If there's a face of modern country’s genre-bending, chart-torching moment, Bailey Zimmerman just might be it. And if there’s a voice that defines country’s thunderous, beer-soaked backbone, it’s Luke Combs. Now, in a power-collab that feels like destiny—or at least Nashville’s answer to a summer Marvel team-up—the two have dropped “Backup Plan,” a raw, raucous anthem that throws heartbreak, hope, and grit into the blender and smashes “play.”

Out today via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville, “Backup Plan” leans on the songwriting firepower of Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, and Jon Sherwood. But it’s the blend of Zimmerman’s bruised, weather-beaten vocals with Combs’ radio-slaying delivery that makes this track more than just another playlist-add. It’s the kind of arena-sized heartbreak song that feels right whether you’re ten beers deep or two exits past your ex’s place.

They gave fans a sneak taste of the track’s live electricity last weekend when Zimmerman crashed Combs’ headlining set at Stagecoach, igniting the crowd in what might go down as one of the fest’s most talked-about surprise moments. If it wasn’t already obvious, this collab wasn’t just a flex—it was a full-on torch pass between two titans of today’s country.

For Zimmerman, “Backup Plan” is just the latest in a string of seismic releases. In April, he dropped “All The Way” with BigXthaPlug—yes, that BigXthaPlug—in a cross-genre detour that debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Country Songs chart. It was a move that not only locked in his second top-10 hit but also signaled that Zimmerman’s borders don’t stop at Nashville’s city limits.

Then there’s the New To Country Tour, a name that feels almost ironic for an artist who’s been burning up the charts and stages for years now. Kicking off June 6 in Indianapolis, the 16-date Live Nation-backed trek will see Zimmerman tearing across U.S. amphitheaters with Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge in tow. Coming off the back of Religiously. The Tour—a sold-out international run that confirmed Zimmerman’s arena bona fides—New To Country feels less like a welcome party and more like a victory lap.

Still riding high off the success of his 2023 debut album Religiously. The Album, Zimmerman has kept his foot on the gas with hits like “Holy Smokes,” “Holding On,” and the ironically prophetic “New To Country.” With 13 of 16 dates on the new tour already sold out, and festival sets lined up at RODEOHOUSTON, Country Thunder, and Boots & Hearts, Zimmerman isn’t just winning the country game—he’s redefining it.

Meanwhile, Combs continues his own legendary ascent. With three singles now certified Diamond by the RIAA and a recent turn on Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion, Combs has become country’s most reliable crossover juggernaut. His critically adored Fathers & Sons album sees him mining emotional terrain with the same power he brings to the beer-raising bangers. And whether he’s duetting with Tracy Chapman at the Grammys or helping raise millions for hurricane relief, Combs keeps proving that he’s not just one of country’s biggest stars—he’s one of music’s biggest, period.

“Backup Plan” isn’t just a song. It’s a moment. It’s Combs and Zimmerman staking their claim at opposite ends of the country spectrum and shaking hands in the middle. It’s proof that genre doesn’t have to be a lane—it can be a freeway.

And judging by how fast these two are driving, don’t expect either one to hit the brakes anytime soon.

NEW TO COUNTRY TOUR DATES
June 6: Indianapolis, IN (Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park) *
June 7: Sterling Heights, MI (Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre) *
June 13: St Louis, MO (St. Louis Music Park) *
June 14: Rogers, AR(Walmart AMP) *
June 19: St. Augustine, FL (St. Augustine Amphitheatre) *
June 21: Alpharetta, GA (Ameris Bank Amphitheatre) *
July 27: Corning, CA (Obsidian Spirits Amphitheater at Rolling Hills Casino) *
July 29: Denver, CO (Red Rocks Amphitheatre) *
Aug. 9: Canandaigua, NY (CMAC)*
Aug. 14: Gilford, NH (BankNH Pavilion) *
Aug. 22: Bridgeport, CT  (Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater) *
Aug. 23: Richmond, VA (Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront) *
Aug. 29: Durant, OK (Choctaw Grand Theater)
Aug. 30: Durant, OK (Choctaw Grand Theater)
Sept. 4: Council Bluffs, LA (Harrah’s Stir Cove)*
Sept. 12: Reno, NV (Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resorts) **
Sept. 13: Laughlin, NV (Rio Vista Outdoor Amp) **
 
*with support from Dylan Marlowe & Drew Baldridge
** with support from Dylan Marlowe

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.