Young Cody Collins replaces Richie McDonald as Lonestar's lead singer—what does it mean for the band?
Lonestar was left without a signature frontman after lead vocalist Richie McDonald left the group to pursue a solo career. The new singer, young Cody Collins, sat down with the rest of the band—Dean Sams, Michael Britt and Keech Rainwater—to talk about musical directions and the inevitable comparisons to come.

CW: Do you think Cody is ready for the comparisons to Richie?

Dean: We told him right off the bat that there are going to be people who say, "He doesn't sound like Richie, he doesn't look like Richie." The reality is, we didn't bring him in to fill Richie's shoes. It's about the future of Lonestar. Cody is an incredible vocalist and that's what people are going to notice." Exceprt from Country Weekly Interview, on stands now

Cody Collins is the new lead singer for Lonestar. He's replacing Richie McDonald, who has gone out on a solo venture. Band member Michael Britt says, quote, "Cody is a strong singer and brings a lot to the table with his vocal ability," and he assures fans that the band will continue to perform and record what he terms "Lonestar music." Collins didn't appear to be nervous when he performed for the first time with the group in his new official capacity. His introductory show took place in Nashville on Wednesday. Lonestar's first effort with Cody will be a new Christmas album, "My Christmas List," which will be available in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Restaurants beginning in November. Cracker Barrel will also sponsor the band's holiday tour.