Page 14 – Maverick Country

Jelly Roll DEBUT by Chris Hollo - Maverick-Country.com

Jelly Roll Invited To Become Member Of The Grand Ole Opry

Multi-Grammy Award nominee Jelly Roll has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry following a surprise moment during his recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, the world’s most listened-to podcast across all platforms. The invitation was delivered via a video message from Jelly Roll’s mentor and close friend, Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan. An official induction date will be announced in due course. The unexpected announcement took place during the interview when Rogan played a message recorded by Morgan from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. “Hey Jelly, my friend,” said Morgan. “I want to take a minute today to say congratulations on all the great things happening in your career and to thank you for the positive difference you are making in the lives of so many people who need the help. You are doing great work, buddy. “I’ll never forget meeting you on the Grand Ole Opry, and how much it meant to ME to hear you say my music helped you get through some really tough times. That’s one thing country music does really well. Who would have ever dreamed I’d be back at the Opry House today to say…Jelly Roll, you are officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s an honor to say, ‘Welcome to the family, brother.’” Jelly Roll made his Grand Ole Opry debut on 9 November 2021 and has since become a fan favourite, earning widespread respect from both audiences and fellow Opry members. Over the years, he has appeared on the Opry stage numerous times, mentored emerging artists through the Opry NextStage programme, and hosted Opry NextStage Live shows in Texas. His connection with Morgan dates back to a formative moment earlier in his life. After being released from prison, Jelly Roll attended an Opry performance where Morgan sang Almost Home, a song Jelly has described as life-changing. Years later, Morgan surprised him on stage at the Opry, where the pair performed Almost Home together. To mark the full-circle moment, Morgan presented Jelly Roll with handwritten, autographed and framed lyrics from the song. Raised in Antioch, Tennessee, the CMA, ACM, Dove and People’s Choice Award-winning artist has seen his career reach new heights in recent years. His debut country album, Whitsitt Chapel, delivered the biggest debut by a country artist in its year of release. Jelly Roll is currently nominated for a 2026 Grammy Award for Contemporary Country Album of the Year for his follow-up release, Beautifully Broken, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and includes his multi-week number one, Grammy-nominated single I Am Not Okay. The Grand Ole Opry will continue celebrating its 100th anniversary well into 2026, with a series of Opry 100 Honors shows, a performance at Carnegie Hall and additional special events. Founded in Nashville in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry remains the longest-running live broadcast show in the world and continues to serve as a central gathering place for country music’s past, present and future.

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Road to Nashville - Maverick-Country.com

Country Spectacle Coming to Newcastle in 2026

Beyond Nashville, News / Editor

Newcastle will step firmly into the spotlight of the UK’s booming country scene next summer, as a major new festival prepares to take over the heart of the city. Road To Nashville, a large-scale celebration of all things country, has been confirmed for Times Square on Sunday, 24 May 2026 – neatly aligning with the Bank Holiday weekend. The festival arrives as the genre enjoys a surge in British popularity, fuelled by chart success for stars such as Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Carrie Underwood, and further boosted by Beyoncé’s platinum-selling Cowboy Carter project and its triumphant UK tour. Organisers of Road To Nashville promise to channel the spirit and swagger of Music City directly into Newcastle, complete with a full day of live music, themed entertainment, food, drink and plenty of chances for festivalgoers to dust off their stetsons. A packed programme of tribute acts will headline the event, with performers honouring Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, the Zac Brown Band, Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Teddy Swims and Miley Cyrus. Both Combs and Wallen tributes will appear with full bands. Beyond the main stage, visitors can expect lively line-dancing sessions, roaming entertainers and immersive Western décor designed to whisk crowds straight to Tennessee. With its mix of music, spectacle and Southern charm, Road To Nashville is set to bring an unforgettable slice of Americana to the Toon.

