It was a night to remember in Washington, D.C., filled with patriotic spirit and powerful music moments—starting with Carrie Underwood’s stunning a cappella version of “America The Beautiful.” As President Trump was welcomed back into office, the evening brought together a star-studded lineup of country favorites. From Jason Aldean delivering an extended set to Rascal Flatts reuniting on stage, the celebrations were packed with energy and emotion.

But one of the most touching highlights came later in the evening at the Commander-in-Chief Ball, when Parker McCollum took the stage. After performing fan favorites like “Pretty Heart,” “To Be Loved By You,” and his current single “What Kinda Man,” McCollum closed out his set with a heartfelt tribute to the late Toby Keith.

Paying homage to the country legend, McCollum delivered a powerful performance of Keith’s patriotic anthem, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” The moment felt especially meaningful, as Keith had famously performed the same song during President Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. McCollum’s rendition echoed Keith’s bold spirit and deep connection to both country music and American pride.

A longtime admirer of Keith, McCollum had previously honored him during a star-studded tribute concert last August, where he led a crowd sing-along of that very song. And when the world lost Toby Keith, McCollum took to social media to express his sadness, writing, “He really is a country music legend, man. A Legend gone way too soon. RIP Cowboy!”

Known by fans as “The Limestone Kid,” McCollum poured his heart into the performance, making it clear just how much Keith’s legacy means to him—and to country music as a whole. While Carrie Underwood may have opened the day with an emotional spark, Parker McCollum closed it with a bang that left fans moved and proud.

@86moodyblue

Toby Keith performing at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Rest In Peace Toby Keith. You will be missed. #TobyKeith

♬ original sound – Meghan Arlene ✝️🇺🇸

The 50th Annual CMA Awards turned into a heartfelt tribute to the roots of country music, blending legendary names with today’s stars for a night full of iconic moments. The stage lit up with unforgettable pairings—think Roy Clark, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and Brad Paisley—teaming up with the next generation of country voices to bring old favorites to life.

But one performance stole the spotlight: Chris Stapleton and Dwight Yoakam’s powerful duet of “Seven Spanish Angels.” It was the kind of moment that gives you goosebumps.

Stapleton kicked things off with his signature gritty vocals, and his wife Morgane added a soft, soulful harmony that gave the performance even more emotional weight. Then Yoakam stepped in with his classic twang, bringing a nostalgic touch to the second half. The two came together again for a stirring final chorus that had the entire crowd hooked.

Cameras even caught fellow country stars soaking it all in—Ricky Skaggs grooving along, and Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood cheering them on like fans in the front row. It was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of everything country music stands for.

Fans online were just as moved. One wrote, “Chris Stapleton sings the best version of this song—hands down. And I loved the original! His voice is incredible, and it’s always a treat seeing Morgane sing with him.”

And Dwight Yoakam didn’t go unnoticed either. “Dwight’s always been great,” another fan shared. “I’ve loved him since he was a young punk! Saw him twice at the University of Minnesota—those were two of the best shows I’ve ever seen. He’s a great performer… and still cute, too!”

From the love on stage to the love in the crowd, this duet was one of those once-in-a-lifetime performances that reminds us just how magical country music can be.

Blake Shelton made a triumphant return to the spotlight with his first live performance of his new single, “Texas,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

The track, released on November 15, marks Shelton’s comeback after a two-year hiatus from solo music. It comes right after the country star signed with a new record label, parting ways with Warner Music Nashville after 23 years.

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While Shelton hasn’t released solo music recently, he’s kept busy with several collaborations, including the heartfelt “Purple Iris” with his wife, Gwen Stefani, and “Pour Me a Drink” with Post Malone. In a recent chat with PEOPLE, Blake shared that his #1 hit with Post Malone on the Country Airplay charts gave him the inspiration to release “Texas” and dive back into his own solo work. Fans are excited to see what’s next in this new chapter for Shelton!

The Grand Ole Opry recently released a heartwarming video that gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at Post Malone’s emotional debut on the legendary stage last August. The footage captures not only his performance but also the genuine love and respect he’s earned from the country music community as he ventures into the genre with his upcoming album, F-1Trillion.

