Country Music’s Biggest Stars Are Going On Tour This Year

If you love country music, this is the year to see some of the biggest legends hit the stage. From classic duos making a comeback to long-time favorites still giving unforgettable performances, you won’t want to miss these must-see country music icons on tour this year. See a list below of the many country music legends who are going on tour in 2025.

Rick Diamond/Getty Images, Jason Kempin/Getty Images, C Flanigan/FilmMagic

Willie Nelson

Blackbird Presents

At 91 years old, Willie Nelson is still going strong and will headline the Outlaw Music Festival’s 10th anniversary tour. This special tour will feature 35 stops across 22 states, kicking off on May 13. Shows will run through September, with the final concert in Wisconsin. Fans can grab their tickets now through Ticketmaster and the festival’s official website.

Randy Travis

Facebook / Randy Travis

It’s the year of Randy Travis’ great comeback. Twelve years after suffering a near-fatal stroke that affected his mobility and speech, the “Three Wooden Crosses” singer is stepping back into the spotlight with new music. He recently released his new single “Horses In Heaven” thanks to AI technology, and is now gearing up for his first tour in years. While his speech remains limited, the tour will feature singer James Dupré alongside Travis’ original band, bringing his biggest hits back to hear live.

Sara Evans

Facebook / Sara Evans

Sara Evans is hitting the road for her Unbroke Tour, which coincides with the release of her 11th studio album of the same name. The tour kicked off in early February and will run through August, with new dates recently added to the lineup. With the demand growing, there’s a good chance even more shows will be announced soon.

Brooks & Dunn

Facebook / Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn haven’t released a full album of original music since 2007, but that’s about to change. According to Kix Brooks, new music is on the way. On top of that, the legendary duo is about to embark on their Neon Moon Tour. Kicking off in the spring, the tour will feature special guest David Lee Murphy.

Alan Jackson

Facebook / Alan Jackson

Alana Jackson originally announced his Last Call Tour in 2022 after revealing that he has been battling health challenges related to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder for the past decade. Initially scheduled for just 16 dates, the country star has since extended the tour through May 2025. These shows will serve as Jackson’s farewell to the cities he visits and is more than likely the final tour of his career.

Tracy Lawrence

Facebook / Tracy Lawrence

Tracy Lawrence has a packed schedule this year, performing at various arenas and theaters across the country. One of his most anticipated stops is the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, on May 18. He’s also set to take the stage at major events, including Stagecoach on April 27 and the Rock the Country Music Festival, hosted by Kid Rock starting July 11. You can see a full list of Tracy Lawrence’s upcoming shows on his official website.

Dwight Yoakam

Facebook / Dwight Yoakam

Dwight Yoakam released his first album of new original material in nine years this past November, and to celebrate, he’s going back on tour. His Cosmic Roundup and Rodeo tour kicked off at the start of the month and will take him across the country through midsummer. The tour wraps up on June 21 in Richmond, Virginia, giving fans plenty of chances to hear both his classic hits and new music live.

Blake Shelton

Facebook / Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton is gearing up to hit the road for a short run of shows starting at the end of this month. The country star’s announcement came shortly after releasing “Texas,” his first solo single in two years. The song, which pays tribute to George Strait and references “All My Ex’s Live In Texas,” quickly became a hit for Shelton. On top of that, he’s also confirmed that a brand-new album is in the works. With new music and live performances on the way, his fans have plenty to look forward to this year.

Stay tuned for even more country music stars who will be going on tour in 2025!

The Bucks didn’t make a significant upgrade to the frontcourt.

The Milwaukee Bucks made some interesting moves at the trade deadline, particularly one for former NBA champion Kyle Kuzma. However, it was a head scratcher that they failed to make a major upgrade in their frontcourt, which has been a lingering issue since their season opener. As a result, the Milwaukee Bucks’ biggest mistake at 2025 NBA trade deadline was keeping both Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis Jr.

Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis Jr. are struggling to anchor the frontcourt

Although Lopez and Portis were both instrumental pieces during the Bucks’ championship run in 2021, the team should’ve unloaded at least one of them at the trade deadline. The team already parted ways with an injury riddled Khris Middleton. It might’ve done wonders had the team did the same for either of the two centers. With both players at their 30s, signs of wear and tear are beginning to negatively affect the team.

