John Foster delivered a heartfelt and memorable performance of Brooks & Dunn’s classic “Neon Moon” on American Idol Season 23, winning over both the judges and the audience. His smooth, emotional take on the country hit earned him a standing ovation during the Top 14 reveal episode—and it’s easy to see why.

Hailing from Addis, Louisiana, Foster has made it clear that country music runs deep in his roots. Choosing a 1991 favorite like “Neon Moon” was no accident—it perfectly suited his voice and style. His performance brought out the heartache and longing in the song, and his connection to the lyrics made it feel personal and real.

Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood were clearly moved. Carrie even sang along, showing how much she appreciated his version. When all three stood up to applaud, it was a big moment—one that showed just how powerful Foster’s performance truly was.

Fans online couldn’t stop talking about it either. Comments like “John has that classic country voice—he sounds timeless,” and “I can already hear him on the radio,” show that he’s connecting with people who love traditional country.

This wasn’t Foster’s first emotional moment on the Idol stage. Earlier in the season, he performed an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” as a tribute to two close friends he lost. That performance showcased not only his voice but also his songwriting talent—and it left a lasting impression.

Now in the Top 14, Foster says the support from fans and judges continues to push him to grow. His mix of humility, passion, and old-school country charm makes him a standout this season.

With each performance, John Foster proves he’s not just a contestant—he’s an artist on the rise. His version of “Neon Moon” brought a beloved classic to life for a new generation, and it might just be the beginning of something big.

Morgan Wallen is letting fans in on a more personal side of his music with a raw acoustic performance of “I’m The Problem,” part of his newly launched The Shop Sessions series. The song is the title track from his upcoming album I’m The Problem, dropping May 16, 2025.

Filmed inside a rustic, converted auto shop, the setting couldn’t be more fitting. It’s simple, quiet, and full of character—just like the performance itself. Gone are the flashy studio effects; instead, Wallen’s voice and honest lyrics take the spotlight.

“I’m The Problem,” co-written with Grady Block, Jamie McLaughlin, ERNEST, and Ryan Vojtesak, explores the emotional messiness of a broken relationship. Wallen sings about taking a hard look in the mirror, owning his flaws, and challenging the idea that he’s the only one to blame. A standout line, “I guess I’m the problem / And you’re Ms. ‘Never Do No Wrong’,” captures that struggle perfectly, balancing vulnerability with just a touch of defiance.

The visual vibe of the session—dark lighting, an empty garage, and a no-frills setup—matches the mood of the song. Backed by his band, Wallen delivers the performance with quiet strength, letting the emotion in the lyrics speak for itself. The stripped-back approach adds to the song’s honesty and impact.

The Shop Sessions continues Wallen’s tradition of sharing acoustic versions of his songs, following fan-favorite releases like Dangerous Sessions and Abbey Road Sessions. This time, the focus is all about keeping it real—something fans are loving.

Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with listeners praising the emotional depth and rawness of the performance. Wallen’s openness and willingness to put his flaws into words are striking a chord, building even more excitement for the full album.

If this acoustic preview is any indication, I’m The Problem promises to be one of Wallen’s most personal and powerful projects yet.

At the CMA Awards, Carrie Underwood delivered a deeply emotional performance of “Softly and Tenderly” that left the audience in awe. From the moment she stepped on stage, there was an electric sense of anticipation, but her rendition of the hymn far exceeded anyone’s expectations.

With every note, Carrie’s voice conveyed both power and vulnerability, perfectly capturing the song’s tender message. The raw emotion in her performance was undeniable, and it wasn’t long before she fought back tears, sharing a powerful moment of connection with both the song and the audience. Her heartfelt delivery seemed to reach into the hearts of everyone present, creating a sense of shared beauty and emotion.

The performance itself was a masterclass in vocal ability. Carrie’s voice, clear and pure, carried the delicate melody with ease, while the minimal instrumentation allowed her talent to shine through. The soft lighting added to the intimacy of the moment, amplifying the emotional weight of the song. As she reached the peak of the song, the entire room was captivated by the raw, emotional energy she exuded.

As the final notes faded, Carrie was visibly moved, with tears that reflected the deep emotion of the song. The crowd’s thunderous applause was a testament to the vulnerability and strength she displayed. Carrie Underwood’s performance of “Softly and Tenderly” wasn’t just another award show performance—it was an unforgettable moment of heartfelt artistry, solidifying her place as one of country music’s most powerful vocalists.

Lainey Wilson kicked off her much-anticipated tour with a moment fans will be talking about for a long time. On opening night, the crowd got the surprise of a lifetime when none other than country legend Wynonna Judd stepped out on stage to join Lainey for an unexpected duet of Tom Petty’s rock classic, “Refugee.”

The energy in the venue was already sky-high as Lainey launched into her set, but when Wynonna appeared, the excitement hit a whole new level. With her unmistakable voice and commanding stage presence, Wynonna received a roaring welcome from the stunned audience.

The two powerhouse vocalists dove into “Refugee” with a fiery performance that blended Lainey’s Southern grit and Wynonna’s rich, soulful tone. Their voices intertwined perfectly, creating a fresh spin on the beloved anthem. Fans didn’t miss a beat, singing along at the top of their lungs as the duo delivered a raw, electrifying rendition that felt both spontaneous and straight from the heart.

It wasn’t just about the vocals—it was the vibe. Lainey and Wynonna clearly had a blast performing together, exchanging playful glances, dancing across the stage, and soaking in the crowd’s enthusiasm. Their chemistry was undeniable, and it made the performance feel like a celebration rather than a concert.

The duet served as a powerful tribute to Tom Petty, proving that great music transcends genres. It also reminded everyone just how magical live music can be—especially when two generations of country stars come together for a shared moment on stage.

Afterward, Lainey beamed as she thanked Wynonna, calling it a true honor to sing beside one of her all-time heroes. She also teased that more surprises could be in store as the tour continues.

With an unforgettable opening night like this, fans are more excited than ever to see what Lainey Wilson has in store next. If this epic duet is any indication, they’re in for something special.

Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time album took the country world by storm in 2023, and it didn’t take long before he turned that momentum into the massive One Night at a Time World Tour. Along the way, he’s brought some of country’s brightest stars along for the ride—names like HARDY, Bailey Zimmerman, Ernest, and Parker McCollum have all joined the fun. But it was his recent stop in Las Vegas that fans are still buzzing about, thanks to a surprise performance that brought the house down.

During one of his two sold-out shows at Allegiant Stadium, Wallen stunned the crowd by bringing out none other than Jelly Roll for a show-stopping duet. The two teamed up on “Cowgirls,” a track originally recorded with Ernest, but Jelly Roll made it his own—stepping in effortlessly and adding his signature grit and soul to the mix.

The energy in the arena skyrocketed as the duo danced and laughed their way down the catwalk, clearly having as much fun as the audience. Fans caught every moment on camera, capturing a performance that felt both spontaneous and electric.

But the surprises didn’t stop there. Earlier in the night, Jelly Roll—who opened for Wallen’s first Vegas show—had a few tricks up his sleeve too. Mid-set, he welcomed Machine Gun Kelly to the stage, and the crowd went wild. The two performed “Need a Favor,” as well as their powerful collab “Lonely Road,” which dropped last July. That song’s music video even features their wives, Bunnie Xo and Megan Fox, making it a true family affair.

While Jelly Roll opened the first show, Bailey Zimmerman took over for night two, giving fans another taste of the rising talent that’s shaping modern country music. With Las Vegas now in the rearview, Wallen is setting his sights overseas, where he’s scheduled to perform in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

@955thebull

Who knew @Jelly Roll and @morganwallen perfoming “Cowgirls” together in Las Vegas was a collab we needed!?

♬ original sound – 95.5 The Bull

The ACM Honors took place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at the iconic Ryman Auditorium, with the ceremony airing on September 24 on Merit Street, a channel owned by Dr. Phil.

What’s the ACM Honors? The ACM Honors is a special awards event that recognizes outstanding contributions within the country music industry. It celebrates a variety of honors, including the ACM Special Awards, Songwriter & Artist-Songwriter of the Year Awards, and the Industry and Studio Recording Awards. This event is a favorite among industry insiders and music fans alike.

Hosted by Carly Pearce, a four-time host, and reigning ACM Song of the Year winner Jordan Davis, this year’s event honored country legends such as Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, Lainey Wilson, and Trisha Yearwood, among others.

The night was filled with incredible performances, with artists like Eric Church, Vince Gill, and Emmylou Harris leading the lineup. Later, a second round of performers joined the stage, including Lauren Alaina, Terri Clark, Jordan Davis, and 15-time ACM Award winner Jason Aldean.

The ACM Lifting Lives Award, which is given to an artist or industry professional who uses music to make a positive impact and serves others, was a key highlight of the evening. The award was inspired by Gary Haber and honors those who give back generously to others.

Ahead of the event, Aldean shared his thoughts on his close friend Luke Bryan, and in a heartfelt tribute, performed Bryan’s 2009 hit “Someone Else Calling You Baby,” which was a chart-topping success from Bryan’s second album, Doin’ My Thing.

Country music legend George Strait gave fans and employees at a Dairy Queen a fun surprise when he stopped by the drive-thru for lunch.

According to Becky, one of the employees working that day, George ordered a classic Hunger Buster combo—a burger, fries, and a drink. She said her coworker was the first to recognize him, and they quickly confirmed it really was the star himself.

“When he pulled up, my coworker said, ‘That looks like George Strait!’ So we waited to be sure,” Becky told Country Now. “When the window opened, she asked, ‘George?’ and he smiled and said, ‘Yes.’ I asked how he was doing and if he comes by often. He said, ‘Yes, I do.’ Then we shook hands, and I asked for a selfie—he was super friendly and said, ‘Of course.’”

