I Did Not Have That On My 2024 Country Music Bingo Card

2024 was a big year for country music…. According to Spotify, Monthly streams of country music increased by over 20% globally in 2024. Many new countries started embracing the genres and many sizable artists began collaborating in the space. Here is a list of 8 things that weren’t on our country music bingo card for 2024.

1. Post Malone Goes Country

This was perhaps the most surprising and exciting development of 2024 for country music. Releasing his album F-1 Trillion, Post Malone went country… and full country. The record features songs with Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and more respected country singers. Geared up to tour with Jelly Roll in 2025, Post is certainly a reason for country music’s spike in listenership for 2024.

2. Garth Brooks Was Accused of WHATTTT???

Garth Brooks was accused of sexual harassment by his former hair and makeup artist during a trip they took to LA in 2019. The “Friends In Low Places” singer was quick to deny the wrongdoing, but not before the expense of several allegations, memes, and conspiracy theories surfaced online.

3. The Legendary “Red Solo Cup” singer Toby Keith Passes Away

After a battle with stomach cancer, Toby Keith passed away at the age of 62. While all of us were aware of his illness, it still hurts to lose such an icon in the genre. Much of 2024 was filled with an outpouring of love to Toby and memorable performances from Toby’s friends celebrating an incredible career and life he lived.

4. IT’S BOOZEY BABY!

Claiming the spot as the biggest commercial country hit of 2024 was “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey. Someone pour me another shot of whiskey because even after I streamed this song 23,000 times, it is still as catchy to me as the first time I heard it!

5. Randy Travis’ Resurrection

As scary as AI might be, one thing we will agree on is that AI’s ability to help us hear new Randy Travis music is a win. When Randy Travis suffered a debilitating stroke in 2013, many never expected to hear new Randy Travis music. Through the efforts of Warner Music’s Kris Lacy and producer Kyle Lehning, Randy was able to release the song, “Where That Came From.”

6. The One Female With a #1 on Country Radio Was…. Ella Langley

Congratulations to Ella Langley on her breakout year with the hit song “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green. While Ella is a true talent of her own, no one expected Ella to claim her first #1 as the ONLY female with a #1 in country radio. Many other females were quick to support her including Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Kelsea Ballerini, and Lainey Wilson. Hopefully females supporting females will lead to more #1s for the ladies in 2025.

My only other comment to Riley Green is… “you look like you love Ella!”

7. Darius Rucker, Jamey Johnson, and Chris Young Get Arrested

I’m not a betting man, but if I had to guess the odds of all three of these country singers getting arrested in the same year, Vegas would have to have the line at +25000. I will need to get a frame to hang these mugshots.

Darius Rucker Mugshot

Jamey Johnson Mugshot

Chris Young Mugshot

8. Zach Bryan Might Not Be A Good Guy

Rather than criticize Zach Bryan, I’ll go stream Dave Portnoy and Josh Richard’s diss track toward Zach. Following Zach’s messy breakup with Brianna Chickenfry, Brianna took to the BFF’s podcast to call out Zach for his abusive behavior throughout their relationship. The Barstool personality claimed she denied a $12 million dollar NDA offer.