Artist Action: Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Seph Schlueter, Ashley Cooke, More
Luke Combs Receives Honorary Degree From Appalachian State
Appalachian State University Chancellor Heather Norris presents an honorary degree of music to country music icon and alumnus Luke Combs at Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies in Boone, North Carolina. Photo: Chase Reynolds
Luke Combs received an honorary degree of music from his alma mater Appalachian State University during Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies on May 7. The honor recognizes Combs for his achievements in the music industry and his commitment to using his platform as a catalyst for service and community impact.
“In every sense, Luke Combs represents the character and heart of a Mountaineer,” App State Chancellor Heather Norris said during the ceremony. “His story inspires our students to dream big, work hard, and always remember where they came from. He represents the very best of our university community: a life lived with purpose, driven by a commitment to excellence and a genuine care for others.”
Chris Stapleton Performs On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Chris Stapleton & Mickey Raphael. Photo: Scott Kowalchyk
Chris Stapleton made his return to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, where he performed Willie Nelson’s “Living in the Promiseland” alongside Nelson’s longtime bandmate, harmonica player Mickey Raphael. Stapleton is the most-nominated male artist at the upcoming 2026 ACM Awards with six nods.
Seph Schlueter Celebrates Platinum Single, Back-To-Back-To-Back No. 1s
Sony Music / Provident Entertainment label team presented Schlueter with plaques honoring his platinum-certified hit “Counting My Blessings” and his radio achievments at The Pinnacle Rooftop in Nashville on April 26. Photo: Debbie Ewing
CCM singer/songwriter Seph Schlueter has earned a Platinum certification for his debut hit “Counting My Blessings,” making history as the first artist in decades to see his first three career singles all reach No. 1, an achievement not seen in the CCM genre since the 1990s. Schlueter’s debut single, “Counting My Blessings,” has become a defining anthem, topping Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart for four non-consecutive weeks (including a three-week consecutive run), while also holding the No. 1 position on Billboard AC for four consecutive weeks. The track further dominated Mediabase, reaching No. 1 in Impressions for two consecutive weeks and No. 1 on the AC chart for four consecutive weeks.
Ashley Cooke Visits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Ashley Cooke with St. Jude patients Tyler and Aylin and their moms
Ashley Cooke visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this week to tour the hospital and spend time with patients. Patients and families shared their journeys with Cooke, leading into a mini jam session. A special moment occurred with patient Tyler, who played Cooke’s guitar after she taught him chords.
Cooke recently announced her sophomore self-titled album will release August 14, with new track “high school sweetheart” available today (May 8.)
Ben Gallaher Makes National TV Debut On The Kelly Clarkson Show
Pictured (back row): Lester Estelle II (drums). Pictured (L-R, front row): Kyle Whalum (bass), Jessi Collins (vocalist), Ben Gallaher, Kelly Clarkson, Jaco Caraco (guitar) and Jason Halbert (keys). Photo: Weiss Eubanks / NBCUniversal
QHMG/ Stone Country Records country rocker Ben Gallaher made his national TV debut on Wednesday (May 6) on The Kelly Clarkson Show. He performed new single, “I’ll Take You,” (the lead track from his Time album), live in-studio, teaming up with Clarkson’s house band, “My Band Y’all” for a rocking “Cameo-oke” performance that kicked off the episode, which also included celebrity guests Goldie Hawn and Daniel Dae Kim.
