The Academy of Country Music has announced the winners of the awards which are no longer televised. Reba received the Career Achievement Award, which goes to an artist who promotes country music in multiple areas of the entertainment world. Taylor Swift was recognized with the Jim Reeves International Award for her contributions to the acceptance of country music around the world. The movie Country Stong received the Tex Ritter Award, given in appropriate years to a film that features country music. Garth Brooks and Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers received The Cliffe Stone Pioneer Award. Tom T. Hall and Hank Cochran were honored with the Poet’s Award. Joe’s Bar in Chicago was named Nightclub of the Year, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville was named Venue of the Year, and several musicians honored for their respective instruments. Granted, the show would take all night if they put every award on TV. But don’t you miss the presentations to honor the forefathers of the format when they used to do the Pioneer Award on TV?
Good news if you missed Kenny Chesney’s movie in the theatres last summer. The DVD of Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D is now available in stores.
And just when you thought Alan Jackson was so big that he can justify a tour to Australia, he’s reverting back to the smallest of venues – a middle school – at least for a special occasion. On April 14th, Alan will take the stage for a sold-out show at the Rogersville Middle School in Rogersville, Tennessee. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the area’s Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. Tickets for the event sold out immediately after going on sale as fans jumped at the opportunity to see Alan in the rare, intimate setting. No doubt the wheels of imagination are turning for other Relay For Life teams eager to raise cash for the cause. Makes you wonder who else would be available to book?
And finally, it appears that Willie Nelson might be getting a break in his pot possession case. Even though the U-S Border Patrol in Texas found weed on the singer’s tour bus, according to TMZ.com, the prosecutor is allegedly willing to let Willie off with a one-hundred dollar fine if he sings “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” inside the courtroom. The prosecutor will count the performance as community service. A judge has to approve it and Willie has to agree to do it, but if he’s convicted, Nelson could face 180 days in jail and a two-thousand dollar fine. “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” can be found on Willie’s 1975 album, Red Headed Stranger. It is his first number one hit and was the third-biggest song of 1975 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Showing posts with label ACM Awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ACM Awards. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tuesday Newsday
Fan voting for two categories of the ACM Awards is now open. By visiting voteacm.com, you can pick who you’d like to take home awards in the Entertainer of the Year and New Artist categories. Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban are the nominees in the Entertainer of the Year category. The Band Perry and Eric Church are the finalists for the New Artist award. The ACM Awards take place April 3rd in Las Vegas live on CBS.
For the first time ever, Kenny Chesney will have his own line of signature shades. Kenny has partnered with Costa Sunglasses to design the five limited edition pairs of sunglasses, which will feature Kenny’s signature. You can pick up a pair at Kenny’s 2011 Goin’ Coastal tourstops or from Costa’s website. Proceeds from the new line will go toward the Coastal Conservation Association.
American Idol is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special Greatest Hits album that hits shelves today. The project features 12 songs from some of the best contestants from the show:
1. Kelly Clarkson – “Since U Been Gone”
2. Ruben Studdard - "Superstar"
3. Clay Aiken - "Invisible"
4. Fantasia Barrino - "When I See U"
5. Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”
6. Taylor Hicks - "Takin' It to the Streets"
7. Chris Daughtry – “Home”
8. Jordin Sparks (duet with Chris Brown) - "No Air"
9. David Cook - "Light On"
10. Kris Allen - "Live Like We're Dying"
11. Adam Lambert - "Whataya Want From Me"
12. Lee DeWyze - "Sweet Serendipity"
For the first time ever, Kenny Chesney will have his own line of signature shades. Kenny has partnered with Costa Sunglasses to design the five limited edition pairs of sunglasses, which will feature Kenny’s signature. You can pick up a pair at Kenny’s 2011 Goin’ Coastal tourstops or from Costa’s website. Proceeds from the new line will go toward the Coastal Conservation Association.
