He may have come in second on American Idol 2025, but for rising country star John Foster, the biggest win of all is just around the corner—his official Grand Ole Opry debut.

Set to take the stage on Saturday, June 7, 2025, John’s Opry appearance marks a major milestone in what’s already shaping up to be a remarkable journey. Adding even more heart to the moment, he’ll be performing alongside Opry member and country legend Craig Morgan, in what fans are calling a powerful “passing of the torch.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Foster (@officialjohnfoster)

John shared the exciting news with fans on social media, writing:
“The first time I visited the Opry, I held back tears. I was overwhelmed with joy. As an amateur country music historian, there’s no place more important to me. This has been my #1 dream ever since I started singing. Now, because of your support, it’s coming true. Glory be to God!”

From the moment he stepped onto the American Idol stage, John won hearts with his authentic voice, timeless sound, and genuine spirit. Whether performing his soul-penned original “Heal” or giving new life to classics like “Neon Moon,” he reminded audiences what country music is all about—honesty, heart, and heritage.

Now, he’s preparing to join the ranks of legends who’ve graced the Opry stage—from Dolly Parton and George Strait to Reba McEntire. It’s a full-circle moment for a small-town kid with a big voice and even bigger dreams.

As the countdown to June 7 begins, excitement is building—and rightfully so. This isn’t just a debut. It’s a celebration of how far John has come, and how far he’s destined to go.

And for fans who’ve followed him from day one, it’s clear: the Grand Ole Opry is just the beginning.

In a moment that tugged at the heartstrings of country music fans everywhere, Reba McEntire did more than just cheer on American Idol runner-up John Foster—she gave him a piece of her story.

Shortly after the Season 23 finale, John received an unexpected package that left him completely speechless: Reba’s personal, custom-worn cowboy hat and a well-loved vintage acoustic guitar from the 1970s—one she played in the early days of her career, long before she became a household name.

Tucked inside was a handwritten note from the country legend herself:
“Play with heart. Wear it with pride. And let both remind you that greatness comes from staying true to who you are.”

John, only 18, shared his emotional reaction on Instagram with a photo of the gifts, writing:
“To be seen by someone like Reba—someone I grew up listening to and look up to so much—is something I’ll never forget. Thank you for believing in me.”

A True Passing of the Torch
Throughout the season, John won over millions with his honest, soul-baring performances. Though he didn’t take home the Idol crown, his ability to connect through music made him a standout—and clearly, Reba felt the same.

“She reminds me of myself when I was just getting started,” Reba said in a statement. “He’s got heart, grit, and a gift that can’t be taught. This was my way of saying: keep going.”

The moment has since gone viral, drawing praise from fellow country stars.
Kelsea Ballerini posted, “Reba passing the torch like that? CHILLS.”
Luke Bryan added, “This kid’s the real deal—and Reba knows it.”

More Than a Gift—It’s Country Music History
Reba’s guitar, worn with time and love, has been part of her journey for decades. Her iconic cowboy hat, sweat-stained and sun-creased, has seen barroom stages and big-time arenas. Now, both are with John Foster—a rising artist whose journey is just beginning.

“This isn’t just memorabilia,” said music journalist Dana Kingsley. “This is Reba saying, I believe in you. It’s a powerful moment in country music.”

A Bright Future Ahead
From the very beginning, John Foster’s Idol journey stood out—not for flash, but for feeling. He made audiences cry, reflect, and cheer with performances that felt deeply personal. And now, with Reba’s blessing and support from fans and artists alike, the path ahead looks promising.

“I just want to make music that means something,” John recently said. “That’s what Reba’s always done. If I can do even a fraction of that, I’ll be proud.”

With his debut EP already in the works and the hashtag #FosterRising taking off, fans are rallying behind him—and so is a country music legend.

As John strums Reba’s old guitar and wears her iconic hat, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a gift. It’s the start of something special.

And country music? It just found its next great storyteller.

John Foster reminded us all why he’s a fan favorite on American Idol with his powerful take on Travis Tritt’s “Anymore.” It wasn’t just a performance—it felt like John was telling his own story, pouring every ounce of emotion into each lyric.

From the first quiet note, he had the audience leaning in. His voice—rich, weathered, and full of feeling—captured the heartache at the core of the song. It was subtle and soulful, growing stronger with every line. No bells or whistles, just honest storytelling. And that’s what made it so unforgettable.

John didn’t try to outshine the original—he honored it while adding his own heart and soul. Fans and judges alike were moved, with many saying his version brought back what they love most about country music: the truth in the lyrics and the emotions behind them.

