Country Roundup
Country Roundup

Country Roundup

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“Hogwash” – FBI Blasts Report That Director Kash Patel Ordered His Country Singer Girlfriend’s Security Detail To Escort Her Drunk Friends Home In Nashville
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“Hogwash” – FBI Blasts Report That Director Kash Patel Ordered His Country Singer Girlfriend’s Security Detail To Escort Her Drunk Friends Home In Nashville

Fake news. FBI Director Kash Patel has made headlines for not only his work with the law enforcement agency (which just captured the 2021 DNC & RNC pipe bomb suspect in just 11 months after the previous administration couldn’t catch him in 4 years), but also his relationship with country singer Alexis Wilkins. Wilkins is a political commentator and former press secretary for Congressman Abe Hamadeh who has also released several patriotic country songs like “Country Back” and “Stand.” Her biggest song to date, though, is a two-stepping love song from her 2023 EP Grits called “Love Me” that’s filled with references to the Joe Diffie classic “John Deere Green.” (It’s actually pretty good if you haven’t heard it). Well Patel and Wilkins have found their relationship under fire from the left, including earlier this year when it was reported that the FBI Director used an agency jet to fly to a Real American Freestyle wrestling event on October 25 where his girlfriend was performing. Following the event, the jet was tracked flying to Nashville, Tennessee, where Wilkins lives. Patel blasted the report as a “disgrace” while defending his girlfriend as “a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation who has done more for this nation than most will in ten lifetimes,” and FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson further clarified that because of his job, the law requires Patel to travel on government aircraft even for personal travel. According to Williamson, Patel pays a reimbursement to the agency for personal travel, and has also taken steps to reduce his travel costs like flying from government airfields vs. crowded airports like DCA, which he says has saved millions of dollars and is something his predecessor Christopher Wray didn’t do. Finally, he defended Patel for taking some time for himself to see his girlfriend perform: “Kash himself has significantly limited personal travel – but he’s allowed to take personal time on occasion to see family, friends or his longtime girlfriend. He doesn’t do it often. He works far more full weekends than he does otherwise. And maybe most importantly – ask anyone who works for him, he’s on duty 24/7 regardless.” The whole thing seems pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things, considering how much money our government is otherwise wasting (and how much the left cried about cuts the Trump administration has made). But Patel and Wilkins are once again at the center of a new report accusing them of wasting government resources. The report today from MS NOW (formerly MSNBC, so consider the source) claims that Patel has, on more than one occasion, ordered the security detail protecting his girlfriend to escort her drunk friends after partying in Nashville. The report says that at least twice, Wilkins has asked agents on her team to take her friends home after a night of drinking. MS NOW, citing “three people with knowledge of the incidents,” claims that the agents pushed back on the request, but that Patel ordered the agents to do as Wilkins asked and at one point even called the leader of her security detail to yell at him to take her friend home. Williamson, the FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs, however, strongly denied the report and blasted MS NOW for what he says is shoddy journalism and “hogwash.” “1,000% false and did not happen. And I’d like to give some BTS insight into how this hogwash got printed. I got this allegation on Tuesday. It sounded made up and I told the reporter so. I went and checked with everyone involved – Alexis (who doesn’t even drink), the Director, the Detail, and more – all of whom said it didn’t happen. Couldn’t find any corroboration or record of it whatsoever. I went back to the reporter and said “everyone involved says this is false – can you give me any other info so I can provide some proof beyond just a denial? A date? Name of the friend? Anything.” Their response was: “We do not have that info but are comfortable with our sourcing.”” 1,000% false and did not happen. And I’d like to give some BTS insight into how this hogwash got printed. I got this allegation on Tuesday. It sounded made up and I told the reporter so. I went and checked with everyone involved – Alexis (who doesn’t even drink), the Director,… https://t.co/HZfUf9TRwX — Ben Williamson (@_WilliamsonBen) December 5, 2025 So the reporter has no information or details on the incident other than “it happened,” but was still comfortable running the story. Makes sense. And look, obviously I don’t think that the FBI should be providing Uber services for friends of the director’s girlfriend, but if you’re going to come out with a story like this, you should probably have a little more detail and proof than three unnamed sources who say that it happened. But then again, have you ever tried getting an Uber from Broadway? There have been plenty of times when I wish I had an FBI agent to drive me home too.The post “Hogwash” – FBI Blasts Report That Director Kash Patel Ordered His Country Singer Girlfriend’s Security Detail To Escort Her Drunk Friends Home In Nashville first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Is Tucker Wetmore’s New Song “Proving Me Right” About His Relationship With His Ex-Girlfriend (& Riley Green’s New Lady), Bryana Ferringer?
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Is Tucker Wetmore’s New Song “Proving Me Right” About His Relationship With His Ex-Girlfriend (& Riley Green’s New Lady), Bryana Ferringer?

