Miranda Lambert showed incredible strength on Saturday as she returned to the stage for the first time since the heartbreaking loss of her dear friend and longtime bandmate, Scotty Wray.

The country superstar lit up the NHL Stadium Series in Nashville, TN, dazzling the packed Nissan Stadium crowd in a sparkling silver sequin top, skinny jeans, a studded belt, and a fringed jacket. With her signature energy and charm, Miranda delivered powerful performances of “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” and “Kerosene.”

She later joined Dierks Bentley for a crowd-pleasing duet of ZZ Top’s “Gimme All Your Lovin’” during the game’s intermission. Even after the Nashville Predators’ tough loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Miranda kept spirits high, wrapping up in a cozy floor-length coat as she enjoyed the rest of the evening with fans.

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A few days later, she shared some fun snapshots on Instagram with the simple caption: “Weekend fun.” Fans couldn’t stop gushing over her look and presence:

• “Loving this lip color and makeup on you, lady… just beautiful,” wrote one admirer.

• “You looked gorgeous, and the performance was amazing,” added another.

• “Queen energy! You’re truly in your prime,” cheered a fan.

But beneath the glitter and smiles, Miranda is still carrying the weight of her loss. Just days earlier, she paid a heartfelt tribute to Scotty on Instagram, sharing photos from their 20+ years of friendship and music together.

“Last night I lost one of my most treasured friends, bandmates, and road family members, Scotty Wray,” she wrote. “We met in 2001 when I was just 17, and that was the beginning of our journey. We played countless gigs, wrote songs, fought, laughed, cried, and even got matching arrow tattoos after making it through tough times together.”

Calling him one of the most talented guitar players she’d ever known, Miranda added: “Heaven is lucky, because that honky-tonk band up there just gained another guitar-pickin’ angel.”

Through her grief, Miranda continues to honor Scotty’s memory the best way she knows how—by pouring her heart into her music and connecting with fans who have loved her through every high and low.

Gwen Stefani gave fans the surprise of the night when she popped up at her husband Blake Shelton’s show and belted out her classic hit “Don’t Speak.” Though she’s stepped back from the spotlight in recent years, Gwen proved she hasn’t lost her spark, commanding the stage with her signature energy and charisma.

The performance wasn’t just a throwback—it came with a country twist. Backed by Blake’s band, the rock ballad was reimagined with a Southern flavor, and Gwen delivered it with the same passion she did nearly 30 years ago. Fans were on their feet instantly, soaking up every moment.

Blake, meanwhile, was happy to play the supporting role, strumming along on acoustic guitar and letting his wife shine. It was a heartfelt moment that showed just how much the couple loves performing together. The crowd couldn’t get enough of Gwen’s infectious stage presence, and the room buzzed with excitement.

Of course, this isn’t the first time the two have teamed up musically. They recorded the duet “Nobody But You” for Blake’s 2019 Fully Loaded: God’s Country album. At the time, Blake praised Gwen’s perfectionism and raw talent, admitting she often doesn’t realize just how powerful her voice really is.

“Don’t Speak” holds a special place in Gwen’s career. Written during her breakup with No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal, the song marked a turning point in her journey as a songwriter. Despite the heartbreak that inspired it, the single went on to become No Doubt’s biggest global hit, topping charts around the world and racking up hundreds of millions of streams to this day.

Decades later, the song still resonates—and seeing Gwen bring it to life on Blake’s stage was proof that true classics never fade.

At Riley Green’s Damn Country Music Tour stop in Youngstown, Ohio, fans got a performance that shut down a lot of chatter — at least for one night.

For weeks, country music circles have been buzzing about a rumored love triangle involving Riley, his duet partner Ella Langley, and fellow star Megan Moroney. It all started after the ACM Awards, when Riley and Ella’s chemistry on their duet “You Look Like You Love Me” had fans convinced there was something more than friendship going on. Both artists laughed it off quickly, with Riley joking that Ella was “too smart” to date him. Still, they knew from the beginning that the song’s romantic storyline would spark comparisons to classic country couples like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill or George Jones and Tammy Wynette.

