Stephen Thompson

Flying Lotus. Parker Day/Brainfeeder hide caption toggle caption Parker Day/Brainfeeder Welcome to New Music Friday, NPR Music's podcast dedicated to sharing the best albums out each week. We listen to dozens of new releases in advance, identify the ones ... See more

JUANA SUMMERS, HOST: For the first time, women known for country music have topped Billboard's singles and albums charts at the same time. NPR's Stephen Thompson has the story. STEPHEN THOMPSON, BYLINE: On this week's albums chart, Megan Moroney's "Cloud ... See more

A pair of country singers made history on the Billboard charts this week. It's also a big week for young pop stars, with an Olympic boost. Copyright 2026 NPR A pair of country singers made history on the Billboard charts this week. It's also a big week fo... See more

Section Branding Header Content Between Megan Moroney and Ella Langley, country women rule the charts Primary Content At No. 1 on the albums chart: country star Megan Moroney, who debuts on top with Cloud 9. At No. 1 on the singles chart: an even more new... See more

Megan Moroney (left) and Ella Langley. Photo by: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Photo by: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images At No. 1 on the albums chart... See more