Now Entering Backstage Country: Elaina Smith
• Beasley Media Group and Key Networks jointly announced that award-winning Country radio personality Elaina Smith is joining Backstage Country as the show’s new co-host alongside Country star Riley Green, starting Monday, Feb. 17.
Elaina is already fully up to speed on the Nashville music scene, having most recently hosted the Westwood One-syndicated Nights With Elaina, earning four Gracie Awards and an ACM Award.
“Backstage Country‘s vision is one that I have admired for some time now,” Elaina said. “Getting to be a part of it in 2025 is so incredibly exciting. My love of radio, Country music, Country listeners, and interviewing are just a few reasons I knew this was the perfect partnership! It’s also a fun full-circle moment being able to work with two of my favorite guys in the industry again, John Shomby and Dennis Green. Grateful to everyone at Backstage Country and Beasley for trusting me with the future of this show. Can’t wait to bring listeners across the country even closer to Nashville and their favorite artists!” In addition to Backstage Country, Elaina will continue with other radio projects, VO, television hosting appearances, etc.
Elaina got her start in the entertainment industry at Entertainment Tonight and The Insider in Los Angeles, later joining the Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw show on KFMB (100.7 Jack FM)/San Diego. After a stint as morning co-host on Cumulus Top 40 WAOA (WA1A)/Melbourne, Elaina relocated to Nashville in early 2014 as co-host of NASH Nights Live with Shawn Parr, which eventually lead to Nights With Elaina.
“Our programming team couldn’t be more excited to have Elaina as part of our team,” said Beasley Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. “She is high energy, amazingly talented, and a true entertainer! We believe Elaina will help us continue to make Backstage Country the most entertaining Country show in America.”
Dennis Green, COO, Key Networks, noted, “We are thrilled to welcome Elaina as co-host, an award-winning talent in her own right who will bring the Midas touch to what has simply become the best show in Country radio syndication. Elaina, along with today’s Country music superstars, co-hosting Backstage Country is unlike anything on the air today. I can’t wait to welcome more affiliates and their listeners around the country to be a part of the magic!”
Green added, “I also want to thank Kelly Ford for the amazing job she did as our co-host of Backstage Country. Her talents helped take this show to another level, and we wish her all the best with her work as afternoon drive host and Music Director at [Connoisseur Media’s WWWF (103.1 The Wolf)] on Long Island.”
To learn more about Backstage Country, contact Dennis Green at 844.KEY.NETS or dennis@keynetworks.com.