In terms of numbers, the Bucks rank 20th in the rebounding department with 44.0 per game. To make matters worse, Milwaukee ranks dead last in the league when it comes to offensive rebounding with only 8.5 per outing.

Lopez is currently averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. On the other hand, Portis is putting up 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Although both are still serviceable, relegating them to a smaller role would’ve been more ideal, as their numbers don’t exactly translate to their defensive lapses on the court.

In fact, since the trade deadline, it was quite obvious that Milwaukee needed to make some upgrades at the frontcourt. In a 115-110 loss against the Atlanta Hawks, the frontcourt duo struggled to contain Onyeka Okongwu, who tallied 14 points and 12 rebounds. In fact, even reserve center Mouhamed Gueye dominated the game with a double-double of his own, 15 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

Against the Golden State Warriors, who defeated the Bucks 125-111, the team’s rookie center Quinten Post went off for 13 points while shooting 3-of-4 from rainbow country. Both Lopez and Portis Jr. struggled to contain the young big man.

Without big men who can anchor Milwaukee’s frontcourt, that leaves more burden on the shoulders of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. It’s not exactly ideal for a team that’s planning to become the first squad to win both the NBA Cup and NBA Championship in the same season.

Lack of playing time for Jericho Sims

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

One of the positive moves that the Bucks made at the deadline was acquiring Jericho Sims from the Khris Middleton-Kyle Kuzma swap. Although Kuzma was easily the main prize for Milwaukee, Sims was theoretically the antidote to the team’s frontcourt woes. His 6-foot-10 frame coupled with youth and athleticism should’ve improved the team’s rebounding and rim protection. But by keeping Lopez and Portis around, there’s simply not enough minutes for Sims.

In the 2024-25 season, Sims has rarely saw action. Prior to the trade, he only suited up for 39 games with the New York Knicks. The 26-year old big man tallied only 1.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Since getting traded to Milwaukee, Sims has yet to see action for the team.

It’s safe to say that Sims’ impact transcends the stat sheet. His athleticism and impact on both ends of the floor made the lives of his teammates easier, at least back in New York. In fact, even Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau only had positive things to say about his former reserve center.

Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis Jr. can walk away in free agency

Although Lopez and Portis are already causing some issues on the court with their shortcomings, the team also has some concerns about their respective contract situations. By not moving any of them at the trade deadline, the Bucks risks letting them walk away without anything in return.

Back at the 2022 offseason, Portis inked a four year contract extension worth $48.58 million. The deal also gives him a player option for the 2025-26 season. With his current contract, it’s safe to say that the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year candidate is underpaid. And with a player option available, there are rumors pointing that Portis will be searching for a more lucrative deal.

On the other hand, Lopez agreed to a two year contract extension worth $48 million with the Bucks back in 2023. This very contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season. With a $23 million salary, it was highly possible for Milwaukee to have moved him at the trade deadline. In fact, teams looking for a center at the trade deadline like the Los Angeles Lakers would’ve been enticed by his services. Unfortunately, not a single deal materialized for Lopez.

Although he’s already 36 years old, Lopez still has plenty of size and veteran experience that can help any team’s frontcourt depth. The one time NBA All-Star’s 7-foot-1 frame coupled with his outside shooting are still valuable assets. As a result, he should still garner some interest once he hits the open market during the offseason which isn’t a good situation for the Bucks.

Maroon 5 lead vocalist Adam Levine expressed his excitement for their upcoming tour in the country this January 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. In a video greeting shared by local concert organizer Live Nation Philippines, the band’s frontman revealed how much they love performing in the country.

Apart from Live Nation Philippines, Maroon 5 Asia 2025 is co-presented by the Tourism Promotions Board and the Philippine Department of Tourism.

“Hey Manila we’re coming back [on] January 29 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. We cannot wait to come back to the Philippines–––we love performing there,” he shared.

The singer-songwriter assured their fans that it’s going to be another show to remember not only for them but for everyone.

“Best fans ever. There’s gonna be a great show,” he added.