What’s the verdict? You be the judge… Today, Tucker Wetmore dropped a new song called “Proving Me Right,” which he co-wrote with Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird and Chris Tompkins. It finds him reflecting on an ex’s repeating patterns as he accuses her of moving on to find another “guy with a song.” It’s not something we would typically cover, because the song is meh, but the internet has been all stirred up over it because many fans think it was written about Riley Green’s new lady, influencer Bryana Ferringer. He brought her as his date to the CMA Awards a couple weeks ago, and even though Riley was one of the biggest winners at the CMA Awards, taking home three trophies for Music Video of the Year (announced before the show started), Single of the Year and Song of the Year for the song “You Look Like You Love Me,” which he shares with Ella Langley, this is what the internet was talking about after it was all said and done. Throughout the show, the cameras panned to Green sitting next to Bryana during the show a couple times throughout the evening, and from a quick Google search, I learned that Bryana previously dated the aforementioned Tucker Wetmore. She is a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle influencer who lives in Nashville and has been spotted with Riley here and there for the last several months, so I’m sure some of his fans have taken notice, especially if you’re on TikTok at all. And while Wetmore hasn’t said anything publicly about their breakup or her new relationship with Riley, the morning after the show, he teased “Proving Me Right,” which certainly seems to be written about Bryana. Bryana and Riley have been spotted together for months now, so I think it’s safe to assume they’re in some sort of relationship, making the lyrics in Wetmore’s new song that much more cutting. In addition to accusing her of chasing men who have plenty of fame, Wetmore also mentions her going from “red to crimson,” potentially referencing the fact that Riley is from Alabama, though he’s admittedly an Auburn fan, not an Alabama fan, but I digress… “You got a way now, don’t you? Of getting just what you wanted, Don’t lie, don’t lie, You want me to see you with him, Switching from red to Crimson, Alright, alright…” Yeah, I saw what you was just chasin’ Queen bee the game that you’re playin’ Ain’t worth the whiskey I wasted Yeah, I’m just sayin’” Him mentioning “queen bee” seems really obvious in terms of who it’s about, and while it’s not an overly complex song, plenty of fans were in the comments speculating that this song is about Bryana, and considering the timing of him sharing the song, that seems like an extremely obvious and logical assumption to make. Of course, since he teased it on Instagram, every other comment has been about who this song might be about, and while you can never know for sure if the artist doesn’t explicitly say it, sometimes, you have to read between the lyrics… and consider the timing of how this has all played out. I’m not sure we’ll ever know if this is a direct take on Wetmore’s true feelings about Bryana, but the timing is suspicious at best, and the song cover art also features a truck which could possibly be a hint at Riley, too. Fans tend to read way more into a lot of things than what reality is, but in this case, I think they might have a real point… but you can listen for yourself below and see what you think. “Proving Me Right” The post Is Tucker Wetmore’s New Song “Proving Me Right” About His Relationship With His Ex-Girlfriend (& Riley Green’s New Lady), Bryana Ferringer? first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Michael Bublé Says A Country Album Is Coming Soon: “I Have Made A Love Letter To Country Music”
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Michael Bublé Says A Country Album Is Coming Soon: “I Have Made A Love Letter To Country Music”

