When Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood hit the stage together, you know you’re in for something special—and their performance of “The Fighter” was no exception. From the very first beat, the energy was electric. With Keith shredding on guitar and Carrie belting out vocals that could shake the rafters, the crowd was on their feet, dancing and cheering along.
But it wasn’t just the music that made the moment unforgettable—it was the chemistry. The playful back-and-forth between them, the way they smiled at each other mid-song, and the fun they clearly had performing together gave the whole set a joyful, feel-good vibe.
Keith brought his laid-back charm and killer guitar skills, while Carrie lit up the stage with her powerhouse voice and magnetic presence. Together, they were a force—effortlessly blending country roots with a splash of rock and pop.
By the end, the audience wasn’t just applauding—they were roaring. “The Fighter” has always been a fan favorite, but seeing these two bring it to life together made it even more powerful. It was one of those performances where you could tell everyone in the room was thinking the same thing: This is why we love live music.
Carrie Underwood has given us plenty of unforgettable performances over the years, but one truly stood out in 2012 — a heartfelt tribute to country legend Alan Jackson at the Grand Ole Opry. And it wasn’t just another performance. It was personal.
Before launching into the song, Carrie shared a sweet story with the audience: the very first concert she ever attended was Alan Jackson’s. That moment lit a spark in her — a dream that would eventually take her from small-town Oklahoma to country music’s most legendary stage.
To honor the man who helped inspire her journey, Carrie chose “Remember When,” one of Alan’s most beloved songs. Written by Jackson himself, the track is a beautiful reflection on love, family, and the memories that shape a lifetime.
From the moment she began to sing, the room fell completely silent. Her voice carried every word with such honesty and tenderness, it was impossible not to feel moved. You could hear a pin drop — until the final note, when the crowd burst into a well-deserved standing ovation. Even behind the scenes, crew members stopped what they were doing just to take in the magic.
The moment was so powerful, the Grand Ole Opry honored it as a “show-stopping performance” — a rare title, and the first of its kind in the Opry’s long history.
Carrie didn’t just perform that night. She connected — to the song, to the crowd, and to the man who helped shape her musical path. It was more than a tribute — it was a full-circle moment that reminded everyone why Carrie Underwood’s voice continues to be one of the most cherished in country music.
If you haven’t watched it yet, prepare to be moved — this is one of those performances you’ll feel deep in your soul.
When the 2011 reboot of Footloose hit the scene, it stirred up plenty of nostalgia—and a bit of skepticism. Fans of the 1984 classic were unsure how they’d feel about a modern take on the beloved film, especially with Blake Shelton stepping in to reimagine Kenny Loggins’ iconic soundtrack hit. But leave it to Shelton to turn doubt into toe-tapping approval.
The country star debuted his version of “Footloose” on October 8, 2011, with a music video directed by Shaun Silva. It was also included as a bonus track on his sixth studio album, Red River Blue, and made its way to No. 63 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Blake didn’t just cover the song—he gave it a Nashville makeover. With a smooth drawl and that signature twang, he transformed the 80s pop anthem into a feel-good country jam. Speaking about the remake, Shelton said, “You have to step into the role of what’s best for the movie. There’s really only one way to approach it: a fun, uptempo, catchy version—just like Kenny Loggins did.”
Reactions were mixed at first, and Shelton had a little fun with that. “Ha! I can’t sleep, so I’m reading comments and reviews on my version of ‘Footloose’… Man, it’s so polarizing… I love it!! I hate it!! Well, either way, it was SO fun to sing it,” he posted on Twitter (now X) back in 2011.
But perhaps the biggest stamp of approval came from Kenny Loggins himself. “I always thought of ‘Footloose’ as a country song. Blake makes it even more so,” Loggins said. “His production updates the sound… If anything, it’s maybe a bit too perfect. But no matter—it’s still a fun tune, and I wish them much luck.”
The two legends even shared the stage at the 45th Annual CMA Awards, bringing the crowd to life with an energetic performance backed by a team of dancers. It was a perfect mix of old-school fun and modern flair—just like the song itself.
Love it or hate it, Shelton’s Footloose cover showed one thing loud and clear: country can make anything danceable.
As Alan Jackson nears the end of his legendary career, he gave fans a moment they’ll never forget—a moment full of emotion, personal reflection, and the undeniable power of music.
A Touching Moment in Orlando
During a stop on his Last Call: One More for the Road farewell tour in Orlando, Florida, in March 2025, Alan Jackson became visibly emotional while performing his 2002 hit, “Drive (For Daddy Gene).” The song, written in memory of his late father Eugene Jackson, left the audience at the Kia Center silent as they shared in his heartfelt tribute.
As Jackson sang about the cherished memories of learning to drive with his dad, his voice cracked, and tears filled his eyes. He turned away from the mic, visibly overwhelmed by the emotions flooding him. The crowd, deeply moved, responded with an extended round of applause, honoring the powerful connection between father and son.
“I wrote this song when my daddy passed away,” Jackson shared with the audience, his voice shaking. “I didn’t want it to be just sad—I wanted it to be meaningful.”
