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‘The Madison’ Star Reveals He’s Not Returning for Season 2

There’s a major change coming to Season 2. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

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Carrie Underwood Shares Her Biggest Priority As A Mom During Appearance on ‘The View’

Carrie Underwood recently joined fellow American Idol judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for a conversation on The View to discuss the current season of the singing competition show. While sitting with the hosts, Underwood also touched what life looks like at home and how she keeps her two young boys grounded.

Abby Huntsman, a mother herself who guest hosted The View this week, asked the former Idol winner what rules she has around her household and if she would ever consider letting her kids do a version of a singing competition show at their ages of 11 and 7 years old.   

Without any hesitation, Underwood stated, “Home is home,” meaning she does not bring her work home with her and once she steps off stage or leaves the set, she immediately puts her mom hat back on.

“Being on stage and being at home, those are two different people pretty much. And I love that because they’ll come to shows and they’ll see me do what I do. And I feel that they’re proud, but then mom makes dinner,” she explained.

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan; Photo Courtesy of The View
Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan; Photo Courtesy of The View

The songstress went on to emphasize just how mundane her daily life looks like, noting she often finds herself covered in dirt while tending to the farm animals on her property. At the end of the day, Underwood emphasized how important it is for her to fully prioritize giving her kids a semi normal life.

“I hope more than anything, that’s what they take away from me. And that’s what they remember about me. She was mom and then every once in a while she’d go and get on stage.”

When the host then questioned whether her sons have developed the same level of passion for music as she has, the “Hate My Heart” singer admitted that both boys can sing but her oldest, Isaiah, is particularly drawn to it. Still, she’s hesitant to let him chase a career in the industry until he’s older and mature enough to handle the highs and lows.

“He’s mini me in so many ways,” she shared. “But I don’t think I would. He would need to be older and more established in himself and before I would give my blessing on getting into it.”

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, Abby Huntsman; Photo Courtesy of The View
Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, Abby Huntsman; Photo Courtesy of The View

Luke Bryan added his two cents, joking, “Here comes the momager.”

Underwood added that her protective approach has extended beyond her sons to any young hopeful they see auditioning for American Idol.

“I mean, we’ve had young hopefuls come on the show. They’re like 14 and I’m like, ‘I’m sorry, I look at you and I see my son and I’m going to have to say no because you’re good. And in like six years you’re going to be awesome and you’re going to be mature enough to be able to handle it.’”

While on The View, Bryan also got the chance to discuss his new music and upcoming Word on the Street Tour and Lionel Richie touched on his plans to return to the road this summer with Earth, Wind & Fire.

On Monday night, viewers saw the three judges along with the Top 20 contestants wrap up their time in Hawaii. Next week, they will kickstart the start of the live shows with even more epic performances, before the hopefuls learn their fate in the competition that is determined by America’s votes.

The post Carrie Underwood Shares Her Biggest Priority As A Mom During Appearance on ‘The View’ appeared first on Country Now.

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Tyler Nance On Bringing His Midwest Roots to Nashville on Debut Album ‘Midwest Memoir’

Rising country artist Tyler Nance is stepping into a major new life chapter, relocating from Missouri to Nashville to fully immerse himself in the music scene while introducing fans to his debut album, Midwest Memoir.

The 17-track project serves as a reflection of that transition, capturing the highs, uncertainties, and growth that come with leaving behind familiar roots to chase something bigger. With Midwest Memoir, the 22-year-old offers an unfiltered look at his journey so far through a a mix of solo-written tracks and co-writes, all of which he helped shape from start to finish.

He blends personal storytelling with a sound rooted in country, enlisting three artists in the genre to help bring it to life. The collection of songs features Jackson Dean on “Nothing’s What It Seems,” Karley Scott Collins on “Leave Me Alone” and The Castellows on his buzzed about breakout “Keeps Me Sane,” which is rapidly gaining traction, landing among the Top 50 most viral songs worldwide, and reaching the Top 40 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.  

Photo Courtesy of Tyler Nance
Photo Courtesy of Tyler Nance

With a growing fanbase fueled by this viral success and a string of standout releases that followed, Nance is proving he’s an artist with a story to tell. His love for music started early, thanks to the influences from his grandma, and upon reaching his early 20s, the guitar became a tool to navigate life’s challenges. Now, through his honest and vulnerable storytelling, he hopes fans find comfort and feel less alone during their own tough moments.

