Ella Langley is riding high in her career right now—but behind the scenes, she’s dealing with something much deeper.

After leading the pack with a whopping eight ACM Award nominations, including six for her powerful duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella walked away with five wins. Among the honors was New Female Artist of the Year, solidifying her as one of country music’s fastest-rising stars.

She even lit up the stage during the live show with a fiery performance of Miranda Lambert’s “Kerosene,” sharing the spotlight with the country queen herself. From dream-come-true collaborations to major wins, it looked like Ella was living her best life.

But during a recent chat on The Scotty Kay Show, the singer got real about what’s been going on beneath the surface.

“I won’t lie, this last week has probably been one of the toughest mental health weeks I’ve had in a long time,” Ella shared honestly. She admitted the timing felt strange—because on paper, everything looked perfect. “It’s crazy, because so many good things are happening. So many things I’ve prayed for and dreamed about,” she said. “It’s just the disease of my family, really.”

Ella explained that she chose to speak out because she knows others might be feeling the same way. “Just because I might seem like I’m on top of the mountain right now—it doesn’t look like that all the time,” she said.

Her source of strength? Faith and gratitude.

“For me, it comes back to being grateful,” she shared. “At the end of the day, it’s about shifting my focus and thanking God for where I am, even when it’s tough.”

By being open about her struggles, Ella Langley is reminding fans that success doesn’t mean immunity from pain—and that it’s okay to not be okay, even during life’s biggest moments.

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As American Idol Season 23 races toward the grand finale, Jamal Roberts is emerging as a true fan favorite. Week after week, the Mississippi native has wowed the judges and melted hearts across the country. He’s not just performing — he’s telling stories, sharing his soul, and making it clear he’s here to win.

Here’s why Jamal just might take home the crown this Sunday:

1. He’s Got Natural Star Power

From the very first time Jamal hit the stage, he had “it.” That mix of confidence, heart, and pure talent that makes you stop and listen. Whether he’s pouring his soul into a ballad or firing up the crowd with a Motown classic, he owns every moment.

2. His Fanbase Is Loud, Loyal, and Growing Fast

Jamal’s supporters have been riding with him since his first audition — and they’re not quiet about it. He trends online after nearly every performance, with fans flooding the comments to show love and rally votes. In a fan-driven show like Idol, that kind of energy is a game-changer.

3. He Can Sing Anything

Soul? Gospel? R&B? Even pop hits? Jamal’s shown he can do it all. He doesn’t just sing songs — he transforms them. His ability to shift styles while staying true to his voice keeps things fresh and exciting every single week.

4. The Judges Are Clearly Big Fans

Luke Bryan recently said his gut tells him Jamal’s been the one to beat all season. Lionel Richie loves how Jamal puts his own spin on every track — he calls it “Jamal-izing” the music. And even Carrie Underwood, known for her tough critiques, has given him major props for his vocal chops.

5. His Story Hits Home

Jamal isn’t just a performer — he’s a PE teacher, a father of three, and a man chasing his dream a little later in life. That realness, that humility — it connects with people. When he sings, you feel the love he has for his family and the gratitude he has for this moment.

6. He Creates Viral “Idol Moments”

Remember when Jamal blew the roof off with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”? Or when he brought the house down with “A Change Is Gonna Come”? These weren’t just great performances — they were unforgettable. The kind of moments fans replay, repost, and remember when they vote.

7. He’s Peaking at the Perfect Time

Some contestants start strong and fade. Not Jamal. He’s been building momentum all season, and now, he’s hitting his stride just in time for the finale. He’s sharp, passionate, and more polished than ever — and that could make all the difference.

Final Thoughts: Can He Win It All?

Jamal Roberts has all the right ingredients: incredible voice, heartfelt story, commanding presence, and a tidal wave of fan support. If he brings the fire one last time, the title of American Idol could be his.

Tune in Sunday, May 19 at 8 PM ET on ABC for the Season 23 Grand Finale — and don’t forget to vote!

With the American Idol Season 23 finale just around the corner, host Ryan Seacrest recently opened up about the show’s final three contestants: Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, and John Foster. After an electrifying live episode on May 12 — which racked up over 19 million votes — these three standout performers officially earned their spots in the finale.

It was a night of high emotion, as Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis said their goodbyes, and fans across the country braced for the final stretch.

Meet the Final Three
Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his soulful vocals and smooth stage presence. His unforgettable covers of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Beauty and the Beast” brought down the house — and earned major praise from the judges.

