting with sounds of other genres.
“I always have from the jump of Hero, my first record and even to now, I’ve worked with a lot of different artists from other genres. I’ve been in The Highwomen. I’ve had the song ‘The Middle,’ it was my first sort of pop hit. I’ve kind of done everything in between, which is the fun part of this. And when people comment or see things or click bait, and that’s all they’re receiving from an article or whatever blog that’s repurposed in an interview where they’re not really showing my actual quotes, perception is a very real thing and it is wildfire.”
“I don’t even think it’s these people’s fault when they’re like, ‘She hates country music,’ because that’s what they’ve been fed,” she shared. “And I’m sure even this video now where I’m talking directly to you and not a publication will get repurposed and put onto every little blog and things will be taken out of context because there’s a bias and there’s also a demand for cliques, I think negative ones.”
The bottom line is that when Maren Morris opens up about her desire to want to be disconnected from country music, she’s referring to the business side of things. She has seen first-hand what it takes to “make it” in country music, having to “kiss the ring,” “always say thank you,” and turn a blind eye to certain things and she doesn’t want to be a part of that machine. Instead of conforming to this way of building a career, the “Dreamsicle” singer simply wants to “write songs and have fun and make this feel safer.”
“I think I even say in that article, when you love something, it’s okay to criticize it because you’re not doing it because you hate it. You’re doing that because you love it and you want to make it better. And I still have friends and program directors in country music that I talk to and understand where I’ve come from, but I also know that’s kind of a part of my life that it’s not a part of it anymore.”
No matter how many times Morris tries to clarify her words, people will still believe what they want to believe. But she encourages everyone to read beyond the stark headlines to find out what was really said before jumping to conclusions and writing harsh comments.
“I do love country music because it’s about storytelling and my heroes were truth tellers even when it was unpopular because country music should be for everybody. But the two sides of the coin with country music particularly is like, this is not just music. It is a way of life, which is a beautiful thing about it. But it is also like if you criticize any part of it, people will take offense because they’re like, ‘You’re not just criticizing music I like, you’re criticizing me.’ But I just want to clarify here, I was never talking about country music. I was talking really about the machine of the music industry, which is any artist will tell you more business than music at times.”
Maren Morris still resides in Nashville, she still loves to make music with her friends and that isn’t something she’s willing to give up anytime soon. She has already earned hits throughout her career and while she is incredibly grateful for that, she has no intention of slowing down. In fact, she hopes to continue making music for decades to come.
“I do think when you love something and I love country music, I do think you should be allowed to have a say in how to make it better and it’s not in a way that’s shitting all over it…I think even The Chicks from the jump we’re always trying to make this safer for everyone and sometimes that can be absolutely misconstrued, but yeah, it is what it is,” she concluded.
The post Maren Morris Pushes Back on Viral Misquote About ‘Leaving Country Music’ appeared first on Country Now.
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In less than a month, CMA Fest presented by SoFi will take over the heart of Nashville from Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7. With the four-day event just around the corner, the Country Music Association has announced the star-studded acts set to take over Fan Fair X inside Music City Center.
Attending Fan Fair X has been a longstanding tradition for so many country music fans. This experience gives them the unique opportunity to witness conversations with legendary acts, attend met and greets with rising stars, shop the indoor marketplace and see performances pop up all day long. Fan Fair X will once again run each day of the festival from 10:00 AM-5:30 PM and requires purchase of one of the various CMA Fest ticketing options available.
The excitement continues this year with the addition of exclusive Artist of the Day programming on the CMA Close Up Stage, featuring Russell Dickerson on Thursday, Carly Pearce on Friday, Shaboozey on Saturday, and Ashley McBryde closing things out on Sunday.
Beyond these stars, fans in attendance can hear conversations and/or appearances from Maddox Batson, Clint Black, Gretchen Wilson, Carter Faith and so many more.
