Karen West

Monday – Friday 6am-10am


With almost 40 years in radio, Karen West lives and breathes the Country Radio lifestyle! As 97.3 The Eagle’s Assistant Brand Manager, Music Director and on-air morning personality, Karen’s love and passion for the format are unparalleled.

Obsessed with the new country artists Jackson Dean, Nate Smith, Bailey Zimmerman, Lainey Wilson, Chapel Hart, Priscilla Block, Jelly Roll…as well as those artists that blew the doors open for them…Waylon, Loretta, Garth, Strait.

Outside of radio Karen’s is extremely passionate about the many charitable causes that she gives her time to. The American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” campaign in memory of her sister Ginni, who passed away peacefully of breast cancer in 2005, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital’s endeavors to end childhood cancer are two charities that hold a very special place in her heart.

Karen is an author who has written two books to benefit various charities. Amazing Trace, A Sister’s Journal follows the story of her sister’s battle with breast cancer. Karen’s works are available at most online book retailers.

Her favorite quote of all time is from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Karen is a Hampton Roads native, born and raised in Newport News and now lives in Norfolk. She has four daughters who are her best friends.

Help Fill the Community Pet Pantry at Norfolk Animal Care Center This Saturday!

Help Fill the Community Pet Pantry at Norfolk Animal Care Center This Saturday!

Stuff the Bus at Norfolk Animal Care Center This Saturday! Looking for a way to make a difference for pets in Norfolk? Help fill the community pet pantry this Saturday, February 1st, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Norfolk Animal Care Center! NACC’s Waggin’ Wheels mobile unit will be parked right out front, ready to…

Zach Bryan Drops New Song “Blue Jean Baby” to Celebrate Eagles’ Win

Zach Bryan Drops New Song “Blue Jean Baby” to Celebrate Eagles’ Win

The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl-bound, and Zach Bryan kept his word to fans by releasing his long-anticipated new song, “Blue Jean Baby.” The track, which began as a demo, has been a fan favorite since Zach teased it online. In his announcement, Zach kept it humble, saying, “‘Blue Jean Baby’ was a demo that…

Blake Shelton to Host Star-Studded Opry 100: A Live Celebration

Blake Shelton to Host Star-Studded Opry 100: A Live Celebration

Get ready for an unforgettable night of country music as Blake Shelton takes the reins to host Opry 100: A Live Celebration, a three-hour special honoring the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary. The event will feature performances from some of country music’s biggest stars and Opry members, including Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie…

Win Luke Bryan Tickets Before You Can Buy Them!

Win Luke Bryan Tickets Before You Can Buy Them!

Get ready! Luke Bryan is hitting the road for his massive Country Song Came On Tour, kicking off May 29th in Bethel, NY. This 30+ city tour will bring Luke’s high-energy performances and chart-topping hits to fans across the country, with an impressive lineup of special guests joining him on select dates. Bryan will make…

Parker McCollum Abruptly Canceled a Concert Mid-Set Due to Sickness

Parker McCollum Abruptly Canceled a Concert Mid-Set Due to Sickness

Parker McCollum abruptly canceled his concert in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening . . . and just walked off the stage.  But he had a good reason. People at the show say he told the crowd he was sick, and he even threw up about 15 minutes before it started.  He told everyone he was going…

Tim McGraw Steps Down from Netflix’s Bull Riding Drama Due to Surgery

Tim McGraw Steps Down from Netflix’s Bull Riding Drama Due to Surgery

Tim McGraw Steps Away from Netflix Bull Riding Show Tim McGraw will no longer star in his Netflix bull riding series. According to Deadline, the untitled show, which was announced in May with Tim attached as both executive producer and lead actor, is now facing uncertainty. Sources report that Tim needs to undergo back surgery,…

Morgan Wallen Announces New Album and Stadium Tour

Morgan Wallen Announces New Album and Stadium Tour

Morgan Wallen just revealed the title of his highly anticipated fourth album, I’m The Problem, along with a massive stadium tour to go with it. The album’s title track, written by Wallen and a talented group of collaborators, drops next Friday, January 31st, the same day tickets go on sale for the tour. The I’m The Problem…

Chris Stapleton and Dale Earnhardt Jr Team Up for Daytona 500

Chris Stapleton and Dale Earnhardt Jr Team Up for Daytona 500

Chris Stapleton has partnered with Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s JR Motorsports to enter the Daytona 500! For the first time, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, will field a Cup Series entry as team owners with JRM. They’ll field the number-40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet to mark the occasion, inspired by Chris’s premium whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Justin…

Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney & Wife Hannah Welcome Baby #4

Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney & Wife Hannah Welcome Baby #4