American Idol is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special Greatest Hits album that hits shelves today. The project features 12 songs from some of the best contestants from the show:
1. Kelly Clarkson – “Since U Been Gone”
2. Ruben Studdard - "Superstar"
3. Clay Aiken - "Invisible"
4. Fantasia Barrino - "When I See U"
5. Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”
6. Taylor Hicks - "Takin' It to the Streets"
7. Chris Daughtry – “Home”
8. Jordin Sparks (duet with Chris Brown) - "No Air"
9. David Cook - "Light On"
10. Kris Allen - "Live Like We're Dying"
11. Adam Lambert - "Whataya Want From Me"
12. Lee DeWyze - "Sweet Serendipity"
Friday, January 28, 2011
Feel Good Friday
The ACM has revealed the lineup for the Girls Night Out taping. Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood will be honored when Girls Night Out: Superstars of Country Music tapes in Las Vegas on April 4th. The taping will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena the day after the ACM Awards and will air on CBS at a later date. A list of performers will be announced in the coming weeks. All five women have won multiple ACM Awards.
Ronnie Dunn has announced that his first solo single, “Bleed Red,” will be released soon. There is a preview on his website, but as soon as the entire song reaches The Country Station, you’ll hear it. Ronnie said that the song came to him by way of a friend. To be nice, Ronnie listened to the song that was attached in an email and was simply "blown away" by what he heard. “It wasn’t necessarily the suit that I was planning on wearing to the dance, so to speak, but it was a big song, and I said, ‘I’m gonna have to beat Bono to the punch,’” Ronnie said, “It sounded like U2, and I’m going, ‘Okay, so what if Conway Twitty were to come in and put a vocal on this anyway and cut the song?’ So that’s what we did.” Look for a complete album from Ronnie later this year.
And finally, get ready to hear Keith Urban with the Australian-based kid-friendly group The Wiggles. The track is a happy-sounding version of Roger Miller’s “England Swings”. Keith hopes this will score some “cool dad” points with his two-and-a-half-year old daughter Sunday Rose. “She’s not hip to The Wiggles yet,” Keith said, “ But I did do a song with them recently. So, um…hopefully when she’s, when she’s into them she’ll think dad’s cool cause he sang with The Wiggles.” The song will be included on The Wiggles next album, Let’s Eat, which will be released on February 1st.
Ronnie Dunn has announced that his first solo single, “Bleed Red,” will be released soon. There is a preview on his website, but as soon as the entire song reaches The Country Station, you’ll hear it. Ronnie said that the song came to him by way of a friend. To be nice, Ronnie listened to the song that was attached in an email and was simply "blown away" by what he heard. “It wasn’t necessarily the suit that I was planning on wearing to the dance, so to speak, but it was a big song, and I said, ‘I’m gonna have to beat Bono to the punch,’” Ronnie said, “It sounded like U2, and I’m going, ‘Okay, so what if Conway Twitty were to come in and put a vocal on this anyway and cut the song?’ So that’s what we did.” Look for a complete album from Ronnie later this year.
And finally, get ready to hear Keith Urban with the Australian-based kid-friendly group The Wiggles. The track is a happy-sounding version of Roger Miller’s “England Swings”. Keith hopes this will score some “cool dad” points with his two-and-a-half-year old daughter Sunday Rose. “She’s not hip to The Wiggles yet,” Keith said, “ But I did do a song with them recently. So, um…hopefully when she’s, when she’s into them she’ll think dad’s cool cause he sang with The Wiggles.” The song will be included on The Wiggles next album, Let’s Eat, which will be released on February 1st.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Ice Toes
If Dierks Bentley is freezing his shorts, it must be New Year’s Day. On schedule, Dierks took his annual dip in the frigid water's of Nashville's Percy Priest lake last Saturday. It's a ritual he started several years ago and began filming two years ago. Dierks says, "When it reaches and starts crawling up your board shorts and hits the mid section, it's definitely game on. There's no backing down now. The coldest spot for me actually was my feet. I went in there barefoot, and I was in my truck with the heater on high with like the air coming out of the bottom for like ten minutes trying to get movement back in my toes." Dierks' band mates chickened out of the winter swim, but he says that they will have to make up for it this spring while they're on tour.
