Categories
Music

Lainey Wilson Melts Hearts With Reaction to Young Fan’s Tearful Concert Moment

Lainey Wilson continues to show why she’s such a beloved role model,  this time through her heartwarming reaction to a young fan’s emotional moment at one of her Whirlwind World Tour shows.

In a video originally shared by the girl’s mom, Tamara, the young fan can be seen watching the stage in anticipation. As the lights flash and Wilson’s voice fills the arena, her face lights up and she begins to scream with joy. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears quickly stream down her face as she takes in the moment of seeing her idol live for the first time.

Tamara captioned the clip, “When you’re just so excited to see @LaineyWilson for the first time!”

Lainey Wilson; Photo via TikTok
Lainey Wilson; Photo via TikTok

The touching video soon reached Wilson’s fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, who sent it to the country star. Wilson later stitched the video on TikTok, sharing her genuine reaction to the sweet moment, proving once again that her connection with fans runs deep.

“Duck just sent me this video and said I’ve gotta watch it,” Wilson says in her reaction video, smiling softly as the watches the sweet moment unfold.

@tamarabethhatcher When you’re just so excited to see @Lainey Wilson for the first time! #wwdd #laineywilson #cowgirls ♬ original sound – Tamara Beth Hatcher

The side-by-side video shows the Louisiana native’s real-time reaction to the video and it’s incredibly sweet. 

“That scream, girl,” Wilson says and later adds, “Stop….you’re gonna make me cry.”

Before the video comes to a close, Wilson tells the girl, “Love you, sister!” 

Tamara, the young girl’s mom, was quick to respond to the video stitch. 

@laineywilson #duet with @Tamara Beth Hatcher #wwdd ♬ original sound – Tamara Beth Hatcher

“I cannot wait to show her this! She is going to melt. Thank you so much for being such a good influence to these girls,” she wrote. 

This isn’t the first time Lainey Wilson has left a lasting impression on a young fan. Earlier this month, 4-year-old Amelia wowed the crowd at the Tiny Tot Pageant near her hometown with a heartfelt performance of Wilson’s latest hit, “Somewhere Over Laredo.”

The performance caught Wilson’s attention, and just days later, she invited Amelia and her family backstage at one of her concerts.

The meeting was every bit as sweet as you’d imagine. Wilson got down on Amelia’s level and sang the song with her, creating an unforgettable duet. The adorable moment was shared on social media, melting hearts everywhere.

The CMA Awards host has previously opened up about being a role model for young girls, telling People,  “that pressure is going to hold me accountable.”

Lainey Wilson; Photo by Cece Dawson
Lainey Wilson; Photo by Cece Dawson

“But I know I have a lot of little people watching me, and watching what I wear, watching what I say,” Wilson added. “It’s important for me to make sure that I can lay my head down at night, and be proud of what I did or said.”

Lainey Wilson’s massive headlining tour is still underway and is set to wrap up in Orlando, FL on November 8. Her final show of the year will take place in Las Vegas on December 7. 

The post Lainey Wilson Melts Hearts With Reaction to Young Fan’s Tearful Concert Moment appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Categories
Music

Tim McGraw Opens Up About Nearly Quitting Music Amid ‘Really Bad’ Health Struggles

During a tour stop in Highland, California over the weekend, Tim McGraw spoke honestly to fans about his recent health battle, admitting his struggles almost caused him to retire from his music career.

According to the New York Post, the country star explained to the crowd at the Yaamava’ Theater that over the past two years, he has undergone four major back surgeries and a double knee replacement. While McGraw has previously touched on these procedures, fans weren’t aware of just how deeply they affected him, both physically and mentally.

At one point, he confessed that he was starting to lose all hope for his future as he stated, “After going through all of that for a couple of years and getting depressed over it and all of those things — stuff not going right…And this spring, before I had my final back surgery, things were getting really bad, so I was seriously contemplating and figuring out how to walk away. I didn’t want to, but I didn’t think it was going to get better.”

Tim McGraw performs at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on his Standing Room Only Tour; Photo by Ben Dartnell
Tim McGraw performs at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on his Standing Room Only Tour; Photo by Ben Dartnell

McGraw then paused to acknowledge the medical professional who guided him through recovery that was present for the show that night.

“The doctor who did my double knee replacement is here tonight,” McGraw said, prompting the audience to cheer for Dr. Chen.

He also pointed out that his wife, Faith Hill, has also been enduring “quite a bit of surgeries” herself recently.

“She’s had five neck surgeries, and she’s had a couple of hand surgeries. Her hand surgeon, Dr. Rose, is here tonight,” McGraw said, also asking him to stand up for applause.

