Coming Soon. With January just around the corner (hard to believe, honestly), country music fans have one major date circled on the calendar: January 9. That’s when Zach Bryan is set to release his next album, With Heaven On Top. The album follows a massive year for Bryan, marked by career-defining moments — including selling his music catalog for a reported $350 million and being named the eighth best-selling country artist of all time by the RIAA. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) At the same time, his personal life has remained very much…
Author: Kelly Whitewood
Former NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle and Family Killed in Plane Crash On December 18, a Cessna C550 business jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, located north of Charlotte, North Carolina, according to local authorities. The aircraft, bearing tail number N257BW, went down near the end of a runway while attempting to land. Flight data from FlightAware indicates that the jet departed the airport but quickly turned back, suggesting the pilot encountered an issue shortly after takeoff and attempted an emergency return before the crash. The plane was operated by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company owned by former NASCAR driver…
At the 14th Annual CMA Country Christmas in 2023, Ashley McBryde delivered a standout performance of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” joined by electrifying violinist Lindsey Stirling. The holiday special was hosted by Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood, and aired on ABC on December 14, 2023. In addition to their hosting duties, Grant and Yearwood teamed up for two festive duets — “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World.” Each also took the stage solo, with Grant performing her classic “Grown Up Christmas List” and Yearwood delivering a powerful rendition of “O Holy Night,” accompanied by…
Little Big Town brought holiday magic back to NBC with Christmas at the Opry, which aired on December 16, 2024. After the special’s successful debut in 2023, NBC confirmed in fall 2024 that it would return — this time with Little Big Town hosting the festivities. The 2024 broadcast featured an impressive lineup that included Kelsea Ballerini, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Orville Peck, Dan + Shay, Kirk Franklin, and Kate Hudson. Kate Hudson Steals the Spotlight Though best known for her acting career, Kate Hudson has been surrounded by music for most of her life. Her mother, Goldie Hawn, is…
Keith Urban Jokes Onstage After Learning a Fan’s Name After briefly pausing his tour due to vocal issues, Keith Urban was back onstage — and in good spirits — during his Nashville show. Earlier that week, Urban canceled his October 16 concert in Greenville, South Carolina, on medical advice. Vanderbilt Voice Center specialist Dr. Gaelyn Garrett diagnosed him with laryngitis and ordered complete vocal rest. The venue, Bon Secours Wellness Arena, shared the update online, along with an apology from Urban, who thanked fans for their understanding and promised to return. Fortunately, his Nashville performance the following night at Bridgestone…
Country Stars Honor the “King of Country” George Strait at the Kennedy Center Honors Country music royalty gathered to celebrate George Strait during the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, a tribute befitting the man widely known as the “King of Country.” While presenting the honorees with their medallions in the Oval Office on December 6, President Donald Trump summed it up simply: “We can hardly imagine country music without its King of Country.” That sentiment carried through the official Kennedy Center Honors ceremony on December 7, later broadcast on CBS on December 23. The tribute segment for Strait was introduced by…
Carrie Underwood’s Longtime Love for Rock Music Even though she was raised in a small-town, faith-centered household, Carrie Underwood has always had a deep appreciation for rock music — especially the work of Ozzy Osbourne. During a 2023 appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Underwood performed two of her own songs, “Blown Away” and “She Don’t Know,” before surprising listeners with a powerful Ozzy cover. For longtime fans, her rock roots aren’t exactly shocking. Underwood frequently works hard rock into her live shows, often covering Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle.” She even took things a step further at…
Honoring a Living Legend Randy Travis’s journey over the last twelve years has been nothing short of extraordinary. In July 2013, the “Three Wooden Crosses” singer suffered a massive stroke brought on by complications from congestive heart failure. Doctors reportedly gave him just a one percent chance of survival — odds he somehow overcame. Surviving, however, came at a cost. Travis was left with severe limitations, including aphasia, which greatly affected his ability to speak and sing. His wife, Mary, later shared that during his hospitalization, doctors advised her to end life support after he developed multiple hospital-acquired infections, including…
Diff’rent Strokes Actress Melanie Watson Dies at 57 Melanie Watson, best known for her role on the classic sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, has passed away at the age of 57. Watson died on Friday, Dec. 26, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, according to a report from TMZ. Her brother, Robert Watson, shared that she had been hospitalized prior to her death and that her condition worsened during her stay. He noted that she lived longer than many expected given her medical challenges. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta — commonly known as brittle bone disease — Watson used a wheelchair throughout her life. The…
Country Music’s Biggest Stars Share Christmas Wishes and Family Moments Country artists filled social media with holiday cheer this Christmas, sharing heartfelt messages and cozy family photos with fans. From baby milestones to big announcements, the season was full of joy across the country music community. Here’s a look at how some of your favorite stars celebrated this year: Lauren Alaina This Christmas marked a special first for Lauren Alaina, who welcomed daughter Beni Doll with husband Cam Arnold in June. Sharing photos of Beni meeting Santa, Lauren reflected on motherhood and the meaning of Christmas, writing that experiencing the…