In the clip, Post shares how honored he felt to be invited by his friend and collaborator Brad Paisley, calling the experience “terrifying but exciting.” With his signature mix of humility and charm, he compared stepping into the Opry’s iconic circle to playing in the Super Bowl. “I don’t feel like I belong,” he said. “It’s so legendary… I’m just so honored and grateful.”

The video also features touching messages from country stars who’ve worked with him, like Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, The War and Treaty, and John Michael Montgomery. Lainey recalled writing and recording with Post for 15 hours straight and praised his down-to-earth nature: “He treated the guy taking out the trash the same way he treated the studio owner. That says a lot about who he is.”

During his Opry debut, Post performed “Nosedive” with Lainey and “California Sober” with The War and Treaty—a song he originally recorded with Chris Stapleton. Michael Trotter Jr. called it a special moment born from real friendship and mutual respect, noting they’ve stayed in touch ever since.

Vince Gill opened the night with “One More Last Chance” and hinted that he and Post have written a song together that’s yet to be released. He added, “He’s a really gracious, kind soul… it’s fun to see someone love this music the way he does.”

Even country veteran John Michael Montgomery joined in, sharing that his daughter introduced him to Post through a video of him covering “Be My Baby Tonight.” Montgomery said, “This guy must really be a country fan!”

Post’s F-1Trillion features a star-studded lineup—Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, and more—and blends country roots with Post’s signature style. He described the project as full of love, joy, and a bit of Texas Swing, saying, “I had the time of my life making it, and I hope people have just as much fun listening.”

With this powerful debut and a community that’s clearly embracing him, it’s safe to say Post Malone’s journey into country music is off to a heartfelt and authentic start—and fans are already hoping there’s more to come.

Morgan Wallen gave fans a night to remember at Arrowhead Stadium when he brought out none other than Lainey Wilson for a surprise performance of his emotional new track, “Lies Lies Lies.” The unexpected duet happened during Wallen’s One Night At A Time World Tour stop in Kansas City, and the crowd absolutely lost it.

Before the big moment, Wallen took a pause to show some love for his longtime friend and fellow country star.
“She’s a true badass,” he said proudly. “We’ve believed in her from the beginning, and watching her career take off has been incredible. I couldn’t be happier for someone.”

With that heartfelt intro, Lainey strutted on stage in style—rocking her signature bell bottoms in Kansas City Chiefs colors. The two shared a warm hug before stepping up to the mic on the B-stage, ready to give the crowd something special.

“We don’t have a song together yet,” Wallen told the audience with a smile, “so we’re gonna try something brand new tonight.” He introduced “Lies Lies Lies,” his latest release, and invited fans to sing along.

Wallen opened the song solo before Lainey joined in for the harmonies, and her soulful voice took over the second verse. Together, their voices blended beautifully, adding a fresh layer of emotion to the heartbreak anthem. It was a moment fans didn’t know they needed—but one they’ll never forget.

@morganfreakinwallen

🧡 Whew… they gotta song together NOW!!! 💯🔥🎙🤠😻😁😉😏 @ShoMeChiefsFan @morganwallen @Lainey Wilson #morganwallen #laineywilson #lieslieslies #RELEASETHISASADUET #prettypleeese #withsugarontop💋 #kannascity #MissOuri #night1 #onenightatatimetour #2024 #kingandqueenofcountrymusic👑🤠 #WHEW #DAYUMMM #THESE2 #THOSEVCALS #THATSMILE #THEMLEGS #fyp #GAHT🔥

♬ original sound – Morgan🔥Freakin’🔥Wallen

“Lies Lies Lies,” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross, and Chris Tompkins, first appeared in Wallen’s Abbey Road Sessions earlier this year and got its official studio release in July. That same month, Wallen made country music history by headlining the largest country concert ever in the UK at BST Hyde Park.

The One Night At A Time tour is still going strong, with Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, and Ella Langley joining Wallen on the road. After wrapping up in Kansas City, the tour heads to Las Vegas before making its way through Europe—including stops in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

Later this year, Wallen is set to achieve a longtime dream by headlining two nights at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.

