Country singer Krystal Keith carried on her late father Toby Keith’s patriotic legacy in a powerful way at the 2024 Armed Forces Bowl. The 39-year-old artist took center field to sing the National Anthem, delivering a heartfelt a cappella performance that left the crowd inspired.

Like her dad, Krystal is both a proud patriot and a lifelong Oklahoma Sooners fan. She attended OU herself, alongside her siblings Shelley and Stelen, and has never hidden her Sooner pride. Just last June, she performed the National Anthem at an OU softball game—a clip that has since racked up over 930,000 views on Facebook.

But singing at the Armed Forces Bowl on December 27, 2024, was especially meaningful. The game featured her beloved Sooners facing off against the Navy Midshipmen, combining two things closest to her heart: country and team.

“Excited to be at the @armed_forces_bowl to sing AND support my Sooners! The stars have aligned for me today,” Krystal shared on social media before the big moment.

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When the time came, a massive American flag was unfurled across the field just as Krystal began singing. Without instruments, her voice filled the stadium with both strength and grace, proving why the National Anthem holds such a special place in her heart.

Afterward, Toby Keith’s official social pages proudly shared the video of her performance, adding the caption: “We’re sure Toby would’ve said, ‘That’s my girl!’”

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Fans agreed. Comments poured in, saying things like:

• “Such a beautiful voice! Papa Keith would be so proud!”

• “Absolutely beautiful, Krystal. I know one thing you definitely inherited from your dad!”

• “She has amazing talent! I know her family is so proud, and Toby is too.”

It was more than just a song—it was a moment of connection between father and daughter, family and fans, patriotism and pride.

Toby Keith may be gone, but through Krystal’s voice, his spirit continues to shine.

When Willie Nelson turned 90 in April 2023, he did what only Willie could do—celebrate with two nights of unforgettable music at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The lineup was stacked with icons, rising stars, and chart-toppers, but one performance stood above the rest: Willie Nelson and George Strait teaming up for a heartfelt rendition of “Pancho and Lefty.”

This moment brought together three Texas legends—Nelson, Strait, and songwriter Townes Van Zandt, who wrote the timeless ballad. While Van Zandt never reached the mainstream fame of those who sang his songs, artists like Willie and George have long considered him one of the finest storytellers in country music.

Before diving into the performance, Strait honored Van Zandt with a simple but powerful introduction:
“Townes Van Zandt wrote it and Willie sang the sh-t out of it with Merle [Haggard]. It’s called ‘Pancho and Lefty.’”

And with that, the two icons launched into a rendition that gave the Hollywood Bowl crowd chills. Their voices—warm, weathered, and full of Texas soul—brought the story of Pancho and Lefty to life once again.

Of course, the song has a rich history. First released by Van Zandt in 1972, it has been covered by countless artists over the decades, from Emmylou Harris to Steve Earle, Jason Isbell, and even Luke Bryan with Dierks Bentley. But no version is more beloved than the one Willie recorded with Merle Haggard in 1983. That duet shot straight to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and later earned a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

In fact, Nelson and Haggard even featured Van Zandt himself in the official music video—playing a young Federale in flashbacks and strumming his guitar in a diner scene.

At the Hollywood Bowl, George Strait stepped into Haggard’s role, creating a new chapter for this legendary song. It wasn’t just a duet; it was a passing of the torch, a celebration of Van Zandt’s genius, and a reminder of the magic that happens when great artists share the stage.

For fans lucky enough to be there, it was more than just a performance—it was history.

Gwen Stefani surprised everyone with a stunning rendition of “The Christmas Song” on The Voice! Known for her versatility across pop, rock, and even country, Stefani revealed a whole new side of her artistry with this jazzy, classic holiday tune. Her voice, smooth and timeless, perfectly suited the vintage feel of the song—reminding us that she’s just as at home with holiday standards as she is with chart-topping hits.

She wasn’t alone on stage—John Legend, Blake Shelton, and Camila Cabello joined in, creating a powerhouse quartet of voices. Legend opened with his signature soulful tone, immediately drawing the audience in. Camila Cabello followed with a soft, elegant second verse, Stefani’s turn added a touch of classic glamour, and Blake Shelton rounded out the performance with his warm baritone. Together, they gave Nat King Cole’s beloved classic a fresh, lively twist while honoring its original charm.

Fans were quick to praise the performance, commenting, “Gwen has that classic voice that people don’t appreciate enough,” and “John Legend’s vocals carried the song beautifully, but they all sounded amazing with the musicianship on point.”

