Is Maddox Batson “Country Music’s Justin Bieber”?

Niall Horan: The Rolling Stone Interview

On a new episode of The Rolling Stone Interview podcast, writer Larisha Paul sits down with singer and songwriter Niall Horan as he gears up for the release of his new album, Dinner Party. At 32, he’s spent half of his life playing shows and releasing records, first as a member of One Direction, and for the past decade, all on his own. The past few years in particular have found him in an introspective state as he reflects on falling in love and contending with grief following the death of his former bandmate, Liam Payne. Horan processes it all through music. He approaches pop with optimism, honesty, and an exceptional ear for sharp melodies. Four solo albums in, Horan is most interested in celebrating life and love with thousands of fans each night on his increasingly ambitious tours – then retreating from the spotlight until there are more songs to play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

One By Willie x Nashville Now: Happy Birthday Willie Nelson!

Happy birthday, Willie Nelson! In honor of the country music legend turning 93 on April 29, Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast joins forces with Texas Monthly and PRX’s One By Willie podcast for a very special crossover episode. One By Willie host John Spong, the preeminent scholar on all things Willie, joins Nashville Now host Joseph Hudak in the cabin to talk about Willie’s catalog of songs and why each is uniquely important. Then, Spong asks Hudak about the impact that Nelson’s 1980 Number One hit “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” had on his own life. It’s a celebration of the Red Headed Stranger! Country is Here…Nashville is Now. Check out our Hear Now [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68zjbsCucBRpXX23jBWyGi?si=uc8BMcNmRJqGDtAmvWiXOg] playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Ne-Yo Opens Up About His Country Debut

Back in 2012, Ne-Yo teamed up with Tim McGraw for the country/R&B collaboration “She Is.” Now, Ne-Yo is returning to Nashville to work on his own country-influenced project. We welcome the singer to the Nashville Now cabin to talk about going country, his love of Reba McEntire, and the time Tim and Faith Hill had him over for fried chicken. He also opens up about his personal experience so far in Music City and on the rowdy blocks of Lower Broadway, and how it may be different than what some fans might expect. It’s a sit-down with an R&B great, only on Nashville Now.   Country is Here… Nashville is Now. Check out our Hear Now [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68zjbsCucBRpXX23jBWyGi?si=uc8BMcNmRJqGDtAmvWiXOg%E2%81%A0] playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

The 2026 ACM Awards Nominations: When Will Voters Get It Right?

Nominations for the 2026 ACM Awards are out now and we have some questions. Rolling Stone’s Senior Music Editor Joseph Hudak and longtime RS contributor and author Marissa R. Moss break down five key storylines, from the dominance by this year’s women nominees to the wildly confusing New Artist races. Check out our hot takes and be sure to tune in to the 61st ACMs airing May 17 on Prime Video, live from Las Vegas.   Country is Here… Nashville is Now.   Check out our Hear Now [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68zjbsCucBRpXX23jBWyGi?si=uc8BMcNmRJqGDtAmvWiXOg%E2%81%A0] playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Is Maddox Batson “Country Music’s Justin Bieber”?

From Taylor Swift to Tanya Tucker, country music has a rich history of child stars. Maddox Batson, at just 16, is the latest, drawing comparisons to a young Justin Bieber with his songs about middle-school crushes and country living. Maddox joins us in the Nashville Now cabin to talk about songwriting, social media, and the song he co-wrote for Lana Del Rey and Quavo. And for his already hardcore fans, he tells us if there really was a “girl in green.” It’s the future of country music, only on Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now.   Country is Here… Nashville is Now. Check out our Hear Now [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68zjbsCucBRpXX23jBWyGi?si=uc8BMcNmRJqGDtAmvWiXOg%E2%81%A0] playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]