On October 25, 2017, country fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena were treated to a truly unforgettable moment. Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert came together on stage to perform George Jones’ emotionally charged classic, “These Days I Barely Get By.” The performance was more than just a tribute—it was raw, real, and packed with emotion.

What made the night even more powerful was the personal history between Blake and Miranda. Once one of country music’s most beloved couples, the two were married from 2011 to 2015. Though they’ve since moved on—Blake with pop star Gwen Stefani and Miranda with Brendan McLoughlin—their time together left a lasting impact on their fans and their music.

The song’s lyrics, full of heartbreak and longing, struck a deeper chord when sung by these two. It felt like a window into old memories, both for the performers and the audience. As their voices blended on stage, you could feel the bittersweet energy in the room—a reminder of how love and music are forever intertwined.

Fans left the arena that night with full hearts and misty eyes, knowing they’d witnessed something truly rare: a performance that wasn’t just about the song, but about everything the song stood for.

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Last August, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville lit up with country music’s brightest stars as they came together to celebrate the heart and heritage of the genre during the 15th Annual ACM Honors. And for fans tuning in on September 13, it was an unforgettable night packed with powerful performances and emotional tributes.

Among the evening’s most special moments was a rare musical gift from 18-time Grammy winner Vince Gill. Taking center stage, Gill paid tribute to his longtime friend and fellow powerhouse, Chris Stapleton, by performing a never-before-heard song they wrote together: “You Don’t Want to Love a Man Like Me.”

Before strumming the first chords, Gill grinned and told the crowd, “You’ve never heard it, and the truth is, neither one of us know it very well. So no matter how I do, we’re good.” His lighthearted intro set the tone for what turned into one of the night’s most heartfelt performances—a soulful, mid-tempo ballad full of raw vulnerability and rich emotion.

A Tribute to Chris Stapleton’s Storytelling Soul

That evening, Chris Stapleton was honored with the Merle Haggard Spirit Award—given to artists who carry on Haggard’s legacy through honest storytelling and soulful performances. And there was no better person to present the award than Vince Gill himself.

When Stapleton stepped up to accept, he made sure to shine the spotlight right back on Gill. “I always wanted to sing like Vince,” he shared with a laugh. “I tried, and I couldn’t do it. Eventually, what came out was just… me.”

Hosted by Carly Pearce, the show also featured standout performances from country favorites like Trace Adkins, Kelsea Ballerini, Morgan Wallen, and Brooks & Dunn. But it was Gill’s touching debut of that unreleased ballad that left a lasting impression—reminding everyone of the magic that happens when great songwriters share a piece of their hearts.

Be sure to check out Vince Gill’s emotional performance of “You Don’t Want to Love a Man Like Me”—a bittersweet gem that’s been quietly waiting to be heard.

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Luke Bryan shared an unforgettable moment with 19-year-old “American Idol” contestant Colby Swift, giving him a meaningful gift that will last a lifetime—his own boots. During Sunday night’s episode, Luke noticed that Colby’s boots were worn with holes from a life of hard work.

After seeing the state of Colby’s boots, Luke asked him to show the camera the holes, then jokingly asked, “What size do you wear?” Colby replied, “Whatever fits,” and Luke, with his characteristic kindness, told him, “Well, I’m a 12D, and I’ll solve that little problem.” Without hesitation, Luke took off his boots, walked over to Colby, and handed them to him.

Colby, clearly shocked and grateful, swapped his worn-out boots for Luke’s, while Luke playfully told him, “Those boots are made for walking to the next round.”

The gesture came after Colby’s emotional and powerful performance of Freddy Fender’s “Before the Next Teardrop Falls,” which earned him a standing ovation from the judges, including Luke, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. Colby was clearly overwhelmed, saying, “I never thought I’d get a standing ovation. To have them stand up for me—it’s a blessing.”

Despite being eliminated in the group round later in the show, Colby’s raw talent and humility shone through, and he made an impression that will stay with him—and with fans—forever.

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Back in 2010, the American Idol Season 9 finale gave us one of the most touching moments in the show’s history. Seven past champions—Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and Kris Allen—took the stage together to perform “Together We Are One” in honor of outgoing judge Simon Cowell.

The song, originally penned for the 2006 Commonwealth Games by Guy Chambers, Delta Goodrem, and Brian McFadden, felt like the perfect fit. Its message of unity and strength couldn’t have been more fitting for the occasion.