@grace.ipp

#rileygreen #ellalangley #countrymusic #country

♬ original sound – grace.ipp

Riley explained it this way:

“Ella’s probably too smart to date me anyway. But that’s kinda the thing about country fans — they love the idea of a country music couple. We knew people would talk, but it’s part of the fun.”

Even Ella made it clear that they’re just good friends. But once Riley was spotted more often with Megan Moroney, the rumor mill shifted gears — fans started speculating that they might be the real couple.

Some even thought Riley and Ella’s friendship had soured. But judging by last night’s performance, that couldn’t be further from the truth. During their duet, Riley once again switched up the lyrics to “You Look Like You Love Me”, dropping the line:

“Boy, let me tell you, she was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen wearing bangs and a pair of boots.”

The crowd went wild, and Ella couldn’t help but laugh on stage.

Fans who’ve been following the saga were quick to point out in the comments that whatever tension there may have been, it doesn’t show anymore:

“Idk what has changed, and it’s not my business, but they are having fun singing this song again, and that’s all I will say.”

So, whether it’s just a great stage act or a sign of an easy friendship, one thing is clear — Riley and Ella still know how to make their duet shine.

And when it comes down to it, “You Look Like You Love Me” remains exactly what it was meant to be: a country love song that fans can’t stop talking about.

Amid her fast-rising career, Ella Langley recently sat down with Country Now for a special “Pupdate” chat, where she opened up about her journey in music, life with her two beloved pups, and her passion for helping animals.

It’s a chilly morning in Nashville, and Ella is cozied up in a brown winter coat inside a suite at the JW Marriott. As soon as she settles onto the couch, her dogs Crue and Bee jump right up beside her, eager for attention. With a smile and a few treats in hand, Ella introduces her furry companions.

Meet Crue and Bee
Crue, her six-year-old Spaniel, is her “ride or die.” She adopted him while in college at Auburn, and he’s been her constant companion ever since. “He’s literally toured everywhere I’ve played. He’s my road dog,” Ella laughs, calling him “too smart for his own good.”

Then there’s Bee, her one-and-a-half-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, who Ella lovingly describes as her “silly girl.” Still adjusting to life on the road, Bee is playful, quirky, and, as Ella notes, “kind of slinky — she’s got a little fox in her.”

Growing up on a farm with cows, horses, and chickens, Ella says her love for animals started early and has only deepened as her career has grown.

Giving Back Through Rescue
That love has also inspired Ella to take action. She’s now a founding board member of The Pawsitive Rescue Division, a nonprofit dedicated to finding forever homes for dogs in need. What started with Ella making simple adoption videos has already led to multiple rescues finding families. Since then, she’s helped with adoption events, fundraising efforts, and hopes to do even more.

“I didn’t really plan on starting a nonprofit in the middle of the busiest time of my career,” she admits with a grin, “but it just happened — and I’m so glad it did.”

Looking ahead, Ella dreams of opening an animal sanctuary in Alabama where she can combine two causes close to her heart: animal care and mental health support. “I’d love to create a place where people can heal while caring for animals. When you hug a horse or play with a dog that hasn’t always been loved, it changes how you see life.”

Balancing Music and Purpose
For Ella, giving back helps balance the often self-focused world of music. “So much of this career is about me — my songs, my shows. But helping animals makes me feel grounded and grateful.”

That mission recently got a boost when Miranda Lambert’s Muttnation Foundation donated $5,000 to The Pawsitive Rescue Division — a full-circle moment for Ella, who looks up to Miranda as both an artist and animal advocate. “It was surreal. I mean, I got to spend the day with Miranda Lambert and help dogs find homes. How amazing is that?”

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Just Getting Started
Of course, Ella’s music career is soaring right alongside her rescue work. After years of grinding, she and her band are now seeing the payoff — sold-out shows packed with fans singing along to every word.

“You can feel that the connection is real,” she says, still a little amazed. “This is just the beginning, and I’m having so much fun.”

With her music taking off and her animal advocacy growing stronger, Ella Langley is proving she’s not just building a career — she’s building a legacy full of heart, purpose, and love for the four-legged friends who’ve been with her every step of the way.