Congratulations to Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay and his wife, Hannah, on the arrival of their fourth son! The couple welcomed baby Aubrey Ellis Mooney into the world this week. Joining his big brothers: Asher, Ames, and Abram. The couple shared the news in a joint Instagram post writing, “Our brand new baby BOY…

Eric Church and Luke Combs Named Co-Recipients of CRS 2025 Artist Humanitarian Award

Eric Church and Luke Combs Named Co-Recipients of CRS 2025 Artist Humanitarian Award

The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) have announced that Eric Church and Luke Combs will be co-recipients of the prestigious CRS 2025 Artist Humanitarian Award. This honor will be presented on Friday, February 21, 2025, during the annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville. This year’s award celebrates the extraordinary efforts of Church and Combs, who…

Post Malone Teams Up With Oreo on a New Cookie Flavor

Post Malone Teams Up With Oreo on a New Cookie Flavor

Post Malone is bringing his signature style to the snack aisle with a brand-new Oreo cookie collaboration! This limited-edition treat is a twisted creme — a first in Oreo history. Salted caramel and shortbread flavor are twisted between one chocolate Oreo cookie and one golden Oreo cookie. According to a press release, Each cookie also…

Zach Bryan To Release New Song if the Eagles Win the NFC

Zach Bryan To Release New Song if the Eagles Win the NFC

Zach Bryan, a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, took to social media to celebrate the team’s victory over the L.A. Rams on Sunday. But he’s raising the stakes for this weekend’s game against the Washington Commanders. Bryan promised that if the Eagles win the NFC, he’ll release a brand-new track called “Blue Jean Baby” on Sunday…

Tim McGraw to Headline Historic Concert at the ‘Field of Dreams’

Tim McGraw to Headline Historic Concert at the ‘Field of Dreams’

If you build it, he will come (to perform a country concert!) Tim McGraw is set to make history by headlining the first-ever concert at the legendary Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, on August 30th. The event is especially meaningful for Tim, as it falls on what would have been his father Tug McGraw’s…

Fan Hilariously Misses Woody Harrelson While Snapping a Photo with Darius Rucker!

Fan Hilariously Misses Woody Harrelson While Snapping a Photo with Darius Rucker!

Imagine running into a celebrity and not realizing you’re standing next to another A-list star. That’s exactly what happened to a fan in Charleston, South Carolina when she spotted Darius Rucker at a bar. In a now-viral TikTok, the fan shared her funny encounter, revealing how she asked Rucker’s friend to take a photo of…

Jelly Roll Opens 5-Story Honky Tonk in Nashville!

Jelly Roll Opens 5-Story Honky Tonk in Nashville!

Jelly Roll is taking over Broadway with his new five-story honky tonk, Goodnight Nashville, opening TODAY (1/16) at 209 Broadway. It’s a massive 27,000-square-foot “love letter” to his hometown and the first celeb-owned bar on Broadway by a Nashville native. Inside, you’ll find nods to his music, his family, and his roots. There’s a floor dedicated…

Post Malone’s Emotional Grand Ole Opry Debut: Watch the Star-Studded Highlights

Post Malone’s Emotional Grand Ole Opry Debut: Watch the Star-Studded Highlights

Missed Post Malone’s Grand Ole Opry debut in August? You’re in luck! The Opry has shared an amazing video capturing highlights from the special night. The video showcases Post’s heartfelt gratitude to the Opry and the country stars who showed up to support him. It also features appearances from Brad Paisley, Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill,…

Shaboozey’s Grand Ol Opry Debut Postponed to California Wildfires

Shaboozey’s Grand Ol Opry Debut Postponed to California Wildfires

Shaboozey was set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday in honor of Dolly Parton’s 79th birthday, but unforeseen circumstances have postponed his highly anticipated performance. Due to the devastating wildfires in California, Shaboozey had to evacuate his home, putting his long-awaited debut on hold. The Grand Ole Opry expressed their support on…

Thomas Rhett Set to Headline Fenway Park: “It’s Kinda Terrifying”

Thomas Rhett Set to Headline Fenway Park: “It’s Kinda Terrifying”

Thomas Rhett is set to take the iconic stage at Fenway this summer on July 19th. After almost making it happen in 2020, only to have it derailed by the pandemic, the show will feature an incredible lineup, including Teddy Swims, Tucker Wetmore, and The Castellows. Thomas announced the big news saying, “Ever since I…

Is Dierks Bentley Joining the Cast of Survivor? Fans Are Buzzing!

Is Dierks Bentley Joining the Cast of Survivor? Fans Are Buzzing!