I’m intrigued. As country music continues to become more popular by the minute, highlighted by Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll and many other’s high-profile crossovers, it seems as if everyone is trying to try their hand in the genre as of late. Of course, Post Malone arguably did it the best with the release of F-1 Trillion last year, not only fully embracing Nashville and its culture but also calling upon a plethora of different superstars from yesterday and today. With that being said, you obviously have Beyoncé’s highly-controversial COWBOY CARTER, which not only netted her Best Country Album but also all-genre Album of the Year at this year’s Grammys. Additionally, BigXthaPlug took his Texas roots into the genre, collaborating with the likes of Ella Langley, Luke Combs, Bailey Zimmerman and more on his “country” record (more like rap record with country singers on the chorus), I Hope You’re Happy. This isn’t even mentioning Lana Del Ray’s long-awaited dive into country music, something that has been in the works for seemingly years at this point. We’ve also heard Ed Sheeran speak on making a permanent move to Nashville and going country for good. Against all odds, it looks like the next star to make their foray into country music will be none other than… Michael Bublé. It’s safe to say that Bublé is best known, to the general public, for his killer crooning vocals, which are best displayed on his monster 2014 holiday record, Christmas. Obviously, Bublé and the record by extension has quickly become the quintessential 21st century Christmas record, essentially occupying the space Frank Sinatra left for modern listeners. Beyond his famous holiday ventures, Bublé has a long-history of producing some of the best mainstream jazz as well, with hits such as “Haven’t Met You Yet,” “Save the Last Dance For Me” and “Everything.” During a recent interview with Kylie Kelce (former Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center, Jason Kelce’s wife) on her Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce Podcast, Bublé dropped the bomb that he will, in fact, be making a country record in the near future. Citing the fact that he’s always loved the genre, the “Sway” singer would note that he made a “love letter to country music” with popular Nashville producer, Dann Huff. “I don’t even know if I’m supposed to talk about this. I love country music, and I have loved country music my whole life. I went to Nashville, I have a producer named Dann Huff… and I have made a love letter to country music.” In case you’re not familiar with Huff, he’s a frequent flyer in Nashville. In the last five years alone, he’s produced the likes of Riley Green’s Way Out Here, Don’t Mind If I Do and Ain’t My Last Rodeo, Brooks & Dunn’s Reboot II, Jon Pardi’s Mr. Saturday Night, Ella Langley and Kameron Marlowe’s “Strangers” and Morgan Wallen and Thomas Rhett’s #1 hit, “Mamaw’s House.” This isn’t even mentioning his production credits on the likes of recent records from Midland, Keith Urban, Mackenzie Carpenter, Darius Rucker and more. Only time will tell how the record shapes out, but as of now, the 50-year-old crooner promised to Kelce that the record will be a classic-sounding record, making sure to note that it does NOT sound like modern country that is currently plaguing the Top 40 at country radio as of late. “It’s old-school, it’s not like, modern. It’s my interpretation. I have never had an experience that has been better musically. I am so excited to put out this record. I don’t know if ten people are going to love it, but I don’t care.” As for a time-frame for the release, Bublé would admit that he hasn’t even finished the record yet, so there’s no telling when the project will come to fruition. “I feel like I’ve earned the right to make a beautiful record… It’s not even ready; I haven’t even finished it, but I’m telling you, this one is so special for me. It is so beautiful.” So, what’s the final verdict? Obviously, a lot of Bublé’s quotes sound a bit like your generic PR-friendly descriptions of a new record, complete with statements like “I have never had an experience that has been better musically” and “I have made a love letter to country music.” Like usual, there’s always an bit of hesitation when a non-country artist simply appears out of the blue one day proclaiming their love for the genre. With Bublé, however, he’s already shown he can flirt with the genre, mainly on Blake Shelton’s country-Christmas re-release of his 2005 single, “Home.” There’s no denying Bublé has one of the greatest pure voices in any genre this generation, and working with an established country producer such as Huff definitely points in a positive direction. Like nearly any country crossover, it’s best to go into it with an open mind. For now, however, we’ll just have to wait… While you’re here, fire up Bublé and Shelton’s duet on “Home.” The post Michael Bublé Says A Country Album Is Coming Soon: “I Have Made A Love Letter To Country Music” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

