Crossword puzzle clue "state that was once a country"

Once, once more and yet once more

State that was once a country

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin

Singer whose "Country Boy" hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart in 2009: 2 wds.

Engaged in country-to-country combat

"I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" singer

Duo whose "Play Something Country" hit #1 on the Billboard Country Songs Chart in 2005: 3 wds.

Country that won medals only in cross-country skiing in Torino