New Zealand-born, Nashville-based country artist Abby Christo has officially released her brand-new single “Boy Bye,” available now on all streaming platforms. The track is a cheeky, empowering anthem that flips heartbreak into confidence, reminding listeners that knowing your worth is the ultimate glow-up.

Inspired by a conversation with a friend stuck in a toxic relationship, Christo found the spark for “Boy Bye” in a moment of blunt honesty. “I told her, 'That man wouldn't know what love was if it hit him in the eye,' and that line became the seed for the song. It's not about heartbreak - it's about strength, self-respect, and walking away with your head high,” says Christo.

With a fresh, modern country sound anchored by her soulful vocals, Christo continues to carve her place as one of Nashville's most exciting emerging voices. Originally from New Zealand, she first broke onto the scene as part of Mae Valley on X Factor NZ before stepping out on her own. Since then, she has earned over 5.6 million streams, sold out her first headline show, and performed at major festivals including CMC Rocks alongside artists such as Morgan Wallen, Zac Brown Band, and Keith Urban.

Blending influences from Dolly Parton to Kacey Musgraves, Christo has built a reputation for clever, heartfelt songwriting with a modern edge. With “Boy Bye,” she continues to carve out her own lane as country's curly-haired Kiwi sweetheart, and this might be her most fun release yet.

Aristo Media

L-R: MCA’s Mike Harris, Larry Fitzgerald (Hey Buddy Entertainment), Katie McCartney (MCA), Vince Gill,

Rob Femia (MCA), Jackie Jones (RIAA), and Stephanie Wright (MCA)    

Trisha Yearwood will release her new holiday album, Christmastime, on November 7 via Virgin Music Group and Gwendolyn Records. The 12-song project features a mix of seasonal favorites like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “My Favorite Things,” and a soulful rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas,” along with an original tune, “Merry Christmas, Valentine,” co-written with her husband, Garth Brooks. This is Yearwood’s first solo holiday album since 1994’s The Sweetest Gift, and follows her chart-topping 2016 seasonal collaboration with Brooks, Christmas Together. Yearwood will also embark on the Christmastime With Trisha Yearwood: 12 Days of Christmas Tour, starting December 2 in Nashville and including stops in Atlanta, Detroit, and Pittsburgh, which will feature the country superstar performing holiday classics alongside local symphonies. “Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year, and these songs mean so much to me,” Yearwood said in a statement. “To be able to perform them with a full symphony brings the magic to another level.” Tickets go on sale September 12. (Billboard)

On Monday (September 8), Bailey Zimmerman announced the dates and details of his 2026 Different Night Same Rodeo Tour, which will mark the rising country star’s first time headlining arenas. The 30-date North American jaunt is in support of Zimmerman’s new album, Different Night Same Rodeo, which was released on August 8 and features high-profile collaborations with Luke Combs, The Kid LAROI, and Diplo. “MY FIRST TIME PLAYING ARENAS,” Zimmerman wrote of his new dates, while referring to his wildly successful New to Country Tour by adding, “This year’s tour has been nothing short of unbelievable y’all…LIKE THE CRAZIEST SHOWS OF MY LIFE…and I thought why would we stop now? LET’S KEEP IT GOINGGG.” The tour kicks off on February 19 in Estero, Florida, and concludes on June 20 in Ottawa, while hitting major music markets like Boston, Atlanta, Nashville, and Toronto along the way. Hudson Westbrook and Blake Whiten will open all dates on the tour, with tickets on sale on Friday (September 12) following an artist presale a day earlier. (Billboard)

On Monday (September 8), festival organizers announced that Garth Brooks will headline Milwaukee’s Summerfest 2026, with the country superstar launching the festival with an opening night concert on June 17 at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. This will mark Brooks’ first Milwaukee performance in over a decade. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Garth Brooks to Summerfest and cannot imagine a better way to kick off the festival in 2026,” said Sarah Pancheri, president and CEO, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. “We’ve seen countless iconic performances over nearly six decades, and this promises to be one of the most memorable yet!” In addition to the concert, attendees can enjoy the Official Summerfest Garth Brooks Pre-Party inside the festival grounds, which will feature live entertainment, food, and specialty drinks. Summerfest 2026 runs over the course of three weekends from June 18 to July 4, with tickets for the show going on-sale on Friday (September 12). (Billboard)

