Michael Ray
Sean HagwellMichael Ray nets his second No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart (dated Jan. 22) with “Whiskey and Rain.” The song gained by 4% to 27.3 million audience impressions in the week ending Jan. 16, according to MRC Data.
Penned by Jesse Frasure and Josh Thompson, the track is the lead single from Ray’s seven-track set Higher Education, released in August 2021.
“The journey of this song has been one of the wildest rides of my career,” says Ray. “To watch ‘Whiskey and Rain’ grow into my second Billboard No. 1 [after] recording it during quarantine, where we were forced to take a different approach to making music, is a highlight that lets me know I’m on the right path. This song truly feels like a turning point in my career, both sonically and stylistically. I’m so grateful for the way fans have gravitated toward the song and thankful to country radio. The way this song connected makes me eager to share what we have coming next.”
Ray, originally from Eustis, Fla., first topped Country Airplay with “Kiss You in the Morning” for a week in August 2015. He has notched two additional top 10s: “Think a Little Less” (No. 2, 2017) and “One That Got Away” (No. 3, 2019).
As “Whiskey” rules in its 65th week on Country Airplay, it ties for the longest journey to the summit since the chart began in 1990. Travis Denning’s “After a Few” also took 65 weeks on its way to No. 1 in June 2020.
On Billboard‘s streaming-, airplay- and sales-based Hot Country Songs list, “Whiskey” ranks at No. 7 (after hitting No. 6). It drew 4.6 million U.S. streams and sold 1,600 downloads in the week ending Jan. 13.
‘FANCY’ FOURTH Walker Hayes’ “Fancy Like” extends its Hot Country Songs domination to 24 weeks, tying for the fourth-longest reign since the chart became an all-encompassing genre songs tally in October 1958.
Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant to Be” (50 weeks, beginning in December 2017) holds the record, followed by Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road” (34, starting in February 2017) and Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope” (27, beginning in July 2020). FGL’s debut hit “Cruise” also ruled for 24 weeks, starting in October 2012.
Co-written by Hayes, Cameron Bartolini, Josh Jenkins and Shane Stevens, “Fancy Like” drew 10.4 million streams and sold 5,000 downloads in the tracking week. It leads Country Streaming Songs for a 21st week, after topping Country Digital Song Sales for 25 frames. The track logged 20.8 million impressions in all-format radio audience in the tracking week; it crowned Country Airplay for a week in November.
Meanwhile, Hayes’ new single, “AA,” rises 3-1 on Country Digital Song Sales (5,500 sold), marking his second leader. It also drew 4.3 million streams. The track ranks at No. 22 on Hot Country Songs and No. 33 on Country Airplay (2.8 million, up 4%).
‘TOWN’ & COUNTRY Maren Morris achieves her ninth Hot Country Songs top 10, and her second debut in the tier, as “Circles Around This Town” rolls in at No. 9. Morris wrote the song with husband Ryan Hurd, Julia Michaels and Jimmy Robbins. (It references her breakout hits “My Church” and “80s Mercedes”: “Couple hundred songs and the ones that finally worked / Was the one about a car and the one about a church … that I wrote.”)
Released Jan. 7, the track tallied 3.5 million streams and sold 2,500 in its first week. It bounds onto Country Digital Song Sales at No. 6, granting Morris her 10th top 10. On Country Airplay, it places at No. 35 (2.5 million impressions).
The tune is the first single from Morris’ upcoming album, as well as her first new solo music since Girl, which opened at No. 1 on Top Country Albums in March 2019.
WELL DONE, ‘YOU’ Parker McCollum achieves his second career-opening Country Airplay top 10 as “To Be Loved by You” pushes 11-10 (16.3 million, up 6%). His maiden entry, “Pretty Heart,” led for a week in December 2020.
NEWS
Kelly Rowland has shared some heartfelt guidance for KATSEYE as the girl group faces a challenging period, with Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman temporarily stepping away to prioritise their mental health.
Having experienced worldwide fame at an early age with Destiny’s Child, Kelly understands the intense pressure that comes with success and changes within a group. During an interview with Rolling Stone, she encouraged the KATSEYE members to look after their own needs while continuing to stand by one another.
She explained: “In an industry as fast-paced as music, where there are constantly eyes on you and pressure to keep rising, your health is one of the most sacred things you have.
“I learned during my time in Destiny’s Child that you can show up for your fans and your group while still honouring what you need as an individual.”
Kelly then revealed what she would personally tell the group: “My advice to the KATSEYE girls would be to listen to themselves, be kind to themselves, and continue supporting one another through every season.”
As KATSEYE continue their Wildworld tour, Kelly also highlighted the importance of making space to recharge: “Especially on tour, it’s so important to intentionally carve out time to rest and reset in their daily routines. Taking care of your mind and body is what allows you to bounce back, stay resilient, and keep doing what you love.”
KATSEYE began their Wildworld tour on Tuesday (01.09.26), although neither Sophia nor Manon was present.
Sophia discussed her decision on Instagram Stories, telling fans: “I cannot express how much I want to participate in this tour and perform for you all. I have to remind myself every day that our health and mental wellbeing should always be prioritised.
“When I show up for you, I want you to get the best version of me. I've been in ongoing treatment and doing everything I can to stay healthy, occupied and happy.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s important to care for yourself.”
KATSEYE later posted an official announcement on Instagram, saying: “We would like to share an update regarding Sophia’s upcoming schedule.
“Sophia is focusing on her wellbeing, and the company remains fully committed to providing her with all the support and resources needed.”
Signed by HYBE and Geffen Records, the announcement verified that Sophia “will not be participating in the Wildworld Tour in Europe and the UK”.
However, no reference was made to the group’s scheduled performances in North America.
The statement added: “We sincerely ask for EYEKONS’ warm understanding, as our highest priority will always be the health and long-term well-being of our artists.
“We will share further updates as they become available. Please continue to send your love, warmth, and support to Sophia and KATSEYE.”
Sophia also expressed her appreciation for the care she has received from her management team and fellow members while dealing with her health concerns.
She added: “There’s been nothing but love and support from the company, my members, and everyone else around me as I work to get well. I can’t wait until I return and share the stage with my sisters again.
“They’re gonna put on an extraordinary performance for you. Trust me, I’ve been watching and they’re absolutely giving.”
Ending her message with gratitude, she told supporters: “I love you all so much. Thank you for understanding.”
The Pinky Up singers, whose lineup also includes Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung, have appeared with five members since February after Manon took a break to concentrate on her “health and wellbeing”. Sophia’s temporary absence means the group is currently performing with four members.
