‘It just isn’t possible,’ King said in a statement on social media. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Category: Music
‘It just isn’t possible,’ King said in a statement on social media. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line sent fans into a frenzy when they reunited on stage for the first time in over four years during Country Radio Seminar at Jason Aldean’s surprise 31st No. 1 party.
The moment came as Kelley and Hubbard took the stage to perform Aldean’s chart-topping hit “You Make It Easy,” which they co-wrote alongside Morgan Wallen and Jordan Schmidt. As they stepped up to the mic, Hubbard reflected on the moment, telling the crowd, “Man, it feels good to be here tonight. It feels good to be here with my brother.”
Inside a room packed with industry execs, radio programmers, on-air talent, and media, the duo seamlessly slipped back into their groove, trading lines and harmonizing like no time had passed.
The performance marked their first time sharing a stage since August 31, 2022, when they played their final show together at the Minnesota State Fair. It also follows a series of recent moments that have sparked speculation that something could be brewing between them.
In recent months, Kelley and Hubbard have been spotted spending time together, including a hang in Nashville and a trip to Colorado with their wives, Brittney Kelley and Hayley Hubbard. According to Hayley’s social posts, the group hit the slopes and enjoyed some downtime together at a mountain resort.
Recapping the trip, Hayley shared, God has been moving mountains and answering prayers out here 🏔️ Incredibly grateful for the gift of time well spent together, the way God has truly been working in all of our lives, for healing, redemption, and some good old-fashioned fun and laser tag.”
She later added a Bible verse about trust and faith, hinting at the deeper meaning behind their time together.
The reunion buzz first started building when the duo was photographed together at the CMA Awards last fall, their first photo together in years.
Not long after, Hubbard opened up about their relationship on the Human School Podcast, admitting, “I hadn’t spoken to BK a lot in the last couple of years, but we’re going on a hike next week, so the way I see it is, I have a desire for that friendship,” Hubbard said of Kelley, with whom he recently reunited at the 2025 CMA Awards. “I miss the guy I was partners with for 10 years. I miss my old roommate, my best man at my wedding, and if nothing else, we should have a relationship.”
It’s safe to say that reconnection has only grown stronger since then, and fans are definitely taking notice.
Comments on our video of the surprise moment say it all:
“SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP 😍🥹”
“So happy to see this 🙌”
“The world is healing again!!!! ❤️”
“DROP THE TOUR DATES!!! 😂”
“We ALL need some FGL 🥰”
While some may still be unsure about a full reunion, it’s hard to ignore the impact Florida Georgia Line has had on the genre, not to mention their reputation for delivering an unforgettable live show.
So, could this be the start of a comeback? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: fans are more than ready.
In the meantime, both artists are staying busy with solo work. Kelley recently dropped “Queen of 30A,” while Hubbard teamed up with Nate Smith on “After Midnight.”
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Just imagine kicking off your day with a refreshing walk — Jelly Roll swears by it for a clearer mind and a brighter mood. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Just imagine kicking off your day with a refreshing walk — Jelly Roll swears by it for a clearer mind and a brighter mood. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Johnson says that once Kid Rock explained why he wanted to record a version of the song, he was immediately sold. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Johnson says that once Kid Rock explained why he wanted to record a version of the song, he was immediately sold. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Julian Kalel brought a wave of emotion to the American Idol stage in Hawaii with a performance that left both the audience and judges visibly moved. The Texas native took on Zach Bryan’s “Tourniquet,” a song he deeply resonates with as it centers around the importance of lifting others up during their hardest moments.
As he explained to mentors Keke Palmer and Brad Paisley, “Tourniquet” carries a deeply personal meaning for him.
“’Tourniquet’ to me means picking someone else up when they’re hurting and always telling someone, ‘I have your back.’ What always heals my heart is thinking about the people that I have in my life and what motivates me even more is hoping that whoever’s listening gets that feeling that ‘I understand, I see you.’”
Paisley emphasized that Kalel taking on a song so personal to him makes the performance feel ‘very authentic’ and gives listeners a clear sense of who he is as an artist.
“That’s the magic of being this close. It’s really captivating…Your voice is perfect. You’re suited for that song,” Paisley shared.
