Melissa Etheridge and Wynonna Judd Announce 27-Date Raised on Radio Tour, Honoring Childhood Radio and Shared Losses
Melissa Etheridge and country‑music icon Wynonna Judd have confirmed a 27‑date co‑headlining tour that will begin on June 24, 2026, and run through September. The tour, titled Raised on Radio, will take the two artists to venues across the United States, including stops in San Diego, Reno, Atlanta, Seattle and a special symphony performance at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia.
The announcement came on March 9, 2026, when the pair issued a joint press release and appeared on several media outlets. According to the release, the tour will feature a mix of their most popular songs and newer material, with each artist performing a full set followed by a joint encore. The schedule includes 27 dates, with ticket sales beginning in early April.
In a recent interview with ABC News’ Nightline, Etheridge explained the logistical challenges of coordinating two high‑profile performers. “They don’t know how hard it is to coordinate two artists to get together and do something. It’s almost impossible,” she said. “Where we’re at in our life right now, this is something we want to come out and do.” The interview also highlighted the personal significance of the tour for both musicians.
Judd added that the concept of the tour stems from a shared childhood experience. “We were all raised on radio,” she said. “I remember hearing my song for the first time on the radio. Everybody has a memory. And everybody in the audience, when I sing ’80s and ’90s, they go nuts.” Etheridge, who publicly came out in 1993, echoed the sentiment, noting that fans often share stories of how her music helped them during formative years.
Both artists have endured profound personal losses in recent years. Wynonna’s mother and former duet partner, Naomi Judd, died by suicide on April 30, 2022, the day before the duo was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Melissa’s son, Beckett Cypher, died in 2020 at age 21 from causes related to opioid addiction. In the Nightline interview, Etheridge reflected on the impact of losing a child, saying, “Losing a child is devastating. There’s not even a word for it in the English language.” She emphasized the importance of self‑care and continuing to create music as a form of healing.
The tour’s title, Raised on Radio, also nods to the artists’ own career milestones. Etheridge’s breakthrough album Yes I Am was released in 1993, the same year she publicly identified as a lesbian. The album’s success helped cement her status as a rock and pop icon. Wynonna’s solo career, which began after the disbandment of The Judds in 1991, has produced multiple platinum albums and a string of No. 1 country hits.
Industry observers note that the collaboration brings together two distinct musical worlds—rock and country—under a shared theme of nostalgia. The tour’s schedule includes a special symphony performance at Wolf Trap, a venue known for blending classical and contemporary music, which may broaden the audience reach for both artists.
Ticket sales for the tour are expected to begin in early April, with pricing tiers ranging from standard admission to VIP packages that include meet‑and‑greet opportunities and exclusive merchandise. The tour’s promotion has already generated buzz on social media, with fans expressing excitement about seeing the two legends share a stage.
As of now, the tour’s official website lists all 27 dates and venues, and the artists have confirmed that the setlists will feature a mix of hits and new material. No additional dates or special events have been announced beyond the current schedule.
The Raised on Radio tour represents a rare collaboration between two veteran performers who have both navigated personal tragedy while maintaining active careers. By combining their distinct musical styles and shared memories of radio, Etheridge and Judd aim to offer audiences a unique concert experience that honors the past while celebrating their ongoing artistry.