Reba McEntire Opens 60th ACM Awards with Stirring Tribute to the Heart of Country Music FRISCO, TEXAS – May 8, 2025 — The 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards didn’t open with spectacle or special effects—it began with something far more powerful: soul. At the Ford Center, Reba McEntire, the legendary “Queen of Country,” set the tone for the evening with a deeply moving tribute that cut straight to the heart of what country music truly represents. A Voice for the “Real” People Reba didn’t take the stage as just the show’s host or a performer—she stood as a…
Author: Kelly Whitewood
Toby Keith’s Final Performance: A Farewell That Moved a Nation Country music icon Toby Keith delivered what would be his final live performance on December 14, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada — closing out a trio of sold-out shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM. Taking the stage from December 12–14, these concerts marked a powerful return for the beloved star, who had been battling stomach cancer since late 2021. Fans didn’t know it at the time, but they were witnessing the last performances of his life. Following the final show, Keith posted a message to fans on social media:…
Jelly Roll & Shaboozey Deliver Genre-Bending Performance and Emotional Tribute at the 60th ACM Awards The 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards delivered plenty of standout moments, but none hit quite as deeply as Jelly Roll’s surprise collaboration with rising genre-blender Shaboozey. Their performance didn’t just entertain — it moved people. A Genre-Breaking Moment That Struck the Soul As the stage lights dimmed, Jelly Roll and Shaboozey launched into a mashup that defied musical boundaries — a daring blend of rap, country, and soul. What started as an unexpected combination soon unfolded into one of the night’s most electrifying…
Carrie Underwood Penned “Mama’s Song” as a Heartfelt Tribute to Her Mom on Her Wedding Day For many daughters, there comes a moment when they must step into a new chapter—leaving home and beginning a life with the person they love. For Carrie Underwood, that bittersweet milestone became the inspiration behind “Mama’s Song,” a moving ballad she co-wrote to honor the woman who raised her. Before the music begins, viewers hear from Carrie’s real-life mother, Carole Underwood, who reflects on how quickly time passes: “You just don’t think when your child is small that in just a few years it’s…
Kelsea Ballerini Delivers Powerful Performance of “Baggage” at the 60th ACM Awards Country music’s biggest names gathered at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday night to celebrate the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards—and among the standout performances was Kelsea Ballerini, who took the stage with her latest single, “Baggage.” Ballerini, nominated for three awards including Entertainer of the Year, teased the performance earlier in the week on Instagram, describing it as “a little female rage but mostly blissful acceptance of the journey that got us here.” She ended the teaser with a playful reminder: “because who doesn’t have…
Keith Urban Honored with Triple Crown Award at 60th ACM Awards — Joined by Nicole Kidman for a Night to Remember Congratulations to Keith Urban! On Thursday, March 8, the country superstar, 57, was honored with the prestigious Triple Crown Award at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The tribute began with a star-studded musical salute that spanned Urban’s remarkable career. Megan Moroney kicked off the tribute with a heartfelt version of “Stupid Boy,” followed by Chris Stapleton’s soulful take on “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” ending with a…
We Can Thank Ella Langley for Riley Green’s Mustache Moment LAS VEGAS — Of all the surprises at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, one of the most talked-about revelations happened offstage: Riley Green’s now-iconic mustache? We owe that to none other than Ella Langley. Green, known for his hit “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” and his clean-cut country-boy charm, has recently embraced a rugged new look. Fans have had plenty to say about the unexpected mustache—some loving the retro vibe, others caught off guard. But in an interview with Country Now, Green finally spilled the truth: the facial…
Jelly Roll Says “I’m a Pig!” in Hilarious Red Carpet Moment at ACM Awards The ACM Awards red carpet is always filled with Western flair—cowboy hats, fringe, and even the occasional pair of leather chaps. But on Thursday, May 8, at the 60th ACM Awards, the country vibe came with an unexpected dash of farmyard fun. While chatting with Country Now, Jelly Roll was asked if he planned to add any new animals to his growing farm. His response? Classic Jelly Roll humor: “Jessie Murph just tried to give Bunnie a pig on the red carpet!” Bunnie XO—Jelly Roll’s wife…
Adam Lambert & LeAnn Rimes Deliver Jaw-Dropping “Shallow” Duet at CMA Fest — A Performance for the Ages The stage may not have been prepared — but they went for it anyway. Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes took CMA Fest by storm with a surprise performance that instantly turned into one of the most talked-about moments in music this year. This wasn’t just another live duet. This was explosive. Electric. Unforgettable. When the “Stage Monster” collided with the “Voice Angel,” they created a vocal earthquake that shook the entire venue. The song of the night? “Shallow.” The result? Nothing short…
American Idol Unveils Top 7 During “Judges’ Song Contest Night” The competition intensified on American Idol Monday night (May 5) as fan favorites Breanna Nix and Mattie Pruitt vied for a spot in the Top 7. Themed “Judges’ Song Contest Night,” the episode gave each contestant a list of three songs—each picked by one of the judges—without revealing which judge chose which song until after the performance. The judge whose songs were selected the most earned bragging rights, as well as the power to choose one wildcard contestant to save at the night’s end. This time, Luke Bryan and Lionel…