Lainey Wilson is a true country music fan at heart, with a deep love for both timeless classics and today’s biggest hits. From Willie Nelson and Keith Whitley to Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, her playlist is as diverse as her own musical style.

In a recent interview with Glamour Magazine, Wilson opened up about the songs she just can’t stop listening to. First on her list? Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso. “I think she’s just a little bada—. Listening to her music just gets me fired up,” Wilson said with a smile.

When it comes to sad songs, Wilson is drawn to Taylor Swift’s I Can Do It With a Broken Heart. She admires the way Swift turned heartbreak into an upbeat anthem. “When you can do that and do it right, you have something really special,” she said.

But the song that truly defines her life right now? One of her own—Good Horses, an upcoming duet with Miranda Lambert. Fans have already gotten a sneak peek at the track, which is set to be officially released on August 2.

No road trip is complete without a great playlist, and Wilson’s top pick is Willie Nelson’s On the Road Again—a fitting choice for someone who spends much of her time touring. Even more perfect? She was rocking a Willie Nelson t-shirt during the interview.

She also gave a nod to Keith Whitley’s classic When You Say Nothing at All, a song that has always held a special place in her heart.

When asked about her all-time guilty pleasure song, Wilson didn’t hesitate—Reba McEntire’s Fancy. “That’s my girl,” she said with a grin.

Wilson has long admired McEntire, and their bond has only grown stronger over time. The two first met at CMA Fest in 2023, and in May 2024, McEntire made a dream come true for Wilson by inviting her to join the Grand Ole Opry during The Voice Season 25 finale.

Even country icon Garth Brooks has drawn comparisons between Wilson and McEntire, saying, “She’s the first woman, probably since Reba, that you look at and go, this woman is gonna be around for a long, long time.”

With her undeniable talent, deep respect for country music’s roots, and love for trailblazers like Reba, there’s no doubt—Lainey Wilson is here to stay!

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Keith Urban has always been a master of blending styles, and his recent performance in Toronto took it to another level. The country superstar surprised fans with an electrifying mashup of his hit Kiss a Girl and Ed Sheeran’s Bad Habits, creating a seamless mix of country warmth and pop energy. From the very first guitar riff, the crowd was hooked, and the energy in the arena skyrocketed.

Originally released in 2009, Kiss a Girl has long been a fan-favorite, known for its upbeat and feel-good vibe. But in true Keith Urban fashion, he reimagined it by intertwining it with Sheeran’s Bad Habits, one of the biggest pop hits in recent years. As soon as he transitioned into the infectious beat of Bad Habits, the audience erupted with excitement, fully embracing the unexpected fusion.

What made this performance truly special was Urban’s flawless ability to merge genres. His signature guitar skills, smooth vocals, and energetic stage presence transformed the song into a completely new experience. The mix of Sheeran’s modern pop beats with Urban’s country roots created a performance that felt both nostalgic and fresh. It was a reminder of why Urban remains one of the most dynamic performers in the industry.

This isn’t the first time Urban has experimented with genre-crossing performances. Over the years, he’s collaborated with artists like Pink, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift, proving time and time again that country music can be limitless. By incorporating Bad Habits into his set, he once again showcased his ability to bridge musical worlds effortlessly.

Fans left the Toronto show buzzing, knowing they had just witnessed something truly unique. Urban’s ability to keep his performances fresh and exciting makes every concert an unforgettable experience. With a career defined by constant evolution, one thing is certain—his next creative twist is sure to be just as thrilling.

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Blake Shelton has never been shy about showing his admiration—and playful affection—for fellow country star Trace Adkins. Whether Adkins likes it or not, their friendship is filled with lighthearted moments that always keep fans entertained.

During Shelton’s Friends & Heroes tour, which features artists like Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, and Emily Ann Roberts, he took things up a notch while performing with Adkins. At a stop in Knoxville’s Thompson-Boling Arena, the duo had just wrapped up their duet, Hell Right, when Shelton surprised Adkins with a big, unexpected kiss on the cheek. In classic tough-guy fashion, Adkins pushed him away, acting as if he was about to storm off.

“Take it, take it all,” Shelton joked, before urging Adkins to stay and sing their signature hit, Hillbilly Bone. Adkins, clearly amused but playing along, growled, “Don’t kiss me no more,” causing the crowd to erupt in laughter.

This wasn’t the first time Shelton had shown his over-the-top affection for Adkins, and it surely won’t be the last. The two share a brotherly bond, often teasing each other on and off stage. But beyond the jokes, there’s a deep respect between them, which is why Shelton always makes room for his friends to shine during his shows.

Unlike some headliners who keep the spotlight to themselves, Shelton generously shares the stage with his tourmates. Throughout the night, he performed hits like Pour Me a Drink, Neon Light, and Austin, while also stepping aside for Morgan, Carter, and Adkins to take center stage. The energy reached a peak when Adkins performed Honky Tonk Badonkadonk and You’re Gonna Miss This, before teaming up with Shelton again for Hillbilly Bone.

As the night wrapped up with Shelton’s powerful performances of God’s Country and God Gave Me You, one thing was clear—beyond his incredible talent, it’s his love for music, friends, and fans that makes him such a beloved artist. His Friends & Heroes tour is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of country music and the friendships that make it even more special.

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Lainey Wilson’s journey in country music just hit an unforgettable milestone—she’s officially joining the Grand Ole Opry.

On May 21, 2024, during the season 25 finale of The Voice, Wilson took the stage to perform her latest single, “Hang Tight Honey.” But what started as a routine performance quickly turned into a moment she’ll cherish forever.

As the final notes faded, host Carson Daly handed the mic to Reba McEntire, who was there to share a few words. Reba, full of admiration, praised Lainey for her talent and hard work. Wilson, in awe, playfully responded, “Just when I think you can’t get any cooler.”

Little did she know, Reba was about to make her dream come true.

“I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night,” Reba said. “And I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations. I’d like to be the person to invite you to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

The moment hit Lainey like a wave. Overcome with emotion, she clutched her chest in disbelief as the audience erupted in cheers. Her family, watching from the crowd, witnessed firsthand the culmination of a dream that started when Lainey was just a little girl.

“They took me to Nashville when I was 9 years old, and we went to the Grand Ole Opry,” Lainey recalled. “We saw Bill Anderson, Crystal Gayle, and Little Jimmy Dickens, and I knew right then—I wanted to play there. I wanted to be part of that legacy.”

Turning to Reba, she added, “And it’s so crazy that YOU are the one asking me. I look up to you so much—not just musically, but in the way you carry yourself, your work ethic. You inspire me every day.”

With those words, one country queen passed the torch to another, proving once again that dreams really do come true on the Opry stage.

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ridgestone Arena was electric as Carrie Underwood took center ice to deliver a stunning rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner before Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Nashville Predators and the Chicago Blackhawks. With her powerhouse vocals and deep connection to the city—especially as the wife of Predators captain Mike Fisher—Underwood’s performance wasn’t just a routine pre-game tradition. It was a moment of unity, pride, and pure adrenaline for Nashville fans.

As she hit every note with flawless precision and raw emotion, the crowd erupted, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of hockey. The energy in the arena was electric, with players and fans alike feeding off the intensity of her performance. Underwood didn’t just sing the anthem—she owned the moment, making it one of the most memorable in Predators history.

Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan, a country music lover, or just someone who appreciates a breathtaking performance, this was a goosebump-worthy moment that Nashville won’t forget anytime

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It’s hard to imagine anyone cheating on Lainey Wilson, but that’s exactly what happened to her a few years ago. In a candid conversation on Joel Madden’s Artist Friendly podcast, the “Hang Tight Honey” singer shared how she went through a painful betrayal before finding happiness with her current love, former NFL star Devlin “Duck” Hodges.

Wilson and Hodges have been together for several years but kept their relationship private until 2023. Even now, they prefer to keep things low-key, occasionally attending events as a couple and sharing glimpses of their love on social media.

One of those rare glimpses came in October when Wilson posted a heartwarming video of her and Hodges cruising in a side-by-side, set to the tune of her love song “4x4xU.” Their playful chemistry and effortless joy were on full display, giving fans a sweet peek into their love story.

Before finding love with Hodges, Wilson endured one of the toughest times of her life. During her early days in Nashville, she discovered that her then-boyfriend had cheated on her—and not just with anyone, but with someone he had gotten pregnant.

To make matters worse, this heartbreak hit at the same time she lost her mentor and family friend, Jerry Cupit. Cupit was a guiding force in Wilson’s career, letting her live in a camper outside his studio and co-writing hundreds of songs with her. Losing him and facing betrayal all at once left her reeling.

Despite the pain, Wilson turned her struggles into fuel for her music. Today, she’s one of country music’s biggest stars and gets to share her success with someone who truly loves her.

Through it all, she’s learned that sometimes, the hardest moments in life pave the way for the best ones.

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Back in 2010, country legends Vince Gill and Brad Paisley picked up their guitars and delivered a fiery tribute to Merle Haggard at the Kennedy Center Honors. Their high-energy performance of “Workin’ Man Blues” had the crowd buzzing, proving once again why Haggard’s music is timeless.

Dressed in sharp black-tie attire—a stark contrast to the blue-collar spirit of Haggard’s 1969 classic—Gill and Paisley tore through the song with electrifying guitar solos and undeniable chemistry. As the final note rang out, the man of the hour himself tipped his iconic black cowboy hat in appreciation.

The 2010 ceremony wasn’t just about “Workin’ Man Blues.” Other country stars paid homage to Haggard’s legendary career.

Reflecting on the night, Haggard summed it up perfectly: “It’s the ultimate… It couldn’t be topped.” He also had a little fun with Paisley and Gill’s dynamic, joking, “I enjoyed watching Vince give Brad a lesson—he took a course on ‘Workin’ Man Blues.’ But Brad is so hot and so good.”

The Kennedy Center Honors have long recognized legends across music, theater, dance, and film. Haggard joined a prestigious list of country icons like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton. And thanks to performances like this, his influence continues to live on.

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Country superstar Luke Bryan gave 13-year-old Make-A-Wish kid Ethan Payne a night he’ll never forget when he invited him to perform a duet in front of 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium. The surprise moment happened after Ethan wowed Bryan by playing one of his songs during a pre-show meet-and-greet in Arlington, Texas.

Impressed by the young musician’s talent, Bryan made a spontaneous decision: “Would you like to sing that song in front of 50,000 people tonight?” Ethan’s answer? A resounding “Yes, sir.” That night, the two took the stage together, each with an acoustic guitar in hand, performing Bryan’s hits “Do I” and “Here’s to the Farmer.” Ethan shined, taking the lead on “Do I” while Bryan backed him up. The heartfelt performance was later shared by Make-A-Wish North Texas on YouTube, racking up an incredible 3.8 million views.

Ethan’s journey with music is even more inspiring considering his battle with cystic fibrosis, a diagnosis he received at just 18 months old. When he turned 13, he made a wish to meet his favorite singer—and ended up with so much more.

But the story doesn’t end there. A couple of years later, as a 15-year-old, Ethan walked into an American Idol audition room, where none other than Luke Bryan was a judge. Recognizing the young talent, Bryan couldn’t resist recreating their viral duet. Reflecting on their first performance together, Ethan shared, “I felt like the whole world had just shut down, and it was just me and him. My heart exploded. And then he gave me his guitar that he’s had for years.”

That same guitar made its way to Ethan’s American Idol audition, where he showcased just how much he had grown as a musician. His charm was on full display too—before singing, he flirted with judge Katy Perry, prompting her to say, “Ethan, you are 15 going on 30.” With a grin, he replied, “They always said I had an old soul.”

From a Make-A-Wish dream to a viral stadium performance and a national TV audition, Ethan’s journey is proof that music—and a little kindness—can truly change lives.

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Jason Aldean captivated the crowd with a heartfelt performance of “Love in the First Degree” during CMT Giants: Alabama, a tribute event celebrating the legendary country band Alabama. His rendition of the 1981 hit showed off his signature vocal style, blending his energy with the timeless country charm of the original song.

“Love in the First Degree,” with its smooth harmonies and a story of love and devotion, became one of Alabama’s biggest hits and is still a fan favorite today. By covering this classic, Aldean not only paid tribute to the band’s groundbreaking influence on country music but also connected with the deep-rooted traditions they helped shape.

Known for songs like “Dirt Road Anthem” and “Burnin’ It Down,” Aldean brought his distinctive gravelly voice to the performance, adding a modern edge to the familiar tune. Dressed in classic country attire, he captured the essence of Alabama’s era while infusing his own flair, leaving the audience cheering and praising his take on the song.

The CMT Giants tribute event included performances from stars like Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Luke Bryan, but Aldean’s performance of “Love in the First Degree” truly stood out. His deep admiration for Alabama was evident as he shared how the band’s music inspired his own journey in country music, making his performance all the more meaningful.

Overall, Jason Aldean’s version of “Love in the First Degree” was a beautiful nod to Alabama’s lasting impact on country music. It perfectly blended nostalgia with a modern twist, cementing Aldean’s place in the country music world while honoring one of the genre’s most iconic bands.

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At the 2021 GMA Dove Awards, Lauren Daigle captivated the audience with soul-stirring performances of “Be Okay” and “Hold On to Me.” With her signature rich vocals and heartfelt delivery, she created a truly unforgettable moment, filling the venue with warmth, hope, and inspiration.

Kicking off with “Be Okay,” Daigle’s soothing voice reassured listeners with a message of comfort and perseverance. The soft, golden stage lighting enhanced the song’s intimate feel, making it feel like a personal conversation between the artist and her audience. Her delivery was both powerful and tender, reminding everyone that no matter the challenges, brighter days lie ahead.

Seamlessly transitioning into “Hold On to Me,” Daigle poured raw emotion into every note. Stripped-down instrumentals allowed her voice to take center stage, making the lyrics even more poignant. The room fell silent, completely absorbed in the moment, before erupting into applause at the song’s end.

The standing ovation from fans and fellow artists alike was a testament to Daigle’s extraordinary ability to connect through music. As one of the most influential voices in contemporary Christian music, she continues to bridge the gap between gospel roots and modern sound, touching hearts with every performance.

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