On Sunday (September 7), country singer Drake White and his wife Alex announced the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Della Elizabeth, who was born prematurely at 29 weeks on August 31 and passed away peacefully shortly after birth. Sharing their grief on Instagram, the couple expressed gratitude for the precious moments they had with her and leaned on their faith for strength. "We are heartbroken and soul tired, but we know we will get through this difficult time with the strength, peace, and joy that only our Heavenly Father can provide,” they wrote, while adding, “May Della be held in the arms of Jesus until we see her again someday." The couple, who are parents to their 2-year-old son William Hawk, confirmed that Della had been born at 8:52 a.m. local time on Aug. 31, before she "peacefully" died at 9:12 a.m. She weighed 3 lbs, 3.5 oz, and measured 13.5 inches when she was born. (People)

 Ella Langley, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson
Share Top Honors with Six Nominations Each 

Other Top Nominees Include Zach Top with Five Nominations; Riley Green and Cody Johnson with Four Nominations; and Kristian Bush, Carson Chamberlain, Luke Combs,
Charlie Handsome, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen with Three Nominations Each

Finalists for CMA Broadcast Awards Announced

Country Music’s Biggest Night™ Airs Live Wednesday, Nov. 19 on ABC and Next Day on Hulu

The Country Music Association has announced nominees for “The 59th Annual CMA Awards.” Today’s announcement officially kicks off CMA Awards season, spotlighting the industry professionals, recording artists, songwriters, producers, musicians, and more whose achievements have shaped the genre over the past year. “The 59th Annual CMA Awards” are voted on by the 7,132 voting-eligible CMA Professional members, which represent every corner of the Country Music landscape, including industry professionals, recording artists, songwriters, producers, musicians and more.  

“Each year, the CMA Awards shine a light on the creativity, passion and dedication of our community,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The nominees announced today represent some of the most impactful work happening across Country Music, and we are deeply appreciative of our voting members for lending their time and expertise to this process. Their commitment helps ensure the CMA Awards remain a true reflection of the genre’s excellence. On behalf of CMA, congratulations to all of this year’s nominees.” 

Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson top the list with six nominations each, while other top nominees include Zach Top with five nominations, and Riley Green and Cody Johnson with four nominations each. Kristian Bush, Carson Chamberlain, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen each secure three nominations. Vying for the night’s highest honor, CMA Entertainer of the Year, is Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson. “The 59th Annual CMA Awards,” broadcasts live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00 – 11:00 PM/EST) on ABC and next day on Hulu. 

First-time CMA Awards nominees include Johnny Clawson, Jon Decious, Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Dorr, Alexandra Gavillet, Lalo Guzman, Jimmy Harnen, Brandon Lake, Micah Nichols, John Park, Aaron Raitiere, Matt Rovey, Kyle Sturrock, Wales Toney, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr.

Nominees for this year’s CMA Awards and CMA Broadcast Awards were revealed by CMA Professional members during the official nominee announcement livestream on CMA’s YouTube and Facebook. Rewatch the livestream HERE.

***

ELLA LANGLEY – SIX NOMINATIONS 
Single of the Year (“you look like you love me”), Song of the Year (“you look like you love me”), Female Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year (“Don’t Mind If I Do”), Music Video of the Year (“you look like you love me”), New Artist of the Year 

Ella Langley ties for the most nominations this year with six, earning recognition across Single, Song, Female Vocalist, Musical Event, Music Video and New Artist of the Year. Her single “you look like you love me” with Riley Green lands nominations for both Single and Song of the Year, produced by Will Bundy and mixed by Jim Cooley. Langley shares songwriting credit with Green and Aaron Raitiere. The track’s accompanying video, directed by Langley, John Park and Wales Toney, is also nominated for Music Video of the Year. The reigning Musical Event of the Year winner, she is again recognized in that category for her feature on Green’s “Don’t Mind If I Do,” produced by Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen and Dann Huff. Langley now has a career total of seven CMA nominations. 

