Country music is shedding its image as a strictly American, older-skewing genre, as a new survey by Live Nation reveals a younger, more internationally engaged audience. According to the report, 63% of today’s country music fans are Gen Z or Millennials, signaling a generational shift in the genre’s core fan base.
The survey also highlights country music’s growing popularity outside the United States. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia are emerging as key markets, driven in part by cross-genre collaborations and the viral potential of social media platforms like TikTok. In Australia, for instance, the hashtag #CountryMusic has amassed nearly 200 million views, reflecting a surge in interest among younger, urban listeners.
Experts attribute this global growth to the blending of musical styles, with country artists collaborating with pop, hip-hop, and electronic performers. Social media and streaming services have further accelerated discovery, making country music more accessible to new audiences worldwide.
“The genre’s expansion is a testament to country music’s adaptability and cultural resonance,” the report notes. “Younger fans are not only consuming the music but also participating in its lifestyle, fashion, and live experiences, reshaping the way country is experienced globally.”
With these trends, the future of country music appears increasingly diverse, international, and digitally driven, opening doors for tours, festivals, and cross-cultural collaborations that extend far beyond its traditional heartland.
