A Night of Tears and Truth: Miranda Lambert’s Heart-Stopping Tribute to Blake Shelton at the 60th ACM Awards What was meant to be a celebration of country music’s biggest names became an unforgettable, deeply emotional evening when Miranda Lambert stepped under a solitary spotlight and delivered the performance of a lifetime at the 60th Annual ACM Awards. Wearing a soft, glimmering gown and standing alone onstage, Lambert launched into a stripped-down, soul-stirring rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” But this wasn’t just another awards show ballad. From the first fragile note, the audience knew they were witnessing something raw—something…
Author: Kelly Whitewood
Jelly Roll Sparks Backlash Over Pride Month Comments: “June Is for Everyone, Not Just for Politics” Country-rap star Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) has stirred intense controversy after declaring he would not participate in Pride Month this year. In a now-viral social media post on June 1, he wrote: “WOKE doesn’t deserve to be celebrated. I won’t be part of this agenda. June is for everyone, not just for politics.” Though he didn’t directly mention the LGBTQ+ community, the timing and phrasing strongly suggested a distancing from Pride Month, sparking a wave of criticism and debate. A Statement Open to Interpretation…
NEED TO KNOW Ella Langley Reflects on Full-Circle Festival Moment, ACM Wins, and What Love Smells Like On Saturday, May 17, rising country star Ella Langley soaked in the spotlight at Morgan Wallen’s inaugural Sand in My Boots Festival, performing just steps away from where she once vacationed as a teen. For the Alabama native, it was more than just another show — it was a full-circle moment. “I used to go to Hangout [Festival] for senior graduation,” Langley, 26, told PEOPLE at the Scent x Sound Lab by Bath & Body Works, held onsite at Gulf Shores. “We didn’t…
Brantley Gilbert Confronts Security Over Mishandled Medical Emergency During Concert During a recent performance at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in North Carolina, country-rock artist Brantley Gilbert paused his show to call out security after a fan fainted mid-performance—and wasn’t getting the help she needed. The incident happened while Gilbert was singing “Son of the Dirty South.” A woman in the crowd collapsed, and Gilbert immediately noticed. While continuing to sing, he tried to assess the situation, signaling for the crowd around her to give space and clearly concerned for her wellbeing. But what really set the moment apart—and fired up the…
In the spring of 1997, a country love song quietly made its way up the charts—and in doing so, redefined what a romantic duet could be. “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill wasn’t just a hit—it was a heartfelt reflection of a real-life relationship beginning to take root in front of the world. Decades later, it remains a career-defining moment for both artists and one of modern country’s most beloved duets. Released as the lead single from McGraw’s Everywhere album, the track stood out for its simplicity and sincerity. With its gentle instrumentation, vulnerable lyrics, and unmistakable…
In a music world fueled by fast beats and instant hits, John Foster is taking a radically different path—he’s choosing to slow down. His latest single, simply titled “Goodbye,” is a quiet, piano-led ballad that offers a rare pause in today’s constant noise. With nothing more than his voice and a piano, Foster delivers a parting message that’s as personal as it is universal. Released quietly, without flashy promotion or viral hooks, Goodbye has steadily gained traction—thanks to streaming platforms and word-of-mouth, particularly from listeners drawn to its emotional depth. The song opens in a near whisper, immediately pulling listeners…
On a night dedicated to honoring the game-changers of country music, rising star Ella Langley stepped into the spotlight as she received the Rising Star Award at Billboard’s Country Power Players 2025. And it was none other than Lainey Wilson — a modern country powerhouse — who handed her the honor, adding a meaningful layer to an already emotional moment. Held at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works, the annual event brought together the heavyweights and up-and-comers shaping the genre today. But the evening’s standout moment arrived when Wilson, herself a former recipient of the same award, took the stage to introduce…
On August 11, 2023, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani gave fans in Tishomingo, Oklahoma a night to remember with an unannounced, intimate concert at Ole Red—Shelton’s own bar and music venue. What started as a surprise show quickly became a heartfelt celebration of music, family, and connection, filling the room with emotion and excitement. Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Pop-Up Concert – Tishomingo, OK (8/11/23) Shelton kicked off the evening with an acoustic set, offering unplugged versions of his fan-favorite hits. But the biggest surprise came when he welcomed his 17-year-old stepson, Kingston Rossdale, to the stage for his first-ever…
Lainey Wilson’s latest release is a dreamy, heartfelt tribute that takes listeners somewhere over the rainbow — and straight into the heart of small-town America. Titled “Somewhere Over Laredo,” the new track nods to the timeless classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” famously sung by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939). Co-written by Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, and Andy Albert, the song blends nostalgia and wanderlust in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Sharing the story behind the song on Instagram, Wilson wrote, “When I’m flying between shows, I catch myself looking out the…
In a night steeped in Southern soul and heartfelt emotion, rising country star Ella Langley made a surprise appearance alongside chart-topper Riley Green at his Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour stop on May 31 at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre. The two delivered a stirring live performance of their new duet, “You Look Like You Love Me,” marking one of the first times the emotional ballad has been sung live since its spring release—and the crowd felt every word. Ella Langley ft. Riley Green – “You Look Like You Love Me” | CMT Studio Sessions Green’s sold-out show was already buzzing…