Palmer added, “Sometimes when you’re in a competition, it’s like you’re thinking about what’s going to do my voice the best, but if you just sing what’s true to you, somehow it’s most perfect.”
Julian Kalel was clear in his mission to make his delivery feel like a hug or like a hand on someone’s back, letting them know they’re not alone.
“Whenever I listen to a song like this, I think of unconditional love, whether it be for a friend, for someone you love and it just means that you’re never going to leave their side, their worst days and their best days,” he reiterated as he stepped on stage in front of the live audience. “I wanted it to feel like a hand on your back, a hand that you can hold, a hug, just letting you know that you’re never alone, no matter how down you are.”
On the stage, located on the beach of Aulani’s Disney Resort and Spa, Kalel strummed his guitar with steady confidence, never showing a hint of nerves or uncertainty. Instead, he sang from the heart, and it paid off as members of the audience audibly responded, showing that they were moved by his tender, crisp vocals that radiated warmth. Midway through the performance, he turned things up a notch, effortlessly showcasing his impressive vocal range and proving he’s not just a singer, but a true performer who can command the stage.
By the end of his performance, Julian Kalel had achieved his exact goal of connecting with the audience as well as the judges.
Palmer spoke first, noting that even though she hasn’t seen the entirety of his Idol journey up to this point, it has already become abundantly apparent to her how much it means to him being up on stage and sharing his heartfelt messages.
“Your voice is beautiful. I mean, I could listen to you go on and on and on. And then when you look up, you’re talking about ‘Tourniquet.’ This is a deep and intense song, but you’re delivering that hope when you look up during the performance and you flash us that smile. It does feel hopeful. It’s beautiful. I loved it. Great job.”
Carrie Underwood called Kalel not only an artist, but also a poet as she gushed over his ability to make a story feel “believable.”
“It’s just so honest and it’s so you. And it’s a joy to get to listen to you. This is the best job in the world,” she shared.
Lionel Richie added, “To see you at this point in this competition, confident, stepping right on it. It is just really exciting as a judge to see you stand there in the light of your artistry. Strong and powerful. Forget everything else. If we can get you to this point right here, your future is right in front of you.”
Luke Bryan was last to comment, but his opinions were as strong and positive as the rest of his fellow judges. He even went as far as to label the hopeful contestant a “star.”
He proudly stated, “You make us happy to be doing this up here. That was like front runner of the competition kind of stuff. That was like star is born kind of moment. It’s so fun when somebody’s just got it and you just got it.”
Fans who want to help Julian Kalel advance in Season 24 can cast their votes in two ways. First, by commenting “Julian” on the official American Idol voting posts across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Second, by texting “19” to 21523. Voting closes at 6am ET on March 24, 2026. There is a limit of 10 votes protestant per method and it is open to all wireless carriers.
The results of America’s votes will be shared next Monday night (3/30), revealing which singers have made it into the Top 12. Those remaining will take part in the Songs of Faith night.
The post ‘American Idol’ Standout Julian Kalel Moves Judges and Audience With Emotional Performance of Zach Bryan’s ‘Tourniquet’ appeared first on Country Now.
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American Idol hopeful Lucas Leon has been performing songs made famous by his musical hero, Brad Paisley, at Nashville gigs for years and is admittedly one of the country star’s biggest fans. But the singer gained a new fan in Paisley himself after singing a heartfelt rendition of Tim McGraw’s “Just To See You Smile” at Disney’s Aulani.
In the midst of enjoying the exciting getaway in Hawaii with both of his parents by his side, Leon caught up with this season’s mentors Paisley and Keke Palmer. During their interaction, Leon explained that he has received tremendous support from his hometown, from his peers to his high school teachers and more, who all come out to see him perform around his hometown of Gallatin, TN.
He shared with Paisley that his rendition of the country star’s “I’m Gonna Miss Her” is a fan favorite at his shows and often brings in steady tips.
“I’m a massive Brad Paisley fan,” Leon acknowledged. “I’m a big fan of Brad just because his guitar playing, his singing, his songwriting, his stage presence, everything about him.”
Hearing how much support he receives from Leon, Paisley generously invited the singer to join him backstage at the Opry next time he plays the coveted venue.
“I’m sure I’ll be on the Opry in the next couple months. Maybe you can come to that and then we can walk around backstage,” he said with a smile.
