The 15 Biggest Country Music News Stories Of Late 2025: CMA Wins, Mega Tours, And Shocking Breakups

The country music landscape is buzzing with major headlines as December 2025 comes to a close, setting the stage for an explosive 2026. The industry has been rocked by record-breaking award nights, unexpected collaborations, massive tour announcements, and a few high-profile controversies that have kept fans talking. This is your essential, up-to-the-minute guide to the biggest stories, new music releases, and must-see tours from the heart of Nashville and beyond, ensuring you are completely current on the world of your favorite country singers.

The final quarter of 2025 delivered some of the most memorable moments in recent memory, cementing the status of established superstars while launching a new wave of talent into the spotlight. From Lainey Wilson’s undeniable reign to the surprising moves of artists like Post Malone and Jelly Roll, the genre proves it is constantly evolving and full of surprises. Keep reading for a deep dive into the 15 most important pieces of country music news right now.

The Reign of Lainey Wilson and Major 2025 CMA Awards Winners

The 59th Annual CMA Awards were undoubtedly dominated by one name: Lainey Wilson. The Louisiana native solidified her position as the genre's leading woman, taking home the night’s most coveted prizes. Her success signals a powerful shift in the industry, favoring artists who blend traditional country sounds with a modern, authentic edge.

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CMA Awards 2025: The Full Winners List Highlights

• Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson
• Female Vocalist of the Year: Lainey Wilson
• Album of the Year: Lainey Wilson (for her critically acclaimed release)
• Male Vocalist of the Year: Cody Johnson
• Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award: Vince Gill

Wilson’s multiple wins, including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year, were the highlight of the ceremony, showcasing her incredible work ethic and connection with the country music audience. Meanwhile, Cody Johnson’s win for Male Vocalist underscores the genre's continued embrace of neo-traditional country, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Vince Gill was a well-deserved tribute to one of Nashville's most respected figures.

Massive Country Music Tours and Unexpected Collaborations for 2026

The touring schedule for 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest in history, featuring stadium-sized spectacles and intimate club shows. A major headline involves a surprising, yet highly anticipated, pairing that bridges genres and fan bases.

The BIG ASS Stadium Tour: Post Malone and Jelly Roll

One of the most talked-about announcements is the "Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour." This tour will feature Post Malone, who has increasingly embraced country music, alongside the genre's breakout star, Jelly Roll. The collaboration is a testament to the dissolving lines between musical genres and promises a massive draw for fans of both hip-hop-infused country and authentic, rock-tinged storytelling. Jelly Roll himself has been noted for his relentless work ethic and industry achievements throughout 2025, making this a pivotal moment in his career.

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Must-See Tours Kicking Off in 2026

• Megan Moroney's Cloud 9 Tour: The "I'm Not Pretty" singer announced a massive 43-date tour scheduled for 2026, signaling her rise as a major touring act.
• Parker McCollum's What Kinda Man Tour: McCollum continues his ascent with a major headlining tour, bringing his signature blend of Texas country and rock to venues across the country.
• Zach Top's Cold Beer & Country Music Tour: A nod to traditionalists, Zach Top’s tour promises a classic country sound, reinforcing the genre's diverse offerings.
• Chris Young's It Must Be Christmas Tour: A late 2025 staple, Young's holiday tour continued through December, offering fans a festive dose of country cheer.

Fresh Albums, Rising Stars, and Shocking 2025 Moments

Beyond the awards and tours, the core of country music remains the new music and the artists who create it. Late 2025 saw several key releases and the emergence of fresh talent poised to break out in 2026. This section also covers some of the most shocking headlines that dominated the news cycle.

Anticipated and Recent Album Releases

The pipeline for new country albums is strong heading into the new year. Fans are eagerly awaiting several major projects:

• Kane Brown – The High Road: Scheduled for release on January 24th, this album is expected to continue Brown's trend of genre-bending hits and pop-country anthems.
• Chase Matthew – CHASE: His 2025 album firmly established him as one of country music's most exciting emerging talents, blending modern production with relatable themes.
• The War And Treaty: The soulful duo is set to release their new project on February 14th, bringing their powerful vocals and gospel-infused sound to the forefront.
• Colin Stough: The rising star released his new track, "Best For You," on December 13, 2025, a follow-up to his previous hit "White Horse."

The Next Generation: Country Artists to Watch in 2026

The health of country music relies on its newcomers, and several artists are generating significant buzz heading into 2026. These rising stars are bringing diverse sounds and fresh perspectives to Nashville:

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• Timothy Wayne: A rising artist and LSU student, Wayne is balancing academics with a burgeoning career after signing a major deal.
• Olivia Barnes: Featured in various round-ups, Barnes is one of the new voices poised to inspire a new generation of country music fans.
• Chase McDaniel: Known for his authentic storytelling, McDaniel is on the list of artists with highly anticipated 2025/2026 releases.
• Lance Roark, Scott Wolverton, Max Alan, and Josie Sal: All are part of the new wave of talent making waves and earning spots on "Artists to Watch" lists.

Shocking Moments and Industry Talk

The year 2025 was not without its drama and major talking points. The industry saw several moments that sparked intense fan discussion:

• Morgan Wallen's Streaming Dominance: Wallen remained Spotify’s #1 most-listened country artist in 2025, with over 41 million monthly listeners, confirming his undeniable commercial power despite past controversies.
• Jelly Roll's Personal Journey: The singer’s highly publicized weight loss journey and candid discussions about his personal growth became a major story, resonating deeply with fans.
• Major Country Breakups: The year saw four high-profile celebrity breakups in the country music world, fueling the tabloid headlines and shocking the fan community.
• Zach Bryan's Fence Incident: The singer made headlines for an unexpected incident involving a fence, adding another layer to the often-unpredictable nature of country music stardom.

As the calendar turns, the momentum from the CMA Awards, the excitement for the new tours, and the anticipation for fresh albums promise that 2026 will be another landmark year for country singers and their devoted fans. Keep an eye on these artists and stories as they continue to unfold.