Forbes magazine has released their list of the Top 20 highest earners in Hollywood for 2010. The only country star on the list is Taylor Swift at #19. Here’s the complete list:
1) Oprah Winfrey - $315 million
2) James Cameron - $210 million
3) Tyler Perry - $125 million
4) Michael Bay - $120 million
5) Tiger Woods - $105 million
6) Jerry Bruckheimer - $100 million
7) Steven Spielberg - $100 million
8) George Lucas - $95 million
9) Beyonce Knowles - $87 million
10) Dr. Phil - $80 million
11) Simon Cowell - $80 million
12) Jerry Seinfeld - $75 million
13) Britney Spears - $64 million
14) Lady Gaga - $62 million
15) Madonna - $58 million
16) Sandra Bullock - $56 million
17) Ellen Degeneres - $55 million
18) Miley Cyrus - $48 million
19) Taylor Swift - $45 million
20) Judge Judy Sheindlin - $45 million
For the third year, you will have the chance to vote in two categories of the Academy of Country Music Awards. The nominees for Top New Solo Vocalist are Eric Church, Easton Corbin, and Randy Houser. In the category of Top New Vocal Duo or Group, nods were given to The Band Perry, The JaneDear Girls, and Steel Magnolia. Fan voting will be open between January 27th and February 24th. The winners in each category will go on to compete for the title of Top New Artist. The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast on CBS, April 3rd.
Here’s some good news to start the year. Just days before attending the Kennedy Center Honors early last month, Merle Haggard received the news that he’s cancer-free. “I think I'm all right now,” Merle said, “I went down and had a checkup just prior to going back for this little gig and I was clear. I didn't have anything, and that's an awful good sign." In 2008, Merle underwent surgery to have a cancerous part of his lung removed. Merle also said a once-talked-about album with Willie Nelson may now involve close friend Kris Kristofferson. “I'm sure if we're healthy and live to do it, we'll do it,” he said. “We thought about the title: The Musketeers. You know, because there's the three of us.”
And finally, Craig Morgan can now add top-rated TV host to his resume. In its first season on The Outdoor Channel, Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors has risen to become the network’s #1 rated hunting show on Saturday mornings. The show chronicles Craig’s life both on stage and out in the field as an avid outdoorsman. He also welcomes professional athletes and fellow country artists on as guests each week.
Forbes magazine has released their list of the Top 20 highest earners in Hollywood for 2010. The only country star on the list is Taylor Swift at #19. Here’s the complete list:
1) Oprah Winfrey - $315 million
2) James Cameron - $210 million
3) Tyler Perry - $125 million
4) Michael Bay - $120 million
5) Tiger Woods - $105 million
6) Jerry Bruckheimer - $100 million
7) Steven Spielberg - $100 million
8) George Lucas - $95 million
9) Beyonce Knowles - $87 million
10) Dr. Phil - $80 million
11) Simon Cowell - $80 million
12) Jerry Seinfeld - $75 million
13) Britney Spears - $64 million
14) Lady Gaga - $62 million
15) Madonna - $58 million
16) Sandra Bullock - $56 million
17) Ellen Degeneres - $55 million
18) Miley Cyrus - $48 million
19) Taylor Swift - $45 million
20) Judge Judy Sheindlin - $45 million
For the third year, you will have the chance to vote in two categories of the Academy of Country Music Awards. The nominees for Top New Solo Vocalist are Eric Church, Easton Corbin, and Randy Houser. In the category of Top New Vocal Duo or Group, nods were given to The Band Perry, The JaneDear Girls, and Steel Magnolia. Fan voting will be open between January 27th and February 24th. The winners in each category will go on to compete for the title of Top New Artist. The 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast on CBS, April 3rd.
Here’s some good news to start the year. Just days before attending the Kennedy Center Honors early last month, Merle Haggard received the news that he’s cancer-free. “I think I'm all right now,” Merle said, “I went down and had a checkup just prior to going back for this little gig and I was clear. I didn't have anything, and that's an awful good sign." In 2008, Merle underwent surgery to have a cancerous part of his lung removed. Merle also said a once-talked-about album with Willie Nelson may now involve close friend Kris Kristofferson. “I'm sure if we're healthy and live to do it, we'll do it,” he said. “We thought about the title: The Musketeers. You know, because there's the three of us.”
And finally, Craig Morgan can now add top-rated TV host to his resume. In its first season on The Outdoor Channel, Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors has risen to become the network’s #1 rated hunting show on Saturday mornings. The show chronicles Craig’s life both on stage and out in the field as an avid outdoorsman. He also welcomes professional athletes and fellow country artists on as guests each week.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
More End of the Year Numbers
Country made its mark on the 2010 year-end Mediabase charts with some of the most-heard artists and songs around the country. In the Top 15 Overall Artists chart, Taylor Swift ranked at #5, while Lady Antebellum marked in at #9. Lady A also topped the list of Country’s Most Played Artists with hits like, “I Need You Now,” and “American Honey”. The most played song on country radio for 2010 was Josh Turner’s “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” followed by Joe Nichols’ “Gimme That Girl”.
