From record-breaking chart dominance to major industry rule changes, July is shaping up to be a historic month across Music City and beyond. Here is your briefing on the biggest headlines making waves right now.
Ella Langley Makes Billboard History with “Choosin’ Texas”
Rising star Ella Langley continues her unstoppable run at the top of the charts. “Choosin’ Texas” has officially notched its 14th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, placing her alongside chart titans Mariah Carey (“We Belong Together”) and Whitney Houston (“I Will Always Love You”) for the longest-running No. 1 single by a female artist in history (excluding holiday releases).
This milestone follows the success of her acclaimed album Dandelion, solidifying Langley as one of the defining voices in modern country.
Randy Travis Vault Release Announced
Country icon Randy Travis surprised fans with news of a brand-new studio project compiled from unreleased vault recordings created prior to his 2013 stroke. The upcoming record marks his first collection of original music in nearly two decades. The lead single, “Fish On,” is scheduled for release this Friday alongside a special campaign benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
CMA Draws Line in the Sand with New AI Policy
In a landmark policy shift, the Country Music Association (CMA) has officially updated its guidelines to mandate that only 100% human-created music will be eligible for future awards and nominations. The immediate rule change comes after AI-generated tracks were detected in recent submissions, making the CMA one of the first major music bodies to strictly prohibit generative AI from its award categories.
Garth Brooks Unveils Blame It All On My Roots 2026 Arena Tour
Garth Brooks is heading back out on the road. The Country Music Hall of Famer announced his upcoming “Blame It All On My Roots 2026 Arena Tour,” kicking off initial dates in Indianapolis. The run will feature the return of his iconic 1990s “Drum Pod” stage design and coincides with a companion live album release scheduled for later this year.
Quick Hits & New Music Drops
- Shania Twain released her reflective new single “Little Miss Twain,” drawing deep inspiration from her upbringing in Timmins, Ontario.
- Orville Peck announced his fourth full-length album, Mule, set for release on September 18, featuring guest appearances by Emmylou Harris, Noah Cyrus, and Allison Russell.
- Rhett Akins was officially invited to join the Grand Ole Opry by Jon Pardi during a special guest appearance.
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