Vince Gill’s marathon set at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Thursday proved why he’ll be celebrated on CMT series “CMT GIANTS.” The singer’s nearly four-hour show spanned his vast catalog of hits and musical influences as well as highlighted his vulnerabilities and humor. The concert was part of the Country Music Hall of Famer’s 2022 trek, which marks the first time Gill has toured with his band in three years as he’s been on the road with the Eagles since 2017.

In between telling candid and comical stories about his life and career, Gill performed more than 30 songs with his all-star band. The band includes “The Voice” Season 21 runner up Wendy Moten, who announced Gill’s latest career achievement during her mesmerizing five-song set.

“Mr. Vince Gill is going to be honored very soon in September by ‘CMT: GIANTS,’” Moten said. “It’s a big deal. Only five other icons have had this honor. They’re going to celebrate his legacy, they’re going to celebrate his music, his life in country music. … He earned it! It’s going to be the greatest artists of all time performing Vince Gill’s songs. The guests are heavy hitters. The band also is going to be there and all they do is win awards every year.”

Thursday’s Ryman performance was just a glimpse at Gill’s massive catalog and a preview of the upcoming television special, which premieres Friday, Sept. 16 on CMT. Throughout the evening, Gill was backed by a band that featured frequent collaborator and award-winning steel player Paul Franklin alongside famed Nashville studio musicians, including guitar player Jedd Hughes, drummer Billy Thomas, bassist Jimmie Lee Sloas and keyboard player John Jarvis. Guitar player Jack Schneider and singers Moten and Gill’s daughter Corrina Grant Gill rounded out the eight-piece ensemble.

Gill launched his first of four back-to-back performances at the Ryman with No. 1 songs “One More Last Chance,” “Tryin’ to Get Over You,” “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” and “I Still Believe In You.” He joked that it was a collection of songs “that allowed me to buy a house I can no longer afford to live in.”

“Then along came that Amy Grant girl, saved my ass!” he continued. “My bride Amy is doing fine. She had a bicycle wreck last Wednesday over in Percy Warner Park and thank God she was wearing her helmet. She was knocked unconscious for 10 or 15 minutes.”

The Ryman concert was Gill’s first time back on stage since Grant’s bike accident and he and his daughter’s emotions were visible. He introduced spellbinding ballad “Whenever You Come Around” as, “My favorite song to sing about my favorite girl.” Later, he’d give the spotlight to Corrina for “When My Amy Prays.” She changed the lyrics to “When My Mama Prays” and choked back tears during the powerful performance, which garnered a standing ovation.

Gill’s set spanned his musical influences. His love of bluegrass was showcased on “High Lonesome Sound,” as was his appreciation for Merle Haggard and Buck Owens with standout covers of “The Bottle Let Me Down” and “Together Again,” both featured on his 2013 Bakersfield album with Franklin. “You gotta know where you came from to ever know where the hell you’re going,” Gill said.

He also performed his first co-write with Whisperin’ Bill Anderson with the pensive “Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn)” as well as shared one of the many life lessons he learned while writing “Look At Us” with Max T. Barnes.

“If we didn’t have people that taught us how to do this, it wouldn’t go on,” Gill commented. “We have to learn in our own way, play in our own way, figure out how to keep it going.”

Gill’s set included several new songs he wrote during the pandemic. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer captivated as he told the stories behind each one. The powerful story songs covered love and loss from the perspective of a parent whose child went off to war on “When a Soldier Dies” and the poignant “Benny’s Song,” which Gill penned after the death of his oldest friend, Benny, in 2020.

“It’s hard to put yourself out there and be vulnerable sometimes, but it means the most when you are,” he said.

Additional highlights included “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” a song he dedicated to his late brother, fan favorite “When I Call Your Name” and rollicking set closer “Liza Jane.” Gill’s first of four nights at Ryman Auditorium exemplified his “GIANTS” status as the singer’s marathon set showcased his many hits as well as his power as a comedic and thoughtful frontman. All the while, Gill’s concert displayed his unyielding passion for music.

“I’ve been doing this professionally for 50 years,” Gill said. “Somebody, when I was 15 years old, said they’d pay me a little bit of money to come play at their beer joint and I haven’t stopped since. … What I know – without any doubt – if I never had any success, I would still be playing some Holiday Inn bar six nights a week. I love music that much.”

Gill’s tour continues tonight at the Ryman Auditorium. “CMT GIANTS: Vince Gill” premieres Friday, Sept. 16, on CMT. Previous artists featured in the franchise are Reba McEntire (2006), Hank Williams, Jr. (2007), Alan Jackson (2008), Kenny Rogers (2020) and Charley Pride (2021).

Multi-platinum artist Chase Rice had the ultimate Fourth of July.

The country crooner packed his bags and celebrated America’s birthday on Island time in Hawaii. Rice spent the holiday performing for the Armed Forces at Pearl Harbor and before he took center stage, he shared why the opportunity holds weight.

“Just wanna say I love ya’ll from Hawaii. Thanks for this awesome ride y’all got me on,” he wrote alongside a beach selfie. “Headed now to play a show for our troops on Pearl Harbor here in a couple hours. One of the greatest honors of my life 🙏🏻”

The paradise-like portrait features Rice smoking a cigar on a golden sand beach with a purple lai wrapped around his neck. Supportive fans rushed to the comments to cheer Rice on and to give thanks to the brave soldiers fighting for our country.