Kenny Chesney Reveals Why He 'Snapped' + Punched a Fan at a Show
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Kenny Chesney Reveals Why He 'Snapped' + Punched a Fan at a Show

Kenny Chesney loves his fans, but even he has his limits when they get too close. Continue reading…

Luke Combs Releases Tear Jerker About A Groom & The Bride’s Father On His Daughter’s Wedding Day, “Giving Her Away”
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Luke Combs Releases Tear Jerker About A Groom & The Bride’s Father On His Daughter’s Wedding Day, “Giving Her Away”

Why am I crying this early on a Friday morning? It’s because Luke Combs just released a new song called “Giving Her Away,” which he’s been teasing for several weeks now and it’s an absolute tear jerker of a song. Written by Josh Phillips (who penned Cody Johnson’s massive hit “Dirt Cheap)”, Gary Garris and Josh Mirenda, the story of a young couple getting married is told from the perspective of a groom about to marry the love of his life. The song is written like a letter or conversation to her father, as the groom explains he knows that his future wife’s father is her first love, and they have a special bond. He explains that he knows her dad will always be her first love, and he will spend the rest of his life trying to fill those shoes: “Yeah, I know it’s gotta be tough And you’re happy, but you’re hurting behind that smile You’ll always be her first love And mine’s walking down the aisle That song’s about to play We’re gonna say, ‘I do’ And for the rest of my days I’ll do my best to fill your shoes” The chorus finds him admitting that he knows they’re both on the verge of tears, and how seriously he takes the fact that this man is giving his daughter away to him: “Only she could’ve got us both in suits Only she could’ve got us out our boots Fightin’ back every tear that we both knew We were gonna cry today Neither one of us knows what to do Standin’ up in front of a crowded room On a springtime Saturday afternoon With both our lives about to change Man, you brought your baby I brought a ring I’m givin’ her my name And you’re givin’ her away” I can already hear this at every wedding in 2026 as the father/daughter dance song or something like that, and I think it’s such a heartfelt, incredibly relatable song that so many fans are going to fall in love with. Of course, there are plenty of songs in country music from the perspective of a father giving away his daughter, and many more about a man who is marrying the love of his life, but I’ve never heard one from this perspective from a man to his future father-in-law about their shared love for a woman in their life, and that’s what makes it such a standout. The bond between a father and daughter is so special, and I have heard very few songs that capture it so authentically. I feel like Luke could cut this song because he doesn’t have a little girl (yet), but since he and his wife Nicole are keeping the gender of their third child a surprise until the baby is born, if it ends up being a girl, I feel like he might not be able to perform this live for a while… Either way, it’s a hit, and just the start of a lot of new music, as Combs confirmed not long ago that a new album is coming next year. He previously said that he had cut “over 30 songs” for the record, and if the rest of them are anything like this, I think we’re in for something very special. Do yourself a favor and give this one a spin, but please, grab a tissue first… “Giving Her Away” Luke’s My Kinda Saturday Night world tour will kick off in March of 2026, and you can check out the full list of dates below. My Kinda Saturday Night Tour Dates March 21 Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, NV April 4 Scott Stadium – Charlottesville, VA April 11 Jack Trice Stadium – Ames, IA April 18 Notre Dame Stadium – South Bend, IN April 25 Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH May 2 Neyland Stadium – Knoxville, TN May 9 Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium – Norman, OK May 15 Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI May 16 Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI May 30 Parc Jean-Drapeau – Montreal, QC June 5 Rogers Stadium – Toronto, ON June 6 Rogers Stadium – Toronto, ON July 4 Ullevi – Gothenburg, Sweden July 7 Accor Arena – Paris, France July 11 Johan Cruijff ArenA – Amsterdam, Netherlands July 18 Slane Castle – Slane, Ireland July 19 Slane Castle – Slane, Ireland July 25 Scottish Gas Murrayfield – Edinburgh, UK July 31 Wembley Stadium – London, UK August 1 Wembley Stadium – London, UKThe post Luke Combs Releases Tear Jerker About A Groom & The Bride’s Father On His Daughter’s Wedding Day, “Giving Her Away” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.