10 Moments That Made Us Proud To Be A Country Fan In 2015

2015 is just about in the history books. But, before we close the door on the calendar year, let’s take a look back at ten moments that made us proud to be a Country Music fan over the past twelve months.

The Class of Miranda Lambert – On a night that Nashville was buzzing about a certain new couple, the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year delivered a knockout performance of “Bathroom Sink“ that defined the term “Grace Under Fire” – and by the way, she extended her winning streak in the category to six!

Reba & Brooks & Dunn – Whether in Vegas or on the CMA Awards in November, this superstar trio continue to show everyone how it is done. Many of the top artists in the format have been, and continue to be, inspired by these three. One could do a lot worse!

Luke Bryan Farm Tour – Take the CMA Entertainer of the Year out of the stadiums and put him directly in his native element, and you have the recipe for one of the most dynamic displays of musical excitement and professionalism during the fall months. If you want to see why Luke is the winner of the CMA’s top prize, this is all the proof one needs!

The Return Of Shania Twain – Whether she ever releases new music is a mystery, but the veteran superstar delighted her fans with a tour that showed that she still has “It” and then some. She’s ‘still the one!’

Mickey Guyton – If there was a newcomer that inspired many in the format, it was this native of Arlington, TX – who enjoyed somewhat of a “Cinderella” moment when the ACM Awards came to town. Simply put, Guyton remains the best new female vocalist since Carrie Underwood won American Idol. Here’s hoping 2016 continues her climb!

The Emergence of Chris Janson – Nashville did a collective fist pump when this energetic Missouri native broke out with an unlikely hit promoted (at first) by his wife. “Buy Me A Boat” proved to be the final piece of the puzzle in breaking this talent – who once slept in his car while waiting on his big break. Even in the music industry, nice guys sometimes do finish first.

Darius Rucker’s“So I Sang” – I don’t know if any album cut this year hit me with as much intensity as this one from Rucker’s Southern Style. Sometimes, music – and the love of it – is all you know, and can move mountains that your words simply cannot.

Brantley Gilbert’s Chattanooga Strong – The events of July 17 touched the nation, and Gilbert touched a chord with close to 75,000 fans with his concert in September in the city. He did have some help – from actor Samuel Jackson and Harry Connick, Jr., but perhaps the most moving live performance of the year was Gilbert and Ford doing “Dirt Road Anthem” on the banks of the Tennessee River, bringing together many different cultures and races – reminding us that we are all one!

The Hall of Fame year of The Oak Ridge Boys – One of the most heartwarming stories of the year was the attention that was widely displayed upon the veteran group. In March, it was announced that the quartet would be among the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and their performances this year ranged from the acapella version of their iconic hit “Elvira” with Home Free to their swampy stroll through the song with Little Big Town at the CMA Music Festival.

Stapleton and Timberlake – Some in the industry have asked the question ‘What if Justin Timberlake hadn’t stepped up to perform with Chris Stapleton on the CMA Awards? Would it still have merited the same attention?’ At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. He did. They did, and America took note. Stapleton is far from a new talent, but he made the most of his moment in the spotlight – and he became ‘What people were listening to’ as the year wrapped up!