Country music is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, particularly in the UK, where it has become the fastest-growing genre among listeners. Last year alone, the genre amassed three billion streams, a testament to its expanding global appeal. Grammy-nominated artist Luke Combs, a leading figure in the country music scene, recently shared his insights on this phenomenon in an exclusive interview with BBC News. Combs, who boasts over 25 million monthly Spotify listeners and 7.5 million Instagram followers, attributes the genre’s success to its universal resonance. ‘Country music is a place that everybody can go and enjoy,’ he remarked. Combs has been a trailblazer in bringing country music to the UK, where he has performed multiple times, including a historic one-off performance of the Grand Ole Opry at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running live radio show, has never before left the United States, making this event a landmark moment in country music history. Combs, known for hits like ‘When It Rains It Pours,’ expressed his excitement about the performance, calling it a ‘bucket list’ experience. The sold-out show also featured other prominent artists, including Darius Rucker, Marty Stuart, and British group Mumford and Sons. Combs noted the unique enthusiasm of UK fans, who often engage with entire albums rather than just singles, a contrast to his American audience. He also highlighted the role of streaming platforms in broadening the genre’s reach. Award-winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde, who joined Combs on the bill, emphasized the impact of cross-genre collaborations in expanding country music’s fan base. Opry boss Colin Reed hinted that the success of the London show could pave the way for future international performances. Combs concluded by expressing his confidence in the Royal Albert Hall as the perfect venue for this historic event, marking a new chapter in the global journey of country music.
How US megastar Luke Combs helped Britain fall in love with country music
