In a new interview with People, Megan Moroney revealed that she is currently working on new music, and expressed her desire to collaborate with Olivia Rodrigo. "I am definitely in the studio working on the next album," says the 27-year-old country star. "I'm giving myself a few more months to write some more songs, but it feels lighter and a little more carefree than my other albums." Moroney is also exploring different sounds on her new project. “I'm excited to be experimenting, even though I got the same producer and I'm working with a lot of the same songwriters," she says. "It's just been fun to be like, 'Okay, what have we not really done yet, and what's still on brand, but new and fresh?" But she insists that the new songs are “more me than ever." Moroney also admits that Olivia Rodrigo is at the top of her list of dream collaborators, adding, "I would imagine that [our song] would lean sad and angry. I think we would crush an idea like that." (People)

On Thursday (June 12), Tyler Childers announced the details of his new album, Snipe Hunter, which is produced by music legend Rick Rubin, and will be released on July 25th. The alt-country star also released the lead single from the project, “Nose on the Grindstone,” along with a James Mackel-directed music video. This marks Childers’ eighth studio album, and follows his successful 2023 release, Rustin’ in the Rain, which peaked at No. 10 on the all-genre Billboard 200, and featured the Grammy-nominated single, "In Your Love,” which was the singer's first Top 10 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart. The personal and reflective “Nose on the Grindstone” has been a fan-favorite since Childers first began performing it live in 2017. He will support Snipe Hunter with a series of festival appearances and headlining dates throughout the U.S. this summer and fall, including performances at the iconic Hollywood Bowl and a two-night stand at Nashville’s GEODIS Park on October 10-11. (Consequence of Sound)

Zach Bryan has released a new version of his 2024 song, “Memphis; The Blues,” featuring keyboard player J.R. Carroll. The updated rendition replaces John Moreland’s original feature on the track, following an online war of words between Bryan and Moreland. “‘Memphis; The Blues’ is back out with @jrvcarroll,” Bryan wrote on Instagram. “Promise is a promise. Honored to have done this with one of my best friends in the world. Catch us belting this in Europe and across the states all summer.” The dispute arose after Bryan reportedly sold his publishing rights and re-upped his record deal with Warner for $350 million, leading Moreland to express his disapproval on social media, writing “$350 M is a lot to pay for the f—in’ off-brand version of me.” Bryan responded, “Just saw this from an artist I’ve always respected and supported. Not trying to be dramatic but refuse to have anyone with a problem with me on my records. Replacing ‘Memphis the Blues.’” He subsequently removed the Moreland collaboration from streaming platforms, and now has replaced it with the new version featuring Carroll. (Billboard)

The 2025 Grammy Awards featured Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter winning both Album of the Year and Best Country Album. The Recording Academy has just announced new changes for the 2026 Grammys, including the introduction of a new category, Best Contemporary Country Album, while Best Traditional Country Album will now replace the previous Best Country Album category. The Traditional Country Album category will include “country recordings that adhere to the more traditional sound structures of the country genre, as well as traditional country instrumentation.”

While the Best Contemporary Country Album will “recognize country music that remains reminiscent and relevant to the legacy of country music’s culture, while also engaging in more contemporary music forms,” featuring entries that “create a sensibility that reflects the broad spectrum of contemporary country style and culture.” “It’s so important that our rules and guidelines are fair and equitable for musicians of all crafts and varying expertise, and that the Grammy Awards truly reflect and honor the full spectrum of music creators,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement. The 2026 Grammy Awards are set for February 1, 2026. (Rolling Stone)

During her recent guest appearance on Taste of Country Nights, Ella Langley revealed a comprehensive list of her backstage must-have snacks and drinks. The country star said her preferences include, "Cheeze-Its, Heath Bars, Smart Water, Red Bull, tequila, whiskey, for sure — I drink tequila and my band drinks whiskey." Langley then admitted that she does dip into the whiskey on occasion, adding "Sometimes if I feel a little under the weather, I'll take a shot of whiskey." When host Evan Paul praised Langley on her Heath Bar selection, the singer enthused, “You ever had one out of the freezer? Oh my God, I can eat ten of them things, like the mini ones, they're the perfect size." Following her breakout success at the 2025 ACM Awards, where she took home five awards, Langley is currently on her Still Hungover Tour, and is set to join Riley Green on his Damn Country Music Tour, and play some high-profile opening dates on Morgan Wallen's upcoming I'm the Problem Tour. (Taste of Country)