Country Now caught up with Tyler Nance during this year’s annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) to discuss his journey so far, from writing songs alone to finding his place in the Nashville community. He also dives into his just-released debut project, talks supporting Ian Munsick on his U.S. headline tour, and more.

What was your vision for your debut album, Midwest Memoir?

Well, the title track, “Midwest Memoir,” is I think super important to me. And it really helped us pick out the songs for the album and gave me a lot of stuff to write about and know what I wanted in the album… It was so hard to pick all of the tracks out. Just in the room with my team, “which ones do we want? Alright, it’s going to be 12 songs.” And then it turns out to be 17 songs.

Tyler Nance; Midwest Memoir
Tyler Nance; Midwest Memoir

You’ve officially made the move to Nashville and there’s a song on the project called “Ways Away” that touches on your transition from the Midwest to the sSouth. Can you talk about writing this one?

I have a song called “Ways Away” that pretty much says it perfectly. Yeah, I’m from Missouri, but I’m here in Nashville. This song basically talks about how I’m not going to let this town wash my Midwest ways away. So yeah, this song talks about sticking to your roots and being true to yourself and who you are. 

You have some fun collaborations on this project too, including the recent release, “Nothing’s What It Seems” featuring Jackson Dean. Why was he the right voice to have on this song?

He has an amazing voice and we were looking for songs to have collaborations on, and “Nothing’s What It Seems” came to mind. We were just talking about who we should have and Jackson came up and my team reached out to his team and we made it happen. He’s got an insane voice too and he’s got insane range. He can sing high and low. And yeah, he shows that in “Nothing’s What It Seems.”

Tyler Nance, Jackson Dean; Photo Courtesy of Tyler Nance
Tyler Nance, Jackson Dean; Photo Courtesy of Tyler Nance

What was the biggest adjustment for you going from writing solo to working with other artists in Nashville?

It was tough in the beginning because I was so used to writing songs by myself in a camper or just by myself. And whenever I first moved here to Nashville, it was tough getting used to that. But once I did and having other writers help me finish my thought instead of just canning an idea immediately, and also just being able to work with other artists, it’s kind of intimidating sometimes because they’ve been doing it so long and I’m still new. It’s like, well, just figuring out how, seeing how they do it and just a lot of learning I’ve been doing in the past year. 

“Keeps Me Sane” is one that really took off online. What has it been like to see it resonate so strongly with fans?

It’s insane. I was opening for Ian Munsick and I was the opener and my drummer was like in my in ears. He was like, “Dude, let’s do a callback.” And I’m like, “No, no.” He’s like, “Just do it, dude.” And I did, and there were so many people singing the song back. I’m like, “What the heck is going on? You guys aren’t supposed to know who I am.” But yeah, it just blows my mind to see people knowing these songs. I love it. 

What has it been like being out on the road with Ian Munsick?

He’s super humble and easy to talk to and he’s just a genuinely good dude. And I was just talking to him upstairs about how much we enjoyed performing, being on the same stage. He’s one of the best dudes I’ve met yet in this industry. 

Let’s take things back in time a bit. When did music become a prominent part in your life?

I was only a consumer until I was 19 and I picked up guitar. My grandma put me onto music whenever I was a little kid and I listened to all the old heads and so I was just, I would listen. I’d listen all the time and I’d just consume. And then finally, I was in a bad space whenever I picked up guitar and that was kind of my escape and I’ve just used it to get what’s off my mind because I tell people a lot, like I’m not a public speaker, I’m terrible at speaking in front of people. And so s my way to really express my feelings and get my point across was through music.

How old were you when you learned to play guitar and when did you really lean into the performing side?

I turned 20 and I started posting and I didn’t ever even want to do that. I was too nervous to, but I had a buddy that I worked on the road with and he’s like, “Man, you got to do this. You got to post it. People need to hear this. ” And I put it off and I said no so many times and I had a few beers one night and I was like, “You know what? I’m going to do it.” And then I got like 200 likes on a video and I was like, “Oh, this is huge.” Which 200 didn’t seem…Well, it wasn’t really that much, but I thought it was insane that 200 people liked what I had to say. 

Photo Courtesy of Tyler Nance
Photo Courtesy of Tyler Nance

Has it sunk in that you went from just posting online to now being a full-time artist in Nashville?