Could we see country star Dierks Bentley on a future season of Survivor? Rumors are heating up, and fans are here for it! The speculation began when Survivor host Jeff Probst dropped an intriguing hint on his podcast. While discussing the upcoming season 49, Probst teased, “We have someone applying for season 49 who is…

Matt Stell Stuns with Surprise Engagement and Wedding in One Weekend

Matt Stell Stuns with Surprise Engagement and Wedding in One Weekend

Matt Stell has started 2025 with a love story that could rival any Hallmark movie. Over the holiday weekend, the country star revealed that not only did he propose to his girlfriend, Kasey Harvey, but the couple also got married the very next day. In a video posted to Instagram, Matt casually asked fans, “How…

Girl Scouts Announce the Retirement of Two Beloved Cookie Flavors

Girl Scouts Announce the Retirement of Two Beloved Cookie Flavors

Sad news for cookie fans: The Girl Scouts of the USA have announced that two of their popular cookie offerings will be discontinued after the current cookie season, which officially began on Tuesday. In a press release shared that morning, the organization confirmed that the 2025 cookie lineup will still feature fan favorites like Thin…

Norfolk Animal Care’s Pet Pantry Offers Pet Food Assistance to Families in Need

Norfolk Animal Care’s Pet Pantry Offers Pet Food Assistance to Families in Need

As economic challenges persist, more families are facing the heartbreaking choice between feeding their loved ones or their pets. Recognizing this growing need, Friends of Norfolk Animal Care Center (FNACC) took action and launched the Southside’s first Pet Pantry in 2011. Thanks to ongoing community support, the Pet Pantry has grown. With the help of…

Winter Weather Preparedness: How to Stay Safe During Freezing Temperatures

Winter Weather Preparedness: How to Stay Safe During Freezing Temperatures

If you need to travel, use caution and wear proper clothing, hats, and gloves. VDOT encourages you to keep an emergency supply kit in your car with these automobile extras: Jumper cables Flares or reflective triangle Ice scraper Car cell phone charger Blanket Map Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction) Residents should also have…

Jason Aldean Responds to Fantasy Football Punishment at His Nashville Bar

Jason Aldean Responds to Fantasy Football Punishment at His Nashville Bar

Fantasy football is all fun and games—until you come in last place. While winners often walk away with bragging rights and cash prizes, the losers aren’t always so lucky. Over the weekend, Tennessee Titans fan Nathan Cisco discovered just how creative punishments can get when he served his sentence at Jason Aldean’s bar on Broadway…

Krispy Kreme Unveils Pop-Tart-Inspired Donuts for a Limited Time

Krispy Kreme Unveils Pop-Tart-Inspired Donuts for a Limited Time

Can’t decide between Pop-Tarts and donuts for breakfast? Now you don’t have to! Krispy Kreme has just launched three new donuts inspired by Pop-Tarts, and they’re taking breakfast indulgence to a whole new level. The new creations include bite-sized Pop-Tarts Bites on top, adding a fun twist to each flavor. If you’re a fan of…

Post Malone Leaves $20,000 Tip for Houston Bartender on Christmas Eve Visit

Post Malone Leaves $20,000 Tip for Houston Bartender on Christmas Eve Visit

For Renee Brown, a 36-year-old single mom and bartender in Houston, this Christmas Eve turned out to be anything but ordinary. Working the late shift at The Railyard, a neighborhood bar, she wasn’t expecting much on the slow holiday night. Then Post Malone and his crew walked in. Renee, who juggles two jobs while homeschooling…

Miranda Lambert Shares Her Relatable New Year’s Resolutions

Miranda Lambert Shares Her Relatable New Year’s Resolutions

As we step into a brand-new year, it turns out even country superstar Miranda Lambert isn’t immune to the struggle of sticking to New Year’s resolutions. In a recent conversation with Bunny XO, the singer opened up about her approach to the new year and why she’s moved away from traditional resolutions. “Oh God,” Miranda…

Morgan Wallen Kicks Off the New Year with a Surprise Single!

Morgan Wallen Kicks Off the New Year with a Surprise Single!

Morgan Wallen is ringing in 2025 in style by surprising fans with a brand-new single, “Smile.” After weeks of teasing snippets on his socials, many thought they’d have to wait until his next album for the full track. But Morgan had other plans, dropping the song just in time to kick off the new year!…

The Country Albums to Look Forward to in 2025

The Country Albums to Look Forward to in 2025

As we gear up for 2025, country music fans have plenty to be excited about. Some of the biggest names in the genre are releasing new albums, with several highly anticipated projects already confirmed for early in the year. Here’s a look at the confirmed country album releases so far: January 10th: Look Up by…

The Biggest Country Tours Confirmed for 2025

The Biggest Country Tours Confirmed for 2025

If you’re still searching for the perfect holiday gift, why not give the gift of LIVE MUSIC? 🎶 Country fans have plenty to look forward to next year, with some of the genre’s biggest names hitting the road in 2025. Here are the 10 biggest confirmed country tours for 2025: Randy Travis’ More Life Tour…

Lainey Wilson Returns for Yellowstone Finale Appearance

Lainey Wilson Returns for Yellowstone Finale Appearance

Lainey Wilson made her much-anticipated return as Abby during the Yellowstone finale on Sunday night, and fans are buzzing about it. Without giving away any spoilers (in case you haven’t caught up yet), let’s just say her return was a welcomed surprise, and viewers seem thrilled with how the show brought her character back. Adding…

Post Malone, Lainey Wilson, and Shaboozey Have Joined Nashville’s New Year’s Lineup

Post Malone, Lainey Wilson, and Shaboozey Have Joined Nashville’s New Year’s Lineup

If you don’t have plans for New Year’s, how about hanging with Shaboozey? Shaboozey, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, and Post Malone are the latest additions to the lineup for New Year’s Eve: Nashville’s Big Bash on CBS. Other performers include Tyler Hubbard, Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Brittney Spencer, Chris Stapleton, and Zach Top.…

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve to Feature Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson and More

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve to Feature Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson and More

If you’re staying home to watch the ball drop on TV New Year’s Eve, you’ll be able to ring  in 2025 with Blake, Carrie, Cody and more of your favorite country stars. This year, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” will have a bit more of a country vibe. They’ve announced that Blake Shelton, Dasha, Ernest and Hardy are onboard, along with previously announced…

Morgan Wallen Thanks Fans with Surprise Message After Tour Wraps [WATCH]

Morgan Wallen Thanks Fans with Surprise Message After Tour Wraps [WATCH]

Morgan Wallen is a man of mystery.  For starters, he won CMA Entertainer of the Year and still hasn’t even said anything about it. And, in general, he doesn’t post or share much, so it’s tough to get updates on him . . . especially since his One Night at a Time Tour wrapped back in October. However, fans who attended…

Post Malone to Perform a Free Show Before the Super Bowl

Post Malone to Perform a Free Show Before the Super Bowl

Post Malone is adding some excitement to Super Bowl weekend with a special free performance! On Friday, February 7th, just two days before the Super Bowl, Post Malone will take the stage at The Fillmore in New Orleans for a free show titled Bud Light Backyard Presents Post Malone. Here’s how to snag tickets: Fans aged…

See Dasha’s Makeup Mishap During Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade [VIDEO]

See Dasha’s Makeup Mishap During Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade [VIDEO]

If you tuned into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, you may have caught Dasha’s performance of her hit song, “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’).” But it wasn’t just her vocals that had people talking—it was her unexpected makeup moment. Dasha hit the stage in the rain, rocking a bold red lipstick. But as she…

Cody Johnson Gave a “Tour” of the Tattoos on His Body [WATCH]

Cody Johnson Gave a “Tour” of the Tattoos on His Body [WATCH]

Cody Johnson recently shared the story of one of his most unique tattoos, which he had placed in an area most tattoo artists rarely touch—the bottom of his foot. During a video tour of his tattoos, Cody revealed that he asked a tattoo artist to ink a simple line on the sole of his foot.…

Jelly Roll Celebrated the End of His Tour by Throwing His Phone Into a River

Jelly Roll Celebrated the End of His Tour by Throwing His Phone Into a River

Jelly Roll just wrapped up his incredible Beautifully Broken Tour—an unforgettable run of 58 sold-out arenas in just 13 weeks. But it wasn’t just his music that had fans talking after his final show on Tuesday night; it was his bold farewell to social media and phones altogether. Before taking the stage for the last…

Luke Combs Sets the Record Straight on Hurricane Relief Funds

Luke Combs Sets the Record Straight on Hurricane Relief Funds

Country superstar Luke Combs recently addressed concerns from a fan about the allocation of funds raised during the Concert for Carolina. The event, held in October, featured Luke and Eric Church raising over $24 million to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Despite the success of the event, a fan on…

Blake Shelton Launches Hilarious New Merch Line

Blake Shelton Launches Hilarious New Merch Line

Blake Shelton is taking a fresh approach to fan merch, and it’s delightfully simple — and maybe a little silly. The country star dropped his new single “Texas” earlier this month and is gearing up for his Friends & Heroes Tour in February. To celebrate, he launched some merchandise that fans are loving for its…

Paramedics Rush the Stage Because They Were Fooled by the Zach Bryan “Revival” Stunt

Paramedics Rush the Stage Because They Were Fooled by the Zach Bryan “Revival” Stunt

If you’ve ever been to a Zach Bryan concert, you know the performances are packed with energy and surprises. One recurring moment during the band introductions is when the banjo player hilariously “fakes” a medical emergency. The act usually involves him slumping over, clutching his chest, and being “revived” by his bandmates—before springing back to…

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