COUNTRY’S MOST PLAYED ARTISTS (2010)
1) Lady Antebellum
2) Carrie Underwood
3) Brad Paisley
4) Miranda Lambert
5) Jason Aldean
6) Zac Brown Band
7) Luke Bryan
8) Josh Turner
9) Blake Shelton
10) Easton Corbin
Looking ahead to next year, The 46th annual Academy of Country Music Awards are set to take place on April 3rd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The awards will be followed by a special television taping of Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country. The special will spotlight the talented women in the country music world with a line-up of the biggest acts in country, which will be announced soon. Tickets will benefit the ACM Lifting Lives foundation, and will go on sale January 19th.
COUNTRY’S MOST PLAYED ARTISTS (2010)
1) Lady Antebellum
2) Carrie Underwood
3) Brad Paisley
4) Miranda Lambert
5) Jason Aldean
6) Zac Brown Band
7) Luke Bryan
8) Josh Turner
9) Blake Shelton
10) Easton Corbin
Looking ahead to next year, The 46th annual Academy of Country Music Awards are set to take place on April 3rd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The awards will be followed by a special television taping of Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country. The special will spotlight the talented women in the country music world with a line-up of the biggest acts in country, which will be announced soon. Tickets will benefit the ACM Lifting Lives foundation, and will go on sale January 19th.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Historic ACM Awards
The 2010 ACM Awards aired Sunday night with several historic moments. 
Were you keeping score? Our count: Taylor Swift 0 for 5. Lady Antebellum 3 for 7. Sound Man 18 for 22. It’s too bad that on-stage sound problems affected several key performances. Unfortunately, the night’s bad karma began right at the start when low mics prevented hearing a lot of Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert performing “Travelin’ Band” with special guests Brad Paisley, John Fogerty, and Charlie Daniels. Luckily, sound improved for the next big chunk of the show, with the exception of Kenny Chesney. While his performance of “Ain’t Back Yet” was audible, it appeared as though he was over singing, or straining to maintain the song to perhaps compensate for any audio difficulties he may have been having. The sound wasn’t noticeably off again until Rascal Flatts sang “Unstoppable.” As professionals, the show must go on. But it’s too bad when they obviously cannot hear themselves or the music. The same goes for Brooks & Dunn. After the whole night was spent hyping the audience to vote for the final, historic performance, “My Maria” was a mess with sound problems. Not the swan song performance that they had hoped for, no doubt. But still, it was an historic ACM Award show on many levels.
Production numbers were some of the most creative seen on recent award shows. Since singing in a wall of water had already been done (Taylor Swift), Brad Paisley falling in a pool under the small, audience stage at the end of “Water” wasn’t particularly earth-shattering, but the after effects were classic! Brad will make ACM History as the first person to walk on stage soaking wet to accept Top Male Vocalist. The towel he held did nothing for the soggy jeans dripping glistening puddles on to the stage. And you know his boots had to have been sloshing. Only the live audience would have gotten the bonus show of the man with a mop during commercial break! As for Taylor Swift, it must have been one of her many dreams to be a fly like a princess on a throne across the arena. What started as a simple, acoustic number, got showier with each added gimmick: the flying platform, the ripped off costume change, the strut to the stage, the reveal of the choral group, and finally the backwards fall off the stage. For such a theatrical entertainer, it may be telling that for the first time in recent award show history, Taylor was bested in all of the categories she was nominated in. Speaking of theatrics, this was perhaps the first country award show to feature musical theatre. Laura Bell Bundy looked fresh from Broadway as she sang and danced through “Giddy On Up.” Granted, she was quite winded at the end of the routine, but it was an ambitious effort to bring the dance number from a (multi-take) video shoot to live TV. One request, though. Can Laura’s cowboy dancers be shared with Dancing With The Stars? And how about Keith Urban’s unique cam effects on his segment? Very different for live TV. Yet for those who did use the traditional video-screen set, it was cute to see three frames of childhood video footage behind Lady Antebellum’s “American Honey,” as well as photos of famous country couples popping up behind Reba McEntire’s “I Keep On Loving You.”
