Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina: From Middle School Friends to Country Music Collaborators
Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina share one of country music’s most genuine and enduring friendships — one that began long before fame ever entered their lives. The two first met as kids at Lakeview Middle School in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, when Kane was 13 and Lauren was 12. Neither could have imagined that years later, they’d be sharing a chart-topping duet on the biggest stages in country music.
From Georgia Classmates to Country Stars
Though their paths to success were different — Lauren rising through American Idol and Kane building a following through social media — both eventually carved out major careers in Nashville. Their shared roots and easy chemistry made their collaboration on “What Ifs” feel completely natural.
Released in 2017, the song became a massive hit, earning them a Vocal Event of the Year nomination at the 2018 ACM Awards and winning Collaborative Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards.
A Viral Moment at the 2018 ACM Awards
Their performance of “What Ifs” during the 2018 ACM Awards in Las Vegas became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. With powerful vocals and undeniable stage chemistry, they held the audience spellbound — and then came the ending.
As the final notes rang out, Brown and Alaina stepped closer, faces just inches apart, as if about to kiss. The crowd collectively held its breath. Then, in a lighthearted twist, they broke into a friendly hug, sending the audience into applause.
The near-kiss instantly went viral, sparking endless speculation online — but both artists later revealed it was all planned.
“Super Awkward,” Kane Admits
In an interview with Taste of Country, Kane Brown confessed that the moment was actually “super awkward.” The dramatic close was a producer’s idea to help “sell the song” with a cinematic ending.
“That was the first thing they told us,” Kane recalled. “They were just like, ‘This is how you end.’”
Kane, who was engaged to Katelyn Jae at the time, said the moment was a bit uncomfortable for both of them.
“Lauren was like, ‘Might as well go ahead and grab his butt too!’” he joked.
Where They Are Now
Since that memorable performance, both artists have continued to find happiness in life and love.
Kane Brown married Katelyn Jae later in 2018, and the couple now shares three children.
Lauren Alaina married Cam Arnold in early 2024, and they’re expecting their first child — a daughter — in 2025.
Their friendship remains strong, built on years of shared memories and mutual respect. What started as two small-town kids chasing dreams has turned into one of country music’s most wholesome success stories.
Watch Their Iconic Performance
Relive the unforgettable moment from the 2018 ACM Awards, where Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina performed “What Ifs” — a performance that captured not only their incredible talent but the deep friendship that has carried them from the halls of middle school to the heights of country stardom.