Meanwhile, fans expressed their excitement as well in the comment section. Other loyal fans shared that they are already counting down the days until they see their favorite band perform their favorite songs live.

“Jusq pang 4th ko na to haha walang sawa,” a fan wrote.

“Day 2 please,” another fan added.

Some tickets for the highly-anticipated show are still available through SM Tickets outlets nationwide and smtickets.com. Live Nation Philippines announced as well that additional floor standing tickets have just been added to the delight of the fans.

The band previously performed their hearts out in the country last 2022 and expressed how they enjoyed listening to their Filipino fans singing along to their hit songs.

“As a singer, I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me and the rest of the band when we come out to a place where I know … and that’s y’all’s thing—you guys love to f*cking sing. And that just makes us feel so good out here every night,” Adam previously shared.

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo make their first public appearance post-cheating scandal

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo made their first public appearance after cheating allegations were made against the Maroon 5 singer. The two hit the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscars after party on March 12 (US time).

The Victoria’s Secret model posted on her Instagram account, on March 14, photos that were taken of herself and her husband Adam at the event. This is her second social media post with the singer since the cheating scandal first came to light.

The photos were of Behati getting glammed up for the Vanity Fair event with the caption,“We did it, we left the house.” The pair wore matching black outfits.

The outing came after months of speculation about the couple’s relationship status following reports that Adam had cheated on Behati with multiple women. This is also their first red carpet event after they welcomed their third child last January.

Behati wore a black body-hugging sequined gown while Adam was in all-black suit.

Photo credit: Getty Images and @behatiprinsloo Instagram

Adam’s cheating allegations first started in September of last year when the model was pregnant with their third child. An Instagram model named Sumner Stroh posted a TikTok video claiming that she and Adam had a year-long affair.

Sumner released a series of screenshots revealing messages she had with Adam, where the singer allegedly wanted to name his child after her. “OK, serious question. I’m having another baby and if it’s a boy I really wanna name it Sumner,” wrote the singer in the alleged message he sent Sumner.

Photo from @adamlevine Instagram story 

Adam denied the cheating allegations saying that he did not have an affair with anyone. However, he did confess that he did cross the line. The singer wrote, “ I used poor judgment in speaking with anyone other than my wife in ANY kind of flirtatious manner.”

 

The Levine family went on the trip of a lifetime!

On February 13, Behati Prinsloo — the wife of Maroon 5 frontman and Voice Coach Adam Levine — gave fans an inside look at their private life via a collection of photos from his family’s recent trip to Tokyo, Japan.

Although Levine and his bandmates rocked the Tokyo Dome on three separate nights, there was still plenty of time for him and his family to make memories that would last a lifetim. Feast your eyes on some of the most incredible family photos you’ve ever seen from the fan-favorite Voice Coach.

“Gang in Tokyo 🇯🇵 ✌🏽🥩😴🐼🍣🍶🍜🥟🪶🎶,” Prinsloo said in a caption.

We thought nothing could beat the Instagram photo of him singing to his family while performing on stage in the Tokyo Dome, but this might have done just that.

It looks like Levine, Prinsloo, and their three kids (Dusty, Gio, and their two-year-old son) experienced everything Tokyo had to offer, from sampling delicious-looking sushi to wandering through the eclectic shops the city is known for. Of course, there are some seriously cool concert pics, too.

The word “epic” comes to mind when describing these pictures, and it’s clear from the comments that the Levine family is welcome back in Tokyo whenever they want. So many fans thanked them for coming and left super-sweet messages. Talk about hospitality!

Adam Levine confesses that his success in his career and family is “a gift”

Behati Prinsloo and Adam Levine attend the 2024 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on April 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Since making his triumphant return to The Voice in Season 27, Levine is back to balancing work — he still relentlessly tours with Maroon 5 — and his life at home. But these days, juggling everything is easier than it’s ever been.

During a 2023 PEOPLE interview, Levine admitted that he still couldn’t believe he had stumbled into such a wonderful life — the admission was one of the most down-to-earth things Levine fans had ever heard the 45-year-old rocker say!

