If you're bummed you're not at CMA Fest in Nashville this weekend, here's a little something to get you through: You can check out a three-song set by Ashley McBryde on CBS Saturday Morning.

The "Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega" hitmaker will showcase tunes from her fifth studio album, Wild, just as she did Thursday during her set at Spotify House at Ole Red. 

Rock icon Melissa Etheridge popped up during Ashley's performance, then followed her down Lower Broadway to Redemption Bar, where Shelly Fairchild joined them for an acoustic round. 

Ashley set her 2026 CMA Fest in motion with Wednesday's Trybe Fan Club Party. The fun continues on Sunday, when she'll be Artist of the Day at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center. 

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A group of now-legendary songwriters came together Tuesday at the historic Ryman Auditorium to raise nearly half a million dollars for Second Harvest Food Bank. 

Ella Langley headlined the night, which was organized by Nashville native ERNEST and started with a guitar pull.

ERNEST, HARDY, Lee Thomas Miller and Dean Dillon offered George Strait’s “The Chair,” Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” Morgan Wallen’s “Wasted On You” and HARDY’s “McArthur,” among others.

Ella's intimate set drew from her second album, Dandelion, including a duet version of "Loving Life Again" with its co-writer, ERNEST.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the way this event has grown and evolved, even just over the last few years,” he says. “It's one of my favorite nights of every year that really captures the heart of our songwriting community. Thank you to Ella, HARDY, Lee, Dean, and everyone who made this night possible – we’ll see you next year.”

Including this year's $445,000, ERNEST has raised more than $1.18 million since taking over Music City's annual Stars for Second Harvest show.

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Darius Rucker's annual CMA Fest activities have raised $1.1 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 2026. 

The week started with a Sunday event headlined by Walker Hayes, before the 17th annual Darius and Friends show at the Ryman. 

Jason Aldean, Lauren Alaina, Randy Houser, Mark Wills and Carter Faith were the surprise guests at this year's sold-out show. 

“Every year it amazes me how quick my friends are to say ‘yes’ to joining us here at the Ryman – and then you guys sell out the show without even knowing who’s going to come sing with us,” Darius says. “It’s incredible. I can’t thank everyone enough for the generosity and the eagerness to come out and support the wonderful work St. Jude is doing.”

As always, the show featured unforgettable moments, like Carter's cover of Britney Spears' "Oops!... I Did It Again" and Mark's take on Alabama's "Dixieland Delight." Darius and Lauren tackled Johnny Carter and June Carter Cash's "Jackson." 

Randy's version of Don Williams' "Tulsa Time" provoked a big reaction from Darius, who said, “I know I can sing ... but there’s only been four people I’ve ever been jealous of in my life: Luther Vandross, Steve Perry, Chris Stapleton and Randy f****** Houser.”

The Hootie & the Blowfish frontman had his own medley to deliver, invoking the '90s with a mashup of Tim McGraw, TLC and Bell Biv DeVoe.

A Tuesday golf tournament followed, bringing Darius' 17-year total to more than $6.2 million raised for St. Jude in Memphis.

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Drew Baldridge's first major-label album will arrive Sept. 18, and it's divided into three chapters.

“FARM FAITH FAMILY isn’t just an album title - it’s who I am,” he says. “Everything I have and everything I believe in comes back to those three things. These songs tell my story, the lessons I’ve learned, and the people who have shaped me along the way.”

The farm is the focus of the first four songs, while tracks five through 11 deal with faith, and 12-16 are about family.

The "She's Somebody's Daughter" hitmaker co-wrote 14 of the tracks, with some superstar help: Tyler Hubbard helped craft the opener, "Farmland," while Luke Combs contributed to the top-10 hit, "Tough People." 

The new song, "Diesel and Dirt," is out now. 

Here's the complete track listing for Drew Baldridge's FARM FAITH FAMILY:

“Farmland” 
“Diesel and Dirt” 
“Love Needs You” 
“Country Boy” 
“Maker’s Mark” (Drew Baldridge & Anne Wilson) 
“Tough People” 
“Cool Enough Now” 
“Rebel” 
“Him For Her” 
“People Can Change” 
“Flowers On A Stone” 
“Deserve Her” 
“Let ’Em” 
“Get Me Gone” (Drew Baldridge & Emily Ann Roberts) 
“I’d Still Love You” 
“A Man Don’t”

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The first night of CMA Fest 2026 at Nashville's Nissan Stadium held a major surprise: the return of Florida Georgia Line. 