Faith Hill, Tim McGraw; Photo Courtesy Tim McGraw
Faith Hill, Tim McGraw; Photo Courtesy Tim McGraw

Getting the chance to highlight the doctors that have been so influential in both his and his wife’s journey back to health was one reason that he got vulnerable with fans. The other reason was to share that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The “Paper Umbrellas” singer worked hard to regain movement and strength through physical therapy. While he did have to cancel a few appearances as a result, he still found the motivation to keep going and that journey has inspired the idea for his new song called “King Rodeo.” He recorded and released a live version from his performance at the first Music City Rodeo earlier this year.

“It’s gotten better,” McGraw shared of his health. “So, during that process, I had this idea for this song that sort of dealt with facing age and facing all that stuff that comes along with it.”

The powerful tune finds him reflecting on the emotional highs and lows of life in the spotlight, as well as the personal challenges that he has experienced lately.

 “Hey, King Rodeo, You’re lookin’ lonely, Like you’ve lost you’re one and only, Adoring crowds are not around you, Whispers and shadows, they surround you,” he sings.

Now that his health has improved, McGraw appears ready to keep performing for the foreseeable future. He is next set to hit the stage on Nov. 1 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

It was also announced that Tim McGraw will be filling in for Dolly Parton, who made the decision to reschedule a run of shows originally set to take place in Las Vegas this December. McGraw will now take the stage at Caesars Palace, starting on December 4.

The post Tim McGraw Opens Up About Nearly Quitting Music Amid ‘Really Bad’ Health Struggles appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Categories
Music

BREAKING: ‘American Idol’ Returns In January With A Major Twist: Hollywood Week Moves To Music City

American Idol has just announced that the new season will kick off in January!

All three of the returning judges – Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan – appeared in the big reveal via the singing competition’s official Instagram. The academic themed post opened with a paper tacked to a bulletin board promoting that classes for “Idol University” will be begin on January 26, 2026.

Each of the judges made their way to the flyer and tore off the information on the pull-away tabs which included the show’s premiere date.

Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie; Photos via American Idol, YouTube
Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie; Photos via American Idol, YouTube

The caption read, “That’s a tear we couldn’t wait to make 👀 A new season of #AmericanIdol premieres Monday, January 26 on ABC and Stream on Hulu!”

This will mark the singing competition show’s ninth season on ABC and Hulu and 24th overall. According to Deadline, there will be at least one major twist coming to the Idol in 2026. The outlet reports that Richie, Underwood, Bryan and the show’s longtime host, Ryan Seacrest will be making their way to Nashville with the lucky contestants who earn a golden ticket.

Instead of planting their roots in California as usual, they will instead head to the home of country music to introduce Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover. It’s unclear what exactly this week will entail, but it is expected to be an exciting shift for viewers as well as contestants.

Back in August, Idol used a similar scholastic theme to announce that the same judging panel would be reclaiming their roles in the next season.

“Class is back in session,” Bryan said in the video.

“This year, we’re majoring in music as we help launch your dreams,” Underwood continued as she packed up school lunches in her kitchen.

With his thermos of coffee in hand, Richie then introduced himself as the “professor of positivity.” Meanwhile, Bryan fittingly labeled himself “professor of fun…serious, but fun.”

Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan; Photo by Disney/Christopher Willard
Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan; Photo by Disney/Christopher Willard

Now, the judges are eager to kickstart the upcoming semester of “Idol University” with a whole new class of talented contestants.

This will mark Carrie Underwood’s second time serving as a judge on American Idol after joining the crew last year. She joined Bryan and Richie in their search for America’s next singing sensation.

The 2025 “Idol Across America” live virtual nationwide search wrapped up with a nationwide open call on Sept. 24. Next up, those who made it through to the next round will get to showcase their skills in front of the judges and America.

During its eight seasons on ABC, American Idol was named a top unscripted series. The most recent season finale ranked No. 1 on the night, No. 1 for the week in primetime, and earned the best Total Viewer audience in two years.

The new season is set to air Monday, January 26 at 8 p.m. on ABC and Stream on Hulu.

The post BREAKING: ‘American Idol’ Returns In January With A Major Twist: Hollywood Week Moves To Music City appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Categories
Music

WATCH: Keith Urban Gets Emotional as Chase Matthew Surprises Him with Custom Guitar with Special Meaning

Chase Matthew recently brought Keith Urban to tears with a heartfelt gift. A new video captures the moment Matthew presented the Australia singer/songwriter with a custom-designed Gibson guitar created as both a thank you for having him on tour this year and a celebration of his birthday.

“Thank you so much for having us this year. Dude, we’ve learned so much from watching you and your team and they’ve been so awesome and taking us to Australia with you. These are places we never thought we would ever be in our entire lives,” Matthew expressed to Urban.

The lights in the room dimmed, allowing Urban, Matthew and the members of their crew to watch the special video message from the artist, explaining the sentiment behind the artwork by Māori cultural artist Sam Mangakahia.