Stefani has a longtime love for Christmas music, having recorded several festive hits over the years. Highlights include her vintage-inspired take on Wham!’s “Last Christmas” during her Live at the Orange Grove Christmas series, and of course, her 2017 full-length holiday album You Make It Feel Like Christmas. While the album didn’t dominate the charts, peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard 100, it remains a fan favorite for its warm, nostalgic holiday spirit.

Inspired by a nature walk near Blake Shelton’s Oklahoma ranch, Stefani channeled the magic of the season into her Christmas work—and this performance on The Voice proved that her holiday voice is just as enchanting as her pop hits.

Reba McEntire has often credited her mother, Jacqueline, for giving her the confidence to shine from a very young age. On the April 23 episode of Sunday Sitdown, McEntire opened up to Willie Geist about the early encouragement that helped shape her legendary career.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Reba and her siblings sang constantly—sometimes simply to pass the time. “The automobile didn’t have a radio. Mama would ask us to sing to kill time while the four children were roughhousing in the backseat,” she recalled. “The Singing McEntires were us.”

It was during a Christmas show at Kiowa High School that Reba realized her voice could capture attention. “I wanted attention,” she said. “And I figured out the best kind of attention I could get was when I would sing. Not running barrels, not playing basketball, but singing. That’s when everybody kind of leaned forward and listened a little bit more.”

Her mother’s reassurance was simple but powerful. “Well, Mama was encouraging me, saying, ‘It’ll be fine. You can do it.’ And so when you have that kind of help, you can just do about anything,” McEntire said.

Even later in life, Jacqueline’s guidance influenced Reba’s career choices. When she ventured into acting, her mother warned her that she “had the attention span of a 2-year-old,” suggesting she needed variety to stay engaged. Reba laughed, admitting, “I do something so long, do the same thing, I get bored.” That restless energy eventually led her to star in the hit sitcom Reba, which ran for six seasons, and to take on the stage in productions like Annie Get Your Gun, experiences she credits with giving her the credentials to succeed in television.

Looking back on her career, Reba remembers moments of self-doubt but also the reassurance of the audience and her family’s support. After finishing her latest tour at Madison Square Garden—her first time performing there—she became emotional. “It holds such history for me and my family. Grandpap roped there during the rodeo in the ‘30s. Daddy roped there during the rodeo in the ‘40s … And it felt like they were with us there at Madison Square Garden.”

Even as tears ran down her face, Reba kept performing. “The adoration or the acceptance — everybody wants to be loved and accepted, I’m no different. I mean, we’re up there on the stage, razzle dazzle, but we’re very insecure people on the inside. And after the second song, the applause went on for a long time.”

From singing in the backseat of a car to commanding the stage at one of the world’s most iconic venues, Reba McEntire’s journey is a testament to her mother’s early encouragement and the power of believing in yourself.

Blake Shelton kicked off the new year in style during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, giving fans a night to remember with a powerful setlist. He performed fan favorites like “God’s Country”, his hit collab “Pour Me a Drink” with Post Malone, and surprised the crowd with his brand-new single, “Texas.”

The performance was extra special since “Texas” marks Shelton’s first original release in two years. After signing with a new record label, the country star felt the timing was right for a fresh chapter. And according to him, Post Malone gave him the push he needed.

“Then that kid came along and asked me to sing on his song with him,” Shelton told PEOPLE. “It took off and was a big hit this summer, and it reminded me like, ‘Hey, get off your a–! This may be your last chance to really take a big swing at this thing.’ So here I am.”

A Classic Country Nod to George Strait

Shelton’s new track, “Texas,” tips its hat to the King of Country himself, George Strait. The song tells the story of a man chasing after lost love, with a clever lyrical nod to Strait’s famous line about where all the exes end up.

With its classic country storytelling and Shelton’s signature charm, “Texas” is already shaping up to be a fan favorite. After his electric New Year’s Eve performance, one thing’s clear: Blake Shelton is back, and he’s ready to make 2025 a big year.

Kacey Musgraves once again reminded the world why she’s one of country music’s most cherished voices with a breathtaking performance of “The Architect” at the 2024 CMA Awards in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

With no flashy production or distractions, Kacey kept things beautifully simple. Sitting on a patchwork quilt beneath a star-like light display, she strummed her acoustic guitar and let her voice carry the room. The stripped-down setup put every lyric front and center, and the result was nothing short of magical.

“The Architect,” from her 2024 album Deeper Well, is a song full of wonder and reflection, touching on themes of creation, meaning, and a higher power behind life’s mysteries. The vulnerability in her delivery made it feel personal, while the universal message struck a chord with everyone listening. By the time the last note faded, the entire arena was on its feet in a roaring standing ovation.

