Country fans got the show of a lifetime when three powerhouse women—Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson—lit up the Music City Rodeo stage with a fiery performance of “Trailblazer.” It wasn’t just a concert moment; it was a celebration of strength, unity, and the unstoppable spirit of women in country music.

From the very first note, the arena buzzed with electricity. Reba McEntire, the queen of country herself, delivered her verses with the kind of grace and authority only decades of experience can bring. Her presence alone set the tone—a reminder of the roots and resilience that still guide the genre today.

Miranda Lambert added her signature fire, leaning into the song with grit and determination. Her harmonies with Reba gave the performance texture and heat, while her fearless style underscored the song’s message of independence and boldness.

Then came Lainey Wilson, the rising star who’s quickly becoming country’s new voice of authenticity. With her rich, soulful tone and unshakable energy, she bridged generations right there on stage. Her chemistry with Reba and Miranda was undeniable, making the performance feel like a true passing of the torch while proving she’s already earned her place alongside legends.

The band kept the energy sky-high, with driving rhythms and crisp guitar licks that had the crowd clapping, stomping, and singing along. The stage glowed with lights, but the real spark came from the synergy between the three women. This wasn’t a competition—it was collaboration at its finest, each artist lifting the others up and letting the music speak louder than words.

What made it unforgettable was how much the performers embodied the song’s spirit. “Trailblazer” isn’t just about music—it’s about courage, breaking barriers, and carving your own path. And seeing Reba, Miranda, and Lainey shoulder-to-shoulder brought that message to life in the most powerful way possible.

Fans left the rodeo buzzing, with many calling it a history-making moment in country music. As one fan put it online: “This wasn’t just three voices—it was past, present, and future colliding in one anthem.”

In the end, “Trailblazer” became more than a song. It became a declaration—of unity, of strength, and of the incredible power of women in country music.

On The Kelly Clarkson Show, what started as a fun little segment quickly turned into a magical moment: Kelly singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” with an unlikely partner—a French bulldog named Remy.

The scene was simple but heart-melting. Kelly sat on the steps of the stage, cradling Remy, who sported a tiny blue bandana. The band played a gentle, stripped-down version of the classic. Kelly didn’t belt out the song with her usual powerhouse voice; instead, she sang softly, almost like a lullaby. And then came the surprise—Remy joined in. With perfectly timed whimpers and a soulful howl right on the famous line “I did it my way,” the duet felt almost too good to be real. The audience exploded with laughter and cheers, while Kelly couldn’t hide her delighted grin.

It wasn’t just cute—it was oddly moving. The sincerity of the moment and the playful twist on such a legendary song reminded everyone that sometimes the most touching performances are the ones you don’t plan.

And that wasn’t the only recent “aww” moment from Clarkson. During her Las Vegas show at the Bakkt Theater on August 19, 2023, she turned another concert into a family memory. While performing her upbeat “Heartbeat Song,” Kelly’s two kids, River Rose and Remington Alexander, surprised the crowd by walking on stage.

Kelly instantly dropped to her knees to meet them, sharing the microphone with her daughter while her son waved joyfully to the audience. The professional concert melted into a warm, unscripted family sing-along, leaving fans cheering and wiping their eyes.

For all her Grammys and chart-topping hits, Kelly Clarkson proved something simple and true: sometimes the greatest encore isn’t the applause—it’s the love from those closest to you.

On July 29, 2024, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena became the setting for one of the most emotional nights in recent country music history: Toby Keith: American Icon. The tribute concert celebrated the life and legacy of Toby Keith, who passed away in February 2024 after a courageous battle with stomach cancer.

The two-hour event brought together country stars, athletes, and comedians, each honoring Keith through stories and songs. But the night’s most unforgettable moment came when his daughter, Krystal Keith, stepped onto the stage.

Krystal’s Emotional Performance

Krystal delivered a moving rendition of “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” a song Toby originally wrote for Clint Eastwood’s 2018 film The Mule. The track became one of his signature pieces, especially after his powerful performance at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards—his first televised appearance since sharing his cancer diagnosis.

As Krystal sang, her voice carried not only the weight of Toby’s legacy but also the love of a daughter saying goodbye. Fans and fellow performers alike were visibly moved, calling her performance one of the most heartfelt moments of the evening.

A Star-Studded Tribute

The lineup reflected Toby Keith’s immense influence on country music and beyond. Performers included Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson, Clay Walker, and even special appearances from comedian Leanne Morgan and NFL legend Brett Favre. Together, they honored Toby not just as a superstar but also as a patriot, philanthropist, and friend.

