Scotty McCreery was just sixteen when he first won America’s heart on American Idol with his deep, soulful renditions of Josh Turner’s “Your Man” and Travis Tritt’s “Put Some Drive in Your Country.” That moment wasn’t just unforgettable — it was a glimpse of a country star in the making. Fans instantly connected with his genuine personality, unwavering faith, and timeless love for traditional country music.

After his big win, Scotty’s career took off like a rocket. But through all the fame and success, one thing has always stayed the same — his deep respect for the legends who came before him.

During a stop at the Grand Ole Opry in 2017, McCreery reminded everyone why he’s one of country music’s purest voices. He paid tribute to some of his greatest influences — Conway Twitty, Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, and John Michael Montgomery — with a medley that sounded like a 90s country revival brought to life.

With that signature confidence and charm, Scotty opened with Twitty’s “Hello Darlin’,” then shifted effortlessly into Travis’ heartfelt “Forever and Ever, Amen.” The crowd was completely locked in as he moved across the stage, owning every note. From the driving rhythm of “Folsom Prison Blues” to the feel-good nostalgia of “Chattahoochee,” Scotty’s vocals were spot-on.

He wrapped up with Montgomery’s classic “Sold,” leaving the Opry audience cheering and on their feet.

McCreery’s medley wasn’t just a performance — it was a love letter to the golden age of country music. With every song, he reminded fans why those timeless hits still matter, and why his voice feels like it was made for them.

Is there a holiday that feels more nostalgic than New Year’s Eve? One chapter closes, another begins, and the world celebrates with hope, reflection, and of course, music. For over 50 years, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve has been the soundtrack to that transition — and this year, it delivered in a big way.

At the heart of the night was none other than Carrie Underwood, who made the celebration unforgettable with a powerhouse medley of her biggest hits. The performance carried extra weight, marking 20 years since she won American Idol, the show that transformed a small-town Oklahoma girl into one of country music’s biggest stars.

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Carrie Underwood Lights Up Times Square

Two decades ago, America first fell in love with Carrie’s voice — and she’s never stopped proving why. On New Year’s Eve, she reminded everyone of her staying power with a performance that mixed nostalgia and pure star energy. Kicking things off with “Church Bells”, she had the crowd on their feet. From there, she dazzled with “Pink Champagne” before bringing the house down with “Before He Cheats.” And yes — that oversized champagne glass prop was the cherry on top.

This was Carrie’s third time performing at the Times Square special, following appearances in 2007 and 2015. But this year felt different. Not only was she celebrating two decades since her Idol win, but host Ryan Seacrest was also marking his 20th year leading the iconic countdown.

“I have such fun memories of performing on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square in both 2007 and 2015, and I’m so excited to perform just before the ball drops again this year,” Carrie shared ahead of the big night. “I’m thrilled to celebrate 20 years since winning American Idol by joining Ryan as he hosts his 20th New Year’s Eve in Times Square.”

What’s Next for Carrie in 2025

If New Year’s Eve proved anything, it’s that Carrie Underwood is still at the very top of her game. This year is already shaping up to be huge: she’s continuing her acclaimed Las Vegas residency, Reflection, and — in a full-circle moment — she’ll return to the show that launched her career.

Carrie is officially joining American Idol as a judge alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, stepping in for Katy Perry, who left after seven seasons. Fans couldn’t be more excited to see Carrie bring her experience, heart, and perspective back to the Idol stage — this time from behind the judges’ table.

With a glittering New Year’s Eve performance and a milestone year ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be pure magic for Carrie Underwood.

Rising country star Riley Green is living the dream on stage, but when it comes to love, he’s keeping things simple — and single. Despite his good looks and charm, Riley doesn’t see himself as an “eligible bachelor,” and for now, marriage just isn’t on his radar.

During a 2023 chat with Taste of Country Nights, he admitted his busy schedule makes it nearly impossible to settle down. And as of February 2025, Riley is still unmarried and officially single.

So, is Riley Green Single?

Yes — and he’s not hiding it. Back in 2019, Riley confessed that he had never truly been in love, which he said made it tough to write love songs. Interestingly, his more recent music, like the heartfelt ballads on his Don’t Mind If I Do album, suggests his perspective on love might be changing.

Riley Green’s Dating History (Confirmed & Rumored)

Megan Moroney (2024)
Rumors linked Riley to fellow country star Megan Moroney in late 2024, after the two were spotted vacationing in St. Barthélemy. Fans were convinced sparks were flying, but Megan later admitted on SiriusXM that she was too focused on her career to start dating.

Ella Langley (2024–2025)
Perhaps the most talked-about rumor has been Riley’s connection with Alabama-born singer Ella Langley. Their hit duet You Look Like You Love Me and on-stage chemistry during Riley’s Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour fueled speculation of a romance.

Both stars, however, have shut down the dating rumors. Ella told Taste of Country they’re “just good friends,” and Riley jokingly said on The Viall Files podcast that Ella is “probably too smart to date me.” Still, fans can’t help but notice the undeniable spark when they perform together.

Sophia Sansone (2022–2023)
Riley’s only confirmed public relationship was with Sophia Sansone, a music executive and Luke Combs’ longtime manager. The two went public at the 2022 CMT Awards and dated for about a year before quietly going their separate ways.

Jessica Lynn (Rumored)
At one point, Riley was rumored to be linked to singer Jessica Lynn, but that was quickly debunked — she’s been happily married since 2016.

Where Riley Stands Now

These days, Riley seems more focused on his booming career than on romance. With his 2025 Country Music Tour kicking off in March, he’s hitting stages across the U.S. and Canada, proving that music is his main love right now.

