LeAnn Rimes brought the house down at the 60th ACM Awards with a performance of “Blue” that left everyone in awe. Nearly three decades after she first captivated the world with the song at just 13, LeAnn’s voice has only grown richer and more powerful. At 42, she infused the classic hit with deeper emotion and flawless vocal control, proving why she’s still a force to be reckoned with in country music.

During the performance, she held a note so long and so perfectly that the camera cut to Carrie Underwood, who was visibly stunned. Even Chris Stapleton, known for his own powerhouse vocals, was leaning forward in awe.

By the time LeAnn finished, the audience erupted into applause, with Reba McEntire wiping away a tear and Keith Urban cheering loudly. Jelly Roll, too, was seen with his hands raised in a moment of pure admiration.

After leaving the stage with nothing but a smile and a slight bow, it was clear: LeAnn Rimes is back, and the world is ready for her next chapter. Rumors are swirling about a new tour and a possible duet album, but for now, her performance of “Blue” will be remembered as nothing short of legendary.

On April 28, 2025, during the Top 12 live show of American Idol Season 23, 18-year-old John Foster gave a deeply moving performance of Randy Travis’s iconic song “I Told You So,” earning praise from both the judges and the audience. His heartfelt rendition not only helped him secure a spot in the Top 10, but also created a touching moment in the competition, especially since the performance was directed toward judge Carrie Underwood, who famously covered the song in 2007.

Foster revealed that Underwood’s version of “I Told You So” had a major impact on his own journey into music. He shared, “The fact that she was sitting there on the panel… the pressure was on. She has such a great version of the song, but I knew I had to sing to her and let America see my passion.”

Underwood, clearly moved by Foster’s performance, likened him to her own son, praising his sincerity and raw talent. “He’s so sweet and fresh-faced,” she said, “When he sings, you feel it.” Judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie also expressed their admiration, with Bryan acknowledging Foster as a “wildcard” and Richie praising his emotional delivery. “When you sing, it’s so believable,” Richie said.

Foster’s performance came on the heels of an emotional tribute he had delivered on April 20, performing his original song “Tell That Angel I Love You,” dedicated to his late friend Maggie Dunn. That heartfelt moment had already showcased his depth as an artist, further cementing his authenticity and emotional range.

By choosing “I Told You So,” Foster not only paid homage to Randy Travis’s legacy but also demonstrated how far he’s come in his musical journey. His ability to connect emotionally with both his songs and the audience has made him a standout contestant on American Idol Season 23, leaving fans eager to see what he will do next.

In the Showstopper round of American Idol Season 23, Jamal Roberts delivered a breathtaking performance of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” that had both the judges and the audience in awe. A 26-year-old physical education teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, Roberts brought a soulful twist to this country classic, proving just how versatile he is as an artist.

The song, originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, has been famously covered by several artists, with Stapleton’s 2015 rendition standing out as one of the most celebrated. For Roberts, taking on this iconic track was a bold choice, especially given his background in gospel and R&B rather than country music. Before stepping on stage, he shared his nerves with the audience, admitting, “I’m not a country singer. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone.”

As soon as he began to sing, it was clear that Roberts was owning his decision. He added a soulful, gospel-infused touch to the song, making it his own while still paying tribute to the original. His smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery created a fresh and captivating version of the song. By the end of his performance, judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan were on their feet, applauding his outstanding effort.

Roberts’ ability to blend genres showed his artistic range and highlighted his potential to go far in the competition. His version of “Tennessee Whiskey” wasn’t just a cover—it was a showcase of his unique style and creative talent. This unforgettable performance has quickly become a standout moment in this season of American Idol.

As the competition heats up, fans are eager to see how Roberts will continue to surprise and impress with his musical versatility, building on the momentum from his incredible performance.

At the 54th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards on November 11, 2020, Chris Stapleton captivated the audience with a stunning performance of his song “Starting Over.” Held at Nashville’s Music City Center, the performance featured Stapleton alongside his wife, Morgane Stapleton, who added beautiful backing vocals that enhanced the emotional depth of the song.

“Starting Over,” the title track from Stapleton’s fourth studio album, was co-written with Mike Henderson, a former member of Stapleton’s band, the SteelDrivers. Released in August 2020, the song resonated deeply with listeners, offering a message of hope and fresh starts—an especially powerful theme in a year marked by global challenges. Critics, like Rolling Stone’s Joseph Hudak, praised the song for its relevance and optimism in the face of adversity.