Deeper Well has already earned nominations for CMA Album of the Year and several Grammy nods, showcasing Kacey’s evolution toward a more grounded, folk-leaning sound. This CMA performance proved that her artistry shines brightest when it’s at its most honest and unembellished.

On a night filled with powerhouse acts from stars like Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, and Post Malone, it was Musgraves’ sincerity and quiet intensity that left one of the strongest impressions. Fans and critics alike praised her for creating a moment that felt spiritual, intimate, and unforgettable.

Her performance of “The Architect” wasn’t just a highlight of the evening—it was a reminder of music’s power to connect us to something deeper.

Lainey Wilson is once again proving why she’s one of country music’s brightest stars with her brand-new single, “Hang Tight Honey.” The song shines a light on the sacrifices and strength it takes to chase big dreams, all while honoring the people waiting back home who keep her grounded.

Produced by GRAMMY® winner Jay Joyce, the track blends funky grooves, rock energy, and Lainey’s unmistakable country storytelling. Co-written with Driver Williams, Jason Nix, and Paul Sikes, it’s both a heartfelt confession and a rallying cry for anyone working long hours and missing the ones they love.

At its core, “Hang Tight Honey” is Lainey’s way of saying that no matter how far the road takes her, her heart never strays from home. Her opening verse paints the picture perfectly: trading a house for a tour bus, playing night after night in neon-lit honky-tonks, and pushing through the grind with her loved ones always in mind. The chorus bursts with energy, showing both her determination and longing: she’s running down the highway with music in her veins, money in her pocket, and the promise of coming back home.

Lainey took to Instagram to explain how personal the song is, writing:
“I’ve been runnin’ the roads nonstop for a few years now and I ain’t gonna lie to y’all, sometimes it can be tough being away from home that much. At the same time, remembering what ‘home’ is and the things that I get to do for the ones I love because of the work I put in, is what keeps me going and makes it all worthwhile.”

She went on to dedicate the song to everyday heroes: “This one’s an anthem for the hardworking men and women that get up every dang day and put in long hours to make a life worth living for the ones they love most.”

The single is also the first taste of her highly anticipated new album, Whirlwind, arriving August 23, 2024. Lainey describes the project as her most personal yet—a collection of songs full of heart, grit, and reflection that she hopes will bring comfort and strength to listeners navigating their own whirlwinds.

And while she’s releasing new music, Lainey is also making big waves on the awards circuit. She’s heading into the 2024 ACM Awards as a five-time nominee, including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year. Fans can catch her live performance during the show on May 16, streamed exclusively on Prime Video.

With “Hang Tight Honey” already resonating with fans everywhere, Lainey Wilson is once again showing why she’s not just a rising star—she’s a force to be reckoned with.

On January 9, 2025, country music’s beloved duo Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood paid tribute to their longtime friend, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, with a moving performance during his state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral.

Carter, who passed away peacefully at his Plains, Georgia home on December 29, 2024, lived to be 100 years old—making him the longest-lived president in American history. Surrounded by family in his final moments, his passing closed a remarkable chapter in U.S. history.

During the service, Brooks and Yearwood performed “Imagine” by John Lennon, a song Carter held close to his heart. Brooks began softly strumming his guitar, his voice carrying the song’s hopeful plea for peace. Yearwood soon joined in, their harmonies rising with the cathedral choir and moving many to tears. It wasn’t the first time they had performed the tune for the Carters; just a year earlier, they sang the same song at the funeral of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Their presence at the service reflected a friendship built over decades of shared work with Habitat for Humanity. The Carters and the couple had worked side by side on numerous projects, even joining in the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Week to help construct a community of 1,200 homes in Minnesota. That bond of service and love shone through in their performance.

Ahead of the funeral, both Brooks and Yearwood shared heartfelt tributes online. Brooks wrote:
“President Carter, the legacy you and Rosalynn have left us is as beautiful as the life you lived. Thank you for your lifetime of service to our country and the world. You inspired us not just by what you said, but by what you built. We love you.”

Yearwood added:
“Rest easy, Mr. President. I’m sad for us, and happy for you. Your and Mrs. Rosalynn’s legacy of love will live forever.”

The service was also historic, as it brought together all five living U.S. presidents—Biden, Trump, Obama, Clinton, and Bush—marking their first joint appearance since George H. W. Bush’s funeral in 2018.

More than a farewell, the day became a celebration of Carter’s extraordinary life—a reminder of the humility, compassion, and service that defined his century on earth.