John Foster may not have taken home the American Idol trophy, but he just walked into something that could be even bigger — a record deal offer from the legendary Brooks & Dunn.

Yep, you read that right.

Just days after finishing as the Season 22 runner-up, Foster caught the attention (and hearts) of country icons Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks. And now, they’ve offered him a spot on Arista Nashville — the same label that’s been home to Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, and Brooks & Dunn themselves. Talk about leveling up.

A Nod From Legends
Brooks & Dunn have been quietly cheering Foster on from the sidelines, drawn to his classic country voice and down-to-earth storytelling. Think Travis Tritt meets Randy Travis — with a little something special that’s all his own.

“He’s got something we haven’t seen in a long time,” Kix Brooks said in a statement. “John has the heart, the voice, and the grit. We want to help him make music that really sticks with people.”

If the deal goes through, Foster will be one of the youngest new artists under the Arista Nashville banner — and with two country legends guiding him, the sky’s the limit.

From Front Porch to the Big Stage
Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, 22-year-old Foster grew up singing gospel at church and strumming guitar on his grandparents’ porch. His roots run deep, and you could hear it in every note he sang on Idol — especially during his original song “Back Road Revival,” which shot up to No. 2 on the iTunes Country Chart within a day.

Even without the Idol crown, it was clear: this guy’s got “next big thing” written all over him.

The Low After the High
But behind the scenes, things got tough.

Right after the finale, Foster was hospitalized for vocal strain and exhaustion — a scary but not uncommon side effect of weeks of high-stakes performances and nonstop pressure.

“He really hit a low point,” a family member shared. “He felt like he let people down. He was questioning everything.”

That’s when the phone rang — and on the other end were Brooks & Dunn.

According to those close to Foster, their offer was exactly what he needed to hear.

“He said, ‘If Brooks & Dunn believe in me, maybe I really am meant to do this,’” one friend said.

What’s Next?
Insiders say Foster is expected to officially sign with Arista Nashville by summer 2025, and word is, studio time is already being booked in Nashville.

Even better? Brooks & Dunn are getting hands-on — helping shape Foster’s debut EP, pulling in some of Nashville’s top songwriters, and even hinting at a duet. (Can you imagine that track?!)

The Real Win
John Foster may not have won American Idol, but he’s walking away with something arguably even more valuable — the backing of country royalty, a label deal with serious weight, and a fanbase that’s just getting started.

His story proves that sometimes the best victories happen after the final curtain falls.

So keep an eye on John Foster. Because this chapter? It’s just the beginning.

Ella Langley isn’t just making waves in country music—she’s kicking down the doors. The rising star lit up the CMT stage this week with a high-energy, boot-stomping performance of her hit single “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” and let’s just say… she left no doubt that she’s the real deal.

Rocking black leather and cowboy boots, Langley took the stage with a fierce confidence that was impossible to ignore. Her gritty vocals, Southern swagger, and don’t-mess-with-me attitude gave the crowd everything they came for—and more. Backed by a rowdy band and glowing neon lights, she leaned into every lyric like she owned it, delivering a mix of sass, strength, and Southern charm.

“Country Boy’s Dream Girl” has already been turning heads on streaming charts and country radio, and Langley’s live performance cranked that buzz up a notch. With lyrics like “I drink whiskey like your grandpa does / And I don’t back down when I’ve had enough,” the track is all about bold confidence and backwoods pride—and Langley embodied every word of it.

She wasn’t just singing a song. She was the song. Tossing her hair, flashing a grin, and commanding every inch of that stage, Langley showed why so many fans are calling her one of country’s most exciting new artists.

The audience loved it—and so did social media. Viewers took to Twitter and Instagram with praise, calling Langley “a total powerhouse” and “exactly what country music needs right now.” One fan summed it up perfectly: “Didn’t know who she was before tonight, but I’m officially obsessed.”

Langley’s CMT performance comes at a big moment in her career as she continues to promote her debut EP and hit the road with some major tour dates. With her mix of outlaw edge, honest lyrics, and fearless energy, it’s clear she’s not just chasing the spotlight—she’s blazing her own trail right through it.

By the time the final chorus rang out and she tipped her hat to the cheering crowd, there was no question: Ella Langley is a name you’re going to hear a lot more of. And “Country Boy’s Dream Girl”? It’s not just a song anymore—it’s her calling card.