This CMA Awards performance marked the song’s live debut, and it did not disappoint. With his soulful voice and an intimate stage setup, Stapleton mesmerized the audience, while the chemistry between him and Morgane added an authentic touch that perfectly aligned with the song’s themes of love and perseverance.

Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to several performers having to pull out of the event, Stapleton’s performance was a beacon of resilience. His appearance also served as a preview to his album “Starting Over,” which was released two days later, on November 13, 2020. The album, praised for blending country, blues, and rock influences, further solidified Stapleton’s place as a versatile and soulful artist.

In a year full of uncertainty, Stapleton’s performance was a reminder of the power of music to heal and inspire, offering a much-needed message of hope during tough times. His appearance at the 2020 CMA Awards was truly a standout moment, both musically and emotionally.

On April 30, 2025, rising country star Zach Top made a big impression during his debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing his fan-favorite single, “I Never Lie.” The song—featured on his debut album Cold Beer & Country Music—has already earned platinum status and landed a spot in the Top 5 on country radio.

Staying true to his roots, Top brought a fresh yet nostalgic energy to the stage, channeling the sound and spirit of ‘90s country. Backed by his touring band, he delivered a heartfelt and down-to-earth performance that struck a chord with both the live audience and viewers at home.

Fans and critics quickly took to social media to share their love for the performance, calling him “the man saving country music” for his dedication to keeping the traditional sound alive.

Zach Top’s career continues to rise. He was recently named ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year and is scheduled to perform at the 60th ACM Awards on May 8, 2025, sharing the stage with country legends like Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert.

Rascal Flatts made an unforgettable return to the spotlight at the 2025 ACM Awards, joining forces with the Backstreet Boys for an epic performance that had the crowd on their feet.

After an extended break, the country trio—one of the genre’s biggest names since their 1999 debut—officially parted ways in 2021, following a farewell tour that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the group pursued individual projects, fans were thrilled when Rascal Flatts announced their long-awaited reunion in 2024 to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Along with their reunion, Rascal Flatts revealed they’ll be dropping a new album, Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets, on June 6, 2025, which promises to bring fresh takes on their beloved hits.

The Big Performance at the ACMs

At the ACM Awards, Rascal Flatts delivered a show-stopping performance with the Backstreet Boys. The two groups brought fans to their feet as they opened with a new version of “What Hurts the Most.” After a solo performance of “I Dare You” by Rascal Flatts, the Backstreet Boys lit up the stage with their hit “Larger Than Life,” complete with their signature dance moves.

The grand finale brought both groups together for a high-energy rendition of “Life Is a Highway,” creating a perfect mix of country and pop nostalgia that left fans in awe.

What did you think of the performance? The collaboration between these iconic groups was truly one for the books!

The excitement on American Idol Season 23 is at an all-time high as the top 8 contestants compete for a spot in the top 6. With the stakes higher than ever, the tension is palpable, and this week’s eliminations left fans stunned—Platinum Ticket holders Kolbi Jordan and Canaan James Hill were sent home, narrowing the field even further.

One of the standout moments of the night came from Jamal Roberts, who took the stage with a powerful rendition of Carrie Underwood’s hit “Undo It.” Dressed in his signature black attire and cowboy hat, Jamal brought his trademark mix of soul, range, and energy that left both the judges and Underwood herself impressed.

The theme of the night was “Ladies Night,” celebrating iconic women in music, with country legend Miranda Lambert joining as the guest judge. In honor of the 20th anniversary of her hit “Kerosene,” Lambert not only performed but also worked closely with the contestants, helping them connect with their songs on a deeper level. She coached Jamal to keep his own style intact while respecting Underwood’s original, a balance he nailed effortlessly.

Despite a minor slip-up where Jamal missed a couple of lyrics early in the performance, he quickly recovered. Carrie Underwood brushed off the mistake, saying, “Who cares?” and made it clear that she loved Jamal’s interpretation. Afterward, in a lighthearted moment, Underwood even wore his cowboy hat, showing her approval.

Judge Lionel Richie captured it perfectly: “Mesmerizing.” Jamal’s ability to captivate the audience, even in a challenging theme week, proves why he deserves his spot in the top 8. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he makes it to the top 6 when the next elimination rolls around on Monday night, May 5.

Just six weeks after his first American Idol audition aired, 18-year-old John Foster is no longer the underdog—he’s a real contender. With every heartfelt performance, he’s showing America that he’s not just chasing a dream—he’s living it.

