Country Gossip & Rumors

Three country music up-and-comers who are riding high on the ACM Award hog | Music City Minute

Goodness gracious, this year is flying by! It is wild to think that the ACM Awards are right around the corner, and while we are still about a week away, […]

23 hours ago

Jason Aldean admits he likes this one person more than bestie Luke Bryan | Music City Minute

In the entertainment business, it can be difficult to make true friends. Yet, from time to time, twin flames are drawn to each other, igniting a lifelong bond. With that […]

4 days ago

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABA...

In Music City, every night is a boot-scootin’ Saturday night! | Music City Minute

Typically, Wednesday nights are not very exciting. However, in Nashville, the middle of the week looks and sounds a lot different from most cities. For example, last hump day, five […]

6 days ago

Country music loses icon and outlaw | Music City Minute

When we hear the words Outlaw Country, the biggest characters that immediately come to mind are Johnny Cash, Waylon, Willie, Kris and Merle. However, there are a lot more artists […]

8 days ago

Willie Nelson: the man, myth, outlaw and legend – at 93, he is still truckin’ on | Music City Minute

If you were to crack open the dictionary and look up the word legend, you would see a full-page picture of Willie Nelson right next to the definition. This week, we celebrate Ole […]

11 days ago

Avery Anna receives surprise of a lifetime from Sam Barber | Music City Minute

Imagine you are performing in front of a packed house like you have done hundreds of times before. Yet, there is something different about this concert, and it’s about to get very emotional like it did for an up-and-coming artist […]

12 days ago

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 19: EDITORIAL USE ONLY Lainey Wilson accepts the Female Vocalist of...

Turns out Lainey Wilson has always been ‘hell on wheels!’ | Music City Minute

Do you know what I love about country artists? They are honest about their lives being similar to ours (aside from the global superstar thing). Yet, that is what is […]

13 days ago

Max McNown shares his musical passions and greatest influences | Music City Minute

Max McNown has come a long way from growing up in Bend, Oregon, busking on the San Clemente pier in California, then landing in Nashville, where he writes and records […]

14 days ago

Darius Rucker surprises fans with new venture outside of music | Music City Music

I have a confession in my not-so-distant past: I was obsessed with professional wrestling, which culminated in a peak fan moment of meeting Rey Mysterio Junior. If that seems like […]

20 days ago

Ella Langley’s fan club has two new high-profile members | Music City Minute

In country music, Ella Langley is the hottest thing on two wheels. On the heels of releasing her sophomore album, “Dandelion,” Langley admits she is still getting used to superstardom. […]

21 days ago

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 02: Morgan Wallen performs onstage for the 16th Annual Darius and Frien...

Country songs that have reached 1 billion streams | Music City Minute

While most of us have a basic grasp of mathematical concepts, it can be difficult to fathom the difference between 1 million and 1 billion. For instance, 1 million seconds […]

22 days ago

Eric Church pushes through pain to deliver pulse-pounding show for Jacksonville fans | Music City Minute

In show business, there are two important phrases artists live by: “break a leg” (meaning good luck) and “the show must go on.” That said, it would seem Eric Church […]

28 days ago

Jo Dee Messina opens up about weight loss, wellness and new music | Music City Minute

You may have heard artists, especially singers, refer to their body as their instrument, and as any good musician will tell you, it is important to take care of said […]

1 month ago

Mitchell Tenpenny expands his family | Music City Minute

In a world of doom scrolling and artificial intelligence, it feels like good news is hard to come by. However, for the second time this week, I found myself crying […]

1 month ago

Parker McCollum lands Hail Mary pass to young fan with cancer | Music City Minute

Similar to Batman, Parker McCollum received a distress signal and responded without hesitation. Recently, a woman named Alana opened about her 17-year-old son Kolton’s battle with an aggressive form of […]

1 month ago

Nashville + pro rodeo + country music = Music City rodeo and Grand Ole Opry takeover! | Music City Minute

Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire and Jelly Roll all agree that rodeo and country music go together like Vienna sausages and Cheese Whiz or 38-inch wheels and KC Lights on your […]

1 month ago

Tyler Nance | Performance Studio

In 98.5 KYGO’s Performance Studio, Tyler Nance performed “Shovel,” “Midwest Memoir” (the title track of the 17-song album he released March 20) and “Keeps Me Sane.” A rancher in the […]

1 month ago

Yes sir, it is always 5 o’clock somewhere! | Music City Minute

The influence of two major players in the country and rock genres will continue to inspire generations of fans, young and old, in the form of a festival. This year, […]

1 month ago

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 02: Carrie Underwood performs on ABC's "Good Morning America" at Rumsey...