As you can witness via multiple fan videos, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley came back together Thursday night after an elaborate introduction by "Let's get ready to rumble!" boxing announcer Michael Buffer.

The two worked their way through the crowd singing 2012's "Round Here," before addressing the fans onstage. 

"CMA Fest, it feels so good to be here tonight. It feels good to be here with my brother," Tyler told the crowd as he put his arm around Brian.

"And listen, we got three things to say," he continued. "First of all, God is good. Second of all, life is short, and most importantly, your boys, we back, baby!"

From there, FGL immediately went into their smash debut single, "Cruise." 

The Florida Georgia Line socials and website are also back, now bearing the message: "FGL LFG." If you sign up for texts, this message follows: “Turns out, some things are just better together. Much more to come. FGL LFG.”

The duo went on an "indefinite hiatus" in 2022, as Tyler and Brian both pursued solo endeavors. 

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Cody Johnson will headline the main CMA Fest show at Nashville's Nissan Stadium on Friday night.

It's a coveted, big-time gig at any point in an artist's career, but for Cody, it's his first time meeting the CMA crowd with an entertainer of the year trophy under his belt. 

It's something "The Fall" hitmaker's been trying to absorb ever since he picked up the ACM honor May 17. 

"I remember playing those gigs for very, very little money and knowing ... it's not gonna pay my house off," he said, looking back on his beginnings. "But ultimately, people got to hear my music. And then that shaped why I wrote certain songs, why I chose certain songs from certain songwriters to send that message."

"If I have a platform that's gonna reach this many people," he explained, "I can send this message or this message. And I chose those songs that sent a brighter message to the world."

"And looking back, it's kinda surreal," Cody continued. "I haven't really let it soak in yet. For a cowboy, this is that gold buckle I've been chasing my whole life."

Jo Dee Messina, Blake Shelton, Shaboozey, The Red Clay Strays, The Band Perry and Keith Urban are all set to play before Cody goes on at 11:30 p.m. CT. 

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Thomas Rhett and HARDY lead the lineup for Luke Bryan's 12th annual Crash My Playa Caribbean getaway Jan. 13-16, 2027, at Mexico's Moon Palace Cancun. 

Brothers Osborne, Gavin Adcock, Brett Young, Avery Anna, Drew Baldridge, Emily Ann Roberts, Lanie Gardner and DJ Rock will also be on hand, along with Dustin Lynch, who'll be back to lead his popular pool party. 

“There is no time like Playa time!” Luke says. “It’s truly the best way to start off the year and this is year 12, which is unbelievable. It is such a fun environment for me and my artist friends to spend time in front of an energetic crowd. Thankful for all who show up.”

Presales start June 9, before packages open to the public on June 11. 

You can find out more at CrashMyPlaya.com. 

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If you can't get a ticket to Alan Jackson's sold-out touring finale June 27 at Nashville's Nissan Stadium, there's some good news: You'll be able to watch it later this year as a primetime network special. 

Last Call: One More for the Road - The Finale will be retitled Alan Jackson: The Last Show for its debut on NBC. It'll be available to stream the next day on Peacock. 

The guest of honor will be joined by a who's who of country superstars, including George Strait, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Lee Ann Womack.

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Zach Top just can't get enough Cold Beer & Country Music. He's extending his tour of the same name into the fall, playing some of his biggest venues so far. 

The "South of Sanity" hitmaker will make his headlining debut at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, as well as his first top-of-the-bill stop at San Diego’s Pechanga Arena, San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center, Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum. 

Lukas Nelson, Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives and Wyatt McCubbin will join him on the run, which kicks off Sept. 11 in Lake Tahoe and wraps Oct. 30 in Music City. 

Presales start June 10, before tickets become available to the public June 12. 

Zach takes the main stage at CMA Fest at Nashville's Nissan Stadium on Saturday night. 

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Lainey Wilson's new radio single, "Phone, Keys, Wallet," is a collab with John Mayer.

Mayer plays guitar on the track, which was recorded at his Chaplin Studios in Los Angeles. 