Other ACM performances included Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins “Hillbilly Bone,” Billy Currington “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” Toby Keith “Cryin’ For Me,” Zac Brown Band footage from their current USO Tour, Jason Aldean “Crazy Town,” Miranda Lambert “The House That Built Me,” Jack Ingram and Dierks Bentley “Barbie Doll,” Carrie Underwood “Temporary Home,” Tim McGraw “Still,” Darius Rucker “Forever Road,” and snippets from Gloriana, Luke Bryan, and Joey & Rory.
So who won the awards?
Song of the Year: Need You Now
Single of the Year: Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
Top New Artist: Luke Bryan
Album of the Year: Revolution by Miranda Lambert
Humanitarian Award: Montgomery Gentry
Triple Crown: Carrie Underwood
Top Vocal Group: Lady Antebellum
Top Male Vocalist: Brad Paisley
Top Duo: Brooks & Dunn
Top Female Vocalist: Miranda Lambert
Entertainer of the Year: Carrie Underwood
Lady Antebellum was believably humble as the surprise big winners of the night, but perhaps the most memorable award will be Miranda Lambert besting top-selling Carrie and Taylor for Top Female Vocalist. She was truly shocked that they called her name and were playing her song. So much so that she ran right past Blake to hug Carrie! Well, at least Blake got the hug and kiss for Album of the Year, which has always been Miranda’s most coveted award because it represents her body of work. Carrie Underwood’s special recognition as a Triple Crown winner was due to her winning the three steps of awards for which she’s eligible: New Artist, followed by Top Female Vocalist, followed by Entertainer of the Year. And who didn’t see it coming that after letting Sugarland borrow it last year, Brooks & Dunn would take back the Brooks & Dunn award on their last year out? As for next year, the awards that represent what goes on this year, don’t be surprised if Kix and Ronnie take the Top Vocal Duo award one more time to reward all their tireless work on The Last Rodeo Tour. (May 23rd at the Pan Am Center)
Overall, the ACM Awards were entertaining and as well produced as you can expect for live TV. The pace was right, and to make sure that you didn’t realize that you were sitting through a three-hour show, it was unique to see the show broken up into bite size pieces by a timer at the commercial breaks announcing the length of time until the next event. Out are the days of teasing the viewer that your favorite performer is “coming up,” only to have them be the last performer of the night. In are the interactive TV apps for the attention-span challenged. Leastwise it made for easier execution of bathroom and snack breaks. One final word of advice though, if you’re an award show producer and you’re going to have Cher on to regale her country cred, make sure she knows that she’s attending the A-C-M Awards and not the C-M-A Awards.
Were you keeping score? Our count: Taylor Swift 0 for 5. Lady Antebellum 3 for 7. Sound Man 18 for 22. It’s too bad that on-stage sound problems affected several key performances. Unfortunately, the night’s bad karma began right at the start when low mics prevented hearing a lot of Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert performing “Travelin’ Band” with special guests Brad Paisley, John Fogerty, and Charlie Daniels. Luckily, sound improved for the next big chunk of the show, with the exception of Kenny Chesney. While his performance of “Ain’t Back Yet” was audible, it appeared as though he was over singing, or straining to maintain the song to perhaps compensate for any audio difficulties he may have been having. The sound wasn’t noticeably off again until Rascal Flatts sang “Unstoppable.” As professionals, the show must go on. But it’s too bad when they obviously cannot hear themselves or the music. The same goes for Brooks & Dunn. After the whole night was spent hyping the audience to vote for the final, historic performance, “My Maria” was a mess with sound problems. Not the swan song performance that they had hoped for, no doubt. But still, it was an historic ACM Award show on many levels.Production numbers were some of the most creative seen on recent award shows. Since singing in a wall of water had already been done (Taylor Swift), Brad Paisley falling in a pool under the small, audience stage at the end of “Water” wasn’t particularly earth-shattering, but the after effects were classic! Brad will make ACM History as the first person to walk on stage soaking wet to accept Top Male Vocalist. The towel he held did nothing for the soggy jeans dripping glistening puddles on to the stage. And you know his boots had to have been sloshing. Only the live audience would have gotten the bonus show of the man with a mop during commercial break! As for Taylor Swift, it must have been one of her many dreams to be a fly like a princess on a throne across the arena. What started as a simple, acoustic number, got showier with each added gimmick: the flying platform, the ripped off costume change, the strut to the stage, the reveal of the choral group, and finally the backwards fall off the stage. For such a theatrical entertainer, it may be telling that for the first time in recent award show history, Taylor was bested in all of the categories she was nominated in. Speaking of theatrics, this was perhaps the first country award show to feature musical theatre. Laura Bell Bundy looked fresh from Broadway as she sang and danced through “Giddy On Up.” Granted, she was quite winded at the end of the routine, but it was an ambitious effort to bring the dance number from a (multi-take) video shoot to live TV. One request, though. Can Laura’s cowboy dancers be shared with Dancing With The Stars? And how about Keith Urban’s unique cam effects on his segment? Very different for live TV. Yet for those who did use the traditional video-screen set, it was cute to see three frames of childhood video footage behind Lady Antebellum’s “American Honey,” as well as photos of famous country couples popping up behind Reba McEntire’s “I Keep On Loving You.”
