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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From small-town to the big stage: Sask. artist to make debut at The Grand Ole Opry

Saskatchewan country artists Jess Moskaluke and Kalsey Kulyk will each make their Grand Ole Opry debuts, with Moskaluke performing Oct. 29 and Kulyk on Nov. 21.

Key points From small-town to the big stage: Sask. artist to make debut at The Grand Ole Opry
  1. Saskatchewan country artists Jess Moskaluke and Kalsey Kulyk will each make their Grand Ole Opry debuts, with Moskaluke performing Oct. 29 and Kulyk on Nov. 21.
  2. Kulyk announced the news onstage at the Canadian Country Music Awards in Saskatoon on Sept. 19, surprising Moskaluke in front of a packed SaskTel Centre crowd.
  3. Moskaluke said the invitation felt surreal and that she plans to keep promoting her home province, and she also plans a Christmas album and new music in 2027.
Read the full story From small-town to the big stage: Sask. artist to make debut at The Grand Ole Opry
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620 CKRM

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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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Watch: Riley Green Turns 'The Voice' Audition Into an Unforgettable 'My Way' Duet

Riley Green made his debut as a coach on The Voice and quickly landed a young country singer for his team.

Key points Watch: Riley Green Turns 'The Voice' Audition Into an Unforgettable 'My Way' Duet
  1. Riley Green made his debut as a coach on The Voice and quickly landed a young country singer for his team.
  2. Nineteen-year-old Joe Henley auditioned with Travis Tritt's 'Anymore' and drew chair turns from both Green and Kelly Clarkson.
  3. Henley, who named Keith Whitley, Don Williams and George Strait as influences, chose Green and performed Green's 'My Way' with him.
  4. Green said his strategy for his first season is to recruit as many country artists as possible.
Read the full story Watch: Riley Green Turns 'The Voice' Audition Into an Unforgettable 'My Way' Duet
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Taste of Country

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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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“She Was Really Kind”: Lainey Wilson’s Mom Reflects on What She Was Like as a Child

In her Netflix documentary Keepin' Country Cool, Lainey Wilson's mother Michelle Wilson describes what the singer was like growing up.

Key points “She Was Really Kind”: Lainey Wilson’s Mom Reflects on What She Was Like as a Child
  1. In her Netflix documentary Keepin' Country Cool, Lainey Wilson's mother Michelle Wilson describes what the singer was like growing up.
  2. Michelle recalls that Lainey could sing and memorized 'Butterfly Kisses' for her kindergarten graduation, and was 'really kind' as a child.
  3. Lainey says music was a big part of her family, with her father playing Hank Sr. by ear while she, her mother and sister danced.
  4. The piece notes Wilson's kindness has carried into her career as a two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and an influence on newer artists.
Read the full story “She Was Really Kind”: Lainey Wilson’s Mom Reflects on What She Was Like as a Child
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Holler

holler.country

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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Shaboozey brings cinematic Outlaws Never Die tour to Nashville

Shaboozey brings his theatrical Outlaws Never Die Tour to Nashville's Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on September 18, framing the show as a Wild West stage play supporting his fourth album.

Key points Shaboozey brings cinematic Outlaws Never Die tour to Nashville
  1. Shaboozey brings his theatrical Outlaws Never Die Tour to Nashville's Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on September 18, framing the show as a Wild West stage play supporting his fourth album.
  2. The 25-stop trek opened September 8 in Phoenix and features a genre-blurring guest lineup including BigXthaPlug, Brittney Spencer, Angel White, Noah Cyrus and Kashus Culpepper.
  3. Chartmetric data shows Shaboozey drawing country music's most racially diverse demographic, yet he received no 2026 CMA Music Video of the Year nominations.
  4. After Nashville he continues to Atlanta on September 19 ahead of an October 27 tour finale in Los Angeles.
Read the full story Shaboozey brings cinematic Outlaws Never Die tour to Nashville
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The Lagos Review

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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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Inside the Grand Ole Opry: New Documentary ‘Songs From the Circle’ Goes Behind the Scenes

A new documentary, 'Songs From the Circle,' will give audiences an inside look at the Grand Ole Opry, following its performers and behind-the-scenes staff.

Key points Inside the Grand Ole Opry: New Documentary ‘Songs From the Circle’ Goes Behind the Scenes
  1. A new documentary, 'Songs From the Circle,' will give audiences an inside look at the Grand Ole Opry, following its performers and behind-the-scenes staff.
  2. The film explores how the legendary Nashville venue has expanded its reach globally, including its inaugural show at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 26, 2025.
  3. It will make its North American premiere at the Nashville Film Festival on Saturday, September 26.
Read the full story Inside the Grand Ole Opry: New Documentary ‘Songs From the Circle’ Goes Behind the Scenes
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Backstage Country

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Stetson Wright wins saddle bronc in Pendleton with record-breaking ride

Stetson Wright won the saddle bronc riding title at the Pendleton Round-Up with a 92.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics' The Black Tie, setting a new Pendleton arena record.

Key points Stetson Wright wins saddle bronc in Pendleton with record-breaking ride
  1. Stetson Wright won the saddle bronc riding title at the Pendleton Round-Up with a 92.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics' The Black Tie, setting a new Pendleton arena record.
  2. The record ride secured the aggregate title with 182 points on two head, finishing two points ahead of 21-year-old Coleman Shallbetter.
  3. Wright, a 10-time PRCA World Champion, arrived in Pendleton ranked No. 3 in the world standings and earned just over $16,000 on the weekend.
  4. The victory was his first saddle bronc title in Pendleton since 2021, and he now looks toward the National Finals Rodeo in December.
Read the full story Stetson Wright wins saddle bronc in Pendleton with record-breaking ride
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PRCA ProRodeo

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“Call Was Made For Everyone’s Safety” – The First Stop Of Luke Bryan’s Fall Farm Tour Has Been Canceled

Luke Bryan canceled the first stop of his 2026 Fall Farm Tour at 1846 Farms in Unity Township in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, hours before the show was set to begin.

Key points “Call Was Made For Everyone’s Safety” – The First Stop Of Luke Bryan’s Fall Farm Tour Has Been Canceled
  1. Luke Bryan canceled the first stop of his 2026 Fall Farm Tour at 1846 Farms in Unity Township in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, hours before the show was set to begin.
  2. The cancellation was due to field conditions being too wet and muddy from intense localized rainfall, with Bryan saying the call was made for everyone's safety.
  3. The venue, 1846 Farms, said the decision was out of their control and noted the area had an exceptionally wet summer with record rainfall.
  4. Bryan still has fall Farm Tour dates scheduled in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.
Read the full story “Call Was Made For Everyone’s Safety” – The First Stop Of Luke Bryan’s Fall Farm Tour Has Been Canceled
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Whiskey Riff

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