Country music has long been known for its duets, and in recent years, artists have begun to reach beyond genre lines to collaborate with artists from different facets of the industry. The approach allows them to reach a broader audience and often creates a new, unique sound.
Over the last year, some of country music’s leading names collaborated with recording artists in rock, pop, rap, and more. Many found success, topping charts, racking up streams, and earning award nominations.
Revisiting The Biggest Cross-Genre Collaborations From 2025
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake ft. Jelly Roll
Arguably the biggest country collaboration of 2025, Christian artist Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” soared to new heights with the addition of Jelly Roll. The remixed version was released in February 2025 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA just four months later.
The collaboration earned Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll wins at the K-Love and Dove Awards, as well as nominations at the CMAs and Grammy Awards.
“What I Want” – Morgan Wallen ft. Tate McRae
Among the handful of collaborations on his massive 37-song album, I’m The Problem, Morgan Wallen tapped leading popstar Tate McRae for their first-ever duet. “What I Want” was released in May 2025 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 cross-genre chart. It became Wallen’s fourth number-one on the chart and McRae’s first.
“WHY” – Jon Bellion ft. Luke Combs
“WHY” was written two days before the birth of Jon Bellion’s son and was released with Luke Combs in May 2025. The heartfelt song reflects on the overwhelming love felt by a new father and the fears that come with opening your heart. Combs has a personal relation to the song, being a father of two with a third on the way.
“I Dare You” – Rascal Flatts & Jonas Brothers
Released in January 2025, “I Dare You” was the lead single off of Rascal Flatts’ eleventh studio album Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets. Additionally, it was the country group’s first new release after a four-year hiatus. The song was written by Nick Jonas, Shay Mooney from Dan + Shay, Dewain Whitmore Jr., and Tommy English.
“Bottle Rockets” – Scotty McCreery ft. Hootie & The Blowfish
American Idol alum Scotty McCreery released “Bottle Rockets” in May 2025 as the lead single from his EP, Scooter & Friends. The nostalgic tune features Hootie & The Blowfish and borrows lyrics from their 1994 hit, “Hold My Hand.” It reached the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart, marking McCreery’s sixth career #1 hit.
“Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman” – Thomas Rhett ft. Teddy Swims
Thomas Rhett released “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman” on his album About a Woman at the end of 2024. The deluxe version of the album was released in February 2025, featuring a remixed version of the song with Teddy Swims. The song reached the 17th spot on the US Hot Country Songs chart and has since been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
“Hell At Night” – BigXthaPlug ft. Ella Langley
Ella Langley is one of a group of leading country music artists to collaborate with rapper BigXthePlug for his album I Hope You’re Happy. “Hell At Night” was released in August 2025 and, at press time, has racked up more than 75 million streams on Spotify alone. The song features choruses sung by Langley and verses delivered by the rapper.
