Chase Rice And Kelsey Panettiere: Inside His Shocking 2025 Career Pivot And New Album 'ELDORA'

Country music star Chase Rice is having one of the most transformative years of his career, with a major new album release, a massive international tour, and a confirmed relationship that has fans buzzing. As of December 14, 2025, the artist known for hits like "Eyes on You" and "Ready Set Roll" is dominating headlines not just for his evolving sound, but also for a surprising potential pivot back to his athletic roots, making the question "Chase Rice and what's next?" more relevant than ever.

The latest updates paint a picture of an artist embracing independence and maturity, balancing a demanding performance schedule with a settled personal life. From the release of his highly anticipated new record, ELDORA, to a very public romance, Rice is giving fans a full look into his world, proving he’s ready to go down singin'—and maybe even tackle a few new challenges along the way.

Chase Rice: Complete Biography and Profile (Updated 2025)

• Full Name: Christopher Chase Rice
• Born: September 19, 1985
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 40
• Hometown: Ormond Beach, Florida, and Asheville, North Carolina
• Occupation: Country Music Singer, Songwriter, Reality Television Personality
• Genre: Country, Country Rock
• Key Albums: Ignite the Night (2014), Lambs & Lions (2017), The Album (2021), Go Down Singin' (2024), ELDORA (2025)
• Breakthrough Hit: "Ready Set Roll"
• Notable Co-writing Credit: "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line
• Reality TV Appearance: Survivor: Nicaragua (2010), where he was the runner-up.
• Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (former linebacker for the Tar Heels)
• Current Relationship Status: Dating Kelsey Panettiere

The New Era of Music: Chase Rice and the 'ELDORA' Album

The biggest news in the country music sphere surrounding Chase Rice is the release of his new album, ELDORA, which officially arrived on September 19, 2025. This project follows his earlier 11-song album, Go Down Singin', and marks a significant step in his career as he embraces a more independent and frequent release model.

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A Shift in Sound and Storytelling

The new record, ELDORA, is described as a project featuring a mix of western themes, sad songs, happy as hell songs, and deep story songs. This thematic variety suggests a deeper, more personal dive into songwriting than some of his previous party-centric hits. The album title itself evokes a sense of place and narrative, which is a key element for artists seeking to build topical authority in the country genre.

In addition to the full album, Rice has been embracing Nashville's new business model by releasing music more frequently. He recently dropped the single "Circa 1943 (Live From Missoula, Montana)" on November 5, 2025, keeping his sound fresh and continuously engaging his fanbase. This steady stream of new material ensures that Chase Rice remains a relevant and dynamic figure in modern country music.

The 'Go Down Singin' International Tour'

To support his recent work, Chase Rice is currently in the middle of his extensive "Go Down Singin' International Tour 2025." The tour has taken him across the globe, bringing his high-energy performances to fans in the US and abroad. Upcoming dates in December 2025 include stops in Elmira, NY, and Rochester, NY.

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Fans are also looking forward to seeing him at various major events, including the St. Pete Country Fest 2025, Iron Hills Country Fest 2025, Country Calling 2025, and YQM Country Fest 2025. These festival appearances highlight his status as a major draw on the circuit, showcasing his evolving sound to massive crowds.

Chase Rice and Kelsey Panettiere: His Confirmed Love Life

While his music career is soaring, Chase Rice’s personal life has also been a major topic of discussion in 2025. The singer has confirmed he is dating actress and model Kelsey Panettiere.

Public Confirmation of the Relationship

The relationship was confirmed publicly by Rice during a conversation with Cosmopolitan in June 2025, settling months of speculation among fans and celebrity gossip outlets. Kelsey Panettiere, known for her acting and modeling work, has been a visible presence alongside the country star, with the pair frequently appearing together on social media and at industry events.

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This public confirmation provides clarity for fans who track the love lives of country music stars. While there were earlier rumors on social media platforms like Reddit about him possibly being back with a semi-influencer ex-girlfriend or linked to Hannah McFarland, the official word points to his commitment to Panettiere.

Rice has often been private about his romantic life, but his willingness to discuss his relationship with Panettiere signals a new, more open chapter. The stability in his personal life seems to coincide with the maturity evident in his latest musical projects.

The Shocking Pivot: Chase Rice and College Football

Perhaps the most unexpected and attention-grabbing news of 2025 is Chase Rice's flirtation with a potential return to college football. This development is particularly shocking given his 13 consecutive years of touring and his current momentum in the music world.

A Year Off From Touring?

Reports indicate that the 40-year-old country star is considering taking the next year off from touring to explore a return to the gridiron. Rice was a former linebacker for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, and his past career trajectory has always been a point of interest for fans, especially after his stint on Survivor. His decision to open his "recruitment" has generated significant buzz.

This potential hiatus from the road—a demanding schedule that includes major festivals and international dates—would be a monumental change. While he is not retiring from music, stepping back from the constant touring cycle suggests a desire to pursue other passions and challenges. This bold move aligns with the independent spirit he has demonstrated in his latest music releases and career choices.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords:

• Kelsey Panettiere
• New Album ELDORA
• Go Down Singin'
• International Tour 2025
• Country Music Sensation
• University of North Carolina Tar Heels
• College Football Recruitment
• Reality Television Personality
• Survivor: Nicaragua
• "Ready Set Roll"
• "Eyes on You"
• Vina Robles Amphitheatre
• St. Pete Country Fest
• Country Calling
• Contemporary Country
• Songwriting Career