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Music

Jo Dee Messina Reacts to Viral ‘Bye Bye’ Debate After Fans Question Iconic Line

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
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Jo Dee Messina has sparked a hilarious online debate after fans found themselves questioning the lyrics to a song from her early catalog.

The confusion began when a TikTok user shared a video admitting she was unsure about a line from Messina’s 1998 song “Bye Bye,” which appears on her I’m Alright album. The fan questioned the line “lead foot down on the accelerator,” explaining that she had heard it as “left foot down on the accelerator” and wasn’t sure what the phrase meant.

Photos Courtesy of Jo Dee Messina

The comment section quickly filled with fans sharing what they believed the lyric actually was, with guesses ranging from “lead foot” to “left foot,” “let my foot,” and even the wildly creative “Mike Celerator” at the end of the phrase.

Messina eventually caught wind of the conversations and quickly joined in on the fun, commenting on the original video, “SOOOO FUNNY!!! Your face is precious,” before later sharing her own video in an attempt to settle the debate.

“Hey guys, apparently one of my songs is at the center of a controversy right now,” Messina joked. “I’ve seen videos blowing up about this song and what the lyrics are.”

@jodeemessina Replying to @Gwendy Vanucci Hope this clears things up for everyone😉 @thecryingjoker @Tee #jodeemessina #byebye ♬ original sound – Jo Dee Messina

While strumming her guitar, the country music songstress sang the lyrics herself in hopes that viewers would clearly hear what the actual wording is. However, instead of ending the debate, the video left some fans sticking to their original guess that it’s “left foot” while others stood firm in their belief that “lead foot” is the only correct answer.

“My buddy and I have debated these exact lyrics for 20+ years!!!” one user wrote.

“Not gonna lie, I have always thought it was left foot which was a little odd. 😁”

“I’ve been singling left foot since this song came out when I was like 5 🥲🥲

“How could it be ANYTHING other than lead foot?!?”

The ongoing conversation continued to entertain fans and Messina herself, who returned with a few more videos reacting to the hilarious interpretations.

@jodeemessina Replying to @Chance Hill405 You guys are awesome!!! Oh and so is Mike, apparently 🤣🤣🤣 #jodeemessina #byebye #viral ♬ original sound – hnmmusic011

Penned by Phil Vassar and Rory Michael Bourke, the breakup anthem has stood the test of time as a song that could get anyone through this difficult point in a relationship. Messina sings from the perspective of someone who is finally walking away from a person who took far too long to commit. At first, they believed they had found the right person, but eventually, they decide they’ve given enough to the other person getting nothing in return and are ready to move on.

The line that sparked the TikTok debate, “Got a lead foot down on my accelerator and the rear view mirror torn off,” uses the imagery to say that the past is officially being left behind and there’s no room for turning back or second guessing. Even though Messina has yet to confirm, it’s safe to say that the lyrics do in fact read, “lead foot” rather than “left foot.”

The recent debate that continues to circulate social media just further proves that even after three decades the powerful message behind “Bye Bye” remains a fan favorite.

The post Jo Dee Messina Reacts to Viral ‘Bye Bye’ Debate After Fans Question Iconic Line appeared first on Country Now.

