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Some late-night storms may have forced Niall Horan and Thomas Rhett to postpone their co-headlining stadium show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, but the weather wasn’t enough to keep fans from coming together the following day to celebrate a milestone moment in the artists’ 10-year friendship.
Originally scheduled for Saturday, July 18, the highly anticipated performance was moved to Sunday, July 19, due to heavy rainfall and sporadic lightening that was forecasted in the area. Many fans had already been waiting outside the venue for hours in hopes of securing a spot in the front row of the pit, while others had traveled from across state lines to attend the show by the time the disheartening news dropped on Saturday afternoon.
The venue made the initial announcement about an hour before doors were set to open, apologizing for the inconvenience and letting ticketholders know that refunds would be available if they could not attend the new date. The pair of artists also wanted to give an explanation and issue their own sorrow for the unfortunate decision that had to be made in order to keep everyone safe.
Horan spoke up first with disappointment in his voice, stating, “We’ve been kind of forced into a corner and we have to reschedule the show to tomorrow night. Obviously, something that we didn’t want to do but we want to stay in town and do the show for you guys…we’re obviously sad to have to do this but this is what we’re gonna have to do.”
Rhett then jumped in to say that the safety of their fans was their biggest priority. Additionally, they were proud of the show they had worked so hard to prepare and wanted to make sure that those in attendance received their best performance possible, which wouldn’t have been guaranteed if they had proceeded with the show as planned.
“It’s a miracle that the venue is available tomorrow, that me and Niall are both here tomorrow and so we will see you guys tomorrow night ready to freaking rock. We love ya’ll so much,” he added.
The longtime friends brought their stadium run to Hershey following their first-ever joint stadium show in Nashville. With clear skies overhead on Sunday night, Horan and Rhett delivered a memorable evening filled with high-energy performances, special moments with fans and a celebration of the bond they’ve built over the past decade.
Throughout the night, both artists made sure to acknowledge how much it meant to them to see so many fans still show up, despite the unexpected change of plans.
“I’ve been doing this for 16 years and I feel like as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gained more appreciation and become more grateful to every single individual that comes. It’s very easy just to look out at a crowd and just see it as a crowd. But I feel like the older I’ve gotten, the more I pick up on the individual stories of how people made their way here by car, plane, train, automobile, and the money it costs to get to do this, staying the extra night last night and things like that. That is not an easy task with the way the world is spinning right now,” Horan acknowledged. “I really, really appreciate it.”
Rhett echoed Horan’s statement and added, “This is the craziest crowd I’ve ever seen in my entire existence…Thank y’all so much for sticking out the rain yesterday and coming back tonight. I heard Niall say it tonight, but to have this many people show back up on a reschedule is absolutely unheard of. So thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The venue was packed with a mix of Thomas Rhett fans and Niall Horan fans, including those who have followed him since his One Direction days all the way through his successful solo career. The combination created an electric atmosphere that started with openers Emily Ann Roberts and Kashus Culpepper, continued through Rhett and Horan’s individual sets, and reached its peak during their five-song performance together.
This wasn’t the first time either of these artists have played Hersheypark Stadium but it was surely one of the most memorable ones. Rhett noted that the first time he performed inside the venue was in 2012 with Jason Aldean. He has returned several times since to share the stage with acts like Miranda Lambert and Florida Georgia Line, and after Sunday night, he was proud to add Niall Horan to that list.
Meanwhile, this show marked the first time that the former One Direction member has taken the stage in Hershey in nearly 13 years.
“Can you believe it? It even makes me feel old, the fact that I’m 33 and there’s people in this building that weren’t even born the last time I was here,” he joked.
Regardless of how much time has passed, they both made it an unforgettable show on their touring resume.