CMA Close Up Stage programming:
Thursday, June 4:
- The Red Clay Strays on Amazon Music’s “Country Heat Weekly” Live
- Sound & Story: An Artist Exchange featuring Melissa Etheridge & Gretchen Wilson
- Behind the Hits featuring John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass and Parker Welling
Friday, June 5:
- Latino Trailblazers in Country with FILMORE, Andrea Vasquez and Alyssia Dominguez
- Country Central Presents: Charles Wesley Godwin, Willow Avalon, Wyatt Flores and Stella Lefty
- Crook & Chase: Legends & Friends with Clint Black
- Country & Rap: The Black Southern Roots of American Music with Waka Flocka and Nappy Roots
Saturday, June 6:
- 40 Years of Randy Travis: Exploring the Icon’s Legacy and Impact
- The Songwriters Behind Country’s Biggest Hits with Ashley Gorley and Shane McAnally
- Audacy Presents: Music You Should Know featuring Carter Faith, Warren Zeiders and Katie Neal
- The Last Take: Behind “On My Way to Heaven” Video with Tanya Tucker and Dennis Quaid
- The Listening Room: 20 Years of the Stories Behind the Songs: Drew Baldridge, Taylor Austin Dye and Emmett Stevens Jr.
Sunday, June 7:
- Maddox Batson on Amazon Music “Country Heat Weekly” Live
- Up Close With Brandon Lake
- Dreams Across Boarders: Making Nashville Home with Gareth, Owen Riegling and Kaylee Bell
- Unbridled: Women of Texas Country, From the Ground Up: Jenna Paulette, Kylie Frey and RaeLynn
Additionally, for the first time, Tractor Supply Company will be sponsoring the Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage, where a lineup of emerging acts will deliver live acoustic sets each day from 11:00 AM-5:20 PM in Music City Center.
Performers for this stage include Austin Mackay, Blue Ridge Band, The Boykinz, Bre Kennedy, Carlisle Wright, Dzaki Sukarno, Desiree Dawson, ERLAND, Faith Hopkins, Gabi Sklar, Gary Frost, Gloria Anderson, Hayley Payne, Jake Hoot, James Maslow, Jarrad Wrigley, Kaleb Sanders, Kelsey Lamb, Kelsi Mayne, Kingswood, Leah Blevins, Liam Price, Maddie Lenhart, Mike Parker, Mogan Griffiths, Noah James, Parker Graye, Rachael Fahim, Sacha, Sadie Bass, Sammy Arriaga, Shawnee Kish, Something Out West, Tori Darke, Tyler Rich, Zoe Jean Fowler and 2’Live Bre.
Fan Fair X is introducing a brand-new addition this year with the debut of the CMA Experience, an immersive space designed to give fans a closer look at the history and impact of the Country Music Association. The interactive installation will take attendees through the organization’s legacy with exhibits and storytelling centered around memorable moments, major achievements, and the awards that have helped define Country Music over the years.
Along with celebrating the genre’s history, the CMA Experience will also highlight the many ways the organization continues to support and connect the Country Music community through year-round initiatives. Overall, the space is meant to give fans a more personal and behind-the-scenes look at the artists, programs, and moments that have impacted the evolution of the genre.
Those looking forward to taking part in all that Fan Fair X has to offer can purchase tickets, which are available now at CMAfest.com/fanfairx. A Four-Day Pass is sold at $31.05 (including fees) while a Single-Day Pass is available for $13 per day.
Once inside, access to programming at the Close Up Stage will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning fans will want to arrive early to secure a spot. Attendees can also keep up with the latest meet-and-greet schedule through the Official CMA Connect App, where even more sessions are expected to be added throughout May.
With several different CMA Fest ticket options available, fans can choose the experience that fits them best, whether that means crossing the Cumberland River to attend nightly stadium shows or enjoying the festival’s free daytime performances.
CMA Fest Ticket options include:
- Four-Night Stadium Passes: Enjoy full access to all nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, including performances from Country Music’s biggest stars. Passes are on sale now.
- Single-Night Stadium Tickets: Get access to a superstar-packed night of performances at Nissan Stadium on the date of your choice. Single night tickets are on sale now.
- Riverside Retreat: Upgrade your experience with VIP access to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage and Chevy Vibes Stage offering exclusive amenities like shaded areas, mobile charging stations and air-conditioned restrooms. Plus, enjoy early entry to the Chevy Riverfront Stage and discounted beverages. Tickets are on sale now.
