“People’s Choice Country Awards”

Thursday night, NBC and Peacock aired the inaugural “People’s Choice Country Awards” at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Bringing together legends and the hottest names in country music to celebrate the year’s greatest accomplishments.

The night was hosted by Little Big Town and featured unforgettable performances from country music’s biggest superstars including Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, HARDY, and Jelly Roll.

Toby Keith was honored with the “Country Icon” Award, recognizing his decades-long career as a musician and humanitarian. His “Oklahoma Brother” Blake Shelton honored him with a heartfelt performance of “Who’s Your Daddy” and then presented the award, noting that Toby is “the man who taught [him] more about performing than anyone else.” After accepting the award, Keith performed his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”

Wynonna Judd received the “Country Champion” Award, presented by Brothers Osborne, for her decades-long career and heroic efforts around philanthropy and activism. The country star took the stage to perform her iconic hits “I Saw the Light” and “No One Else on Earth.” In her acceptance speech, she recounted attending her Country Music Hall of Fame induction the day after her mother’s death, saying, “That’s how much we love music - regardless of what has happened to me and who, I show up and I show out.”

The following are the 2023 “People’s Choice Country Awards” winners:

THE PEOPLE’S ARTIST OF 2023

Morgan Wallen

THE MALE ARTIST OF 2023

Jelly Roll

THE FEMALE ARTIST OF 2023

Lainey Wilson

THE GROUP/DUO OF 2023

Dan + Shay

THE NEW ARTIST OF 2023

Jelly Roll

THE SOCIAL COUNTRY STAR OF 2023

Blake Shelton

THE SONG OF 2023

“Need A Favor”

Jelly Roll

Songwriters: Austin Nivarel, Jason DeFord/Jelly Roll, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta

THE COLLABORATION SONG OF 2023

“Save Me”

Jelly Roll with Lainey Wilson

Songwriters: David Stevens, Jason DeFord/Jelly Roll

THE CROSSOVER SONG OF 2023

“Just Say I'm Sorry”

P!nk, Chris Stapleton

Songwriters: Alecia Moore, Chris Stapleton

THE ALBUM OF 2023

One Thing At A Time

Morgan Wallen

THE MUSIC VIDEO OF 2023

“wait in the truck”

HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson

THE CONCERT TOUR OF 2023

Morgan Wallen: One Night At A Time World Tour

All Photos Courtesy of NBC Peacock

Country Artist Jordan Rainer Appears on The Voice

Fire spittin’ country artist and quadruple threat Jordan Rainer picks TEAM REBA on this season of The Voice. Dubbed by her fans as the woman in black, Jordan Rainer’s blind audition performance of Reba McEntire’s hit Fancy knocked the socks off the coaches with her authentic and true sound, thus receiving a four-chair turn which landed her the spot on Team Reba.

“I’d love to be your coach” said country superstar Reba McEntire who joins coaches Gwen Stefani, John Legend, and Niall Horan for this season of The Voice. “When we turned, it all matched up, said Niall Horan. “The energy in your vocal to the energy in the performance. The sunglasses, the hat…you are definitely a country star.” John Legend sang her praises by saying “I heard an exceptional vocalist on this stage…you’re a real deal singer with a great range, great charisma, great stage presence. Any of us would be lucky to work with you.”

“I am still in shock, overwhelmed and so excited to get the opportunity to not only try out, but get a 4-chair turn,” says Rainer. “The amazing feedback I got from all the coaches reassured me that I’m definitely on the right track and wow, to get this response from my idol Reba McEntire was incredible. To be on her team is a dream come true. Let’s keep this going and I can’t wait to share all the tricks I have up my sleeve for y’all.”

Already with a reputation as one of the hardest working women in the business, Rainer is an artist, songwriter, producer and guitarist who continues to make impressions in the music industry as well as on social media. With well over half a million followers just on TikTok, Rainer is reaching new fans daily with her music as well as her storytelling clips.

Jordan Rainer “The Straight Shot” Tour: OCT 6 – Dosey Doe “Breakfast, BBQ and Whiskey Bar” / The Woodlands, TX (Shayne Porter opener) OCT 7 – Dosey Doe “The Big Barn” / The Woodlands, TX (opening for John Conlee) OCT 11 – Club Rodeo / Wichita, KS OCT 12 – The Mollie on RT 66 / Galena, KS OCT 13 & 15 – Venue on Main / Belleville, MO OCT 19 – The Dugout Warrenton / Round Top, TX OCT 20 – Los Trece Saloon/ Early, TX NOV 18 – Potosi Live / Abilene, TX (opening for the Sundance Head)

Be sure to keep watching Jordan Rainer on Season 24 of The Voice which airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and streaming on Peacock TV.

photos courtesy of Brickshore Media

Happy 54th Birthday Karen Fairchild!

Sending birthday wishes to Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild was born on September 28, 1969, in Gary, Indiana. She has been married to Jimi Westbrook since May 31, 2006, and they have a 13-year-old son, Elijah.

Little Big Town was formed in 1998, and the group has comprised the same four members since its beginning.

Check out Karen's fashion style through the years.

All Photos By Curtis Hilbun, Lisa OConnor, and Tammie Arroyo/AFF-USA.com