Carrie Underwood is leading the charge to celebrate the incredible legacy of Toby Keith during the NBC concert special Toby Keith: American Icon, airing this Wednesday night and streaming on Peacock the following day.

Underwood is set to kick off the event, bringing the energy with her vibrant performance of “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action” at Bridgestone Arena. Before she starts, she connects with the crowd, saying, “Nashville! We are all here for one reason — this incredible man,” as a large photo of Toby Keith appears behind her. The audience immediately gets on their feet as she belts out the song, originally from Keith’s 1993 debut album.

In the wake of Keith’s death from stomach cancer at age 62 in February, Underwood shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, remembering the country legend fondly. “Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!” she wrote. “We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!!”

Underwood is one of many stars who came together to honor Keith. Along with her, Eric Church will perform “As Good as I Once Was,” Brantley Gilbert and HARDY will take on “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” and Riley Green and Ella Langley will sing “Who’s Your Daddy?” Other performances include Luke Bryan’s rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and Lainey Wilson and Jamey Johnson joining forces for “Beer for My Horses.”

Keith’s daughter, Krystal Keith, will also take the stage for a touching performance, with several other notable stars like Brett Favre, Trace Adkins, and Parker McCollum making appearances. The concert’s ticket sales will support the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, two causes close to Toby’s heart.

Toby Keith’s legacy is one that will never be forgotten, with 42 Top 10 songs, 33 No. 1 hits, and 44 million albums sold. This tribute concert is a heartfelt celebration of his life and music, with Underwood and her fellow stars giving it their all to honor the man who made such a lasting impact on country music.

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Lainey Wilson lit up the stage at the 59th ACM Awards with her electrifying performances of “God Blessed Texas” and “Hang Tight Honey,” leaving the audience in awe. With her magnetic charisma and powerhouse vocals, Lainey delivered a show-stopping performance that truly set her apart. Her energy was so contagious, it seemed to outshine even legends like Barbara Mandrell, solidifying why she earned the 2024 Triple Crown and Entertainment of the Year awards.

Lainey’s unique mix of traditional country soul and modern flair has made her a rising star in the country music scene, earning her the title of the new queen of yee-haw. Fans are falling more in love with her authentic style, and even her mom couldn’t hide her joy, captured in a sweet, proud moment. Lainey is the full package—her talent, energy, and humble nature make her a national treasure in the making. As her star continues to rise, the world is witnessing the exciting journey of one of country music’s brightest new talents.

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The 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards truly belonged to Lainey Wilson. She dominated the night, walking away with the prestigious Entertainer of the Year and Female Artist of the Year awards.

Wilson opened her acceptance speech with heartfelt gratitude: “I’ve been doing this in Nashville for 13 years,” she shared. “Everyone in this category has loved and believed in me. And I love y’all for that.” Her win placed her in an elite group of women who’ve earned the highest honor, joining the ranks of Miranda Lambert, who won Entertainer of the Year in 2022, and Carrie Underwood, who tied for the title in 2020.

Wilson also kicked off the 59th ACMs with an energetic cover of Little Texas’ “God Blessed Texas” before diving into her new hit, “Hang Tight Honey.” Later in the show, Jordan Davis received the Song of the Year award for his chart-topping hit “Next Thing You Know,” expressing his thanks to fans for supporting the song that helped make the win possible.

The Music Event of the Year award also went to Lainey Wilson, alongside Jelly Roll, for their collaboration on the emotional “Save Me.” Jelly Roll gave an emotional speech, sharing how the song saved him during some of his darkest moments.

Held at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, the ACMs were hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire. The evening included heartfelt tributes, including one from Jason Aldean, who performed “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” in memory of Toby Keith, who passed away earlier this year.

Chris Stapleton bagged the Album and Male Artist of the Year awards, humbly accepting with, “There’s so many great guys in that category, and I’m happy just to be included in this company.” He later took the stage for a performance of his new song “Think I’m in Love with You,” joined by the talented Dua Lipa.

The night also saw Post Malone debuting a new track, “Never Love You Again,” and teaming up with Reba McEntire for a special tribute to Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band, who passed away last month.

Other winners included Luke Combs, who claimed Single of the Year for his cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” and Dan + Shay and Old Dominion, who won Duo and Group of the Year, respectively.

The stage was set for more memorable performances, with Jelly Roll rocking his new song “Liar,” Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan collaborating on “Mountain with a View” and “Stick Season,” and Miranda Lambert debuting her new single “Wranglers.” Fans were treated to appearances by stars like Cody Johnson, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, and the beloved couple Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, who brought their hit “Purple Irises” to the stage.

It was an unforgettable evening, full of surprises, emotional moments, and, of course, incredible music.

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Luke Combs recently captivated his fans with a brand-new, unreleased song called “Pushin’ Up Daisies” during his international tour. On January 25, 2025, he performed the powerful ballad live in Brisbane, Australia, sharing the emotional moment with fans the following day through his social media. The caption read, “Pushin’ Up Daisies live from Brisbane, Australia,” offering a sneak peek of this heartfelt song.

