There’s no place like RodeoHouston. And there’s nothing that gets a Houstonian going quite like the lineup reveal.

We know there will be country music — 15 acts this year, to be exact. That leaves just one each for pop, R&B and other genres. Who do you think it will be? ZZ Top? Hilary Duff? Los Tigres del Norte, again?

All will be revealed around 7 p.m. Thursday night. Until then, I clicked by boot heels and came up with a dream list of Rodeo performers. Some of these could actually happen. And some are about as likely as the actual lineup making everyone happy.

Article continues below this ad

Do I need to explain this one? She’s previously been there four times, twice with Destiny’s Child and twice as a solo act. But never as the culture-shifting icon she is today. And it would be the perfect place to preview a new tour/era/album.

Houston loves to love its own. The real question is why hasn’t this already happened? 

Article continues below this ad

He’s headlining the Super Bowl halftime show next month, whether you like it or not. And we know he can fill stadiums — he sold out two nights at Daikin Park. His Rodeo debut would be a guaranteed record-breaker.

The first and last time Swift played Rodeo was in 2009, all blonde curls and sparkly dresses. This would be a much different show.

Her vibrant blend of genres, from reggaeton to regional Mexican, makes Karol G a no-brainer. She even played NRG Stadium in 2023 as part of a massive solo tour. And we all know Rodeo could use a lot more women on the lineup.

One of the biggest recent Rodeo mysteries is why Combs hasn’t returned since his 2019 debut. He’s one of the genre’s biggest modern stars and better than most of his contemporaries. I think it’s time.

Where is the album? Where is the tour? Where is Rihanna? Probably not on the RodeHouston lineup. But we can dream.

RodeoHouston introduced K-pop in 2020 with NCT 127 but hasn’t brought it back since. BTS would be the perfect recharge. Incredibly, their only Houston date was in 2015(!) as part of the Highlight Tour at House of Blues, long before they became superstars. Imagine seeing BTS at House of Blues.

Grupo Firme’s live shows are nothing short of incredible, a marathon of energy, spontaneity and mayhem. Regional Mexican music is always a top draw. The only surprise is they haven’t already played.

She’ll be here in June on the Lux Tour. And I can’t think of anything more wonderfully weird than Rosalía on the dirt floor inside NRG Stadium.

Junior H is at the forefront of regional Mexican music’s fascination with sad boy culture, characterized by moody, emotive lyrics about love and heartbreak. He’s also a nonstop party onstage. This would be a total vibe.

Imagine 75,000 people singing along to “Hello” and “Easy on Me.” Then imagine me being the loudest one.

Cyrus can do country, pop, rock and pretty much whatever she wants. Her energy and star power would be a welcome reset for RodeoHouston. Plus, she’s a veteran. She performed as Hannah Montana in 2007 and 2008.

Tyler’s flair for the theatrical would fill NRG Stadium, literally and figuratively. He’s a performer made for huge venues.

Look, I’m not saying Williams is on the lineup this year. But her upcoming tour does not include a Houston date. Or maybe she’s just skipping us altogether. Boo.

The Chicks performed in 2002 but haven’t been back since. I think it’s time. Their music now plays like feel-good nostalgia. But onstage, they’re still bracing and urgent.

He’s an electric live performer whose shows combine Broadway dazzle and pop spectacle. In other words, a natural for the rotating stage.

Cornejo is a young sierreño artist whose music is emotional and dream-like. Too slow for Rodeo? Not even a little. His 2024 debut was one of the year’s best shows.

The trio from El Paso has earned a huge following for its shoegaze/dream pop/indie-rock songs. And anyone with a song inspired by Selena (“Tejano Blue”) knows Rodeo.

Speaking of, I’m still waiting for that proper Selena tribute, RodeoHouston. Here’s your lineup: AB Quintanilla (Selena’s brother) and the Kumbia All Starz, La Mafia, “Little” Joe y La Familia, Las 3 Divas (Shelly Lares, Elida Reyna, Stefani Montiel) and Jennifer Peña. And, of course, Jennifer Lopez.

A stadium full of 30-somethings and older grinding to “Get Ur Freak On?” I’m here for it.

Parton hasn’t performed at RodeoHouston since 1978. There were rumors that she was banned because of canceled shows. Not true. So what’s the holdup?

They’re certainly not averse to reuniting. Imagine the joy. Imagine the outfits. And maybe we can even get Posh Spice this time.

I know it sounds odd at first. But The Cure is a nostalgia act at this point. And Rodeo loves nostalgia. Can you imagine Robert Smith in a cowboy hat?

Pop music’s reigning princess would be a record-breaker. And she knows her way around a country song.

Harris has club cred and pop shine. He’s the perfect guy to bring back EDM night.

Or maybe Guetta, the French DJ and producer who collaborates with all your faves and has huge commercial appeal.

Or how about we get really crazy and bring in a woman DJ? Gou combines house, techno and ’90s rave nostalgia in one high-energy package.