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Sports Fox

Why The Remaining 8 World Cup Teams Each Could Win It All — And Why They Won’t

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
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Forty teams are out. Just eight left standing. We have reached the quarterfinal round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and these eight teams are still in contention to win it all. Now, it is not easy to predict how things will play out in the later rounds of the World Cup, and we are surely due from some big surprises. Here is my ranking of the eight teams remaining with a look at why they could win the title and why they might not. Why: Under head coach Rudi Garcia, Belgium is a team that is gaining steam as the tournament progresses after a slow start. The team starts a relatively older starting lineup that has used its wisdom to its advantage. Against the U.S., Belgium was hardly bothered by the opponent’s home-field advantage, the USA’s equalizer in the first half or the controversy with Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension being reversed. Belgium is a comfortable and smart team right now that is very effective at attacking from out wide and picking up runners in the box. Why Not: At some point, age might start to work against the Red Devils. On top of that, playing Spain in the quarterfinals requires competing in the midfield against Pedri and Rodri. As well as Charles De Ketelaere played against the United States, he is likely not the caliber of forward that could be a difference maker in the later rounds of the World Cup. Why: As we saw in the shootout win over Colombia in the round of 16, Switzerland is one of the most defensively disciplined teams remaining in the tournament. Spain has conceded no goals but also dominates possession. Switzerland does not possess the ball nearly as often, but its defense typically always has answers. Murat Yakin is one of the best coaches remaining in this tournament and has built up a team that is smart, compact, defends well and picks the right moments to attack. Switzerland is clearly a team on the rise. Why Not: Defending against Argentina is another level from what the Swiss have done thus far. But perhaps an even bigger concern is the injury to Johan Manzambi, who has been one of the tournament’s top breakout performers. The 20-year-old versatile attacker did not play against Colombia due to a knee injury he picked up in the team’s final training session. Not having him against Argentina is a huge blow. Why: Four years ago in Qatar, Morocco advanced to the semifinals of the World Cup. Since then, the team has only continued to improve and grow. Both its senior team and youth national teams indicate this team will be good for years to come. Morocco has an elite right side of the field with winger Brahim Díaz playing well and Achraf Hakimi being arguably the best right back in the world. Central midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is also one of the best teenagers in the world. Morocco should be heavily motivated against France, as the two nations have strong historical ties with six Morocco players being born and raised in France. Why Not: Morocco has a significant injury problem with Ismael Saibari likely out for its game against France. Saibari scored in each of its group stage games and was key to the team’s offense. In a game where Morocco needs all hands on deck, the Atlas Lions will be missing its top forward. Morocco is a great team, but it is still behind France. But now facing Les Bleus shorthanded, Morocco has a huge uphill climb. Why: Norway has arguably the best center forward of his generation in Erling Haaland, who has seven goals in four appearances at this World Cup. He is carrying Norway to its best ever tournament run. But the team’s main supporting cast, in Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa, has also been stellar. Why Not: The biggest concern for this team is its depth. Haaland has at least one goal in every game he has played, and Ødegaard has been key to controlling the midfield. But if either of them has a bad game, are the team’s other options good enough to pick up the slack? Probably not. Why: Harry Kane is living up to expectations at this tournament with six goals. He can carry England to wins at times when it is not playing well (such as the 2-1 win over DR Congo). The best news for England was in the round of 16 win over Mexico when Jude Bellingham was the best he has looked all tournament, by far. The same could be said for Anthony Gordon. If that is the case, England is building up an offense that has multiple strong points of attack. Why not: The team’s defense has been too leaky at times. In the last round, Mexico scored two goals, and England’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, had to bail out his teammates several times. Against DR Congo, England was lucky to have only conceded one. England was also poor defensively against Croatia. When better teams come along, it is a major question whether England’s defense can hold up. Why: Argentina knows how to win and fights extremely hard when up against the wall. The win over Egypt shows just how well it handles adversity. The team also has the greatest player of all time in Lionel Messi who can win games by himself. Why not: There is an age factor. La Albiceleste have kept most of its same players from the 2022 team that won the World Cup. It was hard for Argentina to win in 2022, and the 2026 team is likely not as good. Messi is four years older at 39. Plus, the team is still very reliant on him. The first two knockout rounds were especially taxing on this team, as it took 120 minutes to beat Cape Verde, and the 3-2 win over Egypt required a huge push at the end to mount a comeback. How much is going to be left in the tank? Why: Through five games, it has been impossible to break down Spain’s defense, which has conceded zero goals. Luis de la Fuente’s team is getting solid production out of center forward Mikel Oyarzabal with four goals, but a total of five players have scored for Spain in this tournament (not counting an own goal). That gives Spain a balanced attack with a number of ways to win games. Combined with its tournament-best defense and arguably the best central midfield tandem in Rodri and Pedri, Spain has a lot going for it. Why Not: With a 0-0 draw and two 1-0 wins over Uruguay and Portugal, Spain has walked a fine line at times. Oyarzabal is an excellent forward, but is he able to carry this team in a way Kane, Mbappé and Haaland can? Until Yamal gets going in the way he has for Barcelona, Oyarzabal needs to be that guy. Why: From top to bottom, France had the most talented team in this tournament. What is even better for the French is that its top-three players are all in fantastic form. Kylian Mbappé has seven goals at this tournament. Michael Olise has arguably been the best playmaker at the World Cup. Finally, Ousmane Dembélé, who entered this tournament without a World Cup goal, scored. Now the reigning Ballon d’Or winner has four goals and two assists to open a second point of attack. Then surrounding this team are world-class players at every position. Why not: It will take a Herculean effort to knock off France in any of the three remaining rounds. But it is possible. The toughest job for head coach Didier Deschamps is managing the massive egos within the squad. As French 1998 World Cup winner Frank Lebouef recently said: “I would say that the best enemy of France is France itself. Again, if you don’t find the chemistry, if you have ego issues between the players, they’re not going to win anything. And when we are the favorites, it’s never good with France.”Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Politics

