CMA-Fest-X-SoFi-Vertical-Stack-2026-Nashville.png

#CMAFest26 | Rising star Lily Meola talks musical journey from American Idol and working with Willie Nelson

The 2026 CMA Fest is coming to a close. 100,000 fans came from across the world to see country music’s biggest and brightest stars. One such star is Hawaii’s Lily Meola.

More From Lily

She burst on the scene with a gold buzzer on American Idol, and she took the time to talk to us about her musical journey, women in country music, and working with legendary artists.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center discuss health and how it impacts farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans on this special LIVE call-in show.
The internationally-known “King of Polka,” 18-time Grammy award winner for “Best Polka Album,” and bandleader of arguably the most popular polka band in America—Jimmy Sturr—is taking to the stage for another slate of shows made for his fans and polka lovers across the country.
This half-hour program showcases the finest traditional country music that America has to offer. Recorded live at the four-acre Circle T Arena in Hamilton, Texas, each episode of TruCountry features live performances by some of the nation’s most authentic country music artists, playing good-time songs to a jam-packed dance floor.
“Positively Paula,” is a nationally-syndicated lifestyle/food show that invites viewers to share a moment with their friend: Paula Deen, who we know and love.
“Small Town, Big Deal” follows hosts Rodney Miller and Jann Carl across the country as they scour rural America for the best stories of faith, hope, patriotism, and good common sense that our small towns and farming communities have to offer.