“I don’t know how you can have a better life. I’m lucky enough to do what I love professionally but also have the greatest personal life and family I could ever ask for,” he explained. “And having kids and a wonderful wife, and just that life that I cling so much to. I love it so much. It means more than my career. But at the same time, having both is just a gift.”

Khis Middleton penned a heartfelt letter to the city of Milwaukee.

Following his trade to the Washington Wizards from the Milwaukee Bucks last week, Khris Middleton penned a heartfelt goodbye to the Bucks fans. The former Bucks forward posted the letter on his social media accounts.

The letter reads:

“Twelve years ago, I arrived in this city as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave as an NBA champion, 3x All-Star, an Olympic gold medalist, and most importantly, someone who Milwaukee helped shape into the person and player I am today.

From the moment I stepped foot in this city, you embraced me. Together, we experienced the rebuilding years, the emergence of a championship contender, and ultimately, the unforgettable journey to the 2021 NBA Championship.

That magical run will stay with me forever – the late-game shots, the comeback victories, and most importantly, bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to Milwaukee after 50 years.

To the incredible Bucks fans: Your passion and support through every up and down has been nothing short of amazing. From the early days at the Bradley Center, to the energy at Fiserv Forum and the packed Deer District during our championship run — the way this entire city rallies behind its team is something special that Ill always cherish.

To the Bucks organization: Thank you for believing in me, developing me, and giving me the opportunity to grow from a trade piece into an All-Star and champion.
To the Milwaukee community: This city has become my home.

The relationships built, the community initiatives we’ve worked on together, and the countless memories made both on and off the court will stay with me forever.

As I begin this new chapter, I’m excited for the opportunities ahead. But Milwaukee will always hold a special place in my heart.

This isn’t goodbye – it’s thank you.”

Khris Middleton was a cornerstone of the Bucks, playing a crucial role in their 2021 championship run and their continued pursuit of titles. Over 735 games with the team, Middleton averaged 17.1 points per game and was known as the team’s closer before Damian Lillard’s arrival in the 2023-2024 season.

He often delivered clutch shots to secure victories for Milwaukee. However, persistent injuries began to take a toll, impacting his role on the team.

This season, Middleton is averaging just 12.6 points over 23 games—his lowest since his first season with the Bucks in 2013-14. During the offseason, he underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles, further hindering his performance.

Still, Middleton was a fan favorite as well as being well-liked in the locker room. Following Middleton’s trade, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo took to his social media to show his love for his former teammate, posting two pictures of Middleton with the words, “My GOAT.”

Bobby Portis reaction to Khris Middleton’s trade to the Wizards.

Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis didn’t hold back in his response to his former Khris Middleton’s trade to the Washington Wizards. The Bucks traded Middleton to the Wizards for Kyle Kuzma before the NBA trade deadline. It’s a move Portis anticipated due to Khris’s unwillingness to accept a buyout for the final year of his three-year deal, worth $34 million.

Portis admitted he would have done the same thing after revealing the day he found out Middleton was heading to the Wizards, per FanDuel TV’s Run it Back.

“I don’t see Khris in shoot around and I’m like damn where is Khris at? And they were like he’s getting traded,” Portis said. “[It’s] definitely one of those things where it’s like the business of basketball sucks and you have to move on and continue doing things, but I already knew they probably wasn’t going to buy him out. He has another year left on his deal. I can’t see him taking a buyout with another year left on his deal.

“Maybe if it was an expiring contract probably so but if I’m taking a buyout I’m not taking a buyout with 2 years left on my deal either. I’m keeping my bread for real. What am I taking a buyout for? For real like right now! I’m going to take the punches,” Bobby Portis concluded.

The Bucks acquired Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and second-round draft compensation for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and a pick swap. Portis, who was also subject to trade rumors, will be entering the fourth year of his four-year, $48.5 million. His player option for 2025-26 is worth $13.4 million.

Doc Rivers backs Kyle Kuzma’s high-octane energy for Bucks

Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Khris Middleton’s heartfelt goodbye to Bucks after Kyle Kuzma trade

Khis Middleton penned a heartfelt letter to the city of Milwaukee.

Following his trade to the Washington Wizards from the Milwaukee Bucks last week, Khris Middleton penned a heartfelt goodbye to the Bucks fans. The former Bucks forward posted the letter on his social media accounts.