Other ACM performances included Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins “Hillbilly Bone,” Billy Currington “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” Toby Keith “Cryin’ For Me,” Zac Brown Band footage from their current USO Tour, Jason Aldean “Crazy Town,” Miranda Lambert “The House That Built Me,” Jack Ingram and Dierks Bentley “Barbie Doll,” Carrie Underwood “Temporary Home,” Tim McGraw “Still,” Darius Rucker “Forever Road,” and snippets from Gloriana, Luke Bryan, and Joey & Rory.
So who won the awards?
Song of the Year: Need You Now
Single of the Year: Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
Top New Artist: Luke Bryan
Album of the Year: Revolution by Miranda Lambert
Humanitarian Award: Montgomery Gentry
Triple Crown: Carrie Underwood
Top Vocal Group: Lady Antebellum
Top Male Vocalist: Brad Paisley
Top Duo: Brooks & Dunn
Top Female Vocalist: Miranda Lambert
Entertainer of the Year: Carrie Underwood
Lady Antebellum was believably humble as the surprise big winners of the night, but perhaps the most memorable award will be Miranda Lambert besting top-selling Carrie and Taylor for Top Female Vocalist. She was truly shocked that they called her name and were playing her song. So much so that she ran right past Blake to hug Carrie! Well, at least Blake got the hug and kiss for Album of the Year, which has always been Miranda’s most coveted award because it represents her body of work. Carrie Underwood’s special recognition as a Triple Crown winner was due to her winning the three steps of awards for which she’s eligible: New Artist, followed by Top Female Vocalist, followed by Entertainer of the Year. And who didn’t see it coming that after letting Sugarland borrow it last year, Brooks & Dunn would take back the Brooks & Dunn award on their last year out? As for next year, the awards that represent what goes on this year, don’t be surprised if Kix and Ronnie take the Top Vocal Duo award one more time to reward all their tireless work on The Last Rodeo Tour. (May 23rd at the Pan Am Center)Overall, the ACM Awards were entertaining and as well produced as you can expect for live TV. The pace was right, and to make sure that you didn’t realize that you were sitting through a three-hour show, it was unique to see the show broken up into bite size pieces by a timer at the commercial breaks announcing the length of time until the next event. Out are the days of teasing the viewer that your favorite performer is “coming up,” only to have them be the last performer of the night. In are the interactive TV apps for the attention-span challenged. Leastwise it made for easier execution of bathroom and snack breaks. One final word of advice though, if you’re an award show producer and you’re going to have Cher on to regale her country cred, make sure she knows that she’s attending the A-C-M Awards and not the C-M-A Awards.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
ACM Awards on the Horizon
Country music’s spring brew-ha-ha is coming up on Sunday Night. The ACM Awards will air live from Las Vegas. Lady Antebellum (seven nominations), Miranda Lambert (six nominations), Carrie Underwood (six nominations) and Zac Brown Band (six nominations) are the top. Taylor Swift has five nominations, including her first entertainer of the year nod from the ACM, and Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley have four nominations each. Reba McEntire will host the award show for the 12th time. Full recaps will be posted here on the blog.
Also, don't miss Sheila's special Sunday programming from 5 - 8 pm. This week, it's a look back at the ACM Awards from 20 years ago. You'll hear nominees and award winners from the 1990 show, which awarded the music of 1989.