Thomas Rhett kicked things off with a 17-song, career spanning setlist. He opened with early fan-favorites like “Make Me Wanna,” “Look What God Gave Her,” “T-Shirt” and “Sixteen” before introducing a new unreleased song titled “Sky Falls.” A special moment in his performance came when he revealed that he would dedicate his performance of “Life Changes” to his sister-in-law. Normally, he sings this song in honor of his wife and children, but this time, he wanted to celebrate the strength of his family member who has been battling cancer and recently got to ring the bell for finishing chemotherapy.
The powerful statement earned a roar of cheers from the crowd, followed by a massive singalong that felt a bit more meaningful than usual after his announcement. Rhett’s set came to a close with upbeat deliveries of “After All The Bars Are Closed” and “Crash and Burn.”
After a brief intermission, it was Niall Horan’s turn to take the stage, where brought a mix of nostalgia, new music and some country-inspired moments to the Hershey crowd. He performed everything from “Heartbreak Weather” to “Nice To Meet Ya,” “Meltdown” and more. He even leaned into his growing appreciation for the country genre with songs like “Seeing Blind” and “She Gets It From Her Mother,” where he encouraged fans to take part in a little two-stepping around the stadium.
Horan also highlighted his newest era by performing songs from his latest album, including the title track “Dinner Party,” alongside “Little More Time,” “Monochromatic,” “Tastes So Good,” “Flowers” and more. The Ireland-born singer then took fans back to 2017 with “This Town.”
He ended with his highly anticipated tune, “Slow Hands,” as confetti filled the air. But the night wasn’t over yet. Shortly after, the celebration continued as the pair reunited for a special joint performance, giving fans the chance to see the two longtime friends share the spotlight.
They came together to deliver a memorable mix of songs from their respective catalogs, including Horan’s “Heaven” and Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man,” as well as the first song they ever recorded together, “Old Tricks.” They also put their spin on what Horan called, “one of the biggest songs in the world,” ‘Choosin’ Texas’ by Ella Langley” before singing what was likely the most anticipated song of the night, a rendition of One Direction’s “Steal My Girl.”
While the setlist featured plenty of memorable moments, the biggest takeaway from the night was the genuine friendship between Horan and Rhett. After 10 years of knowing each other, their co-headlining stadium shows represented more than just a night of fun. It also showcased the power of two artists bringing their audiences together through a shared love of music, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for fans.
“Me and Niall met 10 years ago, which nuts. Never in a million years would I have dreamed we’d be doing these shows together. This is one of the highlights of my career,” Rhett admitted.
Horan reflected on the idea to come together for two nights of shows. He said, “We’ve known each other a long time and we just said, ‘Let’s do this. Let’s try and see if we can do some shows together.’ Little did we know that we would be doing two stadium shows. This is absolutely insane.”
As of now, the pair of artists have not announced any other plans for future co-headlining dates, but when Horan asked the crowd if they would be open to more one day, the answer was loud and clear.
Rhett’s The Soundtrack to Life Tour continues through the summer and fall.
The post Niall Horan And Thomas Rhett’s Hershey Show Proves Friendship And Music Can Weather Any Storm appeared first on Country Now.
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Emily Ann Roberts is undoubtedly one of country music’s most exciting rising stars. With her charming personality, angelic voice, songwriting talent, and ability to command a stage, she has quickly become an artist to watch. However, what some fans may or may not know is that her talents extend far beyond the spotlight.
When she’s not performing, Roberts can often be found crocheting, gardening, canning, and embracing a homesteading lifestyle. It seems there’s truly nothing she can’t do, and that passion for a slower, more hands-on way of life inspired the phrase she coined for herself: “Yeehaw Meemaw.”
Roberts shares this side of her life with fans through Sasser House, a social channel she created with her husband, Chris. Through the platform, the couple offers a glimpse into their home, garden, DIY projects, and everyday moments that happen away from the stage.
What started as a simple way to share another piece of their lives has grown into something much bigger than either of them imagined. The channel’s rapid growth across social platforms has not only connected Roberts with a new audience but has also introduced countless fans to her music.
