‘We pushed each other, challenged each other and learned from each other,’ Kurt Busch said in an emotional tribute to his late brother, Kyle Busch. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Category: Music
‘We pushed each other, challenged each other and learned from each other,’ Kurt Busch said in an emotional tribute to his late brother, Kyle Busch. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Kelsea Ballerini made her only CMA Fest appearance on Thursday, June 4, stepping out for the live finale of SoFi’s Amplify Your Ambitions Contest at Analog at Hutton Hotel in Nashville as CMA Fest 2026 officially got underway.
The event, created in partnership with Ballerini and the Country Music Association (CMA), brought together emerging artists from across the country for a chance to break through one of music’s biggest barriers: the cost of building a sustainable career in the industry.
After weeks of submissions and fan voting, finalists Karen Hardy, Shantania, and The Kentucky Gentleman took the stage for live performances in front of a judging panel that included Ballerini, SoFi Chief of Financial Empowerment Vivian Tu, and GRAMMY-winning songwriter Shane McAnally.
At the end of the night, Karen Hardy was named the winner of the competition, taking home the $200,000 grand prize to support her music career, while the other finalists each received $50,000 runner-up awards.
Following Hardy’s crowning moment, Ballerini took to the stage to deliver a performance of fan-favorite hits like “Baggage,” “Blindsided,” and more.
The star-studded event also drew appearances from actor Chace Crawford, singer/songwriter Stelly Lefty, country/pop breakout star Dasha, Olympic gold medalist and entrepreneur Shawn Johnson East, and more.
Amplify Your Ambitions is rooted in SoFi’s belief that financial independence fuels big dreams. While talent is a key part of success, many rising artists still face major financial obstacles when trying to build long-term careers in music.
Through the contest, SoFi teamed up with Kelsea Ballerini and the CMA to help ease some of those challenges by offering financial backing, increased visibility, and real opportunities to the next wave of artists.
“I know firsthand how much it takes to build a career in music, especially when you’re funding it on your own,” Ballerini previously shared. “That’s why I’m excited to partner with SoFi on this. We’re looking for artists with passion, determination, and a strong sense of who they are, artists who are not only committed to their craft but thoughtful about how they invest in themselves and their music.”
CMA Fest officially wrapped up on Sunday, June 7.
The post Kelsea Ballerini Helps Crown Winner At SoFi’s ‘Amplify Your Ambitions’ Finale appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
‘It would be an enormous monstrosity, an absolute eyesore and detract in every way from not only the zoo but that area,’ Brad Paisley said. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
‘It would be an enormous monstrosity, an absolute eyesore and detract in every way from not only the zoo but that area,’ Brad Paisley said. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
With over 30 million Spotify streams, Ella Langley’s journey is a testament to talent meeting opportunity in the music world. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
With over 30 million Spotify streams, Ella Langley’s journey is a testament to talent meeting opportunity in the music world. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
When Riley Green goes back to his hometown, he trades the spotlight for a normal rural life where the biggest thrill is shelling peas with Grandma. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
When Riley Green goes back to his hometown, he trades the spotlight for a normal rural life where the biggest thrill is shelling peas with Grandma. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
As relationship rumors continue to swirl around Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, one simple gesture reportedly served as a reminder of why the couple has made it work for so long. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country