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Country Thunder Florida - Maverick-Country.com

Country Thunder Florida Reveals Star-Studded 2026 Line-Up

News / Editor

Country Thunder Florida has lifted the lid on its 2026 programme, confirming a heavyweight bill of country talent for what will be the festival’s first-ever beachfront edition in St. Pete Beach. The announcement marks a significant moment for the long-running Country Thunder brand, which is recognised as one of North America’s largest and most influential country music festival series. Founded in 1993, Country Thunder now stages major events across the United States and Canada, including in Arizona, Wisconsin, Iowa, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Each year, it attracts hundreds of thousands of fans and consistently features top-tier country performers, with past headliners including Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw. The 2026 Florida edition continues that tradition of scale and ambition. Leading the newly unveiled line-up are Zach Top, Gavin Adcock and multi-award-winning chart-topper Kane Brown, one of the biggest crossover names in modern country music. It is the first time the festival will unfold directly on the sands of St. Pete Beach, setting it apart from its sister events and marking a substantial expansion of Country Thunder’s footprint in the southeastern United States. Joining the headliners are a broad mix of rising stars and established voices. Performances are confirmed from Shaboozey, Randy Houser, Max McNown and Dasha, alongside Gretchen Wilson, Braxton Keith and Cole Goodwin. Additional appearances from Elizabeth Nichols, Solon Holt and Jay Webb round out a bill that blends contemporary chart talent with traditional country stylings. Festivalgoers will have a range of ticket options to choose from. Standard general admission is priced at $355, while fans seeking a more exclusive experience can opt for the “platinum experience”, costing $880 and granting access to a private lounge area. Financing plans are also available, starting from a $20 deposit, making the event more accessible to attendees planning ahead. Country Thunder’s arrival on St. Pete Beach is expected to provide a significant boost to the local tourism economy. The Tampa Bay region has hosted major music events in recent years, but this marks the first time it will welcome a full-sized Country Thunder instalment—an event known for drawing tens of thousands of visitors per edition. With a picturesque coastal setting, a high-profile line-up and the backing of one of the most recognisable brands in country music festivals, Country Thunder Florida 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated country events of the year.

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Luke Combs Unveils Heartfelt Wedding Ballad

News / Editor

Luke Combs has released a tender new track, “Giving Her Away,” delivering one of his most emotional performances to date. The ballad arrives after Combs shared an early tease on social media, where fans quickly rallied behind the song’s moving story. It marks his first release since The Prequel earlier this autumn and showcases a softer, piano-led sound. Written by Gary Garris, Josh Mirenda and Josh Phillips, the song unfolds from the perspective of a groom speaking to his future father-in-law. It captures the quiet, powerful emotions that surround a wedding day – the gratitude, the nerves and the deep sense of love as a father prepares to give his daughter away. Although Combs was not involved in the writing, he says the track resonated with him instantly, noting his long history with co-writer Josh Phillips. “One of my good buddies Josh Phillips sent me this song that he wrote and I was just absolutely blown away by it,” Combs said. “Josh has just been on an absolute streak recently… Josh used to crash on the couch with me back in Boone and I used to go down and play shows with him, so it’s kind of a full-circle moment for me to get to record one of his songs.” Combs describes the track as “real special,” and its delicate melody and heartfelt sentiment suggest it is set to become a wedding favourite throughout the coming year. “Giving Her Away” adds another emotional chapter to Combs’ catalogue and reinforces his reputation for pairing powerful storytelling with raw sincerity.

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Tucker Wetmore Fires Back With New Breakup Anthem