The letter reads:

“Twelve years ago, I arrived in this city as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave as an NBA champion, 3x All-Star, an Olympic gold medalist, and most importantly, someone who Milwaukee helped shape into the person and player I am today.

From the moment I stepped foot in this city, you embraced me. Together, we experienced the rebuilding years, the emergence of a championship contender, and ultimately, the unforgettable journey to the 2021 NBA Championship.

That magical run will stay with me forever – the late-game shots, the comeback victories, and most importantly, bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to Milwaukee after 50 years.

To the incredible Bucks fans: Your passion and support through every up and down has been nothing short of amazing. From the early days at the Bradley Center, to the energy at Fiserv Forum and the packed Deer District during our championship run — the way this entire city rallies behind its team is something special that Ill always cherish.

To the Bucks organization: Thank you for believing in me, developing me, and giving me the opportunity to grow from a trade piece into an All-Star and champion.
To the Milwaukee community: This city has become my home.

The relationships built, the community initiatives we’ve worked on together, and the countless memories made both on and off the court will stay with me forever.

As I begin this new chapter, I’m excited for the opportunities ahead. But Milwaukee will always hold a special place in my heart.

This isn’t goodbye – it’s thank you.”

Khris Middleton was a cornerstone of the Bucks, playing a crucial role in their 2021 championship run and their continued pursuit of titles. Over 735 games with the team, Middleton averaged 17.1 points per game and was known as the team’s closer before Damian Lillard’s arrival in the 2023-2024 season.

He often delivered clutch shots to secure victories for Milwaukee. However, persistent injuries began to take a toll, impacting his role on the team.

This season, Middleton is averaging just 12.6 points over 23 games—his lowest since his first season with the Bucks in 2013-14. During the offseason, he underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles, further hindering his performance.

Still, Middleton was a fan favorite as well as being well-liked in the locker room. Following Middleton’s trade, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo took to his social media to show his love for his former teammate, posting two pictures of Middleton with the words, “My GOAT.”

How Do Reba McEntire And Rex Linn Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Christopher Polk / Penske Media via Getty Images

Reba McEntire and her boyfriend, actor Rex Linn, are preparing to celebrate Valentine’s Day together. The pair, who have been dating since 2020, has a Valentine’s Day tradition they follow every year.

While some couples grab dinner at a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day, Reba and Rex’s date is much more low-key. They go to the same eatery every year, but it doesn’t serve traditional Valentine’s Day dinners like lobster or steak.

So, where do Reba and Rex go to eat dinner on Valentine’s Day? Sonic! 

“It’s a ritual,” Reba told TODAY in 2024 about her and Rex’s Valentine’s Day tradition. After hearing their story, Sonic enlisted the couple to promote a “Sweetheart Meal” for Valentine’s Day that year.

The couple’s romance blossomed when they went out to dinner (not at Sonic) with friends in 2020. Reba, who’s often professed her love for casual foods like corn dogs and chicken tenders, was thrilled to see that tater tots were on the menu.

Rex found it amusing how much Reba loved tater tots. So he proclaimed that he was giving her the nickname “Tater Tot,” and it stuck. As their relationship progressed, Reba started calling him “Sugar Tot,” and now they refer to themselves as “The Tots.”

To celebrate their shared love of crispy, barrel-shaped potatoes, Reba and Rex go to Sonic on Valentine’s Day. “Every year, it’s an ongoing thing with us: The Tots go to Sonic,” Reba told TODAY.

Reba also discussed her and Rex’s Valentine’s Day meal in a 2023 conversation with Garth Brooks. She said Rex buys the meal, and they eat their food in the car.

“We love Sonic tater tots, they’re absolutely wonderful. And to go in there and get a #1 cheeseburger with everything on it and tater tots? Man, that’s a great Valentine’s dinner. We loved it, sat right there in the car and ate it.”

The Couple Currently Stars On The New NBC Sitcom Happy’s Place

Reba and Rex are practically inseparable. Since they’ve started dating, they’ve starred in multiple projects together, including The Hammer and Big Sky.

