Josh Ross Gets Swarmed by Rescue Puppies While Reflecting on His Biggest Year Yet and Debut Album ‘Later Tonight’

After a whirlwind year, one that saw him make history with his first No.1 on U.S. country radio, release his debut album, and hit the road with artists like Jelly Roll and Dylan Scott,  Josh Ross recently carved out a few minutes for something a little different: spending time with some adorable rescue puppies. The fast-rising hitmaker joined Country Now for a special Pupdate, and let’s just say, the pups instantly stole the show.

The MCA / Universal Music Canada / CORE Records artist immediately dropped to the floor with Kobe, Karl, and Kaleb, three adorable rescue pups from Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Within seconds, they were climbing into his lap, tails wagging as Ross laughed and played along. It was the sweetest kind of chaos and made for the most distracting and fun interview ever. 

As the pups wrestled around him, Ross took a moment to reflect on everything that has happened this year. His debut album, Later Tonight, arrived in September, and getting the music out to fans, he admitted, has been nothing short of a dream.

“It was my first, my debut record and you never know what to expect,” he shared. “For me it was nice to compile a bunch of songs that I’ve worked a lot of years at and towards and just watching the record grow on the road, it’s been really, really awesome.”

Now that the album is out in the world, Ross is already excited for what’s next.

“I feel like some of the songs on the record are three to five years old and then other ones were six months old. But I feel like it’s a chapter of my life that I’m kind of excited to put away. I feel like there’s a lot of growth, whether that be heartache or learning the business, and I’m just excited for the next chapter.”

One major milestone from that chapter is “Single Again,” which recently climbed to No.1 on U.S. country radio after a massive 71-week ascent. The feat makes Ross the first male Canadian country artist in nearly 30 years to top the Billboard Country Airplay chart,  a milestone he doesn’t take lightly.

“I don’t take it for granted and it kind of just refuels you and makes you excited for the next things to come,” he pointed out. 

Hot off that success, Ross released “Hate How You Look” as his new radio single. Though he didn’t write it, the story is something he and others can certainly relate to. 

“I feel like it’s a situation that some of us have been in where you maybe break up with somebody, you don’t see them for a period of time, and then once you see them you’re like, ‘damn, they look really good.’ Maybe you regret a little bit not being with them anymore,” he said with a laugh. “And yeah, it’s just a really fun tempo song. I like rock songs too, so it kind of leans into that.”

With his new single climbing the charts, Josh Ross is already looking ahead to an even bigger 2026. His year will kick off with a massive headlining Canadian Tour, and many of the dates have already sold out.

For Ross, headlining his own shows is one of his favorite parts of the job.

“I really love opening for other acts, but there’s something special about when it’s your own fans and getting to really put the time into building your own live show,” he shared. “This is the first time we’re doing double nights at some venues that are 2,500-plus people, and I’m just really excited to put together a new set list with a new record. It feels like I’ve been playing a lot of these songs for the last two years, and now there’s so much new material.”

Kobe, Karl, and Kaleb are still looking for their forever homes. Those interested in adopting should contact Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, a foster-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Middle Tennessee and run primarily by volunteers. Proverbs is fully dedicated to the care and well-being of every animal they rescue. To learn more or make a donation, click HERE.