News / Editor

American country music singer and songwriter UTucker Wetmore has returned with a fierce new single, “Proving Me Right,” a sharp-edged breakup track already gaining major traction online and building the kind of momentum that hints at another career-defining hit. The rising country star cuts straight to the truth in this unapologetic anthem, telling the story of someone who has finally stopped falling for an ex’s drama and is ready to call out the behaviour that ended the relationship. Powered by a slow-burning, moody arrangement and a punchy, unforgettable chorus, the song captures the moment when heartbreak gives way to clarity and frustration. Wetmore opens with a hit of brutal honesty, singing: “You got a way now don’t ya / Of gettin’ just what you wanted / Don’t lie, don’t lie…” before calling out an ex who seems determined to flaunt her new romance for maximum effect. His gritty, charismatic vocal delivers the sting as he brands her the “queen bee of the game that you’re playin’,” making clear he’s spent more than enough time mourning what once was. On the chorus, he pushes back with conviction: “Keep on doing me wrong now baby… Call me what you wanna but I ain’t pickin’ up tonight… All you’re doin’ me wrong is just proving me right.” Co-written with Jessie Jo Dillon, Chris Tompkins and Luke Laird, the song taps into the painfully familiar feeling of watching an ex repeat the same patterns again and again. Listeners responded instantly: from the moment Wetmore teased the track on social media, “Proving Me Right” became one of the most requested unreleased songs in his catalogue. It marks his first release since his debut album What Not To dropped in April — a project that made history as the biggest country album debut from a new artist in 2025. That collection cemented his reputation through deeply personal writing and high-energy crowd favourites, including “Brunette,” his latest radio single, and “3,2,1,” which climbed into the Top 5 as he edged closer to securing his second No. 1 of the year. The song also follows a milestone moment for Wetmore, who recently performed on the CMA Awards stage for the first time with his chart-topping hit “Wind Up Missin’ You,” earning him a nomination for CMA New Artist of the Year. With his profile rapidly rising, Wetmore is gearing up for The Brunette World Tour, launching in February 2026 and spanning the U.S., UK and Europe. The tour will feature support from Dasha, Carter Faith and Jacob Hackworth on select dates. Adding to his packed schedule, he is also confirmed to appear on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026, airing live on ABC on 31 December before streaming the following day on Hulu. “Proving Me Right” cements Tucker Wetmore’s position as one of country music’s most compelling new voices — honest, unfiltered and showing no signs of slowing down.

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Morgan Wallen MAIN Image_Credit Cameron Baird - Maverick-Country.com

Sand In My Boots Festival Called Off For 2026

News / Editor

Morgan Wallen’s Sand in My Boots Festival will not return to Gulf Shores in 2026, despite its hugely successful debut. The event, which sold out all tickets in its inaugural year, has been paused with plans to return in 2027. The news came from Gulf Shores mayor Robert Craft during a city council meeting. Neither Wallen nor AEG Presents has yet commented on the festival’s future. Mayor Craft explained that organisers submitted their application to renew a franchise agreement too late to secure the calibre of performers required for a 2026 event. Officials and business leaders were keen to maintain the standard set by last year’s festival, which they said attracted an affluent and respectful audience to the area. Sand in My Boots took the place of the long-running Hangout Fest, which had historically leaned toward pop music and a younger demographic. Wallen’s version focused on country, with elements of rock and rap, and drew larger crowds than Hangout Fest had managed in recent years. The inaugural lineup featured Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, Diplo and Riley Green, alongside Wallen himself. Mayor Craft said the city “will refuse to let them go back to the acts that we’ve had before,” adding that organisers therefore chose to cancel the 2026 event rather than compromise on talent. The plan, he said, is for the festival to return in 2027. The additional year will give organisers time to secure the level of artists they want and ensure the event attracts the same audience profile as the first edition. Although it is possible the festival could evolve into something different, Wallen has repeatedly referred to the 2025 event as the “inaugural” Sand in My Boots Fest. In a social media reflection, he called it a “pretty good first try,” suggesting he still hopes to build the festival in future years.

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Stars Announced for 2026 Northern Ireland Country Music Awards