The couple currently appears on the new NBC sitcom Happy’s Place. The show stars Reba as Bobbie, a woman who discovers she has a younger half-sister following their father’s death. She and her sister, Isabella, must learn how to work together as they become new business partners running their dad’s tavern.

Rex plays the tavern’s cook, Emmett. He has a gruff, no-nonsense demeanor but also seems to have a softer side, particularly for Bobbie.

Reba and Rex star in the show with Reba’s close friend and former Reba sitcom co-star Melissa Peterman, who plays a bartender named Gabby. Melissa said that Reba and Rex are “adorable” to see together on set.

“…oftentimes…we’re taking a five-minute break or we’re having breakfast or lunch and you look over and we have a bar set—it takes place at Happy’s Place—and you look over and they’re in a booth at the bar. And it looks like they’re legitimately on a date at a restaurant just sitting together being so adorably cute.”

“The Tots” also work well together in the show, as you can see from one of their scenes below. We hope they have the happiest Valentine’s Day this year!

One of the biggest names in country music is coming to a Massachusetts stadium this summer.

George Strait announced Wednesday that he and Chris Stapleton will play five stadium shows this year.

Among the shows includes one at Gillette Stadium in Mansfield on Saturday, June 21.

“George Strait is back to headline FIVE stadium shows this year,” a post on Strait’s Instagram reads. “Don’t miss your chance to see the King of Country LIVE.”

Country music star Parker McCollum will also serve as a surprise guest at the Massachusetts concert. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21. Fans can shop for tickets now using reliable third-party ticket sellers like StubHub, VividSeats and SeatGeek.

A full list of stadium shows is below:

May 10 — Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

May 31 — Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

June 14 — Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York

June 21 — Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts

July 19 — SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

Dubbed the “King of Country Music,” Strait is multi-platinum, chart-topping and Grammy Award-winning artist.

The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee has sold more than 105 million albums and earned the third-most gold and platinum certifications of any artist, following The Beatles and Elvis Presley.

With more No. 1 songs than any other artist in history, Strait is also the only act to have a top 10 hit every year for more than three decades.

The Texas-born singer has released 31 studio albums with his most recent, “Cowboys And Dreamers,” being released in September 2024.

Last June, Strait broke the record for the largest crowd ever at a ticketed show in the U.S. The “Amarillo By Morning” singer drew an audience of 110,905 ticket-buying fans to his concert at Kyle Field on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas Saturday, June 15.

Strait broke the previous record, which was held by the Grateful Dead, Billboard reported. The rock band had 107,019 fans attend their 1977 show at Raceway Park in New Jersey.

“I keep trying to slow down a bit but you keep calling me back. Please don’t ever stop. I still love it just as much as I always have,” Strait said in a press release. “Thank you for an amazing year last year and I can’t wait to see you for a few more again this year.”

Juju Watkins delivered one of those unforgettable performances.

The 19-year-old supernova out of USC shined against the undefeated, top-ranked UCLA on Thursday night and her display got everyone’s attention.

Juju Watkins has been hailed by her teammates for her leadership on court

Watkins entered the game against UCLA in a scoring slump but broke out of it when it mattered with 38-point performance to topple previously unbeaten UCLA.

iN game that demonstrated why analysts are already giving her the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese tags, Watkins reached for perfection in front of a sold-out Galen Center crowd, that featured Hollywood star Kevin Hart and WNBA superstar Kelsey Plum, to make history in Los Angeles.

The win gave USC their first victory over a No.1 seed since 1983 and Watkins herself became the first Division One player in 20 years with at least 35 points, 5 blocks and 5 assists.

In true superstar fashion, Watkins had all of USC’s points in the second quarter and as the Bruins attempted to mount a comeback with a 10-0 run, she halted their momentum with a three-pointer that kept the Trojans ahead 38-35 at the half.

“I wear #12 to be like JuJu,” read a sign held by a youngster at the game, demonstrating the fame the 19-year-old is accruing.

However, it hasn’t all been rosy as of late for Watkins, her scoring slump saw her shoot 12 from 45 in her last two home games and was 4 of 25 from the 3-point range in that run.