Carrie Underwood: fame is for the adults, let the kids be kids | Music City Minute

Carrie Underwood has opened up about her personal life, specifically whether or not she would encourage her young sons Isaiah and Jacob to audition for a show such as “American […]

2 months ago

Sam Hunt’s career rides on a surprising number of studio albums | Music City Minute

When Sam Hunt burst onto the country music scene, he was primed and marketed as the next big thing. That said, he has certainly proved himself as a recording artist […]

2 months ago

Country Music Hall of Fame Class of 2026 confirmed | Music City Minute

Well, butter my backside and call me a biscuit – Tim McGraw is joining the Country Music Hall of Fame! The good news came down on Friday, March 20, with […]

2 months ago

Welcome back, Florida Georgia Line! | Music City Minute

Y’all, it has happened – the reunion we have been wishing, hoping, thinking and praying for since August 31, 2022. Just a few days ago, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard […]

2 months ago

Fresh batch of country tunes sweeter than a spring nectarine | Music City Minute

Spring is an enchanting time, and honestly, a second chance at a new beginning. Now, technically, the spring equinox does not occur until Friday, March 20, but it is never […]

2 months ago

Riley Green: ‘Well, this is going to be a fun story to tell in the emergency room…’ | Music City Minute

Since the dawn of creative expression, artists have been the target of some gnarly flying projectiles. Over the centuries, this behavior has been dubbed fan-mania, which is very different from […]

2 months ago

Colter Wall gives up ‘transcendent ramblin” in hopes of ‘corralling the blues’ | Music City Minute

One of my all-time favorite movies is called “The Rose,” starring Bette Midler, from 1979. Inspired and loosely based on the life of Janis Joplin, Midler’s character Mary Rose is […]

2 months ago

Sturgill Simpson evokes spirit of Johnny Blue Skies for new concept album | Music City Minute

In the music world, a concept album or song typically breaks from the cookie cutter commercial structure, allowing an artist more creative freedom. Oftentimes an artist will assume a character […]

2 months ago

Jelly Roll proves achieves a powerful (and rare) honor | Music City Minute

A modern-day “Man in Black” is now a bona fide member of the Grand Ole Opry. This week, friends Craig Morgan, Ernest and comedian Leanne Morgan were on-hand to celebrate […]

2 months ago

Aaron Watson has advice for Tucker Wetmore | Music City Minute

Not only is Tucker Wetmore musically talented, the 26-year-old is also properly fit and not afraid to shake his moneymaker on and off the stage. While there is no shortage […]

2 months ago

Kevin Powers | Performance Studio

Kevin Powers performed “Move On,” “Can’t Help Myself” and “When He Made You” during his KYGO Performance Studio visit. Powers – Boston, Mass., born and Raleigh, N.C., raised – began […]

2 months ago

Morgan Evans steps out shadows, reveals exciting new personal and professional era | Music City Minute

Here is a name we have not heard in a while: Morgan Evans. After he and Kelsea Ballerini finalized their very public divorce, the Aussie singer-songwriter felt the best way […]

2 months ago

Rascal Flatts and Ella Langley honor country music tradition with end-of-tour gift exchange | Music City Minute

In the immortal words of Geoffrey Chaucer, all good things must come to an end. Having said that, within the last month, Rascal Flatts, Eric Church and their support acts […]

2 months ago

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 09: Carrie Underwood attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft...

Carrie Underwood addresses ‘American Idol’ haters | Music City Minute

Carrie Underwood’s stint as a judge on “American Idol” has felt different this season. The one-time winner of the reality competition show seems a lot more comfortable sharing her true […]

2 months ago

Jelly Roll is a tough cookie, shares truth about current rehabilitation | Music City Minute

In the event you needed a country music artist to keep a secret, consider Jelly Roll your Huckleberry. That said, the “Need a Favor” singer has opened up about painful […]

2 months ago

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: (L-R) Rich Robinson and Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes perf...