“Something that has absolutely changed the trajectory of my career is something that my husband and I started called Sasser House. As my husband shared his projects, I though, well, I have a lot to offer this little house that we call home too, whether it be from the garden or crochet projects or decorating or cooking or canning,” she told Cowboys & Indians Magazine. “So many people have found my music through seeing me out in my garden picking green beans or canning in the kitchen and now they’re full-blown fans coming to shows and it has totally changed my life.”
While Sasser House has introduced fans to a new side of Roberts, her music remains at the heart of everything she does. Her growing audience continues to connect with her honest storytelling, including her latest release, a new version of her fan-favorite single “Jack & Jill Daniel’s” featuring Ian Munsick.
“I sing about all kinds of different stuff. I tell people my music is like a sampler platter. Life is full of so many different emotions and we all feel different things,” she told the publication. “And so I sing happy songs and sad songs and storytelling songs and all of it, but I hope that people are able to kind of let go of what’s going on in their life and just enjoy the music when they hear it.”
With her career on a rapid rise, Emily Ann Roberts has earned a spot on tour with Thomas Rhett this summer and was named into the Opry NextStage class of 2026.
The post How Emily Ann Roberts’ Sasser House Is Changing The Trajectory Of Her Country Music Career appeared first on Country Now.
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![<a href="https://countrynow.com/gabby-barrett-shares-her-personal-connection-to-in-on-it-and-teases-whats-ahead-exclusive/" target="_blank">Gabby Barrett Shares Her Personal Connection To ‘In On It’ And Teases What’s Ahead [Exclusive]</a>](https://countrynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-22-1024x683.jpg)
For Gabby Barrett, the most meaningful songs are the ones that allow listeners to see themselves in the story. That’s exactly what drew her to “In On It,” a powerful ballad that shares a message about trusting the bigger picture even when life’s challenges are difficult to understand.
Over the years, the songstress has built close relationships with esteemed songwriters who understand her artistry and know when they’ve written something that would perfectly complement her catalog. The single, written by Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins, and Jimi Bell, was sent to Barrett and she immediately fell in love with it.
“I loved everything about it. I loved the message. I loved the movement of the song. It felt really good. We’re actually performing it live already now at shows and it’s been received really well by folks. And so that’s all you can hope for really,” she told Country Now.
It was the compassion and raw honesty woven throughout the lyrics that immediately resonated with Barrett. She recalls feeling a personal connection to the song’s reminder that even the most uncertain seasons of life serve a greater purpose, even when that isn’t clear in the moment.
“I think the song is really about looking back on your life and realizing that even when you can’t understand something going on or couldn’t understand what was happening, that God already knew where the story was headed,” she shared. “And I feel like we’ve all had moments that didn’t make sense in real time, but later you realize they were leading you somewhere better. And so that’s really what the song is about, trusting that there can be purpose even before you can see it.”
The “I Hope” singer specifically remembers the uncertainty she felt early on in her career before and during her American Idol days. She was working so hard day in and day out to turn her dreams into a reality, not knowing if it would all be worth it in the end.
“It’s just like you don’t truly know what the outcome is going to be even when you’re in the midst of a hard season. But I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older that it’s really helpful having this mindset of believing that things are going to work out for the good in the end,” she pointed out.
Gabby Barrett’s clear and commanding vocals shine through behind each lyric, built around a steady production that gradually grows in intensity and allows her voice to take center stage before amplifying the powerful message. Throughout the track, she depicts everyday people facing challenges like a farmer fighting to save his land, a single mother working tirelessly to provide for her children, and a child facing a life-threatening illness.
By sharing these stories, Barrett captures the struggle of wanting answers and learning to trust the path set by the man above, but beneath it all is a reminder of hope.
