Long before she became a country music icon, Reba McEntire got her big break at a rodeo back in 1974. Just a year later, she signed her first record deal with Mercury Records, and by 1977, her debut album hit the shelves. She went on to release several albums with Mercury, but it was her 1982 release Unlimited that really turned heads.

That album featured a career-defining moment: her first #1 hit, “Can’t Even Get the Blues.” The song soared to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and marked the beginning of what would become a legendary run in country music.

When Reba performed the hit on Country Standard Time, she had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand. With a cheeky grin and her signature charm, she told the audience:

“When we first got into the music business, there were a few things we were looking for, but number one was a number one record. Now that was seven years ago…and last December we found out we were gonna get one. We were thrilled to death thanks to y’all. But you know what?”

The crowd leaned in.

“We can’t even get the blues a-no more!” she shouted, full of sass and sparkle.

With that, the band kicked in, and Reba launched into the upbeat break-up tune that had taken her straight to the top. Watching her light up the stage with joy and confidence was a true treat—her energy was infectious, and fans couldn’t help but smile along.

“Can’t Even Get the Blues” wasn’t just a hit—it was a turning point. It helped launch Reba into superstardom, and since then, she’s only soared higher. With over 75 million records sold, more than 100 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and 25 #1 hits, it’s no wonder she’s lovingly known as the Queen of Country Music.

Nearly 50 years later, Reba is still going strong. Whether she’s starring in her new sitcom Happy’s Place, wrapping up a season on The Voice, or hitting the stage for another unforgettable performance—Reba proves time and time again that she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

And as for the blues? Yeah, she’s still too busy making hits to feel ’em.

Released in 2004 as the third single from Brad Paisley’s Mud On The Tires album, “Whiskey Lullaby” quickly became a country classic. A heart-wrenching duet with Alison Krauss, the song won the 2005 CMA Song of the Year Award and was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA, cementing its legacy in country music.

The song was written by Bill Anderson and Jon Randall, inspired by a tough period in Randall’s life, which included personal struggles like a divorce and career setbacks. A comment from his manager about his drinking habits sparked the haunting line, “he put that bottle to his head and pulled the trigger.”

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A post shared by Brad Paisley (@bradpaisley)

Initially, The Chicks had considered recording the track, but the song’s fate changed when Brad Paisley discovered it and decided to turn it into a duet. He ultimately chose Alison Krauss for the female vocals, a decision that helped the song reach its full emotional impact.

Recently, Brad Paisley took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry for a special performance of “Whiskey Lullaby,” this time with the rising star Lainey Wilson. With her latest album Whirlwind making waves, Wilson brought her own magic to the classic, and fans were thrilled by the new rendition. One fan even commented, “Over 20 years later, and I still get chills every time I hear this song.”

Paisley shared the powerful performance on his social media, letting fans relive the unforgettable moment.

@musicmayhemmagazine.com

@Lainey Wilson joined @Brad Paisley for a surprise performance of “Whiskey Lullaby” at the Opry! #LaineyWilson #BradPaisley #GrandOleOpry #Opry #Nashville #CountryMusic #MusicCity #WhiskeyLullaby #Concert #LiveMusic

♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

Cody Johnson’s journey to country stardom is anything but ordinary—and that’s exactly what makes his story so inspiring.

Before he was selling out arenas and topping charts, Cody was juggling life as a prison guard by day and a country musician by night. Yep, you read that right. Back in the mid-2000s, he worked at the John Wynne maximum-security prison in Huntsville, Texas—alongside his dad. But deep down, he knew music was his calling.

With six self-released albums under his belt and a growing fanbase, his big moment came in 2016 with the release of Gotta Be Me, which soared to No. 1 on the indie charts. That same year, his heartfelt single “With You I Am” made waves, proving that Cody—known lovingly to fans as CoJo—was the real deal.

In 2018, he officially signed with Warner Music Nashville and hasn’t looked back since. His rise has been powered by gritty vocals, honest storytelling, and a work ethic built from years of doing things the hard way.