On the evening of February 13, 2025, something magical happened at Sidetracks Music Hall in Huntsville, Alabama. Under dim lights and surrounded by the warmth of Southern soul, Ella Langley and Taylor Hunnicutt stepped onto the stage and delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” that left the entire room breathless.

This wasn’t just another cover—it felt like a revival. The way these two Alabama artists came together, it was as if the spirit of the song had found new storytellers.

Ella Langley, known for her bold blend of outlaw country and gritty rock, brought her signature fire to the performance. Standing alongside her was Taylor Hunnicutt, whose bluesy, weathered voice added a raw emotional depth that could quiet a crowd with a single note. When they sang together, their voices wove around each other effortlessly—soulful, stirring, and steeped in Southern charm.

There were no flashy lights or gimmicks—just two women in black denim and boots, letting the music speak for itself. From the first note, the crowd was captivated. Langley’s fierce delivery of “She rules her life like a fine skylark” sent chills, while Hunnicutt’s soulful response, “Would you stay if she promised you heaven?” echoed with heartbreak and power. It was more than a performance—it was a shared moment of storytelling, rooted in grit, grace, and reverence for the past.

The room fell into a kind of hush that you don’t often see at live shows anymore. People weren’t on their phones—they were fully present, soaking in every lyric, every harmony. And when the final note faded into silence, the applause wasn’t just loud—it was emotional. You could tell everyone knew they’d just experienced something rare.

What made this performance so special is how Ella and Taylor brought “Rhiannon” home to the South. They didn’t just sing the song—they lived in it, giving it new meaning with their Alabama roots and fearless authenticity. It wasn’t about copying Stevie Nicks—it was about honoring her while channeling their own voices, their own stories.

This moment couldn’t have come at a better time for either artist. Langley, riding the wave of her rising career, is quickly becoming a voice for strong, unapologetic women in country music. Hunnicutt, known for her soul-baring songwriting and emotional honesty, is carving out her own space in Southern Americana. But on this night, none of that mattered. It wasn’t about careers or headlines. It was about heart, harmony, and honoring the music that shaped them.

For one unforgettable night, “Rhiannon” wasn’t just a song—it was a spell. And in Huntsville, two Alabama women cast it flawlessly.

On April 28, 2025, American Idol fans witnessed a true country moment when 18-year-old John Foster poured his heart into Randy Travis’s classic, “I Told You So.” During the “Iconic American Idol Moments” episode, the young singer from Addis, Louisiana, didn’t just sing a song — he told a story, one that resonated with everyone in the room.

With a voice rooted in old-school country soul, Foster has been turning heads all season. His heartfelt performances and genuine connection to the music have made him one of Season 23’s rising stars. From the start, Foster has stayed true to who he is — a country boy with a big voice and even bigger heart.

Earlier in the season, he moved viewers to tears with an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn, who passed away in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 2022. That emotional tribute revealed not only Foster’s talent as a performer but also his depth as a songwriter.

His take on “I Told You So” was no different. With smooth vocals and raw emotion, Foster breathed new life into the beloved ballad, earning praise from the judges for his tone, control, and sincerity. Week after week, he’s proven he’s not just a talented singer — he’s a storyteller, following in the footsteps of the country greats.

If this performance was any indication, John Foster isn’t just competing on Idol — he’s carving out a place in the future of country music.

John Foster didn’t just sing “Achy Breaky Heart” — he brought it back to life with a performance full of energy, charm, and pure country spirit. His take on the Billy Ray Cyrus classic was more than a throwback; it was a moment that showed off his stage presence and deep love for the genre.

Even before making it to American Idol’s Top 7, Foster was proving he had the goods — not just the voice, but the personality to back it up. He has a way of turning every performance into something personal, whether he’s serenading his girlfriend Brooklyn or channeling country legends with a twinkle in his eye.

His Southern roots run deep, and fans can feel it. From learning guitar from his Uncle Gaylen to sitting down for emotional sendoffs with his MiMere Verbie, Foster carries his family’s love and traditions with him onto the stage every time.

It’s that blend of heart, humor, and country grit that has viewers cheering him on week after week. As Idol heads into Disney Week, Foster’s showing no signs of slowing down — and fans are loving every minute of the ride.

@mandasmama

♬ original sound – Joy

In a move that’s sparking major buzz across the country and pop music worlds, Carrie Underwood has officially pulled out of one of this summer’s biggest country festivals—just days after Beyoncé was announced as a headliner.

