It was a night full of Southern soul and unforgettable moments when rising country star Ella Langley made a surprise appearance during Riley Green’s May 31st show at the iconic Fox Theatre in Detroit. Fans were caught completely off guard when Langley stepped onstage unannounced to sing their new duet, “You Look Like You Love Me.”

The song, released earlier this spring, came to life in a whole new way during the sold-out stop on Green’s Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour. As soon as the opening chords played, the energy in the room shifted. Excitement buzzed through the crowd, followed by a hush as everyone leaned in to soak up the emotional ballad.

Wearing black leather and her signature confident smile, Langley walked into the spotlight like she owned it. Her rich, smoky voice blended effortlessly with Green’s rugged Southern tone, especially on the haunting chorus: “You look like you love me / Even if you’re gonna leave.” It was a moment that felt both intimate and powerful.

Co-written by Langley with David Garcia and Thomas Archer, the track dives into the bittersweet feeling of knowing love might not last—but letting it in anyway. Surrounded by boot-stomping anthems and rowdy crowd favorites, this raw duet offered a rare, emotional pause that hit fans right in the heart.

For Langley, it was a big moment in an already busy year. She’s fresh off a run of her own headlining shows and continues to gain traction with honest, gritty songs like “Damn You” and “Country Boy’s Dream Girl.” Teaming up with a seasoned hitmaker like Green—known for “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died”—shows just how far her star is rising.

Their chemistry onstage was undeniable. You could feel it in the way they glanced at each other between verses and the way the crowd swayed, phones lit up, turning the theatre into a sea of soft light. Langley even flashed a grin mid-song, clearly soaking up the moment. As they finished the final chorus, Green gave her a respectful hat tip—an old-school gesture that spoke volumes.

Since its release, “You Look Like You Love Me” has quickly gained traction on streaming platforms and country playlists. Fans and critics alike are praising the duet’s raw emotion and Langley’s ability to hold her own next to a country favorite.

After the show, social media lit up with clips and praise. One fan tweeted it was “the most emotional moment of the night,” while another simply said, “Ella Langley just stole the show.”

As Riley Green continues touring this summer, fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for more moments like this—where rising voices and country roots come together in one unforgettable performance.

Ella Langley is truly a country music fan’s dream come true!

On Saturday, May 17, after an electrifying performance at Morgan Wallen’s very first Sand in My Boots Festival, the Alabama-born singer stopped by PEOPLE at Bath & Body Works’ Scent x Sound Lab. For Ella, this festival wasn’t just another show — it was a full-circle moment.

“I used to go to Hangout Music Festival every year for my senior graduation,” Ella shared. “We didn’t have a senior trip, so going to Hangout was my thing. And I’ve vacationed down here every year since.”

Now, as part of the brand-new Sand in My Boots lineup, she’s making history. “It’s so cool to be part of the first year of this festival. I truly believe it’s going to be something special.”

During her set, Ella wowed the crowd with hits like “Weren’t for the Wind,” “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” “Nicotine,” and “Hungover.” Later, she even joined Riley Green on stage to perform their award-winning duet “You Look Like You Love Me” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

Just last week, Ella was the big winner at the ACM Awards, taking home five trophies including New Female Artist of the Year and Single of the Year. One of her standout moments was sharing the stage with country legend Miranda Lambert to perform the classic “Kerosene.”

“That was definitely a highlight,” Ella said. “Miranda has always been a huge inspiration for me. Performing with her felt like being a 12-year-old kid living her biggest dream on stage.”

Growing up, Ella admired Miranda’s strength and authenticity. “She’s unapologetically herself and stands up for what she believes in — not just for herself but for others too. Watching her as a young artist was so inspiring. I’m really grateful to have worked alongside her.”

Ella also chatted about her partnership with Bath & Body Works, sharing how scents bring back memories and emotions. When asked what love smells like, she smiled and said, “It really depends on the day. Some days it’s mahogany tea, wood, kind of sexy. Other days it’s strawberry shortcake. And then, sometimes, it just smells like rain. That’s just the truth.”

Lainey Wilson’s new song “Somewhere Over Laredo” will take listeners on a heartfelt journey, inspired by the timeless classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. Co-written by Wilson along with Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, and Andy Albert, this track is a loving tribute to small-town life across America.

Lainey shared on Instagram how the song came to life during her travels: “When I’m flying between shows, I catch myself looking out the window, talking to God, dreaming, or reminiscing. ‘Somewhere Over Laredo’ tells a story that speaks to all of that.”

Known for her gift of storytelling, Lainey said this song allowed her to revisit a part of her own past: “I’ve always loved putting myself in other people’s shoes to tell their stories, but with this one, I went back to shoes I wore years ago.”

