The UK Country Radio Airplay Chart is celebrating its first anniversary, marking over a year of showcasing the top songs and artists within the genre. Launched in March 2024, it started with Conner Smith's "Creek Will Rise" holding the premiere spot for two weeks and featured many other hits from beloved artists. This celebration coincided with the C2C Festival 2025, held at London's O2 Arena, where notable achievements were recognized.
Among the standout moments was Lainey Wilson, who emerged as one of the most celebrated artists of the past year. Wilson tied with Jordan Davis for the accolade of Most No. 1 Singles on the chart for 2024, achieving success with both "4X4XU" and "Hang Tight Honey." During the event, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her fans, stating, "Y'all raised me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making me feel welcome from the beginning." This remark underscored the deep connection she has formed with her audience across the UK.
Jordan Davis also made waves during the event, taking home the award for Most Weeks at No. 1, thanks to his hit song "I Ain't Sayin'" which spent eight nonconsecutive weeks atop the chart. Davis shared his appreciation for the honor, stating, "Thank you to UK Country Radio and to the fans for believing in me and believing in my music. Building a fan base overseas is something important to me and to see y’all accepting me, is amazing. It is truly very special to be recognized in the UK!" His enthusiasm reflects how the UK audience has embraced his music.
Another celebrated artist at the event was Dasha, who received two significant awards: Most Weeks On The Chart and Highest Chart Reach, with her song "Austin" achieving 40 weeks on the airplay chart and generating 22 million impressions. Dasha's star has risen sharply, and during her award acceptance at a songwriters round earlier this month, she exclaimed, "Thank you so much, this is insane. This means the world to me because this was not my life a year ago. I’m so grateful. I love you guys in the UK!" Her success story is particularly poignant, illustrating the blossoming opportunities for country artists within the UK market.
2025 has seen numerous shifts on the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart, with tracks such as Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood's "I’m Gonna Love You," Tucker Wetmore's "Wind Up Missin' You," Drew Baldridge's "Tough People," and Blake Shelton's "Texas" vying for the top. Notably, Shelton's hit has claimed the number one position for five nonconsecutive weeks as of March 17, 2025, and it is indicative of the growing competition and dynamism within the ever-evolving country music scene.
The UK Country Radio Airplay Chart, the first of its kind dedicated to country music, is produced by Radiomonitor and the CMA's UK Task Force and compiles data from several prominent UK country radio stations. It reflects the increasing popularity of country music within the UK, showcasing how the genre is carving out its unique space alongside other musical styles.
Overall, the accomplishments recognized during the anniversary celebration are meaningful not only for the artists themselves but also for the wider UK country music community. They shed light on the potential for artists from diverse backgrounds to thrive, resonate with audiences, and continue to shape the future of country music beyond traditional boundaries.
With artists like Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, and Dasha leading the charge and gaining recognition, the UK Country Radio Airplay Chart serves as both a barometer of success and a glimpse of what's next for country music enthusiasts. The synergy between these artists and their UK fans highlights the beautiful connection forged through music and the excitement of what the future holds on the airwaves.