Proceeds from the concert benefited The Toby Keith Foundation, which funds the OK Kids Corral, a facility providing free housing for families of children battling cancer.

Remembering Toby Keith’s Final Years

Toby’s last years were a mix of hardship and resilience. His emotional performance of “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards was seen by many as his final bow. Yet, in true Toby fashion, he surprised fans with a Las Vegas residency in December 2023, performing with grit and grace despite his declining health.

A Legacy That Lives On

Toby Keith: American Icon aired as a two-hour NBC special on August 28, 2024, allowing millions at home to share in the celebration. It was later rebroadcast on the one-year anniversary of the event.

Beyond the concert, Toby’s legacy has been honored at the CMT Music Awards, the ACM Awards, and with an honorary degree from the University of Oklahoma. In late 2023, he was named to the 2024 Country Music Hall of Fame class, though he sadly passed before the induction. His family accepted the honor in his place in October 2024.

Closing Thoughts

Krystal Keith’s tribute at Toby Keith: American Icon was more than just a song—it was a daughter’s farewell, a reminder of Toby’s powerful influence, and a celebration of a life and career that will continue to inspire generations.

Legendary actor Henry Winkler recently offered words of hope and encouragement to Kelly Clarkson’s daughter, River, during an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. River, who is in second grade, has been navigating the challenges of dyslexia while also dealing with bullying from classmates. Winkler, who shares the same learning difference, had some powerful advice to share.

Kelly praised Winkler’s incredible achievements despite his dyslexia, telling the audience, “I find it amazing to tell my daughter that you’ve written, like, 40 books and you’re dyslexic.” She explained that River had been feeling discouraged because she couldn’t read as easily as her peers.

Turning to the camera, Winkler spoke directly to River:
“River, I got it. All right, how you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are.”

The heartfelt message brought Kelly to tears and drew warm applause from the audience. It was a beautiful reminder that kindness and empathy can leave a lasting impact—especially for a child facing challenges.

In addition to his touching words, Winkler also shared updates on his latest projects, including a new children’s book series and his memoir. Despite his dyslexia, he has built a remarkable career as both an actor and author, proving that determination and self-belief can overcome any obstacle.

For Kelly and River, Winkler’s encouragement was more than just advice—it was a reminder that learning differences don’t define a person’s potential, and that brilliance shines in many forms.

Reba McEntire may be a legend herself, but she never forgets the trailblazers who opened doors before her. During the 100-year celebration of the Grand Ole Opry in March 2025, Reba took a moment to honor two of her biggest heroes: Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn.

After a touching speech, Reba performed songs that defined both women’s legacies. Then, on April 14th—what would have been Loretta’s 93rd birthday—she shared a video of herself singing Lynn’s classic “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man).” Reba captioned the post, “Happy heavenly birthday to my friend and country music trailblazer,” tagging Loretta’s official Instagram page, which remains active. Fans quickly filled the comments with heart emojis and birthday wishes, keeping Loretta’s memory alive.

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A Bond That Started in Childhood

Reba’s connection to Loretta Lynn goes way back. In a 2016 interview with Big Machine Label Group, Reba recalled the first time she met Loretta—as an 11-year-old girl in Oklahoma. Loretta was performing at a rodeo, and young Reba was starstruck. “I whipped off my belt for her to sign, and man, I wish I still had that belt,” she laughed. “I love Loretta Lynn.”

Friends of Reba have said that Loretta was more than just an idol—she was a model of strength. One close friend told Closer Weekly: “She was the ideal for Reba—confident, talented, nobody’s fool, and a woman who stood up for herself in her songs.” Over the years, Loretta became a mentor as Reba carved her own path in country music.

Saying Goodbye

When Loretta Lynn passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 90, the country music community mourned deeply. Reba joined countless fans and artists in sharing tributes. On Instagram, she posted a sweet photo of the two together, comparing Loretta to her mother because of their similar age and spirit.

Reba’s message was as heartfelt as it was powerful: “I sure appreciate her paving the rough and rocky road for all us girl singers.”

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Lainey Wilson’s journey from a small-town girl living in a camper trailer to GRAMMY winner, ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, and Grand Ole Opry member is nothing short of inspiring. Along the way, she leaned on the wisdom of icons like Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and Wynonna Judd, who helped her navigate the ups and downs of the music business.

Now, standing at the peak of her career, Wilson is determined to pay it forward. One of the artists she’s guiding is rising star Ella Langley, who Wilson lovingly calls “like a sister.”

Passing on the Wisdom

In a recent chat with Country Nights Live with Bev Rainey, Wilson reflected on how much mentorship shaped her path:
“Miranda was that person for me, and she’s that person for Ella too,” she shared. “I think about all the wisdom Miranda, Reba, and Wynonna gave me. You’ve got to pass it on — you can’t keep it for yourself.”

Wilson checks in with Langley often, calling her one of the most promising young voices in country music: “It’s important for me to be there if she needs me.”

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Country queens lift each other up. 👑 Lainey’s got Ella’s back! #CountryNightsLive #LaineyWilson #BevRainey #EllaLangley #WomenInCountry @Lainey Wilson @Ella Langley

♬ original sound – Country Nights Live

Ella Langley Opens Up

Langley, currently taking a break from touring after canceling her August shows, has been candid about the struggles that come with sudden success. Earlier this year, she admitted to Wilson and Lambert that she battled imposter syndrome, especially after finding herself nominated alongside them.
“I was like, ‘How can I even be in the same category as you two?’” Langley recalled. Both Wilson and Lambert reminded her that she belonged, just as others once reminded them.

Wilson’s Own Whirlwind Year

Even as she mentors the next generation, Wilson continues blazing trails of her own. She recently kicked off her Whirlwind World Tour and dropped the Whirlwind (Deluxe) project. The expanded edition adds five fresh tracks, including fan favorites like “Bell Bottoms Up,” “Peace, Love, and Cowboys,” and the rising single “Somewhere Over Laredo.”

Keeping the Cycle Alive

For Wilson, the sisterhood in country music is what keeps the genre strong. Just as legends once reached out to guide her, she now sees it as both a responsibility and a privilege to do the same for artists like Ella Langley.

It’s proof that in country music, success isn’t just about awards and hit songs—it’s also about lifting others up so the next generation can shine even brighter.

Kelly Clarkson joined forces with country music legends Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire for a mesmerizing performance of “Silent Night” on her NBC special, Cautionary Christmas Music Tale. The moment highlighted the extraordinary vocal talents of all three artists and left audiences spellbound.

The performance began with Clarkson’s soul-stirring solo on the opening verse, setting a magical tone. Yearwood soon joined in, blending her voice seamlessly with Clarkson’s for rich, beautiful harmonies. When McEntire added her powerhouse vocals, the trio’s rendition reached breathtaking heights.

One of the most memorable moments came during the fourth verse, when they sang acapella, creating an intimate, reverent atmosphere. Their voices intertwined effortlessly, producing a heavenly sound that captivated everyone watching.

Fans quickly praised the trio’s flawless harmonies and on-stage chemistry, taking to social media to celebrate the performance. This rendition was a standout moment among many highlights of Clarkson’s NBC special, which also featured stars like Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and Blake Shelton, showcasing Clarkson’s versatility as an artist.

Clarkson’s Christmas album, Wrapped in Red, further cemented her holiday music legacy. The album, which received platinum certification and critical acclaim, marked a departure from her pop-rock roots and explored new musical styles. Its lead single, “Underneath the Tree,” became a modern holiday classic, earning widespread recognition and multiple platinum certifications.

Ultimately, Clarkson’s performance of “Silent Night” with Yearwood and McEntire is a shining example of how music can bridge genres and create unforgettable, heartwarming moments.

Blake Shelton made a big return to the ACM Awards stage in 2018, his first appearance in several years, and fans were buzzing with anticipation about which hit he would perform.

Instead of singing his then-current singles like “I Lived It” or the nominated “I’ll Name the Dogs,” Shelton surprised everyone with a nostalgic twist. As part of the “ACM Throwback” segment, he teamed up with country legend Toby Keith to celebrate the 25th anniversary of iconic songs from 1993.

Their choice? None other than Keith’s breakthrough hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”—a fitting tribute, especially as Keith was also marking the song’s milestone with “The Should’ve Been a Cowboy Tour XXV.”

The moment Shelton and Keith hit the stage, the crowd erupted. Fans leapt to their feet, singing along and soaking in the magic. The performance drew thunderous applause and left both the audience and fellow artists in awe.

Without a doubt, their rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” was one of the night’s standout moments—a perfect showcase of their chemistry, talent, and the timeless power of classic country music.