Eventually, it was time for Leon to preview his next performance for the mentors and receive some helpful advice before he hits the stage in front of the judges. Paisley was first to praise the Tennessee native for his impressive ability to get “lost in the song” while offering his own “heartfelt interpretation” of McGraw’s hit.
“It doesn’t sound like Tim and it shouldn’t. It sounds like you and that’s hard to do. Differentiating yourself is the name of the game on a show like this,” Paisley added.
Reflecting on those words, Leon shared, “They say I don’t meet your heroes, but I’m really glad I met Brad. So hoping that I can take his advice with me on stage.”
The crowd clapped along as Lucas Leon launched into the song, looking completely at ease performing the beloved country tune. Strumming his guitar and fully leaning into the heartfelt lyrics, he proved that his age is no match for the depth of his talent. He hit every note with ease, leaving both the judges and his family beaming with pride.
Idol judge Lionel Richie echoed that statement when he emphasized how “comfortable” Lucas Leon looked up on that beachside stage.
“You made that so comfortable, I almost forgot that you were a contestant. That’s what you want. You want comfort. You want people to understand that this is what you do naturally. And what you just performed there was about as natural as you’re ever going to get. It was fantastic,” Richie gushed.
Although Keke Palmer had previously heard Leon deliver the tune, this was the first time she got to hear it live on stage with the full production behind him. It’s safe to say that she was more than happy with what she witnessed from him.
“I agree with everything that Lionel said because you literally transported us into your world. I felt like I was at a beach club. I was at a festival. I haven’t been in love in ages. I’m single as a pringle,” she joked, “And I felt romantic because you set the tone. You were making me smile. I mean, I just loved it. You are very much you and you did a fabulous job.”
Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood couldn’t have agreed with their fellow judges more. They each took a moment to share why they resonated so well with his delivery.
Underwood noted, “Your voice is so … It is powerful. It is beautiful. And there is something really special about the simplicity. You don’t try to over sing. You’re like laid back in the pockets and it’s just so easy to listen to you and to watch you. I loved it.”
Bryan encouraged him to “just keep delivering. Keep making us feel comfortable, but also keep adding the pressure and intensity and get songs that really pull you outside of your comfort zone, but you just keep knocking every performance out of the park.”
Fans who want to see Lucas Leon continue on in the Season 24 competition can vote for him two different ways. The first is by commenting “Lucas” on American Idol official voting posts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The second is by texting “13” to 21523.
Voting closes at 6am ET on March 24, 2026. There is a limit of 10 votes protestant per method and it is open to all wireless carriers.
The “game-changing” results that determine who has made it into the Top 12 will be revealed next Monday (3/30) during the Songs of Faith night.
The post Lucas Leon Channels Musical Hero Brad Paisley With Show-Stopping Tim McGraw Cover on ‘American Idol’ appeared first on Country Now.
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If there’s one thing Nashville knows how to do, it’s have a good time and Country Now Live delivered just that at 6th & Peabody on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). The evening mixed great music with an even greater cause as each act on the lineup generously donated their time in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Despite chilly conditions outside, the atmosphere inside was warm and lively, as fans and members of the industry packed out the venue to see headliner Dustin Lynch, as well as a lineup of rising acts including Cole Goodwin, Kayley Green, Kenny Whitmire, Jacob Hackworth, and Graham St. Clair.
Each artist took the stage for intimate sets, mixing fan favorites with new material and giving the crowd a closer look at the next wave of country talent. Country Now Live once again took place the night before CRS (March 18–20), setting the tone for the three-day event to come.
Graham St. Clair
Graham St. Clair kept things simple, taking the stage with just his guitar and letting the songs speak for themselves. His set featured several tracks, including his latest release, “Carry Me Home,” along with a brand-new, unreleased song titled “Bad Guy,” which he shared is set to be recorded in the coming months. Despite it being only his second time performing in Nashville, the Texas native made the moment count and likely walked away with a few new fans.
“It was incredible,” he admitted to us after getting off stage. “This is only my second time playing in Nashville, so it feels like a huge blessing to get to do this and to be in front of so many incredible talents that are coming up in the industry right now. It’s really cool.”
