Country music fans have plenty to celebrate as January 2025 brings exciting news ranging from new music releases to personal milestones among their favorite artists. This month’s roundup highlights Luke Bryan’s highly anticipated tour, the launch of new country music showcases, and heartfelt anniversaries.
Luke Bryan, the country hitmaker with nearly 20 billion streams to his name, has officially announced his 2025 "Country Song Came On" tour. The five-month tour is set to kick off on May 29th at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, New York, and will wrap up on August 29th at Darien Lake Amphitheater, also in New York. Bryan will be joined by various supporting acts, including George Birge, Avery Anna, and Drake Milligan, making it a summer festival of country talent across cities.
Known for his iconic hits and energetic performances, Bryan continues to pave his way through the country music scene even after the release of his last album, "Mind of a Country Boy." His recent collaboration with Quavo and Teddy Swims has kept him busy alongside numerous appearances on projects with artists like Riley Green and Darius Rucker. The presale for tickets begins on January 28th at 8 a.m. local time, with general sales starting on January 31st at 10 a.m. local time, making it one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
Audacy has introduced its new platform, "Launch: New Country," aiming to spotlight rising stars and highlight songs destined to become hits. With the tagline "you heard it here first," the platform delivers fresh tracks from artists like Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert. This week’s featured songs include new releases like "I Am" by Kane Brown and "Huntin' Season" by Mackenzie Carpenter. Audacy's initiative indicates the changing tide within country music, emphasizing the importance of discovering new talent and giving listeners an insider's perspective.
Switching gears to personal celebrations, Miranda Lambert took to Instagram to commemorate her sixth wedding anniversary with husband Brendan McLoughlin. The 41-year-old superstar shared nostalgic black-and-white images from their wedding day paired with recent selfies, captioning it with, "6 years💍. I’ll love you forever @brendanjmcloughlin." Lambert and McLoughlin first met back in 2018, culminating their whirlwind romance with marriage just three months after meeting on the set of Good Morning America. The couple, who now balances life between their Tennessee farm and their New York base, continues to share their love story with fans, blending personal joy with professional success.
Meanwhile, MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge are rekindling their musical collaboration after ten years with their new joint project named Thelma & James. Their first release, "Happy Ever After You," signals not just the return of their songwriting together but also incorporates deep personal connections, as the project’s title reflects both their grandparents' names. This heartfelt new song is being praised for its authenticity, rootedness, and emotional resonance. The couple shared insights on how their past decade of individual careers prepared them to complement each other’s artistic styles, highlighting the sincerity intimate partnership brings to songwriting.
Reflecting on how honest communication enhances their creative flow, Etheridge commented, "There's an honesty… when you're songwriting with your wife." Porter echoed this sentiment, appreciating the newfound synergy and connection to their heritage through their collaboration. Fans can expect more music from Thelma & James, with Porter hinting at future projects already underway.
January 2025 proves to be not only about the newest releases and major events within country music, but also about celebrating love, partnership, and community within the industry. The stories of Luke Bryan's tour, the intimate celebrations of Miranda Lambert, and the musical renaissance of MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge showcase the genre's dynamic nature, uniting fans with their favorite artists during these exciting times.