Since its release, Lainey Wilson’s nostalgic hit “Watermelon Moonshine” has been capturing hearts and climbing the country charts. In just 13 weeks, the track has soared into the Top 10 of the Mediabase country charts, marking a milestone in Wilson’s rising career.

Breaking Records

The single jumped three spots to No. 9, making it Wilson’s fastest-rising single yet—and the fastest by a solo female artist in five years, since Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty in 2018. Co-written with Jordan Schmidt and Josh Kear, the song beautifully captures the innocence and thrill of first love.

The chorus paints the picture perfectly:

“Drinkin’ watermelon moonshine / Cut the burn with a little lime / Parkin’ back in them kudzu vines / I was his and every bit of that boy was mine / Too young to know what love was / But we were learnin’ on a sweet buzz / There’s never nothin’ like the first time / And mine’s always gonna taste like / Watermelon moonshine.”

A Music Video Full of Nostalgia

The story of young love comes alive in the cinematic music video directed by Stephen and Alexa Kinigopoulos. It stars Rachel Lynn Matthews and Sam Sherrod, portraying the whirlwind of emotions that come with falling head-over-heels at 18.

Wilson shared, “This song is about the young, wild, crazy love that we all hope to experience… I’m so happy with how Rachel and Sam brought the vision to life through their characters.” Filming in the pasture brought back fond memories for Wilson, connecting her deeply to the song’s story.

Bell Bottom Country Album

“Watermelon Moonshine” is featured on Wilson’s sophomore album, Bell Bottom Country, released on October 28, 2022. The 16-track project also includes hits like Heart Like A Truck, Atta Girl, Smells Like Smoke, Hillbilly Hippie, Grease, and the emotional tribute Those Boots (Deddy’s Song) for her father, Brian Wilson.

Wilson reflects, “Bell Bottom Country is about embracing what makes someone unique — the flare, the personality, the story. I hope y’all can hear that throughout this album.”

With its nostalgic charm, heartfelt lyrics, and record-breaking success, “Watermelon Moonshine” proves once again that Lainey Wilson is a force to watch in country music.

Cody Johnson gave his fans an unexpected gift when he hopped on Instagram and asked, “Should I drop another one from #LeatherDeluxeEdition tonight?” The response was an overwhelming yes — and true to his word, Johnson delivered.

The new track, “How Do You Sleep At Night?”, is one of his most emotional yet. It tells the story of a man left heartbroken by someone he trusted, and the lyrics cut deep. In the chorus, Johnson lays it all bare, asking:

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“How do you sleep at night knowin’ you hurt me?
Knowin’ you burned me like a cigarette?
And when you close your eyes, what do you see?
Is it me, do you wish I was still in your bed?”

For anyone who’s ever had their heart broken, this song feels like it was written just for you.

About Leather Deluxe Edition

Johnson’s original Leather album dropped on November 3, 2023, and quickly climbed to No. 1 on Apple Music. The 12-track project featured unforgettable collaborations, including “Long Live Country Music” with Brooks & Dunn and “Whiskey Bent” with Jelly Roll.

Now, Johnson is gearing up for something even bigger: Leather Deluxe Edition, set to release on November 1. The expanded album will include all 12 original songs plus 13 brand-new tracks, making it a 25-song collection fans can truly sink their teeth into.

His Collaboration With Carrie Underwood

Earlier this year, Johnson gave fans a preview of what’s to come when he released his duet with Carrie Underwood, “I’m Gonna Love You.” The powerful collaboration set high expectations for the deluxe album — and “How Do You Sleep At Night?” proves Johnson isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Country concerts are famous for their good vibes, singalongs, and sense of community. Fans come together to celebrate music, but sometimes a few people in the crowd forget that respect is part of the deal. When that happens, some country stars don’t just ignore it — they step in and make it clear that kindness matters.

Scotty McCreery Protects a Fan

At the Colorado State Fair, Scotty McCreery noticed a man hit a woman in the audience. Shocked, he immediately stopped the show and pointed out the man. “That’s a lady you just hit, sir! Absolutely not,” he shouted before calling security to escort the man out. The crowd erupted in support of McCreery’s actions.

