Riley Green: Country’s Heartthrob—But Is He Single?

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At 36, Riley Green has quickly earned the title of country music’s latest heartthrob. And let’s be real—if you haven’t heard his name yet, you’ve definitely heard that voice.

One of his biggest hits lately? The steamy (and cheeky) duet “you look like you love me” with fellow country artist Ella Langley. The track has been everywhere—on the radio, social media, and even center stage at the 58th Annual CMA Awards, where it won Musical Event of the Year! Fans couldn’t get enough of the song—or the sizzling chemistry between Riley and Ella during their live performance.

So naturally, fans are asking: are these two more than just duet partners?

Are Riley Green and Ella Langley a couple?
As flirty as their performances might look, Ella set the record straight: they’re not dating.

“Riley was probably the first famous person I ever met,” she told Taste of Country. “We played a lot of the same bars back in Alabama—it’s awesome seeing someone from home making it big.”

She added with a smile: “We’re just good friends.”

So… is Riley Green single?
All signs point to yes! While Riley has sparked dating rumors in the past—with names like music manager Sophia Sansone and singer Jessica Lynn popping up—nothing has ever been confirmed. As of now, Riley seems to be flying solo, and he hasn’t been spotted publicly with anyone romantically.

Who has he been spotted with lately? His sweet mom! She sat right beside him at the CMAs and even helped him with his hat before he hit the stage. Too cute.

And of course, there’s one more leading presence in Riley’s life: his beloved cowboy corgi, Carl. Not only does Carl have his own Instagram account, but he’s also a regular star on Riley’s social feed. If you ask us, a guy who loves his dog that much? Total green flag.

So while Riley might be single, he’s certainly not lacking love in his life—and we’re here for it.

Slater Nalley may not have been in the final three on American Idol finale night, but he absolutely stole the show with one unforgettable moment.

The Season 23 finale came down to John Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts—with Jamal ultimately being crowned the winner after what host Ryan Seacrest called “the biggest finale vote in ABC Idol history.” But it was Slater, who made it to the Top 5, that had one of the most talked-about performances of the night.

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As part of the star-studded evening filled with performances from Salt-N-Pepa, Jelly Roll, Patti LaBelle, and more, Slater returned to the stage for a duet with judge Carrie Underwood. The two performed her hit “I’m Gonna Love You,” originally a duet with Cody Johnson. Then came the surprise: Midway through the song, Carrie turned toward the back of the stage and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, please make welcome Cody Johnson!” That’s when the country star himself walked out—much to Slater’s shock.

Slater’s stunned reaction was priceless. After the performance, Ryan Seacrest pointed out how genuinely surprised he looked. Slater replied, “I’m such a big fan. I did his version of Reba’s song earlier in the show, so big fan.”

The moment was later posted on American Idol’s Instagram, where fans lit up the comments with praise. Slater chimed in with one word: “SHOCKED.” Others added, “Your reaction was incredible. What a performance!” and “The trio we didn’t know we needed!” One fan even declared it the “Best moment of the night.”

Slater may not have taken the Idol crown, but moments like this show he’s already on his way to something special. We can’t wait to see what’s next for him!

As American Idol gears up to crown its next winner, fans are already buzzing about what’s next—especially when it comes to Carrie Underwood’s future on the show.

This season, Carrie returned to the spotlight in a full-circle moment, joining Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judges’ table 20 years after winning the competition herself. Alongside her fellow judges, she’s helped guide the Top 3—Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, and John Foster—toward the finale. Her presence has been both nostalgic and refreshing, with many fans loving her mix of heartfelt encouragement and honest critiques.

So, will Carrie be back for Season 24? That’s the big question.

In a recent interview with TVLine, showrunner and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick shared her thoughts on Carrie’s role this season:

“She really had to carve out her own role… and she definitely did that. I think she brought a nostalgia factor, and I also like that she brought a little criticism and constructive feedback, which is very much needed. She knows how hard she was pushed each week during her own season, and she’s brought that same passion.”

While Carrie hasn’t commented publicly about returning, fans are hopeful. Lionel and Luke—mainstays since 2018—also haven’t confirmed their return, but there’s no sign they’re stepping away.

As for the future of the show, Megan offered some encouraging news:

“American Idol is absolutely coming back. We already have thousands of submissions for next season… The momentum is strong. We’ll have more to share after the finale.”

