Lainey Wilson scores her first ever Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart for her fifth studio album, Whirlwind, and also racked up her best sales week ever in the process. Whirlwind debuts at No. 3 with 34,000 copies sold in the U.S. in the week. Wilson’s new album is the follow-up to her breakthrough, Bell Bottom Country, which was the country star’s only other charting record on Top Album Sales, peaking at No. 15 back in November 2022. Whirlwind also debuted in the top 10 across an array of Billboard charts, including the Billboard 200 (No. 8), Top Country Albums (No. 3), Independent Albums (No. 1), Vinyl Albums (No. 3), and Indie Store Album Sales (No. 10).

“I’ve been trying to sit down for a while now and talk about what this record means to me but the truth is I feel like this record says it all,” Wilson said on Instagram. “I’ve grown so much in the past few years and I have such a different view of love and life and loss. The highs and lows of the whirlwind have taught me a lot about what’s important and how to never give up on trying to find your inner peace.” (Billboard)

During a recent episode of Nova 96.9's Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie in Sydney, Australia, Keith Urban was busy praising Miley Cyrus when he paid the Grammy-winning singer a strange compliment. Urban had just performed a cover of Cyrus’ hit song, “Flowers,” on the show, and the 56-year-old country superstar then gushed about how he has "always loved Miley,” before going on to say this about her. "I love that voice, man, that voice. She sounds like an ashtray. And I mean that as a compliment. She sounds like the carpet at the RSL!” Later in the interview, Urban discussed the authenticity of some new country artists currently flourishing in Nashville. "It's a funny thing because you still need the support of the system in Nashville,” Urban said. “And if you go about it the right way, like Post [Malone] did, you'll see the love.” (People)

The 2025 Stagecoach Festival is set to take place from April 25-27 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, with headliners Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Zach Bryan. This will be the first time that Bryan and Jelly Roll will headline the main stage, while Combs will headline for the first time since 2022. Lana Del Rey is also featured on the lineup, and she famously joined Paul Cauthen at this year’s festival for a duet of “Unchained Melody.” LDR might even perform songs from her forthcoming country album, Lasso, at the fest.

The rest of the lineup features an eclectic mix of acts like Shaboozey, Sturgill Simpson, Backstreet Boys, Nelly, Creed, T-Pain, Brothers Osborne, Midland, and Sammy Hagar. “Last year I got to play Stagecoach for the first time and it was incredible,” Jelly Roll said in a statement. “And I didn’t just get to play. I got to hang out as a fan of artists I love and take my daughter to see some of the best entertainers in our format. Coming back to headline Stagecoach this year is a dream-but I’ll be attending as a fan this year as well, so get ready. See you in April.” (Billboard)

On Thursday (September 5), Blake Shelton announced the dates for his upcoming Friends & Heroes Tour 2025. The 12-date run will feature dates throughout North America, and include special guests Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and The Voice alum Emily Ann Roberts. Shelton made the announcement with a clever Instagram video, featuring a car with an old-school tape deck playing snippets of songs from this year’s lineup.

Shelton enthusiastically captioned the post, “Friends & Heroes 2025!!!!! I'm so excited to be bringing back the Friends & Heroes Tour next year… this is one of my favorite tours and I can't wait for y'all to see what we've got up our sleeves!!! There's going to be special appearances by @cmorganmusic, @deanatunes, and @traceadkins, with @emilyann_music opening the show. Y'all are not going to want to miss it!!!” Tickets go on sale on Friday, September 13 at 10 a.m. ET, with pre-sale access available at blakeshelton.com. (People)

49 Winchester just released their new album, Escape The Holler, last month, and the Appalachian country sextet is currently touring the U.S. in support of the record. Opening for Tyler Childers this past spring showed the band just how big their star could rise, and how easily their rousing sound transfers to larger venues. “Those two nights at Bridgestone [Arena] were incredible. That was a big one,” the band’s frontman Isaac Gibson says of supporting Childers in Nashville back in April. “It’s something we worked really hard for and pretty tirelessly for a decade to get to where we are today. It wasn’t something that happened overnight.” On Thursday (September 5) the group launched their own headlining tour in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Rolling Stone)

Morgan Wade released her new album, Obsessed, on August 16. But the songs didn’t start out as something meant for a record. "As long as I can remember it was me writing songs for myself and that is what this was," Wade disclosed. “I didn't know what I was doing with these songs. I just know I was writing, and I was bringing songs from the past back to life.” One of those songs is a powerful collaboration with Kesha on “Walked on Water,” which Wade says is about “a killing of the ego.”

