Top 10 Pop Culture Country Music Moments in 2022

This was a year that proved to be both entertaining and impactful. Country music has long held a place in the hearts of many, and 2022 further proved that. There were moments of joy and moments of reflection, all of which made this a year to remember. Here is a look back at the top 10 pop culture country music moments of 2022.

1. The passing of the great Loretta Lynn

Often hailed as the Queen of Country music, Lynn's passing in October became one of the more talked about news moments of the year. Her impact on American culture surpassed the country music world as many reflected on her legacy. The trailblazer was honored by so many country stars of today including Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, and many more.

2. Morgan Wallen's record-breaking year

Wallen continued the momentum he garnered in 2021 right into 2022. "You Proof" became the longest-running no. 1 in Billboard Country Airplay history. Wallen was the sixth most-streamed artist of any genre during the year, and the only country artist to make the list. The 'Dangerous Tour' also had record-breaking attendance. The album the tour was named from is also the longest-running Top 10 album from any artist in history.

3. Maren Morris and Cassadee Pope called out Brittany Aldean over controversial comments

Country singers Maren Morris and Cassadee Pope took to social media to call out Brittany Aldean and her transphobic comments. The back-and-forth altercations went viral across social media and Morris went on to raise over $150,000 for organizations that support transgender youth.

4. Shania Twain released her Netflix documentary and launched her musical comeback

Twain released a personal documentary on Netflix titled Not Just A Girl. Along with the film, she released new music, announced a new record coming in 2023, and a tour.

5. Charles Kelley steps back from Lady A to focus on his recovery from alcoholism

Over this past summer, Lady A and Kelley announced he would be taking a break from the group in order to focus on his recovery from alcoholism. The country music community and beyond voiced their support. Kelley has since sought treatment as well as recently releasing a song titled "As Far As You Could." The honest track acts as a goodbye letter to alcohol for the singer.

6. Dolly Parton gets inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2022, country icon Dolly Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside artists like Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, Judas Priest, and more. At the ceremony, she performed a new track titled "Rock Song."

7. Lainey Wilson Appears on Yellowstone

Yellowstone has become one of the highest-rated shows on television. Several country stars have noted their love for the show including Chris Lane, Carrie Underwood, and ERNEST. Wilson was announced as a reoccurring guest star for season five of the series. Not only would she act in several episodes, but she would also go on to debut new music as well. This is just another way Wilson proves she is a force to be reckoned with.

8. Kelsea Ballerini files for divorce from Morgan Evans

Ballerini shocked her fans when she announced she was filing for divorce from fellow singer Morgan Evans. The pair were married for almost five years. Ballerini posted to her Instagram story to share the news, as did Evans. Clues of separation can be found in several lyrics from Ballerini's SUBJECT TO CHANGE album. Evans went on to release the emotional song "Over For You" which shares his side of the story.

9. Zach Bryan makes his opinions about Ticketmaster known

Bryan has proved to be an artist who says what he feels. His Twitter is often reflective of his thoughts, some of which can be humorous. Bryan was one of the thousands of unhappy fans with Ticketmaster over the Taylor Swift ticket shortage. He too has voiced his concerns that his fans are unable to afford tickets on the site. Bryan released his live album All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster (Live From Red Rocks) in response to his unhappiness.

10. Naomi Judd passes away

Naomi Judd, the matriarch of the country duo, passed away suddenly in April 2022. The news sent shockwaves through the country music community as it was revealed that it was a suicide. Her death brought attention to the conversation about mental health.

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