Local athletes qualify for Canadian Finals Rodeo

The Foothills will be represented across all eight championship events when the Canadian Finals Rodeo runs in Edmonton starting Oct. 7, with $1.48 million in prize money on the line.

Key points Local athletes qualify for Canadian Finals Rodeo
  1. The Foothills will be represented across all eight championship events when the Canadian Finals Rodeo runs in Edmonton starting Oct. 7, with $1.48 million in prize money on the line.
  2. Ty Taypotat of Nanton qualified in bareback, while Foothills County cowboy Jonny Webb will compete in steer wrestling.
  3. Three local cowgirls led the breakaway roping standings: Longview's Bradi Whiteside first, Nanton's Jenna Dallyn second, and Longview's Kylie Whiteside third.
  4. Saddle bronc qualifiers include Nanton's Quinten Taylor, Millarville's Layton Green, Okotoks' Sawyer Eirikson and High River's Lucas Macza, and bull riders Holden Atkinson of Diamond Valley and Okotoks' Jordan Hansen.
Read the full story Local athletes qualify for Canadian Finals Rodeo
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HighRiverOnline

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U2's new album features a surprise duet with a country music superstar

U2's upcoming album Carnaval De Luz includes a duet with country music icon Dolly Parton titled Torn.

Key points U2's new album features a surprise duet with a country music superstar
  1. U2's upcoming album Carnaval De Luz includes a duet with country music icon Dolly Parton titled Torn.
  2. The track was written by U2, Parton and Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid and deals with fractured family relationships.
  3. The album, U2's 16th studio record, is set for release on November 13 and features 12 songs.
Read the full story U2's new album features a surprise duet with a country music superstar
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Extra.ie

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2026 National Finals Rodeo Adjusts Winning Payoffs for Each Go-Round; Average Payoff Remains the Same

The National Finals Rodeo Committee announced that the 2026 Wrangler NFR will pay the Top 8 finishers in each go-round, up from the Top 6 paid in the past.

Key points 2026 National Finals Rodeo Adjusts Winning Payoffs for Each Go-Round; Average Payoff Remains the Same
  1. The National Finals Rodeo Committee announced that the 2026 Wrangler NFR will pay the Top 8 finishers in each go-round, up from the Top 6 paid in the past.
  2. The 2026 NFR total prize money is set at $14,270,736, which PRCA CEO Tom Glause called a record payout, while the average payoff stays the same as 2025.
  3. The event runs Dec. 3 through Dec. 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, drawing the top 15 contestants in each of seven events.
Read the full story 2026 National Finals Rodeo Adjusts Winning Payoffs for Each Go-Round; Average Payoff Remains the Same
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PRCA ProRodeo

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'If you got a chance, take it' and see this CCMF headliner

Cody Johnson will perform at the 2027 Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Key points 'If you got a chance, take it' and see this CCMF headliner
  1. Cody Johnson will perform at the 2027 Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
  2. He joins Florida Georgia Line in the 2027 lineup, with the festival set for June 10-13, 2027.
  3. The Huntsville, Texas-born singer is known for hits like 'Til You Can't' and 'Take Me Back' and won CMA Album of the Year in 2024 for 'Leather.'
Read the full story 'If you got a chance, take it' and see this CCMF headliner
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wpde.com

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Bull Riders Looking for Separation, Security in Governor's Cup Showdown

Twelve bull riders are set to compete at the Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls, S.D., all chasing money and a guaranteed spot at the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Key points Bull Riders Looking for Separation, Security in Governor's Cup Showdown
  1. Twelve bull riders are set to compete at the Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls, S.D., all chasing money and a guaranteed spot at the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
  2. Rookie Noah Lee leads the PRCA World Standings with more than $358,500, about $30,000 ahead of Tristen Hutchings, the only rider who could catch him with a win.
  3. Riders in the middle of the pack, including Qynn Anderson, Lane Vaughn and Colten Fritzlan, could secure or improve their NFR positions with a big weekend.
  4. Dakota Hill likely needs a win to jump from No. 22 into an NFR qualifying spot, while Jace Trosclair could vault into his second NFR qualification in three years.
Read the full story Bull Riders Looking for Separation, Security in Governor's Cup Showdown
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Sports Illustrated

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Start Planning That Beach Trip: Gulf Coast Jam Announces Jam-Packed 2027 Lineup

Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach announced its full 2027 lineup, with headliners Bailey Zimmerman, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Zach Top set for June 3-6 at Frank Brown Park.

Key points Start Planning That Beach Trip: Gulf Coast Jam Announces Jam-Packed 2027 Lineup
  1. Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach announced its full 2027 lineup, with headliners Bailey Zimmerman, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Zach Top set for June 3-6 at Frank Brown Park.
  2. Supporting acts include Warren Zeiders, Jon Pardi, Tucker Wetmore, Carly Pearce and Emily Ann Roberts among 24 artists across four days.
  3. Partnerships with Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and Ms. Newby's will spotlight local artists from Nashville and the Florida Panhandle.
  4. Tickets, parking and hotel packages are on sale through the festival's website.
Read the full story Start Planning That Beach Trip: Gulf Coast Jam Announces Jam-Packed 2027 Lineup
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Whiskey Riff

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Behind the Top 15: Trevor Hale

Trevor Hale, a fourth-generation cowboy from Perryton, Texas, is ranked No. 8 in the tie-down roping world standings with $154,862 won in 2026.

