Hi-di-ho, neighbor! Look who’s back! Continue reading…
Country Music News – Taste of Country
Day: August 22, 2025
Noah Cyrus sets the record straight about her family and offered a glimpse into where they stand now after years of headlines and speculation. Continue reading…
Country Music News – Taste of Country
In the heart of Nashville, one songwriter is quietly crafting chart-toppers while the stars take the stage. Let’s talk about the magic behind those melodies. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Judd’s daughter, Grace Kelley, says she found a path to sobriety in an unlikely place: The very same church community where she once stole a van. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
There are changes on the horizon for the beloved show. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Something went wrong during a recent surgery. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Hi-di-ho, neighbor! Look who’s back! Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Noah Cyrus sets the record straight about her family and offered a glimpse into where they stand now after years of headlines and speculation. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Luke Combs took his love for his signature Columbia PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) Bahama II shirt to new heights on Wednesday night, rocking a custom suit that perfectly blended his laid-back style with Columbia’s innovative PFG design.
To bring the one-of-a-kind look to life, Columbia teamed up with Luke’s stylist, Katy Robbins, and Nashville tailor Eric Adler. The suit features lightweight, breathable fabric with mesh venting, PFG labels and trims, and a personal touch — a Mossy Oak Greenleaf camouflage lining in the jacket and pockets, a nod to Luke’s favorite camo pattern.
A longtime fan of Columbia PFG, Luke regularly wears their gear both on and off stage. Columbia also outfits his tour crew and the staff at his Nashville bar, Category 10. Most recently, Luke gave fans a laugh when he posted a “get ready with me” video on social media, asking fans to help him pick a shirt to wear on stage.
The superstar showcased the custom suit at ACM Honors, where he walked the red carpet with his wife, Nicole, by his side.
During the special event, Combs was honored with the ACM International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves. The award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of Country Music throughout the world.
Luke Combs’ worldwide impact is undeniable. With over 10 billion streams and 25 million monthly listeners across platforms, he’s become a true global force. His sold-out tours in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Australia prove his music resonates far beyond the U.S., bridging country music’s American roots with fans around the world.
When accepting the honor, following an outstanding tribute performance from Ashley McBryde, Combs took a moment to showcase his gratitude for his manager, Kappy, who encouraged him to build an international fanbase early in his career.
“He always planted in me this idea that there were fans to be had and an audience for country music around the world,” Combs explained. “And we always had a plan to, no matter the cost out of our own pocket or the time cost to go there and service those fans. And I hope that I have shown to the fans that I care, that I have spent my time to go and play these shows.”
He also gave a heartfelt shoutout to his band and crew for traveling around the globe with him.
“I want to thank my amazing man and crew, all the bands and crews who sacrifice their time away from their loved ones to put these shows on for fans all across the world.”
The Academy of Country Music has teamed up with CMT for a special three-hour CMT Hot 20: ACM Honors Edition airing Saturday, Sept. 27. Hosted by CMT’s Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner, alongside 18th ACM Honors hosts Russell Dickerson and Carly Pearce, the broadcast will include exclusive backstage interviews with honorees and performers, along with unforgettable highlights from the night’s celebration.
Luke Combs recently released his new single, “Back in the Saddle,” and took to social media to crowdsource songs for his next album. His next appearance is set for August 31 in Aspen, Colorado.
The post Luke Combs Rocks Custom Columbia PFG Suit During Date Night With Wife Nicole at ACM Honors appeared first on Country Now.
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Last night, some of country music’s biggest stars packed Nashville’s newest venue, The Pinnacle, for the 2025 ACM Honors. The celebratory night featured a slew of standout moments including a surprise appearance from HARDY to celebrate ACM Icon Award recipient, Eric Church.
The sold-out crowd erupted in excitement as the “Wait in the Truck” singer made his way onto the stage. Once under the bright lights, HARDY joked that he hadn’t realized Church would be seated at a front-row table with a clear view of the stage. He admitted the realization “scared the sh**” out of him, which sent the audience into a roar of laughter.