Wade had been a fan of Kesha’s since she was 15, and has tried to work with her for years. Finally, they were introduced in Los Angeles through a mutual friend, and Wade said the collaboration came naturally. "We just met and sat on the beach," she said. "Then we went to the studio that night. She sang the second verse of 'Walk on Water' and I was like, 'I cannot believe this is actually happening.' She is just such a powerhouse. The fact that she would come sing on something of mine in this new time for her, I was super honored." (People)

During a new episode of Theo Von's This Past Weekend podcast, Post Malone discussed his chart-topping new album, F-1 Trillion, his high-profile music collaborations, and potential new European tour dates. Theo asked Posty what it was like writing “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen, a No. 1 hit that was just named Billboard's 2024 Song of the Summer. Malone disclosed the exciting news that he has recorded a second collaboration with Wallen, saying, “[Morgan Wallen's] amazing...we wrote [‘I Had Some Help’] together. We cut another song too.” Posty joked that his memory of the recording session is hazy as he admits, “I think I remember doing a verse, it was one of those long nights! That song's awesome, too.”

Another interesting revelation that Malone shared was the possibility of some European tour dates coming soon. When discussing his F-1 Trillion tour, which kicks off on September 8th in Salt Lake City, Utah, Post joked that, “I go where they tell me.” Theo asked if international dates might be added to the tour, and Posty shared, “Probably afterwards. Yes, sir.” (Holler)

Parker McCollum has something interesting planned for September 13, but just what that is remains unclear. The country star shared an Instagram reel on Wednesday (September 4) that captures McCollum and his friends working on new music together in the recording studio. McCollum says to someone off camera in the clip, "I could chase that or...," seemingly asking for advice on a track. The friend encourages him, "Man, I would do whatever you want to do,” with McCollum responding, "I don't know. I want to do them all," before he starts laying down a new track. The video is simply captioned with a date, "9.13," which suggests that this unknown project is being released next Friday (September 13). Back on April 30, McCollum revealed in a post on X that he was already working on a follow-up to 2023’s Never Enough, writing, “Sitting in the studio right now. Half way done with this new album. I’d put these songs up against anything I’ve ever written. Very proud of them. Hope you guys will love them.” (Holler)

By this point in his music career, fans are familiar with Jelly Roll’s redemptive journey from his days as an incarcerated teen to his current status as a Grammy-nominated, CMA Award-winning country star. To remind him of his past mistakes as well as his current success, Jelly just had some jewelry custom made that symbolizes his checkered history. Jelly was recently presented with a symbolic key to the Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility, a place where he spent time behind bars. He now has a replica of that key attached to a handcuffs chain necklace that is encrusted with 150 carats of diamonds. Each of the cuffs has a small plaque designating each time Jelly Roll had been behind bars.

“The Nashville, Tennessee, Davidson County sheriff gave me a key to the jail for all the work I do since I got out of there,” Jelly said in an Instagram video shared by the jewelry company Icebox, designer of his custom chain. “So I ended up with a key to the same jail that I was in. This is the redemption chain, baby, that’s what we’re calling this. A set of handcuffs for every time I’ve been in handcuffs.” (Billboard)

Chase Matthew made an immediate impact on the country music scene with his hit song, “Love You Again.” The rising country star’s single currently sits at No. 11 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, and has racked up 154.9 million streams in the U.S. This is just the start for the Tennessee native, a former full-time mechanic turned musician. Matthew wrote “Love You Again” with celebrated co-writers Casey Brown and Taylor Phillips at Brown’s home studio near Nashville, and he was clearly inspired by the distinguished location and his creative company.