Key points Behind the Top 15: Trevor Hale
  1. Trevor Hale, a fourth-generation cowboy from Perryton, Texas, is ranked No. 8 in the tie-down roping world standings with $154,862 won in 2026.
  2. He has won major rodeos including the Lea County PRCA Rodeo and the XIT Rodeo & Reunion, and is eyeing his first trip to the National Finals Rodeo.
  3. Hale grew up showing and training horses before drifting to rodeo around age 10 to 12, and credits that horsemanship background for his roping success.
  4. He changed his rodeo strategy in 2025 and 2026, learning which horses fit which rodeos, and rides a string that includes Sly Dun Enterprise, 'Cornbread,' and CDS Spots Move, 'Titus.'
Read the full story Behind the Top 15: Trevor Hale
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CalfRoping.com

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Riley Green Gets Emotional Over Major Nashville Songwriter Award

Riley Green was named Songwriter-Artist of the Year at the ninth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, held September 22 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Key points Riley Green Gets Emotional Over Major Nashville Songwriter Award
  1. Riley Green was named Songwriter-Artist of the Year at the ninth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, held September 22 at the Ryman Auditorium.
  2. Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' was named Song of the Year, and the evening featured performances from Langley, Green, Chris Stapleton, Ashley McBryde and Steve Earle.
  3. Green got emotional accepting the honor, saying songwriting is his favorite part of country music and recalling his grandfather Buford's influence.
  4. Blake Pendergrass was named Songwriter of the Year, and Green and Langley's 'Don't Mind If I Do' made the '10 Songs I Wish I'd Written' list.
Read the full story Riley Green Gets Emotional Over Major Nashville Songwriter Award
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Backstage Country

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Sheridan College Men’s Rodeo Team Finishes 3rd At 2026 Central WY College Competition

The Sheridan College men's rodeo team placed third at the 2026 Central WY College Rodeo in Riverton, led by a first-place finish, two seconds and a third.

Key points Sheridan College Men’s Rodeo Team Finishes 3rd At 2026 Central WY College Competition
  1. The Sheridan College men's rodeo team placed third at the 2026 Central WY College Rodeo in Riverton, led by a first-place finish, two seconds and a third.
  2. Bridger Peil won tie-down roping in 25.5 seconds over two runs and sits third in the Central Rocky Mountain Region standings.
  3. Chaz Dewey was second in bareback riding and Christopher Nelson second in saddle bronc riding, where four Sheridan cowboys made the top seven.
  4. Sheridan College hosts the Pat Hamilton Memorial Rodeo at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds Sept. 25-27.
Read the full story Sheridan College Men’s Rodeo Team Finishes 3rd At 2026 Central WY College Competition
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Sheridan Media

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Did Luke Bryan's 'Signs' Album Really Deserve to Be Mocked On Social Media?

Luke Bryan's new album Signs has drawn heavy social media mockery, especially lead single 'Fish Hunt Golf Drink,' which sparked jokes and speculation that AI wrote its lyrics.

Key points Did Luke Bryan's 'Signs' Album Really Deserve to Be Mocked On Social Media?
  1. Luke Bryan's new album Signs has drawn heavy social media mockery, especially lead single 'Fish Hunt Golf Drink,' which sparked jokes and speculation that AI wrote its lyrics.
  2. Bryan has denied using AI, and the piece argues the song's list-style lyric is a classic Bryan formula seen in earlier hits like 'Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.'
  3. The article says the backlash also reflects that Bryan, now in his 50s, has not evolved his party-anthem persona the way peers Jason Aldean and Blake Shelton have.
  4. It suggests deeper album cuts such as 'Crooked Rows of Corn,' 'Killer' and 'Praying by the Rules' point to a more reflective direction.
Read the full story Did Luke Bryan's 'Signs' Album Really Deserve to Be Mocked On Social Media?
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Taste of Country

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Rookie Saddle Bronc Rider Dominates in Late-Season Push

Rookie saddle bronc rider Waitley Sharon has climbed to No. 10 in the world standings after earning nearly $65,000 in the past four weeks.

Key points Rookie Saddle Bronc Rider Dominates in Late-Season Push
  1. Rookie saddle bronc rider Waitley Sharon has climbed to No. 10 in the world standings after earning nearly $65,000 in the past four weeks.
  2. Sharon won the Prairie Circuit Finals, Laramie Jubilee Days and the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, then added wins at the Horse Heaven Roundup and a split of the Ellensburg Rodeo finals.
  3. He is the only PRCA rookie in the top 15 of the saddle bronc standings and leads the Rookie of the Year race with $179,035 in season earnings.
  4. Sharon has qualified for the $1.5 million Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls, S.D., one of the highest-paying rodeos left on the schedule.
Read the full story Rookie Saddle Bronc Rider Dominates in Late-Season Push
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Sports Illustrated

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Kenny Chesney's Mom Cut This Country Newcomer's Hair as a Kid - Now He's His Tour Opener

Kenny Chesney revealed that country newcomer Greylan James got haircuts from Chesney's mother when James was about 6 years old.

Key points Kenny Chesney's Mom Cut This Country Newcomer's Hair as a Kid - Now He's His Tour Opener
  1. Kenny Chesney revealed that country newcomer Greylan James got haircuts from Chesney's mother when James was about 6 years old.
  2. Chesney's mom worked in a beauty shop for years, and James' parents brought him in for haircuts.
  3. The two also met at a musical event in Knoxville, where James' dad asked Chesney for a photo of him with his guitar-learning son.
  4. James will now open for Chesney on tour next summer, a connection Chesney calls a 'spiritual kismet moment.'
Read the full story Kenny Chesney's Mom Cut This Country Newcomer's Hair as a Kid - Now He's His Tour Opener
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Taste of Country

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