He proceeded to deliver an unforgettable performance of the Chief’s fan-favorite, “Homeboy.” The song was written by Church and Casey Beathard and appears as the sixth track on his 2011 album, promptly titled, Chief, which also spawned signature hits like “Drink In My Hand” and “Springsteen.”
HARDY let his country-rock sound echo throughout the venue while singing with the powerhouse vocalist and former backup singer for Eric Church, Joanna Cotton. Together, they told the story of a man pleading with his troubled younger brother to give hip his wild ways and “come on home, boy.”
HARDY Recalls The First Time He Heard “Homeboy”
While introducing his performance and sharing how “honored” he was to be present in Church’s honor, HARDY recalled the first time he heard “Homeboy” and how it ultimately impacted his entire career from that moment on.
“The first time I heard it, I was new to town. I was driving to a class at MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University). It literally sent a chill up my spine. And at the time, this was 15 years ago, I was still trying to figure out how to write a country song. And when I heard ‘Homeboy,’ I told myself, this is the kind of song I want to write every day for the rest of my life. And to this day, I tell everybody that I owe every bit of my songwriting career to that moment and that song to Eric Church for inspiring me to just go for it every single day.”
He went on to reminisce on the first time he got to meet Eric Church and share that story with him.
“It’s a moment I’ll never forget, and I can only hope that I have the same impact on somebody someday,’ HARDY revealed to the audience.
Eric Church Is Presented With The Icon Award
Then it was time to present Church with the ACM Icon Award. This trophy honors the contributions of Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his country music career. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who, throughout their career, has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts.
Church, a seven-time ACM nominee was chosen as this year’s recipient because of his ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of the genre, his prolific songwriting resume, his influence as a leader, and his incredibly honorable philanthropic efforts.
Earning this kind of recognition was not taking lightly by Church. Stepping up on stage to collect the award, he made sure to return HARDY’s complimentary message, calling him “one of the greatest songwriters Nashville has that’s ever held a pen.”
Going Back To Where It All Began
After thanking HARDY and Joanna for their performance, the “Springsteen” singer went back to the very beginning of his first gigs at Woodlands BBQ in Blowing Rock, North Carolina at just 18 years old, when his passion for performing truly ignited.
“I had the Monday night gig at six o’clock and I knew 12 songs and that’s it. And I’ll never forget that night,” said Church. “I remember thinking, this is the most fun I’ve ever had. And if I can just get to the Friday or Saturday night gig at Woodlands, I’ll never want anything else. God had a bigger plan than that. I ended up doing more things and I’ve had a career where I’ve got to make the music I want to make, and I’ve gotten to play that music on stage.”
Gratitude For The Fans
Church made sure to give a special shoutout to his loyal fanbase who has celebrated not only his hits, but more importantly the deep album cuts.
“I’ve had fans that have bought into that and they’re more excited when I play an album cut 10 years ago then they are when I play some of the hit songs. And I fu**ing love that. Very blessed,” he acknowledged. “I been very blessed to be able to have a career that way. And back to that first gig at Woodlands, I had so much fun. I loved music. I loved to play it. I loved that moment.”
The North Carolina native ended his message by stating that it has “been an honor” to get to build a career and make music in his own way. he gave a special shoutout to his group of friends in the audience for sticking by him through it all and his manager who he shared he’s always “seen eye-to-eye” with. Finally, he called out his wife, the long-tangled blonde from Tennessee, Katherine Blasingame.
“If I did not meet her, I would be playing with Woodlands BBQ right now,” Church admitted before wrapping up his moment on stage.
2025 ACM Honors
In addition to Eric Church, the other honorees who were celebrated during the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors included Lori Badgett, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, and “Twisters,” and Ben Vaughn.
Plus, previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, as well as ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, were also celebrated at ACM HONORS.
The event was held Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Pinnacle, and welcomed a star-studded lineup of performers including Luke Bryan, Russell Dickerson, Karen Fairchild, Amy Grant, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Jamey Johnson, Chris Janson, Miko Marks, Victoria Shaw, Carter Faith, K. Michelle, Ashley Gorley, Tucker Wetmore and more.
The post Eric Church Receives ACM Icon Award, Celebrated With Surprise Tribute From HARDY appeared first on Country Now.
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