It does not feel real ever. It’s a dream really. And I’m living it and I’m super grateful for it and to have the opportunities that I have that not everybody gets, but I’m glad I have this and I’m able to use it positively. And yeah, I love it.

Lastly, is there anything about you that people should know that they don’t already?

I don’t know, maybe just dealing with what I said about the music and why I write, just dealing with that. It’s been something I’ve dealt with my whole life and it’s good to know that other people feel the same way and I’m not the only one. So people listen to my music and they’re like, “Oh, I’m not the only person.” And seeing people enjoy my music and telling me that, it kind of makes me feel good too. So yeah, something I’ve dealt with my whole life, but I’m glad I have a way to vent, and I have someone to listen to and that’s the people listening to my music.

Fans can keep up with Tyler Nance on Instagram.

The post Tyler Nance On Bringing His Midwest Roots to Nashville on Debut Album ‘Midwest Memoir’ appeared first on Country Now.

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‘Marshals’: Police Respond To Actor Claiming Nephew Was Murdered

Police have responded to actor Mo Brings Plenty’s claims that his nephew was murdered. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

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Awkward! Lainey Wilson Was Asked for a Backstage Pass at Her Show

Lainey had the best response for this guy! Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

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Awkward! Lainey Wilson Was Asked for a Backstage Pass at Her Show

Lainey had the best response for this guy! Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

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CMA Fest Reveals Epic Lineup for Free Outdoor Stages

CMA Fest is gearing up to take over downtown Nashville once again, and this year’s celebration is shaping up to be something country music lovers won’t want to miss. Set to take place Downtown Nashville, June 4-7, the long-running country music staple will bring fans from all over the world together for four packed days of live performances. Today, the Country Music Association reveals the lineup of artists set to perform across the festival’s free outdoor daytime stages.

While it’s already been announced that the nightly shows inside Nissan Stadium are stacked with some of the genre’s biggest names, the just-announced daytime lineup adds even more to the mix. The artists taking the stage inside the home of the Tennessee Titans 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. The Band Perry and Stephen Wilson Jr. will also deliver mid-field performances.

Tucker Wetmore; Photo Courtesy CMA
Tucker Wetmore; Photo Courtesy CMA

Across each of the following outdoor stages set up throughout the heart of Music City, fans will be able to catch a wide range of artists, from rising newcomers to established hitmakers showcasing their talent.

Chevy Riverfront Stage

The Chevy Riverfront Stage returns this year, serving as one of the festival’s main daytime hubs, featuring a steady stream of rising hitmakers such as Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Carter Faith, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Chayce Beckham, Cooper Alan, Dasha, Drew Baldridge, Dylan Marlowe, ERNEST, Ian Munsick, Josh Ross, Kaitlin Butts, Kameron Marlowe, Lauren Alaina, Mackenzie Carpenter, Maddox Batson, Marcus King, Max McNown, Midland, Molly Tuttle, Nate Smith, Priscilla Block, RaeLynn, Redferrin, Russell Dickerson, Shane Smith & The Saints, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tigirlily Gold, Tucker Wetmore, Ty Myers, Tyler Braden, Vincent Mason and Waylon Wyatt.

Dr Pepper Amp Stage

Over at Ascend Park, the Dr Pepper Amp Stage will spotlight a group of performers that span different areas of country music, including Angie K, Billy Dean, Blanco Brown, Canaan Smith, Cody Hibbard, Craig Campbell, Dave Fenley, Drake Milligan, Emily Ann Roberts, Erin Kinsey, Greylan James, The Jack Wharff Band, John Morgan, Kaylee Bell, Kaylee Rose, Kolby Cooper, Late Night Thoughts, Leanna Crawford, Melissa Etheridge, Noeline Hofmann,Pam Tillis, Pecos & the Rooftops, Shaylen, Travis Bolt, Travis Denning, Ty Herndon, Tyler Farr, Uncle Kracker, The War And Treaty and Willow Avalon.