But John wasn’t done showing off his range. Just a few nights later, he took on “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog for Disney Night—and completely flipped the mood. Gone was the quiet ache of heartbreak. In its place? Pure joy.

Smiling from ear to ear, John lit up the stage with his high-energy, feel-good performance. He brought the song to life with charm, confidence, and that same emotional connection that makes him stand out—whether he’s breaking hearts or lifting spirits.

The judges were quick to praise his versatility, and fans loved seeing this new, brighter side of him. One minute he’s pulling you into a tearjerker ballad, the next he’s making you want to dance and believe in dreams.

With back-to-back performances that showed both depth and range, John Foster continues to prove he’s not just a great singer—he’s a true artist. Whether he’s quietly breaking your heart or making you smile, one thing’s for sure: he’s someone you can’t help but root for.

Just a couple of years ago, Lainey Wilson made waves in country music when she scored a whopping nine nominations at the 2023 CMA Awards. She went on to win big, taking home trophies for Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year (Bell Bottom Country), Musical Event and Video of the Year for her collaboration with HARDY, “wait in the truck.” It was a breakout moment that put her firmly on the map.

Now, in 2025, it looks like another rising star is stepping into the spotlight—and Lainey couldn’t be more excited about it.

The ACM Award nominations were announced on March 27, and fans were surprised (in the best way) to see newcomer Ella Langley leading the pack with eight nods! Her name now sits right alongside country giants like Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Old Dominion.

Ella earned nominations in some of the biggest categories: Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year—all for her breakout duet “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green. She’s also up for Female Artist of the Year and New Female Artist of the Year.

And the wildest part? This is her first-ever ACM Awards.

It’s a moment that mirrors Lainey’s own rise just a couple years ago, and she’s fully cheering Ella on. At a recent industry event in Nashville celebrating her own latest No. 1 hits, Lainey spoke about how proud she is of her friend.

“I see a lot of myself in Ella,” Lainey said with a smile. “We’re great friends, and I’m just so proud of her. She’s the real deal.”

Lainey went on to describe Ella’s work ethic and spirit, saying, “She shows up, rolls up her sleeves, and she’s ready to knock down barn doors. And in this business, if you don’t have that fire, someone else will knock that door down for you. Ella’s got that fire.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Holler (@hollercountry)

Looking ahead to the upcoming ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas, Lainey even joked that Ella might sweep the night: “I wouldn’t be surprised if she comes in there with her broom and starts sweeping it up. I’ll be right behind her with the dustpan!”

It’s clear Lainey’s thrilled to see the country community embracing a new female voice with so much grit and talent.

Of course, Lainey’s also bringing her own heat to the awards this year with six nominations, including Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (Whirlwind), and Entertainer of the Year—a title she currently holds.

With Ella Langley stepping into the spotlight and Lainey Wilson still blazing her trail, it’s a powerful time for women in country music. And fans are here for every second of it.

Ella Langley’s star power just keeps growing—and her recent show in Salt Lake City was proof that she’s only getting started.

On Thursday, May 15, the rising country sensation took the stage at The Complex for what turned out to be the most unforgettable night of her career so far. Performing to a sold-out crowd of 4,000 fans, Langley wasn’t just celebrating a major milestone—she was also giving back. The concert doubled as a benefit event for the Ron McBride Foundation, supporting after-school programs for at-risk youth in Title 1 schools.

Fresh off a massive night at the 2025 ACM Awards—where she took home five wins and wowed the audience with powerful performances—Langley was still glowing from the whirlwind of success. But in true Ella fashion, she kept things humble, heartfelt, and real.

A TikTok clip from the night captures the emotional moment as she stood on stage, guitar in hand, wearing a flowing white dress and black boots. She paused to soak it all in before opening up to her fans.

“This didn’t happen overnight,” she said with tears in her eyes. “It’s taken a lot of faith, hard work, and God’s plan to get here.”

The Alabama native also shared a behind-the-scenes moment about the ACMs, still laughing in disbelief at her unexpected rise. “Last week was wild,” she said with a smile. “I wasn’t even invited at first, and then somehow I ended up being the most nominated? I thought it was a joke!”

As the crowd cheered, she thanked her fans for the love and support. “Y’all sold this show out in hours,” she said. “That means more than you know.”

Before diving into her next song, “girl you’re taking home,” Langley offered a candid moment about her connection to the track.

“This one’s personal,” she told the crowd. “It’s from my last record. I used to hate singing it… then I loved it… and now, well, we’re on a break again,” she joked. “But here it is.”

The energy, the gratitude, and the genuine connection between Ella Langley and her fans made this night one for the books. And if this show was any indication, there’s no slowing her down.

On January 8, 2024, Luke Bryan took a moment during his Las Vegas residency to honor one of music’s greatest icons—Elvis Presley. Performing a moving rendition of “The Wonder of You,” Bryan celebrated what would have been Elvis’s 89th birthday in front of a sold-out crowd at Resorts World Theatre.

The performance wasn’t just a showstopper—it was a true tribute. Luke later shared a clip on social media, letting fans in on the special moment and expressing how much Elvis has meant to him throughout his life and career.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Luke Bryan Official (@lukebryan)

If the song sounded familiar, it’s because Luke’s love for Elvis runs deep. He’s covered “The Wonder of You” before—most memorably during a playful moment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show back in 2021. But this time, the performance felt more personal, heartfelt, and emotional.

Luke’s Las Vegas residency, which kicked off in 2022, came to a close with this unforgettable performance. Over the course of nearly 50 shows, he thrilled fans with hits like “Play It Again,” “That’s My Kind of Night,” and “Country Girl (Shake It for Me),” blending his high-energy country sound with tributes to the greats who inspired him.

Elvis Presley—born January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi—forever changed music history. His voice, charisma, and passion left a mark that still resonates with fans and artists today, including Luke Bryan. Choosing to perform “The Wonder of You,” a beloved 1970 hit known for its emotional depth and soaring vocals, was a powerful way for Luke to show his gratitude.

Fans online were quick to praise the performance. Comments poured in calling the tribute “beautiful,” “goosebump-worthy,” and “the perfect way to honor Elvis.” It’s clear the moment struck a chord with longtime Elvis fans and Luke’s newer audience alike.

Luke Bryan’s heartfelt salute to the King of Rock and Roll reminded everyone just how timeless Elvis’s music truly is—and how it continues to inspire artists today.

Country superstar Luke Combs may be lighting up the charts, but at home, he’s just “Dad”—and that’s a role he’s not taking for granted.

In a heartfelt message shared with fans on May 4, the 35-year-old singer got real about his priorities in 2025. While fans may have noticed he’s skipping a major headlining tour this year, Luke made it clear that the decision was made with love.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs)

“I just want to be home as much as I can,” Luke wrote in an Instagram post filled with family photos. “Where I can see my boys grow up and they know how important they are to me.” He’s talking about his two young sons, Tex Lawrence (2) and Beau Lee (1), and it’s clear that fatherhood is at the top of his list these days.

Even though he’s only doing select festivals in the U.S. this year, Luke made sure to thank fans for sticking by his side. “Y’all are the best fans in the world,” he said. “Thanks for letting me take a step back from touring, while still knowing how much y’all mean to me.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs)

But make no mistake—Luke isn’t stepping away from music altogether. In fact, he’s been making big waves with his latest duet, “Backup Plan” featuring Bailey Zimmerman. The two debuted the emotional track at Stagecoach on April 27, and just days later, it shot to No. 1 on the Country Digital Song Sales chart—marking Luke’s 10th chart-topping hit.

Then on May 16, Luke checked in again, this time from the driver’s seat of his truck, parked outside the studio. “I’ve been taking some time to be with my family,” he said in a video, “but I’m back in the studio, and there’s a new record on the way.”

And that’s not all—Luke also confirmed that a brand-new tour is in the works for 2026. No exact dates yet, but fans are already buzzing. In the meantime, Luke is scheduled to perform at a handful of major festivals like Stagecoach, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza.

So while he’s pressing pause on life on the road, Luke Combs is far from slowing down. Between fatherhood, fresh music, and future plans, it’s safe to say the best is yet to come.

Country music fans got a real treat on April 20, 2025, when Ella Langley and Riley Green hit the Today show stage with their heartfelt duet, “You Look Like You Love Me.” With voices full of soul and undeniable chemistry, the pair delivered a performance that was both tender and electric—one that stayed with viewers long after the final note.

A Duet That Hits Home

The song, which has been climbing the charts and winning over fans since its release, felt even more powerful live. With its honest lyrics and infectious melody, “You Look Like You Love Me” dives into the uncertainty and thrill of falling for someone who might just feel the same—but hasn’t said it yet.

Ella’s raw, emotional vocals blended perfectly with Riley’s smooth Southern drawl, creating a beautiful contrast that made the lyrics hit even harder. The two looked completely at ease with each other, sharing knowing glances and playful smiles that added to the magic.

Authenticity That Connects

Both Langley and Green are known for keeping things real—and that was on full display during their Today show appearance. Langley, whose star has been steadily rising thanks to her mix of modern edge and country roots, brought a powerful presence to the performance. Meanwhile, Riley, already a fan-favorite, showed why he continues to be one of the most beloved voices in the genre.

The moment felt more like two friends sharing a story than a TV performance. Their connection and love for the music were obvious, making it easy for fans to feel like they were right there in the room.

A Big Moment for Both Stars

For Ella, the national spotlight of Today marked another exciting step in her journey. For Riley, it was yet another reminder of why he’s earned his spot among country’s most respected voices. Together, they reminded fans just how special live country music can be when it’s delivered with heart.

As the final notes faded and the audience burst into applause, it was clear: this performance wasn’t just a one-off—it was a moment. And it left everyone wanting more.

What’s Next?

If this performance is any indication, both Ella Langley and Riley Green are just getting started. Whether teaming up again or pursuing their solo paths, they’ve proven they have what it takes to light up any stage—and any screen.

Fans are already buzzing about what’s next, and one thing’s for sure: country music is in very good hands.

Country icon Tim McGraw is getting back on his feet—literally—after a challenging stretch of surgeries and recovery. The 57-year-old singer is set to return to the stage this month at Nashville’s Music City Rodeo, marking his first performance in nearly a year.

During a candid chat on The Bobby Bones Show, Tim gave fans an honest update about his health. “I’m getting there,” he said. “I’ve had three back surgeries and double knee replacements over the last six to eight months.”

It all started before his tour last year. Tim shared that he had a back surgery just ahead of hitting the road, but things didn’t go as planned. “That went south on me at the beginning of the tour,” he explained. “I started compensating for the pain and then my knees went out about three weeks in.” Despite the physical toll, Tim powered through the tour with grit and determination.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tim McGraw (@thetimmcgraw)

As soon as the tour wrapped, he prioritized his health and underwent the necessary surgeries. “I had my knees done, and while I was recovering, my back gave out again—so I had to go back in for another surgery,” he said.

The setbacks didn’t just affect his music career. Tim also had to pull out of a Netflix project where he was cast as a world champion bull rider—ironically, a character also dealing with back injuries. “It was just too much at once,” Tim said, though he hinted the role might still be in his future.

Thankfully, things are starting to look up. “I feel better. Some mornings are better than others,” he admitted with a smile.

Fans can catch him back on stage soon, with performances lined up all summer and into the fall. One thing’s for sure: Tim McGraw’s still standing tall—scars, stories, and all.

Get ready, U.K.—Jelly Roll is going international!

The beloved country star just made what he calls the biggest announcement of his career: he’s officially set to perform at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—not just once, but twice—alongside Post Malone as part of the Big Ass Stadium World Tour.

“Listen, y’all, biggest announcement of my career: They let me come to England, baby—it’s happening,” Jelly shared in a beaming Instagram video, overflowing with joy and disbelief.

This milestone means even more when you know the backstory. For years, Jelly Roll’s past felony convictions kept him grounded in the U.S., unable to perform overseas. But things took a hopeful turn in April 2025, when the Tennessee Board of Parole unanimously recommended him for a pardon. While there hasn’t been official confirmation yet, this tour news suggests big things are moving in the right direction—possibly with support from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jelly Roll (@jellyroll615)

Fans wasted no time flooding his comments with love and support.

“Let’s goooo!!” one follower cheered. “You’ve come so far,” another added. “See you in London!” came from across the pond.

Originally planned as a one-night event, the London show on September 7 sold out so fast that a second date was added for September 8. Tickets for the second night are still available—for now.

“I still can’t believe my first time going to England is for two stadium shows with Post Malone,” Jelly said. “Please come out and see us, y’all. This is huge. I love y’all!”

Jelly and Post have been touring across the U.S., lighting up stages with their powerful duet “Losers” and a chemistry that’s become a fan favorite. After wrapping their U.S. leg in early July, the duo will take a short break before heading to London.

Between Jelly’s inspiring comeback and the chance to see two powerhouse artists share a stadium stage, fans are calling this a once-in-a-lifetime moment. So if you’ve ever dreamed of catching Jelly Roll live overseas—now’s your shot. Don’t wait… these tickets won’t last long!