The chorus beautifully captures the same wistful feeling that made Judy Garland’s original so beloved. Wilson’s lyrics and melody nod to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” sure to bring a smile to any fan of The Wizard of Oz:

“Somewhere over Laredo,
Dreamin’ about those rodeo nights,
Laid there on the banks of the Rio,
New silver buckle on your jeans next to mine.”

The song tells a story of young love and longing, with lines like:

“Couple wrong for each other,
Lone Star-crossed lovers,
Born to get gone from the get go,
But you’re on my mind every time I’m chasing this neon rainbow,
Somewhere over Laredo.”

Lainey is set to perform this beautiful new track at the 2025 American Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 26. She’s also nominated for Favorite Female Country Artist, sharing the category with stars like Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Megan Moroney.

Fresh off the European leg of her Whirlwind Tour, Lainey’s next stops include the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach, and shows across Myrtle Beach, Phoenix, Toronto, Nashville, Fort Worth, New York, Cleveland, and wrapping up in Orlando on November 8.

With “Somewhere Over Laredo,” Lainey Wilson proves once again that her music not only tells stories—it touches hearts and takes us all on a little trip down memory lane.

Country music’s power couple, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, delivered a heartfelt and unforgettable performance at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro Arena during the 2018 Country 2 Country (C2C) festival. As co-headliners, they treated the packed crowd to a rich 90-minute show, mixing their biggest solo hits with beloved duets, creating an intimate and powerful experience.

Kicking off with a soulful cover of “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” Faith and Tim set the mood for a night full of nostalgia and genuine connection. Having toured together less frequently in recent years, their Glasgow show felt like a special event for fans.

Their set blended new songs with timeless classics—Faith wowed with her soaring vocals on hits like “This Kiss” and “Breathe,” while Tim’s deep, warm voice brought life to fan favorites such as “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Humble and Kind.” The audience was fully engaged, singing along and cheering throughout.

Their duets, including “It’s Your Love” and “Speak to a Girl,” were the emotional heart of the night. Holding hands and singing in perfect harmony, Faith and Tim’s chemistry felt natural and heartfelt—not just a performance but a genuine expression of their bond. Faith’s warm smiles and Tim’s classic cowboy charm made the stage feel welcoming and real.

A standout moment was Faith’s solo performance of “Stronger,” a tender ballad that highlighted her vocal range and emotional depth. Tim followed with a moving rendition of “Don’t Take the Girl,” bringing tears to many eyes. These solo spots reminded everyone why they’ve remained country music icons for more than 20 years.

The C2C festival, spanning cities across the UK and Ireland, is now a key event for country music fans in Europe. Having Grammy-winning stars like Faith and Tim headline Glasgow only boosted the festival’s reputation and showed how far country music’s reach has grown.

Though they kept talk between songs brief, their music spoke volumes. They closed the night with “I Need You,” a tender ballad performed under a single spotlight, leaving the crowd cheering and deeply moved.

For those lucky enough to be there, it wasn’t just a concert—it was a rare, unforgettable moment with two of country’s greatest voices sharing their love and stories on stage. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw didn’t just sing about love—they lived it that night.

Just weeks after the American Idol Season 23 finale, John Foster and Breanna Nix reunited for a special, unforgettable duet.

Jamal Roberts took home the crown, while John and Breanna finished strong in second and third place. Since then, all three finalists have been busy with performances, interviews, and celebrating their debut singles’ success. At one point, Jamal, Breanna, and John held the top three spots on the all-genre iTunes chart, with Breanna’s “Higher” reigning #1 on the iTunes country chart.

A Big Moment for the Finalists
Fans were excited when it was announced that the top finalists from Season 23 would perform together at a special pre-CMA Fest event in Nashville on June 4. That same week, both John and Breanna made their Grand Ole Opry debuts—an incredible milestone for their careers.

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A Quiet Jam Turns Into Magic
Amid all the CMA Fest excitement, John and Breanna found a quiet moment to sing together. They picked a meaningful classic—Randy Travis’ “I Told You So”—and the chemistry was undeniable.

The Story Behind “I Told You So”
Originally released by Randy Travis in 1988, “I Told You So” hit #1 on the Hot Country Songs chart. In 2009, Carrie Underwood, a fellow American Idol winner and later judge, covered the song on her album Carnival Ride. That same year, she and Randy released a duet version that became a crossover hit, reaching #2 on the country charts and #9 on the Hot 100. Their version even won a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals and went platinum.

An Idol Classic
“I Told You So” has a special place in American Idol history. Carrie and Randy first performed it together during the show’s Grand Ole Opry week in 2009. Over the years, many contestants, including Maddie Poppe, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, and recently John Foster, have covered it. During Season 23, John sang part of the song directly to Carrie, creating a touching moment that won hearts.

Fans Love John and Breanna’s Duet
Fans were thrilled when Breanna shared a clip of their duet on social media. She captioned it:

Singing with @officialjohnfoster Let us know how it sounds to you… Should we finish the rest?