Breanna Nix, the powerhouse mom from Denton, Texas, continues to turn heads with her emotional range and fearless song choices. Her renditions of “This Will Be” and “You’ll Be in My Heart” showcased her ability to blend strength and vulnerability like a true star.

John Foster, the cowboy-hat-wearing crooner from Addis, Louisiana, melts hearts with every performance. His moving versions of “The Bare Necessities” and “Rainbow Connection” proved he’s not just a voice — he’s a storyteller.

What to Expect on Finale Night
Mark your calendars! The American Idol finale airs Sunday, May 18 at 8 PM ET on ABC, and it’s going to be packed with unforgettable moments.

Alongside the Top 3 giving their final performances for America’s vote, fans can look forward to a star-studded lineup, including:

Brandon Lake

Goo Goo Dolls

Good Charlotte

Jennifer Holliday

Jessica Simpson

Josh Groban

Patti LaBelle

Jelly Roll (this season’s artist-in-residence)

And yes — judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will be hitting the stage together for a special performance.

What’s Next for American Idol?
Good news for Idol fans: Season 24 is officially on the way! ABC has confirmed the renewal, and audition signups are already open. While the judging panel for next season hasn’t been revealed just yet, fans can rest easy knowing the journey isn’t over.

Who are you voting for in the finale? Jamal, Breanna, or John? However it ends, it’s sure to be a night to remember.

As American Idol Season 23 heads toward its grand finale, John Foster made his way back to Brusly, Louisiana—and his hometown made sure he felt every ounce of love and pride they have for him. Now a national finalist and rising country star at just 18, John’s homecoming was a celebration of roots, resilience, and the music that brought him here.

A Heartfelt Welcome in Brusly
John’s day began with a tearful reunion at Brusly Elementary, where his 4-year-old sister, Presley, ran to greet him. Then it was off to Brusly High School, where he graduated as co-valedictorian just last year. The visit turned into a full-blown pep rally, with hundreds of students, teachers, and fans filling the football field.

Cheers of “Geaux John Foster!” rang out as the school band played and posters waved proudly in the Louisiana sunshine. Teachers wiped away tears, grateful for a moment of joy after a tough stretch for the tight-knit community.

“It’s nice to be in the news for something joyful,” said school secretary Aimee Rabalais.

Recognized at the Capitol
John’s next stop was the Louisiana State Capitol, where lawmakers honored him with a House resolution for representing the heart and soul of his home state. He humbly joked, “Sometimes I think people get tired of hearing me talk about Louisiana”—but the standing ovation that followed made it clear: no one’s tired of John Foster.

A Crawfish Float and a Whole Lot of Love
In Addis, fans lined the streets for a one-of-a-kind parade. John rode through town on a crawfish-themed float, tossing beads and waving to crowds holding homemade signs. One standout banner declared:

“If George Strait is the King of Country, John Foster is the PRINCE!”

As the sun set, thousands gathered at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park for a concert they’ll never forget. Families showed up with lawn chairs, boats lined the water, and the town glowed with pride. John arrived by boat just after 8 p.m. and took the stage with a big grin and a full heart.

A Night of Music, Memories, and Maggie
John delivered a mix of country classics—from “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” to “Neon Moon.” But the moment that left everyone speechless was his emotional performance of his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The song, dedicated to his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, left John in tears mid-verse.

“Sorry about that,” he whispered, voice cracking. “So many emotions.”

He closed the night with Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” as the crowd sang along and fireworks lit the bayou sky. Before sailing away, John formed a heart with his hands and gave a thumbs-up—his way of saying thank you to the town that raised him.

The Final Countdown
John Foster will take the American Idol stage one last time during the Season 23 finale on Sunday, May 19, at 8 PM ET on ABC. Fans can vote up to 30 times during the live show.

No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: Louisiana already sees John Foster as a winner.

Country teen sensation John Foster kicked off the May 4 American Idol Top 10 show with a performance that had everyone talking — literally. Stepping a little outside his usual classic country style, the 18-year-old Louisiana native took on Bonnie Raitt’s hit “Something To Talk About” and made it his own during the show’s first-ever Ladies Night tribute, celebrating iconic women in music.

Before hitting the stage, John got the chance to meet country superstar — and this week’s mentor — Miranda Lambert, who also happened to be his childhood crush.

“John walked in with his little cowboy hat, his western shirt, and his guitar, and told me I was his first crush,” Lambert said with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Okay, I love you.’”

John admitted he was a little starstruck and nervous during rehearsal, even finding it hard to look Miranda in the eyes while singing. But she quickly put him at ease by singing along with him — a sweet, once-in-a-lifetime moment he won’t forget.