Facing Challenges with Grace
In 2021, Alan revealed that he had been battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a neurological condition that affects the nerves and muscles in the limbs. Despite living with CMT for over a decade, Jackson continues to perform, often relying on a stool or pole for support on stage due to balance and coordination issues.
At 66, Jackson’s perseverance through the challenges of his health reflects his deep commitment to his fans. Even as his body faces limitations, his heart and soul remain fully dedicated to giving his audience the best possible experience.
A Farewell That’s Not Quite Goodbye
Although he initially hesitated to label his 2021 tour as his final one, Alan extended his journey with the 2024-2025 Farewell Tour as a gift to his devoted fans. This farewell tour is giving them one last chance to hear his iconic hits, songs that have shaped country music history, from “Chattahoochee” and “Remember When” to the poignant “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”
Yet “Drive” holds a special place in Jackson’s heart, and during his farewell tour, it became clear that this song will remain one of the most cherished in both his and his fans’ lives.
A Lasting Legacy
As Alan Jackson’s touring career winds down, his legacy continues to grow. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and a multi-award-winning artist, Jackson’s authenticity and storytelling have made him a pillar in the genre.
His emotional performance in Orlando served as a reminder that country music isn’t just about songs—it’s about connection, storytelling, and staying true to one’s roots. Long after the final note is sung, Alan Jackson’s music will continue to inspire new generations.
On May 22, the 43rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors took place, celebrating five remarkable individuals for their significant contributions to American culture through the arts. Among the honorees were choreographer and actress Debbie Allen, folk music icon Joan Baez, violinist Midori, legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke, and country music legend Garth Brooks.
The star-studded ceremony featured performances from Derek Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, Pentatonix, Gladys Knight, Emmylou Harris, Jimmie Allen, Yo-Yo Ma, and Kelly Clarkson, who all came together to honor the honorees. The event will air on CBS on Sunday, June 6th, and will be available for streaming on Paramount+.
Kelly Clarkson was given the special honor of paying tribute to Garth Brooks, a long-time friend and guest on her talk show. Clarkson performed one of his most beloved songs, “The Dance,” and took it to an emotional new level with her heartfelt rendition.
As Clarkson stood on stage in Washington D.C., her voice wavered with emotion, perfectly capturing the essence of the song that Brooks released over three decades ago. Clarkson had previously shared with Brooks that “The Dance” had been a source of comfort to her during a difficult period in her life, specifically during her divorce.
In a conversation with Brooks, she explained how the song resonated with her feelings of loss and heartache, saying, “I couldn’t quite nail down the feeling… ‘The Dance’ came on, and I was like, ‘No, that’s the thing. That’s it.'”
During the performance, Clarkson began a cappella before being joined by her music director on the piano. The cameras captured Garth Brooks throughout the performance, visibly moved by her heartfelt delivery. At one point, Brooks teared up, and after Clarkson sang the final note, he stood up, removed his hat, and exclaimed, “Damn!”
It was a deeply emotional moment, not only for Brooks but for everyone witnessing the powerful tribute to his iconic song.
After spending a decade in hip-hop, Jelly Roll made a massive splash in country music with his 2023 debut album Whitsitt Chapel, quickly becoming a household name. He took home three CMT Music Awards and received a Grammy nomination. His success continued with his follow-up album Beautifully Broken, which rocketed to the top of the charts after its release on October 11.
Jelly Roll’s journey is far from ordinary, and he’s kept it real about his struggles with addiction, a theme that resonates deeply with his fans. This candidness is something he shares with Keith Urban, who has been open about his own battles with alcohol and cocaine. The two artists connect on a personal level, which makes their collaboration on “Don’t Want To” even more special. The song reflects both of their journeys, with lyrics like, “Just ’cause I ain’t reaching for the bottle / And I ain’t got a smoke between my lips… Don’t mean I don’t want to.”
On October 17, Jelly Roll hit the stage for the season 3 premiere of Amazon Live, performing hits like “Get By” and “Liar” before bringing Keith Urban out for an unforgettable duet of “Don’t Want To.” The performance left fans in awe, with many commenting on the “chills” they felt during Keith’s guitar solo.
For Jelly Roll, this collaboration was a dream come true, and his excitement was clear when he shared, “I’ve been wanting to collaborate with this guy for a long time. I love playing with ya, love singing with ya, and am just damn grateful to be on this ‘same journey’ with you.”
This powerful partnership between Jelly Roll and Keith Urban is one for the books, and fans are still buzzing about it!
Back in the summer of 2011, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton took the stage at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, New York, creating a truly unforgettable night for country music fans. This performance was part of Paisley’s H2O II: Wetter and Wilder World Tour, supporting his album This Is Country Music. The tour featured a star-studded lineup, including Blake Shelton, Jerrod Niemann, and Darius Rucker, giving concertgoers a chance to experience some of country’s best talent.