Becky added, “It was such an amazing experience. He was so polite and kind. I had never met him before, even though I heard he’s been here before. I feel lucky I was working that day.”

Excited about the encounter, Becky later posted a video of it on TikTok, and it quickly went viral—racking up over 300,000 views in just a few days. Fans flooded the comments with love for the country star:

“Imagine his voice coming over the speaker placing an order.”

“George Strait has always been so humble—that’s why he’s still #1!”

“Don’t play with me!! I love that man!!”

“I would’ve melted just hearing his voice through the speaker.”

Lainey Wilson lit up the Jimmy Kimmel Live stage with a soulful performance of her latest single, “Wildflowers and Wild Horses”, and reminded everyone why she’s one of the most powerful voices in country music today.

“It always feels good to be back,” Lainey said with a smile, clearly feeling right at home on the late-night stage.

With warm lighting and a desert-inspired backdrop, the scene was perfectly set for the heartfelt track that reflects on Lainey’s small-town roots in Baskin, Louisiana. Dressed in her signature style—a fringe jacket with feathered sleeves, gold bell bottoms, and her trusty cowboy hat—she captivated the audience with raw emotion and down-home charm.

Lainey’s vocals were as fierce and free as the song’s title suggests, drawing listeners into a story of grit, resilience, and connection to the land. “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” co-written with Trannie Anderson and Paul Sikes, is the third single from her Bell Bottom Country album, following hits like Heart Like a Truck and Watermelon Moonshine.

The song also made a splash when it hit country radio, becoming one of the most added tracks during its debut week.

Fans first heard it live during her big night at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, where she took home five trophies—including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year. During that emotional performance, she paid tribute to her family’s legacy—five generations of Louisiana farmers—and the strength that’s been passed down to her.

“This one definitely shows that western side,” Lainey explained. “It takes me back to my childhood. It takes me back to my roots.”

You may have also spotted the song in Lainey’s recent Wrangler commercial, where she not only lent her voice but also starred as the face of the brand’s fall/winter campaign—bringing her love for the Western lifestyle full circle.

From the farm fields of Louisiana to national television, Lainey Wilson is blazing her own trail—and we’re lucky to be along for the ride.

At the 2016 CMA Music Festival, fans at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium were in for a treat when country superstars Luke Bryan and Keith Urban teamed up for a surprise performance of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s classic hit, “Fishin’ in the Dark.”

The crowd lit up as Luke kicked things off with his signature charm, while Keith added his magic on guitar—creating a perfect blend of vocals, rhythm, and energy. Their on-stage chemistry was undeniable, and the whole stadium could feel the fun and friendship between the two artists.

Originally released in 1987, “Fishin’ in the Dark” is one of those songs that brings back memories of summer nights and carefree adventures under the stars. Its nostalgic vibe has made it a long-time favorite for country fans of all ages.

Luke Bryan’s known for his high-energy shows and crowd-pleasing hits, while Keith Urban brings his world-class guitar skills and heartfelt lyrics to every performance. Put them together, and you’ve got a duet that celebrates everything great about country music.

Their performance wasn’t just about honoring a classic—it was also a celebration of the genre’s deep roots and the friendships that keep it thriving. Moments like this are what make the CMA Fest so special—where the past, present, and future of country music come together on one unforgettable stage.

Ricky Van Shelton has long been loved for his smooth baritone voice and timeless country style. Born on January 12, 1952, in the quiet town of Danville, Virginia, he burst onto the country music scene in the late ’80s and quickly became one of the era’s brightest stars. Of all his standout songs, one that continues to leave a lasting impression is his touching version of “Life Turned Her That Way.”

Originally penned by the legendary Harlan Howard in 1967, the song has been recorded by several country greats over the years, including Mel Tillis and George Jones. Its lyrics speak to the pain and struggles that shape a person, especially in matters of the heart.

When Ricky Van Shelton recorded the song for his second album, Loving Proof, in 1988, he brought a fresh yet faithful touch to this classic. His heartfelt delivery and warm vocal tone struck a chord with listeners, earning the track a well-deserved spot at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart. It also helped Loving Proof go platinum, cementing Shelton’s place as a key voice in traditional country music.

What made his version special? Ricky didn’t just sing the words—he lived them. His performance carried a quiet strength and emotional honesty that made the song feel personal and relatable. It was more than a cover; it became a new chapter in the song’s legacy.

Fans and critics alike praised his version for capturing the heartache and humanity behind the lyrics. It’s a song about understanding someone who’s been through a lot—and Ricky’s voice wrapped that message in warmth and compassion.

Even today, his version of “Life Turned Her That Way” remains one of the most powerful in country music history. It’s a reminder of how music can connect us through shared feelings of love, loss, and healing.

If you haven’t heard it in a while—or ever—take a moment to listen.
You just might find yourself feeling every word.