The country superstar, known for her powerhouse vocals and traditional roots, cited creative differences as her reason for stepping away. In a statement shared through her publicist, Underwood said, “I’m a simple country girl. I don’t do well around all those half-naked dancers with hats on pretending they’re country.”

While the comment may have been lighthearted, it’s stirred up serious discussion online. Fans and insiders are now debating the ongoing clash between traditional country sounds and more modern, pop-inspired interpretations.

The festival originally planned to bring together top artists from both ends of the country music spectrum, hoping for a groundbreaking moment with Carrie and Beyoncé sharing the stage. Beyoncé’s inclusion came on the heels of her hit country-inspired album Cowboy Carter, which broke records and brought new attention to the genre. But for some, it also raised questions about where the line between country and pop truly lies.

A festival rep shared, “Carrie’s voice is one of the most respected in country music, and her absence is a big deal. But the show will still go on—and it’s going to be unforgettable.”

The online reaction has been split. Supporters of Carrie applaud her for staying true to her roots, while others argue that the genre needs to grow and evolve. Hashtags like #TeamCarrie and #LetCountryEvolve are trending as fans weigh in.

So far, Beyoncé hasn’t commented publicly, but her team has confirmed that her performance is still happening.

This isn’t the first time Carrie has drawn a firm line about her musical identity. Throughout her career, she’s stayed true to her classic country influences—and this latest move seems to reflect that same mindset.

Though Carrie’s exit may have stopped what could’ve been a powerful moment between two strong female artists from different corners of country music, one thing’s for sure: the conversation about where the genre is headed is far from over.

Ella Langley may have walked away a big winner at the 2025 ACM Awards, but behind the spotlight and celebration, it was also one of the toughest nights of her life.

In a heartfelt chat on Taste of Country Nights, the “Weren’t for the Wind” singer opened up about the emotional highs and lows that came crashing together during what she calls both her best and worst day in country music.

“I’m gonna say both of those are the same day — probably the awards show,” she said candidly, reflecting on May 8. “It was just a tough week. I know I’ve shared a bit about that.”

Langley has previously spoken about her ongoing battle with mental health, something that runs deep in her family. “It’s just the disease of my family, really,” she’s said, acknowledging that no matter how good things might look on the outside, it’s not always sunshine behind the scenes.

“I think it’s important to talk about it — just because I might seem like I’m on top of the mountain right now, it doesn’t always feel that way,” she shared.

Still, despite the internal struggles, Langley called the ACM Awards the brightest moment of her career so far.

“I got to get up and sing ‘Kerosene’ with Miranda Lambert — that alone was insane,” she said with a smile. “And I met so many people I’ve looked up to my whole life. Brooks & Dunn were behind me passing popcorn! I even met Reba!”

While fans saw her soaking in the spotlight, Ella was quietly battling waves of emotion. “It’s hard to compute those two feelings happening at the same time,” she admitted. “But I know I’m right where I’m meant to be.”

Her faith has played a big part in that clarity. “God has chosen me,” she said. “I’ve gotten so close with Him these past few months.”

Langley didn’t just show up to the ACMs — she dominated, taking home five awards out of her eight nominations, making her the most-nominated artist of the night. And performing with one of her country music heroes made it all the more special.

As for what’s next, the “You Look Like You Love Me” star is hitting the road all summer long, joining Riley Green and Morgan Wallen on tour, plus playing festivals and headlining a few shows of her own.

One thing is clear: Ella Langley is rising fast — and she’s doing it with grace, grit, and honesty every step of the way.

Reba McEntire lit up Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on May 29 as she kicked off the very first Music City Rodeo with a powerhouse performance full of heart, humor, and a whole lot of country spirit. The 70-year-old legend delivered a high-energy 18-song set that celebrated five decades of hits—and gave fans a surprise they’ll never forget.

Decked out in fringe, turquoise, and plenty of sparkle, Reba opened with “Turn On The Radio” and immediately had the crowd on their feet. From classics like “You Lie” and “Fancy” to unexpected covers of Aretha Franklin and Dua Lipa, her set was as dynamic and timeless as her career.

But the highlight of the night came when Reba teased the crowd by asking, “Wouldn’t it be great if they were here tonight?”—right before Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson strutted onstage. The crowd went wild as the trio performed their fierce new anthem “Trailblazer” together for the very first time. The performance was pure fire, and fans couldn’t stop cheering.