- Fan Fair X: Get up close with your favorite artists through exclusive meet-and-greets, shop one-of-a-kind festival merch and enjoy a variety of indoor activities at Music City Center. Tickets are on sale now, and more information on programming will be coming soon.
- VIP Packages: Experience CMA Fest like never before with a VIP Package! Enjoy premium seating, backstage access and exclusive hospitality all weekend long through Elevate Experiences, an Official Experiential Hospitality Provider of CMA Fest.
- Free Outdoor Stages: Catch hundreds of artists performing throughout downtown Nashville on multiple outdoor stages. These high-energy concerts are free to attend and showcase the best of Country Music, from emerging talent to well-established stars.
CMA Fest is once again a chance to give back as a portion of proceeds will benefit the CMA Foundation, supporting music education initiatives across the country.
The event is also set to be captured for a network television special airing on ABC on Thursday, June 25 at 8/7c, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
The post CMA Reveals Star-Studded 2026 Fan Fair X Lineup, Adds New Experiences appeared first on Country Now.
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![<a href="https://theboot.com/ixp/204/p/miranda-lambert-childhood-home-texas-sells-pictures/" target="_blank">Miranda Lambert’s Childhood Home Sold for $1.5 Million [PICS]</a>](https://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2026/03/attachment-mir.jpg?format=natural)
It’s different than you might have pictured. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
It’s different than you might have pictured. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Parker McCollum has a lot on his plate these days. Between his headlining tour, preparing to welcome his second child with wife Hallie Ray, and gearing up for ACM Awards weekend as both a nominee and performer, life is moving fast for the Texas native.
During a recent interview with Audacy’s Katie Neal, McCollum called in from home and opened up about everything currently happening in his world. With a little over three months until the arrival of their second son, he said he and Hallie Ray are trying to soak up every moment of being a family of three before life changes again.
“I think we’re going to try our best to enjoy these last three and a half months with just one and then we’ll gear up for the newborn stuff again. So pray for me,” he joked.
The couple’s second baby boy will join their son, Major Yancey Tyler McCollum, who was born on August 8, 2024. While preparing for their newest addition, McCollum admitted that picking out another strong name has become a challenge.
“We get some pretty funny heated arguments over it,” he admitted. “Every now and then we’re like, all right, we have time. Let’s not do this today.”
With a name like Major already setting the bar high, McCollum explained why finding the perfect fit matters so much to him.
“Well, I’m like, these are my boys. They’re going to take over everything that I build in this life. I’ll leave it to them. So name’s got to be good. They’ve got to have strong names.”
While preparing for another major milestone at home, McCollum is also celebrating one in his career. He heads into the 61st ACM Awards with a nomination for Album of the Year for his self-titled project, a recognition he says means more to him than any other accolade he’s received so far.
“It’s the greatest honor of my career so far,” he stated. “It’s my favorite record I’ve ever made. I’ve never been more proud of a collection of songs than I am this record that came out last year. So to be mentioned amongst so much fricking talent, so many crazy records and all the records that could have been nominated for this album to receive a nomination is mind-blowing.”
McCollum also shared that he hopes to cross paths with ACM Awards host Shania Twain during the festivities in Las Vegas, and maybe do a little gambling.
“I’ll play a little blackjack. I try to play some golf while I’m there, maybe the day after, but I play in Chicago the night before, so I’ll be coming in hot…So it’ll be quick, but we’re going to make the most of it.”
McCollum is also set to perform during the show alongside fellow Texan Lee Ann Womack. Additional performers include Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, Blake Shelton, and more.
Fans can watch the 61st ACM Awards streaming live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT from the world-renowned MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The post Parker McCollum Opens Up About Naming Second Baby Boy: ‘They’ve Got To Have Strong Names’ appeared first on Country Now.
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Note to self: Never get into a drinking contest with Jason Aldean. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Note to self: Never get into a drinking contest with Jason Aldean. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Johnson says there’s one big difference between six-month-old Jaycee today and his daughters when they were babies. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs