Melanie Rooten

Melanie Rooten

Originally from Southern California and currently residing in Music City, Melanie graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism before beginning her career as a music and entertainment journalist. Beginning to write for Country Now in August of 2023, she has also contributed to Holler, Music Mayhem, Country Chord, We Got This Covered, TheThings, Parade, Decider and more throughout her career thus far. When she is not writing, Melanie enjoys going to concerts and music festivals, binging her favorite television shows, spending time with her friends and family and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners (of course).

Luke Combs; Photo by Zack Massey

Luke Combs Honors Late Country Music Icon, Toby Keith, With Emotional Performance Of ‘Should’ve Been A Cowboy’

Posted on February 8, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

The country star’s performance moved the audience to tears.

Read More ›

Photo Courtesy The Wreckers

What Happened To The Country Music Duo, The Wreckers?

Posted on February 8, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp saw success with their early 2000’s band before an unplanned split. See inside their journey.

Read More ›

George Strait - Strait From The Heart

The Story Behind The Road Trip That Inspired George Strait’s Country Classic, ‘Amarillo by Morning’

Posted on February 8, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

This decades old cowboy song remains one of the greatest of Strait’s career.

Read More ›

Chayce Beckham; Photo by Matthew Simmons

‘American Idol’ Winner Chayce Beckham Reveals Why He’s Been Silent On Social Media

Posted on February 6, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

The country star shared an update with fans regarding his recent absence.

Read More ›

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO DeFord at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas; Photo by Gilbert Flores, for PMC, ACM Awards

Jelly Roll’s Wife, Bunnie XO, To Release Tell-All Book

Posted on January 25, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

“It’s my time to let y’all know my real and whole story,” she says.

Read More ›

HARDY; Photo Courtesy CMA

HARDY Gets Candid About His Struggles With Mental Health And Burnout, Reveals Plans To Scale Back On Touring

Posted on January 25, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

The genre-bending star held nothing back in a new interview where he discussed seeking therapy for panic attacks and much more.

Read More ›

Lana Scott; Photo by Annie Loughead

Beyond The Voice: Lana Scott Reflects On Her Journey Since The Show And Future Plans

Posted on January 24, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

We caught up with Scott, who appeared on Season 21 of the show.

Read More ›

Kenny Rogers; Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Unveiling The Extraordinary Story Of ‘The Gambler,’ Made Famous By Kenny Rogers

Posted on January 18, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

This timeless country classic was penned by Don Schlitz and wound up in the hands of the great Kenny Rogers.

Read More ›

Darryl Worley; Photo Courtesy X

Darryl Worley Opens Up About Devastating Barn Fire Experience

Posted on January 17, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

“I was overwhelmed with the feelings of helplessness, sadness, confusion, and grief,” he says of the moment his barn became engulfed in flames.

Read More ›

Jacquie Roar; Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

‘The Voice’ Standout Jacquie Roar Opens Up About Switching Teams, Connecting with Reba, And Reveals Exciting Plans For The Future

Posted on January 11, 2024

| By

Melanie Rooten

Roar tried out for ‘The Voice’ for nine consecutive years before she made it and says it was “the best experience” she’s ever had.

Read More ›