Ella Langley may have walked away a big winner at the 2025 ACM Awards, but behind the spotlight and celebration, it was also one of the toughest nights of her life.

In a heartfelt chat on Taste of Country Nights, the “Weren’t for the Wind” singer opened up about the emotional highs and lows that came crashing together during what she calls both her best and worst day in country music.

“I’m gonna say both of those are the same day — probably the awards show,” she said candidly, reflecting on May 8. “It was just a tough week. I know I’ve shared a bit about that.”

Langley has previously spoken about her ongoing battle with mental health, something that runs deep in her family. “It’s just the disease of my family, really,” she’s said, acknowledging that no matter how good things might look on the outside, it’s not always sunshine behind the scenes.

“I think it’s important to talk about it — just because I might seem like I’m on top of the mountain right now, it doesn’t always feel that way,” she shared.

Still, despite the internal struggles, Langley called the ACM Awards the brightest moment of her career so far.

“I got to get up and sing ‘Kerosene’ with Miranda Lambert — that alone was insane,” she said with a smile. “And I met so many people I’ve looked up to my whole life. Brooks & Dunn were behind me passing popcorn! I even met Reba!”

While fans saw her soaking in the spotlight, Ella was quietly battling waves of emotion. “It’s hard to compute those two feelings happening at the same time,” she admitted. “But I know I’m right where I’m meant to be.”

Her faith has played a big part in that clarity. “God has chosen me,” she said. “I’ve gotten so close with Him these past few months.”

Langley didn’t just show up to the ACMs — she dominated, taking home five awards out of her eight nominations, making her the most-nominated artist of the night. And performing with one of her country music heroes made it all the more special.

As for what’s next, the “You Look Like You Love Me” star is hitting the road all summer long, joining Riley Green and Morgan Wallen on tour, plus playing festivals and headlining a few shows of her own.

One thing is clear: Ella Langley is rising fast — and she’s doing it with grace, grit, and honesty every step of the way.

Reba McEntire lit up Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on May 29 as she kicked off the very first Music City Rodeo with a powerhouse performance full of heart, humor, and a whole lot of country spirit. The 70-year-old legend delivered a high-energy 18-song set that celebrated five decades of hits—and gave fans a surprise they’ll never forget.

Decked out in fringe, turquoise, and plenty of sparkle, Reba opened with “Turn On The Radio” and immediately had the crowd on their feet. From classics like “You Lie” and “Fancy” to unexpected covers of Aretha Franklin and Dua Lipa, her set was as dynamic and timeless as her career.

But the highlight of the night came when Reba teased the crowd by asking, “Wouldn’t it be great if they were here tonight?”—right before Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson strutted onstage. The crowd went wild as the trio performed their fierce new anthem “Trailblazer” together for the very first time. The performance was pure fire, and fans couldn’t stop cheering.

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@Lainey Wilson and @Miranda Lambert joined @Reba McEntire at the inaugural @musiccityrodeo, Nashville’s first-ever rodeo, to perform their collaboration, “Trailblazer.” #LaineyWilson #MirandaLambert #Reba #RebaMcEntire #countrymusic #country #MusicCityRodeo #Nashville #Trailblazer #Icon #countrymusictiktoks

♬ original sound – Music Mayhem

For Reba, the moment was personal. A proud “rodeo brat,” her roots run deep—her father and grandfather were both champion rodeo riders. The debut of Nashville’s first-ever PRCA-sanctioned rodeo was a full-circle celebration of her heritage.

The Music City Rodeo itself is a groundbreaking event, blending the excitement of professional rodeo with the star power of country music. Over three days, fans will see everything from barrel racing to bull riding—plus headline performances by Jelly Roll and Tim McGraw, who co-founded the event alongside Reba.

Reba closed her set with a rousing rendition of “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” and an emotional, crowd-wide sing-along to “Fancy.” With that, night one of the Music City Rodeo came to a spectacular close—leaving fans buzzing and country music history made.

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HARDY made his long-awaited debut at the Grand Ole Opry on April 29, 2025—and he made sure it was a night fans won’t forget. Stepping onto the legendary Nashville stage, the country-rock trailblazer delivered an emotional, high-energy set that ended with a surprise duet that brought the house to its feet.

The standout moment? A powerful performance of his hit song “Wait in the Truck”—but this time, with rising star Ella Langley by his side.

Originally released in 2022 with Lainey Wilson, the gritty ballad tells the haunting story of a man who takes justice into his own hands after rescuing an abused woman. Lainey wasn’t able to make it to the Opry that night, but she sent a heartfelt video message cheering HARDY on and sending her love. In her place, Ella Langley stepped up—and delivered.

