The trailer juxtaposes tragedy and beauty. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
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Category: Music
As the temperatures rise, so does excitement for one of the biggest gatherings of music lovers and foodies in the country — mark your calendars for Bourbon & Beyond. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Country music’s best-selling duo, Brooks & Dunn are keeping the party going. They just revealed plans to carry their NEON MOON TOUR into 2026 with more shows and more talent joining them in support.
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have over three decades of performing under their belt, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Fans can catch their high-energy shows all year long, whether they’re headlining their own tour, joining Morgan Wallen as support, or hitting festival stages across the U.S. and overseas.
Promoted by Live Nation, the newly extended NEON MOON TOUR launches this fall with an opening night in Evansville, Indiana on September 10. From there, the Country Music Hall of Famers will continue to hit more than a dozen cities across the U.S.
Fans can also expect a rotating lineup of rising stars and country hitmakers joining them. David Lee Murphy and Tucker Wetmore will alternate as direct support throughout the tour, while Willow Avalon, Kaitlin Butts, Caylee Hammack, and Angie K will appear as additional support on select dates.
Under the duo’s announcement post on Instagram, several of their supporting acts took to the comment section to express their excitement.
Tucker Wetmore wrote, “Honored” and “Can’t fricken wait” while Caylee Hammack added, “here we goooooooo” and Katilin Butts simply said, “Yeehaw🤠.”
Angie K also noted how “unreal” it felt to see her name on the lineup, supporting such legendary acts. “OKC, Kansas City, and Moline better show up to throw DOWN 🔥🔥🔥”
Artist presales for the 2026 NEON MOON TOUR begin Wednesday, February 25 at 10AM local time and general onsale begins at 10AM local time this Friday, February 27, at brooks-dunn.com.
A range of VIP packages and experiences will also be available, giving fans the option to upgrade their night. Packages vary but include premium seating, exclusive backstage tour access, Neon Lounge entry, special Brooks & Dunn VIP merchandise, and other perks, depending on the selected package. For more information, visit vipnation.com.
Before they can embark on the NEON MOON TOUR, the most-awarded artists in CMA history will head across the pond for their first-ever run of UK dates, headlining Europe’s largest country music festival, C2C 2026, with stops in Belfast, Glasgow and London.
After wrapping up overseas, they’ll return to the U.S. for Stagecoach, then jump back out on the road with Morgan Wallen for eight stadium shows this summer on his Still the Problem Tour 2026.
2026 Neon Moon Tour Dates:
9/10 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center * #
9/11 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre * #
9/12 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena * #
9/17 – Toledo, OH – The Huntington Center^ !
9/18 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum^ !
9/19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center ^ !
9/24 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre^ ~
9/25 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater ^ ~
9/26 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center^ ~
10/1 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center* <
10/2 – Kansas City, MO – Morton Amphitheater^ <
10/3 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena ^ <
10/8 – Lafayette, LA – Cajundome * #
10/9 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena* #
* with Tucker Wetmore
^ with David Lee Murphy
# Caylee Hammack
~ Willow Avalon
! Kaitlin Butts
< Angie K
The post Brooks & Dunn Extend NEON MOON TOUR With Newly Announced 2026 Shows appeared first on Country Now.
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Two rock legends co-wrote the song. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Rucker’s 2026 Songs of Summer Tour kicks off in June. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Rucker’s 2026 Songs of Summer Tour kicks off in June. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Brooks & Dunn’s 2026 headlining tour comes after eight dates with Morgan Wallen. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Brooks & Dunn’s 2026 headlining tour comes after eight dates with Morgan Wallen. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Sixteen-year-old American Idol contestant Michael Garner understands that he is up against some fierce competition this season, but he isn’t letting his young age get in the way of his chance at claiming the title of the next American Idol.
He first introduced himself to the judges with a performance of “I’m Still Fine” by the Red Clay Strays and won over their votes despite the hesitation surrounding his age. This time around, the Forrest City, AR, decided to stick to what worked originally, and chose to sing another song by the rising country band.
Watching his fellow contestants give their all to their performances, he says he quickly realized the high level of talent around him.
“I’m surprised by all the people my age. Honestly, I never thought people my age had those type of pipes,” Michael admitted.
However, he tuned all the noise out around him and owned the stage with his rendition of the group’s “Wanna Be Loved.” From the judging panel, Bryan’s hesitation immediately returned, but the country superstar appeared to be curious to see how he would do on a bigger stage performing in front of a full room of people.
“Let’s see how he does in the bright lights,” Bryan commented.
The camera flashed to an interview with Michael, during which he acknowledged, “Im16 years old. I understand this competition can be a stressful thing to go through, but I think I have what it takes for sure.”