“I’m a retired Marine officer’s daughter and proud sister of an active duty Marine officer. Thank you for supporting the men and women in uniform. Having been to the Pearl Harbor memorial, it is an experience you will never forget. Truly an honor for you,” said a devoted follower. “Enjoy the high it’s once in a lifetime ride…❤️❤️,” said another.

Rice served as the headliner for the 4th of July Freedom Fest at Joint Base Pearl Harbor– Hickam. The USAA-sponsored show also included musicians Mark Bassy, MAX, and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. The unforgettable evening finished with a bang, as spectacular fireworks lit up the sky.

This is not the first time Rice has dedicated his time to honor the courageous troops. The “Eyes On You” singer previously joined forces with the Boot Campaign, a national nonprofit that spreads awareness, promotes patriotism and assistance to military personnel. Rice’s love for the United States military is deep rooted, as his grandfathers both served.

“I have unbelievable respect for any man or woman who’s willing to lay down their life for our freedom and country,” shared the hitmaker. “Personally, I’ll do anything to help our military out in any way I can.”

In 2011 the chart-topping artist released “Die Tryin,” a tribute track that honors veterans who have placed their lives on the line. The tear-jerking melody lives on his self-titled album, “Chase Rice – Country As Me.”

“We get up each mornin’, knowin’ this could be the end | But we still put our boots on and do it all again | We all love livin’ free, and we’ll keep Old Glory flyin’ Or die tryin’,” Rice sings. “My little girl, my whole world | She’s growin’ up in pictures | I’d give anything to be on a plane and be back home there with here.”

“Die Tryin,” is one of many songs the chart-topping artist performs live. Rice is expected to hit the road with Jason Aldean in the fall. Tickets to see the country icon and Rice together are currently available for purchase, here.

Reba McEntire likes working with her people.

Deadline revealed the Country Music Hall of Famer will star in the new Lifetime movie “The Hammer” alongside her boyfriend Rex Linn and friend and “Reba” show alum Melissa Peterman.

Reba will also serve as executive producer on the show, inspired by the life of traveling circuit judge Kim Wanker.

The movie follows Reba’s character, Kim Wheeler, the outspoken spitfire of an attorney appointed judge of the 5th District of Nevada and one of the few traveling judges left in America. During the saga, the reigning judge dies under questionable circumstances, and Kim must cover the rugged, middle-of-nowhere circuit between Las Vegas and Reno. She bangs her gavel with a no-nonsense brand of justice, which earns her the nickname “The Hammer.” As the show unfolds, Kim’s sister Kris, who operates a brothel, becomes a suspect.

Reba and Peterman became friends on the set of McEntire’s euphonious sitcom “Reba,” which ran from 2001 to 2007. The series follows the Hart family as they navigate life after divorce and blend families. In the series, Peterman plays Reba’s husband’s mistress and eventual wife. The women have a hysterical, adversarial relationship.

“The Hammer” isn’t the only opportunity fans have to catch Reba on television in the coming months. In May, it was announced that she would join the ABC series “Big Sky” in a regular role for its third season.

Variety reports that McEntire will play Sunny Brick, the unpredictable head of the Brick family, a successful backcountry outfitter with a secret history of missing customers.

“Big Sky” is based on books by C.J. Box that follows private detective Cassie Dewell (Kylie Bunbury) and her former partner, Jenny Hoyt (Katheryn Winnick), as they investigate local crimes.

“Big Sky” is far from the Country Music Hall of Famer’s first foray into television. In addition to “Reba,” the “Fancy” singer recently appeared in multiple episodes of the hit CBS prequel series “Young Sheldon.” She also made a name for herself in feature films, appearing in “Tremors,” “The Little Rascals,” and “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.”

Ashley McBryde is hitting pause for a bit.

McBryde’s team revealed on the singer’s social media that she is taking some time off and will not be on stage in the immediate future.

The statement read: “For personal reasons, Ashley will not be performing for a few weeks. We will share more details regarding when she will be back on the road as soon as they become available.”

Until recently, McBryde was still in the spotlight. She performed at Naomi Judd’s public memorial service in May, CMA Fest in June, and is scheduled to be part of The Judds’ reconfigured reunion tour. In July, McBryde has a smattering of festival dates and is supposed to be an opening act on Dierks Bentley’s tour.

The statement posted on Facebook also said: “She wants you to know that she loves you all and misses you and will be back soon stronger than ever!”

No further information was given. However, McBryde has had a tumultuous 12 months health-wise. Last September, McBryde postponed a pair of dates after she was seriously injured in a horseback riding accident in Montana.

She said she and a few friends went to ride horses on a ranch in Montana before her upcoming concert. While she grew up riding horses, McBryde said she didn’t consider herself experienced. After a full day on horseback, her horse got spooked. McBryde’s foot slipped from the stirrup, she lost her center of balance, and with the horse “moving faster than [she] could stay on,” McBryde fell and landed on her head.
A trip to the ER revealed the need for “staples to close [her] scalp” and a “pretty harsh concussion.” She also couldn’t walk without assistance. The singer was back on stage much faster than anticipated.

The next date on McBryde’s schedule is July 14, Credit One Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina, with Dierks Bentley and Travis Denning.