Having toured with HARDY in 2024 and fresh off her ACM New Female Artist of the Year win, Ella brought her A-game. Her soulful vocals and fierce stage presence added a fresh layer of emotion to the performance, with fans praising their chemistry and even calling for a recorded version of this new duet.

One fan posted, “Ella gave major Stevie Nicks vibes—pure magic with HARDY!” And judging by the roaring ovation, the Opry crowd agreed.

But the magic didn’t stop there. HARDY also performed new songs like “Buck on the Wall” and “Favorite Country Song,” giving fans a taste of what’s to come. He made the night even more personal by wearing his late grandfather’s watch—a quiet but meaningful tribute during the touching “Buck on the Wall.”

From start to finish, HARDY’s Opry debut was more than just a performance—it was a full-circle moment, filled with gratitude, grit, and a glimpse into the heart of an artist who’s just getting started.

And with Ella Langley in the mix, it’s safe to say country music fans are ready for whatever comes next from this dynamic duo.

It was a night to remember in Las Vegas as country superstar Kenny Chesney and rising star Megan Moroney lit up the stage at the iconic Sphere with a surprise duet that had fans on their feet and dancing in their boots.

What started as a typical high-energy Chesney show quickly turned into something magical when the crowd heard the opening notes of “You and Tequila.” But this time, Kenny wasn’t singing it alone. Out walked Megan Moroney, glowing with excitement and charm, ready to share the moment.

The crowd erupted into cheers as the two shared the stage—Kenny with his laid-back swagger, Megan with her signature sweet-meets-sassy style. Their voices blended beautifully, bringing a fresh new energy to the beloved ballad. You could feel the joy radiating through the venue as they sang, smiled, and even shared a few spontaneous dance moves.

@kennychesney

You Had To Be There last night at @Sphere in Vegas. @Megan Moroney and I sang our song for the first time live. It felt amazing to share the stage with her again. Thank you Megan for being there. You lit up the room. Love you. 💙🌴💙 KC 📸: @Alive Coverage

♬ original sound – Kenny Chesney

Fans took to social media within minutes, calling the duet “pure country magic” and “one of the best surprises of the night.” One concertgoer wrote, “I came to see Kenny, but Megan Moroney just stole my heart. That duet gave me chills!”

The chemistry between the two artists was undeniable. They laughed, they sang, and most of all—they looked like they were having the time of their lives. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration of music, connection, and pure joy.

As the final chorus rang out and the lights dimmed, the crowd gave a roaring standing ovation. Kenny tipped his hat to Megan, while she grinned and gave him a big hug. The moment felt genuine, special—and one fans will be talking about for a long time.

This Vegas stop on Kenny Chesney’s tour was already expected to be big—but thanks to Megan Moroney, it became unforgettable.

Country superstar Kane Brown is stepping into the spotlight in a whole new way—he’s making his feature film debut in a romantic comedy called The Token Groomsman! And he’s not doing it alone. He’ll be starring alongside Twilight favorite Taylor Lautner in what’s already shaping up to be a fun, feel-good movie.

Kane will play Neil, the hilarious, loyal best friend to Lautner’s character, Scott. Think: the guy who gives solid advice, delivers unexpected laughs, and keeps it real during one very chaotic wedding weekend. Whether they’re chasing love or scrambling for last-minute cash, Neil is the guy who’s always in Scott’s corner—his “ride or die.”

Director Natalie Simpkins couldn’t be more excited:
“Kane brings something special to the screen—a mix of charm, heart, and honesty that’s magnetic.”

The movie was written by Simpkins, John C. Hall, and Sohale Andrus Mortazavi. It’s being produced by Retinue Media and backed by a team that knows how to deliver crowd-pleasing films. Production begins later this year, and it’ll hit over 2,500 theaters in the U.S. thanks to a new digital platform called Attend, which also powers smart audience connections through social trends and live-streaming. Globally, Radiant Films International will handle distribution.

Radiant’s president, Mimi Steinbauer, shared her excitement too:
“This rom-com has all the right ingredients—humor, heart, and major star power. We can’t wait for the world to see it.”

As Kane prepares to bring his down-to-earth charm to the big screen, he’s also riding high after wrapping up his 2025 High Road Tour, which delivered a fresh, high-energy experience for fans across the country. The tour kicked off in San Diego on March 13 and wrapped in Gilford, NH on May 25. But he’s not done yet—his next stop is Buckeye Country Superfest in Columbus, OH on June 21.

