Country music and bull riding collided in electrifying fashion on Friday, August 8, 2025, as platinum-selling artist Chris Janson took the stage in Sunrise, Florida, to help launch the inaugural PBR Friday Night Live. Hosted by FOX Nation, this brand-new 10-week series marks a significant moment for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) organization, as it brings the adrenaline of bull riding to a national television audience each Friday evening, culminating in the championship at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena on October 24.
Janson, known for his chart-topping hits like "Buy Me a Boat" and "Fix a Drink," didn’t just perform—he set the tone for the entire series with a high-energy set featuring songs from his latest album, Wild Horses. The event, as reported by FOX Nation and Rodeo On SI, wasn’t just a celebration of bull riding; it was also a showcase for the evolution of Janson’s music and the deepening partnership between country music and America’s rodeo culture.
For Janson, this moment was more than just another show. The 39-year-old Grand Ole Opry member described Wild Horses as the most authentic album of his career, a record that he poured his heart and soul into. "Music is supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to make you feel good, make you enjoy life, and I think that we have nailed it with this record," Janson told Live In The D, reflecting on the album’s 15 tracks, including the fan favorite "Me & A Beer."
His performance at PBR Friday Night Live was especially meaningful, as he shared songs that, in his own words, are "honest and raw, lots of heartfelt stories, and lots of good times." Janson explained to FOX Nation, "I wrote what I wanted and sang and produced the album how I wanted. It’s honest and raw, lots of heartfelt stories, and lots of good times." For him, the inspiration for Wild Horses came straight from everyday life: "I gain inspiration from real life—my wife, my kids, my everyday life, my friends, gains and losses, living a great life, and death. Overall, I hope all listeners find something they can identify with."
Janson’s authenticity and down-to-earth approach are part of what has made him a fixture in country music. Not only has he crafted his own hits, but he’s also written songs for icons like Tim McGraw and Hank Williams, Jr. Yet, despite his success, he remains humble about his role alongside the tough-as-nails bull riders of the PBR. "I’d love to ride bulls and claim that cool title," Janson joked to FOX Nation, before adding, "The truth is, I’m not as tough as those guys. They’re the real deal. I’m glad I can still be a part of PBR by lending my music. That’s what I do best. I write and sing hits, and love to hear folks sing along. I appreciate the partnership."
The partnership between PBR, FOX Nation, and Chris Janson is more than just a marketing move—it’s a melding of cultures that share a love of American tradition, grit, and family values. Janson captured the spirit of the event perfectly, saying, "Being a part of this event with PBR and Fox Nation is like combining one big family. God, Family, Country, Country Music, and bull riding. What real American wouldn’t love that?"
Janson’s summer tour, coinciding with the release of Wild Horses, has allowed fans across the country to experience his new music live. As he told Live In The D, "There’s a little bit of rock, there’s a little bit of roll, there’s a whole lot of soul that fits right in Detroit." The album, released on August 8, 2025, the same day as his PBR performance, is already being hailed by Janson as his personal favorite. "This is by far my favorite album that I’ve made in my career," he declared, hoping that listeners will take away "a good vibe and a lot of fun."
Meanwhile, the PBR Friday Night Live series is set to bring the thrill of bull riding to living rooms across the nation. Each week, the broadcast will spotlight a different city, building momentum toward the championship event in Las Vegas. According to FOX Nation, this is the first dedicated bull riding broadcast for the network, signaling a growing appreciation for the sport’s unique blend of danger, skill, and spectacle.
The synergy between Janson’s music and the bull riding world feels almost inevitable. Both celebrate resilience, authenticity, and the highs and lows of life. Janson’s lyrics, often drawn from personal experience—his family, his friends, his triumphs and struggles—mirror the stories of the riders who risk everything for eight seconds of glory. It’s a partnership that feels as natural as a cowboy’s hat on a Saturday night.
As the weeks unfold, fans can expect more than just bull riding and country tunes. The partnership is poised to highlight the shared values and communal spirit that define both country music and rodeo culture. For Janson, it’s a chance to connect with audiences in a whole new way. "I hope all listeners find something they can identify with," he said, emphasizing the universal themes that run through his music—love, loss, joy, and the pursuit of a good time.
Looking ahead, the excitement is palpable. The PBR Friday Night Live series promises to be a game-changer for both the sport and its fans, while Janson’s Wild Horses continues to ride high on the charts and in the hearts of country music lovers. For those who tuned in on August 8, the message was clear: whether you’re in the arena or in the crowd, there’s a place for you in this celebration of music, sport, and American spirit.
With his signature blend of sincerity and showmanship, Chris Janson has helped usher in a new era for PBR and country music alike—one that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on fans old and new.