On Wednesday (June 11), Dolly Parton launched her second collaboration Kendra Scott’s Austin, Texas-based jewelry brand, which draws inspiration from the country music icon’s beloved 1974 hit, "I Will Always Love You." The 10 new styles that are part of the ‘I Will Always Love You Collection’ reflect the 79-year-old singer's legacy and signature fashion sense, embodying motifs such as butterflies, hearts, and florals. The collection is described as "a celebration of music, fashion, and female empowerment," and offers a range of items, including sculpted statement necklaces and sentimental accessories like heart lockets and butterfly bezel earrings. The duo’s collaboration will also bring “books, inspiration and joy to children across the country" through Kendra Scott Foundation’s Yellow Library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The jewelry collection ranges in price between $70 to $198, and is now available for purchase both in stores and online. (People)

During a recent appearance on the Big D and Bubba Show, Riley Green addressed the uproar caused by his decision to shave his iconic mustache. The country star confessed that he hadn't realized the impact it would have, joking about the privileges and respect the mustache had afforded him. “Every year in the summer, I shave,” Green revealed. “I like to get a little sun on my face. I didn't realise that this year I was the mustache guy, you know? It was a big deal.” Following the unveiling of his clean-shaven face, social media erupted as fans mourned the loss of his fashionable trademark, but Green good-naturedly acknowledged the teasing while poking fun at himself. “I saw somebody say I went “from ‘Tombstone’ to finance,” Green joked. The lighthearted interview concluded with the hosts making playful references to his dating life, even getting Green to shave one of the show’s producers. (Holler)

On June 4, Billboard's annual Country Power Players Awards ceremony was held at Category 10 in downtown Nashville, which celebrated the top executives, rising artists, and impact makers in country music. The event was hosted by Reyna Roberts, and featured an opening performance by Latin artist Carín León. A host of country superstars were on hand to present and receive awards, including Ronnie Dunn presenting Riley Green with the Groundbreaker Award, Shaboozey giving BigXthaPlug the Innovator Award, and Lainey Wilson honoring Ella Langley with the Rising Star Award. Songwriters Hall of Fame member Liz Rose presented Little Big Town with the inaugural Ben Vaughn Song Champion Award, named after the late Warner Chappell Nashville leader, who passed away earlier this year. Little Big Town then paid tribute to Vaughn with a moving performance of “Rich Man.” Stacy Vee was honored as Executive of the Year during a surprise appearance by Garth Brooks, who recognized her work on the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, while Music Health Alliance founder Tatum Allsep received the Impact Award from Brothers Osborne. (Billboard)

Megan Moroney is once again teaming up with Boys Lie for a stylish new capsule collection, marking the country star’s second collaboration with the streetwear brand following the success of their initial partnership in 2024. "We were kind of begging to do a second one, too, just because we know how much people from our customer base wanted to get another [one],” said Boys Lie co-founder Leah O’Malley. The collection is again inspired by Moroney's 2024 album, Am I Okay?, and features new patterns and textures, including a pale blue camo theme. The matching set includes white tank tops, T-shirts, and knit shorts emblazoned with lyrics from Moroney's tracks, as well as a crewneck sweatshirt with her name on the front. Designed with input from both Moroney and the Boys Lie team, the collection is set to launch on Tuesday (June 17), and marks a perfect creative partnership between the fashion brand and the ACM Award-winning singer. (People)

Hudson Westbrook was pleasantly surprised during his Chevy Riverfront Stage performance at CMA Fest 2025 on Thursday (June 5), when his label-mate Austin Snell extended the rising country star an invitation to make his Grand Ole Opry debut. “I'm not trying to ruin your show or nothing, but I'm here to sing your praises a little bit right now,” Snell said as he briefly interrupted Westbrook’s set. “Have you ever heard of the Grand Ole Opry? So on behalf of the Grand Ole Opry and all these people out here today, we would like to invite you to make your debut on July 22nd. Let's go!” Westbrook will step inside the Opry’s circle alongside fellow performers Henry Cho and Tigirlily Gold. The momentous occasion will take place days before the release of Westbrook’s debut album, Texas Forever, on Friday (July 25). During his CMA Fest set, Westbrook delighted fans with a spirited cover of Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me," alongside crowd favorites like "House Again," "Sober," and "Weatherman." (Holler)