So, who is Cody Johnson?
Born May 21, 1987, in Sebastopol, Texas, Cody is now 37 years old and still proudly wears his Texas roots on his sleeve. Music was always in the background growing up—his parents, Sheila and Carl, played instruments and sang in church. But Cody says he really started to take music seriously in high school, joking that “everybody starts playing—for girls and beer!”

Was Cody in the military?
Nope, not the military—but Cody did serve as a correctional officer before making the leap to music full-time. It was a warden at the prison who gave him the encouragement he needed, telling him, “You can always come back if it doesn’t work out.” Luckily, Cody never had to take him up on that offer.

What are his biggest hits?
Cody’s debut album, Black and White Label, came out in 2006, and he’s been climbing ever since. His most recent album, Leather, released in 2023, took home Album of the Year at the CMA Awards in 2024—a major milestone for the former independent artist.

With fan-favorite songs like “’Til You Can’t,” “Human,” and “Wild as You,” Cody Johnson continues to prove that real, heartfelt country music is alive and well.

And guess what? He’s headed across the pond for C2C 2025, ready to bring that signature Texas sound to fans overseas.

It was a night to remember in Washington, D.C., filled with patriotic spirit and powerful music moments—starting with Carrie Underwood’s stunning a cappella version of “America The Beautiful.” As President Trump was welcomed back into office, the evening brought together a star-studded lineup of country favorites. From Jason Aldean delivering an extended set to Rascal Flatts reuniting on stage, the celebrations were packed with energy and emotion.

But one of the most touching highlights came later in the evening at the Commander-in-Chief Ball, when Parker McCollum took the stage. After performing fan favorites like “Pretty Heart,” “To Be Loved By You,” and his current single “What Kinda Man,” McCollum closed out his set with a heartfelt tribute to the late Toby Keith.

Paying homage to the country legend, McCollum delivered a powerful performance of Keith’s patriotic anthem, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” The moment felt especially meaningful, as Keith had famously performed the same song during President Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. McCollum’s rendition echoed Keith’s bold spirit and deep connection to both country music and American pride.

A longtime admirer of Keith, McCollum had previously honored him during a star-studded tribute concert last August, where he led a crowd sing-along of that very song. And when the world lost Toby Keith, McCollum took to social media to express his sadness, writing, “He really is a country music legend, man. A Legend gone way too soon. RIP Cowboy!”

Known by fans as “The Limestone Kid,” McCollum poured his heart into the performance, making it clear just how much Keith’s legacy means to him—and to country music as a whole. While Carrie Underwood may have opened the day with an emotional spark, Parker McCollum closed it with a bang that left fans moved and proud.

@86moodyblue

Toby Keith performing at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Rest In Peace Toby Keith. You will be missed. #TobyKeith

♬ original sound – Meghan Arlene ✝️🇺🇸

The 50th Annual CMA Awards turned into a heartfelt tribute to the roots of country music, blending legendary names with today’s stars for a night full of iconic moments. The stage lit up with unforgettable pairings—think Roy Clark, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and Brad Paisley—teaming up with the next generation of country voices to bring old favorites to life.

But one performance stole the spotlight: Chris Stapleton and Dwight Yoakam’s powerful duet of “Seven Spanish Angels.” It was the kind of moment that gives you goosebumps.

Stapleton kicked things off with his signature gritty vocals, and his wife Morgane added a soft, soulful harmony that gave the performance even more emotional weight. Then Yoakam stepped in with his classic twang, bringing a nostalgic touch to the second half. The two came together again for a stirring final chorus that had the entire crowd hooked.

Cameras even caught fellow country stars soaking it all in—Ricky Skaggs grooving along, and Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood cheering them on like fans in the front row. It was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of everything country music stands for.

Fans online were just as moved. One wrote, “Chris Stapleton sings the best version of this song—hands down. And I loved the original! His voice is incredible, and it’s always a treat seeing Morgane sing with him.”

And Dwight Yoakam didn’t go unnoticed either. “Dwight’s always been great,” another fan shared. “I’ve loved him since he was a young punk! Saw him twice at the University of Minnesota—those were two of the best shows I’ve ever seen. He’s a great performer… and still cute, too!”

From the love on stage to the love in the crowd, this duet was one of those once-in-a-lifetime performances that reminds us just how magical country music can be.