@adriennekhattiya

Morgan Wallen performs his new song Lies Lies Lies with Lainey Wilson at KC night 1 🤩🤩🤩🤩 #fyp #fy #comewithme #concerts #morganwallen #morganwallentiktok #morganwallenconcert #laineywilson #onethingatatimetour #onethingatatime #arrowhead #kcchiefs #chiefs #chiefskingdom @morganwallen @Lainey Wilson

♬ original sound – Adrienne Khattiya

Beyond the music, Wallen continues to give back through the Morgan Wallen Foundation, which supports kids through access to sports and music programs. In honor of his Hyde Park show, the foundation donated $20,000 to the London Youth Choirs, helping underserved youth discover their voices and thrive through music.

From surprise duets to making history on international stages, Morgan Wallen is showing that he’s not just making hits—he’s making a difference.

At the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards, Toby Keith made an emotional return to the stage, delivering a powerful performance of his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” This comeback performance was particularly moving for fans, as Keith has been largely out of the public eye since his stomach cancer diagnosis in 2022. His performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville brought the crowd to their feet, with many visibly moved, including Keith’s wife, Tricia, who was seen wiping away tears.

Keith was inspired to write “Don’t Let the Old Man In” after a conversation with Clint Eastwood about the challenges of aging. The song’s lyrics encourage embracing life fully, no matter how old we get. Originally written for Eastwood’s 2018 film The Mule, the song has since become a deeply personal anthem for Keith, especially given his own health journey. His performance that night emphasized the importance of love, friendship, and living each day to the fullest—messages that resonated strongly with the audience.

Keith’s contributions to country music and his charitable work were also recognized, as he received the inaugural “Country Icon” Award. This honor celebrated his decades-long career and his dedication to causes such as supporting military families through the USO and helping children facing critical illnesses. His heartfelt performance and the award solidified Keith’s lasting legacy as both a musician and a philanthropist.

Carrie Underwood, a seven-time Grammy winner, brought the holiday magic to life with a stunning performance of “Mary, Did You Know?” on CMA Country Christmas, airing on ABC.

Dressed in a sparkling emerald dress and accompanied by a pianist and guitarist, Underwood delivered a soulful rendition of this beloved Christmas classic. The performance, set in a beautifully decorated holiday home, captivated viewers with its simplicity and emotional depth.

Before stepping into the spotlight, Underwood shared her thoughts about the show: “CMA Country Christmas brings together all your favorite artists, celebrating Christmas with both classic and new songs. It’s such a special time to come together and share the holiday spirit.”

She explained the personal connection she feels to “Mary, Did You Know?”, a song featured on her Christmas album, My Gift: “As a mother, it really resonates with me—imagining Mary holding her son, the son of God, and raising him. That’s such a profound thought. It’s one of my favorites, and I hope everyone enjoys it.”

The song was co-written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene and was first recorded by Michael English in 1991. It’s since become a Christmas staple, with Underwood’s version adding a fresh and powerful touch.

The show, co-hosted by Gabby Barrett and Carly Pearce, also featured festive performances from Jimmie Allen, BRELAND, Lady A, and more, making it a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

When Michael Bublé and Blake Shelton teamed up for a duet of “Home,” it was pure magic. The song, originally released by Bublé in 2005 and co-written with David Foster and Amy Foster-Gillies, is already a classic, but this fresh rendition gave it a whole new life. With Bublé’s smooth, jazzy tone and Shelton’s rich country drawl, their performance proved that music knows no boundaries.

At its core, “Home” is about longing, love, and the ache of being away from the people and places you care about most. Whether you’ve been on the road, chasing dreams, or just missing someone, this song hits you right in the heart. That’s part of what’s made it so enduring—and why it was the perfect pick for this unexpected collaboration.

Michael Bublé’s voice is all about polish and emotion, effortlessly gliding through each note. Meanwhile, Blake Shelton brings a grounded, heartfelt presence that makes you feel every word. Together, they didn’t just sing the song—they told a story. Their voices blended in a way that felt both natural and new, showing just how well jazz and country can work together when done right.

Their duet debuted during a televised special, and from the very first note, you could feel the connection. There was an easy chemistry between them—no showiness, just two artists fully in sync. The stage setup was simple, letting the emotion of the song take center stage. The piano-led arrangement stayed true to the original while making space for each singer to shine, and their harmonies on the chorus gave the performance an extra emotional punch.

