The Grand Ole Opry’s newest member, Scotty McCreery, has a lot to celebrate after being inducted into Country’s most prestigious establishment just one week ago. “The Opry to me is such a big deal and it’s always been a huge goal of mine,” McCreery told Audacy’s ACM Award-winning, Katie Neal, during his recent appearance on the Superstar Power Hour. “I’ve got such an appreciation for the history of Country music and the Opry played a very significant role in making Country music popular… I’ve just got so much respect for the artists that have played there. To me, Country music is what I know, what I love, it’s what I will always do — whether 5,000 people show up or 5 people show up.” Making Country music is exactly what Scotty’s been focused on the past year as he’s put work into his next album, Rise & Fall, due out May 10. “This is me, and where I am today,” McCreery said of the forthcoming album. “Songs I enjoy singin’, songs that feel good to my soul… everything about this record feels right.” Included in the tracklist he loves so much is a couple of what Scotty refers to as “Daddy songs,” which were inspired by his son, Avery. “I didn’t flood this record with ‘em,” he laughed. “But, there was one song I started writing the night Avery was born, so that song made the record and there’s one that kind of ends the whole album as like, a thought towards Avery.” Songs about fatherhood aren’t the only new things about the album, so was the creative process. McCreery explained the songs were the product of a songwriting retreat to the mountains of North Carolina with his best songwriting pals — a different approach from writing songs in the city like he’s done for past projects. “It’s like heaven on earth up there,” he said of the location. “You hear the birds chirpin’ and you’ll see black bears. You’re in the middle of nature and it just puts your mind somewhere different than writing an album at 11 o’clock at an office like I do all the time.” Hear more about McCreery’s new album, his best Dad fails and so much more by checking out his full conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Sam Hunt’s songwriting has visited a wide range of topics over the years. From backroads and house parties to cop cars and outskirts, there’s not much Sam is afraid tackle in a songwriting session, except fatherhood. “I’m intimidated to write about my family and fatherhood,” he admitted to Audacy’s Katie Neal while sharing he’s been starting to gather ideas and draw inspiration for his next project. While the 39-year-old says he has no intentions of a “Dad song” making the tracklist, he shared hints of his family values will likely be weaved throughout as he is focused on providing a strong foundation for his kids. “I’ve always been geared more towards progress and pushing the boundaries, [but] the next project — at least from an idea perspective — will be more about roots and foundation... more traditional values,” he said. “The bedrock of how I hope to raise my family. Those things will be there — even if my songs don’t sound like what you would call a ‘Dad song,’ they will be written from a dad’s heart.” That’ll be a bit of a shift from his most-recent release “Locked Up,” which was inspired by the night Hunt was arrested in November 2019 for driving under the influence and violating open container law in Nashville and the impact it had on his marriage. While resurfacing a deeply personal time in his life, Hunt says he doesn’t mind bringing it back up as it is part of his story. “I wanted it to feel more like messing up, but having your significant other go through it with you and stand by your side,” he shared. “It’s more symbolic than a specific story about getting locked up, but because of my history — there are dots that can be connected there.” The song title also serves as the namesake for Hunt’s summer tour, the Locked Up Tour which will travel across the U.S. and Canada through September with special guests Russell Dickerson, George Birge (U.S.) and Dalton Dover. Also along for the ride is Sam’s family who he says make everything more fun. “Early on I didn’t get out to experience a lot of the places we’d visit,” he said of touring before having kids. “I get up early now and go find a really good breakfast place. A lot of the guys from the band will get up and go with me, or my kids [Lucy Louise (2), Lowry Lee (6 mo.)] and [wife] Hannah. They’re traveling with me so we try to smell the roses… we’ve been going to aquariums and museums and things that I wouldn’t have done years ago, but I’m making a point to do now.” He continued, “It makes a big difference, it makes the trip feel like a vacation and a big, exciting road trip where I just work for a couple hours a night and I get to be on this road trip with my family and some of my best friends in the world, so it’s the best of both worlds.” Hear additional details about Sam’s tour adventures, plus his ideas for new music and more by checking out his entire conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

At the age of 47, Luke Bryan has discovered “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” comes with some personal consequences as he recently found he’s allergic to bass. Before playing a private show for some lucky Audacy listeners, Luke sat down with Katie Neal and said after years of mystery, he’s found the reason he comes home from fishing trips with red eyes, swollen hands, and a stuffy nose. “If I look like I’ve been smoking pot, that’s not true, I’ve been catching bass,” Luke laughed before detailing his rather serious bass allergy. “If I touch a bass, my eyes will get red, my hands will swell if I have to take the hook out.” The discovery comes after years of suffering for Luke, who thought he was simply experiencing normal allergies from being outside. “I spent years not knowing. My dad would take me on these fishing trips and I would be in the back of the boat like wheezing, maybe in need of an epipen. But my Dad was just like [suck it up], we just thought it was allergies [to] like, the trees, but it’s actually touching the bass.” Luke wasn’t about to let his allergies get in the way of making a small group of Audacy listeners dreams come true after they won a Totally Private concert from Luke at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville. The show was his first weekend gig in more than four weeks as he’s recently been striving to find better work-life balance. “My thing [now] is to just have fun writing songs, have fun doing the shows,” he shared. “I think for ten years I’ve just overworked myself to where all my friends, whenever I see them, they’re like, ‘You’re overworking yourself’ and I’m like, ‘I know, I can’t tell people no.’” While consciously making an effort to find balance, Luke still keeps pretty busy, especially now as he serves as a judge for his seventh season of ABC’s American Idol alongside Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, who revealed this go-around is likely her last. “I thought she might be [leaving],” Luke said when asked about Perry’s departure. “She’s been a rockstar on the show and to have developed a friendship… we’ve had a great time together. When I took the Idol gig, I knew that she had already signed up to do it and I didn’t know her. Seven years later, to have spent so much time with her has been pretty awesome. She’s a trip.” On top of his time with Idol, Luke is also promoting his brand new single, “Love You, Miss You, Mean It,” which he says has a “straight down the middle” Luke Bryan sound and is available now. “When I look at 16, 17 years of doing this there’s been a lot of songs put out. Sometimes I do some songs where I try something and the fans like it and sometimes the fans are like, ‘What is he up to?’” Luke said, laughing. “But this one is right down my wheelhouse and I’m excited to have that out.” Hear the new single on Audacy stations nationwide and check out Luke’s entire conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal above to learn about his bass allergy, Idol, new single and more. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