Back when he first stepped in front of the judges, Foster brought his Louisiana charm and a classic Alan Jackson tune, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.” It was likable, but not quite enough to seal the deal. That’s when Carrie Underwood stepped in, asking him to show more of what he could really do. He answered with a tender cover of Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time,” a moment that turned hesitation into a chance.

“I don’t know if vocally it’s there to make it through many, many rounds of American Idol, but I think you’ve got a nice voice,” Luke Bryan admitted at the time. “It’s a yes. I went from a no to a yes.”

Since then, Foster’s been proving that yes was the right call.

Quietly but confidently, John has worked his way into the hearts of Idol fans—especially country music lovers—with a mix of humility, charm, and old-soul sincerity. And this week, he delivered what might be his most personal performance yet.

Taking the stage with George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart,” John dedicated the song to his girlfriend, Brooklyn, who watched from the audience. He confessed he’d never been able to sing a love song and truly mean it—until now. The result? A simple, heartfelt moment that reminded everyone why they fell in love with country music in the first place.

Carrie Underwood, who picked the song for him, beamed with pride. “That was absolutely perfect,” she said. “It felt real, it felt natural. I think it’s one of your best performances, John.”

Even Luke Bryan—once skeptical—couldn’t hold back his admiration. “I saw a clip of myself from your audition saying I didn’t know if you could sing good enough… and man, you’ve proved me wrong more than anyone. I’m proud of you.”

From a shaky start to standing ovations, John Foster’s Idol journey is shaping up to be one of the season’s most inspiring. He may not have stormed in with flash or flair, but he’s winning fans—and hearts—with something even better: authenticity, growth, and a whole lot of heart.

The 59th Annual ACM Awards on May 16, 2024, in Frisco, Texas, brought together some of country music’s biggest stars for a memorable night of music and tribute. Hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, the ceremony featured stunning performances from artists like Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Jason Aldean, among others.

Reba wowed the crowd with a performance of her new song, “I Can’t,” while Jelly Roll debuted his heartfelt track, “Liar.”

One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Jason Aldean took the stage to honor the late Toby Keith, who passed away just months before the ceremony. Aldean, who had a close friendship with Keith, shared a powerful tribute to the country icon by performing “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” – a song they had last performed together in October 2023.

Jason had previously posted on social media about the loss of his friend, reflecting on their memorable performance in Oklahoma City just months earlier. At the ACMs, with Toby’s family in the front row, Aldean slowed the song down and was joined by a string quartet, adding a layer of emotion to the performance. The large screen behind him displayed photos of Toby throughout his remarkable career.

Toby’s wife, Tricia, and children Shelley, Krystal, and Stelen were visibly moved, wiping away tears as the tribute unfolded. This was the family’s first public appearance together since Toby’s passing, with Tricia making her first appearance alongside her children at this event.

Following the tribute, the Covel family shared a heartfelt message on Toby’s social media accounts, thanking Jason Aldean for the emotional performance and calling it the perfect tribute to Toby Keith.

John Foster, hailing from Louisiana, left fans in awe with his heartfelt performance of Travis Tritt’s “Anymore,” showcasing the talent that has made him a rising star in country music. Armed with nothing more than a microphone, his voice, and a simple stage setup, Foster delivered an intimate, yet powerful rendition that captivated the audience.

Before stepping into the spotlight on American Idol, Foster already demonstrated that his strength lies in his raw talent, not flashy theatrics. A pre-Idol performance recently shared on social media shows him delivering a stripped-back version of “Anymore” with just his guitar and vocals. His effortless control, rich tone, and emotional storytelling proved he was destined for bigger things, even in his early stages.

What sets Foster apart isn’t just his vocal skills—it’s his ability to take every song and make it his own. At just 18, his live rendition of “Anymore” surpassed even the studio version, a rare achievement for any artist, especially one so young. His dynamic vocals and emotional depth left the audience spellbound, highlighting that authenticity and a genuine connection to the music are what truly make an artist stand out.

As a Top 7 finalist on American Idol Season 23, Foster continues to show why he’s a strong contender for the crown. His journey has been marked by consistent performances that range from emotional ballads to heartfelt moments, like serenading his girlfriend on national television. His raw yet polished delivery has made him a fan favorite across the nation.

With the season finale approaching, all eyes are on this small-town Louisiana singer. Will he make it to the final three and bring a hero’s welcome to his hometown of Addis, Louisiana? Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his journey, as the competition heats up.

With his soulful voice, undeniable talent, and grounded authenticity, John Foster is proving he’s ready for the big stage. As his American Idol journey continues, there’s no telling how far he’ll go.