It’s no secret that country has become one of the most popular genres in the world right now, despite the ridiculous headlines about Beyoncé reviving a “dying genre.”
Last year alone, country songs held the top three spots – not once, but twice, on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time in 65 years. Morgan Wallen also topped the year-end chart for both singles with “Last Night” and albums with One Thing At A Time, and the album stayed at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart for 16 weeks – the longest of any album in 2023. He beat out artists like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Drake and Nicki Minaj.
Zach Bryan spent two weeks at #1 with his self-titled album, Luke Combs has a massive hit with his cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” and country received nearly 24% more streams in 2023 than it had the year before, a bigger jump than any other genre.
And that’s all in the mainstream… don’t ignore the fact that indie artists like Turnpike Troubadours, Cody Jinks, Whiskey Myers, Tyler Childers, Koe Wetzel, and more are earning Gold and Platinum records, in addition to selling out MASSIVE venues. We’re talking about artists who get virtually zero mainstream radio play, and they can sell 10,000 or more tickets in cities all across the country. Some country artists with a handful of #1’s can’t even do that.
And now, pop stars are flocking to the genre. Beyoncé just released her critically-acclaimed Cowboy Carter album, which by her own admission was NOT a country album, but definitely had some country and western inspiration at times. Lana Del Rey has announced her plans to release a country project while shamelessly admitting that the reason is “it’s popular right now.” Ed Sheeran has had some country rumblings, and then you have Post Malone, who has expressed his desire to try some country stuff for years now. Artists like Darius Rucker and Jelly Roll have successfully transitioned from other genres to country.
No, country music is alive and well… and right now, it seems like everyone wants a piece of the pie.
And Carrie Underwood is here for it. Carrie tells Yahoo that the lines between genres have continued to broaden, and she welcomes that:
“There really is something for everybody now. One of the great things about country music, and this is true for music in general, is that every genre has really just broadened itself. If you like things that are more traditional, you can find those. If you like things that seem more pop, you can find that. If you like things that can cross over into other genres, you can find something that you love — and it’s all part of the same family. I always welcome that.
I love that people like Post Malone and Beyoncé and Jelly Roll, and people like that are artists first and foremost. They kind of weave in and out of different genres of music, and I think that’s really cool.”
Thoughts?
‘Reflection’ Las Vegas Residency 2024
Carrie Underwood has extended her time in Sin City. The country star announced more new dates for her Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency at Resorts World Theatre, which will now run through October of this year.
“The party continues! We’re thrilled to share that we’ve added even more shows for ‘Reflection’ at Resorts World Theatre in 2024, and we now have select dates in October! This show is very special to us, and we’re so excited to see more of you next year!”
Full of electrifying pyrotechnics and choreography, the entire show is personal to Carrie, who was highly involved in all the show’s elements including styling much of her own wardrobe. In addition to flashy wardrobe choices, Carrie shared with Billboard that the Vegas Residency allows her more of an opportunity to give her fans “a show” than the average tour stop:
“Performing live for an audience is my favorite part of what I do, and I love the idea of giving the audience a show and not just a concert. We can do things in this production we aren’t able to do out on the road.”
Of course, Carrie is an incredible entertainer, and Vegas seems to be a great fit for her flashy style and high-energy, fun live show, so if you’re looking for a concert to see while on a trip there next year, Carrie’s would make a great evening out.
Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency dates:
May 22
May 25
May 26
May 29
May 31
June 1
August 14
August 16
August 17
August 21
August 23
August 24
October 16
October 18
October 19
October 23
October 25
October 26