Coming up next Wednesday night is Idol Gives Back. Check out the following video link to see former contestants Bucky Covington, Phil Stacey, and Bo Bice working with others in a Nashville food bank. In the video, Bucky talks about receiving the news that his record label was closing. Late news reports that like Rascal Flatts, Bucky should be transferred to another label in the Disney Group. Kevin Fowler and Tyler Dickerson will make the same move. Sarah Buxton, Love and Theft, and The Parks have been dropped.
Nashville Country Club - Bucky Covington & more at 'Idol Gives Back'
And speaking of American Idol, Lady Antebellum taped a performance of “Need You Now,” following Wednesday night’s live show that will air during Country Week. That must have been fun for Hillary Scott, considering that she twice auditioned for the show, but was obviously rejected.
News From Around The Country
Alan Jackson will get his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. John Travolta, the Doors and Judy Holliday are near Alan's star near Grauman's Chinese Theatre. …. And finally, after three years and 175-thousand miles, Josh Turner traded in his trusty white van – nicknamed “Van – a – white” – for his first tour bus last week. The only problem is, the tour bus broke down twice the first weekend he used it. The air compressor broke causing Josh to be late for the first show in his career. All is good now, the bus is fixed and Josh will start his opening act duties on Brad Paisley’s H20 tour next month.
Also, don't miss Sheila's special Sunday programming from 5 - 8 pm. This week, it's a look back at the ACM Awards from 20 years ago. You'll hear nominees and award winners from the 1990 show, which awarded the music of 1989.
Coming up next Wednesday night is Idol Gives Back. Check out the following video link to see former contestants Bucky Covington, Phil Stacey, and Bo Bice working with others in a Nashville food bank. In the video, Bucky talks about receiving the news that his record label was closing. Late news reports that like Rascal Flatts, Bucky should be transferred to another label in the Disney Group. Kevin Fowler and Tyler Dickerson will make the same move. Sarah Buxton, Love and Theft, and The Parks have been dropped.
Nashville Country Club - Bucky Covington & more at 'Idol Gives Back'
And speaking of American Idol, Lady Antebellum taped a performance of “Need You Now,” following Wednesday night’s live show that will air during Country Week. That must have been fun for Hillary Scott, considering that she twice auditioned for the show, but was obviously rejected.
News From Around The Country
Alan Jackson will get his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. John Travolta, the Doors and Judy Holliday are near Alan's star near Grauman's Chinese Theatre. …. And finally, after three years and 175-thousand miles, Josh Turner traded in his trusty white van – nicknamed “Van – a – white” – for his first tour bus last week. The only problem is, the tour bus broke down twice the first weekend he used it. The air compressor broke causing Josh to be late for the first show in his career. All is good now, the bus is fixed and Josh will start his opening act duties on Brad Paisley’s H20 tour next month.
Monday, April 12, 2010
ACM's Are Coming
Did you get your Brooks & Dunn tickets? Good. Happy Monday. It’s less than a week until the ACM Awards (this Sunday the 18th in Las Vegas.) Preparations are underway, and in the days leading up to the big night, several events take place. One such event can be found on television. A country-themed episode of The Price Is Right will air on Friday, April 16th, featuring special appearances from Blake Shelton and Bomshel. Each artist will present a prize, and Blake jokes that he plans to take the role of modeling during the “Half Off,” segment. …. Then on Saturday, The Academy of Country Music is partnering with the USO for a free, private concert for service members and their families at Nellis Air Force Base outside of Las Vegas. The ACM Lifting Lives show will feature Dierks Bentley, Montgomery Gentry, Randy Houser, James Otto, Anthony Smith and Josh Thompson. ….. Meanwhile, though not related to the ACM’s, Kenny Chesney will premiere his upcoming film Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D this Saturday at a Las Vegas Cinema. The red carpet event will stream live on kennychesneymovie.com. The movie will have a limited release starting next Wednesday.