Whether Carrie signs on again or not, her impact this season has been undeniable. And with Season 24 officially on the horizon, Idol fans have plenty to look forward to.

Blake Shelton knows how to put on a great show—but this time, it was his off-stage moment that truly stole the spotlight.

On Tuesday, May 13, Blake lit up Rockefeller Plaza with a live performance on TODAY as part of the Citi Concert Series. He treated fans to new hits like “Texas” and “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” from his latest album, For Recreational Use Only, plus crowd favorites like “Boys ‘Round Here” and “Honey Bee.”

But among the sea of cheering fans, one woman caught Blake’s attention—Alexa from Erie, Pennsylvania. A longtime superfan, Alexa was seeing Blake live for the 19th time (yes, you read that right!). And this time, her loyalty and love didn’t go unnoticed.

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In a heartwarming twist, TODAY’s Craig Melvin asked Alexa if she’d like to meet Blake in person. Moments later, Blake stepped off the stage, walked straight up to her, and gave her a warm hug—bringing Alexa to happy tears. It was pure magic, and the touching moment quickly won over viewers at home.

Fans flooded social media with love for the country star. “Blakey. One of the good guys. Awesome,” one person wrote. Another added, “Omg he is legit the nicest human.” One commenter even shared, “My cousin worked on The Voice and said Blake is even nicer than he seems on TV!”

Blake’s surprise was part of the second installment of this summer’s Citi Concert Series. With big names like Cynthia Erivo, Zac Brown Band, and the Jonas Brothers still to come, fans are hoping for more unforgettable moments just like this one.

Because when it comes to fan love, Blake Shelton just gets it—and proves again and again why he’s one of country music’s most beloved stars.

Country fans were buzzing with concern after George Strait, the beloved “King of Country,” appeared to be in discomfort during a recent concert stop in Philadelphia. The 72-year-old icon, who’s currently on a stadium tour with Chris Stapleton, surprised the crowd when he chose to sit down mid-performance—something longtime fans aren’t used to seeing.

A clip from the show quickly made its way to TikTok, where the poster shared, “George says his back gave out and he won’t be able to move around as much as usual.” Even though Strait delivered the news with a lighthearted spirit, fans couldn’t help but worry. Support poured in online with comments like, “Hoping for a speedy recovery ” and “Oh my precious George… I’m so sorry your back gave out. You’re still doing an amazing job!”

@sat_tx_cowboy

George Strait concert in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last night. George says his back gave out and will not be able to dance around as much as he usually does. 😂😂😂😂 #georgestrait#funny#comedy#countrymusic#foryoupage#lincolnfinancialfield

♬ original sound – Steve Parker

While George Strait may not be bouncing across the stage like he did in his early years, he still commands every moment with his signature charm and soulful voice. But after decades of performing, fans are starting to ask the question—how much longer can he keep this up?

@sat_tx_cowboy

George has something to say to his fans…#georgestrait #countrymusic #concert #lincolnfinancialfield #foryoupage

♬ original sound – Steve Parker

During the show, Strait addressed the crowd with a heartfelt moment that left many reaching for tissues. “I maybe have five good years left to sing these songs for you folks,” he admitted. “But heck, it’s already been close to 50 years. And I still love it just as much. When I walk through those curtains and see your smiling faces, my feet don’t touch the ground until I’m back on that bus.”

His honesty hit home for fans who have grown up with his music. It’s clear that Strait’s passion is still burning, but he’s also facing the reality of time and age. Whether he has five years left—or more—we’ll treasure every moment.

Because let’s face it: there’s only one George Strait. And we’re not ready to let go just yet.

Country music icon Trisha Yearwood is gearing up to release her most personal project yet — The Mirror, dropping Friday, July 18. This isn’t just another album. For the first time in her legendary career, Trisha co-wrote and co-produced every track. And that’s not all — she’s also stepping into new territory with a powerful touch of gospel.

The opening track, Bringing the Angels, gives listeners a glimpse into Trisha’s heart and faith. Written alongside Leslie Satcher, Bridgette Tatum, and her sister Beth, the song carries a message of comfort during life’s hardest moments. “I have a strong faith in a higher power,” Trisha shared. “I’ve never really worn my heart on my sleeve, and this is probably as close to a gospel song as I’ll ever record. For me, it’s about knowing you’re not alone when things get tough — and that brings me peace.”