No Bad Vibes isn’t just a tour name for Old Dominion, it’s a promise they keep with a little help from a tequila shot before every show. Recently joining Audacy’s Katie Neal for the Superstar Power Hour, the guys revealed they go through $70,000 worth of tequila per year on tour. A large part of that is due to their pre-show ritual which includes a crew-wide tequila shot which can include up to 200 people some nights. “A tequila shot has always been the tradition,” Trevor Rosen shared of the group’s pre-show routine “We started when it was just five of us, six of us, and now it’s become a pre-show ritual. We get our whole team there and do a little toast before every show.” Added frontman Matt Ramsey, “Sometimes there’s like 100-200 people there. We just actually learned our tequila budget this week. It’s like, $70,000 a year.” Laughing at the amount is easier for the guys after sharing they have a partnership with a tequila company that sponsors all pre-show shots. “Turns out, it was a very smart partnership,” Rosen said of their connection to Cantira Negra tequila. “I don’t think they realized how much tequila we were going to go through,” laughed Ramsey. Come Summer 2024, tour isn’t the only place you can find OD raising a glass as they ready to open their own bar in Nashville’s Midtown district just minutes from the famed Broadway strip. “It’s going to be a little different than other artist bars in that we’re not trying to overtly make this the Old Dominion bar,” shared Ramsey. “That’s why we didn’t name it Old Dominion’s Bar. It’s Odie’s, which is sort of a nod to our name, but ultimately we don’t want people to walk in there and feel like they’re going to the Old Dominion show.” Agreeing on a concept and vibe for the bar came naturally for the guys, but coming up with a name wasn’t their strong suit according to celebrity restaurateur, Guy Fieri. “We had pretty much decided it was called Memory Lane,” shared Brad Tursi of their original idea. “We were at Stagecoach and we were talking to Guy Fieri [about it]… He looked right at us and said, ‘That’s the dumbest name I’ve ever heard,’” the guys laughed. “He threw a couple F-bombs in there too. He railed us for that,” added Matt. Needless to say, the guys took things back to the drawing board and decided on Odie’s, which they hope is a place (and name) everyone can enjoy. “Ultimately, we hope it’s a place locals feel comfortable going to, songwriters feel like they can come and showcase their music or have a #1 party,” concluded Ramsey. “We really want it to be part of the community rather than a tourist attraction.” Hear additional details about the bar, more stories from tour (including a proposal gone wrong) and Ramsey’s new puppy, Eddy, by checking out the guys’ full conversation with Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Audacy's Katie Neal welcomes Keith Urban to our airwaves as this week’s co-host for the Superstar Power Hour on all your favorite Audacy Country stations nationwide. During his time on the The Superstar Power Hour with Audacy’s Katie Neal, the 56-year-old shared his next project is a product of a lot of hard-work, soul searching, and honesty. After one year of working hard on what he believed would be his next studio album, Urban realized he missed the mark while presenting the new music to the team at his record label. “Each song was very strong unto itself, but when I put them together, it wasn’t the album,” Urban said of the first collection he presented to his team in February 2023. While the realization was heartbreaking, Urban knew he owed it to himself and his fans to take things back to the drawing board and make an album he was proud of. “I could feel, ‘this is not it,’  and I so didn’t want to say that,” he expressed before taking a deep breath, recalling the painful realization. “I so wish I could’ve just said, ‘It’s fine… let’s go.’” The decision to go back to the drawing board set a lot of original plans back for Urban, including touring. However, by staying true to himself, and buckling down for another year of work — Urban says he now has an album he knows is it and oozes the strong, relentless spirit that lead him to it. “There’s a spirit on the record that’s through every song — no matter what the songs are — it’s a very strong, through line,” he shared, revealing a lot of it is inspired by ideas expressed in the book The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. So what does all of this sound like? Fans can get a taste if what’s to come with recently released, ”Messed Up As Me,” and “Straight Line,” which will both be included on the album in addition to a special collaboration and “more guitar solos” according to Urban. “This record is full of guitar,” Keith said after sharing his producer, Dan Huff, prompted him to ponder why he doesn’t have as much guitar in his recent songs. “The tracks made me want to play.” And for the collaboration? Well, Urban is keeping that under tight wraps for now, but it’s a secret he’s ready to spill soon as he’s been keeping it for almost a year. “I did a collaboration with an artist last summer that I think turned out fantastic,” he revealed. “I’ve just been sitting on it since June last year and it’s been killing me.” That’s pretty much all Urban is willing to reveal about the track for now — other than the fact it’s very much a collaboration, not a duet — which makes the possibilities even more endless. “A friend of mine had suggested a collaboration — it’s not a duet, it’s a collaboration,” Urban said of reviving a song he’s had for some time. “I had somebody in mind, and I sent it to them and they loved it and we did it last summer we were just elated with how it turned out.” Hear more hints about what’s to come, plus some of his most touching stories from his past by checking out Keith Urban’s entire conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal on the Superstar Power Hour above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