For years, Simon Cowell had been the face—and the famously blunt voice—of American Idol. His sharp critiques, brutal honesty, and undeniable eye for talent helped shape the show into the pop culture powerhouse it became. So when it came time to say goodbye, the show’s biggest stars came together to give him the send-off he deserved.

Their harmonies were more than just beautiful—they carried gratitude, nostalgia, and respect for the man who pushed them to be better. “Together We Are One” wasn’t just a song—it was a thank-you. A way for these winners to show how Simon helped change their lives and bring them all together on the same stage one last time.

It was a powerful, emotional goodbye—and a reminder of the lasting impact Simon Cowell made, not just on the show, but on the world of music.

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At the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Honors, Vince Gill and Ashley McBryde took the stage for an unforgettable performance of “When I Call Your Name”, creating a moment that captured the heart of country music. The duet was a beautiful blend of timeless emotion and fresh energy, reminding everyone of the power a song can hold.

Originally released in 1989, “When I Call Your Name” is one of Vince Gill’s signature songs. The heartfelt ballad, known for its poignant lyrics and Gill’s soaring vocals, tells a story of heartache and loneliness, and it still resonates deeply with listeners today. It’s a song that earned the CMA Award for Song of the Year in 1990 and remains a standout in Gill’s career.

The ACM Honors stage was the perfect backdrop for this collaboration, bringing together country music legend Vince Gill and rising star Ashley McBryde. With Gill opening the performance with his signature tenderness and McBryde joining in with her soulful, raw voice, the duet was nothing short of magic. Their harmonies created a deep emotional connection that filled the room with warmth and heartache.

The performance stayed true to the original arrangement, with a simple acoustic backdrop that allowed their voices to take center stage. As the song progressed, their voices blended seamlessly, elevating the song’s emotional impact. It was a perfect example of how music can connect different generations through shared feelings of love and loss.

The audience responded with a standing ovation, a testament to the magic of the performance and the enduring power of “When I Call Your Name.” Fans and critics alike praised the duet as one of the highlights of the evening, acknowledging how beautifully Gill and McBryde honored the legacy of this classic ballad while adding their own touch.

This performance was not just a celebration of a song, but a beautiful bridge between the past and present of country music, leaving an unforgettable mark on everyone in the audience.

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LeAnn Rimes delivered a breathtaking performance of “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” at the Country Music Awards, leaving Reba McEntire visibly moved. The song, originally recorded by Reba in 1991 and written by Richard Leigh and Layng Martine, Jr., tells the heartbreaking story of a distant father whose love remained unspoken until it was too late. Inspired by Leigh’s own life, the song’s final line—“Guess he thought I knew”—resonates deeply with anyone who has longed for words never said.

While Reba’s version has always been a fan favorite, LeAnn’s rendition took it to another level. With her soul-stirring vocals and heartfelt delivery, she captivated the audience, filling the room with raw emotion. Sitting in the crowd alongside her parents, Reba couldn’t hold back her tears as LeAnn poured her heart into every lyric.

Fans were quick to praise the unforgettable performance:

“She absolutely knocked it out of the park! Reba’s version was incredible, but LeAnn brought something so special to it.”

“This was stunning—her voice, her emotion, even her dress was breathtaking. What a tribute to an already beautiful song.”

This moment wasn’t just about music—it was about connection, love, and the power of a song to touch the soul.

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It’s not every day you get to see Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman perform together. While both are superstars in their own right—Keith as a country music icon and Nicole as an award-winning actress—their musical collaborations are rare, making each one a special moment for fans.

But when they do join forces? It’s pure magic.

In a heartfelt video, the couple delighted fans with an intimate duet of “Female” in celebration of Day of the Girl. Seated together at the piano, Keith played a soft melody while Nicole added her delicate vocals—not just harmonizing, but truly singing alongside him, bringing a fresh and personal touch to the song.

What made the performance even more special? Their daughters, Faith and Sunday, were behind the camera, capturing this beautiful family moment. Shared on Keith’s Facebook page, the video quickly went viral, with fans praising their undeniable chemistry and Nicole’s surprisingly sweet vocals.

One fan gushed, “This is so beautiful! You two sound amazing together, and your daughters did a wonderful job filming!”

Another added, “This is one of the sweetest videos I’ve ever seen. Nicole is so shy about singing, but her voice blends beautifully with Keith’s.”

Could this mean more duets in the future? Fans certainly hope so!