Shelton’s delivery added a raw, earthy feel to lines like “I feel just like I’m living someone else’s life,” while Bublé’s signature croon brought in that sense of romantic longing fans know and love. It felt like a musical conversation between two friends, each bringing their own experiences to the table.

The performance quickly became a fan favorite, earning praise from both pop and country audiences. Bublé fans appreciated the added warmth Shelton brought to the song, and country fans discovered a new appreciation for Bublé’s emotional depth. It was one of those rare moments where two very different musical worlds collided in the best possible way.

This duet wasn’t just a one-off—it’s a beautiful reminder of how music brings people together, no matter where they come from or what genre they represent. “Home” is a song about connection, and that’s exactly what this performance delivered.

Blake Shelton and Michael Bublé may have different musical roots, but in this moment, they met right in the middle—and created something truly special.

Riley Green brought some serious heat to Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a steamy performance of his latest single, “Worst Way.” It was a big moment for the country star, marking a bold step forward as he introduced one of his most talked-about songs to a national late-night audience.

Released in 2024, “Worst Way” took fans by surprise with its smooth, seductive vibe—a noticeable shift from Green’s more traditional, down-home country sound. The lyrics are bold, even a little cheeky, and fans were quick to call it a “baby-making song,” with some even comparing Green to a “country Marvin Gaye.”

Even Riley himself admitted the song pushed his usual boundaries. In interviews, he shared that he was hesitant to release it at first, worried about how his audience might react. But after teasing a clip online and getting tons of love from fans, he knew he had to include it on his latest album, Don’t Mind If I Do.

On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Green owned the stage with his signature Southern charm and smooth, confident delivery. Dressed in laid-back style, he leaned into the sultry mood of the track, backed by moody lighting that gave the whole performance an intimate, late-night feel.

If you missed it live, no worries—you can catch the full performance on Riley’s official YouTube channel. And fans definitely showed up online, flooding the comments with praise for both the song and Green’s undeniable stage presence.

After the show, Riley jumped on Instagram to thank the Kimmel team, posting a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption:

Performing “Worst Way” on national television was a bold move that paid off, proving just how confident Green is in this new chapter of his career. With his Damn Country Music Tour kicking off in March, fans can expect more unforgettable performances—and maybe even a few surprises along the way.

One thing’s for sure: Riley Green isn’t afraid to take risks, and “Worst Way” is proof that pushing the envelope can lead to some seriously great music.

Music has a way of stirring emotions in ways we can’t always explain. Whether it brings joy, nostalgia, or even tears, a powerful performance can leave a lasting impact—and few do it better than country music legends.

One unforgettable moment that continues to give fans chills is Carrie Underwood’s stunning rendition of “How Great Thou Art” alongside the incredibly talented Vince Gill. The pairing of Carrie’s powerhouse vocals with Vince’s gentle harmonies and guitar work created a performance that’s still being talked about years later.

As soon as Carrie began singing, the audience was captivated. Her voice soared effortlessly, filled with emotion and reverence, while Vince provided a beautiful, understated harmony. The room was silent—so still you could hear a pin drop—as everyone hung on every word.

Midway through the song, Vince delivered a soulful guitar solo that allowed Carrie to catch her breath and prepare for the explosive final chorus. By the time the last note rang out, the entire crowd was on their feet, cheering so loudly it was almost overwhelming.

This performance wasn’t just another duet—it was a moment of pure musical magic.

Carrie Underwood, who shot to fame after winning American Idol in 2005, has since become a country music powerhouse. She’s sold over 70 million albums, racked up countless awards, and earned praise from Rolling Stone as “the female vocalist of her generation of any genre.”

Vince Gill’s journey began back in the late ’70s with the country-rock band Pure Prairie League. Since then, he’s had a long and decorated solo career, becoming one of the most respected voices and guitarists in country music. His smooth vocals and heartfelt musicianship make him a dream duet partner.

Even with all their accolades, this performance of “How Great Thou Art” remains a career-defining moment for both artists. It’s no surprise that videos of the performance continue to go viral, with the top five YouTube clips racking up more than 12 million views combined.

This unforgettable duet is a shining example of how music can move the soul—and why fans will be replaying it for years to come.