Radio Personality Elaina Smith Joins Backstage Country As Co-Host
Elaina Smith
Country radio personality Elaina Smith has been named the new Co-Host of the Key Networks’ show Backstage Country.
Based in Nashville, Smith will host the program, which is now heard on over 80 U.S. radio stations and in 27 of the top 50 markets, alongside an all-star lineup of today’s hottest country artists as weekly hosts. She takes the Backstage Country hosting reins with country star Riley Green on Feb. 17.
“Backstage Country’s vision is one that I have admired for some time now,” says Smith. “Getting to be a part of it in 2025 is so incredibly exciting. My love of radio, country music, country listeners, and interviewing are just a few reasons I knew this was the perfect partnership! It’s also a fun full circle moment being able to work with two of my favorite guys in the industry again, John Shomby and Dennis Green. Grateful to everyone at Backstage Country and Beasley for trusting me with the future of this show. Can’t wait to bring listeners across the country even closer to Nashville and their favorite artists!
As host of the Westwood One nationally syndicated country program, Nights With Elaina, Smith was on air in markets across the U.S. and was honored for her work with four Gracie Awards and an ACM Award as well as a CMA Award nomination. She got her start in entertainment at Entertainment Tonight and The Insider in Los Angeles, and found her true passion in radio by joining a morning show in San Diego. Smith later moved across the country to host a morning show in Florida and then on to Nashville and into country music. Her voice is now heard on both coasts, as well as by an audience internationally on Absolute Radio in the U.K.
In addition to Backstage Country, Smith will continue with other radio projects, voiceover, TV hosting appearances and more. She is also widely known as the voice of the ACM Awards, People’s Choice Country Awards, ACM Honors and the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s Gracie Awards, and works closely with the Country Radio Seminar moderating panels and hosting.
“Our programming team couldn’t be more excited to have Elaina as part of our team,” says Beasley Media Group Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. “She is high energy, amazingly talented, and a true entertainer! We believe Elaina will help us continue to make ‘Backstage Country’ the most entertaining country show in America.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Elaina as co-host, an award-winning talent in her own right who will bring the Midas touch to what has simply become the best show in country radio syndication,” says Dennis Green, Chief Operating Officer, Key Networks. “Elaina, along with today’s country music superstars, co-hosting Backstage Country is unlike anything on the air today. I can’t wait to welcome more affiliates and their listeners around the country to be a part of the magic! I also want to thank Kelly Ford for the amazing job she did as our co-host of Backstage Country. Her talents helped take this show to another level and we wish her all the best with her work as afternoon drive host and Music Director at The Wolf on Long Island.”
