Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The Alabama-born singer explains that late-night TV appearances and fans cheering his name don’t reflect real life.
Country singer Riley Green is enjoying the benefits of fame, but he admits it doesn’t reflect real life for him.
Fresh off winning three CMA Awards last month, Green described the effort it took to reach this point as just that—work. For him, true life happens on his farm in Alabama, where he spends time farming and hunting.
“I don’t have to remind myself too much,” Green told the Like a Farmer podcast when asked how he stays grounded. “Just being back at my place in Alabama is enough. When I go home, life slows down.”
He added, “It’s important to remember that what we do professionally isn’t reality. Fans cheering your name before a show isn’t real life… and going on late-night TV, that’s all part of building a brand, which is me touring and being a country artist.”
In his personal life, Green prefers simpler activities. “In real life, I’d rather be on my bulldozer on the farm or out hunting,” he said.
The Jacksonville, Alabama native shared a story about his uncle, who once told him that a waitress at the local Waffle House had a daughter who admired Green. For his uncle, that was “his measure of my success.”
“It didn’t matter that I was on a late-night show or won three CMAs the week before,” Green recalled. “It’s humbling to go home and be reminded of that. It puts everything into perspective.”
Green also discussed the growing interest in rural lifestyles, noting that his career now takes him to countries like Europe and Australia, where his style of country music hasn’t always been as popular as it is in the Southern U.S.
“I’ve seen this growth happen over a long period, but it’s really accelerated in the past few years,” he said. “People are really connecting with the down-home country lifestyle we grew up with.”
He reflected on the timing of his success as well. “If I had experienced this level of fame in my early 20s, it would’ve been rough,” the 37-year-old admitted. “Maturity helps you step back and handle things better. I’m grateful my success came gradually.”
Green also highlighted his favorite moments from 2025. Professionally, he cited the CMA Awards, where he won song of the year, single of the year, and music video of the year for his duet with Ella Langley, “You Look Like You Love Me.”
On a personal note, he paused before saying, “Maybe taking a deer with my bow in Kansas?”
