In recent months, American country music sensation Zach Bryan has found himself embroiled in a whirlwind of headlines. Known for his soulful lyrics and raw talent, the singer-songwriter has faced increased scrutiny following his very public breakup with Brianna LaPaglia, host of Barstool Sports' "BFFs" podcast. Besides the media's fascination with his personal life, Bryan's net worth and latest musical projects, including the now-infamous diss track "Smallest Man," have added to the intrigue surrounding him.
A Flourishing Music Career and Impressive Net Worth
Zach Bryan's rise in the country music scene has been nothing short of meteoric. Known for hits like American Heartbreak and Revival, the 29-year-old Oklahoma native has captured the hearts of millions, translating his raw and emotive songwriting into impressive commercial success. According to Gigwise, Bryan's estimated net worth is between $10 million and $15 million. His primary income sources include streaming platforms, album sales, concert tours, and merchandise sales, which collectively showcase the financial strength of his career.
Notably, Bryan's 2022 album American Heartbreak debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, securing his position as a major force in country music. Streaming platforms, particularly Spotify, have contributed significantly to his income, with annual revenues reportedly near $2 million from Spotify royalties alone, reflecting his massive listener base. Touring has also proven to be a lucrative venture; industry insiders estimate that Bryan earns between $500,000 and $1 million per show, depending on venue size and ticket prices. His blend of authentic lyrics and heartfelt performances continues to draw large audiences and high revenue.
Why He Offered $12 Million to His Ex, Brianna LaPaglia
The relationship between Zach Bryan and Brianna LaPaglia, known as "Chickenfry" to her fans, had been a topic of interest even before their publicised split. The former couple's breakup made headlines in late October when Bryan announced it on social media, noting his respect for LaPaglia but suggesting the split was necessary for his well-being. The situation soon took a more dramatic turn, however, when LaPaglia revealed that Bryan had offered her a substantial sum of money—$12 million—to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
According to USA Today, LaPaglia discussed the NDA offer on her podcast, stating that it was meant to prevent her from publicly sharing details about their relationship. She declined the offer, adding that it wasn't about the money for her but rather a stand for those who've experienced emotional hardship. "This episode of me not taking the money, it's not just for me," she explained, "It's for anyone else that's been emotionally abused." Her claims of emotional abuse have sparked significant controversy, though Bryan has remained silent on the allegations.
Controversy Over 'Smallest Man' Diss Track
Bryan's turbulent year took another turn with the release of a diss track directed at him. Following the breakup, LaPaglia's co-hosts, Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards, produced the track "Smallest Man" as a way to support her through the public split. However, the track stirred up even more drama when Warner Music, Bryan's record label, requested it be removed from YouTube shortly after it was posted. The song took jabs at Bryan, poking fun at his height and mocking aspects of his relationship with LaPaglia.
Portnoy did not hold back in his response to the track's removal, expressing frustration over what he saw as censorship. Per reports from American Songwriter, Portnoy vowed to bring the diss track back in some form, claiming it would become "guaranteed to hit No. 1." Despite Warner Music's takedown request, fans have managed to keep the track alive by streaming it on other platforms such as Spotify, where it continues to gain traction.
Where to Listen to 'Smallest Man' Online
Despite being pulled from YouTube, "Smallest Man" remains accessible to listeners. The BFFs podcast team reminded fans that they could still stream the song on Spotify and other music platforms. While Bryan has not commented on the diss track directly, his record label's intervention suggests it's a sore subject. Whether or not Warner Music will continue attempts to limit the track's availability remains to be seen.