Between stadium stages and movie sets, Kane Brown is showing us he can do it all. And with The Token Groomsman on the horizon, fans are about to fall in love with him all over again—in theaters!

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Country music fans in Greenville, South Carolina will have to wait just a little longer to see Chris Stapleton live. The launch of his highly anticipated All-American Road Show Tour has been postponed after essential production equipment was damaged beyond repair during transport to the first stop.

The show, originally set for June 4, will now take place on Wednesday, July 9, according to a message shared on Stapleton’s official social media pages.

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“Critical pieces of our tour production were damaged beyond repair while en route to Greenville,” the statement explained. “Unfortunately, without that equipment, we are unable to put on the show.”

While the exact cause of the damage wasn’t revealed, Stapleton’s team reassured fans that all tickets for the original date will be honored on the rescheduled night. For those unable to attend, refunds are available at the original point of purchase. Fans who bought through Ticketmaster have until Tuesday, June 24 to request a refund.

The tour will now officially kick off in Charlottesville, Virginia on June 6, with an impressive list of special guests joining Stapleton on various stops—including Marcus King, Nikki Lane, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Brittney Spencer, The War & Treaty, and many more.

The current leg of the All-American Road Show is scheduled to wrap up October 11 in Hollywood, Florida.

Meanwhile, Stapleton has also been sharing the stage with George Strait on their stadium tour, with recent performances in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh drawing massive crowds. Their final three shows together will be in:

Buffalo, NY – June 14

Foxborough, MA – June 21

Inglewood, CA – July 19

Amid all the touring excitement, Stapleton also just received a major honor. Traveller, his breakthrough 2015 album, was recently named the No. 1 country album of the 21st century (so far) by Billboard. The record has now spent an incredible 525 weeks on the Top Country Albums chart, second only to Willie Nelson’s Stardust.

While fans may be disappointed by the short delay, it’s clear that Chris Stapleton’s road show is only just getting started—and he’ll be back in Greenville soon, stronger than ever.

It was a night no one will forget. Just days after Dolly Parton lost her beloved husband, Carl Dean, she sat quietly in the audience—grieving, vulnerable, and far from her usual bright spotlight. There were no rhinestones, no jokes. Just a woman mourning the love of her life.

Everyone knew the evening would be emotional. But nothing could have prepared Dolly—or anyone else—for what came next.

As the lights dimmed and a soft golden glow filled the stage, Kelly Clarkson stepped out. She didn’t say a word. With quiet strength, she sat at the piano and began to sing a reimagined version of her song “Piece by Piece”—this time, as a tribute to Dolly and Carl’s lifelong love.

“Piece by piece, he built you a life,
Never let go, stayed right by your side.
Through every storm, through all the years,
He held your hand, he dried your tears.”

Kelly’s voice cracked with emotion as she sang, each word landing like a soft embrace. The room fell completely silent—no phones, no whispers, just hearts holding their breath.

And then the camera found Dolly.

She was clutching her heart, tears streaming down her face—not just from sorrow, but from feeling truly seen. In that song, in that moment, her love story was being honored with grace and honesty—not with fanfare, but with deep respect.

As the final note faded, Kelly stood and walked gently toward Dolly. She knelt beside her, wrapped her arms around her, and whispered, “He loved you piece by piece, every single day.”

Through tears, Dolly leaned in and whispered back, “And I’ll keep loving him, every single day.”

There was no applause. Just stillness. The kind that only comes from witnessing something real and sacred.

Even the production crew backstage was overwhelmed by emotion. This wasn’t planned. It wasn’t for show. It was two women—one mourning, one comforting—sharing a moment of truth that rippled through everyone watching.

By morning, the video had gone viral. But no headline or highlight could capture the depth of what happened that night.

Because for a few unforgettable minutes, music did more than entertain. It remembered. It honored. It healed.

And in the quiet after the song, the world felt the power of love that never truly ends.

It was a night to remember in Nashville—a sold-out benefit concert that already had fans buzzing. But no one was ready for what happened next.

When rising country artist John Foster walked onstage, the crowd cheered. But when George Strait appeared beside him? The place erupted.

With just a single spotlight shining through the smoky stage, the two artists launched into a heartfelt version of “I Cross My Heart.” The surprise duet instantly became a magical moment—one fans are calling the most unforgettable collaboration in years.

Foster opened the song with his signature raw, soulful vocals. Every word felt honest and full of emotion. Then came George Strait—his warm, familiar voice blending beautifully with Foster’s as they sang about love, family, and the journey home.

You could feel the connection between them. As they harmonized through the chorus, it felt like time stood still. Even seasoned music critics were moved to tears.