“It took everything, it has been a rough couple weeks for me,” Watkins said on what was required to beat UCLA and get out of her poor run.

“There’s a lesson in everything and I think that is to always stay joyful on the court.”

Like all the best players do when they go on a dry run, Watkins came back with a bang, hitting 6 of 9 three-pointers and 8 of 10 free throws to go with 11 rebounds, eight blocks and five assists on the night.

“I didn’t plan on having that many blocks but that’s what we needed to win,” Watkins added.

Watkins would end the night with 38 points

Juju Watkins’ performances have earned her comparisons with Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb heaped praise on her response to the recent tough times, reminding reporters that this is a superstar they have on their team.

“JuJu’s just heroic with her shot-making and effort and intensity, especially coming with the million questions she gets when it’s not perfect out there,” Gottlieb said.

“We’ll never forget this night, it’s as good as anything I’ve ever seen.”

For such a big game, the stars were out in force with Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers in attendance, wearing a JuJu T-shirt, along with Hart, Issa Rae and singer Monica.

“When you have people like that show up you can’t disappoint,” Watkins said.

“I’m really just like a kid out there and just living out my dreams.”

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While Watkins was awed by the presence of celebrities, the feeling with mutual as at one point during the game, comedian Hart mimicked a bow in her direction.

This victory for USC moves them into first place in the Big Ten Conference and it sets up a mouth-watering rematch with UCLA, who will host the clash, on March 1.

Angel Reese knows exactly who she wants the Chicago Sky to bag with the third pick in the WNBA draft.

The 22-year-old revealed her choice from the upcoming class and assessed the strengths of her WNBA rivals on an episode of her podcast ‘Unapologetically Angel.’

Angel Reese opened up on the Chicago Sky

With UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers being selected by the Dallas Wings at No.1 a foregone conclusion, who goes at two, three and four is anyone’s guess.

Projections from analysts at ESPN expect Kiki Iriafen and Azzi Fudd to be the second and third picks from the Seattle Storm and Sky in the upcoming WNBA draft but stocks keep shifting.

Chicago superstar Reese told podcast guest Lisa Leslie she wants her team to select Olivia Miles when they are on the clock.

“It’s gonna be interesting with picks too, because Olivia Miles,” Leslie began.

“We’re trying to get her,” Reese quickly replied.

Leslie pointed out that attention on Miles is rising, saying: “I know, but she might up that stock. She might end up at two now.”

The Sky are in desperate need of a point guard and with Iriafen a power forward and Fudd a shooting guard, the next PG available is Miles.

ESPN projected Miles to be selected by the Washington Mystics at four but her standout performances in the ongoing college basketball season means it’ll be no shock if Seattle snaps her up with the second pick.

The 22-year-old is averaging an impressive 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6.3 assists per outing, leading Notre Dame to a stellar 22-2 record including a dominant 17-game winning streak.

This is not the first time Reese has publicly called for Miles’ arrival.

Angel Reese enjoyed a strong debut season before suffering an injury

The WNBA superstar is currently competing in the offseason Unrivaled league

When the point guard asked if she would wear her hair out for a game just last month, Reese chimed in with a cheeky suggestion.

“Yeah, but only if you color it blue and yellow,” she replied — a direct reference to the Sky’s team colors.

As Reese looks forward to the Sky strengthening their roster ahead of her sophomore season in the WNBA, the forward also recognized the strengths of rivals, particularly Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever.

The Fever have enjoyed a brilliant offseason with the addition of two WNBA champions in DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard.

Leslie, herself a double WNBA champion, told Reese: “Indiana has just gotten so much stronger, and they are trying to be contenders now, and they kept Kelsey Mitchell.”

Reese nodded in agreement before saying, “They did, yeah it’s tough.”

Angel Reese’s Unrivaled debut divides but fans jump to WNBA star’s defense
If Chicago can draft a star to pair with Reese at No.3, the Sky can enjoy a strong season in 2025 after the disappointment of last year.

Chicago was heading to the postseason before Reese suffered an injury that effectively derailed the campaign and ended any hopes of reaching the playoffs.

This upcoming WNBA season, expectations are Sky-high with a new coach and high draft selection, meaning a postseason run is the minimum aim.