CMA Fest 2026 Lineup
CMA Fest 2026 Lineup

Chevy Vibes Stage

Meanwhile, Walk of Fame Park will host the Chevy Vibes Stage, offering another full schedule of performances from Adrien Nunez, Alana Springsteen, Ashland Craft, Austin Snell, Bellah Mae, Caylee Hammack, Chase McDaniel, Colt Ford, Dax, Drake White, Frankie Ballard, Graham Barham, Hannah McFarland, Jade Eagleson, Karley Scott Collins, Kelsey Hart, Lanie Gardner, Lauren Watkins, Mack Geiger, Madeline Merlo, Mae Estes, Maggie Antone, Mark Wills, Melanie Dyer, Neal McCoy, Owen Riegling, Shane Profitt, Sister Hazel, Tayler Holder, Walker Montgomery and Willie Jones.

Good Molecules Reverb Stage

Just steps away, Bridgestone Plaza plans to continue its tradition of serving as a hotspot for up-and-coming talent taking over the Good Molecules Reverb Stage. This lineup features Abbey Cone, Alex Lambert, Alexandra Kay, Atlus, Ava Hall, Belle Frantz, Blake Proehl, Brad Cox, Bryan Andrews, Cassidy Daniels, Cody Lohden, Eli Winders, Elizabeth Nichols, Gareth, Jacob Hackworth, Jamie MacDonald, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Jenna Davis, John Foster, Julia Cole, Just Jayne, Kevin Powers, The Kruse Brothers, MaRynn Taylor, McCoy Moore, Myles Morgan, Preston Cooper, Scoot Teasley, Sophia Scott, Stella Lefty, Timmy McKeever, Trey Lewis, Tyce Delk, Tyler Nance, Wesko and Will Moseley.

Alexandra Kay; Photo Courtesy CMA
Alexandra Kay; Photo Courtesy CMA

Wrangler Remix Stage

But that’s not all because this year, CMA Fest is adding to the excitement with the brand-new Wrangler Remix Stage inside Fan Alley. This stage is set to offer fans yet another place to catch live music and experience fresh voices across the genre, including Alli Walker, Aniston Pate, Ashley Kutcher, Benny G, BODHI, Bottomland, Brooke Lee, Carson Wallace, CECE, Chancey Williams, Chandler Walters, Clayton Mullen, Cole Goodwin, Dalton Davis, Emily Nenni, Gannon Fremin & CCREV, Hayden Blount, Hayden Coffman, Highway Home, Hogslop String Band, Jake Banfield, Jay Webb, Kat Luna, Lil Man J, Lily Meola, Matt Cooper, Payton Smith, ROME from Sublime with Rome, SKEEZ, Sons of Habit, Sterling Elza, Trey Pendley, Tyla Rodrigues and The Wilder Blue.

Several different ticketing options are available for the 2026 CMA Fest, giving fans the chance curate the perfect experience for them all weekend long. Fans can choose from four-night passes or single-night tickets to the stadium shows, while upgraded packages offer perks like premium viewing areas, early entry, and exclusive amenities.

Fan Fair X will also return, giving attendees the opportunity to meet artists, shop exclusive merchandise, and enjoy indoor programming at Music City Center.

Ticketing options:

  • 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.

With hundreds of artists set to perform and countless moments and memories waiting ahead, CMA Fest is already proving why it remains one of the most anticipated events in country music each year.

In addition to all the music taking over the city throughout the duration of the four-day event, 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.

SoFi will also return as the official bank and presenting sponsor of CMA Fest, continuing its mission to connect music fans with tools and opportunities aimed at building financial independence. Fans attending the festival can explore exclusive SoFi member perks on-site and sign up for SoFi Plus for access to added benefits at SoFi.com/cmafest.

Just as it has in years past, CMA Fest will continue its tradition of be filmed for a national television special set to air later this summer on ABC and Hulu, with Robert Deaton serving as executive producer and writer, and Alan Carter directing.

The post CMA Fest Reveals Epic Lineup for Free Outdoor Stages appeared first on Country Now.

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Cody Johnson’s Daughters Plan to Keep His Name After Marriage

Cody Johnson shares a heartwarming glimpse into how fatherhood influences his music career, and it’s a journey filled with love and laughter. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

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Cody Johnson’s Daughters Plan to Keep His Name After Marriage

Cody Johnson shares a heartwarming glimpse into how fatherhood influences his music career, and it’s a journey filled with love and laughter. Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

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Inside Toby Keith + Tricia Lucus’ Four-Decade-Long Love Story

Keith wasn’t known for romantic love songs, but his real-life love story was one of the books. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country