Opry Names Its Next Big Stars for 2026
New faces at the Opry, a big tour adds dates, a fresh album drops, and a chart milestone hits.
Alright y’all—here’s what’s moving in country music right now, the stuff you’ll be hearing about all weekend and into next week.
1) The Opry just revealed its NextStage Class of 2026
The Grand Ole Opry announced its 2026 NextStage lineup on February 24, 2026, shining a spotlight on nine rising artists the Opry will help push throughout the year. The class includes Alexandra Kay, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Graham Barham, Hudson Westbrook, Jake Worthington, Tyler Braden, Vincent Mason, and Willow Avalon—names you’re going to see popping up on bills, playlists, and “who’s next” conversations a whole lot more in 2026.
2) Brooks & Dunn add a second Fort Worth show
If you’ve been trying to snag tickets and struck out, here’s your second chance: Brooks & Dunn added another Fort Worth date on their 2026 Neon Moon Tour. They’ll now play Dickies Arena on October 9 and October 10, 2026, with Tucker Wetmore and Caylee Hammack listed as special guests. Tickets for the new date go on sale Friday, February 27, 2026.
3) Megan Moroney’s new album “Cloud 9” is here
Megan Moroney’s third studio album, Cloud 9, landed February 20, 2026, and it’s already got folks talking. If you’ve been riding with her since “Tennessee Orange,” this one keeps that sharp, diary-like storytelling in the mix—just with a bigger, polished album rollout vibe.
4) Jason Aldean hits another Country Airplay No. 1
Jason Aldean’s “How Far Does a Goodbye Go” climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart dated February 21, 2026—his 26th career leader on that chart. That’s one of those “put it on the mantle” milestones, and it also keeps the momentum rolling toward his upcoming album Songs About Us, due April 24, 2026.
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