@musicmayhemmagazine.com

@Lainey Wilson and @Miranda Lambert joined @Reba McEntire at the inaugural @musiccityrodeo, Nashville’s first-ever rodeo, to perform their collaboration, “Trailblazer.” #LaineyWilson #MirandaLambert #Reba #RebaMcEntire #countrymusic #country #MusicCityRodeo #Nashville #Trailblazer #Icon #countrymusictiktoks

♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

For Reba, the moment was personal. A proud “rodeo brat,” her roots run deep—her father and grandfather were both champion rodeo riders. The debut of Nashville’s first-ever PRCA-sanctioned rodeo was a full-circle celebration of her heritage.

The Music City Rodeo itself is a groundbreaking event, blending the excitement of professional rodeo with the star power of country music. Over three days, fans will see everything from barrel racing to bull riding—plus headline performances by Jelly Roll and Tim McGraw, who co-founded the event alongside Reba.

Reba closed her set with a rousing rendition of “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” and an emotional, crowd-wide sing-along to “Fancy.” With that, night one of the Music City Rodeo came to a spectacular close—leaving fans buzzing and country music history made.

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HARDY made his long-awaited debut at the Grand Ole Opry on April 29, 2025—and he made sure it was a night fans won’t forget. Stepping onto the legendary Nashville stage, the country-rock trailblazer delivered an emotional, high-energy set that ended with a surprise duet that brought the house to its feet.

The standout moment? A powerful performance of his hit song “Wait in the Truck”—but this time, with rising star Ella Langley by his side.

Originally released in 2022 with Lainey Wilson, the gritty ballad tells the haunting story of a man who takes justice into his own hands after rescuing an abused woman. Lainey wasn’t able to make it to the Opry that night, but she sent a heartfelt video message cheering HARDY on and sending her love. In her place, Ella Langley stepped up—and delivered.

Having toured with HARDY in 2024 and fresh off her ACM New Female Artist of the Year win, Ella brought her A-game. Her soulful vocals and fierce stage presence added a fresh layer of emotion to the performance, with fans praising their chemistry and even calling for a recorded version of this new duet.

One fan posted, “Ella gave major Stevie Nicks vibes—pure magic with HARDY!” And judging by the roaring ovation, the Opry crowd agreed.

But the magic didn’t stop there. HARDY also performed new songs like “Buck on the Wall” and “Favorite Country Song,” giving fans a taste of what’s to come. He made the night even more personal by wearing his late grandfather’s watch—a quiet but meaningful tribute during the touching “Buck on the Wall.”

From start to finish, HARDY’s Opry debut was more than just a performance—it was a full-circle moment, filled with gratitude, grit, and a glimpse into the heart of an artist who’s just getting started.

And with Ella Langley in the mix, it’s safe to say country music fans are ready for whatever comes next from this dynamic duo.

It was a night to remember in Las Vegas as country superstar Kenny Chesney and rising star Megan Moroney lit up the stage at the iconic Sphere with a surprise duet that had fans on their feet and dancing in their boots.

What started as a typical high-energy Chesney show quickly turned into something magical when the crowd heard the opening notes of “You and Tequila.” But this time, Kenny wasn’t singing it alone. Out walked Megan Moroney, glowing with excitement and charm, ready to share the moment.

The crowd erupted into cheers as the two shared the stage—Kenny with his laid-back swagger, Megan with her signature sweet-meets-sassy style. Their voices blended beautifully, bringing a fresh new energy to the beloved ballad. You could feel the joy radiating through the venue as they sang, smiled, and even shared a few spontaneous dance moves.

@kennychesney

You Had To Be There last night at @Sphere in Vegas. @Megan Moroney and I sang our song for the first time live. It felt amazing to share the stage with her again. Thank you Megan for being there. You lit up the room. Love you. 💙🌴💙 KC 📸: @Alive Coverage

♬ original sound – Kenny Chesney

Fans took to social media within minutes, calling the duet “pure country magic” and “one of the best surprises of the night.” One concertgoer wrote, “I came to see Kenny, but Megan Moroney just stole my heart. That duet gave me chills!”

The chemistry between the two artists was undeniable. They laughed, they sang, and most of all—they looked like they were having the time of their lives. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration of music, connection, and pure joy.

As the final chorus rang out and the lights dimmed, the crowd gave a roaring standing ovation. Kenny tipped his hat to Megan, while she grinned and gave him a big hug. The moment felt genuine, special—and one fans will be talking about for a long time.

This Vegas stop on Kenny Chesney’s tour was already expected to be big—but thanks to Megan Moroney, it became unforgettable.