Country music stars and fellow American Idol alums Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina came together for a heartwarming reunion during the show’s 20th-anniversary special on Monday night (May 2). The pair performed a beautiful rendition of Keith Whitley’s classic 1988 hit “When You Say Nothing At All,” showcasing their undeniable chemistry and musical talents.

McCreery’s signature southern drawl and Alaina’s powerhouse vocals captivated the audience, bringing the iconic song to life with their heartfelt performance.

The two first shared the Idol stage back in 2011, both competing in season 10 of the show. McCreery, at just 17 years old, went on to win the competition, while Alaina took second place. Fast forward 11 years, and both artists have made impressive strides in their careers, dominating the country music charts and earning critical acclaim.

Before their performance, the longtime friends reminisced about their Idol days.

“I was a fan of the show before I even got on it,” McCreery shared. “Life was pretty normal, just going to high school, until we were on the show.”

Alaina echoed the sentiment, saying, “I loved American Idol so much, it was punishment for me to miss an episode. I’m just excited to be back and represent our season.”

Since their Idol days, McCreery has scored four consecutive No. 1 hits (“Five More Minutes,” “In Between,” “This Is It,” and “You Time”) and sold over 4 million albums. Alaina, too, has seen tremendous success, with multiple CMT and ACM nominations, and platinum-selling records to her name.

“You can’t turn on the radio without hearing Lauren, and you can’t turn on the TV without seeing her,” McCreery joked backstage.

Alaina teased back, “You’ve had a bunch of No. 1 hits now, so you’re beating me!”

In their Idol days, the duo also performed Randy Travis’ “I Told You So” together. Check out their 2011 performance below.

Earlier this year, McCreery made his Country to Country festival debut in London, Dublin, and Glasgow, and performed a sold-out tour across Germany and the Netherlands. Now, he’s gearing up for a U.S. tour, including a stop at the iHeartCountry Festival in Austin, Texas.

Meanwhile, Alaina is hitting the road for her Top of the World Tour, which kicks off this month. For more details, head over to her website.

The 20th-anniversary special also featured appearances from past Idol contestants and judges, with host Ryan Seacrest saying, “Tonight we are opening the Idol Yearbook.”

Other notable appearances included Tamyra Gray, Pia Toscano, Anthony Federov, Brooke White, Justin Guarini, and William Hung.

John Foster, the 18-year-old rising country star on American Idol 2025, continues to capture hearts — and ears — with his genuine style and undeniable charm. This time, he paid tribute to someone he calls “Uncle” — country icon Dwight Yoakam — with a lively, heartfelt performance of “Guitars, Cadillacs.”

Originally recorded in his bedroom after fans started comparing him to Yoakam, John’s version has grown into something bigger. It wasn’t just a cover — it was his way of saying “thank you” to a musical hero. With a voice that blends classic twang and youthful soul, Foster brought new life to the song while staying true to its honky-tonk roots.

Throughout his Idol journey, Foster has shown impressive growth. Judge Carrie Underwood recently praised him in an interview with PEOPLE, calling him one of the most improved contestants this season. “He’s grown so much. He’s sweet, he’s fresh-faced, and honestly, he reminds me of my son,” she said. “Watching him perform melts my heart.”

Foster even honored Underwood on the April 28 show by singing Randy Travis’ “I Told You So” — a song she famously covered. A little nervous about performing it in front of her, he made it his mission to make the performance personal. “It wasn’t just about hitting the notes,” he said. “I wanted her to feel the message.”

Beyond covers, Foster is proving he’s a songwriter to watch. His original tune, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of a close friend, moved both the judges and audience. Lionel Richie applauded his emotional honesty, saying, “When John sings, it’s real. People feel it.”

With each performance, Foster continues to show why he’s becoming a standout voice in country music. Whether honoring legends or sharing his own stories, he’s got the heart, talent, and drive to go far. And from the way things are going, this is just the beginning for John Foster.

Kelly Clarkson brought down the house once again with a powerful Kellyoke performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, this time taking on Little Big Town’s classic hit, “Boondocks.”

Backed by her band, Y’all, Clarkson leaned into the song’s Southern pride and down-home spirit. Dressed in a sleek, all-black off-the-shoulder outfit, she delivered a performance full of soul, grit, and heart. Teaming up with her backup singers, she nailed the group’s signature harmonies while still making the track her own.

Singing lyrics like “I feel no shame, I’m proud of where I came from,” the Texas native clearly connected with the song’s message about staying true to your roots.

Originally released in 2005, “Boondocks” marked Little Big Town’s breakout hit and remains one of their most beloved songs. Written by band members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook along with Wayne Kirkpatrick, the track was the group’s first Top 10 country radio hit and has since become a fan favorite.

Clarkson’s love for country music has been on full display lately. In addition to this cover, she’s recently taken on hits like Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse,” Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson’s “Save Me,” and even joined Wilson on stage for a fun duet of “Country’s Cool Again.”

The Kelly Clarkson Show is now in its fifth season and going strong, renewed through 2025. While she recently wrapped up her Las Vegas “Chemistry” residency with two February shows at Bakkt Theater, fans are still hoping she’ll add more dates soon.

