04/13/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2026
WYATT FLORES SURPRISED WITH OKLAHOMA MUSIC HALL OF FAME RISING STAR AWARD DURING SOLD-OUT STILLWATER CONCERT
Breakout artist honored in front of hometown crowd at Boys from Oklahoma show
Stillwater, OK — In front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd during the star-studded Boys from Oklahoma concert, up-and-coming musician Wyatt Flores was completely surprised to receive the coveted “Rising Star Award” from the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The award was presented to Flores by one of last year’s Hall of Fame inductees and a strong supporter and friend, Cody Canada, who was performing with his band, Cross Canadian Ragweed, as they headlined the show.
Flores rose to prominence seemingly overnight, capturing audiences as soon as they heard his music. The term most often used alongside his musical and songwriting talent is that he is one of the nicest young men you are likely to meet.
Making the announcement for the special award was Oklahoma music historian and Rogers State University professor Dr. Hugh Foley, an original founding member of the Hall of Fame. Tony Corbell, executive director of the Hall of Fame, said, “I have never seen a crowd be so clearly supportive and loving toward a young musician like Wyatt. The audience enthusiastically cheered through the entire award announcement, stood for every song, and knew every word of Wyatt’s music.”
“Wyatt embodies what Oklahoma music does best; honest storytelling, grit, and a sound that connects with people everywhere. He is part of a new generation of Red Dirt music and is making it his own,” says OMHOF Board of Directors President Megan Herriman. Since his national debut in 2021, this new artist has surpassed one billion career streams. The breakout single, “Please Don’t Go” went Platinum and he has performed on multiple national television and radio programs, toured nationally and internationally. His 2024 album, Welcome to the Plains, landed on multiple “Best Charts” for that year. His 2024 Half Life was praised and appreciated for its honest exploration of mental health, fame, and personal growth. “To receive this award in front of his hometown crowd is especially meaningful”, says Herriman.
The evening kicked off with previous Hall of Fame inductees The Great Divide, another crowd-pleasing band that got its start in the Stillwater music scene in 1992 and continues to enjoy a tremendous following. They were followed by the high-energy sound of Shane Smith and the Saints from Austin, Texas, who have seen recent success with appearances in the hit series “Yellowstone,” performances at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and a sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado.
Flores and his band of talented musicians followed Shane Smith and the Saints, serving as openers for the Turnpike Troubadours, one of the nation’s most popular touring acts. The band rose to prominence several years ago and has remained a major draw, selling out shows across the country. Recently, they were featured on “CBS Saturday Morning” and toured throughout the United Kingdom with Zach Bryan.
Headlining Saturday night’s show was Cross Canadian Ragweed, who have performed together since 1994. Following a four-year hiatus, the band reunited for a monumental four-night, sold-out run at the same stadium in April of last year. Over the course of an illustrious career, they have toured and performed with artists including Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Sammy Hagar, John Fogerty and Dierks Bentley.
Pictured: Dr. High Foley Jr., Tony Corbell, Executive Director of OMHOF, Cody Canada, Wyatt Flores, and OMHOF Board President Megan Herriman. Photos courtesy of Mandy Lynn Corbell, for OMHOF.
