Country music icons Rascal Flatts are making waves in 2025 with their highly anticipated album, Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets, set to release on June 6 via Big Machine Records. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, the trio—Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney—has teamed up with pop and country superstars, including the Backstreet Boys and Kelly Clarkson, to reimagine their greatest hits. This collaboration has fans buzzing, blending the best of country and pop in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting project, from the tracklist to the standout performances that are already stealing the spotlight.
A Dream Collaboration Comes to Life
Rascal Flatts has been a cornerstone of country music for over two decades, known for heartfelt ballads like “What Hurts the Most” and upbeat anthems like “Life Is a Highway.” For their latest project, they’ve invited an eclectic lineup of artists to put a new spin on their classics. The idea for Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets was sparked by a collaboration with the Backstreet Boys, which inspired the trio to create a full album of duets. “The Backstreet Boys is the first thing we did, and it turned out great,” Joe Don Rooney shared with their label, highlighting how this partnership set the stage for the entire project.
The album features 10 tracks, including nine reimagined Rascal Flatts hits and one new single, “I Dare You,” recorded with the Jonas Brothers. Other artists joining the lineup include Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Brandon Lake, Ashley Cooke, Jordan Davis, and Lzzy Hale. However, it’s the collaborations with the Backstreet Boys on “What Hurts the Most” and Kelly Clarkson on “I’m Movin’ On” that are generating the most excitement.
Backstreet Boys Bring Pop Flair to “What Hurts the Most”
The Backstreet Boys, one of the most iconic boy bands of all time, bring their signature harmonies to Rascal Flatts’ 2006 hit “What Hurts the Most.” This collaboration, released on May 2, 2025, has been described as a “vocal-driven masterclass of emotive, pop-country magic.” The track blends Rascal Flatts’ heartfelt country roots with the Backstreet Boys’ polished pop sound, creating a version that feels both familiar and entirely new.
The two groups performed the song live at the 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards on May 8, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. Their medley, which also included Rascal Flatts’ “I Dare You,” Backstreet Boys’ “Larger Than Life,” and “Life Is a Highway,” was a show-stopping moment that had the crowd singing along. “They’re just such great singers, and their melodies are so good,” Rooney told Billboard before the performance, praising the Backstreet Boys’ vocal prowess. Fans on X echoed the excitement, with posts calling the collaboration a “dream come true” for Y2K-era music lovers.
Kelly Clarkson’s Soulful Take on “I’m Movin’ On”
Kelly Clarkson, a powerhouse vocalist and longtime friend of Rascal Flatts, lends her voice to “I’m Movin’ On,” a track from the trio’s debut album that won ACM Song of the Year. Released on March 14, 2025, this duet is a poignant reunion that showcases Clarkson’s soulful delivery alongside Rascal Flatts’ delicate harmonies. “The anthem still hits home with a soulful, heartbreaking edge 25 years after its initial release,” noted Entertainment Focus.
The collaboration has been praised for its emotional depth, with Clarkson taking the lead while Rascal Flatts adds subtle, supportive vocals. Fans have called it a “full-circle moment,” especially since Clarkson’s powerful voice amplifies the song’s themes of resilience and moving forward. “Hearing Rascal Flatts and Kelly Clarkson on ‘I’m Movin’ On’ is something we didn’t know we needed until now,” wrote Country Music News Blog.
The Full Tracklist and Other Highlights
Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets is a celebration of Rascal Flatts’ 25-year legacy, featuring a diverse roster of artists who bring their unique styles to the trio’s catalog. Here’s the complete tracklist:
- “I Dare You” (with Jonas Brothers)
- “Fast Cars and Freedom” (with Jason Aldean)
- “My Wish” (with Carly Pearce)
- “Mayberry” (with Blake Shelton)
- “Stand” (with Brandon Lake)
- “Summer Nights” (with Ashley Cooke)
- “What Hurts the Most” (with Backstreet Boys)
- “Yours If You Want It” (with Jordan Davis)
- “Life Is a Highway” (with Lzzy Hale)
- “I’m Movin’ On” (with Kelly Clarkson)
Each track offers a fresh take on a Rascal Flatts classic. For example, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm joins the trio for a high-energy rendition of “Life Is a Highway,” while Blake Shelton adds his signature twang to “Mayberry.” The lead single, “I Dare You,” featuring the Jonas Brothers, is already climbing the charts, sitting in the Top 40 just weeks after its release.
A Milestone Moment for Rascal Flatts
2025 marks a significant year for Rascal Flatts, as they celebrate 25 years since their self-titled debut album. After a planned farewell tour in 2020 was canceled due to the pandemic, the trio made a triumphant return with their Life Is a Highway Tour, which kicked off in February 2025 and has sold out most dates. The duets album is another way for the band to thank their fans, with Gary LeVox reflecting, “This album is just another attempt for us to thank our fans for the blessings they’ve given us on this crazy journey the past 25 years.”
The project also highlights Rascal Flatts’ versatility, as they bridge country and pop with ease. Their collaboration with the Backstreet Boys, in particular, has been a long-held dream for both groups, who were defining acts of the Y2K era. “It was such an honor to create this project with such incredibly talented artists,” LeVox added.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
Fans have taken to social media to share their excitement for Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets. On X, posts have praised the Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts’ ACM Awards performance, with one user calling it a “crossover event we’ll never forget.” Kelly Clarkson’s duet has also struck a chord, with fans describing it as “heart-wrenching” and “perfect.”
Looking ahead, Rascal Flatts shows no signs of slowing down. They’re continuing their Life Is a Highway Tour with stops across the U.S., including nearly sold-out shows in Uncasville, CT, and Allentown, PA. The Backstreet Boys, meanwhile, are gearing up for a Las Vegas Sphere residency in July, where they’ll perform their 1999 album Millennium in full, including “Larger Than Life.” Kelly Clarkson remains a busy force, fresh off hosting and performing at the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in December 2024.
Where to Pre-Order and Listen
Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets is available for pre-order now at RascalFlatts.com. Fans can stream “What Hurts the Most” with the Backstreet Boys and “I’m Movin’ On” with Kelly Clarkson on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The album’s release on June 6, 2025, is sure to be a highlight of the summer music scene.
Conclusion
Rascal Flatts’ Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets is more than just an album—it’s a celebration of 25 years of music, friendship, and cross-genre collaboration. With the Backstreet Boys and Kelly Clarkson among the featured artists, the project brings together some of the biggest names in pop and country for a collection that’s both nostalgic and innovative. Whether you’re a longtime Rascal Flatts fan or new to their music, this album promises something special. Mark your calendars for June 6, and get ready to sing along to these reimagined classics!
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