@b1ake_a2en

Can’t get away with that at a country concert! Scotty is the goat for making sure everything was ok! (Watch till the end) #scottymccreery #concert #coloradostatefair @Scotty McCreery

♬ original sound – Blake

Carly Pearce Calls Out a Heckler

Carly Pearce has no time for rude interruptions. During her WE Fest performance, a man yelled disrespectful comments at her, including “No one cares.” Pearce didn’t let it slide. “Out! Somebody get him out of here!” she said firmly, before reminding the crowd: “Words hurt. Be kind. Don’t say mean things just to be mean.” Her message received thunderous applause.

Miranda Lambert Pauses for Drama in the Crowd

Miranda Lambert has also had to pause her shows when fans got out of hand. During her Las Vegas residency, she once stopped mid-song when a group of women focused more on selfies than the performance. At another show, she noticed women fighting in the audience and joked, “Are we done with our drama yet? It’s always the girls!” Lambert gave the audience time to settle down before continuing.

@misshollyallen

Thoughts? 🤷🏻‍♀️ #mirandalambert #underthebigsky #whitefishmontana #countrymusic

♬ original sound – misshollyallen

Koe Wetzel Deals with a Fight

At a 2023 concert, Koe Wetzel’s show was interrupted when two intoxicated men started brawling. Security broke it up quickly, but it was a reminder that rowdy behavior won’t fly at a country show.

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Tim McGraw Defends a Woman

Back in 2011, Tim McGraw saw a man physically fighting with his girlfriend in the crowd. McGraw immediately stopped performing, pulled the woman onto the stage for her safety, and had security remove the man. Fans praised his quick action and compassion.

Cody Johnson Protects the Kids

Cody Johnson had little patience for a fight that broke out near the stage during one of his concerts. After warning the men to stop, he reminded them, “If y’all bump into one of these kids, you’ll have ME jumpin’ off the stage.” The crowd cheered his protective stance.

Kane Brown Responds to Disrespect

Kane Brown showed his zero-tolerance policy for rudeness when a fan flipped him off mid-performance in 2024. Brown stopped the song and calmly told the crowd, “This is what happens when you flip me off,” before having security escort the man out.

@tmz

#KaneBrown kicked a rude fan out of the stadium at his Georgia concert Saturday 😱 🎥: TikTok/abbeyhizzle

♬ original sound – TMZ

👉 These moments prove that country stars care about more than just the music. They want their concerts to feel safe, fun, and welcoming — a place where everyone can enjoy the show without fear of disrespect or harm.

In September 2017, the Grand Ole Opry lit up with magic when Reba McEntire invited Carrie Underwood to join her on stage for a powerful performance of “Does He Love You.” The duet wasn’t just another performance — it was part of a special night celebrating Reba’s 40th anniversary since making her Opry debut back in 1977.

The song, written by Sandy Knox and Billy Stritch, has a long history with Reba. Originally recorded with Linda Davis for her Greatest Hits Volume 2 album in 1993, it became one of her most iconic tracks. This time, however, the emotional storytelling got new life with Carrie by her side.

A Duet Full of Fire and Heart

Reba opened the first verse with her warm, seasoned voice, instantly pulling the audience in. Moments later, Carrie stepped out to roaring applause and delivered the second verse with her signature powerhouse vocals. Together, they blended strength and vulnerability, filling the Opry with undeniable energy.

The crowd was captivated — not just by the song, but by the chemistry between the two singers. Reba’s proud smile as Carrie sang made the moment even more special, showing the respect and joy they shared on stage.

“Does He Love You” tells the story of two women — a wife and a mistress — facing the painful truth of loving the same man. With every lyric, Reba and Carrie brought the drama, heartache, and raw emotion to life.

A Night to Remember

Reba’s 40th anniversary celebration was star-studded, with Dolly Parton and Vince Gill also making appearances to honor her legendary career. Carrie later posted about the unforgettable night, writing on Instagram:
“How is this my life? I got to be part of this crew celebrating @reba’s 40th anniversary of her first @opry appearance! Three legends…and me!!! So many dreams came true tonight! #OnlyAtTheOpry”

And the legacy of the song didn’t stop there. In 2021, Reba revisited “Does He Love You” again — this time recording a stunning new version with Dolly Parton.

This performance with Carrie, though, remains one of those once-in-a-lifetime Opry moments — a blend of tradition, talent, and pure country soul.

Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson lit up The Kelly Clarkson Show this week with a fiery performance of their duet, “Never Say Never.” Backed by Swindell’s band, the pair brought arena-sized energy to the stage, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement.

The timing couldn’t be better — the hit collaboration has been climbing the country radio charts and shows no signs of slowing down.

Released in late 2021, “Never Say Never” made a splash right out of the gate, becoming the most-added song at country radio during its debut week. The track marked a career milestone for both Swindell and Wilson, giving them their biggest radio add day ever.

The song, co-written by Swindell, Jessi Alexander, and Chase McGill, is featured on Swindell’s album Stereotype. It follows the Georgia native’s back-to-back No. 1 hits “Love You Too Late” and “Single Saturday Night.”

At its core, “Never Say Never” is a duet about a relationship that’s as irresistible as it is complicated. Both Swindell and Wilson deliver raw emotion as they sing about trying — and failing — to stay apart:

“I never say never with you / I end up together with you / It’s hell and it’s heaven with you, baby…”

Swindell says the song has been special to him since it was written back in 2018. “I’ve been a fan of Lainey Wilson for a long time, and what she brought to this song is exactly what it needed,” he shared. “I’m so glad the world finally gets to hear it.”

Wilson added her own excitement: “After the success of ‘Things a Man Oughta Know,’ I was ready to keep the momentum going. Getting to share this moment with a friend like Cole makes it even more meaningful.”

With their undeniable chemistry and powerhouse vocals, Swindell and Wilson have turned “Never Say Never” into one of country music’s must-hear duets. Their performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show only proves what fans already know — this song was made to be sung live.

On October 9, some of country music’s biggest names gathered in Alabama for a night dedicated to legendary songwriter Dean Dillon. The Songs and Stories of Dean Dillon tribute show featured an all-star lineup, including Ronnie Dunn, Riley Green, Jamey Johnson, George Strait, and Cody Johnson — who delivered one of the evening’s most moving performances.

The event, filmed for a future TV special, celebrated Dillon’s incredible contributions to country music. Over the years, he’s written more than 60 songs for George Strait alone, including classics like “Ocean Front Property,” “Unwound,” and “Marina del Rey.” Beyond Strait, Dillon’s pen gave the world unforgettable hits such as “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Spilled Perfume,” and “Miami, My Amy.” It’s no surprise he’s a member of both the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2002) and the Country Music Hall of Fame (2020).

One song that stands out in Dillon’s catalog is “The Chair,” co-written with Hank Cochran. The story behind it is almost as legendary as the tune itself. While on a Caribbean trip celebrating earlier successes, the two friends stayed up late one night with guitars in hand. After some laughs (and a few drinks), inspiration struck. Within 45 minutes, “The Chair” was born — complete with its quirky, offbeat opening line: “Well, excuse me, but I think you’ve got my chair.” When George Strait released it in 1985, the song quickly climbed to #1 in both the U.S. and Canada, cementing its place as a country classic.

At the tribute show, Cody Johnson had the honor of performing “The Chair.” With his signature warmth and respect for tradition, he delivered a heartfelt version that brought the audience to their feet. As the final notes faded, Johnson tapped his chest in a quiet gesture of thanks to Dillon — a small but powerful acknowledgment of the songwriter’s lasting influence.

For fans, it was more than just a performance; it was a reminder of how Dillon’s music continues to shape country storytelling. And while we’ll have to wait for the TV special to relive the night, Johnson’s touching tribute proved once again why songs like “The Chair” never fade — and why Dean Dillon’s legacy will live on for generations.

@thetraveladdict.com

Cody Johnson performs “The Chair” at the Dean Dillon tribute in Huntsville Alabama. @Cody Johnson #codyjohnson #cojo #cojonation #deandillon #deandillonsongs @George Strait #georgestrait #songwriter #countrymusic #country #thechair #alabama #huntsville #huntsvillealabama #songwritersoftiktok #songwriters

♬ original sound – thetraveladdict

Scotty McCreery has been performing for huge crowds since his American Idol days in 2011, touring across the country, headlining four tours, and supporting stars like Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts. But recently, he shared a performance that was far more personal — singing for his favorite audience: his two-year-old son, Avery.