The track delves deep into themes of survival, gratitude, and the fragility of life. It tells the story of a near-death experience, recounting a life-threatening car accident. The vivid lyrics describe the shock of a state trooper at the scene and the narrator’s profound realization of how close they came to losing their life. “Pushin’ Up Daisies” serves as a reminder to appreciate life’s precious moments, especially after such life-changing experiences.

Combs co-wrote the song with Josh Phillips and Randy Montana, collaborators he has worked with on past projects. Their combined talents shine through in the song’s emotional depth and rich storytelling.

While Combs first performed “Pushin’ Up Daisies” at the Country Music Hall of Fame in September 2024, the Brisbane show marked the song’s international debut, generating excitement from fans and critics alike. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising both the emotional power of the song and Combs’ raw delivery. Social media comments buzzed with excitement, with fans expressing their love for the track and eagerness to know when it would be released. One fan even commented, “Love everything about this,” while others eagerly awaited news about its availability.

As of now, the song remains unreleased, with no word on whether it will appear on an upcoming album. Combs’ latest album, Fathers & Sons, released in 2024, explored his life as a father, and “Pushin’ Up Daisies” would fit perfectly with the album’s introspective and personal themes.

Luke Combs’ ability to connect with listeners through deeply emotional and personal stories is what continues to solidify his place at the forefront of country music. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the official release of “Pushin’ Up Daisies,” excited to hear more of the raw, heartfelt performances that only Combs can deliver.

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Vince Gill and Patty Loveless delivered an incredibly emotional performance of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” at George Jones’ funeral in 2013, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to the legendary country star, and their rendition of the song became one of the most moving moments of the day.

Written by Vince Gill as a tribute to his late brother and country music legend Keith Whitley, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” has since become a timeless anthem of grief, comfort, and healing. For George Jones, whose influence on country music was undeniable, the song’s poignant lyrics deeply resonated.

Both Gill and Loveless were longtime friends of Jones, and their performance reflected that bond. Gill’s opening verse was filled with raw emotion, his voice breaking as he sang, while Loveless’ harmonies brought added depth to the song, amplifying its message of peace. The simplicity of the arrangement—a guitar, piano, and their voices—allowed the raw emotion of the moment to shine.

As the audience, including Jones’ family, friends, and fans, listened in somber silence, many were moved to tears. Gill, visibly overcome by emotion, paused a few times during the song, struggling to continue, highlighting just how deeply personal this moment was for him.

The performance became one of the most talked-about moments of the funeral, with fans and fellow artists alike praising Gill and Loveless for their heartfelt tribute. Social media and news outlets buzzed with admiration for their moving collaboration, solidifying “Go Rest High On That Mountain” as a powerful anthem of remembrance.

Vince Gill and Patty Loveless’ performance at George Jones’ funeral was a beautiful, emotional farewell to a country music icon, offering comfort and honoring his lasting legacy in the world of music.

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Over the weekend, Cody Johnson surprised the crowd at his final concert of the year by inviting Lainey Wilson on stage for an unforgettable duet of the classic country hit “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” The special performance took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas during Johnson’s second consecutive sold-out show.

The collaboration was a hit with the audience as Johnson welcomed Wilson with excitement, proudly shouting, “That’s Lainey Wilson” as they sang together. Their voices, hailing from Texas and Louisiana, blended effortlessly, creating a beautiful rendition of the iconic song, originally recorded by Ed Bruce and famously covered by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Both artists had been in town for the National Finals Rodeo events, with Johnson competing in the World Series of Team Roping at the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, while Wilson wrapped up the week with her one-night-only performance in Las Vegas.

Through the years, Johnson and Wilson have become good friends, and recently, Johnson shared that they’ve discussed recording music together. In an interview with Country Now, he mentioned, “Lainey and I have talked about doing something on the next record because I feel like it’s finally time.” He also revealed his idea of recording a classic country song with her, specifically Loretta Lynn’s “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man.”

The Las Vegas concerts marked the end of Johnson’s successful Leather Tour, which saw him perform 30 sold-out shows across the year, including a standout performance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and his first-ever stadium headlining gig at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Both artists are taking a short break over the holidays before returning to the stage in 2025. Johnson will celebrate the new year with a performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, while Wilson will perform at NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH on CBS. Johnson will kick off his Leather Deluxe Tour on January 17, while Wilson’s first show of the year will be at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa in Mexico.

@ttbrown9

Cody Johnson with Lainey Wilson in Las Vegas

♬ original sound – TT Brown

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In 2022, Jelly Roll and Craig Morgan shared an unforgettable moment on the Grand Ole Opry stage—one filled with raw emotion, mutual respect, and the power of music to connect people. Their performance quickly went viral, touching the hearts of fans everywhere.

Jelly Roll, a Nashville-born artist known for blending rap and country with deeply personal lyrics, took the stage alongside Morgan, a country music veteran known for his storytelling and heartfelt songs. Before performing, Jelly Roll spoke openly about how much Morgan’s music had meant to him, especially during the hardest times in his life. He shared how Morgan’s song “Almost Home” gave him comfort and hope when he needed it most.