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Post Malone has always been one to push boundaries, but his cover of Sturgill Simpson’s “You Can Have The Crown” took fans by surprise. Performing at the We’re Texas virtual benefit concert—hosted by Matthew McConaughey—he delivered a raw and soulful country performance that felt completely effortless.

With Dwight Yoakam’s band backing him, Malone blended his signature grit with a rich country twang, proving once again that he can thrive in any genre. While he’s best known for rap and pop-rock, his love for country music has been no secret—and this performance made it clear he has the talent to match.

The benefit concert, aimed at helping Texans affected by the devastating 2021 winter storms, was packed with memorable moments, but Malone’s country set stole the show. Fans were quick to praise his ability to capture the song’s essence while making it his own.

One listener summed it up perfectly:
“Instead of country rap, we got a rapper doing country—and sounding better than most on the radio.”

Another added:
“He should stick with this. One of the most versatile voices I’ve ever heard.”

Could this be the start of a new era for Post Malone? If this performance is any indication, country music might just be his next big move.

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Emerging country artist Drake Milligan had a night to remember when Blake Shelton surprised him with an on-stage invitation to sing together.

On March 29, Milligan took the stage in Fishers, IN, as the opening act for Shelton at the Fishers Event Center. After delivering his set, he assumed his time in the spotlight was over—but Shelton had other plans.

In a heartwarming moment, Shelton brought Milligan back out to join him in performing the George Strait classic, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.” Originally released in 1987, the song remains a country favorite, and this unexpected duet made it even more special.

With Shelton’s arm around him, Milligan confidently stepped up to the mic, his deep baritone blending effortlessly with Shelton’s signature twang. The crowd couldn’t get enough, singing along as the energy in the room soared.

After the show, Milligan took to social media to reflect on the moment, expressing his gratitude:

“Opened up for Blake Shelton for the first time this weekend and had no idea he was gonna pull me back out to sing some George Strait with him. Such a cool moment. Thanks for havin’ us, Blake!!”

Fans flooded the comments with praise, cheering on Milligan’s rising career. Many who have followed him since his time on America’s Got Talent said they were “so proud” to see him sharing the stage with one of country’s biggest stars. Others admitted they were jealous they couldn’t witness the magical duet in person!

Although this was Milligan’s only scheduled performance with Shelton in 2025, fans still have plenty of chances to see him live. He’s set to join Luke Bryan and Lainey Wilson for select dates this year, along with headlining his own Jukebox Songs World Tour 2025. The tour, named after his 2024 EP, will continue on April 4 in Fort Smith, AR.

Meanwhile, Shelton just wrapped up his Friends & Heroes Tour, where he was joined by Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts. Now, fans are counting down the days until May 9, when he releases his new album, For Recreational Use Only—his first under BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

@drakemilligan

As if opening up for @Blake Shelton wasn’t cool enough…#countrymusic #blakeshelton #livemusic

♬ original sound – Drake Milligan

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John Fogerty and Brad Paisley teamed up for an unforgettable performance of “Bad Moon Rising” on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE, blending classic rock with modern country in a way that had fans buzzing. The collaboration between the legendary Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman and country guitar superstar brought a fresh energy to this iconic track, showing that great music truly transcends generations.

Originally released by CCR in 1969, “Bad Moon Rising” has remained a timeless classic with its upbeat melody and ominous lyrics. Written by Fogerty, the song has been covered by countless artists over the years, earning a place in both rock and country music history.

The pairing of Fogerty and Paisley was a perfect match. Fogerty brought his raw, raspy vocals, while Paisley added his country flair with smooth harmonies and impressive guitar solos. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable as they honored the original while giving it a modern twist.

The performance kicked off with the iconic opening chords, immediately sparking excitement in the crowd. Fogerty’s voice was as powerful as ever, capturing the same intensity that made him a rock legend. Paisley’s country-rock guitar style added a unique layer to the track, proving that “Bad Moon Rising” could seamlessly blend both genres.

The two musicians played off each other’s energy, sharing smiles and nods as they rocked the stage together. With Paisley’s signature guitar licks and Fogerty’s legendary vocals, they created a fresh take on the song that had the audience cheering for more.

For fans of both classic rock and country, this performance was a perfect example of how music from different backgrounds can come together in harmony. John Fogerty and Brad Paisley’s rendition of “Bad Moon Rising” was a masterclass in musicianship, showcasing both their talent and mutual respect for each other’s work.

This unforgettable collaboration reminded fans why this classic song remains as beloved today as it was over five decades ago.

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