He brought that confidence to the spotlight, strumming his guitar and letting his vocals take center stage. Michael tapped into his country roots, blending grit and authenticity with smooth, controlled notes, as he embraced the energy track. Every chord showed off his range as well as his ability to connect with the audience.
Luke Bryan was the only member of the judging panel who’s feedback was shown on camera, but from the looks of Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie’s reaction throughout the delivery, it’s evident they were happy with what they had just heard on stage.
The “Mind of a Country Boy” singer applauded the young contestant for delivering a performance that was, overall, impressive for his age.
“We’re not expecting you to be anything other than what you are, a 16-year-old kid, but you’re just doing impressive stuff. You should be very, very proud. Good job,” he commented.
Later in the episode, viewers heard Michael Garner’s name get called to step forward. A look of shock washed over his face as he heard Lionel Richie reveal that he would be heading into the Golden room to join his other contestants that made it through the night.
Reflecting on that moment, he shared, “Feeling great, man, for real. I’m so excited right now. Me only being 16, I really thought I was out for the count, but I guess it’s just proves it’s not just about the age. It’s about what you got inside.”
All the hopeful contestants who made it through the week will have one more chance to impress the judges next week before the Top 30 is determined.
Watch the journey continue to unfold Monday nights when American Idol airs at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and on streaming the following day on Hulu.
The post Michael Garner Proves Age Is No Barrier With Standout Hollywood Week Performance On ‘American Idol’ appeared first on Country Now.
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Khloe Grace has made it clear from the start that she has been willing to fight for a spot in the Season 24 competition of American Idol. But was her talent at just 15 years old enough to get her through Hollywood week?
The young singer left judges and the viewers on a very emotional note during her audition when she performed an original song called “Forever 13,” that she wrote after seeing another young girl lose her life too early to suicide. Khloe explained that while she didn’t know 13-year-old Aubreigh Wyatt, she felt connected to her story and wanted to help bring awareness to the consequences of bullying.
“I’d went through some of the things that Aubrey had went through, and it was really hard, so I was like, if I could write something that could just very small help someone, then it’s totally worth me writing this song.”
The panel of judges were deeply touched by her ability as both a singer and a songwriter and sent her home with a golden ticket. Tonight, Khloe made her way to Nashville for Hollywood Week, which is taking place in Music City for the first time in the show’s history.
She then got to see the magnitude of talent she was up against this year. But even as just one of two 15-year-olds in the competition, she still managed to remain confident and without nerves as she prepared to take the stage.
“I have to step it up and show that I can hold my own, even being so young,” Khloe acknowledged. “I’ve been working for this moment my entire life.”
When a producer asked if she was feeling the nerves creep in, she calmly stated, “No.”
“I mean, I’ve been doing this since I was so young and I remember performing in front of people on a stage since I was 10 years old.”
Taking the spotlight, the Jacksonville, FL native confidently told the audience, “Hi, my name is Kloe Grace. I’m 15 years old and I want to be the youngest competitor to ever win this show.”
She proceeded to deliver a heartfelt rendition of Sugarland’s “Stay” that found her pouring every ounce of emotion into her performance. Her steady voice carried both vulnerability and strength as she navigated the song’s highs and lows with ease. Her family was seen cheering her on with excitement and pride, right along with those in audience who gave her a standing ovation.
When it was time to hear from the judging panel, Bryan was first to share his thoughts. He called attention to the difficulty of her song choice, and insinuated that due to her age, her voice lacked a certain level of maturity. Nonetheless, the country star praised her for giving it her best effort.
He said, “In the front part it seemed like you were pretty nervous but toward the end you really started locking in and hitting your stride, you should be really proud of yourself. Good job.”
Later, reflecting on Khloe Grace’s performance, Luke Bryan explained how he and fellow judges Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood try to approach every contestant with care, especially the younger artists, ensuring they’re guided thoughtfully through the grueling competition.
“Anytime you’re dealing with a 15, 16-year-old kid, it becomes really, really delicate. This could be a life altering moment for them, and we want it to alter them in a positive way.”
Unfortunately, Khloe Grace’s name was not called in her group, meaning her time on this season of American Idol has come to an end. She understandably expressed disappointment over this news, but revealed she is not giving up on her dreams just yet.
“It’s hard to go home,” she shared. “I would’ve loved to move forward, but they felt like it was best for me to go home and work hard and maybe come back one day. This is just the beginning.”
The American Idol journey continues next Monday night on March 2 when the contestants who made it into the “Golden Room” take the stage for their final chance to perform before the Top 30 is announced.
Tune into ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT or stream it the following day on Hulu.
The post 15-Year-Old Khloe Grace’s ‘American Idol’ Journey Ends After Sugarland Cover In Hollywood Week appeared first on Country Now.
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