Blake Shelton made a triumphant return to the spotlight with his first live performance of his new single, “Texas,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

The track, released on November 15, marks Shelton’s comeback after a two-year hiatus from solo music. It comes right after the country star signed with a new record label, parting ways with Warner Music Nashville after 23 years.

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While Shelton hasn’t released solo music recently, he’s kept busy with several collaborations, including the heartfelt “Purple Iris” with his wife, Gwen Stefani, and “Pour Me a Drink” with Post Malone. In a recent chat with PEOPLE, Blake shared that his #1 hit with Post Malone on the Country Airplay charts gave him the inspiration to release “Texas” and dive back into his own solo work. Fans are excited to see what’s next in this new chapter for Shelton!

The Grand Ole Opry recently released a heartwarming video that gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at Post Malone’s emotional debut on the legendary stage last August. The footage captures not only his performance but also the genuine love and respect he’s earned from the country music community as he ventures into the genre with his upcoming album, F-1Trillion.

In the clip, Post shares how honored he felt to be invited by his friend and collaborator Brad Paisley, calling the experience “terrifying but exciting.” With his signature mix of humility and charm, he compared stepping into the Opry’s iconic circle to playing in the Super Bowl. “I don’t feel like I belong,” he said. “It’s so legendary… I’m just so honored and grateful.”

The video also features touching messages from country stars who’ve worked with him, like Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, The War and Treaty, and John Michael Montgomery. Lainey recalled writing and recording with Post for 15 hours straight and praised his down-to-earth nature: “He treated the guy taking out the trash the same way he treated the studio owner. That says a lot about who he is.”

During his Opry debut, Post performed “Nosedive” with Lainey and “California Sober” with The War and Treaty—a song he originally recorded with Chris Stapleton. Michael Trotter Jr. called it a special moment born from real friendship and mutual respect, noting they’ve stayed in touch ever since.

Vince Gill opened the night with “One More Last Chance” and hinted that he and Post have written a song together that’s yet to be released. He added, “He’s a really gracious, kind soul… it’s fun to see someone love this music the way he does.”

Even country veteran John Michael Montgomery joined in, sharing that his daughter introduced him to Post through a video of him covering “Be My Baby Tonight.” Montgomery said, “This guy must really be a country fan!”

Post’s F-1Trillion features a star-studded lineup—Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, and more—and blends country roots with Post’s signature style. He described the project as full of love, joy, and a bit of Texas Swing, saying, “I had the time of my life making it, and I hope people have just as much fun listening.”

With this powerful debut and a community that’s clearly embracing him, it’s safe to say Post Malone’s journey into country music is off to a heartfelt and authentic start—and fans are already hoping there’s more to come.

Morgan Wallen gave fans a night to remember at Arrowhead Stadium when he brought out none other than Lainey Wilson for a surprise performance of his emotional new track, “Lies Lies Lies.” The unexpected duet happened during Wallen’s One Night At A Time World Tour stop in Kansas City, and the crowd absolutely lost it.

Before the big moment, Wallen took a pause to show some love for his longtime friend and fellow country star.
“She’s a true badass,” he said proudly. “We’ve believed in her from the beginning, and watching her career take off has been incredible. I couldn’t be happier for someone.”

With that heartfelt intro, Lainey strutted on stage in style—rocking her signature bell bottoms in Kansas City Chiefs colors. The two shared a warm hug before stepping up to the mic on the B-stage, ready to give the crowd something special.

“We don’t have a song together yet,” Wallen told the audience with a smile, “so we’re gonna try something brand new tonight.” He introduced “Lies Lies Lies,” his latest release, and invited fans to sing along.

Wallen opened the song solo before Lainey joined in for the harmonies, and her soulful voice took over the second verse. Together, their voices blended beautifully, adding a fresh layer of emotion to the heartbreak anthem. It was a moment fans didn’t know they needed—but one they’ll never forget.

