Back in 2010, the American Idol Season 9 finale gave us one of the most touching moments in the show’s history. Seven past champions—Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and Kris Allen—took the stage together to perform “Together We Are One” in honor of outgoing judge Simon Cowell.

The song, originally penned for the 2006 Commonwealth Games by Guy Chambers, Delta Goodrem, and Brian McFadden, felt like the perfect fit. Its message of unity and strength couldn’t have been more fitting for the occasion.

For years, Simon Cowell had been the face—and the famously blunt voice—of American Idol. His sharp critiques, brutal honesty, and undeniable eye for talent helped shape the show into the pop culture powerhouse it became. So when it came time to say goodbye, the show’s biggest stars came together to give him the send-off he deserved.

Their harmonies were more than just beautiful—they carried gratitude, nostalgia, and respect for the man who pushed them to be better. “Together We Are One” wasn’t just a song—it was a thank-you. A way for these winners to show how Simon helped change their lives and bring them all together on the same stage one last time.

It was a powerful, emotional goodbye—and a reminder of the lasting impact Simon Cowell made, not just on the show, but on the world of music.

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At the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Honors, Vince Gill and Ashley McBryde took the stage for an unforgettable performance of “When I Call Your Name”, creating a moment that captured the heart of country music. The duet was a beautiful blend of timeless emotion and fresh energy, reminding everyone of the power a song can hold.

Originally released in 1989, “When I Call Your Name” is one of Vince Gill’s signature songs. The heartfelt ballad, known for its poignant lyrics and Gill’s soaring vocals, tells a story of heartache and loneliness, and it still resonates deeply with listeners today. It’s a song that earned the CMA Award for Song of the Year in 1990 and remains a standout in Gill’s career.

The ACM Honors stage was the perfect backdrop for this collaboration, bringing together country music legend Vince Gill and rising star Ashley McBryde. With Gill opening the performance with his signature tenderness and McBryde joining in with her soulful, raw voice, the duet was nothing short of magic. Their harmonies created a deep emotional connection that filled the room with warmth and heartache.

The performance stayed true to the original arrangement, with a simple acoustic backdrop that allowed their voices to take center stage. As the song progressed, their voices blended seamlessly, elevating the song’s emotional impact. It was a perfect example of how music can connect different generations through shared feelings of love and loss.

The audience responded with a standing ovation, a testament to the magic of the performance and the enduring power of “When I Call Your Name.” Fans and critics alike praised the duet as one of the highlights of the evening, acknowledging how beautifully Gill and McBryde honored the legacy of this classic ballad while adding their own touch.

This performance was not just a celebration of a song, but a beautiful bridge between the past and present of country music, leaving an unforgettable mark on everyone in the audience.

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LeAnn Rimes delivered a breathtaking performance of “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” at the Country Music Awards, leaving Reba McEntire visibly moved. The song, originally recorded by Reba in 1991 and written by Richard Leigh and Layng Martine, Jr., tells the heartbreaking story of a distant father whose love remained unspoken until it was too late. Inspired by Leigh’s own life, the song’s final line—“Guess he thought I knew”—resonates deeply with anyone who has longed for words never said.

While Reba’s version has always been a fan favorite, LeAnn’s rendition took it to another level. With her soul-stirring vocals and heartfelt delivery, she captivated the audience, filling the room with raw emotion. Sitting in the crowd alongside her parents, Reba couldn’t hold back her tears as LeAnn poured her heart into every lyric.

Fans were quick to praise the unforgettable performance:

“She absolutely knocked it out of the park! Reba’s version was incredible, but LeAnn brought something so special to it.”

“This was stunning—her voice, her emotion, even her dress was breathtaking. What a tribute to an already beautiful song.”

This moment wasn’t just about music—it was about connection, love, and the power of a song to touch the soul.

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It’s not every day you get to see Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman perform together. While both are superstars in their own right—Keith as a country music icon and Nicole as an award-winning actress—their musical collaborations are rare, making each one a special moment for fans.

But when they do join forces? It’s pure magic.

In a heartfelt video, the couple delighted fans with an intimate duet of “Female” in celebration of Day of the Girl. Seated together at the piano, Keith played a soft melody while Nicole added her delicate vocals—not just harmonizing, but truly singing alongside him, bringing a fresh and personal touch to the song.

What made the performance even more special? Their daughters, Faith and Sunday, were behind the camera, capturing this beautiful family moment. Shared on Keith’s Facebook page, the video quickly went viral, with fans praising their undeniable chemistry and Nicole’s surprisingly sweet vocals.