John Foster might’ve started his American Idol journey with a smile and a classic Alan Jackson hit, but what really stole the show was what came next.

The 18-year-old country hopeful kicked things off with “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” delivering it with charm, twang, and a whole lot of Southern swagger. But the judges weren’t completely sold. Luke Bryan raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure you’ve got the range for this,” he admitted. Katy Perry stayed on the fence. Even country queen and guest judge Carrie Underwood pressed him a bit: “Do you have something with more heart?”

That’s when the magic happened.

Switching gears, Foster took a chance on Conway Twitty’s emotional ballad “Goodbye Time” — and just like that, everything changed. The room quieted down as his voice softened, soaked in raw emotion. This wasn’t just a performance — it was a moment. By the end of the song, even Luke Bryan, who had initially leaned toward a no, was singing along and visibly moved.

“That just changed everything,” Luke said, shaking his head in awe. “That was real country. That was real emotion.”

With that, the judges delivered a full sweep of yeses and handed Foster his golden ticket to Hollywood.

Fans quickly dubbed him “The Conway Kid,” and social media couldn’t stop buzzing about the twist ending to his audition. What started as a maybe turned into a major moment — and a reminder that with the right song and a little soul, anything is possible.

At her performance at the Bakkt Theater in Las Vegas, Kelly Clarkson shared an unforgettable moment with her 9-year-old daughter River Rose and 7-year-old son Remington “Remy” Alexander. The trio performed Clarkson’s hit “Heartbeat Song” live, marking the first time the family sang together on stage.

The song was a special pick for the occasion, as River Rose has loved it since she was a baby. Kelly shared with the audience that when she asked her daughter which song she wanted to sing on tour, River Rose immediately requested “Heartbeat Song.” The moment was made even sweeter as River Rose proudly sang alongside her mom, with Remy confidently joining in, unfazed by the large crowd.

Clarkson told the crowd that River Rose not only chose the song but also picked out her own dress for the performance. She proudly mentioned how her daughter “killed it” during soundcheck, and fans couldn’t help but gush about how cute the mother-daughter duo was rocking out together.

Fans flooded social media with messages like, “That’s a moment she’ll never forget. The first time she got to go on stage with her mom” and “A star is born! Kelly gave River Rose the confidence to get up there and sing her heart out.” The following night, River Rose returned to the stage, and for extra cuteness, Remy joined in too.

Kelly Clarkson shares her two children with her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, whom she married in 2013. They divorced in 2022 after a lengthy process.

“Heartbeat Song” was the lead single from Clarkson’s 2015 album Piece by Piece. The song was a huge success, earning platinum status in the U.S. and becoming her biggest hit in a decade. It topped the US Dance Club Songs chart and landed in the top 10 on charts worldwide.

Though “Heartbeat Song” received much acclaim, some controversy surrounded the song’s resemblance to Jimmy Eat World’s 2001 hit “The Middle.” Clarkson addressed the issue, saying she hadn’t noticed the similarity but appreciated the band’s response, acknowledging “There are only so many chords.” Ultimately, Jimmy Eat World did not pursue legal action, and the song credits remain unchanged.

John Foster’s latest song, “Just As She Was Leaving,” isn’t your average heartbreak anthem. There’s no dramatic showdown, no raised voices or big emotional climax. Instead, it plays out like a quiet memory—gentle, honest, and deeply human. Listening feels less like a performance and more like peeking into someone’s private moment.

The lyrics don’t chase after drama—they linger in the little things. A door closing softly. A quick look back. A silence so thick it says everything. Then there’s John’s voice: low, calm, full of emotion that doesn’t shout but settles in your chest. It’s the voice of someone who notices what others miss—the kind of songwriter who jots down thoughts on church bulletins and hums along with porch swings and crickets.

“I didn’t grow up with much,” John says. “But I had a family rooted in kindness and prayer—and that’s shaped every song I’ve written.”

And you can feel it. John’s story isn’t flashy. His mom led the church choir. His dad worked outdoors fixing fences and made sure to be home in time to listen to country radio with his son. They didn’t have cable, but they had Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, and stories that told the truth.

John learned his first chords from his grandfather—a Vietnam vet who didn’t say much but always had his guitar nearby. He also taught John something just as valuable: how to pay attention. That lesson stuck.

So when American Idol came knocking, John hesitated. “I wasn’t sure if what I do would fit,” he admits. “It’s not big or flashy. It’s quiet.”

Turns out, that quiet was exactly what people needed.

When John sang “Just As She Was Leaving” during his audition, he didn’t try to impress with vocal runs or high notes. He just told the story. Raw and simple. That stripped-down performance, just him and his worn-out guitar, still lives online—and it struck a chord with thousands.

The song opened doors, but John hasn’t changed. He still lives in Asheville, still checks in with his mom every Sunday, and still writes in the same weathered notebook he’s carried since he was 17.

“I’m not trying to be the loudest,” he says. “I just want to be real.”

And in a world that’s often too loud, that kind of realness stands out.