HARDY has officially entered his Rock era with the announcement of his very first Rock album coming soon. While excited to fully step into a new genre, the Mississippi native — who got his start as a Country songwriter — promises fans he’ll never abandon Country music. “I fully want to balance being a Rock ’n Roll artist and a Country artist at the same time,” he told Audacy’s Katie Neal during his recent appearance on the Superstar Power Hour. “I don’t even really know what that means yet, but I love Country music, I will never abandon it or leave it. I always want to make Country songs, I’m just kind of discovering myself and I’ve realized that maybe I do have a bit of a knack for the Rock ’N Roll thing, so I’m just chasing that to see how far it goes right now. Country is coming back, don’t worry.” HARDY’s Country roots run deep and it’s apparent with his newest HIXTAPE project honoring the late Joe Diffie. DIFFTAPE, available March 29, was previewed at the 2023 CMA Awards as HARDY took the stage with Morgan Wallen and Post Malone to perform “Pickup Man,” the first song to be released from the album. Keeping the tracklist a secret until the release on March 29, HARDY promised some worth-the-wait features. “It’s by far the biggest star-studded feature list ever. I can’t even tell you — you have no idea. It’s the coolest thing in the world,” he said before detailing the approach. “It’s Joe’s original recordings of his biggest hits and a couple maybe no-so-big hits, but great songs. Joey [Moi] my producer, has the tracks… and we’ve kept all the instrumentation the same and brought in all of either Joe’s friends or, well, everybody. Everybody is on this record and it is so cool.” Following the DIFFTAPE release, the focus will turn to Rock for HARDY, who says he’s been hard at work on his Rock album that will feature previously released songs “QUIT!!” and “Rockstar.” “Writing Rock songs is a lot easier than writing a Country song — there’s fewer rules,” he said when asked about the differences in the creative process. “Not that there’s rules, rules, but if you’re tryna write a Country hit, there are rules. That’s no discredit to all the Rock writers and bands out there — writing a song is not as easy as people think it is, but it just is more free [in Rock]. The lyrics don’t have to all tie into this one hook.” With the new album comes a fresh tour from HARDY, who will hit the road this spring beginning with a show May 30 in Rogers, AR. With a total of 15 dates, fans may notice a major cutback on the amount of shows, which the 33-year-old says is intentional. “I cut my touring in half this year — I wanted to be home more and feel maybe more like a human,” he disclosed. “I love touring, but it got to a point for me where it was too much… This overload of attention three or four days out of the week and then to come back and try to feel normal and be normal — there’s just a weight that it put on me… the way that I’m wired, it just took a toll on me.” For more information on his headlining tour, the new album, DIFFTAPE and much more check out HARDY’s full conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Kenny Chesney is celebrating another impressive career milestone with the release of his 20th studio album, Born — available now — and the accomplishment has him feeling pretty nostalgic. “I live in gratitude every day to have had the career and the songs that I’ve been able to write and get my hands on,” Chesney told Audacy’s Katie Neal before reflecting on when he first started in music. “I think about how that kid was so curious and scared, but so determined and wanted this so bad.” He continued, “I was in college playing a Mexican restaurant and I was carrying my own sound system… I would get free enchiladas and all the beer I wanted and in college, that’s a pretty big deal… To think of where we are now — it’s basically the same person doing the same thing — I’ve just a got a lot more stuff around me and a lot more people around me. The journey has been a beautiful one.” Inspired by the journey he’s been blessed by and the courage he’s had to chase his dream, Chesney is using his new album to encourage others to get out there and see what they can accomplish. “There’s several songs on this record that go straight to the heart of living your life to the fullest and just getting off the couch of your life,” he said of the messages throughout the project. “I’m proud of where we are, I think it’s a good reflection of where I am at this part of my life. I think that I was able to make a record that really defines our live element but gives people a glimpse of the person — that’s hard to do both — and I think that we were able to do that with this Born album.” Live shows were definitely something Chensey took into consideration while crafting the new album, and while he shares he’s excited to play a couple of new tracks on the road this summer with his Sun Goes Down stadium tour, he plans on keeping it mostly to the hits. “New music is great, especially for us, who have been doing this for a minute because it adds new energy,” Chesney said before detailing what he has in mind for his 2024 setlist. “We’re going to do a couple songs off the record that are pretty rockin’ — we’re going to find out place for those — but for the most part, we’re going to dive into our past. We’re going to do some we haven’t done in a while, but it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be full of connection and love, which is what I love about what we do.“ Anyone who has been to a Kenny Chesney show for any amount of time knows the connection the 55-year-old is referring to as he is widely known for having one of the most electric and tight-knit connections to his fans who he calls, No Shoes Nation. “I am so in tune with the people that come see us play,” Chesney said. “I have touched so many hands and looked at so many faces and we have just this soulful connection. I know it’s a lot of people, and there’s no way to be kin to all those people, but it feels like a kinship.” Hear more about that connection, what else Chesney has planned for tour and all about the new album by checking out Kenny Chesney’s full conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

With more than 20 #1 singles under his belt, you might believe Thomas Rhett has a sixth sense for hit songs, but according to the 33-year-old hitmaker that couldn’t be further from the truth. Rhett used his latest chart climber, “Mamaw’s House” featuring Morgan Wallen as an example saying he never imagined the song performing on the charts. “I think because we wrote this song so long ago and when we released it, there was never a plan for it to go on a radio chart of any kind,” Thomas said of the reason why he was shocked the tune — which he wrote in 2020 with Morgan Wallen — was so well-received.  “It was just like, ‘This is cool that we did this together — let’s put it out.’ To see it organically making its way up the chart is really special.” He continued on to share the song was a product of he and Wallen’s first time ever writing together and came to be after Wallen received a call from his Mamaw during the write. “The whole song literally sparked by a phone call that he got in the middle of that write from his grandmother — his Mamaw... We walked away from that like, ‘Cool, man. Glad we wrote a song about our grandparents. Moving on…’” Thomas laughed. Having written the song in 2020, for four years it sat alongside hundreds of others Thomas says he has in the archives that may never see the light of day. Seeing the success of the song he almost didn’t release has Rhett overthinking (more than he already does) when it comes to the new album he’s got in the works. Typically seeking validation from those closest to him, Rhett says this go-around he’s decided to take a different approach. “I’ve had it happen so many times where I’ve been like, ‘This song is a smash, this is my favorite thing I’ve ever written in my life.’ Then you play it for a friend and they go ,’Eh.’” Known to take opinions straight to heart, Rhett was very selective about who he shared songs for the new album with and made sure he stayed focused on what the fans would like. “I was really careful this go-around not to let a lot of people in on the process because I was having so much fun — am having so much fun — making it,” Rhett shared before admitting he’s even kept his wife, Lauren, more on the outs that normal. “I actually sat my wife down and was like, ‘Hey, let’s make a date for me to play you the album because she’s always gotten to hear it, all the way through but this one it’s sort of like — ‘Hey, these are the decisions that I have made.’” So, with many on the outs — who did get to have input into Thomas’ new project? “There are three individuals that are not in the music business and they’re between the ages of 18 and 24 that are friends of mine that I sent everything to, in real time,” he shared. “They’re not jaded, they’re not so in the 615 [Nashville]. We can over-analyze a song to death… at the end of the day, people like a song, or they don’t.” In addition to gatekeeping the opinions, Rhett is also giving himself the gift of time with this project — something that’s never been on his side in the past as he’s written albums while on the road. “I’m doing like, 30 shows this year, so this is the most time — on purpose — that I’ve ever had to actually make an album,” he said. Allowing himself time to get things right, Rhett is excited to uncover the final product. While time is on his side for once with his career, the father-of-four says it’s a completely different ballgame when it comes to watching his daughters grow up. “It’s starting to get real. It’s starting to get to that point of that parenting bit where time moves fast, but you don’t think it really moves that fast — it’s starting to feel fast!” While wishing time would slow down at some points, Rhett admits his daughters getting older does have its perks — like his two oldest, Willa Gray and Ada James being old enough to take a duck hunting trip with him. “Willa Gray has been begging me to go for a couple of years,” he said, before admitting his girls’ tough nature always makes him proud. “It was a blast, Willa Gray got her first duck. It was one of those moments where I wanted everyone who said, ‘man you need a boy, you need to have a boy’ [to see.] I’m like, ‘These girls are tough!’ It may be even more fun [than with a son] to be honest with you.” Hear more about the trip, new music, how he’s learning to love horses and his some of Thomas Rhett’s favorite memories with family friend, Toby Keith, by checking out his interview on the Superstar Power Hour with Audacy’s Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

After welcoming two baby girls, Kane Brown and his wife, Katelyn, are having some fun browsing a fresh list of names as they get ready to welcome their first son later this year. During his recent appearance on Audacy’s Superstar Power Hour with Katie Neal, Kane shared he and Katelyn have narrowed it down to four names, however, his original favorite isn’t on that list. “We wanted to name him Knight because it starts with a K,” Brown said, admitting the baby will have the initials KB like all their other family members; Kane, Katelyn, Kingsley, and Kodi. “But, it’s just the N. We’d have King and then Knight — for Knight in shining armor — but we need the K [sound]” he said, pronouncing the letter. Appears the couple hasn’t had too hard of a time moving past the name Knight as they already have a new favorite which they are hoping gets family approval before the baby boy arrives. “We have like four that we’re choosing from. There’s one that I would say is our number one name, but Kate’s [Katelyn’s] brother is not in love with it, so it’s really really [bothering] her…. I don’t know, maybe we will, maybe we won’t go with it.” While he anxiously awaits the arrival (and we all anxiously await the name), Brown is keeping busy as he climbs the charts with his current single, “I Can Feel It,” a stadium tour and making a new album… and even with all that, Brown says he still desires to do more. “I’m like, so competitive, I would definitely put me at the top of the list of the most competitive people in the genre,” Kane said, admitting he is always keeping an eye on his peers to make sure he is keeping up. “Like, when I was watching the Super Bowl — just to see some of the artists on Super Bowl commercials and things like that — and I’m sitting at the bar watching I’m like, ‘Man I could be doing something else.’ Sometimes it makes me feel like I’m being lazy.” Admitting he’s constantly battling thoughts of “never enough” when it comes to his career, Brown shared he received some much-needed clarity from actor and wrestler, John Cena, during a conversation that felt like therapy. “I had a therapy session with John Cena the other day,” Brown said. “Not really, but I was in the car with him and he was asking me questions — he’s actually a great interviewer — he asked me a lot of questions that I’ve never answered [before]. When I would give the answer, he would kinda tell me how he saw it.” One of those questions got Brown to open up about his struggles with feeling like he’s “less hungry” than he was in the early days when he had to brainstorm, plan and execute every move surrounding his music in the search for success. “I have a lot of extra time now, compared to my Facebook days where I had to think about what I was going to sing, time it out, and when I would do it, I would have to look at my social media and analyze and go over the analytics and everything like that. Now, sometimes it makes me feel like I’m not as hungry because I’m not doing as much,” Brown admitted before sharing that a simple statement by Cena made him see things differently. “He’s like, ‘You have other people do those jobs now,’” Brown said of Cena’s response, which made him recognize his success has grown too large for him to handle on his own. “It’s cool to see the growth,” Brown said of the times he does sit to reflect on how far he’s come. “I never really sit back and look at it… I’m always a front-lookin’ person, I never look back really, [but] I’ll get a random day where I sit and think about all the things that we’ve done. It’s cool.” Hear more from Kane about his accomplishments, tour, excitement for baby #3, and forthcoming duets with his wife, Katelyn, by checking out his conversation on the Superstar Power Hour with Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Cody Johnson has shifted the perspective of millions across the globe with his life-affirming hit, “’Til You Can’t,” and according to the cowboy-turned-Country star, that includes his own. While the song has been one of his biggest to date and reached the #1 spot on Country radio, Johnson says the impact on him and his fans was much greater than just topping music charts. During his recent appearance on the Superstar Power Hour with Audacy’s Katie Neal, COJO shared the song took on a whole new meaning to him shortly after he recorded it when a private jet he was flying in experienced an engine malfunction sending him and his team plummeting mid-flight. “We were all on a plane coming from Mississippi going to Austin to do a NASCAR Race National Anthem,” Johnson told Katie Neal of being on the jet with his wife, assistant and tour manager. “[We] were going to fly through the night and long story short, the jet stalled, engine failure, and we started plummeting from about 41,000 feet, down to about 10,000 feet and the pilot said, ‘This is it, we’re goin’ down.’” He continued, “I remember thinking about all the things I’d left unsaid and all the things I’d left unfinished and how angry I was — immediately, I thought, ‘I should have said that, I should’ve did this’ — and I don’t want to live with that regret anymore. Next night, when I sang, ’Til’ You Can’t,’ I was like, ‘This song is for me…’  it changed my perspective and I hope it’s affected other people like it’s affected me and I thank radio for giving it such huge platform.” While humbled that song in particular reached the top — Johnson is quick to clarify it’s not the #1 status that means the most to him, it’s the message he was able to spread and will continue to share whether he continues to reach #1 or not. “We followed ’Til’ You Can’t’ with ‘Human,’ which made it into the top 5 but didn’t get a #1 with it. Everybody was so concerned [saying] ‘We don’t think this is going to get #1’ and I was like, ‘It doesn’t matter… so we got a top 5, we didn’t get a #1 — boo hoo!’ I’m never going to chase #1s, I’m here to put out music I believe in and stories that are real.” Proof of the 36-year-old doing just that is everywhere as he regularly hears stories and meets fans who tell him how his music has changed — and even saved — their lives. “There was a young lady in Australia that came up to me at a meet & greet and explained to me how ‘Human’ came on as she was about to commit suicide and she decided not to,” Johnson revealed. “She said, ‘Who is this guy Cody Johnson?’ And the next song that comes on is ’Til You Can’t’ and she said, ‘I just want to thank you, it saved my life.’ That’s so much bigger than a Platinum record or a number 1 hit.” Johnson’s continues to impact listeners with his latest single, “The Painter,” which for him is about the love of his wife, Brandi, but can be interpreted for many other relationships, making it relatable for fans no matter their situation. “It was so perfect,” COJO said of the first time he heard the song penned by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins. “There are 10 million people out there in the world who feel this way about their spouse — and it may not be your spouse. It may be your daughter or your son or your Dad or your Mom — but somebody painted our lives and that song, where ever it takes you, it paints… such a beautiful picture in your mind.” Hear about the single, plus stories about Johnson’s rodeo days, songwriting, international tour dates and so much more by checking out his full conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal on the Superstar Power Hour above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Dierks Bentley is honoring the great Tom Petty with the release of his next single, a cover of Petty’s “American Girl.” With his own Country sound and hints of Bluegrass throughout, Bentley says he’s excited and honored to share his spin on the classic with the world. As Bentley sends the single to Country radio beginning February 26, the song is part of an even bigger project, Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, set to release May 31. The tribute album will feature greats like Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Marty Stuart, Margo Price and many more as they cover the iconic songs of Petty’s monumental career. “This idea was presented to me and I was so excited to have a chance to be a part of it.” Dierks told Audacy’s Katie Neal during his time on the Superstar Power Hour. “I jumped on it. I said I’d love to get ‘American Girl,’ and I got it and we went in the studio and I had a lot of the same cast I use on some of the more Bluegrassy stuff, but we also put big drums, electric guitar — so it has a mixture of the two worlds… it turned out great.” While he never got the chance to meet Tom Petty before his passing in 2017, Bentley says growing up as a fan of Petty’s music, and also inspired greatly by his work as a musician, he feels like he has a strong connection and understanding of the icon. “It’s one thing to listen to ‘American Girl’ so many times as a fan, but to listen to it as a singer, knowing that this is really going to be out there, I wanted to try and make it as me as possible, but also grab some of the pieces of Tom Petty — just his vocals — there’s so much authenticity to his vocals, so raw, he’s just singing straight from the heart.” He continued, “I never got a chance to meet him… but that’s the thing about music… you know the artists through the music and you have the relationship there that, to me, that’s good enough. Getting a chance to honor him and be a part of this project, I’m happy with that — more than a handshake would have been.” Getting to cover one of his biggest inspirations in such a high-profile way isn’t the only plus for Bentley — he’s also excited to play the song live at his shows as well as have the single buy him a little more time to work on a new album. “It gives me more time to work on my record, coming out sometime next year,” Dierks said of having “American Girl” to promote while he works on a new album. “To be handed this song, an instant hit, you go out there on the road and everyone is excited to sing along to it. It’s actually an incredible gift.” In between promoting the new single, working on his album and touring on his Gravel & Gold Tour, Dierks says he is also keeping busy as an Uber driver for his kids as he tries to keep up with their extracurricular activities. From his son’s hockey tournaments to his youngest daughter’s tap dancing and eldest’s driving lessons, there’s a lot going on in the life of Dierks. Here all that and more during his talk with Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Chris Young has brought new focus to his health and fitness routine and fans are taking notice. More than 50 pounds down, Young is quick to clarify he isn’t “taking” anything but more trips to the gym. “Somebody walked up to me like, ‘What are you taking?’” Young shared in a puzzled tone. “Umm, water? Advil, sometimes,” he laughed. “It’s about being more healthy for me. In the gym, on a regular basis.” A tight gym community has helped Young continue to reach his health goals and while he feels comfortable celebrating his progress with his fellow work-out pals, he sometimes feels awkward sharing it with the world. He continued, “I work out with a bunch of guys who train tight ends in the NFL and they’re always hyping each other up at the gym and just having a good time, so it’s like, yeah, the workouts suck, but it’s been a lot of fun for me.” On top of his fitness journey, Young has been hard at work on his ninth studio album, Young Love & Saturday Nights, releasing March 22. His first album since Famous Friends in 2021, it will also will mark his largest collection of songs to date with 18 tracks. “It’s just time for some new music,” he shared. “Every album is a snapshot in time, right? Of like, where you are as a person, artist, writer, producer… this one in particular has been the biggest sort of labor of love that I’ve ever done.” He continued, “It’s something I’m really, really proud of. I am so happy that this project is finally coming out and that everybody gets to hear all the songs because I’ve been living with ‘em forever.” Hear additional details about the new album, Young’s fitness journey and more by checking out his entire conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal on the Superstar Power Hour above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Chris Janson got us all excited about the possibility of a duet with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson last October when he posted a video calling out the legendary celeb. Now, he’s giving us an update on the status of that duet. “I’d say it’s pretty close,” Chris said when asked by Audacy’s Katie Neal how close a duet with The Rock is to happening. “When it happens, it happens, and it can be quick. It can be just like spur of the moment, ‘Okay, we’re gonna do it Tuesday.’ And so I think that’s kind of where it is right now.” Definitely excited at the opportunity for a collab with The Rock, Janson said he is making sure to still respect the space and time of his high profile pal. “As I do consider him a friend, he’s also an extremely famous friend, and even though he doesn’t act that way, he is, and I respect that very much,” Chris expressed. “I like to give that space... I’m sure he’s got plenty of buddies who hammer all the time about stuff, and I’m not that guy. I want to be very mindful of his situation, and he has a lot going on - I would say probably ’24 you could probably look [for a song with him] and certainly some live collaboration moments between he and I singing.” The buzz around Janson and Johnson doing a duet started when Janson posted a video on TikTok dedicating a cover of Hank Williams Jr’s “The Blues Man,” to The Rock and sharing with viewers they’d talked about doing something together. “This one goes out to my buddy, The Rock,” Janson said to start out the video. “We have yet to sing together live and I know we’re talking about it and I know we’re going to do it.” Can’t wait! Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

After nearly 20 years in the business, 11 #1 singles and 7 GRAMMY wins, it’s safe to say Country trio Lady A has quite the catalog, however, there is one song that “got away” that they just can’t stop thinking about. Ahead of their performance at Audacy’s Totally Private concert series at the Hard Rock in Nashville, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott revealed they were pitched the song “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” and passed on it, making room for Meghan Trainor and John Legend to swoop in and make it a big ol’ hit. “Meghan Trainor and John Legend’s [“Like I’m Gonna Lose You”], got pitched to us and we said ‘No,’” Hillary recalled with a stunned look on her face. “What were we thinking?! [That’s] such an amazing song.” While the trio continues to wrap their minds around what could have been, they were quick to admit they’ve been on the receiving end of the same kind of story with some of their own hits — for example, “Downtown.” “‘Downtown’ was on hold for Miranda [Lambert],” Charles shared. “Someone had sent it to us… technically, they shouldn’t have sent it to us but we were in the studio and were like, ‘We need a song like this!’” He continued, “It kind of got back to Miranda that we were thinking about it and she goes, ‘Oh, I love those guys. You know, if they’re going to the studio and cutting it, let ‘em have it.’ It could have been a Miranda hit.” While no one will ever know what the song would’ve accomplished for Miranda, Charles shared he believes songs have a way of “ending up where they’re supposed to,” which was exactly the case for a number of songs penned by Dave, Scott and Hillary, which found their best life with other artists. “‘A Little Bit Stronger' [by] Sara Evans” Hillary shared is a favorite song she penned made famous by another artist. “That one — before ‘Thy Will’ was probably the most personal song I’d ever written and so, to let it go, it was OK that we pitched it and I was so excited when she cut it because she’s just a huge, huge influence on me as an artist and a singer.” Dave then chimed in sharing a favorite from his own catalog, “I think the one with Luke Bryan [that] Charles and I wrote, ‘Do I.’ It was just a special moment in time too — we were early on in our career and just kind of coming up a similar time with Luke and getting to kind of be a part of — a little tiny part — of his star just shooting and rising early on.” While the song shuffle is all part of the business, Lady A is determined to make sure no song falls through the cracks as they continue work on their next album and plan to take their time to not only write, but explore outside songs. “I think what we’re trying to do this year is leave some space and margin to just kind of see creatively where we go,” Dave said of the approach the band is taking to work on their next project. “We had a big, busy tour last year, so we’ve got some good time for writing and letting the music dictate where we go. We feel so lucky to be in this spot, 17 years in.” While the record is still in the very beginning stages, the trio has set the tone for what’s to come with the lead single, “Love You Back,” a song that raised its hand with help from some Lady A experts — the fans. “Over the summer, we brought in a bunch of fans into a listening space and played a handful of new songs and this was the one that they really gravitated towards,” said Hillary. “This new music is [us] really wanting to put out songs and put on a show that the fans really gravitate towards and they feel is very personal to them.” As the band continues to keep things loose and let the fans and creativity be their guide for new Lady A music, they’re also excited to foster creativity with other artists as well. “I’ve been writing too with other artists,” Charles revealed. “Wrote a song with Jake Owen, got one with Carly Pearce that she’s puttin’ on a record, so trying to also branch out into different things and I think that’s what’s fun for us — is if you’re having fun doing it, then you’re doing the right thing.” “There’s nothing more exciting to me than that pure excitement of you’re working on a project and you have no idea if the song that you’re working on is going to be the next big song for you or not… you just keep showing up and you keep doing it.” Hear more about what’s to come from Lady A, plus some of the their hysterical memories including Bruce Springsteen, gas station restrooms, and Nahville Snow by checking out their entire interview with Audacy’s Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

As the GRAMMYs near, Jelly Roll is reflecting on his first-ever nominations and the hard work, dedication and sacrifice it took to get him there. “It’s the ultimate ultimate,” the 39-year-old told Audacy’s Katie Neal of his nominations for New Artist and Country Duo/Group Performance for his song “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson. “When you get nominated for a GRAMMY, every other accolade you’ve had takes a backseat to just the nomination.” The pair of nominations is the perfect representation of Jelly’s self-described “ground-shattering year” as he skyrocketed to ultra-fame with three #1 singles on the Country charts and impacted millions with his messages of hope, resilience and faith. “It’s crazy to be nominated for New Artist at the GRAMMYs and win it at the CMAs going into the year I’ll be 40, It’s insanely unreal,” he said before detailing he’s excited to continue impacting people with his platform. “My thing is, how can I continue to help people? I want to be a man of service more than anything.” While his impact has been grand, it hasn’t come without sacrifice for the Nashville-native who says his personal goal in 2024 is to spend more time with family. “I gotta get back to my family a little bit. One of the costs of having a stellar year was sacrificing a