1. Black Singers Make a Historic Week on Country Music Charts

It is a historic week for black artists in the United States as two talented black singers have made it to number one both on radio and music charts at the same time.

A proud black artist, Jimmie Allen debuted his single that reached no. 1 on country radio. He made history as the first black artist to achieve such a feat. On the same week, Kane Brown, who traces his descent as black and white, also clinched the top spot for his country and pop album in the U.S.

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In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday Morning, Allen revealed that he cried when he learned that his new song, “Best Shot,” got the no. 1 spot. It went atop the Billboard’s country airplay chart, which tracks radio success.

“First I screamed, like, ‘Thank, God. Finally! Finally, man.’ Then after that, I’m filled with gratitude and motivated to work even harder. I realized just because you get here doesn’t mean you get to stay here, so I just try to wake up and be thankful every day. I’m not going to lie, I broke down and cried for like 20 minutes when I found out my song went No. 1 because I think about everything I sacrificed.”

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On the other hand, Kane Brown’s single, “Lose It” dethrones Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha’s “Meant To Be.” Brown’s hit takes over the top spot of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated Nov. 24. Most Notably, FGL and Rexha’s country-pop crossover smash spent a total of 50 weeks at No.1. It was a record-breaking run for a song on the country charts.

2. Country Artists Join 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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For nearly a century, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a highlight of the holiday every fourth Thursday in November in New York City. This year, Macy’s celebrated its 92^nd run of the whimsical American tradition. Like every year, the event featured a lineup of country music artists.

Included in the performances were country stars: Martina McBride (on the Balsam Hill Float), Sugarland (Ocean Spray), Carly Pearce (Green Giant), Kane Brown( South Dakota Department of Tourism), and Tegan Marie (Girl Scouts of the USA).

Moreover, they were joined by fellow artists, namely, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Diana Ross, Barenaked Ladies, and Ashley Tisdale.

Indeed, it was a day of celebration and thanksgiving!

3. Keith Urban’s Win on the CMA

For eleven times, Keith Urban’s name was included on the list of Country Music Association (CMA) Awards’ top honor, the Entertainer of the Year. However, it was only two times that his name has been called. Hence, many doubted his win on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Just after the 52^nd annual ceremony, Urban was asked what his wife Nicole Kidman whispered in his ear by the time his name was announced as the winner. He did not answer that specific question, but one thing he said:

“I feel very blessed that I have the support of my family like I do. It’s a beautiful thing having two artists [under one roof] because we understand the passion and the responsibility of what we get to do. It’s very important.”

Also, when asked whether it was his relentless creativity that gave him the win, Urban answered there’s a difference between reinvention and endless curiosity. He added that it is with perpetual curiosity, passion, and the excitement to work every day that he thinks gave him luck.

4. Brothers Osborne Thought That They Would Lose to Dan + Shay

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On the 52^nd edition of the CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 14, Brothers Osborne emerged victorious as they bagged home the Vocal of the Year award. Everyone was surprised especially the duo.

While giving the acceptance speech, John Osborne gave a shoutout to fellow nominees Dan + Shay, whom they were sure would be taking the trophy.

In addition, while they were backstage after their win, Brothers Osborne opened up about being shocked when they heard their names called for the award, third year in a row.

In the CMA press room, the Osbornes told the reporters:

“The duo category can go any which way. I mean, you look at us comparatively speaking, we’re somewhere in the middle in terms of the numbers and I don’t know why we’re holding these up here. It’s super rad and I’m definitely going to put this on my mantle. But you look at Dan and Shay—I just love to see good people win and succeed and people that work really hard for what they do and are kind to be along the way and are immensely talented.”

Regardless of whoever won, both duos deserve the success they are experiencing.

5. Roy Clark Dies at 85, Honored by Country Artists

One of the shocking news that rocked the past week was the passing of the legendary Roy Clark.

The country music artist died Thursday (Nov. 15) due to complications from pneumonia. He was 85.

On Wednesday (Nov. 22), a celebration of his life was held. Among those who paid tribute the icon were fellow country artists Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs.

Before co-hosting Hee Haw in 1969, Clark played lead guitar for Jimmy Dean, Wanda Jackson, and Hank Thompson. In 1987, the Grand Ole Opry inducted Clark as one of their members. And, in 2009, he became of the Country Music Hall of Fame.