When it came time for the live performance, John lit up the stage. His smooth vocals, confident energy, and natural charisma wowed both the crowd and the judges, showing just how far he’s come since his audition.

While Foster’s roots are in traditional country, this performance showed his range and growth — and it paid off. After all, he’s already earned praise for his emotional original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which he performed on Easter. The touching tribute reached the iTunes country chart and won him even more fans along the way.

Following his Bonnie Raitt cover, the judges couldn’t stop smiling.

Carrie Underwood told him, “I feel like you are the one that we have watched grow the most throughout this entire process. Every single time you step out on the stage, you feel more comfortable, you’re working the stage more, you’re connecting with the audience more…I love that. I just feel like you’ve grown so much.”

Luke Bryan chimed in with a grin: “Your charisma meter is like peaking off the charts right now.”

With his mix of charm, heart, and stage presence, John Foster continues to shine — proving that he’s not just a standout in the competition, but a rising star to watch.

The 2025 ACM Awards lit up the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on May 8, celebrating a major milestone—60 incredible years of honoring the best in country music.

This year’s show was made even more special with the return of the iconic Reba McEntire as host, marking her 18th time leading the ceremony. With a lineup packed with fan-favorite performances and emotional wins, one standout moment came when Ella Langley and Riley Green took home the award for Music Event of the Year.

Their heartfelt duet, “You Look Like You Love Me,” released in June 2024, struck a chord with fans and quickly rose to the top of the Country Airplay charts. It became a career-defining hit for Langley, earning her first No. 1, and marked a second for Green. The song’s raw emotion and honest storytelling helped it stand out in a year full of strong contenders.

While the Music Event of the Year category is now a fan-favorite, it’s actually one of the newer additions to the ACM lineup. Originally introduced in 1998 as Vocal Event of the Year—first won by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill for “It’s Your Love”—it got a name change in 2019 to better reflect the wide range of collaborative magic happening in country music today.

Langley and Green’s win proves that sometimes, the right song with the right voices can truly move the genre forward. Their chemistry, both in the studio and on stage, helped make this duet a standout moment of the year—and now, an official ACM winner.

American Idol favorite John Foster gave fans a special treat with a heartfelt rendition of Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs.” Performed from home, the tribute was dedicated to his “uncle” and country music inspiration, Dwight himself. Inspired by fan comments comparing his style to Yoakam’s, Foster delivered a smooth, soulful take that felt like pure, old-school country — and it struck a chord with fans, even beyond the country scene.

The 18-year-old Louisiana native has been turning heads all season long, showing impressive growth both vocally and emotionally. Judge Carrie Underwood recently praised him in an interview with PEOPLE, calling him “sweet and fresh-faced” and saying, “He’s probably the one that has grown the most since he’s been here.” She even shared that Foster reminds her of her own son, Isaiah, adding, “When he’s over there singing to me, I kind of feel like a proud mom.”

That “proud mom” energy was especially real during Foster’s April 28 performance of Randy Travis’s “I Told You So” — a song Underwood herself famously covered with Travis during her Idol days. Singing directly to her, Foster admitted feeling the pressure. “She has such a great version of the song, but I knew that I had to sing to her,” he said. What followed was a tender, heartfelt moment that highlighted just how deeply rooted he is in country music.

Foster isn’t just winning fans over with covers. His original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written after losing a friend in 2022, touched hearts and earned praise from Lionel Richie, who called him “a rare talent who deeply connects with his audience.”

Week after week, John Foster proves he’s not just another contestant — he’s a rising country star with heart, soul, and a story to tell. And with the competition heating up, fans are eager to see what unforgettable moment he’ll deliver next.

@officialjohnfoster

Lot’s of people have been asking, so here you go – some of my “uncle” *NOT* Dwight Yoakam! 😂 #JohnFoster #JohnFosteronIdol #AmericanIdol #Idol #FYP #Foryou #ClassicCountry #CountryMusic

♬ original sound – John Foster

Fans at Carrie Underwood’s REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency got a heartwarming surprise on Saturday, March 26, when the country superstar invited a very special guest to join her on stage—her mom, Carole Underwood.

As the crowd cheered, Carrie gently led her mom to center stage and introduced her with a smile: “Come here, my love. This is Mom! Are you ready? Do you have anything you want to say to these fine people?”

Carole, beaming with excitement, greeted the audience: “I’m so happy you’re here and I hope you enjoy the show.” Moments later, the familiar melody of Carrie’s 2007 hit “All-American Girl” filled the venue—and the mother-daughter duet began.