Jacob Hackworth
Up next, Jacob Hackworth brought a mix of fresh momentum and songwriting success to the stage during his Country Now Live set. The rising artist spotlighted his debut radio single, “What Took You So Long,” giving fans a first taste of this next chapter in his career as he makes his transition from songwriter to an artist in his own right. He also performed another recent release that’s heating up social media, “Bad As I Do.”
Toward the end of his set, Hackworth took a moment to reflect on his journey as a songwriter by delivering a cover of Corey Kent’s “This Heart,” which marked his second No. 1 hit as a writer. The full-circle moment added an extra layer of meaning to his time on stage.
“Well, the cause always makes it amazing and that’s something I always love to do and if I can do it, I’m there. But also Country Now always throws a good party and you can walk in the bar right now and see why…There’s people hanging out, best music in Nashville playing, so it comes together for a perfect night,” he shared about the event.
His appearance came just days before it was announced that he signed his first major label deal with MCA, in collaboration with Goat Island Sound.
Kenny Whitmire
Before Kenny Whitmire took the stage last week, he made one thing clear, his set was going to be “country,” because admittingly, that’s all he knows and it’s the kind of music that fuels him. He stayed true to that promise from the very first note, delivering a performance rooted in traditional storytelling and heartfelt lyrics.
While on stage, Whitmire showcased several of his recent releases, including “You’re Getting Colder,” and his life-changing track, “I Gave Her The Moon.” The latter of the two has taken on a life of its own online, becoming a viral moment on social media and even catching the attention of acclaimed pop singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, who helped bring it to a wider audience. It didn’t take long for him to connect with the crowd, proving that sometimes sticking to what you know is what resonates most.
Kayley Green
Kayley Green had the crowd on their feet and singing along, as she moved seamlessly between classic covers and her own powerful original songs. She was met with cheers while showcasing her vulnerable ballad, “A Little Bit Lonely,” and captured the hearts in the crowd with more originals like “Wedding Gown” and the storytelling-driven “Shadow of a Cowboy,” offering a deeper look at her songwriting.
She also delivered a show-stopping cover of Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” before bringing the house down with an epic rendition of Martina McBride’s “Independence Day,” that allowed her vocals to fill the room. By the end of her set, the South Carolina native had fully captivated the audience.
Cole Goodwin
Cole Goodwin admitted he was “tickled” to be part of Country Now Live and performing in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During his time on stage, he used every minute to the fullest while giving fans a taste of his traditional country sound. The Georgia native briefly slowed things down with “Call Me Colorado,” before closing his set with his latest release, “Howdy.” This clever track earned plenty of smiles from the crowd once they caught on to the twist that turns the classic southern greeting into “how’d he” in the chorus, tying it to into the question of how he ended up with a girl like her.
Goodwin’s set perfectly balanced humor, heart, and his signature traditional country sound, proving he’s already making waves as a well-rounded entertainer.
Dustin Lynch
Dustin Lynch closed out Country Now Live with an unforgettable high-energy set featuring crowd favorites like “Hell of a Night,” “Seein’ Red,” “Thinking ‘Bout You,” and “Where It’s At.” He later turned things down a notch with the heartfelt “Cowboys and Angels,” after which he admitted he had missed performing the song and giving fans a tender, emotional moment amidst the upbeat tracks. He then picked the energy back up with “Small Town Boy” to wrap up the show.
Before exiting the stage, Lynch took a moment to highlight the night’s purpose and thanked everyone who came out on a Tuesday night to sing along and give back to a good cause.
“Thank you, Country Now. Thank you, St. Jude for doing all that you do…It’s changed so many lives and I think we’ve all been touched by what they’re trying to cure and they’re doing a great job of it. On top of all the doctors and nurses, just the amount of researchers they have in Memphis is incredible,” he proudly shared. “I’m a science nerd, so I appreciate all that fun stuff and I love to visit and we always are honored to get to ask to be a part of anything they touch. So thank you guys for honor to asking us to be here tonight.”
It may have been a fun-filled Tuesday night, but the impact of Country Now Live went far beyond the music. All proceeds from the evening were donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, supporting its lifesaving mission to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Thanks to fundraising efforts like this, families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, housing, or food, allowing them to focus fully on what matters most.
Click HERE to learn more about St. Jude.
The post Dustin Lynch, Cole Goodwin, & More Shine at Country Now Live Benefiting St. Jude appeared first on Country Now.
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