It’s been a big year for rising country star Ella Langley. She dropped her debut studio album Hungover, landed a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with her duet “You Look Like You Love Me” alongside Riley Green, and teamed up with Kameron Marlowe on the emotional track “Strangers.” But even with all the momentum behind her, Ella took a quiet moment to honor one of country’s greatest—George Strait.

In a simple, stripped-down setting—just her and a guitar in a dark room—Langley delivered a moving cover of Strait’s 1983 classic “You Look So Good In Love.” The original, written by Rory Bourke, Kerry Chater, and Glen Ballard, tells the story of a man who watches his former love find happiness with someone else. There’s pain, yes—but also a sense of peace in seeing her truly happy.

Langley captured that emotion beautifully. No flash, no frills—just a raw, heartfelt performance that connected with fans instantly. The video quickly racked up nearly 15,000 likes, with fans flooding the comments in appreciation. One wrote, “I love these old-school covers. You should do ‘Feelin’ Better’ while rolling on the tour bus—seems like the perfect vibe!” Another shared, “You are such a gorgeous woman without all the makeup—just so naturally beautiful with an angel voice.”

Ella Langley Talks Stage Fright—and Riley Green’s Pep Talk

Behind the scenes, Ella is just as relatable as ever. She recently opened up about dealing with pre-show jitters in an interview with Taste of Country. Her go-to mantra? “Don’t fall down.” But funny enough—she did recently take a spill on stage for the first time, and it made her a little more cautious (and more human in fans’ eyes).

Luckily, she had some encouraging words from her friend and collaborator Riley Green. “Riley’s like, ‘Just get up there and do your thing. Get up there and sing it,’” she recalled with a laugh.

As for Riley, even he admits to feeling nervous now and then—but joked, “I feel like I can hide a lot of emotions behind my mustache.”

With her grounded attitude, strong vocals, and deep respect for country’s roots, Ella Langley is proving she’s not only talented—she’s the real deal.

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Even decades after his passing, Hank Williams remains a towering figure in country music. His influence still runs deep, and in 1994, Alan Jackson paid tribute in a big way—by taking on one of Hank’s most iconic songs, “Lovesick Blues,” during the Roots of Country TV special.

Before launching into the performance, Jackson shared a special moment with the audience: two members of Hank’s original band, The Drifting Cowboys, were joining him on stage. With steel guitar legend Don Helms and master fiddler Jerry Rivers by his side, Jackson called it “an honor”—and you could feel how much it meant to him.

As soon as he began to sing, Jackson captured the spirit of Hank Williams with a flawless yodel and that signature twang that made the original so unforgettable. It was more than just a cover—it felt like a heartfelt nod to the roots of country music, with the presence of Williams almost hanging in the air.

The Story Behind “Lovesick Blues”
While Hank Williams made “Lovesick Blues” famous in 1949, the song actually has a much longer history. It was originally written by Cliff Friend and Irving Mills and first appeared in the 1922 musical Oh, Ernest, recorded by artists like Elsie Clark and Jack Shea. Then came Emmett Miller, who gave it his own flair in the mid-1920s. By 1939, Rex Griffin had also added his voice to the mix.

Hank discovered the song through Miller and Griffin’s versions and decided to give it a shot himself. He first performed it in 1948 during his debut on the Louisiana Hayride radio show. The crowd loved it—but surprisingly, not everyone shared the enthusiasm. His band and even his producer, Fred Rose, were unsure about recording it.

Thankfully, Hank trusted his gut. When he recorded “Lovesick Blues” and released it through MGM Records in 1949, it became an instant hit and one of the most defining songs of his career.

Years later, when Alan Jackson stood on stage and sang that same song, it was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of country music’s roots and a moving tribute to one of its greatest legends.