Carole confidently sang alongside her daughter, belting out every word with enthusiasm and even taking the lead on a few lines. It was clear she was having the time of her life, and the crowd loved every second of it.

After the show, Carrie took to social media to share a few snapshots of the emotional performance, along with a heartfelt message about her mom’s role in shaping her journey.

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“‘If you wanna go, I’ll take you.’ Those might be the most important words anyone has ever said to me,” Carrie wrote. “I was trying to talk myself out of auditioning for American Idol, and my mom said those words… and the rest is history. Tonight, I got to sing with her in front of an amazing crowd in Vegas  Life is pretty amazing. Thanks, Mom, for everything!”

This isn’t the first time Carole has shared the stage with her daughter. Back in 2019, during a tour stop in Carrie’s home state of Oklahoma, Carole wowed the crowd by taking on the rap section of “The Champion”—originally performed by Ludacris. Her performance was a fan-favorite moment and proved once again that talent runs deep in the Underwood family.

Whether she’s cheering from the crowd or singing on stage, Carole Underwood continues to be one of Carrie’s biggest supporters—and fans can’t get enough of their sweet bond.

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John Foster’s return to Addis, Louisiana, was more than just a celebration — it was a homecoming filled with heart, pride, and unforgettable music. The 18-year-old country singer and American Idol finalist was greeted like a hometown hero, with cheers echoing down First Street during a lively parade in his honor. The day ended with a waterfront concert in Plaquemine that brought the entire community together.

@jolenemarie777

@John Foster HOME TOWN @American Idol Official covering @Brooks & Dunn

♬ original sound – Jolene Marie

As the sun dipped below the bayou, Foster took the stage and delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he’s captured the nation’s attention. He poured his soul into every song — from high-energy country hits that had fans clapping along, to softer ballads that showcased his emotional depth. Each note carried the weight of his journey and the love he has for the place that raised him.

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But one song in particular stopped the crowd in its tracks. It wasn’t just beautifully sung — it was deeply personal. You could feel the emotion in Foster’s voice, and it created a powerful moment of connection. It was clear: this wasn’t just a performance, it was a piece of his story.

Throughout the night, the bond between Foster and his community was impossible to miss. Families lined the streets, local businesses hung handmade signs, and classmates sang along — all for a young man whose dream has become their shared pride.

The event wasn’t just about music. It was about gratitude, resilience, and the strength of a small town standing behind one of its own. As John Foster heads into the American Idol finale, he’s not going alone. He’s carrying the spirit of Addis with him — and no matter what happens next, his journey is already something to celebrate.

@nickfranks24

Your next American Idol! Mr. John Foster. He sure knows how to get the crowd moving! #americanidol #johnfoster @John Foster

♬ original sound – Nickfranks24

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards was filled with unforgettable moments, but one of the most talked-about highlights of the night came when Ella Langley and Riley Green were announced as the winners of Single of the Year—presented by Realtor.com—for their emotional duet, “Breakin’ Up Ain’t Easy.”

The crowd erupted in cheers as the duo took the stage, clearly overwhelmed by the moment. For Ella Langley, this was a career milestone—her first major award win—while for Riley Green, it marked another well-earned moment in a career built on honest storytelling and heartfelt songs.

“Breakin’ Up Ain’t Easy” quickly became a fan-favorite after its release, thanks to its raw lyrics and stripped-down style. Langley’s smoky vocals and Green’s signature southern grit came together to tell a bittersweet story of love lost, and listeners couldn’t get enough. Whether it was playing on the radio, soundtracking a breakup TikTok, or spinning on late-night playlists, the song struck a chord across the board.

As they accepted their award, Ella got emotional:
“We wrote this from a real place. It’s vulnerable and honest, and I think that’s why it means so much to so many people. Thank you for feeling it with us.”

Riley chimed in with a heartfelt nod to their fans:
“Country music is about telling the truth—and sometimes that truth hurts. But it also connects us. Thank y’all for letting this song be a part of your lives.”

The win didn’t just celebrate chart success—it honored the emotional power of storytelling in music. Presented by Realtor.com, the award highlighted how “Breakin’ Up Ain’t Easy” had become more than just a hit—it became a healing anthem for many.

All night long, Ella and Riley were fan favorites on the red carpet and in the crowd, with their natural chemistry sparking rumors of more music together in the future. While they’ve stayed quiet on any upcoming projects, one thing is clear: the magic they created on this track has left fans wanting more.

From a song about heartbreak to a moment of triumph, Ella Langley and Riley Green proved that even the saddest stories can lead to something truly beautiful. This ACM win marks a huge moment for both artists—and a reminder of how powerful a simple, honest song can be.