Fans got their first taste of the new album on May 2, when Trisha dropped both Bringing the Angels and The Wall Or The Way Over. While the full tracklist hasn’t been revealed yet, these two releases already hint at something truly special on the horizon.

The reaction from fans? Nothing short of emotional. “This song’s been on repeat all weekend — I’m obsessed!” one fan wrote on Instagram. Another added, “Trisha, this album is going to break me, heal me, and break me all over again — and I’m here for it!” And many echoed the same sentiment: “Your voice, these lyrics — simply beautiful.”

If you haven’t heard them yet, both Bringing the Angels and The Wall Or The Way Over are streaming now on all music platforms. One thing’s for sure — The Mirror is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most heartfelt albums, and Trisha is inviting us all along for the ride.

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Season 23 of American Idol has officially wrapped, and while Jamal Roberts took home the crown, runner-up John Foster is the name fans can’t stop talking about. His emotional reaction during the finale — along with his breakout performances all season long — has kept him in the spotlight long after the final curtain fell.

The May 18 finale shattered records, drawing over 26 million votes — the most in recent Idol history, and twice as many as last season. Heading into the night, 18-year-old John Foster from Louisiana was widely seen as the frontrunner, thanks to social media buzz and overwhelming fan support. So when he finished in second place, many viewers were stunned — and some were downright outraged.

More Than a Contestant — A Country Star in the Making
John wasn’t just another contestant; he was the standout voice of the season. From the very beginning, his heartfelt performances and pure country vocals connected deeply with audiences. But it was his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her” — written in honor of a late friend — that truly made waves. The performance went viral, turning casual viewers into lifelong fans.

Hailing from a small town in Louisiana, John brought a refreshing sense of honesty and heart to the competition. His charm, humility, and old-school country sound made him feel like a modern-day throwback — someone who could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with legends while carving out his own path.

A Finale Full of Big Moments — and Bigger Reactions
The finale had everything: powerhouse performances, star-studded cameos, and edge-of-your-seat drama. But one brief moment sparked major conversation. Just before the winner was announced, cameras caught a subtle but telling shift in John’s expression — a clip that quickly circulated online and ignited debate. Many fans saw it as a sign of disappointment, while others called it a reflection of what they felt: shock.

With some former contestants also raising questions about the voting process and production transparency, viewers started calling for more clarity behind the scenes. Still, John handled it all with grace.

John’s Message to Fans: Pure Gratitude
After the finale aired, John took to Facebook with a heartfelt thank-you message:

“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends. I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – times a million.”

The post exploded with support. Fans dubbed him “the people’s champ” and filled the comments with love, pride, and promises to follow his music journey no matter where it leads.

John Foster may not have taken home the title, but in the hearts of many, he’s already a winner — and his story is just getting started.

It’s been a big year for rising country star Ella Langley. She dropped her debut studio album Hungover, landed a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with her duet “You Look Like You Love Me” alongside Riley Green, and teamed up with Kameron Marlowe on the emotional track “Strangers.” But even with all the momentum behind her, Ella took a quiet moment to honor one of country’s greatest—George Strait.

In a simple, stripped-down setting—just her and a guitar in a dark room—Langley delivered a moving cover of Strait’s 1983 classic “You Look So Good In Love.” The original, written by Rory Bourke, Kerry Chater, and Glen Ballard, tells the story of a man who watches his former love find happiness with someone else. There’s pain, yes—but also a sense of peace in seeing her truly happy.

Langley captured that emotion beautifully. No flash, no frills—just a raw, heartfelt performance that connected with fans instantly. The video quickly racked up nearly 15,000 likes, with fans flooding the comments in appreciation. One wrote, “I love these old-school covers. You should do ‘Feelin’ Better’ while rolling on the tour bus—seems like the perfect vibe!” Another shared, “You are such a gorgeous woman without all the makeup—just so naturally beautiful with an angel voice.”

Ella Langley Talks Stage Fright—and Riley Green’s Pep Talk

Behind the scenes, Ella is just as relatable as ever. She recently opened up about dealing with pre-show jitters in an interview with Taste of Country. Her go-to mantra? “Don’t fall down.” But funny enough—she did recently take a spill on stage for the first time, and it made her a little more cautious (and more human in fans’ eyes).

Luckily, she had some encouraging words from her friend and collaborator Riley Green. “Riley’s like, ‘Just get up there and do your thing. Get up there and sing it,’” she recalled with a laugh.