So while fans may keep speculating about Ella Langley or other potential relationships, Riley Green himself has made it clear: he’s single, not married, and more interested in writing songs and selling out shows than walking down the aisle — at least for now.

Kenny Chesney may be one of the biggest names in country music today, but he admits it didn’t start out that way. In fact, in the early days of his career, he almost lost himself by trying too hard to be someone else — none other than George Strait.

And honestly, who can blame him? George is The King of Country. Most young artists would be thrilled with even a fraction of his success. But as Chesney learned, there’s only one George Strait — and chasing that shadow nearly cost him his own identity.

In a 2023 interview with Country Countdown USA’s Lon Helton at the Country Radio Seminar, Chesney opened up about that early struggle:

“I was like a lot of artists, honestly. I was trying to be the newer version of George Strait… I wore the belt buckle. I was trying to be that.”

But the more he leaned into the imitation, the more he realized he was blending in instead of standing out. Other artists were doing the exact same thing, and Chesney admits he wasn’t delivering songs as strong as what his peers were putting out at the time.

“We were all reaching for Strait. I just felt I wasn’t being authentic as an artist during that time… There was a phase, after Garth hit, where everybody wore the same shirt.”

The turning point came when he stopped chasing George Strait’s image and started leaning into his own. He began writing songs that reflected his life and experiences — many of which came during his time spent in the Virgin Islands. From that moment, his career completely shifted.

And yet, even with all the lessons learned, Chesney still second-guessed himself at times. He confessed that when “Don’t Blink” was chosen as a single in 2007, he hated it at first:

“When we released that song… I hated it. I felt like it just touched every button you could possibly touch to get somebody to like a song. I thought, ‘This is the end of everything.’”

But, of course, fans had the final say. “Don’t Blink” became a four-week #1 hit on the Billboard country airplay chart and is still one of Chesney’s most beloved songs nearly two decades later.

Looking back, it’s clear that letting go of imitation and embracing authenticity was the key to Chesney’s longevity. His story is proof that even legends like George Strait can inspire — but true success comes only when you find your own voice.

At this year’s CMA Awards, three of country music’s brightest stars — Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert — came together to honor the one and only Loretta Lynn. The late legend, who passed away in 2022, left behind not just a catalog of unforgettable songs, but also a path that countless women in country music have followed with pride.

The tribute was nothing short of breathtaking. McEntire, Underwood, and Lambert stepped onto the stage with grace and reverence, performing a medley of Loretta’s most beloved hits. From the iconic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” to the fiery “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man),” each song carried Loretta’s bold storytelling and fearless spirit. Reba’s seasoned strength, Carrie’s soaring power, and Miranda’s raw emotion blended seamlessly, creating a performance that felt both deeply personal and universally moving.

As the music filled the room, the crowd — packed with country’s biggest names — rose to their feet, many wiping away tears. The atmosphere was heavy with love and gratitude, a testament to just how much Loretta Lynn meant to the genre and to those who now carry her torch.

Each of the three performers spoke of Loretta with admiration, crediting her for paving the way for women in country music. They weren’t just singing her songs — they were carrying forward her legacy of strength, authenticity, and resilience.

The tribute wasn’t just a performance; it was a moment of reflection and celebration. It reminded everyone watching that Loretta Lynn’s voice and influence remain as powerful as ever. And as the final notes echoed through the arena, one thing was clear: her impact on country music will never fade.

George Strait reminded everyone in Las Vegas exactly why he’s called the King of Country. In a rare appearance, he took the stage and delivered a performance that fans will be talking about for years.

The night kicked off with the familiar opening of “Easy Come, Easy Go.” The moment his voice filled the arena, the crowd was hooked. Smooth, steady, and full of heart, Strait sang as though he was sharing stories only he could tell—stories that carried the weight of a career built on honesty, tradition, and timeless country sound.

Without missing a beat, he transitioned into “Here for a Good Time,” a song that felt like both a celebration and an invitation. The audience sang along word for word, their energy feeding off Strait’s effortless delivery. It wasn’t just a performance; it was an exchange of joy between the star and the people who have stood by him through decades of music.

But the real magic was in the way Strait carried himself. Calm, confident, and completely at ease, he commanded the stage without needing flashy effects or big theatrics. His voice alone was enough to make time stand still. Every lyric felt personal, like he was singing directly to each person in the room.

By the time the last notes rang out, the audience knew they had experienced something special. This wasn’t just another concert—it was a reminder of what makes George Strait a legend. He didn’t just perform songs; he shared pieces of country music history, proving once again that some artists don’t just entertain—they leave a lasting mark.

For those lucky enough to be there, it was more than a show. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment with the King himself.

Riley Green recently dropped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and while he’s busy selling out arenas on his Damn Country Music Tour, the conversation took a funny turn back to where it all began—his very first song.

Green shared that he learned guitar from his grandfather Buford, but when it came time to write his own music, his debut attempt wasn’t exactly a country ballad. The song was called “Escalade”—and yes, it was about wanting one. “It even had a rap part in it,” he laughed, cracking up both Fallon and the audience.

That playful start might not have been Opry material, but it set the stage. Green recalled his first trip to Nashville for a writers’ round at the legendary Tootsie’s, where he realized that storytelling is what makes songs stick. From then on, he turned his focus to writing about the things closest to him—his family, his roots, and the small-town values that run through his music today.

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Of course, Fallon gave him the space to shout out his Damn Country Music Tour, which has been pulling huge crowds across the country in 2025.

Looking back, it’s wild to think the guy who once rapped about Escalades is now the voice behind heartfelt hits like “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” Riley Green’s story is proof that sometimes the funniest beginnings can lead to the most lasting songs.