Celebrities hit Stagecoach 2026 in bold Western-inspired outfits, spotlighting cowboy hats, boots, denim and fringe; among the standout styles are Ella Langley and Ashlee Simpson shaping the festival’s chic country-fashion moment.
Stagecoach 2026 at Indio’s Empire Polo Club featured headliners Post Malone, Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson along with acts like Ella Langley, Bailey Zimmerman, Counting Crows, Pitbull and Journey, but extreme wind gusts forced a Mane Stage evacuation before the festival continued across other stages.
Lana Del Rey has announced her 10th studio album, "The Right Person Will Stay," set for release on May 21. The album features collaborations with Jack Antonoff, Luke Laird, Drew Erickson, and others. Del Rey previously hinted at a country music direction with a project titled "Lasso," but this new album seems to continue her established style. She also announced a 2025 UK and Ireland tour, starting in Cardiff, Wales, on June 23.
The 2025 Grammy nominations have sparked controversy in the country music community as pop and hip-hop artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone dominate the country categories, overshadowing traditional country performers. This trend highlights the growing influence of pop in country music, raising concerns about the "mono-genre" where all music sounds similar, and questioning the representation of true country music at the Grammys.
The 2025 Grammy nominations have sparked debate, particularly in the country music categories, where mainstream artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone dominate, overshadowing traditional country performers. While the American Roots categories feature a diverse and deserving lineup, including Charley Crockett and Sierra Ferrell, the country categories are criticized for being commercially driven and repetitive. This trend has led to the exclusion of many deserving country artists, raising concerns about the Grammy's focus on crossover appeal rather than genre authenticity.
Joe Bonsall, the tenor of the legendary country music group "The Oak Ridge Boys," has announced his retirement from touring due to a neuromuscular disorder that has made walking impossible for him. Despite his departure, the group will continue their Farewell Tour with Ben James as his replacement. Bonsall expressed gratitude for the support he's received and encouraged fans to support James. The announcement was met with an outpouring of love and prayers from fans and fellow artists.
The documentary "June," which premieres on Paramount+ on January 16, explores the life and legacy of June Carter Cash, featuring insights from stars like Kacey Musgraves, Reese Witherspoon, and Dolly Parton. The film, directed by Kristen Vaurio, highlights Carter Cash's multifaceted career as a songwriter, comedian, actress, and singer, and includes archival footage along with testimonies from those influenced by her work. The trailer emphasizes her role as a pioneering woman in country music who balanced family life with her artistic ambitions.
Joe Bonsall, a member of the country music group the Oak Ridge Boys, has retired after 50 years due to a neuromuscular disorder that has made walking impossible for him. The announcement was made during a concert where Bonsall passed the mic to his replacement, Ben James. The Oak Ridge Boys, known for hits like "Elvira," are currently on their final tour and plan to record a new album with producer Dave Cobb. Bonsall expressed his gratitude for the support over the years and encouraged fans to support James as he takes over.
Joe Bonsall, the tenor singer for the legendary country group The Oak Ridge Boys, has announced his retirement from touring due to a neuromuscular disorder. Ben James, a talented young musician previously with Doyle Lawson and Dailey & Vincent, will replace Bonsall on the road. The Oak Ridge Boys will continue their farewell tour without Bonsall, who has been a part of the group for 50 years. The band is also planning to return to the studio with producer Dave Cobb.
Blake Shelton faced backlash from fans after it was revealed that his "live" New Year's Eve performance was actually pre-recorded, as he was scheduled to perform at a casino in Oklahoma at the same time. Despite the criticism, his live rendition of "Goodbye Time" received positive reactions. Meanwhile, his wife, Gwen Stefani, performed separately in Las Vegas after initially planning to join Shelton. The couple, who met on "The Voice," have been together since 2015 and were married in 2021.
Jelly Roll, a former Southern rapper turned country singer, has emerged as a new crossover pop star with his album "Whitsitt Chapel" and is nominated for two 2024 Grammys. His emotional openness and connection with fans have been highlighted in his Hulu documentary and viral moments, such as his CMA acceptance speech. Despite his past struggles with the law and his late start in the music industry, Jelly Roll has maintained ownership of his music and has a unique approach to his career, blending elements of hip-hop hustle, country songwriting, and rock touring. He continues to be emotionally transparent with his audience, sharing both his personal victories and the darker aspects of his life through his music.
Country music star Blake Shelton faced backlash for his prerecorded New Year's Eve performance on CBS's "New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash," which aired just before his actual live performance at a casino in Oklahoma. Fans criticized the lack of authenticity and called it an embarrassment to country music, contrasting it with his well-received live performance at WinStar Casino and his wife Gwen Stefani's live show in Las Vegas.
Country music star Blake Shelton faced criticism from fans after his New Year's Eve performance with Trace Adkins was revealed to be pre-recorded, despite being advertised as live. The performance aired during CBS's New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash while Shelton was simultaneously booked for a live show at Oklahoma's WinStar Casino. Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with some calling the act an 'embarrassment to country music.'
Country music's breakout star Jelly Roll performed at ABC's New Year's Rockin' Eve, delivering hits like "Halfway to Hell" and "Wild Ones" with Jessie Murph. Celebrating a successful year that included a Grammy nomination and a CMA Award for New Artist of the Year, Jelly Roll expressed his gratitude for the dream-come-true moment. The event also featured performances by other artists and marked the first New Year's Rockin' Eve under new production by Penske Media Eldridge.
Country music star Zac Brown and model Kelly Yazdi are divorcing after a brief four-month marriage. Despite the split, they maintain mutual respect and have asked for privacy during this time. The couple had a discreet wedding in Georgia and were engaged for less than a year. Speculation about their relationship status arose after Yazdi changed her social media activity. Brown was previously married with whom he has five children.