The new song was written during the final leg of Lainey's Whirlwind World Tour. 

“I feel like a tornado with boots on half the time," she says, "and this song is really about finding somebody who’s okay with that chaos and chooses to love you through it anyway." 

Of course, Lainey tied the knot with longtime boyfriend Devlin "Duck" Hodges on May 10 in Tennessee.

"Phone, Keys, Wallet" follows Lainey's recent releases, "Younger You" with Miley Cyrus and "Can't Sit Still."

She's set to headline CMA Fest Saturday at Nashville's Nissan Stadium. 

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Carly Pearce is joining the lineup for Thursday's free Billboard Country Live concert at Category 10 in Nashville. 

She'll take the stage alongside previously announced acts The Red Clay Strays, Chase Rice, Corey Kent, Drew Baldridge, Hunter Hayes, Lanie Gardner, The Band Perry, The Grimm and Ty Myers.

Tucker Wetmore is Friday's headliner, with Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Priscilla Block, Something Out West and Stella Lefty all set to play as well.

Billboard kicked off its three-day takeover at Category 10 with Wednesday's Country Power Players gathering. 

"The House That Built Me" co-writer Tom Douglas gave Miranda Lambert the Icon Award, while HARDY officially named Tucker Billboard's Rising Star.

Comedian Matt Rife presented the Strays the Groundbreaker honor, while Clint Black gave Riley Green the Hitmaker Award.

You can RSVP for the free shows at live.billboard.com/country. 

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The first nightly concert of CMA Fest 2026 takes over Nashville's Nissan Stadium Thursday, with Jason Aldean set to go on at 11:30 p.m. CT as the headliner. 

More than 20 years into his career and hot on the heels of his new Songs About Us album, you don't have to worry about the superstar going anywhere — unless you want him to, that is. 

"If it ever gets to a point where I don't wanna [make records or tour] or people just kinda move on," he says, trailing off as he contemplates the possibilities. "I mean, I also know that every artist kinda has a shelf life, and at some point people are gonna move on and we're gonna kinda phase out probably."

"And when that happens, then we'll reevaluate," he continues. "My goal is to keep making music that is relevant that I think is cool and hopefully people wanna hear."

The Georgia native looks to King George as a role model. 

"I look at guys like George Strait who've been around forever," Jason says. "If he dropped a new album tomorrow, I would be all over that thing going to listen to it. So, that's the goal."

"I've always said I think the fans will tell you when it's time to take a break or back off or do something else. But hopefully we’ll be able to tour for the rest of my life on these songs and this career that we've built," he adds.

Night one at Nissan Stadium kicks off with Caylee Hammack singing the national anthem at 7:45, with Rhett Akins, Tucker Wetmore, Ella Langley, Deana Carter and Gretchen Wilson set to play before Jason goes on. 

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The fight for the Stanley Cup comes to Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday, with a little something extra for country music fans: Dan + Shay will play a free outdoor concert before the Caroline Hurricanes take on the Vegas Golden Knights.

The show will start at 5:30 p.m ET outside Lenovo Center, and you don't need a ticket of any sort to attend. 

Doors open at 6:30 for those who do have tickets for Game 2 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. If you don't have a ticket, you're invited to stay for an on-site watch party on the South Plaza for the 8 p.m. game. 

If you're stuck at home, you can still catch part of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney's performance as part of the game on ABC, ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.

The duo's new album, Young, drops Aug. 21, featuring their top-30 hit, "Say So."

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Garth Brooks is thinking about selling his music catalog and expects to get around $2 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

The deal would include both the rights to his songwriting and his recorded music, encompassing a body of work that's sold 200 million albums and includes classics like "If Tomorrow Never Comes" and "Unanswered Prayers." 

Citing potential investors, WSJ says Garth's been thinking about the move for a few years and expects to get anywhere from the high $1 billion range to more than $2 billion.

If it happens, it's expected to be one of the biggest deals of its kind ever. 

Garth has yet to confirm the report.

In 2024, the rock band Queen got more than $1 billion for their catalog, while half of Michael Jackson's work went for a similar amount the same year. 

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After only three weeks, Kenny Chesney's "Carry On" is already a top-25 hit. 

There's more new music on the way, as the Country Music Hall of Famer works to finish his follow-up to 2024's Born.