Platner campaign quietly polls potential replacements as pressure mounts

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
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Democratic Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner’s team quietly fielded a poll Tuesday gauging the strength of people who could replace him on the ballot, as pressure mounts for him to drop out of the race.

The flash poll, obtained by POLITICO, was conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by Platner’s campaign, according to a person with knowledge of the survey who was granted anonymity to discuss it. It tested head-to-head matchups between Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Platner, along with five possible Democratic replacements for Platner, including former Maine state Senate President Troy Jackson and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.

The poll was conducted one day after POLITICO reported that a woman who Platner dated said he forced her to have sex with him, which he has denied. The move comes after his campaign dramatically lost support and financial backing across the Democratic Party, and suggests that his campaign is weighing alternatives should he leave the race.

On Tuesday, Platner’s campaign also canceled all its planned fundraisers and took down online ads, further indicating that his candidacy is on the brink of collapse.

Additionally, Platner’s team contacted Maine Democratic Party officials to discuss the process for replacing the embattled candidate on the November ballot — a conversation that turned contentious.

Platner hasn’t appeared in public since the latest scandal erupted. He is expected to speak later Wednesday, though it’s not clear when and whether it will be to staff directly or public, and his campaign is surveying volunteers about next steps, according to one person familiar with the campaign’s internal conversations and a survey obtained by POLITICO.

Platner has denied the sexual assault allegation and said swiftly after the report published that he is “taking the time to reflect” on his candidacy. His campaign has canceled at least a half-dozen planned events that had been scheduled over the coming days, in addition to putting holds on its ads on Facebook and Instagram.

The Platner campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As pressure builds on Platner to abandon his bid — more than three dozen Democratic senators have called on him to drop out of the race — thejockeying for his replacement has already begun.

Jackson, a former Platner ally, has already filed paperwork exploring a run, while a number of other unsuccessful gubernatorial candidates have signaled they are considering a bid.

The Tuesday poll of 785 Maine voters showed Platner trailing Collins 47 percent to 42 percent. Eleven percent said they were undecided. It also tested Jackson, Bellows, former Senate candidate Jordan Wood, former public health official Nirav Shah and Democratic Gov. Janet Mills — who ended her Senate bid before the primary — in head-to-head match-ups with Collins.

The flash poll was conducted over a 24-hour period, according to the person with knowledge of the survey, and it should be viewed as an early snapshot of the evolving race. The survey document did not list a margin of error.

Of the Democrats tested, Jackson performed the best, leading Collins 49 percent to 44 percent, with 7 percent of voters undecided. Bellows and Shah both essentially tied Collins at 47 percent and 45 percent, respectively. Mills, who has not weighed in publicly on the POLITICO report, trailed Collins 48 percent to 37 percent, while Wood trailed 47 percent to 38 percent. Fifteen percent were undecided in both the Wood and Mills matchups.

The poll included crosstabs examining each candidates’ strength among 2024 voter blocs. Platner performed the best among voters who did not vote in 2024 or voted for someone other than President Donald Trump or former Vice President Kamala Harris, followed by Jackson. Among this group, 40 percent supported Platner and 38 percent supported Jackson, compared with 33 percent for Bellows, 26 percent for Shah, 22 percent for Wood and 21 percent for Mills.

