Keith Ormrod isn’t just a tribute artist, he’s the kind of performer who steps onstage and instantly makes a crowd feel at home. With an easygoing charm and a sound that channels the best of Kenny Chesney, Keith has built a career on connecting with fans who show up ready for good music, good energy, and a fun time. He’s genuine, hardworking, and dialed into the details that make his Kenny Chesney tribute feel authentic and never forced. As he continues to bring that “No Shoes Nation” spirit to stages across the country, we sat down with him to talk about his journey, his inspiration, and what keeps him chasing the next great performance.
If you had to describe Keith-as-Kenny in three words, what would they be?
“Enthusiastic, confident, and hilarious!”
What part of Kenny Chesney’s music first drew you to it? Was it a lyric, a story, or a moment in your own life?
“What got me into Kenny Chesney’s music was my co‑worker David. He said to me, “You look like Kenny Chesney.” I replied, “Who?” I didn’t know who he was. I didn’t listen to country that much, mostly rap and rock. He said, “You should come to his concert with us next month, but you have to wear a cowboy hat and boots.” I told him I had those; we have a ranch in Show Low. The concert was going to have Sammy Hagar and others, so I thought to myself, okay, I’ll go because of Sammy Hagar.”
“We got to the stadium and started tailgating, and people came up to me saying I looked like Kenny. But I still really didn’t know who he was. Then we went into the venue, and that’s when it all started. A bunch of people came up to me asking if I was Kenny. I told them no. A few said, “Well, Kenny is bald and you’re not.” I heard that a few times, so when I got home the next day, I shaved my head.”
“Then I started going to Toby Keith’s Bar and met a guy who looked like Tim McGraw (Brett Neff). We started hanging out. Then we went to Las Vegas for NFR, walked into Toby Keith’s bar, and the band said, “We have a couple of celebrities in the house.” We looked around, then they called both of us onstage. We got up there, and they started playing the “Rockstar” song by Kenny and Tim. I saw a microphone on the stand, grabbed it, and started singing the song. Then the singer sang the Tim part. When the song ended, he said, “Are you Kenny Chesney?” I said no. He asked where I play in Vegas. I said I don’t, I live in Phoenix, and this was my first time on a stage. He took my number and said they were doing a tribute band and asked if I’d be interested.”
“I’ve been doing the tribute show now for thirteen years. I just won the Josie Awards Country Male Artist Tribute of the Year for 2025. This is a big Nashville event for all tribute artists.”
Have you ever added your own twist to a Kenny performance that fans loved?
“I don’t have a different twist for the show. I’ve been studying him and getting all of his mannerisms down, so it’s pretty much like going to see a Kenny Chesney show, except it’s me!”
What’s your pre-show ritual?
“My pre‑show ritual is singing a little to get my voice warmed up, then stretching, then doing 50 push‑ups, jumping up and down 25 times, and taking a shot of Blue Chair Bay Rum to get my body ready for the show.”
Do you have a favorite Kenny Chesney song to perform and does it change depending on the crowd?
“My favorite Kenny Chesney song is “Anything But Mine.” My second is “Somewhere With You.” I try to keep both of them in my set list, but it depends on how long the show is going to be. We change the set list based on the fans. If they’re ready to have fun, we keep the faster songs in and skip the slower ones.”
If you could duet with Kenny Chesney, what song would you pick?
“If Kenny Chesney ever asked me to sing a duet with him, I would pick “Anything But Mine” or “Beer in Mexico.” Or whatever song he wanted to do.”
You’re known for looking remarkably like Kenny Chesney. Do you have a funny story about a time a fan was absolutely convinced you were him?
“I’ve had my picture taken with a bunch of celebrities, but the one I still talk about to this day was in Las Vegas when I was sitting at the bar at the MGM Hotel during the ACM Awards. A guy tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Kenny Chesney. Hi, I’m Kiefer Sutherland. Can I get a picture with you?” I said, “I’m not Kenny Chesney, but can I get a picture with you?” He was confused. He kept saying, “You are Kenny,” and I kept telling him no. I said, “Wait here, I’m going to go grab a friend.” When I left, he kept asking my buddies, saying, “That was really Kenny, right?” That was in 2016 when he put out his country album.”
Where Can You See Keith as Kenny Next?
Keith’s story is one of those rare ones that feels almost unreal until you see it unfold in person, from being mistaken for Kenny in stadium parking lots and Vegas bars to building a thirteen‑year tribute career that fans connect with instantly. The best part is you don’t have to wait long to watch it happen live! You can catch Keith as Kenny at upcoming shows across the country.
CordeValle Winery | September 4th
Yavapai Fair Prescott | September 12th
Wildwood Amphitheater | September 25th
Highland Park Oktoberfest | September 26th
Music at the Patch | November 7th
Last Updated on 09/06/2026 by Taryn Cantrell
About the Author:
CLN Community Sponsor