@morganfreakinwallen

🧡 Whew… they gotta song together NOW!!! 💯🔥🎙🤠😻😁😉😏 @ShoMeChiefsFan @morganwallen @Lainey Wilson #morganwallen #laineywilson #lieslieslies #RELEASETHISASADUET #prettypleeese #withsugarontop💋 #kannascity #MissOuri #night1 #onenightatatimetour #2024 #kingandqueenofcountrymusic👑🤠 #WHEW #DAYUMMM #THESE2 #THOSEVCALS #THATSMILE #THEMLEGS #fyp #GAHT🔥

♬ original sound – Morgan🔥Freakin’🔥Wallen

“Lies Lies Lies,” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross, and Chris Tompkins, first appeared in Wallen’s Abbey Road Sessions earlier this year and got its official studio release in July. That same month, Wallen made country music history by headlining the largest country concert ever in the UK at BST Hyde Park.

The One Night At A Time tour is still going strong, with Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, and Ella Langley joining Wallen on the road. After wrapping up in Kansas City, the tour heads to Las Vegas before making its way through Europe—including stops in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

Later this year, Wallen is set to achieve a longtime dream by headlining two nights at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee.

@adriennekhattiya

Morgan Wallen performs his new song Lies Lies Lies with Lainey Wilson at KC night 1 🤩🤩🤩🤩 #fyp #fy #comewithme #concerts #morganwallen #morganwallentiktok #morganwallenconcert #laineywilson #onethingatatimetour #onethingatatime #arrowhead #kcchiefs #chiefs #chiefskingdom @morganwallen @Lainey Wilson

♬ original sound – Adrienne Khattiya

Beyond the music, Wallen continues to give back through the Morgan Wallen Foundation, which supports kids through access to sports and music programs. In honor of his Hyde Park show, the foundation donated $20,000 to the London Youth Choirs, helping underserved youth discover their voices and thrive through music.

From surprise duets to making history on international stages, Morgan Wallen is showing that he’s not just making hits—he’s making a difference.

At the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards, Toby Keith made an emotional return to the stage, delivering a powerful performance of his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” This comeback performance was particularly moving for fans, as Keith has been largely out of the public eye since his stomach cancer diagnosis in 2022. His performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville brought the crowd to their feet, with many visibly moved, including Keith’s wife, Tricia, who was seen wiping away tears.

Keith was inspired to write “Don’t Let the Old Man In” after a conversation with Clint Eastwood about the challenges of aging. The song’s lyrics encourage embracing life fully, no matter how old we get. Originally written for Eastwood’s 2018 film The Mule, the song has since become a deeply personal anthem for Keith, especially given his own health journey. His performance that night emphasized the importance of love, friendship, and living each day to the fullest—messages that resonated strongly with the audience.

Keith’s contributions to country music and his charitable work were also recognized, as he received the inaugural “Country Icon” Award. This honor celebrated his decades-long career and his dedication to causes such as supporting military families through the USO and helping children facing critical illnesses. His heartfelt performance and the award solidified Keith’s lasting legacy as both a musician and a philanthropist.

Carrie Underwood, a seven-time Grammy winner, brought the holiday magic to life with a stunning performance of “Mary, Did You Know?” on CMA Country Christmas, airing on ABC.

Dressed in a sparkling emerald dress and accompanied by a pianist and guitarist, Underwood delivered a soulful rendition of this beloved Christmas classic. The performance, set in a beautifully decorated holiday home, captivated viewers with its simplicity and emotional depth.

Before stepping into the spotlight, Underwood shared her thoughts about the show: “CMA Country Christmas brings together all your favorite artists, celebrating Christmas with both classic and new songs. It’s such a special time to come together and share the holiday spirit.”

She explained the personal connection she feels to “Mary, Did You Know?”, a song featured on her Christmas album, My Gift: “As a mother, it really resonates with me—imagining Mary holding her son, the son of God, and raising him. That’s such a profound thought. It’s one of my favorites, and I hope everyone enjoys it.”

The song was co-written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene and was first recorded by Michael English in 1991. It’s since become a Christmas staple, with Underwood’s version adding a fresh and powerful touch.

The show, co-hosted by Gabby Barrett and Carly Pearce, also featured festive performances from Jimmie Allen, BRELAND, Lady A, and more, making it a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.