“Keep betting on a dream even when you can’t win on it/ Keep holding on when you’re way out on a limb on it/ Might be your hands but he’s got his fingerprints on it/ God’s got a plan even if you ain’t in on it/ Take all the nights that you don’t think that you can take anymore/ Take all the weight that you can’t carry, let it fall to the floor/ Lift up your hands and put an amen on it/ God’s got a plan even if you ain’t in on it,” she sings on the chorus.
“In On It” serves as the Pennsylvania native’s first release of 2026 and sets the tone for the next chapter of music that she’s working on.
“It felt like the right song to introduce people to where I’m headed creatively,” she pointed out.
“I think they can expect a lot of honesty with my music. I want songs that people want to live with, not just hear once,” Barrett continued. “So songs that make you laugh and make you think and make you feel something and hopefully become part of people’s lives. In regard to the next record, I’m still letting it become what it’s supposed to be, which is honestly my favorite way to make a record. I don’t like forcing a scene too early. I just want to chase the very best songs and let the world naturally reveal itself as we continue to nail that down. So I would say that’s a good idea of creatively where I’m going.”
With her next collection of songs in the works, Barrett is also gearing up to join Parker McCollum’s 2026 tour, starting July 24 at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
“It’s always very exciting to be put in front of potentially some new fans and again, hope that they can connect to your music and find themselves in the midst of it. And you never know. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll pop up and do a song with him or something at some point and that would be really fun, but definitely excited.”
Joining her on the road will be her husband, Cade Foehner, who typically plays lead guitar for her band and their three children.
“I really enjoy having them there. It’s literally like take your kids to work. I can have it all just mixed into one, which is so nice…it is truly like living the dream.”
The post Gabby Barrett Shares Her Personal Connection To ‘In On It’ And Teases What’s Ahead [Exclusive] appeared first on Country Now.
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Carly Pearce has never been one to shy away from being honest with her fans, and her latest TikTok post is no exception.
After a TikTok user commented on one of her videos asking, “Are you still deciding about having kids? Getting married again?” Pearce responded with a raw and heartfelt answer, sharing her true thoughts and feelings on both topics.
The Kentucky native, 36, held nothing back as she opened up about the pressure many women feel to become mothers, explaining that while she loves children, motherhood has never been a personal dream of hers.
“Okay. So here’s the deal with this. And I don’t know, maybe some of you out here are like me. I always feel bad saying that I actually don’t want children. I love children. I love my friend’s children. I’m a great aunt, but it was never my dream. My dream was to pursue country music and live on the road,” she shared. “And I know that some people do that and they’re great at it, but it has never been my dream. And I think that we should normalize people that truly know they don’t want to have kids. I don’t think it should be for everyone just because society tells us to. So I don’t want children and I’m totally okay with that.”
As for marriage, Pearce, who endured a very public divorce with fellow country artist Michael Ray and documented the emotional experience through her deeply personal album 29, shared that she is still open to tying the knot again.
Despite what some may expect after going through such a difficult chapter, Pearce made it clear that her past will not prevent her from pursuing marriage in the future.
@carlypearce Replying to @Donna Comer Keep the questions coming. 🤍👇 #Countrymusic #HonestWoman #CountryTok #MusicTok ♬ original sound – Carly Pearce
“And I absolutely want to get married again and intend to get married again and will never let my past hinder me from doing that again. So what?I was divorced. It was my startup marriage and now I get to have the real one.”
Pearce has been a bit more private when it comes to her current relationship with boyfriend Jordan Karcher, but she has occasionally offered fans a glimpse into their romance through sweet snapshots of game nights and date nights. Recently, she revealed that Karcher relocated to Nashville and even referred to him as her “LOML” (love of my life).
As always, Pearce’s music will continue to reflect the current chapter of her life, and fans can expect to hear that honesty when she releases her new album, Honest Woman, on August 28 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
The post Carly Pearce Says She’s ‘Totally Okay’ Not Having Children While Opening Up About Her Future appeared first on Country Now.
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