As Morgan began to sing the emotional ballad—about a homeless man reminiscing on his life—Jelly Roll couldn’t hold back his emotions. His visible gratitude, teary-eyed reaction, and heartfelt praise made it clear that this was more than just a duet. It was a full-circle moment for an artist who had once found solace in the very song he was now performing alongside its original singer.

This special collaboration wasn’t just about music—it was about appreciation, inspiration, and the deep connections that songs can create. A true reminder of why country music resonates so deeply with so many.

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Toby Keith has always been a proud supporter of the U.S. military, honoring service members through his music and countless performances for troops overseas. His deep-rooted respect for veterans came from his father, a soldier who instilled in him the values of patriotism and gratitude. Over the years, Keith has written and performed numerous songs dedicated to the military, taking his message of support far beyond the stage.

One unforgettable moment came in September 2012 when Keith invited a military wife on stage during his performance of “American Soldier.” She believed she was simply paying tribute to her husband, who was deployed in Afghanistan. Fighting back tears, she stood strong as she sang along with Keith. Then, in an unexpected twist, her husband, Major Pete Cruz, stepped out from the shadows.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the couple embraced, overwhelmed with emotion after months apart. Their reunion wasn’t just a personal moment—it became a powerful symbol of the sacrifices military families make every day. Keith, known for making his concerts deeply personal, wasn’t done yet. He invited them to stay on stage for another song, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American),” even handing the mic to Major Cruz for the iconic lyric:
“We’ll put a boot in your ass; it’s the American way.”

This wasn’t the first time Keith used his platform to honor service members. In 2011, he brought Corporal Matthew Bradford, a wounded Marine, on stage to join him in singing “American Soldier” in Virginia Beach. As Bradford, who lost both legs and his vision in combat, made his way onto the stage, the crowd erupted into chants of “USA! USA!” Fans later shared how moving the experience was, with one saying, “Even if it was just for a short while, he helped us forget our reality.”

Toby Keith’s concerts were more than just performances—they were heartfelt tributes to the brave men and women who serve. By inviting veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their families on stage, he didn’t just sing about patriotism—he lived it. Moments like these are why his legacy isn’t just about music; it’s about honoring those who defend the freedoms his songs so passionately celebrate.

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Travis Tritt’s 1991 song “Anymore” is more than just a country hit; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices of veterans. Co-written with Jill Colucci, the song topped charts in the U.S. and Canada, resonating with many for its emotional depth.

The accompanying music video adds a profound layer to the song’s message. Directed by Jack Cole, it features Tritt portraying Mac Singleton, a Vietnam War veteran adjusting to life in a wheelchair. The video delves into Singleton’s struggles with physical injuries and haunting war memories. With support from fellow veteran Al, Singleton embarks on a journey of healing and reconnecting with his wife, Annie.

The video’s impact was significant, leading to its recognition as the 64th greatest country music video by CMT. Its success inspired a trilogy, including “Tell Me I Was Dreaming” and “If I Lost You,” further exploring Mac Singleton’s story.

“Anymore” has touched many lives. Tritt shared a story of a fan who emerged from a coma after repeatedly hearing the song, highlighting music’s profound influence.

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Kelly Clarkson is no stranger to delivering jaw-dropping covers. On her TV show, Kellyoke, she often takes songs to new heights—sometimes even rivaling the originals. But even Clarkson has tracks she believes are untouchable, and one of them is Dolly Parton’s classic, I Will Always Love You.

So, when she was invited to pay tribute to Parton at the 57th annual ACM Awards in 2022, she had to set aside her reservations. Despite believing that some songs shouldn’t be covered, Clarkson couldn’t pass up the chance to honor the Queen of Country Music. And when she took the stage, she delivered a rendition so powerful, it gave the audience chills.

Kelly Clarkson on Why the Song Feels “Untouchable”
During an interview on The Howard Stern Show, Clarkson reflected on the performance and why she was initially hesitant to sing I Will Always Love You.

“You did ‘I Will Always Love You,’ which, to me, seems like an impossible task because Whitney Houston absolutely nailed it,” Stern said.

Clarkson agreed. “I would usually never say yes to singing that song,” she admitted. “But when they asked me to do a tribute to Dolly on the ACMs, I couldn’t say no. I’m a huge Dolly fan.”

She went on to explain why many singers shy away from covering the song.

“Whitney did it perfectly. And Dolly. I love both versions—I grew up on both. But some songs become bigger than the song itself. The Bodyguard soundtrack was massive. That moment in music history was so huge that it’s almost impossible to recreate.”

Still, despite her initial doubts, Clarkson knew this tribute wasn’t about proving anything—it was about celebrating a legend. “I wanted to be part of that moment. You can’t let your ego get in the way,” she said.

And with that mindset, she delivered a breathtaking tribute that left fans and fellow artists in awe.

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