MEGAN MORONEY – SIX NOMINATIONS 
Single of the Year (“Am I Okay?”), Album of the Year (Am I Okay?), Song of the Year (“Am I Okay?”), Female Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year (“You Had To Be There”), Music Video of the Year (“Am I Okay?”) 

Megan Moroney ties for the most nominations this year with six, adding to her growing list of accolades as the reigning New Artist of the Year. She earns nods in Single, Album, Song, and Music Video of the Year for her standout project Am I Okay? and its title track. The single, produced by Kristian Bush and mixed by Justin Niebank, also lands recognition in both Single and Song of the Year, with songwriting credits shared by Moroney, Jessie Jo Dillon and Luke Laird. Its accompanying video, directed by Moroney and Alexandra Gavillet, is nominated for Music Video of the Year. Moroney secures her first Album of the Year nomination for Am I Okay? as well as a Musical Event nomination for “You Had To Be There,” featuring Kenny Chesney and produced by Bush. With her Female Vocalist of the Year nod, Moroney now boasts 11 career CMA nominations. 

LAINEY WILSON – SIX NOMINATIONS 
Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year (“4x4xU”), Album of the Year (Whirlwind), Song of the Year (“4x4xU”), Female Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year (“Somewhere Over Laredo”) 

Lainey Wilson ties for the most nominations this year with six, continuing her run as one of Country Music’s most celebrated artists. The reigning Female Vocalist and Music Video of the Year winner returns this year with nominations in Entertainer, Single, Song, Album, Female Vocalist and Music Video of the Year. Her hit “4x4xU” earns nods in both Single and Song of the Year, produced by Jay Joyce and mixed by Jason Hall and Joyce, with songwriting credits for Wilson alongside Jon Decious and Aaron Raitiere. She also secures an Album of the Year nomination for Whirlwind, produced by Joyce and mixed by Hall and Joyce, and a Music Video of the Year nomination for “Somewhere Over Laredo,” directed by TK McKamy. Wilson now has 25 career CMA nominations. 

ZACH TOP – FIVE NOMINATIONS 
Single of the Year (“I Never Lie”), Album (Cold Beer & Country Music), Song of the Year (“I Never Lie”), Male Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year  

Zach Top earns five nominations this year. His single “I Never Lie” secures nominations for both Single and Song of the Year, produced by Carson Chamberlain and mixed by Matt Rovey, with Top sharing songwriting credit alongside Chamberlain and Tim Nichols. The song also contributes to his first Album of the Year nomination for Cold Beer & Country Music, produced by Chamberlain and mixed by Rovey. He rounds out his nominations with recognition in Male Vocalist and New Artist of the Year. Top now has six career CMA nominations. 

RILEY GREEN – FOUR NOMINATIONS 
Single of the Year (“you look like you love me”), Song of the Year (“you look like you love me”), Musical Event of the Year (“Don’t Mind If I Do”), Music Video of the Year (“you look like you love me”)  

Riley Green earns four nominations this year. The reigning Musical Event of the Year winner is recognized again in that category for “Don’t Mind If I Do” featuring Ella Langley, produced by Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen and Dann Huff. “you look like you love me,” his collaboration with Langley, collects nominations for both Single and Song of the Year, produced by Will Bundy and mixed by Jim Cooley, with songwriting credit shared by Green, Langley and Aaron Raitiere. The track’s video, directed by Langley, John Park and Wales Toney, also earns a nomination for Music Video of the Year. Green now has five career CMA nominations. 

CODY JOHNSON – FOUR NOMINATIONS  
Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year (“I’m Gonna Love You”), Music Video of the Year (“I’m Gonna Love You”)  

Cody Johnson earns four nominations this year, including his first for Entertainer of the Year. He is also recognized in the Male Vocalist category. His collaboration “I’m Gonna Love You” with Carrie Underwood is nominated for Musical Event of the Year, produced by Trent Willmon. The track also earns a Music Video of the Year nomination, directed by Dustin Haney. Johnson, the reigning Album of the Year winner, now has 15 career CMA nominations. 