“I call it the Magic Room,” Matthew said. “There’s so many great songs that came out of there. Co-writing is not something I’ve done until recently, so to have an opportunity to do that with those two legends … the song came together really fast, in like 30 minutes.” The final radio version of Matthew’s breakout single is basically the original demo version they recorded that day. “Sometimes you can’t recreate those things and it’s cool to be able to say we just caught something in the moment, and it turned out to be more than good enough,” he says. (Billboard)

Post Malone and Dwight Yoakam were seen horsing around together in Hollywood recently. Malone was apparently shooting a music video for an as-yet-unreleased music collaboration with the country legend, as the duo were filmed riding on horseback while casually cruising past The Roxy on Sunset Boulevard. Posty is clearly still riding high – figuratively and literally – from his new album, F-1 Trillion, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart last week, the second-largest release week for a country record this year. The video shoot also apparently featured stars like actresses Malin Akerman and Nina Dobrev along with her Olympic gold medal-winning boyfriend Shaun White, who all joined in the Hollywood honkytonk on set. Malone and Yoakam have a history of collaborating in the City of Angels, as Posty joined Dwight during his show back in July at Los Angeles' historic Greek Theatre. The duo performed a pair of Yoakam classics that night for the lucky fans in attendance, “Guitars & Cadillacs” and “Fast as You.” (Holler)

Blake Shelton and his longtime record label Warner Music Nashville have just announced that they have amicably parted ways after over two decades of working together. The country star has had a record-setting partnership with the major label over the past twenty-three years, but Shelton is ready to head in a new direction in his music career. "I moved to Nashville when I was 17 to sing country music and get a record deal," Shelton shared in a statement. "Along with the support from Warner, my dreams came true, and then some." Shelton’s successful partnership with Warner includes 28 No. 1 singles, millions of albums sold, billions of streams, and countless awards over the years.

"Working alongside Blake these past 23 years has been an honor and a privilege," the label said in a statement on X. "Together, we've celebrated a record number of hit songs, sold-out tours and award wins. While our time together has come to an end, we count ourselves amongst his biggest fans and are grateful for the ride with this true gentleman and icon." Shelton has not yet disclosed what label – if any – will represent him in the future. (Holler)

Cody Johnson’s emotional fan-favorite anthem, “Dirt Cheap,” has just climbed to No. 1 on the Mediabase Country Chart. The track becomes CoJo’s third No. 1 hit, joining 2023’s “The Painter” and 2021’s “‘Til You Can’t.” “Dirt Cheap” tops this week’s chart after making the jump up four spots from its previous position at No. 5 to reach No. 1. The song, written solo by Music Row luminary Josh Phillips, has already been certified Gold by the RIAA, moving over 500,000 units since it was first released on Johnson’s 2023 album, Leather. Chris Owen, creative director/A&R for Nashville’s Music Row publishing company Cornman Music, posted this message of congratulations to Johnson on X on Monday, ““Dirt Cheap” by @codyjohnson is the #1 song on Mediabase country this week. CoJo’s third career number one at mainstream country radio. Written entirely by @imjoshphillips 🎻🙏🏻” Johnson is currently on the road on his The Leather Tour, which is set to hit Summit Arena at The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota on Friday, September 6. (All Country News)

During a new interview with Katie Neal as part of Audacy’s mental health initiative, I’m Listening, Keith Urban opened up about his own mental health issues and shared advice about how he’s coped with his ongoing struggle. “I feel like I’ve had so many portals that I’ve walked through,” the 56-year-old country star disclosed. “They’re all works in progress, but asking for help is probably number one — that’s the hardest thing to do.” Urban shared that finding the right person to listen when you finally do ask for help is a crucial part of the process. “Sometimes, we don’t know who to ask for help. We don’t trust people and we can get the wrong help,” Urban said. “You can have several people being like, ‘This is what you should do,' and they’re all wrong. That’s why it’s a process, but at some point, something becomes clear…. It’s about how we feel today, right now. Could I feel better? The idea of, ‘Man, I should’ve done this years ago, I would’ve had a better life.’ There might be a bit of life ahead of you — that could be better if you deal with it now. It’s never too late.” (Audacy)

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is spending its eighth nonconsecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, adding to its leading total of most weeks topping the singles charts in 2024. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” also continues to sit atop the Hot Country Songs chart for its 12th week at No. 1. The rest of the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart is dominated by Sabrina Carpenter, who also holds the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart with Short n' Sweet. Carpenter’s brand new single, “Taste,” debuts at No. 2 this week, while her previous No. 1 single, “Please Please Please,” jumps up six spots to No. 3, and “Espresso”  climbs three spots to No. 4, approaching its previous chart high of No. 3. Carpenter becomes only the second act ever to have her first three Top 5 hits reach the charts simultaneously, joining only the Beatles who accomplished the feat in 1964. Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen, rounds out the Billboard 200 Top 5, dropping three spots to No. 5. (Billboard)