little bit of personal time with the family. I’m just spread so thin, I want to make sure I can get back to gettin’ in the bunker with them.” As he works to find a balance between it all, Jelly says he has some good friends and fellow artists helping him find his way and make sure he has support. At the top of that list is Country artist, Eric Church. “Eric Church has been really good at answering my questions in detail and me being able to kinda talk to him about anything and just really kind of articulate through it,” Jelly said with gratitude for Church’s selfless nature. “He’s really helped me a lot… and he’s just been really cool to lean on. Kid Rock is that way too… Miranda [Lambert] is another one.” With more support than ever, a solid fan base and a strong drive to continue making a difference, Jelly is fired up about where he’s headed next — not only with his philanthropic efforts, but music as well. “We’ve been writing a ton,” he said of his work towards a new album. “I’m really fired up about where I am in the writing process for the next album. I’m way far ahead of the hog on this one.” Hear more about the music, his GRAMMY nominations and more by checking out Jelly’s full interview with Audacy’s Katie Neal above. Plus, be sure to tune into the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards this Sunday (February 4) to see if Jelly’s big-time nominations turn into wins. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Jon Pardi and Luke Bryan’s relationship has gone from “hold my beer” to “hold my baby.” Ahead of his performance for Audacy’s Totally Private concert at Hard Rock Nashville, Pardi shared with Audacy’s Katie Neal that he and Luke spent some quality time together at Bryan’s recent Crash My Playa festival in Cancún where Luke got to hold his daughter, Presley. “We had a good time,” Pardi said, while admitting things were much tamer for him since he had his daughter. “Me and Luke hung at his hotel, by the pool and just talked it up. He got to hold Presley. Me and Luke have been friends for a long time, so… he was like, ‘Man, I never thought, Pardi with a kid,’” he laughed. While Luke wraps his mind around “Pardi with a kid,” Jon is currently wrapping his mind around having two daughters under two as he and wife, Summer get ready to welcome another baby girl in 2024. “I knew it was going to be a girl, I just knew it,” he said before sharing he and Summer are excited to welcome another little one before they’d originally thought. “We were like, ‘Let’s get it out of the way,’ you know? Instead of us waiting two years, they’re 18 months apart, so they’ll be buds. It’ll be a lot of fun.” Just after they become a party of 4, the family will move into their dream home, which Jon and Summer have been building for some time. While Pardi says the home is “practical” compared to what people might think they’re building, there are a couple features he’s really excited about — the first being a pool. “We’re just making a practical house,” he said when asked if his pool would resemble fellow Country artist Jason Aldean’s, which has water slides, waterfalls and more. “Aldean’s pool is amazing, but like, totally irrelevant to me,” he said before admitting they did reach out about the fake palm trees. “We did reach out to them about their fake palm trees. I was like, 'Man! If we can get some fake palm trees, that’d be very west coast.’ They’re pretty cool.” The pool isn’t the only place Pardi plants on spending a lot of time — he also shared he’s looking forward to having a home gym where he can continue to better his health — something he’s been working on for a few months now by working out more and temporarily cutting out alcohol. “For now, I really, really want to look better in photos,” he said of his health goals. “We’re only aging and it’s time to really be healthier. You’ve got these guys like Riley Green showing off six-pack abs. I’ve got tough competition, so I gotta be on it,” he laughed. “I guess all I’ve really done is party, party, party so I’m just trying to learn how to not drink like a 20-year-old anymore.” In addition to all the new things surrounding his personal life, the CA-native is also starting to work on a new album which he says is on his bucket list for 2024. “We’re starting to write,” he said of the current album status. “I’m not going a different direction, but I’m going to do something fresh... There comes a time when you gotta shake things up and push yourself.” He continued to share he’ll be working with a new producer this go-around that he hopes will challenge him in new ways and level up his music. “[I’m going to] work with a guy that I’ve never got to work with, somebody I look up to in the producer world — Jay Joyce,” he revealed. “He’s the guy that’s got something special, and us coming together with the right songs, I feel like is going to be real special. He’s excited, I’m excited.” While new music is on his mind, he’s also excited to finish out some rescheduled dates from his Mr. Saturday Night Tour after fighting COVID and strep throat last year. See the remaining dates here and check out Jon’s entire conversation with Audacy’s Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

One week away from the GRAMMYs and first-time nominee, Lainey Wilson, has stars in her eyes. “My heart just started, whew!” Lainey said after being reminded the GRAMMYs are only a week away. “I didn’t realize it’s so close, but I’m so excited. This is my first time to the GRAMMYs and it’s a huge deal.” “I’m going to be in a building with people from so many different walks of life and so many different stories and just a lot of hard work in the building… I normally don’t get starstruck, but I’m not gunna lie, if I see Adele or even Bruno Mars… I’ll probably be like, ‘How in the world is this little redneck in a room with these folks?’ It’s gonna be awesome.” Up for two awards herself, it’s not lost on Lainey that her own hard work is finally getting the recognition it deserves after years of sacrifice and staying the course. “I knew there were a lot of folks back home who just thought I was absolutely crazy, and they were wondering when I was going to pack it up and come back home,” she said of staying the path to living out her Country music dream. “But I have always had this sense of peace in knowing that I was given this gift and I’m supposed to use it. I’m just so thankful that I stuck in there and I’m thankful I’ve had people in my life who have encouraged me to stick it out.” While her parents remain her biggest supports, Wilson has gained many more cheerleaders along the way, including Miranda Lambert, who Wilson says watches out for her on a regular basis. “She’s become a dear friend of mine and she checks on me,” Lainey said of Lambert’s friendship. “She’s just a genuine person, what you see is what you get with her, and I can’t help but love people like that.” She continued on to share a story of visiting Lambert’s farm for a writing session and Miranda forcing her to take a nap. “She said, ‘You need to come out to my farm, and first off, you need to take a nap,’ She said’ I’m gonna make you take a nap.’ And I did,” Lainey laughed. Following the much-needed nap, Wilson, Lambert and songwriter Luke Dick went on to write, “Good Horses,” a song Wilson debuted at a show alongside Lambert and is excited to share with fans in the future. “We were writing this song and they [Luke and Miranda] were in the exact same spot where they wrote [the song] ‘Bluebird.’ As we were writing this song, ‘Good Horses,’ three bluebirds flew up,” she shared. “And when they were writing ‘Bluebird,’ three bluebirds had flew up too and I believe in signs like that. I think it’s a really special song.” As Lainey looks to the future of her music with songs like, “Good Horses,” and celebrates past releases with her two GRAMMY nominations for Best Country Album (Bell Bottom Country) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Save Me” with Jelly Roll), Lainey says no matter what, she will always stay true to who she is. “I will always stay true to myself and my roots and where I come from. I am who I am because of the people and place that raised me.” Hear more from Lainey about the GRAMMYs, new music, and tour by checking out her full conversation with Audacy’ Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Lady A is headed into the new year with a new album in the works and a whole lot of gratitude. The GRAMMY-winning trio recently joined Audacy’s Katie Neal for a conversation on the Superstar Power Hour and shared the season of gratitude they’re in as a band and how much they’re looking forward to continuing it with a new album. “For us, we’re in such an appreciation spot in our career,” said Charles Kelley, before revealing some details about the new album. “We’re definitely going in a nostalgic direction, I think we tend to do that a lot,” he shared. “It’s a really warm record. So far, we’ve cut half of it and we’ll just continue to over the early [part] of this year and keep trying to chase what we feel are the best songs.” Fans can get a taste of what’s to come with the the album’s current single, “Love You Back,” available now, in addition to "A Love Song,” which Hillary Scott says set the tone of what’s to come perfectly. “We’re gettin our plans together, we have ‘Love You Back’ out to radio and then ‘A Love Song’ is also another song that’s out and you can stream that everywhere.” She continued, “Those are two, really pillar songs from the project. We’ll just kind of see how it lays out, and then we’ll release the whole thing.” Hear more about the project, plus the stories behind some of Lady A’s most popular songs and so much more by checking out their entire conversation with Katie Neal on the Superstar Power Hour above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

Jon Pardi may be Country through and through, but that doesn’t stop him from appreciating a good concert — regardless of the genre. During his recent appearance on the Superstar Power Hour, Pardi told Audacy’s Katie Neal his best concert experience of all time was Céline Dion. “I ain’t gonna lie, I was there when Celine Dion came to Bridgestone [Arena]… it was like her first time out of Vegas in a while,” he shared before detailing the experience. “I was there and it was pretty good. Before drones came out, she had like 200 drones, she sang the Titanic song [“My Heart Will Go On”] and it [the drones] made a rose. The production on that show — the band came out of the floor, the drones would do any shape, it was crazy. And of course, she sang her ass off.” He continued, “I see Country concerts every weekend… you go see something that’s like, not oddball, but oddball for me… I was like, ‘Wow! This is really great’. That’s one show I was like, ‘That’s some heavy-hitter production right there, that’s some real work.’” Pardi is ready to put in some real work of his own this year as he readies for his own live shows and also promises a new album in 2024. “Making a new record, that’s the most important part…. I think we’re going to record it in May,” Pardi said of the plan for new music. While music and touring is definitely on his mind, he also has some personal goals for the new year including a better skincare routine, continuing work on his dream home and staying healthy. “I’m going to keep up on my facial care,” he said when asked about his 2024 resolution. “I was on it, it was going really good and then I got off of it… “Night cream and then the face wash and the little things. Sometimes you just want to brush your teeth and go to bed. At least get brushing the teeth in — not spend 10 minutes like, ‘Oh, I’m going to lather up, exfoliate, and then I’m gonna put this on.’” Pardi and his wife, Summer have also been eagerly awaiting the completion of construction on their new house, which they began building in 2023. “The house is very practical,” he said, adding its projected completion date is in 2025. “There’s no bowling alleys or anything that’s really complicated… It’s just a nice home that’s thought out.” Before moving into the new home, the Pardi family will expand by one member as Summer and Jon just revealed they’ll be welcoming their second child in 2024. Sounds like the new year is set to be an exciting one for Jon Pardi, hear more about it all by checking out his full conversation with Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal

As Toby Keith enters his third year fighting stomach cancer, the “Big Dog Daddy” isn’t letting his diagnosis keep him from what he loves most — music. After taking two years to focus on his recovery, Keith returned to the stage for three sold-out shows at Park MGM’s Dolby Live in Las Vegas earlier this month. The shows marked his first “tour dates” following his diagnosis. As he brings the focus back to his music, it’s clear the 62-year-old’s battle has brought new perspective to his life as he spotlights songs like his newest single, “Don’t Let The Old Man In.” Following his diagnosis, Keith has found new meaning in the song that he originally wrote in 2018 after being inspired by the legendary Clint Eastwood and his zest for life at the age of 88. “I’m Clint Eastwood’s partner at his gold tournament —he’s 93 this year, by the way,” Keith shared during his time on the Superstar Power Hour with Katie Neal before telling the story of the inspiration behind the song. “Several years ago at the first event I played with him… I [asked], ‘What keeps you going at your age?’ He said, ‘I try to get up every day and be productive — not let that old man in.’” He continued, “So I came home and said, ‘I’m going to write him a song.’  I didn’t know I was going to have to live those words in a few years.” It’s only fitting that Keith performed the song to mark his first return to the stage at the People’s Choice Country Awards in September. Not only did he steal the show with his tear-jerking performance, he was also honored with the night’s Country Icon Award. “I bet you all never thought you’d see me in skinny jeans,” Keith joked while addressing his thinner appearance due to his treatments as he accepted his award. “I want to thank the almighty for allowing me to be here tonight, he’s been riding shotgun with me for a little while,” he continued before recognizing others. While Keith has kept detailed updates surrounding his health limited, he shared with Audacy’s Katie Neal he feels he’s “turning a corner” with the new year. “I’m doing really good. It’s been a tough two years, but I think I’m turning a corner,” he shared. “I don’t know if you’re ever done with it [cancer], but I’m trying to be.” Hear more from Keith about the new single, his health and the 30 year anniversary of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” by checking out his full conversation on the Superstar Power Hour with Katie Neal above. Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal