Country Music 411

Is FGL Reuniting?

Rumors of a Florida Georgia Line reunion have been swirling since comments Tyler Hubbard made following the ACM awards last week.  Tuesday that rumor swelled when the band's offical Instagram and Facebook profiles updated their profile photos to an image that reads "FGL LFG" — likely meaning "Florida Georgia Line, Let's ----ing Go." The same image appeared on a Nashville billboard this week.  The gossip in Nashville says the boys may be reuniting for a song or two at Blake Shelton’s Ol’ Red in Music City this Friday, part of this week’s CMA Fest. Florida Georgia Line’s debut studio record arrived in 2012; ten years later Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard announced that they were “taking a break” to pursue solo projects.  They played their final show in August of 2022

 


 

photo credit: Lunchbox LP

Ella Langley Wins Big at ACM's

Ella Langley was the top winner at the 61st Academy of Country Music (ACM)    Awards, taking home 5 awards in a clean sweep.  The first major honor of the night — the coveted Song of the Year award — went to Langley for her hit “Choosin’ Texas.” Less than an hour later, she returned to the stage to accept Single of the Year for the same song. She also teamed up with Riley Green for a win in Music Event of the Year, thanks to “Don’t Mind if I Do.” Langley also earned Female Artist of the Year, beating out fellow nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson. With five wins, Langley broke the previous ACM record for most victories in a single year, surpassing marks previously set by Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, and Chris Stapleton. The 61st annual ACM Awards were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 

 


 

 

 photo credit: Sony Music

Mrs. Devlin "Duck" Hodges

In February of 2025, after four years of dating, Duck Hodges took Lainey Wilson to the late George Jones’s renowned estate in Franklin, Tennessee, and asked her to marry him on the front porch. The wedding, which the couple managed to keep hush-hush was held last Sunday, just over a year later at the Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee. Vogue magazine got the exclusive which was released late Wednesday afternoon.  The couple hired a 12-piece jazz band, Rebirth to perform and served up a Cajun meal from the chefs at Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up bar.  The bride almost never wears a dress but looked amazing in Oscar de la Renta! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Vogue (@voguemagazine)


 

photo credit: Helloburton

Kacey Musgraves in an Armadillo Costume

Kacey Musgraves recently dropped her seventh LP, Middle of Nowhere, but took album promotion to new heights  Sunday by dressing up as an armadillo in search of the record.  Musgraves went to a Texas Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Target, browsing the album sections in full costume. In pre-promotions last week, the singer entered a Kacey Musgraves look-a-like contest...and lost.  Check out the video below.   

photo credit: Andy Witchger 

Ole Red Coming to Indy!

Today (4/29/26) Boxcar Development, an entity controlled by Herb Simon, and Opry Entertainment Group announced that Ole Red – the bar, restaurant and live music venue inspired by Blake Shelton – is coming to downtown Indianapolis. The new 37,000 square foot multi-level location will be located in the heart of the Fieldhouse District on S. Meridian Street. The venue, which is projected to open in late 2027, sits just blocks from the new Ritz-Carlton and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ole Red (@olered)


 

 

photo credit: DoD News

Post Malone Mini Beer

Post Malone is celebrating 10 years of teaming up with Bud Light with a new product: MINI BEERS. Posty said it's simple, "If the Bud Lights are mini, they stay cold longer. . .Genius, if I say so myself."  Budweiser will feature 7-oz. bottles and 7.5-oz. cans, both co-branded with the "Posty Co." logo. The minis will make their debut at the Stagecoach Festival next week.  He's headlining on Sunday, April 26th. The limited edition production will be available nationwide on May 4th. Check out the video for "The Smallest Bar in the West" below. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @postmalone


 

photo credit:  Chrisallmeid

Taylor and Travis Wedding Date

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have sent out save-the-dates for their wedding on July 3 in New York City. The couple, who got engaged last August, reportedly chose a NYC venue over previous rumors of a Rhode Island ceremony to celebrate over the Fourth of July weekend.  Swift and Kelce were originally slated to tie the knot on June 13.  US Weekly previously reported the original Rhode Island venue was located close to Swift’s $18 million mansion. The five-star seaside resort Ocean House was scheduled to host the wedding before the reported change.

 

 

photo credit: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

We Like It, We Love It!

Tim McGraw will soon be a part of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  The singer's name was announced on Friday, along with singer-songwriter Paul Overstreet. In a recent interview, McGraw said, "I don't know if I ever thought it would happen in my lifetime."  He added, "...it makes me want to live up to it." McGraw said he has to prove he belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame now. The 2026 class will be inducted this fall.  

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tim McGraw (@thetimmcgraw)


 

photo credit: 1035 WEZL

Riley Green Injured Onstage By Fan

Riley Green is all stitched up after being injured during a performance Sunday in Australia. It happened during his show in Melbourne when a fan threw their phone on stage, hitting the singer on the side of the head. Green began bleeding on stage and required 5 stitches in his right earlobe. His next tour stop is tonight in Sydney.

 

@shifisher Surely the fuckwit got a tap on the chin on his way out ????????                #rileygreen #melbourne @Riley Green ? The Fightin' side of Me - Merle Haggard

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Riley Green (@rileyduckman)

photo credit: Sgt. Jordan Arnold / 

Public Domain

 

 

Jelly Roll Opry Induction Tonight

The Grand Ole Opry gets a brand new member tonight.  Jelly Roll will be welcomed into the coveted circle by friend and fellow musician, Lainey Wilson.  The ceremony will feature performances by the multi-GRAMMY award winner, plus Craig Morgan, ERNEST, and more. A portion of ticket purchases will be donated to the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, a cause close to Jelly Roll’s heart.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Grand Ole Opry (@opry)


 

It's a Boy for Thomas Rhett!

Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins are welcoming their 5th baby together.  The singer and his wife shared the news in a post on Instagram this weekend, writing "welcome to the world, Brave."  Akins gave birth to their baby boy on Friday.  While Brave is their first son, the couple is already parents to four daughters. Brave Elijah Akins was born almost 2 weeks early, but weighed nearly 10 pounds.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lauren Akins (@laur_akins)


 

photo credit: Lunchbox LP

March Madness for Zac Brown Band

March Madness has a new anthem for 2026 and it's going to sound a lot more country.  The official CBS/TNT anthem for the 2026 NCAA Tournament is set, as the Zac Brown Band has lent “Give It Away” to the 68-team event coverage.  The action starts next month and culminates with the Final Four on April 4-6 in Indianapolis. The song will be played before every tip-off . . .

 

 

photo credit: Lunchbox LP

Baby #3 for Luke Combs!

Luke Combs recently welcomed his third child, another boy, with his wife Nicole. Little Chet Wiley joins his two big brothers, who also have very down-home first names, Tex - age 3, and Beau - age 2. 

They announced the happy news in a recent joint Instagram post, greeting the “littlest Combs BOY”. No official birthdate was given, the family kept the arrival private for several days. Combs is preparing to embark on his "My Kinda Saturday Night Stadium Tour", but for now he’s savoring the early days with this newest addition to his family. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NICOLE COMBS (@nicolejcombs)


 

photo credit: Manouel Roman

Lainey Wilson Netflix Documentary

 A Lainey Wilson documentary is coming to Netflix.  "Keepin' Country Cool" is directed by Amy Scott, who promises a "deeply personal, wildly inspiring" and authentic look at the singer's life.  Additional details about the documentary will be released in the coming weeks.  "Lainey Wilson: Keepin' Country Cool" will appear on the streaming service starting April 22nd.

photo credit: Helloburton 

Luke Combs Cancels Superbowl Gig

Luke Combs was planning to perform at the Madden Bowl concert tonight in Santa Clara, California (Feb. 6), ahead of Super Bowl LX.  Reps for the singer confirmed yesterday that he will no longer be performing at the event.  Combs is expecting his third baby with wife Nicole, and she is expected to go into labor at any time.  Combs says, “family always comes first.” The new baby will join big brothers Tex (2) and Beau (3). Combs new album, The Way I Am, drops in March. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NICOLE COMBS (@nicolejcombs)


 

photo credit: David Bergman

Zach Top Wins Grammy!

Zach Top took home the award for Best Traditional Country Album for "Ain't In It For My Health" at yesterday's Grammy Awards. This is Top's first Grammy win.  The country star earned a total of (3) nominations this year, including Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for "I Never Lie." Jelly Roll picked up (2) Grammy’s last night for Best Contemporary Country album and for his collaboration with Shaboozy on “Amen”Chris Stapleton won for Best Country Solo Performance for “Bad As I Used to Be”, a song featured in “F1 the Movie”.  Unfortunately, as in years past, the country awards were not part of the televised portion of the show. 

He's Gone Country!

Are we being punked? Actor Ashton Kutcher is jumping into the world of music.  In a recent interview with Good Morning America, the star revealed that he's currently working on writing a country music album.  The former That 70's Show actor admitted that he's "not a very good singer," but that isn't stopping him from pursuing his dream. He said he's always wanted to write a country music album and he's "obsessed with getting that done." The actor didn't reveal when fans could expect his debut album. 

 


 

photo credit: JD Lasica from Pleasanton, CA, US

Chris Stapleton Contemplating Retirement

Say it isn't so! Chris Stapleton is considering retiring from music. The singer recently revealed that he hasn't been feeling creative lately and he wants to make a "thoughtful decision" about the future of his career.  Stapleton said he's at a bit of a crossroads and doesn't know when or if he's going to make another record or song.  The star's last album, "Higher," was released in 2023.  We hope it's just a writer's slump. . .

 


 

photo credit: Steve Kwak - Maryland GovPics

Jelly Roll Invited to be Opry Member

Jelly Roll is being invited to join the Grand Ole Opry as an official member.  The invitation came from member Craig Morgan during a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience."  In a video that came up during the show, Morgan praised Jelly Roll's music and impact and said , "...and who would have ever dreamed back then that I'd be back at the Opry House today, to say 'Jelly Roll, you're officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry'."   As a response, Jelly Roll said "it doesn't get any bigger in country music."  He also admitted that he never thought he'd be allowed to play at Opry or be a member of it.   Jelly Roll made his Opry debut on November 9, 2021 and has become an Opry fan favorite over the years. He has dedicated his time to playing the show numerous times, mentoring many artists through the Opry NextStage program, and serving as host of Opry NextStage LIVE shows in Texas.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jelly Roll (@jellyroll615)


 

photo credit: Setoxxx

Public Funeral for Raul Malo

Raul Malo's funeral will be open to the public.  The singer's funeral mass service is set for this Thursday at 12 p.m. Central Time at the Cathedral of Incarnation in Nashville, Tennessee.  A private reception will follow the public event.  The Maverick's frontman passed away on December 8th at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer. He continued to perform through September of this year when he was forced into treatment that took him off the road.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Raul Malo (@raulmalo01)


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Raul Malo (@raulmalo01)

photo credit: Alejandro Menéndez Vega for The Mavericks

 

George Strait - Kennedy Center Honoree

George Strait is among the class of 2025 Kennedy Center honorees who received medals at the White House's Oval Office over the weekend.  On Saturday, President Donald Trump presented them with their medals, calling the artists "a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans."  Trump introduced Strait as a "country music legend" as he put the medal around his neck.  Other honorees also included Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss, and Michael Crawford.  

 


 

photo credit: Bede735

Post Malone Gives Free Thanksgiving Meals

Post Malone’s Nashville bar, Posty's, is giving first responders a free meal this week. If you're a first responder on duty and in uniform between Nov. 26 and Nov. 28, simply visit Posty's on Broadway in Nashville. You will receive a free Thanksgiving meal. While Posty's doesn't have turkey on the menu, it does offer up dishes like brisket mac and cheese and seared salmon. Just be sure to save some room for the deep-fried Oreos.  If you're hoping to catch Post Malone at his bar this holiday, he'll be out of town. He's headlining The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show in Dallas when the Cowboys face the Kansas City Chiefs. The game airs on CBS and launches The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @postysbar


 

photo credit: Chrisallmeid

Judge Dismisses Kellie Pickler Poisoning Lawsuit

A federal judge is dismissing a lawsuit that was filed against Kellie Pickler.  A North Carolina man, who is now facing several charges in connection to a September mass shooting that left three people dead, filed the suit against the singer, claiming she poisoned him.  Nigel Max Edge accused Pickler of handing him a poisoned glass of Jim Beam during a date to the CMT Awards over a decade ago.  The judge dismissed the case calling the claims "nonsensical and delusional" and finding that the lawsuit "fails to plausibly allege a violation of a law." Edge, who changed his name from Sean DeBevoise in 2023, walked the CMT red carpet with Pickler and his service dog, Rusty in 2012. The pair met at a charity event for wounded soldiers.  Edge is facing three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon after opening fire at the American Fish Company restaurant in Southport Yacht Basin on September 27th, leaving three people dead and five others injured. 

 

 

photo credit: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff / public domain

 

Cody Johnson Cancels Through End of Year

Cody Johnson is off the road through the end of the year due to an "immediate surgery."  Johnson's ear drum recently ruptured while the singer was battling a severe upper respiratory and sinus infection and he was forced to undergo immediate surgery.  Johnson says that the healing process will take many weeks and it's not possible for him to sing during this time. Concertgoers will have their tickets refunded. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cody Johnson (@codyjohnson)


 

photo credit: Bearas 

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman Separate

After 19 years of marriage, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman have reportedly separated. According to TMZ, Urban has moved out of the family home and acquired his own residence in Nashville. Back in July the couple raised eyebrows when Nicole applied for residency in Portugal without Keith. At the time he said it was just a conflict with his touring schedule. The couple hasn't been seen publicly since June.

photo credit: Galeria de burningkarma