One fan gushed, “This is so beautiful! You two sound amazing together, and your daughters did a wonderful job filming!”

Another added, “This is one of the sweetest videos I’ve ever seen. Nicole is so shy about singing, but her voice blends beautifully with Keith’s.”

Could this mean more duets in the future? Fans certainly hope so!

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Post Malone has always been one to push boundaries, but his cover of Sturgill Simpson’s “You Can Have The Crown” took fans by surprise. Performing at the We’re Texas virtual benefit concert—hosted by Matthew McConaughey—he delivered a raw and soulful country performance that felt completely effortless.

With Dwight Yoakam’s band backing him, Malone blended his signature grit with a rich country twang, proving once again that he can thrive in any genre. While he’s best known for rap and pop-rock, his love for country music has been no secret—and this performance made it clear he has the talent to match.

The benefit concert, aimed at helping Texans affected by the devastating 2021 winter storms, was packed with memorable moments, but Malone’s country set stole the show. Fans were quick to praise his ability to capture the song’s essence while making it his own.

One listener summed it up perfectly:
“Instead of country rap, we got a rapper doing country—and sounding better than most on the radio.”

Another added:
“He should stick with this. One of the most versatile voices I’ve ever heard.”

Could this be the start of a new era for Post Malone? If this performance is any indication, country music might just be his next big move.

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Emerging country artist Drake Milligan had a night to remember when Blake Shelton surprised him with an on-stage invitation to sing together.

On March 29, Milligan took the stage in Fishers, IN, as the opening act for Shelton at the Fishers Event Center. After delivering his set, he assumed his time in the spotlight was over—but Shelton had other plans.

In a heartwarming moment, Shelton brought Milligan back out to join him in performing the George Strait classic, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.” Originally released in 1987, the song remains a country favorite, and this unexpected duet made it even more special.

With Shelton’s arm around him, Milligan confidently stepped up to the mic, his deep baritone blending effortlessly with Shelton’s signature twang. The crowd couldn’t get enough, singing along as the energy in the room soared.

After the show, Milligan took to social media to reflect on the moment, expressing his gratitude:

“Opened up for Blake Shelton for the first time this weekend and had no idea he was gonna pull me back out to sing some George Strait with him. Such a cool moment. Thanks for havin’ us, Blake!!”

Fans flooded the comments with praise, cheering on Milligan’s rising career. Many who have followed him since his time on America’s Got Talent said they were “so proud” to see him sharing the stage with one of country’s biggest stars. Others admitted they were jealous they couldn’t witness the magical duet in person!

Although this was Milligan’s only scheduled performance with Shelton in 2025, fans still have plenty of chances to see him live. He’s set to join Luke Bryan and Lainey Wilson for select dates this year, along with headlining his own Jukebox Songs World Tour 2025. The tour, named after his 2024 EP, will continue on April 4 in Fort Smith, AR.

Meanwhile, Shelton just wrapped up his Friends & Heroes Tour, where he was joined by Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts. Now, fans are counting down the days until May 9, when he releases his new album, For Recreational Use Only—his first under BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

@drakemilligan

As if opening up for @Blake Shelton wasn’t cool enough…#countrymusic #blakeshelton #livemusic

♬ original sound – Drake Milligan

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John Fogerty and Brad Paisley teamed up for an unforgettable performance of “Bad Moon Rising” on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE, blending classic rock with modern country in a way that had fans buzzing. The collaboration between the legendary Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman and country guitar superstar brought a fresh energy to this iconic track, showing that great music truly transcends generations.

Originally released by CCR in 1969, “Bad Moon Rising” has remained a timeless classic with its upbeat melody and ominous lyrics. Written by Fogerty, the song has been covered by countless artists over the years, earning a place in both rock and country music history.

The pairing of Fogerty and Paisley was a perfect match. Fogerty brought his raw, raspy vocals, while Paisley added his country flair with smooth harmonies and impressive guitar solos. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable as they honored the original while giving it a modern twist.

The performance kicked off with the iconic opening chords, immediately sparking excitement in the crowd. Fogerty’s voice was as powerful as ever, capturing the same intensity that made him a rock legend. Paisley’s country-rock guitar style added a unique layer to the track, proving that “Bad Moon Rising” could seamlessly blend both genres.

The two musicians played off each other’s energy, sharing smiles and nods as they rocked the stage together. With Paisley’s signature guitar licks and Fogerty’s legendary vocals, they created a fresh take on the song that had the audience cheering for more.

