Country Music News – 10/19/2025

Lainey Wilson Keeps Her Momentum Rolling With “Hang Tight Honey”

Lainey Wilson continues her remarkable rise in country music with “Hang Tight Honey,” the lead single from her 2024 album Whirlwind. The song has topped the UK Country Radio Airplay chart and continues to gain traction at U.S. radio, underscoring Wilson’s global appeal and artistic staying power. Fresh off her CMA Entertainer of the Year win and powerhouse live performances, Wilson’s streak feels less like luck and more like a new standard. In a genre long dominated by men, she’s proving that authenticity and grit can drive a modern country movement.

Luke Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” Strengthens Country’s Crossover Momentum

Luke Combs’ roaring anthem from the Twisters soundtrack hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, marking yet another chart-topping moment in his unstoppable run. Blending the cinematic punch of a blockbuster soundtrack with Combs’ signature heartland storytelling, the song proves that country’s roots can thrive on a massive scale. As pop continues to borrow from Nashville’s playbook, Combs remains one of the genre’s most magnetic forces—turning every hook into a stadium-sized singalong.

Kelsea Ballerini’s “Cowboys Cry Too” Marks a Turn Toward Vulnerability

Kelsea Ballerini’s collaboration with Noah Kahan, “Cowboys Cry Too,” debuted in the Top 30 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and reached the Top 20 on Hot Country Songs, showcasing a strong start for her most introspective single yet. Co-produced with Julian Bunetta, the track blends Ballerini’s pop precision with dusky pedal steel and emotional restraint. As Nashville’s next wave leans into confessional songwriting, Ballerini stands out for her willingness to strip the gloss and spotlight the humanity beneath the heartbreak.