Kenny Chesney is headed to Las Vegas this year for a residency at the Sphere. "When we started talking about all of the possibilities playing Sphere offered, I was all in," he says. "Just the idea of 4D technology and the impossibly dialed-in sound raises the experience for No Shoes Nation; literally immersing them in music, visuals, sound and being together." Kenny was teasing his fans earlier this month, saying that he was rehearsing for something. His residency will debut on May 22nd.

Ashley McBryde is grieving the loss of a close friend. She shared on social media that her friend Tyler Persun died unexpectedly earlier this month. His wife Brielle was also a close friend. Ashley posted a photo from the couple's wedding, in which she was a bridesmaid. "We put our arms around each other during this time of unthinkable tragedy," she wrote. "I'd say more but I just don't have the words." Ashely also shared a link to a GoFundMe for the family, which includes the couple's four-month-old son, Colby. Tyler was just 35 at the time of his death, which took place on January 10th.

Kip Moore will release his sixth studio album, Solitary Tracks, on February 28th. It will feature 23 songs, which is his biggest project to date. "I'm never going to cheat by just trying to write what I think people want to hear, or hold onto a sound that worked for me," says Kip. "I'm going to always be authentic with myself, with every record, and all I ever hope is that people find a little solace. This project is a journey in itself, so I hope it helps people navigate their own life." He will celebrate the new album with his Solitary Tracks World Tour. The first left kicks off in the spring and will take him across Europe.

The Recording Academy announced on Monday that the 2025 Grammy Awards will continue as planned, but will also be used to raise money for wildfire relief efforts in the area. The Recording Academy and MusiCares have already pledged $1 million in aid to those in the music industry who have been affected by the wildfires. The show is scheduled for February 2nd at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. 

For the first time in Farm Tour history, Luke Bryan is heading to California to spotlight West Coast farmers. The shows are usually held in the fall, but these three shows will take place in May right around the season finale of America Idol. "I have always wanted to raise awareness for the West Coast farmer," says Luke. "And I'm so excited to get to do that this year. Gonna be amazing."

Carrie Underwood will perform "America the Beautiful" during president-elect Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony on January 20th. The news was confirmed yesterday and has drawn mixed responses from her fans. Some are applauding her decision, but others are outraged. Carrie says that she was "honoured" to be asked. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Carrie says, "I love our country and am honoured to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."

Shaboozey is supposed to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on January 18th, unfortunately it has to be postponed because of the California wildfires. "Due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles and evacuation from his LA home, Shaboozey will be rescheduling his Opry debut to occur at a later date," the Opry writes. "Our thoughts are with Shaboozey, Los Angeles, and the surrounding communities at this time." His performance was part of the Opry's third annual Opry Goes Dolly program, which celebrates Dolly Parton's life and legacy one day before her birthday.

Keith Urban has parted ways with two band members. Bandleader and bass player Jerry Flowers revealed in a post on social media that Keith made a lineup change leading into the 2025 tour year. Jerry, who has been with Keith for 25 years, received a lot of support from his fans. Several in the country music industry shared their shock and disappointment. Jerry is also a songwriter. He's behind Jason Aldean's "A Little More Summertime," Sam Hunt's "House Party" and Billy Currington's "Do I Make You Wanna." The other member who announced his departure is Nathan Barlowe, who has spent the past nine years with Keith. He is known for inventing an instrument called "The Phantom." Prior to the Ripcord Tour, Keith showed it off, explaining how with four iPads and a computer, Nathan could play licks from the album in real time.