The moment Jamal Roberts began singing “Heal,” the room went still. You could almost hear the stage lights buzzing. His voice—soft, a little cracked, and full of feeling—cut through the silence like a quiet cry for help. It wasn’t polished or showy, and that’s exactly why it hit so hard.

When he reached the line, “Won’t you heal me?” it didn’t feel like just a lyric. It felt like a real question, spoken from a place of deep hurt. And judging by the look on everyone’s faces, the whole room felt it too.

What made Jamal’s performance stand out wasn’t flawless technique—it was raw honesty. Every small shake in his voice, every pause, made the emotion that much more real. He didn’t try to hide behind perfect notes. He just let the pain speak.

While many contestants aim to wow with power and volume, Jamal did the opposite. He drew everyone in by being vulnerable. And in doing so, he proved that sometimes the quietest moments are the most powerful.

His version of “Heal” wasn’t just another performance. It was a moment—heartbreaking, hopeful, and unforgettable.

And as the lights faded and Jamal lowered his head, one thing was clear:
A true artist had just stepped into the spotlight.

John Foster’s cover of “House of the Rising Sun” brings a fresh, emotional twist to the classic. While staying true to the original, his soulful voice and stripped-down acoustic arrangement create a more intimate, reflective mood.

Unlike The Animals’ bluesy, energetic version, Foster slows things down, giving each lyric time to breathe. The gentle fingerpicking on the guitar complements his heartfelt voice, adding a layer of sadness and reflection to the song. When he sings, “And it’s been the ruin of many a poor boy,” you can feel the weight of experience in his delivery, like he’s lived through the pain in the lyrics.

What makes Foster’s version really shine is the way he draws you in emotionally. The slower pace creates a meditative atmosphere, letting the words stand out. The simplicity of the guitar keeps the focus on his voice, and as the song builds, the intensity of both the vocals and the arrangement grows, capturing the song’s deep regret and eventual acceptance.

Foster doesn’t just cover the song—he reimagines it, making it his own while still honoring its original spirit.

@qtmandyyy

He blows this out the water! #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #johnfoster #johnfostermusic #musicbyjohnfoster #SOA #houseoftherisingsun

♬ original sound – Amanda

Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson recently took the stage on The Kelly Clarkson Show, delivering a fiery live performance of their duet, “Never Say Never,” that had the audience captivated. The dynamic duo brought the song to life with an energetic performance, backed by Swindell’s band, making it a moment to remember.

The song, which was released in November 2021, has been climbing the country radio charts and is quickly becoming a fan favorite. It marked a significant milestone in both artists’ careers, with “Never Say Never” achieving the largest radio add day of Swindell’s career, as well as Wilson’s.

Written by Swindell, Jessi Alexander, and Chase McGill, “Never Say Never” is the 11th single of Swindell’s career and appears on his new album, Stereotype. The song’s lyrics reflect the emotional push and pull of a relationship that’s hard to let go of, with both artists acknowledging how difficult it is to move on despite knowing it’s time.

“I never say never with you / I end up together with you,” they sing in the chorus, capturing the essence of the song’s message: the inability to break free from a love that feels impossible to quit.

Swindell expressed his excitement about releasing the track, saying, “I’ve been a fan of Lainey Wilson for a long time, and she brings exactly what this song needed.” Wilson echoed the sentiment, noting how special it was to share this journey with Swindell, especially after the success of her own hit, “Things a Man Oughta Know.”

Fans of both artists are eagerly watching the song rise on the charts, and this performance only adds to the excitement surrounding their collaboration.

Lainey Wilson lit up the stage at the 59th ACM Awards on Thursday night (May 16) with the first-ever live performance of her brand-new song, “Hang Tight Honey.” The night kicked off with a lively rendition of “God Blessed Texas,” setting the perfect tone for the high-energy show at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Rocking a bold red outfit on the red carpet, Wilson brought just as much fire to the stage. “Hang Tight Honey” — released earlier that week on Monday (May 13) — is an anthem for all the hard-working men and women out there, following her hit single “Country’s Cool Again,” which inspired the name of her 2024 headlining tour.

Speaking about the song, Lainey shared, “I’ve been running the roads nonstop for a few years now, and honestly, it’s tough being away from home so much. But remembering why I do it, and who I do it for, makes it all worth it. This one’s for the folks who work their tails off every day for the ones they love most.”

Co-written with Driver Williams, Jason Nix, and Paul Sikes, “Hang Tight Honey” will appear on Wilson’s highly anticipated new album Whirlwind, set to drop on August 23. The 14-track project follows her award-winning album Bell Bottom Country from 2022.

In a recent Q&A with iHeartCountry, Lainey talked about how she pulls inspiration from everywhere — from fan stories and meet-and-greets to things she sees on the news and experiences with her friends and family. “The beauty of songwriting,” she said, “is turning those real-life moments — good or bad — into music people can connect with.”

Lainey couldn’t hide her excitement about Whirlwind, calling it “the most cathartic and personal piece of art” she’s ever created. “I hope this record brings a little peace to your whirlwind, just like it did for me,” she added.

The star-studded ACM Awards night also featured performances from big names like Post Malone, Parker McCollum, Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan, Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, and the evening’s legendary host, Reba McEntire.