Country music fans got a double dose of good news when Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert both scored big nominations at the upcoming iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Carrie and Jason Aldean’s powerful duet “If I Didn’t Love You” is in the running for Country Song of the Year, and it also picked up a nod for Best Collaboration. Meanwhile, Miranda will be facing off with some of country’s biggest names—Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, and Thomas Rhett—for the coveted Country Artist of the Year award.

The competition is fierce. Alongside Carrie’s duet, hits like “Famous Friends” by Chris Young & Kane Brown, “Forever After All” by Luke Combs, Parmalee & Blanco Brown’s “Just The Way”, and Gabby Barrett’s “The Good Ones” are all up for Country Song of the Year.

Carrie’s nominations don’t stop there—she’ll also be up against the likes of Doja Cat and Justin Bieber in the Best Collaboration category. Fans couldn’t hide their excitement online, with one gushing, “YES!!! CONGRATS!” while others shouted out Miranda’s nominations. One cheeky fan even asked, “What? No Marfa love?” referring to her recent album.

The iHeartRadio Awards are all about celebrating the artists and songs that dominated the airwaves in 2021. This year’s show will also feature fun fan-voted categories like Best Fan Army, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, TikTok Bop of the Year, and even the first-ever TikTok Songwriter of the Year award.

Beyond country, the star-studded nominee list includes Adele, Abba, and Kacey Musgraves for Best Comeback Album, while Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Ariana Grande, and Dua Lipa battle it out for Female Artist of the Year. On the men’s side, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Lil Nas X, and The Weeknd are all in the running.

The 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 22, streaming on Fox and iHeartMedia stations. Fans can start voting today and have until March 15 to make their voices heard.

Looks like it’s shaping up to be an exciting night — and Carrie and Miranda are right in the spotlight! 🌟🎶

When Little Big Town stepped onto the ACM Awards stage to introduce Keith Urban, they hinted at just how special the next moment would be. They shared that the first time Urban heard “Burden”, he was so moved he had to stop in his tracks. Moments later, everyone watching understood why.

From the very first line, Urban poured his heart into the performance. Singing words like “I could carry your burden” and “Come to me, my brother, and I will sit with you a while”, his voice carried both tenderness and strength. The emotion was palpable — not only in the crowd but also in his biggest supporter, wife Nicole Kidman, who was seen beaming proudly from the front row.

At 51, Urban proved once again that his gift lies in more than just music — it’s in his ability to connect. Whether it’s a chart-topping hit of his own or a soul-stirring cover, he brings an honesty to the stage that leaves audiences feeling both understood and uplifted.

“Burden” has since become one of Urban’s most unforgettable live moments. Fans continue to revisit it online, a reminder of how music can comfort, heal, and bring people together. Keith Urban didn’t just sing that night — he reminded us all that sharing the weight of life’s struggles makes the journey a little lighter.

At the 2012 Super Bowl, country’s golden couple Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton turned a high-pressure moment into something heartfelt and unforgettable. Just before kickoff, the husband-and-wife duo took the stage hand in hand to sing America the Beautiful. With millions of eyes on them, the gesture wasn’t just sweet — it was grounding, a way to steady each other as they faced the kind of stage most artists only dream of.

Sporting events have a history of nerves getting the best of even seasoned singers, but not this time. Lambert and Shelton delivered a flawless performance, giving the patriotic anthem a warm country twist that made it uniquely theirs.

Miranda, glowing in pink earrings to match her signature rhinestone mic, carried herself with grace despite a tough week marked by personal loss. Blake, sharp in a vest and blazer, stood strong by her side. Their final note ended with a loving glance toward one another — a quiet moment of connection that said more than words ever could.

Earlier that day, the couple gave fans a glimpse behind the scenes, sharing a rehearsal photo on Twitter. Dressed casually in caps and holding hands once again, they showed that their bond wasn’t just for the cameras — it’s part of who they are.

From rehearsal to the main stage, Lambert and Shelton reminded everyone that music, love, and support go hand in hand — literally. Their performance wasn’t just patriotic; it was personal, and that’s why fans still remember it.