For fans of both classic rock and country, this performance was a perfect example of how music from different backgrounds can come together in harmony. John Fogerty and Brad Paisley’s rendition of “Bad Moon Rising” was a masterclass in musicianship, showcasing both their talent and mutual respect for each other’s work.

This unforgettable collaboration reminded fans why this classic song remains as beloved today as it was over five decades ago.

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In November 2023, Luke Combs treated fans to a touching acoustic rendition of Morgan Wallen’s “Thought You Should Know” at the BMI Country Awards, where both artists were honored by sharing the prestigious BMI Songwriter of the Year award.

“Thought You Should Know,” a deeply personal ballad written by Wallen with Miranda Lambert and Nicolle Galyon, is a heartfelt tribute to Wallen’s mother and appears on his album One Thing at a Time. Combs introduced the song with a heartfelt praise, expressing his admiration for it, which set the tone for his powerful performance.

This duet of sorts showcased the respect and camaraderie between Combs and Wallen, despite their frequent competition atop the charts. Both have earned massive popularity, with their music regularly topping country and mainstream charts.

In a sweet turn of events, Wallen returned the favor at the same ceremony by covering Combs’ “Going, Going, Gone,” further proving the mutual admiration these two stars have for each other.

Combs shared his performance on social media, where fans quickly praised his unique interpretation of Wallen’s emotional track, appreciating the fresh spin he brought to it.

This moment came on the heels of Combs’ success at the CMAs, where he won Song and Single of the Year for his cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” Wallen, of course, continues to dominate with his chart-topping hits, proving that both of these country music titans are on a hot streak.

The night at the BMI Awards highlighted the growing bond between these two powerhouses, showing that while they may compete in the charts, they consistently support each other’s artistry and success. Fans were delighted by their shared moment, a true testament to their influence in shaping the future of country music.

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In May 2023, Carrie Underwood surprised her fans with a stunning cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic ballad “Mama, I’m Coming Home” on The Howard Stern Show. Known for her powerful country vocals, Underwood brought a fresh and emotional twist to Osbourne’s classic rock hit, showcasing her deep appreciation for the rock genre. She stayed true to the original’s essence while adding her own soulful touch to the heartfelt lyrics. The performance was met with praise from both rock and country fans, who admired her ability to cross musical boundaries.

Underwood has long had a passion for rock music, dating back to her youth when she secretly listened to rock bands like Ozzy Osbourne against her parents’ wishes. Over the years, she’s proven her rock chops with covers of Guns N’ Roses songs and collaborations with Axl Rose onstage. Her cover of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” felt like a natural fit, as the song’s themes of love and vulnerability aligned with Underwood’s lyrical sensibility and vocal style.

This performance also marked a key moment in Underwood’s promotion of her new SiriusXM channel, CARRIE’S COUNTRY. The channel blends her country roots with her love for rock and gospel, offering a musical mix that mirrors her diverse tastes. By covering Osbourne’s hit, Underwood once again demonstrated her desire to merge different musical worlds, creating a unique experience for her fans through both her radio channel and live shows.

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Carrie Underwood gave a heartfelt performance of Vince Gill’s iconic song “Go Rest High On That Mountain” at the CMT Giants tribute concert, which celebrated the life and legacy of the legendary George Jones. The night was filled with moving tributes from country music’s top stars, but Underwood’s performance stood out, captivating the audience with its deep emotional resonance and her stunning vocal delivery.

Written and first recorded by Vince Gill in 1995, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” has become a cornerstone of country music, often performed at memorial services to honor lost loved ones. The song, inspired by the death of Gill’s brother, reflects themes of loss, remembrance, and finding peace in the afterlife. Underwood’s decision to cover this song was especially meaningful, given its connection to grief and healing.

On stage, Underwood’s voice was the perfect vessel to carry the song’s emotional weight. Her vocal range and control shone through as she effortlessly navigated the song’s delicate lyrics, blending power and tenderness. Her interpretation of the song was not only a tribute to Gill’s original, but also a testament to her ability to infuse her own soul into a timeless classic.

The CMT Giants event itself was a heartfelt celebration of George Jones’ remarkable contributions to country music. Underwood’s rendition of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” was one of the evening’s standout moments, reminding everyone of the unique power of country music to heal, connect, and honor the memories of those who have passed. Through this performance, Underwood showed her deep respect for country music’s rich history while offering a fresh, emotional take on a beloved ballad.

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