Under state law, if Platner were to withdraw from the race by 5 p.m. on Monday, the Maine Democratic Party would have to pick his replacement by July 27. Party officials have said they are committed to an “open, transparent and inclusive” process to select a nominee if Platner suspends his campaign, adding that “in no scenario is there a legal possibility for a nominee to be selected by an individual campaign.”

On Wednesday, campaign manager Ben Chin sent a text message to volunteers — obtained by POLITICO — accusing the state party of bringing in the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and cutting the Platner campaign out of the process. Platner’s team wants to ensure that an establishment-picked candidate does not take his place if he drops out, a person close to the candidate said Tuesday.

The state party quickly fired back.

“While the Platner campaign remains focused on distracting from the job of defeating Susan Collins in November with false accusations against us, the Maine Democratic Party remains hyper focused on developing a representative, transparent and inclusive process to select a new nominee when he chooses to withdraw from the race,” MDP Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a Wednesday afternoon statement.

Politics

Food

The Case For Not Sprinkling Parmesan Cheese On Italian Seafood Meals

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
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The “no parmesan with seafood” rule is enshrined in a seemingly untouchable Italian rulebook – but when you delve into it, it actually makes sense.

Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips

Entertainment

This Classic Italian Dish Is A Favorite Of Kylian Mbappé’s

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
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Kylian Mbappé enjoys this classic, creamy, rich Italian dish, which is probably one of the most popular pasta dishes found throughout the world.

Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews

Music

Luke Bryan Announces 2026 Farm Tour Dates And Lineup

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
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Luke Bryan is bringing Farm Tour back this fall with four new shows planned across Pennsylvania and the Midwest.

2026 Farm Tour Dates and Locations

The country superstar has announced the dates and locations for the fan-favorite event, and has now revealed the lineup of special guests joining him for each stop.

Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2026

Set for September 17-20, 2026, Farm Tour will make stops at four family-owned farms across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan:

September 17: Latrobe, Pennsylvania — 1846 Farms
September 18: Millersport, Ohio — Miller Family Farm
September 19: Brookston, Indiana — Prairie View Farms
September 20: Allegan, Michigan — John Schaendorf Dairy

Farm Tour Special Guests

Dasha, Kenny Whitmire, the Peach Pickers and DJ Rock have been announced as special guests for the 2026 Farm Tour dates.

Tickets are available now at LukeBryan.com.

Luke Bryan; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Since launching Farm Tour in 2009, Bryan has used the annual series as a way to honor the hardworking farmers who help feed America while bringing full-production concerts to smaller communities that are often overlooked by traditional tours.

The 2026 Farm Tour is sponsored by Bayer and Fendt.

Beyond the music, Farm Tour continues to make an impact through charitable initiatives. During May’s Farm Tour shows in California, Bryan and Bayer helped address food insecurity in the Central Valley by encouraging concertgoers to donate nonperishable food items. Fans contributed hundreds of pounds of food that will benefit local hunger-relief organizations, including Central California Food Bank and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters across California also participated in Bayer and Farm Tour’s 2026 “Spirit of 1776” CAN DO Challenge, creating patriotic displays made from donated canned goods in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. More than 9,000 cans were collected and donated to local food banks across the state.

Photo Courtesy of Luke Bryan

The upcoming Farm Tour dates will arrive during a major week for Bryan, as his ninth studio album, SIGNS, is set to be released on September 18, 2026.

Fans can pre-order SIGNS now and experience Luke Bryan’s annual Farm Tour tradition this fall.

The post Luke Bryan Announces 2026 Farm Tour Dates And Lineup appeared first on Country Now.

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Music

Randy Travis Announces First Album In 18 Years

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
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Randy Travis hasn’t released an album of original songs since 2008. That’s about to change. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

Music

Randy Travis Announces First Album In 18 Years

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
No Comments on Randy Travis Announces First Album In 18 Years

Randy Travis hasn’t released an album of original songs since 2008. That’s about to change. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country

Food

12 International Grilled Cheese Styles Worth Trying

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
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Few things are as satiating as melted cheese between two slices of bread. This combo make an appearance in cultures across the globe.

Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips

Music

Cody Johnson Opens Up About His Friendship With Luke Combs As Their ‘Shoot The Bull’ Duet Gains Momentum

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date July 8, 2026
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Cody Johnson and Luke Combs have the kind of friendship that allows them to tune out the chaos of the music industry when they’re together. In those moments, no matter what is happening around them, they’re just two friends talking about sports, family and life. That’s why it felt like such a natural fit for them to join forces on “Shoot The Bull,” a track featured on Johnson’s latest album, Banks of the Trinity.

While discussing the project on The Kelleigh Bannen Show on Apple Music Country, Johnson shared that even in professional settings, he knows that he can escape the “whirlwind” of things happening around him by seeking out Combs to feel a moment of normalcy.

“…it’s like you see the guy in the room where you’re like, ‘I can totally just go sit in the corner and BS with this guy’ and the industry’s going on around us in this whirlwind, yet he and I are talking about who won the college football game or I’m trying to get him to come down to Texas and do some hunting with me and just what watches are we looking at to invest in and things like that,” he explained.

Cody Johnson, Luke Combs; Photo by Jay Trevino

The pair of artists have been there for each other through many of professional and personal highs and lows over the years. Back in May when Johnson accepted his first-ever win for ACM Entertainer of the Year, he even went as far as dedicating his esteemed award to Combs, citing him as someone who he has personally watched “devote his life to country music.” He also called attention to the moment he witnessed Combs miss the birth of his second son Beau while on tour overseas.

“I was there the night in Australia when his wife gave birth to one of their sons,” Johnson recalled in his speech. “And I watched the anguish, and I watched the defeat on his face for not being there because he was across the world playing music in a sold out arena. And the next night, right after it, I watched him get on stage and absolutely murder the stage and go on stage and play country music and preach the message of country music to a bunch of Australians across the world.”

Cody Johnson; Photo Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

Johnson later told Bannen that Combs was one of the first people he called when he recently found himself facing a financial decision in his career. After gaining some much-needed guidance, they fell right back into their usual conversations.

“This year there was some career professional finance stuﬀ that I just called him and was like, ‘Hey, I have no pride in this deal. I know that you’re further along than I am right now as far as career wise. Give me your advice on this. What would you do here?’”

The Texas native continued, “He gave me sound advice and then it was like, ‘It’s over, it’s done. What are you doing?’ ‘Oh, I’m playing with the kids. FaceTime. ‘Hey, what’s going on, boys? Hey, check out the girls.’ And my girls were like, ‘Are you talking to Luke Combs? Is that Luke Combs?’ ‘Yes, he’s an idiot…just like me. He’s just a big old goofball.’”

That kind of tight-knit bond effortlessly comes across on their new duet, “Shoot The Bull.” The catchy, upbeat track was penned by Ray Fulcher, Casey Brown, Josh Phillips, and Drew Parker and reads like a conversation between two people looking to blow off some steam.

They trade off singing the verses about friendship and taking a much-needed break from the demands of everyday life. Together the country acts celebrate the simple pleasures of grabbing a cold beer, swapping stories, playing country music on the jukebox and catching up like old friends. Along the way, they nod to their respective roots in Texas and the mountains of North Carolina, while offering a reminder that sometimes the best nights are spent forgetting your worries as you “crank up a little possum and shoot the bull.”

“Let’s load up some silver bullets, saddle up some old barstools/ Set our sights on 2 a.m. and let the rowdy cut loose/ Forget all of our problems, take that corner quarter jukebox to school/ Crank up a little possum and shoot the bull,” they sing on the chorus.

“Shoot The Bull” appears on Cody Johnson’s just released Banks of the Trinity album.

This isn’t the first time Johnson and Combs have found themselves working together. They also toured together back in 2023 when “The Fall” singer served as the opening act for Combs’ dates across Australia and New Zealand.

Based on how well their voices blend together and their shared talent for true storytelling, fans can only hope this won’t be the last collaboration between the two.

The post Cody Johnson Opens Up About His Friendship With Luke Combs As Their ‘Shoot The Bull’ Duet Gains Momentum appeared first on Country Now.

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