KRISTIAN BUSH – THREE NOMINATIONS  
Single of the Year (“Am I Okay?”), Album of the Year (Am I Okay?), Musical Event of the Year (“You Had To Be There”) 

Kristian Bush earns three nominations this year. He is nominated in Single, Album and Musical Event of the Year for his role as producer on Moroney’s “Am I Okay?” and her album Am I Okay?, as well as her song “You Had To Be There,” featuring Kenny Chesney. Bush now has five career CMA nominations for his work as a producer, as well as 19 additional nominations as one half of the duo Sugarland. 

CARSON CHAMBERLAIN – THREE NOMINATIONS  
Single of the Year (“I Never Lie”), Album of the Year (Cold Beer & Country Music), Song of the Year (“I Never Lie”) 

Carson Chamberlain earns three nominations this year. He is nominated for Single of the Year as producer of Zach Top’s “I Never Lie,” mixed by Matt Rovey. In the Song of the Year category, he shares songwriting credit on “I Never Lie” with Top and Tim Nichols. Chamberlain is also recognized in Album of the Year as producer of Top’s Cold Beer & Country Music, mixed by Rovey. He now has six career CMA nominations. 

LUKE COMBS – THREE NOMINATIONS  
Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year (“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma”), Male Vocalist of the Year  

Luke Combs earns three nominations this year, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist and Single of the Year for “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma.” The single was produced by Combs, Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, and mixed by Matthews. Combs now has 28 career CMA nominations. 

CHARLIE HANDSOME – THREE NOMINATIONS  
Album of the Year (F-1 Trillion), Album of the Year (I’m The Problem), Musical Event of the Year (“Pour Me A Drink”) 

Charlie Handsome earns three nominations this year as a producer and mix engineer. He is recognized twice in Album of the Year for his work on Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion and Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem. He also secures a nomination for Musical Event of the Year for producing Post Malone’s “Pour Me A Drink,” which features Blake Shelton and was co-produced by Louis Bell. Handsome now has eight career CMA nominations. 

CHRIS STAPLETON – THREE NOMINATIONS  
Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year (“Think I’m In Love With You”)  

Chris Stapleton earns three nominations this year, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist and Music Video of the Year for “Think I’m In Love With You,” directed by Running Bear. Stapleton is the reigning Male Vocalist, Single and Song of the Year winner, and now has 42 career CMA nominations. 

MORGAN WALLEN – THREE NOMINATIONS  
Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year (I’m The Problem), Male Vocalist of the Year  

Reigning Entertainer of the Year, Morgan Wallen earns three nominations this year, including a return nod in that category. He is also nominated for Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for I’m The Problem, produced by Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, and Joey Moi, and mixed by Handsome and Moi. Wallen now has 18 career CMA nominations. 

***   
 
Winners of “The 59th Annual CMA Awards” will be determined in a Final Round of voting by eligible CMA Professional voting members. The third and Final Ballot will be emailed on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Voting for the CMA Awards Final Ballot ends Wednesday, Oct. 29 (6:00 PM/CT). CMA Broadcast Awards winners will be determined by a Final Round of judging this month. Entries are judged by a panel of distinguished broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions. The winners will be revealed in October and recipients will be celebrated at the CMA Awards. All balloting is tabulated by the professional services organization, Deloitte.   

“The 59th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Alan Carter is the Director and Jon Macks is the Head Writer.   

Tickets for “The 59th Annual CMA Awards” are on sale now at cmaawards.com/tickets. 

***

“THE 59TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” – FINAL NOMINEES (by ballot category order): 

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

• Luke Combs 

• Cody Johnson 

• Chris Stapleton 

• Morgan Wallen 

• Lainey Wilson 

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s) 

• “4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson   

  • Producer: Jay Joyce 
  • Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce 

• “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs  

  • Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton  
  • Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews  

• “Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney  

  • Producer: Kristian Bush  
  • Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank  

• “I Never Lie” – Zach Top  

  • Producer: Carson Chamberlain  
  • Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey  

• “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green  

  • Producer: Will Bundy 
  • Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley  

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s) 

• Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney  

  • Producer: Kristian Bush  
  • Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank  

• Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top  

  • Producer: Carson Chamberlain  
  • Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey  

• F-1 Trillion – Post Malone  

  • Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins  
  • Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore  

• I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen  

  • Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi  
  • Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi  

• Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson  

  • Producer: Jay Joyce 
  • Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce  

SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s) 

• “4x4xU”  

  • Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson  

• “Am I Okay?” 

  • Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney  

• “I Never Lie” 

  • Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top  

• “Texas”  

  • Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock  

• “you look like you love me” 

  • Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere 

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• Kelsea Ballerini 

• Miranda Lambert 

• Ella Langley 

• Megan Moroney 

• Lainey Wilson 

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• Luke Combs 

• Cody Johnson 

• Chris Stapleton 

• Zach Top  

• Morgan Wallen 

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

• Lady A 

• Little Big Town 

• Old Dominion 

• Rascal Flatts  

• The Red Clay Strays 

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

• Brooks & Dunn 

• Brothers Osborne 

• Dan + Shay 

• Maddie & Tae 

• The War And Treaty 

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)   

• “Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley)  

  • Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff  

• “Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll 

  • Producer: Micah Nichols  

• “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)  

  • Producer: Trent Willmon  

• “Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton) 

  • Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome 

• “You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)  

  • Producer: Kristian Bush  

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

• Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle 

• Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar 

• Brent Mason – Guitar  

• Rob McNelley – Guitar 

• Derek Wells – Guitar  

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s) 

• “Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney  

  • Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney  

• “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood) 

  • Director: Dustin Haney  

• “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson  

  • Director: TK McKamy  

• “Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton 

  • Director: Running Bear  

• “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green  

  • Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney  

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• Ella Langley 

• Shaboozey  

• Zach Top  

• Tucker Wetmore 

• Stephen Wilson Jr.  

Texas country rocker Aaron McBee has officially announced the release of his debut album, Who I Am, arriving December 5th. To celebrate the upcoming project, McBee has dropped his brand-new single “Numb,” available everywhere today.

“'Numb' is a song that I've sat on for probably two years now and finally got to throw up on the list for this next record,” McBee shares. “Sometimes it just seems easier to numb yourself to a bad situation or relationship with whatever your vice may be.”

Co-written by McBee in its entirety, the 12-track album showcases his gritty blend of country and rock influences, with lyrics rooted in honesty and emotion. Fans can expect a mix of raw vulnerability and driving anthems that introduce the rising artist's authentic voice.

WHO I AM TRACKLISTING

1. Hope (Aaron McBee)
2. Who I Am (Aaron McBee)
3. Tied To You (Aaron McBee)
4. Numb (Aaron McBee)
5. Pick A Side (Aaron McBee)
6. What I Always Do (Aaron McBee)
7. Yours To Give (Aaron McBee)
8. Phone Call Away (Aaron McBee)
9. Over You (Aaron McBee)
10. My Name (Aaron McBee, Jake Parshall, Jimmy Thow, Jordan Centers)
11. Always Raining (Aaron McBee)
12. Never Again (Aaron McBee, Davis Danziger)

An emerging artist from Texas, Aaron McBee's sound extends far beyond state lines. Drawing inspiration from the grunge and post-grunge eras, he fuses those influences with his own unique style to carve out a distinct space in today's music scene. Still early in his career, Aaron is dedicated to refining his craft, gaining valuable experience, and crafting music that resonates with listeners. With authenticity and determination at the core of his journey, he is steadily building a name for himself—one song at a time.

Photo Credit: Shervin

Miranda Lambert, known for her musical talent but novice golf skills, is preparing to compete in the celebrity Ryder Cup golf tournament for the first time, despite having played only 22 holes in her life. Sharing a humorous Instagram video of her learning the game from her coach and husband Brendan McLoughlin, Lambert joked about her struggles but expressed determination to "give it hell." “My pal @lukebryan called and gave me a pep talk the other day and he encouraged me to bring y’all on this journey for moral support,” Lambert wrote, while adding, “Cheers to trying new things.” The 41-year-old country star is focused on improving her game ahead of the event later this month. The Ryder Cup, which pits European and American professional golfers against each other, will take place on September 26–28, at Bethpage State Park in New York, along with a friendly golf competition between American and European celebrities. Details about other participants or TV coverage for the celebrity golf event have yet to be announced. (Taste of Country)