Sabrina Carpenter has scored her first ever No. 1 album of her career, as her new studio album, Short n’ Sweet, debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart this week. Short n’ Sweet recorded the third largest debut of the year, with two other big debuts featured in this week’s Top 10: the first official release of Travis Scott’s 2014 mixtape Days Before Rodeo premieres at No. 2, while country superstar Lainey Wilson notches the first top 10-charting album of her career as Whirlwind debuts at No. 8 in its first week of release. Elsewhere in the Billboard 200 Top 5, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion falls from No. 1 to No. 3, Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess drops two spots to No. 4, and Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time moves down a spot to No. 5. Taylor Swift’s former No. 1 album, The Tortured Poets Department, drops out of the Top 5 for the first time since its April release, moving down three slots to No. 6. (Billboard)

Bunnie XO shared an emotional Instagram post in celebration of her and Jelly Roll’s eighth wedding anniversary. The post features a series of photographs of Bunnie and Jelly together throughout the years, including a picture of the happy couple at their wedding ceremony and in the early days of their relationship. After listing the specific days, weeks, and months that the couple have been together, Bunnie affectionately went on to caption the post, “That’s how long I’ve called you mine. Thank you for cutting your fingers on all of my jagged edges. Without you, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. 🤍 People always talk about how much I’ve helped you, but I don’t think they realize it was an even trade. 8 years J baby, you’re now officially the longest relationship I’ve ever been in. Not sure if we should congratulate you or be concerned that you’ve survived. 🤣 I loved you then, I love you now & I’ll love you forever. Happy Anniversary sweet thang!” (People)

Rory Feek got married in July to his young daughter’s teacher, eight years after the tragic loss of his wife Joey Feek. But now, the country singer is potentially facing legal action from his two adult daughters. Heidi Feek has just revealed that she and her sister Hopie are considering taking legal action against their father, with claims that he has cut them off from contacting their 10-year-old sister Indiana, who has special needs. Heidi and Hopie are worried that their father has put Indiana in harm’s way with his exclusionary actions. “This is a devastating change for her, because we’ve been in her life since the day she was born,” says Heidi. “She’s even come to stay with us once a month for most of her life.” For his part, Rory maintains that the situation is a "family dispute" that has been blown out of proportion. He wrote a blog post on Saturday (August 31) titled "love, dad," where he reveals that his eldest daughter's claims have "broken my heart," and that Indiana "has never been more loved or better cared for than she is right now." (People)

Luke Grimes has partnered with the legendary brand Stetson on a new luxury cologne called Legend. The 40-year-old country musician and celebrated Yellowstone actor shared that his father wore Stetson cologne growing up, which immediately gave him a personal connection to the brand. "I feel like anytime you wear a cologne for the first time, it's usually your dad's,” Grimes recalls. “You find it in the drawer, you spray it on, you feel cool. And for me, that was definitely, Stetson." Stetson Legend cologne features notes of citrus, spices, and textural woods, a scent which aims to appeal to the next "generation of Stetson man."

"When I was trying to think what the kinds of brands that I would like to partner with, Stetson came top of mind just because it's an Americana brand. It's about the American lifestyle, the western lifestyle," Grimes shared. "Clearly, I've been on a show for the last seven years, that has something to do with that. I just think that the sort of Western-country lifestyle is having a moment right now, and I think it's cool again.” (People)

During a recent interview to discuss her jewelry collaboration with Kendra Scott, Lainey Wilson disclosed why she remains dedicated to bell-bottom pants and how they have become part of her signature look. Wilson said that when she moved to Nashville in 2011, bell-bottom pants became a necessary part of her wardrobe and she never looked back. “A few years in, I realized pretty quickly that as a decent female singer-songwriter, that's not enough,” Wilson disclosed. “I needed to do something that made me stand out and stand apart.”

So the singer decided to make a fashion statement by wearing bell-bottoms “every single day,” which she has continued to do while her career has since exploded. "There were times where people looked at me crazy, thinking, ‘What in the world are you doing? Looks like you stepped out of the '70s,’” Wilson shared. “But I just kept doing it because I believed in it. I believed that eventually if you throw something against the wall long enough that it will stick. You ain't going to see me in skinny jeans.” (People)