Slater Nalley continues to impress on American Idol with his heartfelt performance of John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” during the April 28 episode. At just 18 years old, the Atlanta native delivered a stunning rendition that showcased his emotional depth and maturity, well beyond his years.
The theme of the night, “Iconic Idol Moments,” set the stage for Nalley to honor Megan Danielle’s original take on the song. His performance was met with praise from the judges, with Lionel Richie noting, “It’s great that your confidence is coming out,” while Carrie Underwood expressed excitement about Nalley’s unique sound, saying, “You’re so identifiable.”
Before securing a spot in the Top 12, Slater sat down with Billboard to reflect on his Idol journey. He shared how the judges’ support has been instrumental in boosting his confidence, with a special shoutout to Jelly Roll, who offered crucial advice about performance and stage presence. Nalley revealed that trusting his instincts has been a key takeaway, saying, “The coaching is awesome, but I really know myself best and need to lean into that more.”
With each performance, Slater Nalley proves why he’s becoming one of the most compelling contestants this season, blending raw emotion with undeniable talent.
Blake Shelton’s performance of “Kiss My Country Ass” at the Wisconsin State Fair was a high-energy show that perfectly captured his down-to-earth charm and country spirit.
Held on August 11, 2010, as part of his summer tour, the event was one of the highlights of Shelton’s rising country music career. His performance, alongside then-wife Miranda Lambert, was full of energy, drawing cheers from the crowd as the couple shared the stage with undeniable chemistry and powerful vocals.
“Kiss My Country Ass” became an instant fan favorite for its playful celebration of rural pride and small-town values, perfectly matching Shelton’s easygoing personality. The song’s carefree nature had the crowd singing along and embracing the fun of the night.
Blake and Miranda’s playful stage presence made the concert even more memorable, adding an extra layer of excitement to the performance. Fans loved seeing the couple share the spotlight, and their duet once again proved to be a fan favorite. Shelton’s mix of humor and heartfelt tunes continues to keep him at the top of country music, leaving his audiences wanting more each time.
Dolly Parton is navigating a new chapter in life after the passing of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who died in March at the age of 82 in Nashville. While the loss has been deeply personal, Dolly has chosen to stay busy—and in many ways, that’s helped her through the grieving process.
Just weeks after Carl’s passing, Dolly was back in front of fans at Dollywood’s opening day, where she performed and took a moment to thank everyone for their love and support. Since then, she’s announced new books, music collaborations, and stayed active with her many projects. As she put it in a recent Today Show interview, staying involved in her work has been the best medicine:
“I get very emotional when people bring it up. But we were together 60 years. I’ve loved him since I was 18 years old,” she shared, her voice catching slightly. “It’s a big adjustment—just trying to change patterns and habits. I’ll do fine. I’m very involved in my work, and that’s been the best thing that could happen to me. But I’ll always miss him, of course, and always love him. He was a great partner to me.”
Dolly also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the fans who reached out from around the world. “I got so many cards, letters, flowers. I had no idea Carl Dean was so famous,” she joked with a smile—proof that even in sorrow, she hasn’t lost her signature sense of humor.
Although the last few months have brought big changes, Dolly says she’s doing better than expected:
“I’ve been with him for 60 years. There’s a lot I’ll have to relearn, but I’ll keep him close. I need to laugh, I need some fun—I’ve been crying enough. I’m at peace knowing he’s at peace, but that doesn’t stop me from missing him.”
She also revealed that Carl had endured significant health challenges in his final days. “He suffered a great deal,” she said. “It’s a hole in my heart, but we’ll fill that with good memories. He’ll always be with me.”
Dolly recalled sweet, simple memories of Carl, including how he’d visit Dollywood anonymously—buying his own ticket and waiting in line like everyone else because he didn’t want special treatment. “He didn’t want anyone giving him a ticket just because he was Dolly’s husband,” she laughed. “People think that’s the funniest thing.”
Their love story began in 1964 outside a laundromat in Nashville on the very day Dolly moved to town to chase her music dreams. After two years of dating, they secretly tied the knot in Ringgold, Georgia, with her mother by her side—defying her record label’s wishes to keep her single for image reasons.
While Carl rarely appeared in public, his quiet strength and steady presence were a constant in Dolly’s life. He was her anchor in a whirlwind world, and now, even as she carries on without him, Dolly’s strength and grace continue to shine.
John Foster’s heartfelt performances have truly captivated American Idol fans, especially his original ballad “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which touched everyone deeply. The song, dedicated to his late friend Maggie Dunn, showcases his ability to channel grief and love into his music in a way that resonates with people of all backgrounds. Foster’s authenticity shines through as he channels the emotions tied to personal loss, creating a powerful connection with his audience.
From his hometown of Addis, Louisiana, Foster brings a raw, emotional sincerity to his performances. His song “Someone to Sing To,” written in memory of Maggie and another friend, Caroline Gill, demonstrates the depth of his songwriting, even if it wasn’t part of his Idol performance. It’s clear that John’s musical journey is just beginning, and his ability to weave personal stories into his music is what sets him apart. His performances not only entertain but also provide solace, a reminder of music’s healing power.