Keith Urban; Photo via YouTube
Keith Urban; Photo via YouTube

“My name is Sam Mangakahia. I thought I’d give a bit of background on the artist behind this gift that your friends put together for you that I’m very excited to share more about. Again, Sam from the North Shore of Oahu. I actually grew up in Brisbane, Australia, and I’ve been out here for 10 years. It’s incredible. I’m a cultural artist and I tell stories through design that empower people to live true to their values. And this piece, I’ve titled ‘The Rise of Phoenix.’”

The phoenix holds deep meaning for Urban, who has a tribal-style phoenix tattoo symbolizing strength and rebirth. It also pays tribute to his admiration for mythology.

He’s previously told Women’s Wear Daily, “The symbolism of the phoenix being something that succumbs to the challenges and burns in the fire, but then is resurrected from the ashes and rises up even stronger than before…The ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ story of the phoenix … I can relate very strongly to that, going through hard times and coming out the other end of it much stronger for the experience.”

Knowing this, Mangakahia went on to explain that his intricate design represents multiple aspects of Urban’s journey, including his family, his music, and his roots, all woven together into a single story. Tears streamed silently down Urban’s face as he took in the message before him.

“It covers a lot of different things and it touches on your family, things that are important to you, your music, polarity in design, culture where you grew up, it’s all kind of wrapped up in this…design that have annotated that you can read through carefully when you have time.”

Chase Matthew with Keith Urban; Photo via YouTube
Chase Matthew with Keith Urban; Photo via YouTube

This particular Māori-inspired design marks the 30th guitar the artist has created in his series. Just before Urban’s came custom pieces for Jelly Roll and Post Malone. It’s more than just another addition to the lineup, as Mangakahia explained this one was meant to celebrate everything Urban has built over the years, from the music that’s “inspired thousands of people” to the way he’s chased his dreams without fear.

Mangakahia continued, “I can’t wait to see this guitar out in the wild. If that means on stage or in the studio, whatever it may be. I just hope that you can use this and love this thing…I’m excited for you to have this in your hands. And big shout out to the crew. It’s on a Gibson. I hope you love it. Aloha, Sam.”

When the guitar was officially presented to the “Straight Line” singer, he immediately held it up and expressed the utmost awe while taking in the unique design.

“Oh my gosh. It’s breathtaking. It truly is,” he told Matthew. “I’ve never seen anything like this. It is just exquisite.”

The pair of artists came together for a tight hug, showcasing the true connection they have formed through this time on the road together. In that moment, Keith Urban took the opportunity to commend his opener on all the energy and heart he and his band have brought to the stage night after night.

Keith Urban; Photo via YouTube

“I thank you to all of you guys for just bringing the right spirit. That’s all it is. We’re not rocket scientists. We’re just trying to bring some joy, some hopes and levity and some light to people. And I’ve watched you and the band come out night after night and it hasn’t mattered where it is. I saw you do it at Megan Moroney. I saw you do it in Boston, Brisbane. It didn’t matter where it was, I saw you guys come out with a purpose,” Urban explained. “That’s what everybody responded to. It’s been an honor to have you guys out on the road with us. Really grateful that you want to do it. So thank you, all of you. Thank you.”

Matthew added, “Thank you, man.”

After making stops across the U.S. and Australia, Keith Urban’s High and Alive World Tour officially concluded with a final show in Nashville, TN on October 17.

The post WATCH: Keith Urban Gets Emotional as Chase Matthew Surprises Him with Custom Guitar with Special Meaning appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Categories
Music

Keith Urban Cries Receiving ‘Breathtaking’ Birthday Gift (VIDEO)

Keith Urban wiped away tears and stood in silence after opening his “breathtaking” new birthday gift. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

Sadie Robertson Huff: Christians Should Rethink Cancel Culture

Sadie Robertson Huff says her own brush with cancel culture following a viral dance video has made her think more closely about the issue. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

‘The Road’ Episode 2 Totally Ignored the Elephant in the Room

Britnee Kellogg is the 40-year-old mom from Arizona who alluded to not being able to move to Nashville because of a child custody agreement. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

What Sheridan Leaving Paramount Means for ‘Yellowstone’ Franchise

Fortunately, nothing is changing immediately. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

Nicole Kidman’s ‘Revenge Dress’ Channels Movie About Toxic Love

Nicole Kidman channeled an Old Hollywood icon at an event, and the story behind the “revenge dress” has some layers that might nod to her and Keith Urban’s divorce. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country

Categories
Music

Keith Urban Cries Receiving ‘Breathtaking’ Birthday Gift (VIDEO)

Keith Urban wiped away tears and stood in silence after opening his “breathtaking” new birthday gift. Continue reading…

​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs