Sixteen years ago, Mae Estes was just another fan, thrilled to meet Luke Bryan at a concert meet-and-greet. Today, that same fan is sharing the stage with him — a moment that feels like a country music fairy tale coming full circle.

Luke Bryan is currently out on his 2025 summer headlining trek, A Country Song Came On Tour. The tour, which kicked off in May, features several rising stars as openers — including Mae Estes. For her, it’s not just another gig, it’s the dream she’s been chasing since that first unforgettable encounter with Bryan back in 2009.

This week, Mae shared a heartfelt post with her fans on social media. Alongside photos of her recent performance at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, CT — where Luke Bryan invited her up to sing with him — she included a throwback photo from that fateful meet-and-greet years ago.

“Y’all already know I’m sappy and that ‘full circle’ is the name of the game round here sooo… Check out these pics from 2009 when @lukebryan played in Little Rock and some random lady walked up to me and my sister in our lawn chairs out front and asked if we wanted to meet Luke. She gave us meet and greet passes and we got this pic,” Mae shared, reflecting on the moment that sparked it all.

Now, nearly two decades later, she’s living the very dream that once felt out of reach. With gratitude in her heart, Mae thanked her team and Luke’s for making it all possible:
“Thanks to my team and Luke’s for this unreal experience… We’ll see y’all this weekend in WV, Nashville, then VA!”

Mae is finishing out the last few dates of Bryan’s tour, and fans still have a chance to catch her growing catalog live. One of the songs she’s been lighting up crowds with is her latest release, “Mountain of a Man.”

The track, written by Jon Decious, Lauren McLamb, Liz Rose, and Paul Sikes, is a gritty breakup anthem about the heartbreak of loving someone impossible to forget. Fueled by fiddle, pedal steel, and dobro, it’s classic Mae — a neotraditional sound wrapped around raw emotion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mae Estes (@maeestes)

“Damn that mountain of a man/ Tumbleweed, wild horse, seventeen hand/ Daddy fighting mad, Mama don’t understand/ Why I’m rock-bottom rolling with a Rolling Rock can…” she sings, delivering every line with conviction.

To make the song even more fun, Mae has turned it into a live tradition: she picks out an honorary “mountain of a man” in the crowd each night. “This tune reminds me of an old Patty Loveless song,” she said. “It’s so much fun and I feel really lucky the songwriters let me record it.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mae Estes (@maeestes)

Fans might also recognize her earlier release “Mr. Fix It,” which went viral on TikTok earlier this year and inspired a wave of videos celebrating the “fix-it” men in people’s lives. With that momentum and more new music on the way, Mae Estes is quickly becoming a name to watch.

From a teenage fan in a lawn chair to a rising star on the same stage as Luke Bryan, Mae Estes is proof that country music dreams really can come true — sometimes, you just have to wait for the full circle moment.

Lainey Wilson and her fiancé, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges, want fans to know the truth: they’re not secretly married, and they’re not expecting a baby — no matter what those wild AI photos online suggest.

The country star and her soon-to-be husband decided to address the gossip head-on, and they did it in the most lighthearted way possible.

Just days after Lainey’s Tough As Nails exhibit opening at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hodges jumped on Instagram stories with Wilson at his side. With a playful grin, he asked her: “Did we get married?” and “Are we having a baby?” Her answer, delivered with a laugh, was a simple: “No.” The quick clip was later deleted — but the message had already landed.

Not done poking fun, Hodges followed up on July 19 with a black-and-white video that quickly went viral. “Attention to those making AI photos about our wedding, marriage, and whatever other BS comes out. Sincerely, the couple who hasn’t had a wedding or kids yet,” he wrote in the caption.

From behind the camera, Lainey teased him with the question: “What are you gonna tell AI?” Hodges, laughing, replied, “If you’re gonna put stuff out about us, at least make us look good — because right now we look like sh*t.”

The rumors started when AI-generated images of the couple circulated online, showing them “married” and even “expecting.” Fans quickly shared them, but the couple made sure to clear the air with humor instead of frustration.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Devlin Hodges (@devlinhodges)

A Love Story That’s All Real

While the AI stories may be fake, Lainey and Devlin’s love story is very much real. The two first met in Nashville back in 2021 through mutual friends. Their first date? A night out at Silverados Dance Hall & Saloon, a now-closed bar that offered free drinks. Lainey joked to People magazine: “I was like, ‘This boy likes to ball on a budget too. This is gonna work out.’”

At the time, Hodges was still playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers while Wilson was just starting to gain traction in country music. After dating quietly for over two years, they made things public at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023. Since then, they’ve moved in together, gotten engaged, and become one of country music’s most beloved couples.

Wedding Plans? Someday — But Not Yet

Though engaged for nearly two months, Lainey admits she and Hodges haven’t started wedding planning yet. She’s in no rush: “He made me wait four years for a ring, so I’m gonna make him wait before we start planning this thing,” she said with a laugh in a recent Country Living interview. When the big day does come, she envisions something “very, very simple.”

Balancing Love and a Busy Career

Engagement aside, Lainey has plenty on her plate. She just released her single “Somewhere Over Laredo,” is preparing for her massive Whirlwind World Tour (kicking off March 2026 overseas), and recently celebrated the opening of her Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit, Lainey Wilson: Tough As Nails — which runs through June 2026. On top of that, she’s launched her own stylish Western footwear line, Golden West Boots.

So while fans may have to wait a bit longer for wedding bells, Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges are clearly enjoying life — and proving that sometimes, the best way to quiet rumors is with a smile, a laugh, and a whole lot of love.

@duckhodges

Attention to those making AI photos of me and Lainey… Sincerely, The couple who hasn’t had a wedding yet @Lainey Wilson

♬ original sound – Duckhodges

In early 2022, country superstar Blake Shelton created an unforgettable moment at one of his concerts when he invited six-year-old Wyatt McKee, a fan waiting for a heart transplant, onto the stage to sing “God’s Country” together.

A Sign That Touched His Heart

During a show in Durant, Oklahoma, Wyatt held up a handmade sign that read:

“Your smallest, biggest fan from Lake Texoma, 6 years old waiting on a heart transplant.”

Shelton was visibly moved. He paused the show, knelt down, and asked Wyatt his name. The crowd erupted in applause and tender “awws” as Shelton read the sign aloud, praising the boy’s bravery.

A Duet to Remember

With warmth and humility, Shelton said to the audience:

“If y’all think you’re having a bad day, put that into perspective right there, man.”

He handed Wyatt a guitar pick and invited him to sing “God’s Country” alongside him. Wyatt sang courageously, smiling throughout, before returning to his mother’s embrace. Shelton concluded the duet by affectionately turning to Wyatt: “Ain’t that right, Wyatt!”

Why This Moment Resonates

Wyatt was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and had already undergone two open-heart surgeries while awaiting a transplant. Despite his challenges, his spirit remained bright. Shelton’s empathy and kindness not only highlighted Wyatt’s courage but also reminded everyone of the struggles many face every day.

The spontaneous duet left both the live audience and viewers worldwide deeply moved, turning a regular concert into a powerful moment of compassion and hope.

Shelton’s Big Heart

This isn’t the first time Shelton has used his platform to give back. From philanthropic work to charity projects, he consistently shows he’s not just a star on stage but a genuinely kind-hearted person making a difference in the lives of others.

In 2014, George Strait brought his record-breaking Cowboy Rides Away Tour to a spectacular finale at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The sold-out show drew over 104,000 fans, setting a U.S. record for the largest indoor concert audience — a truly unforgettable moment in country music history.

One of the night’s standout highlights was Strait’s lively duet with country superstar Martina McBride on the classic Johnny Cash and June Carter hit, “Jackson.”

“Jackson” – A Classic Reimagined

Originally released in 1967, “Jackson” tells the playful story of a married couple teasing each other about a trip to Mississippi, full of charm, humor, and a little mischief. While the song has been covered many times over the decades, Strait and McBride brought fresh energy and charisma to the timeless tune.

On stage, Strait’s smooth baritone perfectly balanced McBride’s soaring soprano, creating instant chemistry that captivated the massive audience. Their performance was filled with humor, charm, and effortless stage presence — a true showcase of two artists at the top of their game.

Captured for Eternity

The duet was recorded for the Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium album and concert film, released later in 2014. The album also featured collaborations with other country legends, including Alan Jackson, Sheryl Crow, and Vince Gill.

Although the night marked the end of Strait’s touring career, the “Jackson” performance remains a fan favorite — a shining example of musical brilliance and the electric energy of that historic evening.

Martina McBride – The Perfect Partner

By then, Martina McBride was already celebrated as one of country music’s strongest vocalists, with multiple CMA and ACM awards. Known for hits like “Independence Day” and “A Broken Wing,” she brought not only her incredible voice but also her vibrant personality, making her the ideal partner for Strait on a song built for playful banter.

Why Fans Still Love This Duet

Even years later, George Strait and Martina McBride’s “Jackson” remains a beloved performance. It proves how classic country can be refreshed while staying true to its spirit, and how two iconic voices can create a magical, lasting moment. For fans of live country music, this duet is a perfect blend of artistry, chemistry, and showmanship.

When Brooks & Dunn released “Play Something Country” back in 2005, it quickly became a country anthem and their last chart-topper on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. Fast forward 20 years, and the song is back in the spotlight—this time with a fiery twist. At CMA Fest 2025, Brooks & Dunn teamed up with none other than Lainey Wilson to deliver a powerhouse performance that had Nissan Stadium on its feet.

For more than three decades, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have been the gold standard of country duos—17 ACM Duo of the Year awards, Entertainer of the Year honors, and a catalog of timeless hits. On the other side of the stage, Lainey Wilson, fresh off her 2023 CMA Entertainer of the Year win, has become one of the most exciting voices of modern country. Together, they proved that country music’s legacy is in good hands.

