5 Shocking New Details About Zach Bryan: From Controversial New Song 'Bad News' To His Massive 2026 World Tour

Country music sensation Zach Bryan continues his meteoric rise, dominating headlines and concert venues as of December 15, 2025. The Oklahoma native has cemented his status as a storytelling powerhouse, but his journey is far from smooth, marked by massive professional achievements and recent public controversies that keep fans and critics alike on edge. The latest news confirms a massive 2026 world tour and the highly anticipated release of his next studio album.

This article dives into the most current updates on the Grammy-winning artist, from his forthcoming musical projects and enormous estimated net worth to the details of his new relationship and the political firestorm ignited by a snippet of his unreleased track, "Bad News." Discover everything you need to know about the man who went from a Navy veteran to a chart-topping superstar in just a few short years.

Zachary Lane Bryan: Full Biographical Profile and Career Timeline

Zachary Lane Bryan is a unique figure in modern country music, known for his raw, unvarnished sound and deeply personal lyrics. His rapid ascent from self-produced albums to headlining stadium tours is a testament to his authentic approach and powerful connection with his fanbase.

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• Full Name: Zachary Lane Bryan
• Date of Birth: April 2, 1996
• Place of Birth: Okinawa, Japan (due to his father’s military service)
• Hometown: Oologah, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, Musician
• Genre: Country, Folk, Americana
• Military Service: United States Navy (Enlisted at age 17; honorably discharged in 2021 to pursue music)
• Debut Album: DeAnn (2019) – Dedicated to his late mother, Annette DeAnn Bryan.
• Breakthrough Hit: "Heading South" (2019) – A viral acoustic performance recorded outside his Navy barracks.
• Major Hits: "Something in the Orange," "Burn, Burn, Burn," "I Remember Everything" (with Kacey Musgraves)
• Key Awards: Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance (for "I Remember Everything"), Billboard Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards.
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Between $12 million and $25 million.

The Sixth Studio Album and the 'With Heaven On Tour' 2026 Announcement

In a major update for his global fanbase, Zach Bryan has officially announced his sixth studio album and a monumental international tour, solidifying his place among the industry's elite. This news, confirmed in late 2025, sets the stage for a massive 2026.

Anticipation for *With Heaven On Top*

Bryan’s next major project is the album With Heaven On Top, which is currently slated for release on January 9, 2026. Fans have been eagerly awaiting new material following the massive critical and commercial success of his self-titled 2023 album and the *Boys of Faith* EP. Bryan has offered fans updates, expressing his hope that "Everyone Loves it," suggesting the album will continue his tradition of raw, emotional, and authentic storytelling.

The new album title and its proximity to the new year suggest a reflective and perhaps spiritually charged collection of songs, a thematic continuation of his previous work that often grapples with faith, hardship, and the simple truths of life in the American heartland. The album is expected to feature collaborations and a sound that remains rooted in his signature folk-country style, appealing to fans of artists like Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson.

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The Massive 2026 'With Heaven On Tour'

To support the new record, Bryan is set to embark on his biggest international trek to date, the "With Heaven On Tour," which features over 40 dates across the US and Europe. The tour, which kicks off in March 2026, has seen new dates added in late 2025 due to overwhelming demand, including major stops in St. Louis, Tampa, Tulsa, Eugene, and Toronto. The addition of dates in late 2025, such as a major performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, underscores his expanding global appeal.

The "With Heaven On Tour" is expected to be a high-demand event, continuing his commitment to fair ticket pricing and battling scalpers, a stance that has earned him significant goodwill among his audience. The scale of the tour—playing stadiums and large arenas—highlights the exponential growth of his career since his early days performing on YouTube and outside his Navy barracks.

Recent Controversies: 'Bad News' and the NYC Altercation

Despite his musical success, Zach Bryan is no stranger to public scrutiny and controversy. The end of 2025 and early 2026 have brought two distinct incidents that have kept him in the news cycle, proving that his outspoken nature extends beyond his lyrics.

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The Political Firestorm Over "Bad News"

In a surprising move, a snippet of Bryan’s unreleased song, "Bad News," sparked a significant political controversy in late 2025. The song contained lyrics that appeared to criticize immigration raids under the Trump administration, leading to an immediate and polarized reaction. The controversy became a public feud between Bryan and certain segments of the country music fanbase, particularly those who identify as MAGA supporters.

Bryan addressed the backlash, stating that the song had been "misconstrued." The incident highlights the tension between his raw, politically unaligned folk-country style and the increasingly politicized landscape of mainstream country music. His willingness to touch on sensitive socio-political topics, regardless of the consequences, reinforces his image as an artist who prioritizes authenticity over commercial safety.

The February 2025 Bar Incident

Earlier in the year, in February 2025, Bryan was involved in a heated altercation at a bar in the West Village neighborhood of New York City. While details remain somewhat murky, the dispute reportedly began after a disagreement, drawing unwanted media attention to the private life of the typically reserved star. This incident, along with his previous high-profile arrest in Oklahoma in 2023, paints a picture of an artist struggling to balance his public persona with the pressures of sudden, immense fame.

Zach Bryan’s Personal Life: New Relationship and Exes

The singer-songwriter’s personal life has also been a major topic of discussion, particularly his relationships, which often serve as inspiration for his deeply emotional songs.

The Split from Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia

Bryan’s previous high-profile relationship was with social media personality and podcast host Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia. Their relationship was heavily scrutinized by fans and the media, largely due to their very different public profiles. The split, which occurred in mid-2025, was a significant event, with fans closely following the aftermath and the public statements made by both parties.

Dating Samantha Leonard

As of late 2025, Zach Bryan is no longer on the market. He is currently dating Samantha Leonard, an interior architecture student at UCLA. The couple went public with their relationship in October 2025, just a few months after his split from Brianna LaPaglia. Leonard is an entity that has quickly become relevant to Bryan's topical authority, with many fans noting a physical resemblance between her and his ex-girlfriend, a point that has been a subject of discussion on social media. Regardless of the public commentary, Bryan appears to have found a new love interest as he prepares for his busiest professional year yet.

From his military roots to his Grammy win for "I Remember Everything," and now his forthcoming album *With Heaven On Top*, Zach Bryan’s career is a whirlwind of raw talent and high-stakes drama. His willingness to confront complex themes, both in his music and his public life, ensures that he will remain one of the most compelling and talked-about figures in country music for years to come.