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees that paved the way for modern country artists | Music City Minute

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed their nominees for the class of 2026. On the surface, we do not see nominees of obvious country influence like current […]

2 months ago

Saint Dolly Parton continues lifelong mission to leave the world better than how she found it | Music City Minute

Luke Bryan famously said, or sang, rather, “Most mamas ought to qualify for sainthood.” In truth, folks of all shapes, sizes and occupations routinely demonstrate goodwill worthy of veneration. My […]

2 months ago

Nashville’s people and places: here today, gone tomorrow | Music City Minute

Perpetual change throughout life’s ebb and flow is inescapable. Thankfully, two things always remain constant: time marching forward and a relatable country song. On that note, sweeping winds of change […]

3 months ago

Braxton Keith | Performance Studio

Braxton Keith sang “I Ain’t Tryin’,” “I Own This Bar” and “Cozy” in 98.5 KYGO’s Performance Studio prior to his January 15 concert at Mission Ballroom. “I Ain’t Tryin'” and […]

3 months ago

Dierks Bentley recruits legendary musician for epic passion project | Music City Minute

Well, well, well, look who is living their bluegrass dream! One of Colorado’s (favorite) adopted sons, Dierks Bentley, will be heading out on tour this summer with the legendary Ricky […]

3 months ago

Tim McGraw was on the verge of burnout until Faith Hill showed him a better life | Music City Minute

Music is a way of interpreting human experience. Whether it’s hiring a wino to decorate your house, your daddy giving you a funny name, waiting on a woman or describing […]

3 months ago

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 13: Singer Thomas Rhett performs onstage during the 2015 CMA Festival on June...

Thomas Rhett teases musical shift | Music City Minute

In a bustling music hub such as Nashville, artists are a dime a dozen. That said, a musically versatile artist would likely have more opportunities than the one-trick pony. Over […]

3 months ago

Move over boys, Ella Langley is cookin’ (and it ain’t biscuits)! | Music City Minute

Country music has evolved significantly over the decades, yet male dominance in the format has stayed the same. Legendary female artists like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba, The Judds, Shania […]

3 months ago

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 16: Carrie Underwood receives CMT Artist of the Year award during a remot...

Gotcha! Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley left Carrie Underwood in hysterics on ‘American Idol’ | Music City Minute

Country music artists have a lot of pride in their work. Viral songs, award winning albums and touring the world are a reflection of their dedication and spirit, after all. […]

3 months ago

Jelly Roll gives away Grammy Award for very important reason | Music City Minute

As a society, we have come to expect compelling backstories for high-achieving individuals. Specifically, in pop culture, hallmarks of an artist’s lore are a key part of their identity – […]

3 months ago

Luke Combs: nearly destitute, this one early career move changed his entire life | Music City Minute

Have you heard the story about the starving artist on the verge of desperation and down to their last few bucks who then catch their big break? It is a […]

3 months ago

Ella Langley charts epic course this year, Kameron and Dylan = Brothers Marlowe? | Music City Minute

Ella Langley has revealed big plans for 2026. The Alabama Honky-Tonk angel will be dropping her brand new album “Dandelion” on April 10. A few short weeks after that, the […]

3 months ago

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 19: EDITORIAL USE ONLY Zach Top performs onstage during the 59th An...

68th Grammy Awards: biggest wins in country music | Music City Minute

Music is a uniquely powerful force that transcends human constructs such as age, nationality, tax bracket and even time, allowing us to connect and unite physically and spiritually. That said, […]

3 months ago

HARDY, Tim McGraw, Eric Church and Morgan Wallen become family for massive new collaboration | Music City Minute

For at least a week, Tim McGraw, Eric Church and HARDY have been dropping clues and Easter eggs on their social media (a la Taylor Swift) leading up to their […]

3 months ago

Kenny Chesney is a legend, yet he retains strong feelings over industry slight | Music City Minute

Kenny Chesney has sold millions of records, rocked millions of faces at stadiums around the world and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. You would think […]

3 months ago

Carrie Underwood trades in her Bugatti-paced lifestyle for a slower, Sunday-drive-in-a-truck vibe | Music City Minute

Professional entertainers such as Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie are constantly on the move. For example, in the music business, when artists are not writing and recording an […]

3 months ago

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)...