As for Riley, even he admits to feeling nervous now and then—but joked, “I feel like I can hide a lot of emotions behind my mustache.”

With her grounded attitude, strong vocals, and deep respect for country’s roots, Ella Langley is proving she’s not only talented—she’s the real deal.

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Even decades after his passing, Hank Williams remains a towering figure in country music. His influence still runs deep, and in 1994, Alan Jackson paid tribute in a big way—by taking on one of Hank’s most iconic songs, “Lovesick Blues,” during the Roots of Country TV special.

Before launching into the performance, Jackson shared a special moment with the audience: two members of Hank’s original band, The Drifting Cowboys, were joining him on stage. With steel guitar legend Don Helms and master fiddler Jerry Rivers by his side, Jackson called it “an honor”—and you could feel how much it meant to him.

As soon as he began to sing, Jackson captured the spirit of Hank Williams with a flawless yodel and that signature twang that made the original so unforgettable. It was more than just a cover—it felt like a heartfelt nod to the roots of country music, with the presence of Williams almost hanging in the air.

The Story Behind “Lovesick Blues”
While Hank Williams made “Lovesick Blues” famous in 1949, the song actually has a much longer history. It was originally written by Cliff Friend and Irving Mills and first appeared in the 1922 musical Oh, Ernest, recorded by artists like Elsie Clark and Jack Shea. Then came Emmett Miller, who gave it his own flair in the mid-1920s. By 1939, Rex Griffin had also added his voice to the mix.

Hank discovered the song through Miller and Griffin’s versions and decided to give it a shot himself. He first performed it in 1948 during his debut on the Louisiana Hayride radio show. The crowd loved it—but surprisingly, not everyone shared the enthusiasm. His band and even his producer, Fred Rose, were unsure about recording it.

Thankfully, Hank trusted his gut. When he recorded “Lovesick Blues” and released it through MGM Records in 1949, it became an instant hit and one of the most defining songs of his career.

Years later, when Alan Jackson stood on stage and sang that same song, it was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of country music’s roots and a moving tribute to one of its greatest legends.

Back in the 1970s, Owsley Manier and Brugh Reynolds teamed up to open a small music venue in Nashville called Exit/In. What started as a cozy 200-seat space quickly became one of the city’s most iconic music spots. Over the years, it welcomed everything from bluegrass and jazz to country—and even comedians like a young Steve Martin. It’s a place filled with stories, making it the perfect setting for Ella Langley to add her own.

Though there was no live audience or backing band, Langley delivered a powerful and emotionally raw performance of “Could’ve Been Her” from inside the legendary venue. Just her voice and the energy of the room—that’s all it took to leave a lasting impression.

@up2datecountry.live

Update: @Ella Langley performs “Could’ve Been Her” at EXIT/IN in Nashville, TN #ellalangley

♬ Could’ve Been Her – Ella Langley

The track, which appears on her 2023 EP Excuse the Mess, has resonated deeply with fans. Alongside other standout songs like “Hell Of A Man” and “That’s Why We Fight,” “Could’ve Been Her” shines with its vulnerable lyrics and Langley’s unmistakable voice. This stripped-back version gave fans a whole new way to experience the song, and it hit just as hard—if not harder—without the bells and whistles.

And the fans definitely felt it. One wrote, “Dive bar feeling. Hearing this voice knowing I was witnessing the next Great Superstar first. Ella is the Best.” Another gushed, “GIRL!!! I haven’t been this obsessed over a new country artist since Shania. Your storytelling & tone are amazing!! Being gorgeous helps too! The total package.”

Beyond her solo work, Langley’s also making waves through collaborations. She’s teamed up with country star Riley Green, and when talking about working with others, she shared what matters most to her: “It’s the relationship, the connection. It’s somebody I want to create with. That’s the whole joy of living where we live and doing what we love—we’re surrounded by people who feel the same way.”

Her connection with Green, in particular, feels like fate. “Riley being from Alabama, we grew up with a lot of the same musical influences. Our hometowns are just two hours apart,” she explained. Their duet “Don’t Mind If I Do” came together organically—Green invited her to try singing it backstage just for fun, and the magic happened. “They loved it the way we did it—so they kept it on there!”

With raw talent, emotional depth, and a deep love for connection through music, Ella Langley is clearly on a path that’s only going up.