"I feel like there is some real hunger for this music," he says. "The world is in such a divided place, I think music that brings people together, that reminds them of their actual feelings is what they’re looking for – and that’s always been what holds my music together."

If you're hoping to escape the heaviness of everyday life, Kenny believes his new music will help. 

“For anyone who’s looking to fill their days with light and joy, without pretending tough stuff doesn’t exist, this record’s gonna be for you!" he promises. "We’ve got all songs – I think – picked, and now it’s just a matter of making them sound as good as we can. It’s a lot of great guitars, different rhythms and pretty amazing songs from some of my friends, some emerging writers and a few of Nashville’s most iconic writers ever.”

Though there's no release date so far, Kenny's currently working on the final mixes for his 21st studio album. 

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The Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts is now open on the campus of Alabama's Jacksonville State University after a night that included some of the biggest artists in country music. 

Named in honor of the JSU graduate who became a Country Music Hall of Famer as the lead singer of Alabama, the event featured a top-secret superstar lineup for the facility's official opening May 27. 

Former JSU quarterback Riley Green performed, as well as Jamey Johnson, who attended JSU in the '90s.

“My wishes, and my hopes, and my dreams are that someday some kid will come through here, like me, and when they leave here, they have a dream,” Randy reflected. “Because if I can make it, anybody can. I’ve been so blessed to be here, and this is one day that I’ll never forget."

Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Teddy Gentry, Pam Tillis, Mark Wills, The Oak Ridge Boys, Drake White and more also took the stage.

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Maren Morris' debut album came out on June 3, 2016, and to mark a decade of music, the "My Church" hitmaker is expanding the collection.  

"HERO is officially 10!" she shared on Instagram. "to celebrate, i wanted to share a few pieces from this era that never made it out into the world. two new songs from the vault and four never-before-heard demos."

In addition to the record's original 11 tracks, HERO: A Second Wind includes the new songs "We Can't Be Friends" and "Hard Liquor and Soft Rock," as well as the demos for "Company You Keep," "I Wish I Was" and "Drunk Girls Don't Cry" plus "Sugar," which is out now.  

Available as a double vinyl set and CD, the revamped collection comes to streaming June 26, complete with the previously-released bonus songs "Bummin' Cigarettes," "Company You Keep" and "Space." 

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When Jordan Davis made his third album, Learn the Hard Way, his intention was clear: to color outside the lines a bit. 

As his latest hit, "Turn This Truck Around," becomes his 10th career #1, he can rest assured his efforts paid off. 

"I think the overall inspiration for this album really was to do something different, to do something that me and [producer] Paul [DiGiovanni] haven’t done, to kind of show influences instead of just talk about them," Jordan says. "And I think we did that with a few different songs in this: 'Son of a Gun,' 'Louisiana Stick,' 'Turn This Truck Around.'"

"I feel like it’s stuff that we haven’t done before," he continues. "It’s a different sound for us, so that was really what we wanted to do, and I think we accomplished it."

Learn the Hard Way marks its first birthday on Aug. 15, and featured his previous hits "I Ain't Sayin'" and "Bar None." 

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host a Kendra Scott x Dolly Parton pop-up in The Museum Store from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. CT this Friday and Saturday. You can shop Dolly's Kendra collab and design custom jewelry, as well. 

Vince Gill has been added to the Friday and Saturday lineup at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend. 

Luke Bryan sold out both shows as he kicked off his Word on the Street Tour Friday and Saturday in Gilford, New Hampshire. 

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Scotty McCreery won the 10th season of American Idol on May 25, 2011, and wasted little time making his way to the Grand Ole Opry stage: He made his debut there on June 10, 2011.

Almost 15 years to the day, the "Bottle Rockets" hitmaker is headed back. 

"Little did @ScottyMcCreery know stepping into the circle for the first time (at only the age of 17) that he would one day be invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry," the country music institution posted on Instagram. "On June 11, 2026, Scotty will be performing a special extended set to celebrate 15 years since his Opry debut."

The North Carolina native was officially inducted on April 20, 2024. 

"What a ride. Looking forward to stepping back into the Circle," Scotty answered the Opry's post. 

It's a big year for marking milestones, as he'll also release his 13-track retrospective collection, titled 15, on July 17.

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