On January 10, McCreery posted a video of him and Avery sharing a special moment at home. Avery beamed as his dad sang not a typical children’s song, but “Porch” from McCreery’s 2024 album Rise & Fall. Co-written with Heather Morgan and Graylan James, the song celebrates life’s simple joys, like sitting on the porch after a long day. In the video, Scotty sings the final verse, a tender moment that feels written just for Avery.

This isn’t the first milestone the family has shared at a music landmark. Back in April 2024, McCreery fulfilled a lifelong dream when he joined the Grand Ole Opry. That same holiday season, Avery took his first steps inside the Opry House during McCreery’s Christmas show. “My little boy Avery, his first steps were at the Grand Ole Opry last Christmas,” Scotty recalled. “I just thought that was so cool.”

Later that night, Garth Brooks invited McCreery onstage, officially welcoming him to the Opry — a memory the McCreery family will never forget. Between career milestones and family firsts, Scotty’s recent video reminds fans that some of the best moments in life happen offstage, with those you love most.

Kelly Clarkson has always amazed fans with her powerhouse voice, but now it looks like her 8-year-old son, Remington, is stepping into the spotlight with talent of his own. During a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, little Remy melted hearts everywhere with his unexpected performance of Frank Sinatra’s classic My Way.

Dressed with confidence and charm far beyond his years, Remy walked on stage ready to shine. The moment quickly became one of those “TV magic” experiences—his soulful, sweet take on the Sinatra favorite had the audience clapping, cheering, and even tearing up. Viewers at home felt the same way, with one fan writing on social media: “Things that made me cry today: Remy, Kelly Clarkson’s son, singing My Way by Frank Sinatra on his mommy’s show.”

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It didn’t take long for the clip to go viral. Within days, Remy had racked up over a million views online. And while Kelly usually keeps her kids out of the spotlight, both Remy and his older sister, River Rose, joined her on set that day for a rare and special appearance. River shared her own budding songwriting skills, while Remy—already full of charm—asked his mom, “How many views did I get again?”

Kelly laughed as she told the audience, “I said, ‘Buddy, you’ve got over a million views.’ And he goes, ‘Do you get that many?’” The crowd roared as Kelly admitted, “Not often!”

What made the moment even sweeter is that it wasn’t planned by Kelly at all. She revealed that Remy took the initiative himself, saying, “He literally came up and asked, ‘Who do I have to talk to to sing my song?’” And just like that, his Sinatra cover became a family moment fans will never forget.

It’s clear that music runs deep in the Clarkson family, and with this kind of confidence and talent at just eight years old, Remy may be carving out his own path in music sooner than anyone expected.

Back in 2016, Nashville hosted a special concert called The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson — a night dedicated to celebrating the life, legacy, and incredible music of one of country’s greatest storytellers. The lineup was stacked with legends like Willie Nelson, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris, and Rosanne Cash, but one performance stood out and left the crowd buzzing: Reba McEntire’s fiery take on “Me and Bobby McGee.”

Reba and Kris shared a friendship that stretched back many years, something she made clear when she later honored him on Instagram after his passing on September 28. She wrote, “What a gentleman, kind soul, and a lover of words. Rest in peace, Kris.” It was more than just a tribute — it was a farewell from one artist to another she deeply admired.

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When it came time to choose her song that night, Reba’s pick was no accident. She told CMT that “Me and Bobby McGee” had been one of her favorites for decades. “It’s just a gypsy song,” she explained, “and I’ve always kind of thought of myself as a gypsy. I love that song.”

On stage, Reba gave the classic tune a whole new energy. Where Kristofferson’s original was thoughtful and slow, she amped it up with her signature fire — turning it into a spirited blend of country and rock ’n’ roll. The crowd felt every ounce of her passion, and even though she transformed the song, the heart of Kristofferson’s writing still shone through.

To make the moment even more special, Reba turned it into a duet with Kris himself. The sight of the two of them sharing the stage was pure magic — a mix of respect, friendship, and joy. It felt like his personal stamp of approval, and fans couldn’t get enough.

Looking back, that performance has only grown more meaningful since Kristofferson’s passing. It wasn’t just a cover — it was a celebration of his spirit, his music, and the way he made everyone feel like part of his story. For anyone who loved Kris, watching Reba light up the stage with “Me and Bobby McGee” is a bittersweet but beautiful reminder of just how deeply he touched the world of country music.