From the first strum of that unmistakable guitar riff, the crowd knew they were in for something special. Brooks & Dunn kicked things off with their trademark swagger, and then Lainey stormed the stage in full cowgirl glam. Her raw energy and smoky vocals pushed the performance into overdrive, turning the song into a high-octane duet that felt both nostalgic and brand new.

Ronnie delivered the lead with his signature grit, Kix brought the harmony and showmanship, and Lainey matched their intensity step for step. By the time they hit the final chorus, the entire stadium was singing along, hands in the air, soaking up a moment that felt like pure country magic.

Originally written by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride as a rowdy barroom anthem, “Play Something Country” has found new life through Brooks & Dunn’s Reboot II project, which pairs the duo with today’s hottest stars. Having Lainey as their partner at CMA Fest wasn’t just a duet—it was a symbolic passing of the torch, blending tradition with fresh firepower.

The performance aired nationally on ABC’s CMA Fest broadcast on June 26 and is now available to stream on Hulu and YouTube TV, but nothing compared to being there live. Fans in the stadium captured every second, and social media exploded with clips, hashtags, and rave reviews.

While CMA Fest 2025 delivered plenty of big moments—Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, and surprise cameos—this collaboration stood out as a reminder of what makes country music so enduring: its ability to honor the past while charging boldly into the future.

Country music rising star Ella Langley has announced that she’s pressing pause on all of her August shows, choosing to take some much-needed time to rest and recover.

The “You Look Like You Love Me” singer has had a whirlwind summer — crisscrossing the country while opening for Riley Green and Morgan Wallen, plus juggling her own headlining gigs. With a schedule packed full of travel and back-to-back performances, the pace finally caught up to her.

In a heartfelt message to fans, Ella shared:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ella Langley (@ellalangleymusic)

“After a lot of thought, I’ve made the hard decision to take a couple weeks off to rest and focus on my health — mind, body, and heart. I want to be fully present for all the moments ahead, and I know I can’t do that without first taking care of myself.”

She went on to thank fans for their endless love and support, adding:

“Sometimes we have to listen when our bodies and hearts are telling us to slow down.”

The Alabama native also offered words of encouragement through a Bible verse that has guided her during this time — Matthew 11:28:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Which Shows Are Cancelled?

Ella confirmed that the following shows will not go ahead as planned:

• Aug 15 & 16 – Cleveland, OH (Huntington Bank Field)

• Aug 19 – Nashville, TN (The Listening Room)

• Aug 21 – Bonner-West Riverside, MT (KettleHouse Amphitheater)

• Aug 22 – Idaho Falls, ID (Mountain America Center)

• Aug 23 – Nampa, ID (Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater)

• Aug 25 – Morrison, CO (Red Rocks Amphitheater)

Fans can find her updated tour schedule on her official website.

Before signing off, Ella reassured everyone that this isn’t a goodbye, just a short break:

“I will be back on the road in September, ready to give you my all.”

For now, fans are flooding her socials with supportive messages, reminding her to take all the time she needs.

Country powerhouse Lainey Wilson gave fans a moment to remember during the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration. With nothing but her voice and raw emotion, she paid tribute to the legendary Johnny Cash with a soul-stirring performance of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.”

The milestone event, held on June 19, 2025, at the iconic Opry House in Nashville, was already steeped in history. But when Lainey stepped into the circle, the crowd knew they were about to witness something special. The performance was shared by CMT across social media and quickly went viral, racking up views and heartfelt comments from country fans everywhere.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grand Ole Opry (@opry)

Who Is Lainey Wilson?

If you’re new to her music, Lainey Wilson is one of country’s brightest rising stars. Growing up in a small town in Louisiana, she fell in love with storytelling through song. Today, she’s known for heartfelt hits like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Heart Like a Truck,” along with her breakout acting role in Yellowstone.

With her wide-brimmed hat, unmistakable voice, and Southern charm, Lainey embodies the soul of traditional country while adding her own fresh twist. Her tribute to Cash is the perfect example of how she honors the legends while paving her own path.

Why “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” Matters

The song, a traditional folk ballad, was made iconic by Johnny Cash in 2003. With its haunting lyrics about truth and justice, it became one of his most powerful late-career recordings.

Lainey’s take on the song wasn’t just a cover—it was a heartfelt connection across generations. Gritty, emotional, and deeply authentic, her performance brought the audience to their feet and left many wiping away tears.

The Opry at 100

For nearly a century, the Grand Ole Opry has been the beating heart of country music. Legends like Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, and Garth Brooks have all stood in the same spotlight Lainey stepped into that night.

The #Opry100 celebration gathered artists from across the genre to honor that history. But Lainey’s performance stood out as one of the most emotional moments of the evening.

Fans React

As soon as the video hit social media, fans lit up the comments section:

• “Chills from start to finish.”

• “Johnny Cash would’ve smiled at this.”

• “Lainey is keeping real country alive.”

A Bridge Between Past and Future

With her stunning rendition of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” Lainey Wilson reminded us all why she’s one of the most important voices in country music today. She didn’t just honor Johnny Cash—she carried his spirit into a new era, showing that country’s past and future can walk hand in hand.

It wasn’t just a performance. It was a moment in history.