Fans are rallying around Foster as he continues to make his mark on the show, with his story and voice echoing the path of Louisiana’s own Laine Hardy. It’s impossible not to root for this young talent as he makes waves in the competition.
Night two of American Idol’s Top 24 showdown kicked off with a high-energy performance, setting the stage for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable season. While fans are counting down the weeks until a new Idol is crowned, there’s still a lot of competition ahead—and it’s up to America to decide who makes it to the finale.
Among the standout contenders is 18-year-old John Foster, the last true country act still in the running. Hailing from Louisiana, John first grabbed the judges’ attention with a classic Alan Jackson hit, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.” Though it was a strong start, Carrie Underwood wanted more from him vocally—and he delivered. John followed up with Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time,” giving the judges a glimpse of the range and emotion he’s capable of.
While the panel had initial doubts about how John would stack up against powerhouse vocalists, he quickly proved them wrong. He breezed through Hollywood Week, surviving two intense rounds of eliminations and earning his spot in the coveted Top 24.
Taking the stage in Hawaii, John paid tribute to his roots with a lively rendition of Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rouge.” The crowd loved it, and so did the judges. Luke Bryan called it “a Hawaiian hoedown” and praised John for staying true to himself as an artist. “It was perfect. One of my favorite performances you’ve done,” he said. Lionel Richie echoed the sentiment, applauding his stage presence and song choice.
But John didn’t stop there. For the “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” theme night, he switched gears with an electrifying cover of Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” Before his performance, music legend James Taylor offered some mentorship, encouraging him to loosen up and have fun. John took the advice to heart—adding some playful dance moves to his usual cowboy hat and guitar combo.
Kicking off the performance with a big grin and asking the crowd, “Y’all ready to rock the house tonight?” John brought the energy, the attitude, and a whole lot of charm to the stage—proving he’s got more than just country chops.
From his original audition featuring George Jones and Conway Twitty classics to heartfelt performances of “In Color” by Jamey Johnson and Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon,” John Foster has steadily won over America’s hearts. He even shared an emotional original, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” showcasing his songwriting talent.
With a mix of traditional country soul and modern stage presence, John Foster is shaping up to be a true underdog—and one to watch closely as the competition heats up.
Riley Green and Ella Langley lit up The Voice stage with a heartfelt performance during the live finale, joining a star-studded lineup that included Dan + Shay, Kelly Clarkson, Myles Smith, and even iconic band Tears for Fears.
While the Season 26 winner was still to be announced—finalists included Jeremy Beloate (Team Snoop Dogg), Danny Joseph (Team Reba McEntire), Sydney Sterlace (Team Gwen Stefani), and Shye (Team Michael Bublé)—fans were treated to a special moment from two of country music’s rising stars.
Riley Green and Ella Langley, both successful solo artists, have struck gold with their collaborations. Their breakout duet “You Look Like You Love Me” not only topped the Country Airplay chart in December 2024 but also earned them the CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year. Impressively, it marked the first time in nearly a year that a female artist had reached No. 1 on that chart—an incredible milestone for Langley.
Riding the wave of that success, the duo followed up with another duet, “Don’t Mind If I Do,” which appears as the title track on Green’s new album released on October 18.
During the live finale of The Voice, the pair performed “Don’t Mind If I Do” for the first time on television. Green kicked things off solo on a cozy, candlelit stage that gave off warm, rustic vibes. Midway through the emotional ballad, Langley joined him in a show-stopping animal print dress, adding harmonies and chemistry that instantly captivated the audience.
Their onstage connection and heartfelt delivery made for a standout moment in the night—proof that these two are one of country music’s most exciting new pairings.
In the small town of Addis, Louisiana, Benoit’s Country Meat Block is known for its hearty plate lunches—meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dessert for just $10.99. But lately, it’s also become the home of something extra special: a sense of pride, thanks to John Foster, the rising “American Idol” star. Just half a mile from the Mississippi River, this family-owned Cajun shop is buzzing with excitement as one of their own takes the national stage.
John’s Louisiana roots run deep, with family ties to Church Point and Lawtell. He even brought a taste of home to his Idol audition in Nashville—boudin, jerky, and Benoit’s signature seasoning. According to his grandmother, Verbie Benoit, Luke Bryan was so taken with the seasoning that he couldn’t stop licking it off his fingers backstage. Verbie, who’s 75, never imagined this kind of national attention but says John continues to amaze her. She’s now heading to Hollywood with 31 family members to cheer him on in the Top 10, praying not for him to win, but for God’s presence in his journey.
Despite his growing fame, John stays grounded. He’s a biology student at LSU, studying online while chasing his dreams. A former co-valedictorian, he’s not only smart and talented but, as his grandmother lovingly says, “a good Christian boy.” One teacher even predicted he’d be governor one day, and the family jokes he might just be president.
