On July 11, 2025, Noah Cyrus released the music video for her latest single, “New Country,” a duet with country music icon and former The Voice coach Blake Shelton. This collaboration, featured on Cyrus’s sophomore album I Want My Loved Ones to Go With Me, has quickly captured the attention of country music fans and critics alike. The track, a soulful blend of indie folk and classic country, showcases the unique vocal chemistry between Cyrus’s emotive, smoky voice and Shelton’s rich, trademark baritone. The release marks a significant milestone in Cyrus’s artistic journey as she leans into her Nashville roots, while Shelton continues to prove his versatility and enduring influence in the genre.
A Match Made in Country Heaven
The duet, “New Country,” is a standout track on Cyrus’s album, which was co-produced by Cyrus alongside Mike Crossey and PJ Harding. The song reflects themes of identity, independence, and the pull of home, resonating deeply with listeners who appreciate its heartfelt lyrics and organic instrumentation. Featuring pedal steel, acoustic guitars, and banjo, the track is rooted in traditional country sounds while incorporating Cyrus’s indie-folk sensibilities. The result is a fresh yet nostalgic sound that bridges generational divides in country music.
Cyrus, the youngest member of the Cyrus family, has long been influenced by her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, and her Nashville upbringing. However, I Want My Loved Ones to Go With Me represents a bold step forward as she carves out her own space in the country music landscape. For this project, she sought out collaborators who could complement her vision, and Blake Shelton was at the top of her list. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times on July 10, 2025, Cyrus revealed that the collaboration felt destined. “It was like a God thing telling me you have to reach out to Blake,” she said, describing how she wrote Shelton a personal letter to propose the duet.
Shelton, a country music veteran known for hits like “God’s Country” and his charismatic presence on The Voice, was an ideal partner for the track. His ability to blend traditional country with modern appeal made him a natural fit for Cyrus’s vision. “When I realized I was making a country record, just ‘Blake Shelton, Blake Shelton, Blake Shelton,’” Cyrus shared during a performance at Shelton’s Ole Red venue in Nashville earlier this year. The collaboration felt like “something that was just written up there in the stars,” she added, emphasizing the spiritual connection she felt to the project.
The Making of “New Country”
“New Country” is a powerful anthem that speaks to breaking free from expectations and embracing one’s authentic self. Lyrics like “All these eyes on you/Waiting on you to fall/Cause the box they put you in/Just don’t fit you anymore” capture the song’s message of defying constraints and forging a new path. The track is elevated by the seamless interplay between Cyrus’s raw, emotive delivery and Shelton’s steady, resonant vocals. Their harmonies create a dynamic contrast that adds depth and emotional weight to the song.
The music video, released on July 11, 2025, brings the song’s rustic charm to life. Set in a weathered barn, the video features Cyrus and Shelton performing with an intimate, heartfelt energy. While Shelton’s presence is commanding, he graciously allows Cyrus to take the spotlight, underscoring her emergence as a confident artist in her own right. The visual aesthetic, with its warm lighting and pastoral setting, complements the song’s themes of grounding and authenticity. Fans have praised the video for its simplicity and emotional resonance, with many noting the chemistry between the two artists.
The collaboration came about through a combination of instinct and serendipity. Cyrus, who had been contemplating a shift toward country music, felt an intuitive pull toward Shelton. She reached out to him directly, and he responded enthusiastically, drawn to the authenticity of her project. Shelton’s history with the Cyrus family also added a layer of familiarity to the collaboration. Decades ago, Billy Ray Cyrus offered Shelton advice before a live TV performance, telling him to “toughen up” in the face of criticism—a moment that left a lasting impression on Shelton. This connection made the duet with Noah feel like a full-circle moment.
Link:
A Star-Studded Album with Deep Family Ties
I Want My Loved Ones to Go With Me is a deeply personal project for Cyrus, dedicated to her late grandfather, Ron Cyrus. The album features a range of collaborators, including Fleet Foxes, Ella Langley, and Bill Callahan, alongside a track written by her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, titled “With You.” Another standout is “Don’t Put It All On Me,” written by her brother Braison Cyrus and featuring Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold. The album also includes an archival audio clip of her grandfather reciting a hymn written by her great-grandfather, Eldon Lindsey Cyrus, adding a poignant familial thread to the project.
Cyrus has described the album as a reflection of her journey into adulthood and self-discovery. “For a long time, I couldn’t really trust in my own choices,” she said in a press release. “I had to learn how to make decisions for myself and make that transition into adulthood. But I’ve found who I am, I know who I am, and this record shows what I had inside me all this time. This album is me.” The blend of indie folk and country, combined with her introspective songwriting, has earned comparisons to artists like Lucinda Williams, particularly after her recent Grand Ole Opry performance.
Fan and Critical Reception
Since its release, “New Country” has generated significant buzz among fans and critics. Posts on X reflect the excitement, with one user, @Brittbabi28, writing, “I’m officially INLOVE with New Country 🔥 Blake & Noah sing so well together and Blake I see you with those falsetto notes 😂. Such an amazing job both of you 👏!” Another post from @TasteOfCountry described the duet as “most unexpected” but highly successful, highlighting its appeal to country music audiences.
Critics have also praised the track for its authenticity and emotional depth. Rolling Stone noted that even songs that might seem like “instant eye roll” material, like the Shelton collaboration, are “strikingly pretty,” thanks to Cyrus’s refined sound and understated approach. American Songwriter called the duet a standout on an album packed with notable collaborations, emphasizing its role in marking Cyrus’s official entry into country music. Country Thang Daily described the song as a blend of “old-school grit and fresh edge,” with Shelton providing the “solid country center” and Cyrus bringing a rebellious spark.
A New Chapter for Both Artists
For Noah Cyrus, “New Country” and I Want My Loved Ones to Go With Me represent a bold declaration of her artistic identity. At 25, she has stepped out from the shadows of her famous family, delivering a project that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Her decision to embrace country music feels like a natural evolution, given her Nashville roots and early exposure to the genre through her father. The album’s release coincides with a North American tour, kicking off on September 12, 2025, at The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA, and concluding on October 24, 2025, at The Van Buren in Phoenix, AZ. A special album release show took place on July 11 at The Ford in Los Angeles, further cementing her growing presence in the industry.
For Blake Shelton, the duet adds another chapter to his storied career. Known for his ability to collaborate with artists across genres—from Post Malone to Gwen Stefani—Shelton brings his signature authenticity to “New Country.” His involvement in the project not only elevates Cyrus’s profile but also reaffirms his status as a versatile and influential figure in country music. Fans have noted his willingness to step back and let Cyrus shine, a testament to his confidence and generosity as a collaborator.
Looking Ahead
The release of “New Country” has sparked excitement about the future of both artists. For Cyrus, the duet and her sophomore album signal a new phase of artistic maturity and confidence. For Shelton, it’s another opportunity to showcase his enduring relevance in a genre that continues to evolve. Together, they’ve created a track that resonates with fans of traditional and modern country alike, proving that their voices are indeed a powerful combo. As Cyrus embarks on her tour and Shelton continues to explore new projects, including his upcoming CBS reality show The Road with Taylor Sheridan, “New Country” stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and authenticity in music.
In a genre often defined by tradition, “New Country” feels like a bridge between the past and the future, blending Shelton’s classic country roots with Cyrus’s fresh, introspective perspective. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Shelton’s baritone or a newcomer drawn to Cyrus’s raw vulnerability, this duet is a must-listen for anyone who loves country music with heart and soul.