News / Editor

A host of leading country artists have been confirmed for the 2026 Northern Ireland Country Music Awards, taking place at Corick Country House Hotel & Spa in Clogher, County Tyrone, on 2 February. Derek Ryan and Cliona Hagan will make special appearances at the event, joining a strong line-up that includes guest performances from Sandy Kelly, Louise Morrissey, Claudia Buckley and Stacey Breen. They will be joined on stage by Eamon McCann, Justin McGurk, Richie Remo and Barry Kirwan, with all artists performing alongside NICMA’s Country Band, directed by Mark Vaughan. Organisers say audiences can expect a series of standout duets and collaborations throughout the show. The awards will be hosted by NICMA’s Malcolm McDowell, Downtown Country presenter Kirstie McMurray and NVTV’s Robin Elliott. The evening will also see the crowning of the event’s newly appointed King and Queen of Country Music, closing the ceremony with one of its most anticipated moments. The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards have grown into one of the most anticipated dates in the regional music calendar, bringing together fans, established stars and emerging performers for a night of celebration. In addition to the live entertainment, the event will recognise artists across a range of categories, reflecting both longstanding talent and the new wave of performers shaping the future of Irish country music. With the genre continuing to attract record audiences across the island, the awards have become a key platform for highlighting its creativity and enduring popularity.

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Maddie-Tae-Credit Joseph Llanes - Maverick_Country.com

Beloved Country Duo Maddie & Tae Announce Split

News / Editor

Award-winning country duo Maddie & Tae have announced they are bringing their 15-year musical partnership to an end. The pair confirmed that while they will no longer perform as a duo, their personal friendship remains strong. Tae Kerr said she intends to step back from music to focus on raising her two young children with her husband, songwriter and producer Josh Kerr. Maddie Font, meanwhile, plans to continue performing as a solo artist with the support of her husband and their toddler son. Although the duo is parting professionally, they emphasised that the door is not closed on working together again in the future. Font said they would not rule out making another record together one day. Their final scheduled shows as a duo are set to continue through mid-June 2026, though they have been clear that this is not being billed as a farewell tour. Maddie & Tae rose to prominence with their 2014 hit “Girl in a Country Song” and went on to score further success with songs including “Die From a Broken Heart.” Over their career they released several albums, won major industry awards and built a loyal fanbase.

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Brandi Carlile Set to Perform at Super Bowl LX

News / Editor

Brandi Carlile will sing “America the Beautiful” ahead of Super Bowl LX, bringing country influence back to the event. The game takes place on 8 February 2026 in Santa Clara, California, and will air on NBC. Carlile was announced as one of three pre-game performers by the NFL this week. The performance comes just over a week after the Grammys, where Carlile is nominated for two awards. Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show. Singer Charlie Puth will perform the National Anthem. He follows last year’s rendition from Jon Batiste and four straight years of country artists before that. Eric Church, Mickey Guyton, Chris Stapleton and Reba McEntire sang the Anthem from 2021 to 2024, with Stapleton’s version widely praised. Other notable country performances over the years include Luke Bryan in 2017, Carrie Underwood in 2010 and the Chicks in 2003. Country singers have frequently been placed in pre-game roles during the last three decades. Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert were the last to perform “America the Beautiful” in 2012, while Faith Hill sang it in 2009. The song remains a Super Bowl tradition alongside the National Anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, which will be performed by Coco Jones in 2026. Country music has been largely absent from the Super Bowl halftime stage since Shania Twain appeared with No Doubt in 2003. The last country-led halftime show was in 1994, featuring Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd. With the genre gaining wider popularity again, there have been growing calls for a country act to return to the main stage at a future Super Bowl.

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Dust and Grace Art Work - Maverick-Country.com

Dust and Grace Release New Single “He Made It All”

News / Editor

Country and faith duo Dust and Grace released their single “He Made It All” on 31 October 2025. It followed their earlier track “Hallelujah,” which reached the Top 25 on the CDX Nashville Positive Country chart and helped introduce the rising act to a wider audience. “He Made It All” continued the pair’s mix of country storytelling and faith-based themes, describing the presence of the Creator in everyday life. The song focused on moments such as starlit skies, children’s laughter and sunlight, with acoustic instrumentation and close harmonies intended to reflect hope and gratitude. “This song is a reminder that God’s presence isn’t only found in churches or big life moments – He’s in every detail, every breath,” said songwriter and MTS Records President, Michael Stover. “We wanted to create something that felt like a sunrise for the soul.” The release came ahead of Dust and Grace’s debut album, which was due on 23 March 2026. The 11-track record included “My American Dream,” “Already There,” and “Little Footprints,” and explored themes of family life, nostalgia and faith.

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