On Tuesday morning (June 10), the Americana Music Association announced the nominees for the 2025 Americana Honors & Awards, with MJ Lenderman leading all of this year’s nominees with three nominations, followed by Charley Crockett, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings with two nods each. The nominations were announced with a video posted on social media, featuring past winners like Brandi Carlile and Kacey Musgraves revealing the nominees. Lenderman is up for Album, Song, and Emerging Artist Of The Year, marking a critical breakthrough for the singer-songwriter with his recent album, Manning Fireworks. Notable returning nominees include Sierra Ferrell, who is up for Artist of the Year, and Crockett, who received an Album of the Year nod for Lonesome Drifter, as well as Artist of the Year, while acts like Jason Isbell, Billy Strings, and Larkin Poe also received nods. The awards ceremony will take place at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on September 10, during the annual AmericanaFest conference. (Variety)

On Tuesday (June 10), Margo Price announced the details of her upcoming album, Hard Headed Woman, which will be released on August 29 via Loma Vista Recordings. The country star also shared the lead single, "Don't Let the Bastards Get You Down," which features an Ian Blair-directed music video shot at a variety of hotspots around Nashville including Electric Hand Tattoo and Skinny Dennis. The honky-tonk driven new song was co-written by Price’s husband, Jeremy Ivey, and country royalty Rodney Crowell and the late Kris Kristofferson. The record was produced by Matt Ross-Spang, and includes duets with Tyler Childers and Jesse Welles. This marks Price's first full-length album recorded in Nashville, where she has lived for over twenty years. She describes the record as “a manifesto, a tribute to both a city and a genre, a defiant cry for individuality, and a deep exploration of America.” Price has a series of opening dates for Mumford & Sons in July, along with festival appearances scheduled throughout the year. (Consequence of Sound)

Faith Hill made her first major public appearance in months at CMA Fest 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday (June 6). The country music icon was attending the event with her 23-year-old daughter, Audrey McGraw, who is an aspiring singer. Hill was seen chatting with fellow artists including Rita Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Shaboozey, and Jelly Roll, showing her support for the music community even though she wasn’t performing during the festival. The 57-year-old Hill has kept a low profile in recent years. Her last album was 2017’s The Rest of Our Life, a collaborative project with her husband, Tim McGraw, whom she married in 1996. Hill also starred in the Yellowstone prequel 1883 alongside McGraw in 2022. In April, the couple showed their support for their daughter, Gracie, by attending her debut performance of The Great War & The Great Gatsby at Carnegie Hall in New York City. (People)

Dan + Shay, John Stamos, Aaron Dessner, Alan Menken, Nile Rogers, and Living Colour are among the performers and presenters announced for the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner. The gala will be held on Thursday (June 12) at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Dan + Shay have ties to major country hits from one of the night’s honorees, Ashley Gorley, while Stamos has performed with another honoree, Mike Love of The Beach Boys. Dessner is a frequent collaborator and producer for Gracie Abrams, who is set to receive Hal David Starlight Award during the ceremony,  while Menken has often collaborated with Stephen Schwartz, who is set to receive the Johnny Mercer Award. Additionally, the involvement of children of honorees, like Ashley’s daughter Sadie Gorley, and Rodney Jerkins’ kids Heavenly, Hannah Joy and Rodney Jerkins Jr., will add a personal touch to the star-studded evening. (Billboard)

On Monday (June 9), Zach Top took to Instagram to finally announce the details of his long-teased upcoming album, Ain't In It For My Health, which is set to be released on August 29. “The subtle hints and cryptic announcements are over,” Top captioned his post, which also featured the cover art of his just-released new single. “Your new favorite summer banger, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” is out now! And if that’s not enough, my second record, ‘Ain’t In It For My Health,’ will be out 8/29.” Top surprise released his new single, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” after making his main-stage Nissan Stadium debut at CMA Fest 2025 over the weekend. Top also has been teasing another new single, “Flip Flop,” which continues the laid back, easygoing country vibes of his Jimmy Buffett-inspired 2023 single, “Busy Doin’ Nothin.’” Fans can pre-order and pre-save Ain’t In It For My Health starting on June 13. (Holler)

