Hey Nashville: BigXThaPlug has arrived! We're going beyond his hit with Bailey Zimmerman and diving into this unexpected genre crossover - which all started with a little white lie. The Texas native talks being welcomed into the Nashville community, how heartbreak shaped his new EP I Hope You’re Happy, and the support he’s received from megastars like Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and even Beyoncé! BigX shares with Kelly and Amber how stepping into country music pushed him to be more intentional with every lyric and revealed that somewhere along the way, he might’ve accidentally fallen in love with his duet partner, Ella Langley. You’ll have to listen to find out more!

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We’re back with Bailey Zimmerman for his third time in the Center Stage spotlight, and boy is there’s a lot to catch up on. Since his last visit, Bailey’s life has been a whirlwind full of nearly sold-out tours, writing his most personal album yet, Different Night, Same Rodeo, and becoming a dog dad again. So we held a therapy session where Bailey opens up about how rescuing Pie felt like a ‘God thing,’ why his bucket list now includes Bush Stadium, and how this record feels like his realest work yet. Plus, we talk collaborating with Luke Combs, Kid LAROI and BigXThaPlug, get the story behind “Chevy Silverado,” and hear why he’s manifesting a meet cute with his future wife.

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Have a seat because you're not going to want to miss a single second of this episode with chronic over-sharer Kelsea Ballerini.

This episode originally aired in October of 2024 as Kelsea was about to release her album Patterns.

Next Week: Bailey Zimmerman brings his new album Different Night, Same Rodeo.

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Hot topics for this week include a new Keith Urban album, a fresh Luke Combs track, and some very colorful collaborators for Chris Stapleton! Plus, Kelly and Amber have the scoop on a record Megan Moroney just broke and which country stars have named their cars! 

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Whether you're a new fan or already hooked, this episode dives deep into Max McNown’s unique story. The rising star opens up about growing up in Oregon, how his family sparked his love of music, and the unexpected road that led from making lattes to going viral and earning millions of streams. Max shares why he walked away from American Idol, unpacks the stories behind fan-favorite songs, and talks his new album Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up). 

Before hearing all about Max McNown’s journey, Kelly and Amber give us the scoop about our girl Lainey Wilson and her brand-new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails, which just opened last weekend.

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Kelly and Amber are back in the studio this week and have a LOT to catch up on! From being on the bus with Dierks Bentley to catching Old Dominion in Chicago, this episode is packed with artist updates. Plus, they dig into collaborations from the Country Heat Playlist from Ella Langley & Hardy, Chris Stapleton & Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll & Alex Warren, and more!  

Next week: Max McNown

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Our final episode recorded live at CMA Fest 2025, features a raw conversation with Parker McCollum where he reveals career insecurities that may surprise you.

In this chat, we dive into two big topics in Parker’s world right now: fatherhood and his brand-new self-titled album. He opens up about recording for seven straight days in NYC with laser focus and why this is the first time he’s ever truly loved a project.

Parker also talks about the vulnerability behind “Hope That I’m Enough,” writing “Permanent Headphones” at just 15, and teaming up with Cody Johnson for a standout cover of “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues.”

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Cole Swindell is in the midst of one of the biggest years of his life, and in this episode, we caught up with him LIVE at CMA Fest 2025 to talk all about it. 

To sum it all up, his new album Spanish Moss drops June 27, he’s gearing up for the Happy Hour Sad Tour, and he and his wife Courtney are getting ready to welcome their first baby. Cole opens up about becoming a dad, takes us behind the stories of several songs on his 21-track project, talks the special meaning behind the album title and teases how he’s building setlists around both chart-toppers and new fan favorites.

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Dasha’s rise might seem like an overnight success—but she’s been chasing this dream since elementary school!

In this special episode recorded live at CMA Fest 2025, our Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist shares the journey behind her stardom: from musical theatre and writing songs about her crush to performing in coffee shops—all before the age of 10.

Get the real story on how a video filmed in a horse stable turned ""Austin"" into a viral hit and when we can expect new music. Dasha opens up about her wild ride, staying grounded, and the passion that’s fueled her every step of the way.

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The guys of Rascal Flatts —Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox, and Joe Don Rooney—join us live from CMA Fest to celebrate their new album Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets. From collaborating with the Jonas Brothers on the new summer anthem “I Dare You” to reimagining classics with friends like Kelly Clarkson, Carly Pearce, the Backstreet Boys, and more, they open up about what inspired this unique project and how it all came together. The trio also reflects on their emotional reunion, unforgettable tour moments, and the night their signature harmonies first came together in a Nashville bar. Plus, we get the scoop on what’s next and why the door isn’t closed on more Rascal Flatts live shows.

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