Back in the 1970s, Owsley Manier and Brugh Reynolds teamed up to open a small music venue in Nashville called Exit/In. What started as a cozy 200-seat space quickly became one of the city’s most iconic music spots. Over the years, it welcomed everything from bluegrass and jazz to country—and even comedians like a young Steve Martin. It’s a place filled with stories, making it the perfect setting for Ella Langley to add her own.

Though there was no live audience or backing band, Langley delivered a powerful and emotionally raw performance of “Could’ve Been Her” from inside the legendary venue. Just her voice and the energy of the room—that’s all it took to leave a lasting impression.

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Update: @Ella Langley performs “Could’ve Been Her” at EXIT/IN in Nashville, TN #ellalangley

♬ Could’ve Been Her – Ella Langley

The track, which appears on her 2023 EP Excuse the Mess, has resonated deeply with fans. Alongside other standout songs like “Hell Of A Man” and “That’s Why We Fight,” “Could’ve Been Her” shines with its vulnerable lyrics and Langley’s unmistakable voice. This stripped-back version gave fans a whole new way to experience the song, and it hit just as hard—if not harder—without the bells and whistles.

And the fans definitely felt it. One wrote, “Dive bar feeling. Hearing this voice knowing I was witnessing the next Great Superstar first. Ella is the Best.” Another gushed, “GIRL!!! I haven’t been this obsessed over a new country artist since Shania. Your storytelling & tone are amazing!! Being gorgeous helps too! The total package.”

Beyond her solo work, Langley’s also making waves through collaborations. She’s teamed up with country star Riley Green, and when talking about working with others, she shared what matters most to her: “It’s the relationship, the connection. It’s somebody I want to create with. That’s the whole joy of living where we live and doing what we love—we’re surrounded by people who feel the same way.”

Her connection with Green, in particular, feels like fate. “Riley being from Alabama, we grew up with a lot of the same musical influences. Our hometowns are just two hours apart,” she explained. Their duet “Don’t Mind If I Do” came together organically—Green invited her to try singing it backstage just for fun, and the magic happened. “They loved it the way we did it—so they kept it on there!”

With raw talent, emotional depth, and a deep love for connection through music, Ella Langley is clearly on a path that’s only going up.

When Bon Jovi dropped “Livin’ on a Prayer” back in 1986, it quickly became an anthem. Featured on their Slippery When Wet album, the song has sold over 13 million copies and remains one of the most iconic rock hits of all time. Co-written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Child, it also earned the band their first No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

That legendary energy came to life again when Lainey Wilson took the stage at the Decades Party. As the opening notes of “Livin’ on a Prayer” rang out, Wilson lit up with joy. Captured by American Songwriter’s Cindy Watts, the moment felt more like a massive karaoke night than a concert—Wilson danced across the stage, encouraging the crowd to sing along. And they did—loudly and proudly. It was a fun, unfiltered celebration of music and nostalgia.

Later in the night, things only got better. Lainey brought out her friend and fellow country star Jelly Roll, along with Alexandra Kay, for a rousing rendition of Garth Brooks’ classic “Friends in Low Places.” The crowd went wild all over again—country magic in full swing.

While Wilson continues riding high in her career, she’s also learning to slow down and stay grounded. She shared some valuable advice she received from Miranda Lambert: “It’s so important to get out there and scoop the poop, throw the hay, and catch the horses. Those things remind you what really matters.”

Wilson agreed, realizing that stepping back sometimes—getting “bored,” as she put it—helps keep her centered and inspired. But that doesn’t stop her from chasing the next big hit. “I can always fight for creativity,” she said, giving credit to the incredible songwriters she’s worked with for helping her sharpen her craft.

That passion shows in tracks like “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” and “Heart Like A Truck,” which have helped solidify her place as one of country music’s brightest stars. Whether rocking out to Bon Jovi or teaming up with Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson is having the time of her life—and taking all of us along for the ride.

Blake Shelton lit up the Grand Ole Opry with a lively and heartfelt tribute to the late Joe Diffie, performing the beloved 1994 hit “Pickup Man.” With the Opry’s historic stage as his backdrop, Shelton brought a fresh spark to the classic tune, capturing the crowd’s hearts while honoring one of country music’s most iconic voices.

“Pickup Man” has long been a fan favorite, thanks to its cheeky lyrics and infectious honky-tonk vibe. As soon as Shelton hit the first note, the energy in the room shifted—fans clapped, sang along, and smiled through the nostalgia. Shelton’s rich baritone and easygoing charm made for a pitch-perfect performance that stayed true to the spirit of the original while adding his own signature flair.

Blake has always been vocal about his admiration for Joe Diffie, often crediting him as a major influence on his career. This performance was more than a musical moment—it was a personal one. Shelton’s joy was evident as he grinned through the verses and soaked in the crowd’s reaction, clearly having as much fun as the audience.

Backed by a tight-knit band and a stage glowing with Opry tradition, Shelton made sure Diffie’s legacy was celebrated in style. The twangy guitars, toe-tapping beat, and warm vocals had fans of all ages on their feet, proving just how timeless “Pickup Man” really is.

The Opry, a dream stage for countless country artists, added extra meaning to the night. For Shelton—a longtime member and proud ambassador of country music—it was the perfect place to salute a legend. His performance was a reminder of how powerful country songs can be when delivered with heart, history, and a whole lot of fun.

As the crowd erupted in a standing ovation, social media lit up with praise, applauding Shelton for bringing new life to an old favorite. Fans shared memories of Joe Diffie and thanked Blake for keeping the spirit of traditional country alive.

In true Blake Shelton fashion, this performance wasn’t just about the past—it was about connecting generations of fans through the music they love. And on that night, with a pickup truck anthem and a whole lot of heart, he did just that.

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Our host Blake Shelton performs “Pickup Man” at Opry100: A Live Celebration! #blakeshelton

♬ original sound – NBC

Some of the biggest stars in country music are joining forces to honor one of the most legendary bands in the genre — Alabama.

The trailblazing group, made up of Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and the late Jeff Cook, is the latest to be featured in CMT Giants, a heartfelt tribute series celebrating icons in country music. The special concert was filmed at the beautiful Fisher Center at Belmont University in Nashville, and PEOPLE got an exclusive first look at the incredible night.

Onstage and behind the scenes, country favorites like Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Jamey Johnson, Sam Hunt, Riley Green, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, and Steve Wariner all came together to pay tribute. Even Alabama’s own Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry joined in to perform their timeless hits “Mountain Music” and “My Home’s in Alabama.”

Set to air on Thursday, August 15 at 8 p.m. ET on CMT, the special will feature unforgettable performances of Alabama’s greatest hits, each reimagined by today’s country stars. Highlights include:

The celebration will also include appearances by Evander Holyfield, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, and Vince Gill, along with a brand-new interview with Alabama’s surviving members.

Formed in 1969, Alabama rose to massive stardom in the 1980s, topping the charts with an incredible 27 No. 1 country hits — and adding more into the ’90s. Their blend of Southern rock and traditional country made them household names and paved the way for many artists today.

Though they took a break in the mid-2000s, the band reunited several times and released their comeback album Southern Drawl in 2015. Sadly, in 2017, Jeff Cook revealed he had been battling Parkinson’s disease, and he passed away in 2022.

Randy Owen remembered his longtime bandmate with heartfelt words:
“He lived to play the music we made together. He could play anything, but I’ll miss his harmonies most of all.”

Teddy Gentry added, “Jeff, Randy, and I were like brothers. We went through everything together—successes, struggles, and years on the road. No one played quite like Jeff. There will never be another.”

The upcoming CMT Giants: Alabama special is more than a tribute — it’s a celebration of a band whose songs have become part of the fabric of country music. Don’t miss it!

Rising country star Ella Langley lit up Nashville with a performance that felt more like a moment than a concert. With a mix of fierce energy and raw emotion, Ella reminded everyone why she’s quickly becoming one of country music’s most talked-about new voices.