Country singer Conner Smith was involved in a fatal car accident on Sunday (June 8), allegedly hitting and killing 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins as she crossed a marked crosswalk in Nashville. The tragedy occurred on the last day of the CMA Fest 2025. Police say that there were no signs of impairment by Smith, and attribute the crash to his failure to yield to the pedestrian. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, with no charges filed at present. Smith's attorney states he is fully cooperating with authorities, and that the 24-year-old singer expresses his condolences to the victim's family. Smith was born and raised in Nashville, and released his 2024 debut album, Smoky Mountains, on Big Machine Records’ Valory label. He has previously opened for Luke Bryan on tour, and was nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards. (People)

Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” claims a second straight week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, one week after it became the Carlsbad, California singer-songwriter’s first ever leader on the chart. The rest of the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 includes a trio of Morgan Wallen songs, as his former chart-topping single, “What I Want,” featuring Tate McRae, holds firm at No. 2, “Just in Case” sticks at No. 3, and the title track to the country superstar’s Billboard 200 No. 1 album, “I’m the Problem,” drops a spot to No. 5. Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” moves up one slot to No. 4, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” holds at No. 6, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” stays at No. 7, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” keeps at No. 8. Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” moves up one spot to No. 9, while Drake’s “Nokia” slides down one slot to No. 10. (Billboard)

On Friday (June 6), Ruston Kelly announced the details of his upcoming fourth studio album, Pale, Through the Window, which is set to be released on September 12. The country singer also shared the record’s heartfelt second single, "Wayside," along with a music video by Running Bear Films. “This album feels like a return to the truest, purest, most complete version of who I am as an artist and a human being,” Kelly said in a press release. “I wanted to write about joy in a way that was still honest and complicated, because that’s what real joy is — it carries everything that came before it.” Kelly also unveiled a set of North American tour dates for 2025-2026, with the first leg kicking off on October 2 in Minneapolis and concluding on October 24th in Charleston. The second leg launches on January 15 in Asheville, and finishes on February 8 in Phoenix. Pre-sale tickets are available on Tuesday (June 10), while general on-sale starts on Friday (June 13). (Consequence of Sound)

Eric Church revealed in a Rolling Stone interview that he was inadvertently dragged into Taylor Swift's lengthy legal battle over a lyric from her 2014 hit, "Shake It Off." “In her deposition, when [talking about the line] ‘players gonna play, haters gonna hate,’ she says, ‘The first time I heard that phrase was in Eric Church’s song ‘The Outsiders,”” Church disclosed. “She was saying she never heard it on the [original song], which is what they were suing her for. And two weeks later, I got served by the people that were suing her!” Church recalls that he exchanged texts with Swift about the experience, “I was like, ‘Hey, thanks. Next time, let’s just skip that part?’ And she sent me a text: ‘I’m sorry. It’s the truth, though. That’s when I first heard that phrase.'” Swift’s lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed in late 2022, while Church went on to share that his own case has “since been settled. But I was like, ‘How did this even happen?'” (Rolling Stone)

Jelly Roll took to Instagram on Thursday (June 5) to express his deep gratitude to Post Malone for asking him to be a part of The Big Ass Stadium Tour. “Being on this tour with you has been unreal. I have never had more fun in my life,” Jelly wrote. “I am honored to be opening up for you every night, I’m honored to call you brother and blessed to watch you perform every night. Thank you for the opportunity, I don’t take it for granted so I laugh, dance and sing from the soul every night.” Jelly will continue to serve as the opening act on Post’s tour until July 1, when the jaunt finishes up at San Francisco’s Oracle Park, with Malone heading to Europe for a series of summer music festivals and Jelly playing fests throughout North America. The duo are set to reunite for the European leg of The Big Ass Stadium Tour which kicks off in Paris on September 3. (Rolling Stone)