At Benoit’s, long-time employees like Rick Bourgoyne and Blake Sarradet proudly point out that “Foster” is actually John’s middle name—his full name is John Foster Benoit III. They’ve watched him grow up, working holidays at the shop, and credit his musical start to his uncle, local musician Gaylen Martin. Newer employees like Regina DeBenedetto are just as invested, voting for him 30 times and encouraging others to do the same. “He listens, he learns, and he brings it on stage,” she says.
Whether John becomes a star or a doctor, one thing’s for sure—he’s got the right ingredients for success: talent, humility, and a sprinkle of Cajun spice.
Toby Keith has always worn his patriotism proudly, especially when it comes to supporting the U.S. military. Inspired by his own father, a veteran, Toby grew up with a deep respect for service members—a value he passed on to his own children. Throughout his career, he’s shown his appreciation in powerful ways, writing songs that honor those who serve and performing for U.S. troops overseas a remarkable eleven times.
One of his most unforgettable tributes came in September 2012 during a concert where he created a moment that touched millions. While performing his emotional hit “American Soldier,” Toby invited a military wife on stage to honor her husband, who was serving in Afghanistan. As she bravely stood beside him, holding back tears, the crowd didn’t know what was coming next.
In a stunning surprise, her husband—Major Pete Cruz—walked onto the stage, home early from deployment. The reunion was instant and raw: the couple embraced, kissed, and cried as thousands of fans stood in awe. It was one of those rare, pure moments of love and patriotism that left the entire audience misty-eyed.
Toby kept the emotion going by inviting the couple to stay on stage as he launched into “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American).” Major Pete even stepped up to the mic to sing the fiery line, “We’ll put a boot in your ass; it’s the American way,” bringing the crowd to their feet in roaring applause.
This wasn’t the first time Toby had honored a military hero during a show. In 2011, he welcomed Corporal Matthew Bradford—a wounded Marine—to the stage in Virginia Beach for a duet of “American Soldier.” As Matthew made his way forward, the audience erupted in chants of “USA!” The moment moved everyone. One fan later shared how seeing Toby perform for the troops overseas had helped her “forget reality” for just a little while.
Toby Keith’s songs often tell big, bold stories about American pride—but it’s the real-life moments he creates on stage that truly make an impact. Whether he’s honoring veterans, reuniting families, or simply reminding us of the sacrifices made by military members and their loved ones, Toby doesn’t just sing about patriotism—he lives it. And for the fans lucky enough to witness those moments, they become memories that last a lifetime.
John Foster lit up the American Idol 2025 stage with a performance that left fans and judges buzzing. Taking on Elvis Presley’s iconic hit “Jailhouse Rock,” John didn’t just sing the song—he brought it to life with his signature southern charm and larger-than-life energy.
From the first beat, John had the audience hooked. His vocals were strong and confident, but it was his showmanship that truly stole the spotlight. Strutting across the stage with the swagger of a seasoned star, he turned the classic tune into a full-blown concert moment. The crowd clapped along, cheering louder with every note, clearly loving every second.
What made this performance truly memorable was the way John made the song his own. He didn’t just cover Elvis—he channeled the King’s spirit while adding his own flavor. The judges were visibly impressed, applauding not just his vocals but his ability to command the stage like a pro.
Choosing “Jailhouse Rock” was a bold move, but it paid off big time. The upbeat rock-and-roll vibe was a perfect match for John’s energy, and he delivered with heart, charisma, and just the right touch of flair. His performance had the room buzzing, and it was clear he had taken a big step forward in the competition.
Whether it was his slick dance moves, engaging eye contact, or infectious enthusiasm, John created more than a performance—he created a moment. And if this is any indication of what’s to come, he’s definitely one to watch this season on American Idol.
John Foster’s performance of “She Used to Be Mine” is an emotional journey that captivates listeners from the very first note. His voice is raw and sincere, drawing everyone in with its soft rasp that feels both familiar and fresh. Every word he sings seems to carry the weight of personal experience, yet he delivers it with such subtlety that it feels like a whispered confession rather than a performance.
As the song progresses, Foster’s voice rises gently, not for effect, but to pour out the deep emotions behind the lyrics. The power of his voice doesn’t come from volume but from its ability to evoke feeling with every pause and breath, making each moment resonate with the listener. The emotion behind his delivery is palpable, especially when the lyrics touch on pain and regret. His voice trembles ever so slightly, as though he’s holding back tears, and yet it feels so intimate that the listener is invited into the vulnerability of the song.
Foster’s vocal control is evident in every subtle key change and modulation. Rather than showing off, he lets the song unfold naturally, guiding the emotional arc of the piece with precision. The climax isn’t loud or dramatic—it’s a soft swell, almost like a quiet tide of emotion that builds, before gently fading into a haunting, whispered ending. His voice leaves an impression not by being bold, but by being deeply sincere and tender.
In a similar vein, Foster honored Carrie Underwood with his rendition of “I Told You So,” a song she famously recorded with Randy Travis. For the first time on the Idol stage, he performed without his guitar, further proving his versatility as an artist. After the performance, Underwood, visibly touched, expressed her admiration: “I love watching you grow every time you take the stage,” she said. “I really think Randy Travis would approve.” It’s clear that Foster’s talent and heart continue to win over both the judges and fans alike.