Scotty McCreery and his wife Gabi have welcomed their second son, Oliver Cooke McCreery, into the world! The couple shared the joyful news on Tuesday night, revealing that Oliver was born on September 18.

Fans got a peek into the heartwarming moment through an Instagram post, which included adorable photos from the hospital. The first snapshot showed little Oliver sleeping peacefully in his bassinet, followed by tender images of Scotty and Gabi cuddling their newborn while dressed in coordinated blue outfits. Their eldest son, Avery, was also pictured meeting his baby brother for the first time.

The couple’s caption read, “Can’t imagine life without him, we love him so berry much!! 🫐” — a sweet nod to the little one who has already stolen their hearts.

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Scotty and Gabi first shared that their family was growing back in May during a casual family photoshoot. The couple wore matching jeans and white shirts while Avery proudly showed off a “big brother” long sleeve. At the time, they wrote, “A new best friend coming this fall,” capturing the excitement of welcoming another little McCreery into the family.

The love story between Scotty and Gabi is truly special—they first met in kindergarten and their bond grew stronger over the years. The pair tied the knot in June 2018 and added their dog, Moose, to the family in 2019. Parenthood became a reality in 2022 with the arrival of their first son, Avery, who was born 11 days early on October 24, weighing 7 lbs 13 oz. Scotty shared the exciting news at the time, writing, “Never known a love like this…Thank y’all for all of your prayers during this exciting season of life! Healthy baby and a healthy mama! Praise God.”

Now, with Oliver joining the family, the McCreerys are embracing life with two little ones under one roof.

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Amid family joy, Scotty’s career is also thriving. His latest single, “Bottle Rockets,” featuring Hootie & The Blowfish, has climbed to No. 3 on both the Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay charts, marking the fastest-rising hit of his career. He’s also gearing up for his co-headlining Two for the Road Tour with Dustin Lynch, set to kick off on November 6th in Saginaw, MI.

With two sons and a busy tour ahead, life is full of love, music, and exciting milestones for Scotty and Gabi McCreery.

One of the women seen dancing with Miranda Lambert’s husband, Brendan McLoughlin, is speaking out to clear the air about what happened during a recent night out.

The woman, who preferred to stay anonymous, described the evening as completely innocent and full of lighthearted fun while celebrating a friend’s upcoming wedding.

“Earlier in the night, we noticed him in the roped-off section at the front of the bar,” she said. “We recognized him and thought it was cool he was there. Some of us even joked about hoping Miranda might show up. After that, we just got back to dancing, laughing, and enjoying ourselves.”

She added that the group asked McLoughlin for a quick photo with the bride-to-be, and he happily agreed. Later, they were allowed into the roped-off area, though she admitted she wasn’t exactly sure how that happened.

Throughout the night, she emphasized, McLoughlin was polite, kind, and “not flirty at all.” The bar was extremely loud, forcing them to yell to be heard, but “none of us ever felt there was any flirting happening,” she said. Instead, the evening was all about dancing, joking, and friendly conversations.

Addressing a moment in the video where she placed her hands on McLoughlin’s face, she explained it was a “silly unconscious habit,” likely more motherly than suggestive. “I am responsible for how that may have looked,” she said. “It wasn’t meant to imply anything, and it certainly shouldn’t reflect badly on him.”

@jordycray

Replying to @FreshBakedMimi @.paynes I do think he needs to be more mindful & considerate of how his actions may look in public. However, i don’t really view this as a huge cause for concern here? 🤷🏼‍♀️ #fyp #foryou #nashville #mirandalambert #countrymusic #deepdive #popculture #popculturenews #celebs #celebgossip #broadway

♬ original sound – jordycray

She concluded by expressing gratitude for McLoughlin’s kindness, saying, “He helped make our night fun and memorable. It’s unfortunate that he and Miranda are facing unnecessary attention over this.”

Though McLoughlin and Lambert haven’t commented publicly, an insider revealed that Miranda was reportedly “upset” about the circulating videos. “She’s aware of Brendan’s past,” the source said, “so this is something they likely discussed before their marriage.”