The clip shows Breanna’s angelic vocals alongside John’s gentle guitar and heartfelt singing. The video ends just before the chorus, leaving fans eager for the full version.

Fans Are All In
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with fans flooding the comments, urging them to record and release the entire song. The excitement is real—and everyone’s hoping John and Breanna will bring this beautiful duet back in full soon.

American Idol finalist John Foster is keeping traditional country alive and well — and fans can’t get enough. In a heartfelt Instagram Reel, John poured his soul into a cover of Doug Stone’s iconic 1990 debut single, “I’d Be Better Off (In a Pine Box),” reminding everyone just how deep country heartbreak can cut.

A Pure Dose of ’90s Country Soul
With nothing but a guitar and that signature, smooth voice, John captured the raw emotion of the song in a way that felt timeless. His performance was stripped down, sincere, and completely in tune with the spirit of ‘90s country — a reminder of why that era still hits home for so many fans.

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A Season Full of Heart
John’s connection to emotional storytelling has been a standout all season long. Earlier this year, he brought America to tears with his original ballad, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late best friend, Maggie Dunn.

“Tell That Angel I Love Her” — Straight from the Heart
When John performed the song on the Idol stage, the moment was nothing short of powerful. With gentle vocals and visible emotion, he created an atmosphere that felt more like a prayer than a performance. As he quietly dedicated it to “Maggie,” you could hear the love — and the grief — in every note.

Country Roots, Rising Star
Whether he’s honoring a country legend or sharing pieces of his own story, John Foster is proving he’s more than just a talented singer — he’s an artist with heart, soul, and a deep respect for the genre’s roots. His fans are showing up across Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, rallying behind a young artist who isn’t chasing trends — he’s staying true to the music that moves him.

As John’s journey continues, one thing’s for sure: he’s not just bringing back the sound of classic country — he’s giving it a future.

When American Idol contestant John Foster took the stage on Sunday night, he wasn’t just performing—he was honoring a friendship that changed his life forever. With his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” John delivered a heart-wrenching tribute to his best friend, Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a 2022 car crash. It was a moment that touched millions—but none more deeply than Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, who watched from the audience with tears and pride.

“I didn’t even hear him say, ‘I love you, Maggie,’ when I was there,” Erin shared in an emotional interview. “The crowd was clapping so much, I missed it live. But hearing it later at home—wow. That meant everything.”

John’s raw, vulnerable performance left fans across the country in tears. The song, written the same day Maggie and her friend Caroline Gill lost their lives in a police-involved crash, was John’s way of channeling his grief and love. “It’s the most beautiful, yet most horrific thing I’ve ever created,” he once said.

Maggie and Caroline, both students at Brusly High School, were killed on New Year’s Eve 2022 when a police officer, chasing another vehicle at high speed, struck their car. Maggie’s brother, Liam, was also seriously injured.

Since the tragedy, Maggie’s father has launched the Margaret “Maggie” Edline Dunn (MED) Foundation to honor her legacy and advocate for change. And now, through John’s voice, Maggie’s story is reaching even more hearts.

From the crowd that night, Erin described the emotion in the room. “It was all snot and ugly tears,” she joked through her sadness. “John’s sister Elizabeth held a sign for Caroline and Maggie—and seeing that on TV, it was another special way to keep their names out there.”

John’s performance sparked more than emotion—it sparked awareness. Online searches about Maggie and Caroline’s story surged after the episode aired. Erin hopes this visibility will inspire change.

“Maybe someone with real power to make a difference will finally pay attention,” she said. “This isn’t just about our girls. It’s a bigger problem, and we need people to care enough to fix it.”

Beyond the headlines, Erin reflected on what made her daughter’s friendship with John so special. “There was nothing fake about their group. No drama, no backstabbing—just real support. Maggie truly believed in John’s talent.”

And she’s not surprised to see him succeed.

“He’s always been respectful and kind. He even called Jelly Roll ‘Mr. Roll’ the first time they met,” she laughed. “Jelly Roll told him, ‘Please don’t ever say that again.’”

John still carries a letter Maggie once wrote for a school assignment—words of encouragement that now feel prophetic. “She told him to keep chasing his dream. She saw it in him.”

Now, with America watching, John Foster is doing exactly that—chasing his dream and honoring Maggie with every note.

“He was valedictorian,” Erin added. “When he sets a goal, he gets there.”

And as he gears up to perform again this Sunday in hopes of making it to the Top 10, Erin has one final message:

“I’m so proud of him. But don’t just say the song moved you—vote. That’s how we keep her memory alive.”

Tune in to American Idol this Sunday night on ABC to watch John Foster continue his journey—not just for himself, but for the angel who believed in him first.

Back in 2011, the ACM Fan Jam gave fans a moment they still talk about — when country’s then-golden couple, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, totally flipped the script with a surprise performance of Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.” Yep, you read that right — the cowboy boots came off (figuratively), and the funk came out.

