Looking into the future is risky business, especially when you’re predicting the fate of country music’s biggest stars. But that didn’t stop the Bobby Bones Show from breaking out the crystal ball and throwing out some of the boldest (and most chaotic) predictions for 2026.
Before things even got rolling, there was one rule everyone quickly agreed on: predicting a country legend’s death was officially off-limits. Retirement, though? Fair game. That opened the door for speculation that Dolly Parton, after a lifetime of giving the world everything, might decide 2026 is the year she quietly steps back. No scandal, no drama, just Dolly being Dolly.
One of the more shocking predictions involved Bailey Zimmerman getting arrested, though even that came with caveats. Would it be a misunderstanding? Possibly. Also, he may become a dad and it may not be his kid. On the softer side, Riley Green getting engaged felt almost inevitable, while another hopeful prediction imagined Zach Bryan and Gavin Adcock finally settling their beef. Not necessarily a duet, but maybe a shared moment that proves miracles can happen. Then there was Jelly Roll, whose personal transformation has been well-documented. The prediction? He takes it a step further and removes some of his face tattoos, marking yet another chapter in his evolution.
Country music relationships got plenty of attention. One heartfelt prediction suggested Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman find their way back to each other: no inside information, just pure optimism from someone still not over the breakup. Elsewhere, Rascal Flatts breaking up again was floated as a very real possibility. The consensus? It’s probably too soon. Give it a few more years, and people will actually care. Zac Brown and Kendra Scott’s engagement also came under scrutiny, with a blunt prediction that it never makes it to the altar. Not everyone loved the negativity, but the crystal ball apparently doesn’t care about feelings.
Some of the boldest predictions focused on major career pivots. Thomas Rhett leaving country music, temporarily, to pursue acting made the list, as did the unthinkable: an Old Dominion breakup (quickly met with strong opposition). Rising stars got their moment too. Tucker Wetmore was pegged as a future Male Vocalist of the Year, while Megan Moroney was predicted to win Entertainer of the Year, ACM or CMA, take your pick. Either way, the room agreed she’s a force.
Could Chris Gaines make a comeback? Probably not, but no one completely hated the idea. Florida Georgia Line 2.0? Maybe someday. A country music baby boom of songs about babies fueled by artists trying to get airplay because Bobby is having a baby? Raymundo felt confident in this one. And of course, no predictions segment would be complete without the annual vague declaration that a “major country divorce” is coming: no names, no details, just chaos. History suggests this prediction is… unreliable.
Some predictions felt inevitable. Others felt impossible. A few were clearly fueled by caffeine and confidence alone. But that’s the fun of it, when 2026 rolls around, at least a couple of these wild guesses are bound to come true. And when they do, you can be sure someone will say, “Called it.”
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