Country music’s male superstars chase Kenny Rogers’ pop culture ideal

Country music’s expectations of male stardom are at a dynamic crossroads.

Essentially, the moment has arrived where male stars merely vying for being country music’s “entertainer of the year” isn’t enough.

Male stars are not just filling arenas and singing platinum-selling songs, they’re also serving — as country’s female stars have for decades — as television hosts, brand promoters, and recognizable mainstream marketing faces, able to charm people and kiss babies with equal aptitude.