It wasn’t your typical country duet, and that’s exactly what made it magic. Blake, known for his laid-back charm and quick wit, leaned all the way into the groove, trading in his usual country swagger for something a little more wild. And Miranda? She didn’t just keep up — she owned it. With her powerhouse vocals and fiery presence, she gave the 1976 funk anthem a Southern spin that no one saw coming.

From the first riff, the energy in the room exploded. Fans were up dancing, laughing, and cheering on a performance that felt completely unfiltered and totally fun. It was one of those rare moments where two artists just let loose and had a blast — and in doing so, reminded everyone why live music is so unforgettable.

Part of the charm was just how unexpected it all was. This was Miranda and Blake at the top of their game, stepping out of their comfort zone and showing off just how versatile and fearless they could be. One minute, you’re expecting a country ballad… the next, you’re dancing in the aisles to a funk classic.

The ACM Fan Jam has always been about those unscripted, fan-first moments — and this duet delivered in every way. While the main awards show handled the big speeches and glitzy performances, the Fan Jam gave fans a front-row seat to the fun, and this moment was hands-down one of the highlights of the night.

Looking back, it was more than just a funky cover. It was a snapshot of two stars totally in sync, having the time of their lives and sharing that joy with every person in the crowd. Whether you were there in person or watching from your couch, you couldn’t help but smile.

Never seen it? Trust us — you need to. Hit play on the video below and get ready to dance like it’s 1976… with a country twist.

When Blake Shelton stepped onstage in his signature jeans and boots, fans thought they were in for a good ol’ country set. But no one was ready for what came next.

Right in the middle of his gritty anthem, “Stay Country or Die,” the lights dropped, the music paused—and out of the floor rose none other than Beyoncé, dazzling in rhinestones and fringe, her cowboy hat low and her energy sky-high. The stadium lost its mind.

The surprise duet wasn’t just unexpected—it was electric.

Together, Blake and Beyoncé turned “Stay Country or Die” into something completely new. His Southern drawl and her powerhouse vocals collided in the best way, blending country grit with soul, gospel, and pure fire. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a moment.

“This isn’t just about tailgates and dirt roads,” Beyoncé shouted to the crowd. “It’s about where you’re from. It’s about heart.”

Fans lit up social media within seconds. Hashtags exploded. TikToks went viral. One comment said it all:
“I never thought I’d hear Beyoncé sing about tractors… but now I never want her to stop.”

Of course, not everyone agreed. Some country purists took to forums, calling it “too far” or questioning if it was “still country.” But plenty of fans came to Beyoncé’s defense. One post said,
“If storytelling is the soul of country, then Beyoncé fits right in. She tells hers better than most.”

Backstage, Blake and Beyoncé reportedly hugged and laughed after the set. “That was wild,” Blake told her. She smiled and simply said, “Good.”

And the buzz isn’t over.

Whispers are already flying about a possible collab EP—maybe even titled Southern Royalty—and talks of a 2026 stadium tour that could hit Nashville, Dallas, and Atlanta.

Whether this was a one-time shock or the start of a musical movement, one thing’s for sure: Blake and Beyoncé just proved that country can surprise you—and that it might just sound better with a little soul.

After months of rumors and subtle hints, country stars Riley Green and Ella Langley have officially confirmed what fans have been suspecting for a while — they’re dating. And they didn’t just say it… they showed it.

The confirmation came in the form of a now-viral backstage video that surfaced shortly after the duo wrapped up a high-energy joint performance at a music festival in Georgia. In the grainy clip, Riley is seen pulling Ella close, whispering something into her ear, and then planting a full-on kiss right on her lips — no hesitation, no dodging the cameras, just a sweet and very public moment between two artists clearly done with keeping things under wraps.

The internet wasted no time reacting. Within minutes, fans were flooding social media with reactions like “The kiss says it all!” and “No more hiding — they’re officially a couple!” One fan wrote, “This is the soft launch we’ve been waiting for. Country’s newest power couple is here!”

For months, speculation swirled about Riley and Ella’s off-stage chemistry. Between their undeniable connection during performances and playful exchanges on social media, fans had already started piecing things together. But until now, the pair had remained coy — offering no confirmation beyond their stage presence and some cheeky comments.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for both stars. Ella Langley is quickly rising in the country world with her bold lyrics and powerhouse vocals, while Riley Green continues to charm fans with his rugged sound and southern swagger. Their duet performances have already won hearts — and now, their real-life connection is giving fans even more to root for.

While neither Riley nor Ella has made an official statement just yet, the video speaks volumes. Sometimes, one kiss is all it takes to say, “Yes, it’s real.”

Whether you’re here for the music, the love story, or both — one thing’s for sure: country music just got a little more romantic.

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