Bubble Watch: The Final Stretch to the 2026 PBR Canada National Finals

Four events remain before the 2026 PBR Canada National Finals at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Nov. 13-14, with 18 riders eligible to compete.

Key points Bubble Watch: The Final Stretch to the 2026 PBR Canada National Finals
  1. Four events remain before the 2026 PBR Canada National Finals at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Nov. 13-14, with 18 riders eligible to compete.
  2. Calgary's Nick Tetz leads the standings by 340.33 points over Brazil's Gilmar Santana, with two-time champion Dakota Buttar third.
  3. The final stretch includes three Cup Series events in Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat and Saskatoon, plus a Touring Pro stop in Yorkton.
  4. Tanner Eno holds the 18th and final qualifying spot, with Chanse Switzer, Weston Davidson and others chasing from just outside the cutline.
Read the full story Bubble Watch: The Final Stretch to the 2026 PBR Canada National Finals
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Tyler Wade Says Hondo Rodeo Fest Will, 'Turn the Sport Inside Out'

Two-time world champion header Tyler Wade has been invited back to the Hondo Rodeo Fest, which returns this November in downtown Phoenix.

Key points Tyler Wade Says Hondo Rodeo Fest Will, 'Turn the Sport Inside Out'
  1. Two-time world champion header Tyler Wade has been invited back to the Hondo Rodeo Fest, which returns this November in downtown Phoenix.
  2. Wade is one of the only contestants to have competed at every Hondo Rodeo since the invite-only event began in 2024.
  3. The Hondo is known for large payouts and for covering contestants' hotels, meals and entry fees, which co-founder James Trawick says is about taking care of the athletes.
  4. Wade and partner Wesley Thorp won the average at the first New Orleans Hondo Rodeo Fest, and Wade says the event's approach could 'turn the sport inside out.'
Read the full story Tyler Wade Says Hondo Rodeo Fest Will, 'Turn the Sport Inside Out'
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Sports Illustrated

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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. Green's duet partner Ella Langley won Song of the Year for 'Choosin' Texas,' and the two were also recognized for 'Don't Mind If I Do' on the 10 Songs I Wish I'd Written list.
  3. Accepting the honor, Green said songwriting is his favorite part of country music and remembered his grandfather Buford's influence.
  4. Other honors went to Blake Pendergrass as Songwriter of the Year and Paul Williams with NSAI's President's Keystone Award.
Read the full story Riley Green Gets Emotional Over Major Nashville Songwriter Award
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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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'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, and the festival is set for June 10-13, 2027.
  3. Johnson, born and raised in Huntsville, Texas, is known for hits like 'Til You Can't' and 'Take Me Back' and has won multiple CMA awards, including 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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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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Sugarland sets 26-city ‘Ride Or Die’ Tour to celebrate 20th Anniversary of ‘Enjoy the Ride’

Sugarland is returning to the road this fall with a 26-city U.S. tour marking the 20th anniversary of the country duo's breakthrough album, 'Enjoy the Ride.'

Key points Sugarland sets 26-city ‘Ride Or Die’ Tour to celebrate 20th Anniversary of ‘Enjoy the Ride’
  1. Sugarland is returning to the road this fall with a 26-city U.S. tour marking the 20th anniversary of the country duo's breakthrough album, 'Enjoy the Ride.'
  2. The Ride Or Die Tour kicks off Oct. 1 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre in Florida and runs through October and November, concluding Nov. 21 in Dallas.
  3. Released in November 2006, 'Enjoy the Ride' became a defining record for the duo of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush and helped establish them as prominent country acts.
  4. The new tour follows Sugarland's 2024 run with Little Big Town.
Read the full story Sugarland sets 26-city ‘Ride Or Die’ Tour to celebrate 20th Anniversary of ‘Enjoy the Ride’
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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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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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Luke Bryan’s Sold-Out ‘Friends’ Show Brings Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton And More To Nashville

Luke Bryan played a sold-out Luke Bryan & Friends show at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night, with a guest list that rivaled a country awards show.

Key points Luke Bryan’s Sold-Out ‘Friends’ Show Brings Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton And More To Nashville
  1. Luke Bryan played a sold-out Luke Bryan & Friends show at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night, with a guest list that rivaled a country awards show.
  2. Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Dierks Bentley and Chris Stapleton each joined him on stage across the three-hour set.
  3. The show celebrated Bryan's new album SIGNS and made up for a previous Bridgestone appearance when illness affected his voice.
  4. Bryan was also presented with Diamond plaques for 'Play It Again' and 'Country Girl (Shake It For Me),' and has now sold out Bridgestone Arena seven consecutive times.
Read the full story Luke Bryan’s Sold-Out ‘Friends’ Show Brings Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton And More To Nashville
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Country Now

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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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Zach Top Admits He Had To ‘Play It Cool’ Around George Strait

Zach Top recalled opening for George Strait at AT&T Stadium in Texas in April and spending time with the country icon backstage.

Key points Zach Top Admits He Had To ‘Play It Cool’ Around George Strait
  1. Zach Top recalled opening for George Strait at AT&T Stadium in Texas in April and spending time with the country icon backstage.
  2. Top said the two drank tequila and talked golf on Strait's bus, and that he tries to 'play it cool' around his musical heroes.
  3. Top's album Ain't In It For My Health earned a CMA Album of the Year nomination, and his Cold Beer & Country Music Tour wraps October 30 with his first headlining show at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.
Read the full story Zach Top Admits He Had To ‘Play It Cool’ Around George Strait
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