“I’ve seen a lot of great performances,” said CMA producer Will Jenkins, “but this was more than that. This was a torch being passed.”

The crowd responded with a standing ovation that lasted nearly four minutes. Then George turned to the audience and said with a smile, “I’ve sung with a lot of folks… but John? That’s a once-in-a-generation voice.”

Foster, clearly emotional, simply mouthed “thank you” as the crowd roared once again.

Almost instantly, social media blew up. The hashtag #StraitFosterDuet began trending worldwide, and fans couldn’t get enough:

“This duet broke my heart and healed it at the same time.”

“We need a full George Strait and John Foster album. Now.”

“Country music history was made tonight.”

Within 24 hours, the video had over 10 million views, and both artists saw a major spike in streams and searches.

And the best part? This might not be the last we hear from them. Sources close to the two say they’ve recorded several more songs together—and a surprise EP or full album might be in the works.

“It’s rare to see artists from different generations connect this deeply,” one insider shared. “But when these two sing together, it just works.”

With one unforgettable performance, John Foster didn’t just sing with a legend—he earned a place beside him. And by the look of it, a new chapter in country music has just begun.

@officialjohnfoster

A lil King George for you! #JohnFoster #GeorgeStrait #StraitCountry #ClassicCountry #FYP #AmericanIdol

♬ original sound – John Foster

John Foster might only be 18, but his voice sounds like it’s been pulled straight from the golden days of country music. Hailing from Addis, Louisiana, this rising star is making serious waves on American Idol Season 23—and beyond. One recent performance in particular has fans buzzing: his stunning take on George Strait’s “Amarillo By Morning,” which has gone viral for all the right reasons.

From the first note, it was clear—John isn’t just singing the song, he’s living it. His rich, soulful tone blends the heart of traditional country with a fresh, emotional twist that feels both classic and brand new. Listeners from all ages have flocked to social media to call him “the future of country music” and “the voice we didn’t know we were missing.”

What makes John stand out isn’t just his vocals—it’s his heart. You can feel the respect he has for the legends who paved the way: George Strait, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, and Willie Nelson. But he’s not trying to copy them. Instead, he’s building on their legacy with his own stories, sound, and southern charm.

Beyond covers, John is a songwriter with real emotional depth. His original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written after losing two close friends, left both the audience and judges visibly moved. It’s clear that for John, music isn’t just performance—it’s therapy, storytelling, and connection all wrapped into one.

Long before Idol, John had already been sharpening his skills. He’s shared the stage with country greats like John Schneider and Doug Stone, proving he’s not new to performing—just new to the spotlight.

Now, with each episode, he’s not only gaining fans, he’s reviving something many thought country had lost: real, honest, soul-stirring music. Whether you’re a longtime country fan or just getting into the genre, John Foster is the kind of artist who makes you stop and listen.

And the best part? He’s just getting started.

On October 16, 2024, Brick Street Bar in Oxford, Ohio, turned into pure magic when Ella Langley and Maggie Antone took the stage and delivered a stunning rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s classic hit “Dreams.” The packed crowd—filled with college students and loyal fans—was completely swept away by the duo’s raw, emotional take on the beloved track.

Their version wasn’t just a cover—it was an experience.

With only stripped-down guitar backing them, Langley and Antone gave “Dreams” a Southern twist, blending soulful harmonies and heartfelt storytelling in a way that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Langley’s signature raspy vocals led the charge, setting the mood with a smoky, slow-burn delivery. Antone’s smooth, melodic tone wrapped around Langley’s like velvet, creating a perfect harmony that gave the song a whole new emotional depth.

The chemistry between the two was electric. It was clear they weren’t just singing a song—they were feeling every word. As the lyrics floated through the air—“Thunder only happens when it’s raining…”—the crowd fell into a quiet awe. Phones came out to capture the moment, but no one wanted to interrupt the magic by singing over it. It was one of those rare performances where everyone in the room knew they were witnessing something special.

Even though both artists have been gaining momentum individually—Langley with her debut EP Excuse the Mess and Antone thanks to a viral wave on TikTok—this joint performance showed they’re more than rising stars. They’re true artists who know how to move a crowd.

What made the moment even more powerful was its honesty. Their take on “Dreams” didn’t try to outshine the original or polish it into perfection. Instead, it was raw, real, and full of heart—and that’s exactly why it hit home.

As the final notes faded and the audience roared with applause, one thing was clear: Ella Langley and Maggie Antone created a moment that won’t soon be forgotten. Their version of “Dreams” reminded everyone why live music is so powerful—and why these two voices are ones we’ll be hearing a lot more from.