One of the night’s highlights was their lively duet of “Don’t Drink the Water,” a track from This Is Country Music. The song tells a humorous story of a cross-border adventure and the not-so-ideal consequences of embracing local customs. On stage, Paisley and Shelton blended their unique vocal styles, making the performance as fun as it was musically impressive.
The chemistry between the two stars was palpable—filled with witty banter and perfect harmonies that had the crowd laughing and singing along. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a true showcase of their friendship and musical magic, marking a moment that fans would cherish for years to come.
Zach Top and Riley Green have been two of the biggest breakout stars in country music this year. Top made waves with his debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, while Green’s chart-toppers like “Worst Way,” “Jesus Saves,” and his #1 hit with Ella Langley, “You Look Like You Love Me,” have solidified his place in country music’s elite. Both artists have had an incredible 2024, and though they’re not on tour together, they recently joined forces in Las Vegas for an unforgettable surprise performance.
During Green’s show at the Pearl Concert Theater, he surprised the crowd by bringing out Top for a special acoustic medley of classic country songs. The two kicked off the performance with a nod to Green’s current hit, “I Never Lie,” before diving into Tracy Lawrence’s 1996 #1 hit, “Time Marches On.” Green joked that he was just making sure Top was ready before they launched into a powerful rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.”
But the fun didn’t stop there! The duo ended the medley with a spirited cover of Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” leaving fans in awe of their seamless chemistry and impressive vocal performances.
With Top’s 90s country-inspired style and Green’s commitment to keeping traditional country alive, this duo is an instant dream team. If there’s one thing fans are hoping for, it’s a full cover album from these two soon—because they absolutely crushed this medley!
It was meant to be a night of boots, hits, and nostalgia—but things took an unexpected turn during Brooks & Dunn’s Neon Moon Tour stop in Indianapolis on April 4. As the crowd cheered for the encore, Ronnie Dunn quietly stepped away from the mic and off the stage, leaving fans both surprised and concerned.
The moment happened during the fan-favorite “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” While the band kept playing and Kix Brooks carried on, Dunn—clearly not feeling his best—gave a wave to the audience and exited the stage. No dramatic announcement, no explanation, just a quiet departure that left fans wondering what was going on.
Earlier in the show, many fans had already noticed that something seemed off. Dunn, 71, was seen sitting on the risers between songs, singing less than usual, and visibly struggling with his breathing. One concertgoer shared, “He said at one point that he couldn’t breathe. You could tell he wasn’t himself.” Another fan added, “We noticed it right away—he just didn’t have his usual energy.”
This performance came just weeks after Dunn returned to the stage following an eight-week recovery from a December skiing accident that left him with a leg injury. His comeback had fans excited, but the unexpected exit in Indianapolis raised questions about whether he was fully recovered.
The moment was caught on camera by several fans, and videos quickly made their way online. Supportive comments flooded in:
“Take care of yourself, Ronnie. We love you.”
“Kix handled it like a pro, but we all felt it.”
“Legend or not, your health comes first.”
So far, no official statement has been made by Dunn or the Brooks & Dunn team. Upcoming tour dates are still listed, but fans will be watching closely, hoping to see the country icon bounce back soon.
Ronnie Dunn’s voice has defined a generation of country music fans. It’s what made heartbreak feel real and made honky-tonk anthems unforgettable. Seeing him walk offstage in such a quiet, humble way was a powerful reminder: even the legends need a break sometimes.
Back in February 1954, a 22-year-old George Jones—broke but full of heart—stepped onto a humble back porch in Beaumont, Texas, and recorded his very first song, “No Money in This Deal.” It was a modest beginning for the man who would go on to become one of the greatest voices in country music history. Influenced by legends like Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams, Jones eventually racked up more than 160 charting songs before his passing in 2013. And more than 70 years after that first recording, it’s clear: there’s still no one quite like him.
One of Jones’ unforgettable songs, “Take Me,” was written alongside Leon Payne and originally climbed to No. 8 on the country charts in 1966. But it wasn’t until 1971 that the song took on a whole new meaning—when George recorded it with his wife and musical partner, Tammy Wynette. Their voices blended with raw emotion and honesty, and fans were hooked.
Though contractual issues had kept the pair from recording duets early in their relationship, Jones made a major move—breaking his contract with Musicor Records—just so he could join Tammy at Epic Records. Their duet version of “Take Me” went on to hit No. 9, and the rest is country music history.
In a resurfaced video clip shared by WesternAF, fans were treated to a rare solo performance of “Take Me” by Jones. With just a guitar in hand and his unmistakable voice, he poured emotion into every line:
Take me to your most barren desert / A thousand miles from the nearest sea / The very moment I saw your smile / It would be like heaven to me.
The comments say it all—“The best that’s ever done it,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Voices like this come from a lifetime of living. No one will ever reach this level of legend again.”
Carrying on the family tradition, George and Tammy’s daughter, Georgette Jones, is stepping into the spotlight to honor her parents’ legacy. On May 18, she’ll take the stage with country artist Kevin Richards at Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes, New York. Together, they’ll perform timeless hits from George and Tammy’s catalog—reminding fans why this duo remains one of country music’s most iconic pairings.