Wearing her signature boots-and-denim look and carrying the kind of confidence that only comes from doing what you love, Ella hit the stage to roaring applause. From the very first note, the Alabama native let loose with a voice full of Southern soul and grit—no holding back, no filters, just pure, powerful storytelling.

She took the crowd on a journey through heartbreak, healing, and hard-won strength with hits like “That’s Why We Fight” and “Damn You.” Fans sang along like they’d lived the lyrics themselves, filling the venue with a shared energy that made the night feel like a hometown show—no matter where you were from.

Between songs, Ella chatted with the crowd like old friends, opening up about her roots, her music, and the wild ride that brought her to that stage. She didn’t just sing her truth—she shared it.

The night’s most unforgettable moment? A stripped-down version of her emotional ballad “Could’ve Been Her.” Just Ella, her guitar, and a single spotlight. You could’ve heard a pin drop. The crowd stood still, caught in the raw honesty of her voice. It wasn’t just a performance—it was real.

Ella first made waves on social media with her bold lyrics and big voice, but she’s more than just internet hype. She’s the kind of artist who blends modern edge with classic country storytelling—earning comparisons to legends like Miranda Lambert and Ashley McBryde, while still keeping her sound completely her own.

She ended the night with fan-favorite “Hell of a Man,” a rowdy anthem that had everyone on their feet, clapping, shouting, and dancing like nobody was watching. When she took her final bow, the standing ovation came fast and loud—and it didn’t let up.

With her debut album on the way and momentum building by the day, Ella Langley didn’t just impress Nashville—she claimed it. This wasn’t just another performance; it was her big “I’m here” moment. And based on everything we saw, she’s not going anywhere.

Ella Langley is more than a rising star—she’s a force. And country music better get ready.

Gwen Stefani just reached a major milestone in her music career — her very first No. 1 on the country charts — and she did it alongside her other half, Blake Shelton.

Their romantic duet, “Nobody But You,” has officially hit the top spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. While this is a big first for Gwen, it marks an impressive 27th No. 1 for Blake on the same chart.

The song, released in January, has been a fan favorite from the start. Written by Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, and Tommy Lee James, it’s already racked up nearly 80 million streams and sold over 750,000 track equivalents — not too shabby for Gwen’s country debut!

Blake proudly shared the news online, writing,
“Congratulations Gwen Stefani on your first country song going #1 at country radio!!! Not bad for your first try!!!!! Thank you all as well!!!

Gwen responded with heartfelt words of her own:
“Trying to wrap my head around the fact that I even get to know you, Blake — let alone be on such a beautiful, classic duet with you?! Thank you for taking me on this ride. I’m so grateful and blown away by all the love and support!”

“Nobody But You” is the third single from Blake’s 2019 album, Fully Loaded: God’s Country. The lovebirds have teamed up before on “Go Ahead and Break My Heart” and the holiday tune “You Make It Feel Like Christmas,” but this latest duet has truly struck a chord with fans and radio listeners alike.

It’s clear that when it comes to music — and love — these two are perfectly in tune.

John Foster may have finished second on American Idol Season 23, but he’s already moving full speed ahead with his music career. Just hours after the finale aired on May 18, the 18-year-old Louisiana native began teasing what’s next—and fans have every reason to be excited.

First up is his debut single, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” a heartfelt tribute to his late friend Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a car accident.

“I’m going to promote that song like crazy,” John said in a recent interview. “I wrote it on my own, and I think it really shows who I am—not just as a singer, but as a writer and a person.”

But that’s just the beginning. John’s already eager to hit the studio again and start working on his first full album. “I love the creative process,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back in there and make more music.”

And while the focus is on music, he isn’t closing the door on other opportunities—like Dancing With the Stars. “I’ve never really thought about it,” he laughed. “But hey, never say never!”

For now, though, his top priority is simple: going home and spending time with his dog. “I’ve missed my pup,” he said with a smile. “I’m just really excited to be home for a bit.”

John took the finale outcome with grace and gratitude. “I’m honestly so proud,” he shared. “To be second out of 120,000 people—and part of what I think was the most talented Top 24 ever—is something I’ll always remember.”

Third-place finalist Breanna Nix echoed that sense of peace and purpose. She was eliminated earlier in the night, but said she felt a calm assurance the whole time.

“I truly believe God directed every step I took on this show,” she said. “I had a feeling I’d go out first during the finale—and I was totally okay with that.”

In fact, Breanna had her eye on Jamal Roberts as the likely winner way back in Hollywood Week. “The first time I heard him sing, I just knew,” she said. “I walked up, introduced myself, and said, ‘You’re going to win American Idol, and I want to be the one who predicted it!’” Sure enough, after Jamal’s win, she reminded him of that moment—and he remembered.

Breanna, a powerhouse vocalist and mom, says this is just the beginning. “I already feel like I’ve won,” she said. “I’ve grown so much, and I just released my first single, ‘Higher.’ It’s been surreal, and so many new opportunities are coming my way.”

She hopes to stay connected with Idol, too. “If they ever need a judge, a mentor, anything—I’m there,” she said. “This show changed my life.”

As for what’s next, both artists are preparing for the next big chapter—touring, recording, and staying connected with the fans who’ve supported them every step of the way.

John left future contestants with some advice straight from the heart:
“Be confident in who you are. Don’t let setbacks define you. This isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. Keep going.”

And with that kind of mindset, both John and Breanna are poised to soar far beyond the Idol stage.

The Season 23 finale of American Idol aired on May 18, 2025, with Jamal Roberts taking home the title. But for many viewers, it was 18-year-old John Foster from Addis, Louisiana, who stole the show — and their hearts. Even though he finished as the runner-up, it’s clear he won the love and support of nearly half the country.

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The exciting three-hour finale was packed with standout performances from the Top 14 contestants and even a few unforgettable moments from the judges themselves. But it was John’s heartfelt performances and humble spirit that left a lasting impression.

Shortly after the show, John took to Instagram to thank his supporters and reflect on the whirlwind experience. Known for his smooth, soulful voice and old-school country charm, fans have often said he sounds like someone with decades of experience.

“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes,” he wrote. “I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – times a million.”

A Finale Full of Heart

For his first finale performance, John chose the patriotic anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” encouraged by mentor Jelly Roll to pour everything he had into the moment. He followed it with a crowd-pleasing rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which had both judges and the audience singing along.

After fellow finalist Breanna Nix was eliminated, John and Jamal went head-to-head for the final vote. For his last performance, John returned to a deeply personal place, singing his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn. The emotional tribute brought many in the room to tears, including the judges.

Meanwhile, Jamal debuted his powerful original song “Heal,” calling it a prayer for those in pain.

A Moment of Speculation, But Nothing But Grace

As the final votes came in, fans noticed a brief moment that sparked conversation online — John seemed to glance at the results envelope just before Ryan Seacrest officially announced Jamal as the winner. Social media lit up with playful speculation:

“Did John Foster just peek at the card?”
“He looked like he saw the name before Ryan said anything!”
“Seacrest needs to face the contestants when announcing — John clearly saw it first!”

Regardless of how the moment played out, John handled it all with his signature grace and humility. His fans responded with overwhelming love and encouragement.

“John Foster, we’re so proud of you. You’re already a star.”
“Even though you didn’t win the title, you’ve won our hearts. Can’t wait for your music!”
“Addis, Louisiana has never been prouder!”

What’s Next for John Foster?

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With his debut single already out and talk of a full album on the way, John Foster’s journey is only just beginning. Whether it’s on country radio, the concert stage, or in the studio, fans are excited to see where this rising star goes next.

As John himself says, “This is only the beginning. Don’t be discouraged. Keep going.”

And with that spirit, it’s clear we’ll be hearing from John Foster for years to come.