Grand Ole Opry forced to cancel legendary live show, Jason Aldean fans let down | Music City Minute

Winter has finally arrived in the Mile High City. While many folks braved the cold to either watch football or visit the National Western Complex for the final weekend of […]

3 months ago

Kelsea Ballerini’s heartbreaking goodbye to best friend | Music City Minute

I admit, when I woke up this morning, I did not think I would end up ugly crying at work, but here we are. Most Kelsea Ballerini fans are familiar […]

4 months ago

Joshua Ray Walker makes Texas-sized commitment, receives ‘atta-boy’ from Jelly Roll! | Music City Minute

Joshua Ray Walker is an incredibly talented artist from Texas. Unfortunately, the last few years have been a personal roller coaster ride for the 32-year-old. Back in 2023, he was […]

4 months ago

Zack Bryan and Samantha Leonard, cheers to happily ever after! | Music City Minute

Zach Bryan is kicking off 2026 with a bang, or rather, the ring of wedding bells. The “Pink Skies” singer has apparently tied the knot with his current squeeze, Samantha […]

4 months ago

2026 National Western Stock Show starts Saturday

Celebrating its 120th anniversary, the National Western Stock Show presented by CommonSpirit Health starts this Saturday, January 10, and runs through January 25. Bringing together rodeos, livestock shows, western art, […]

4 months ago

Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard from Florida Georgia Line...

Florida Georgia Line: truth behind breakup revealed | Music City Minute

Three years ago, Florida Georgia Line’s “indefinite hiatus” sent shockwaves throughout country music. Rumors about the breakup permeated the Nashville air like mash boiling in a still. Tyler Hubbard and […]

5 months ago

Riley Green to make acting debut, Hardy family gearing up for daughter’s first Christmas | Music City Minute

Riley Green has plenty of experience performing in front of a camera. Some of the projects he has been involved with include but are not limited to award shows, music […]

5 months ago

Chris Young and Jelly Roll air out their dirty laundry…literally | Music City Minute

Ah, the holidays. A time of year filled with merriment, empty calories and family bonding…over your (college age) child’s dirty laundry…not the metaphorical kind. Speaking on this very specific topic, […]

5 months ago

Ring in the New Year with your favorite stars across the country music universe! | Music City Minute

For generations, New York City and Times Square have been the location to ring in the New Year. However, for folks looking for a different vibe, Music City has become […]

5 months ago

PRCA Rodeo and country music collide for a new Nashville tradition | Music City Minute

Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire and Jelly Roll all agree rodeo and country music go together like peas and carrots or straight pipes on diesel trucks. In fact, I can think […]

5 months ago

The King of Country Music receives top honor in Washington D.C. | Music City Minute

Over the weekend, artists, across several disciplines, gathered in the oval office where they were recognized as Kennedy Center Honorees. During a speech preceding the medallion ceremony, the President called […]

5 months ago

Niko Moon and wife celebrate their latest collaboration, country stars lend their voices for an important cause | Music City Minute

The Happy Cowboy, Niko Moon and his wife, Anna, have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season, exclusively sharing with “People” magazine their family is expanding. The songwriting […]

5 months ago

Zach Top’s perplexing pedigree just got more interesting | Music City Minute

Ever since Zach Top hit the music scene, there has been a lot of speculation about his relatives. For example, one popular rumor claims that his dad is Alan Jackson. […]

5 months ago

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 01: Garth Brooks performs onstage for Loretta Lynn: An All-Star Birthday Cele...

Garth Brooks releases new anthology just in time for Christmas, Reba McEntire has no time for gossipmongers | Music City Minute

What do you get the ultimate Garth Brooks fan in your family for Christmas? I have the answer for you, his latest book and CD combination. “The Anthology, Part VI: […]

5 months ago

Tracy Lawrence In Concert - Nashville, TN...

Tracy Lawrence found out who his friends are following unexpected loss | Music City Minute

Tracy Lawrence was gearing up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his Mission: Possible Turkey Fry and Concert. However, he and his team were left devastated when one of the refrigerated trucks […]

5 months ago

Cody Johnson’s gruesome eardrum injury: finding gratitude in the pain and anguish of recovery | Music City Minute

There is no denying Cody Johnson is tough as nails. Before hitting it big and country music, Johnson was a professional bull rider and prison guard. However, even those experiences […]

5 months ago

Country music comes to town – who will rock the Mile High City in 2026? | Music City Minute

As 2025 winds down, several major country stars are giving their fans a lot to look forward to in the New Year. Your boots and cowboy hat will be clocking […]