Brooks & Dunn & Lainey Wilson Bring Down the House With “Play Something Country” at CMA Fest 2025 Few songs capture the spirit of rowdy, unapologetic country music quite like Brooks & Dunn’s “Play Something Country.” Nearly 20 years after its release, the track still electrifies fans — and at CMA Fest 2025, it found new life when the legendary duo invited Lainey Wilson to share the stage. The collaboration was one of the festival’s most buzzed-about moments. As the first guitar riff rang out across Nissan Stadium, the crowd roared, instantly recognizing the honky-tonk anthem that hit No. 1…
Author: Kelly Whitewood
Jelly Roll & Marcus King Deliver Soul-Stirring “Hard Fought Hallelujah” at Stand Up To Cancer Special Jelly Roll and Marcus King closed out the ninth televised Stand Up To Cancer fundraising event with a performance that lifted spirits and left the Nashville crowd on its feet. The two powerhouse artists joined forces for a stirring rendition of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” — transforming the night into a moment that felt more like a revival than a telecast. Taking the stage at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Jelly Roll, dressed in a dark gray Stand Up To Cancer shirt and brown shacket, set…
Kenny Chesney Brings Stadium Energy to Intimate Venues on Opening Night of the I Go Back Tour Kenny Chesney launched his much-anticipated I Go Back Tour on March 23 at the University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, and from the first note, it was clear: this wasn’t just another tour stop—it was a homecoming. Presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum, the trek finds Chesney returning to smaller arenas and cities that helped build his career, giving No Shoes Nation a rare chance to see their hero up close. View this post on Instagram A post shared by…
Cody Johnson Receives ACM Spirit Award at 2025 ACM Honors, Honored by Luke Bryan Tribute Cody Johnson was celebrated in a big way at the 18th annual ACM Honors on Wednesday night in Nashville, where he was presented with the ACM Spirit Award—a recognition inspired by Merle Haggard that honors artists who forge their own path in country music with authenticity and grit. Before Johnson took the stage, his friend and golf buddy Luke Bryan performed Johnson’s chart-topping hit “’Til You Can’t.” The crowd roared to its feet as Bryan delivered the powerful ballad, later joking about the song’s vocal…
2025 ACM Honors: A Night of Tributes, Surprises, and Country Music Family Spirit The Academy of Country Music hosted its 18th ACM Honors on Wednesday (Aug. 20) at The Pinnacle at Nashville Yards, once again proving why it’s often called “the Country Music industry’s favorite night.” The sold-out event brought together artists, fans, songwriters, and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to celebrating the people who make the genre thrive behind the scenes. Backstage, the energy was just as vibrant as on stage. Luke Bryan and HARDY were spotted relaxing in their dressing room, Ashley McBryde added the finishing touches…
Kenny Rogers: From Poverty in Houston to Country Music Legend Kenny Rogers never sugarcoated his beginnings. In his final on-camera appearance before his passing in 2020, the Gambler himself said it plainly: “We were poor, there’s no doubt about that.” Before the Grammys, Hall of Fame honors, and 120 hit singles, Rogers grew up in the projects of Houston, Texas. There were no manicured lawns or comforts of wealth — just cracked sidewalks, low-income housing, and faith that tomorrow might bring something better. What they did have was music. His father played fiddle, his uncles and aunts joined in, and…
Riley Green Previews Emotional New Track “Make It Rain” Ahead of Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) Release Riley Green is tugging at heartstrings once again, this time with the preview of a new ballad, “Make It Rain,” set to appear on the deluxe edition of his Don’t Mind If I Do project. On Wednesday, August 20, the Alabama singer surprised fans by sharing nearly a minute of the aching track, giving listeners a taste of what’s to come when the album drops on August 29. This isn’t the first time Green has teased the song. Back in February, he…
HARDY Grants Five-Year-Old Cancer Survivor a Dream Night to Remember Five-year-old Sawyer has endured more challenges in his short life than most face in a lifetime, but one thing has always brought him comfort—HARDY’s music. This past weekend, the young fan’s dream came true when he met his country music hero and attended what was only his second concert ever. Sawyer’s journey began early when he was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a rare cancer of the eyes. After four years of treatment and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, both of his eyes were removed and replaced with prosthetics. Through every step,…
George Strait has long earned the title of “King of Country,” and it’s not just because of his unmatched run of chart-topping hits. His very presence tells its own story. Before he even sings a note, that easy smile beneath his cowboy hat feels like the welcome of an old friend. Strait doesn’t rely on flashy lights, pyrotechnics, or big theatrics — his strength lies in authenticity, restraint, and an unshakable bond with the music itself. On stage, he is the definition of class. Every performance carries a quiet confidence, rooted in decades of living the songs he sings. There’s…
Kenny Chesney promised surprises during his first-ever Las Vegas residency at the Sphere — and he’s definitely delivering. After already inviting Kelsea Ballerini and Grace Potter to join him during opening shows, Chesney surprised fans again on Wednesday night by welcoming Megan Moroney, his new duet partner and former tour mate. Moroney hit the stage in a cut-off Chesney shirt, jean shorts, and cowboy boots, joining him for a four-song set. Together, they debuted their duet “You Had To Be There” and performed Chesney’s hits “All The Pretty Girls” and “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” Chesney also gave Moroney the…