News From Around The Country
Miranda Lambert has expanded her stable of animals to include another dog whom she’s named Cher. She already has several dogs, cats, chickens, goats, pigs and a miniature horse. ….. Jay Demarcus from Rascal Flatts will host the upcoming “Waiting For Wishes” Celebrity Waiters Dinner. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Kevin Carter Foundation which focuses on youth and character development and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Other celebrity servers for the event include Sarah Buxton, Julie Roberts and Chris Young. ….. And finally, Clint Black will be seen in the upcoming film Flicka 2. The movie will feature a young girl from the city whose life is turned upside down when she moves to her father’s ranch in Wyoming. This direct-to-retail DVD will include an in-depth interview with Clint, behind-the-scenes features, and a documentary on the North American Mustang.
News From Around The Country
Miranda Lambert has expanded her stable of animals to include another dog whom she’s named Cher. She already has several dogs, cats, chickens, goats, pigs and a miniature horse. ….. Jay Demarcus from Rascal Flatts will host the upcoming “Waiting For Wishes” Celebrity Waiters Dinner. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Kevin Carter Foundation which focuses on youth and character development and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Other celebrity servers for the event include Sarah Buxton, Julie Roberts and Chris Young. ….. And finally, Clint Black will be seen in the upcoming film Flicka 2. The movie will feature a young girl from the city whose life is turned upside down when she moves to her father’s ranch in Wyoming. This direct-to-retail DVD will include an in-depth interview with Clint, behind-the-scenes features, and a documentary on the North American Mustang.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
ACM Award Nominations
Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton announced the nominees for the 45th Annual ACM Awards this morning. The winners will be announced on Sunday, April 18th:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Zac Brown Band
TOP MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
George Strait
Keith Urban
TOP FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
TOP VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Randy Rogers Band
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band
TOP VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Bryan
Jamey Johnson
Chris Young
TOP NEW VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Bomshel
Joey + Rory
Steel Magnolia
TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Eli Young Band
Gloriana
The Lost Trailers
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
American Saturday Night - Brad Paisley (Arista Nashville)
Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Play On - Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville)
Revolution - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
The Foundation - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Need You Now” - Lady Antebellum
“People Are Crazy” - Billy Currington
“Red Light” - David Nail
“Toes” - Zac Brown Band
“White Liar” - Miranda Lambert
SONG OF THE YEAR (awarded to writers)
“Cowboy Casanova” - Mike Elizondo, Brett James, Carrie Underwood
“Need You Now” - Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
“People Are Crazy” - Bobby Braddock, Troy Jones
“White Liar” - Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
“You Belong With Me” - Liz Rose, Taylor Swift
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Boots On” – Randy Houser
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum
“Welcome To The Future” – Brad Paisley
“White Liar” – Miranda Lambert
“You Belong With Me” – Taylor Swift
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Hillbilly Bone” - Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
“Honky Tonk Stomp” - Brooks & Dunn featuring Billy
“I Told You So” - Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis
“I’m Alive” - Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews
“Seeing Stars” - Jack Ingram featuring Patty Griffin
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Zac Brown Band
TOP MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
George Strait
Keith Urban
TOP FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
TOP VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Randy Rogers Band
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band
TOP VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Bryan
Jamey Johnson
Chris Young
TOP NEW VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Bomshel
Joey + Rory
Steel Magnolia
TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Eli Young Band
Gloriana
The Lost Trailers
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
American Saturday Night - Brad Paisley (Arista Nashville)
Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Play On - Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville)
Revolution - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
The Foundation - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Need You Now” - Lady Antebellum
“People Are Crazy” - Billy Currington
“Red Light” - David Nail
“Toes” - Zac Brown Band
“White Liar” - Miranda Lambert
SONG OF THE YEAR (awarded to writers)
“Cowboy Casanova” - Mike Elizondo, Brett James, Carrie Underwood
“Need You Now” - Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
“People Are Crazy” - Bobby Braddock, Troy Jones
“White Liar” - Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
“You Belong With Me” - Liz Rose, Taylor Swift
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Boots On” – Randy Houser
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum
“Welcome To The Future” – Brad Paisley
“White Liar” – Miranda Lambert
“You Belong With Me” – Taylor Swift
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Hillbilly Bone” - Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
“Honky Tonk Stomp” - Brooks & Dunn featuring Billy
“I Told You So” - Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis
“I’m Alive” - Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews
“Seeing Stars” - Jack Ingram featuring Patty Griffin
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Haiti Tops the Charts
As expected, the digital download album of music from the Hope for Haiti Now all-star benefit for Haitian earthquake victims has debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 all-genre albums chart. This is the first time an all-digital album has achieved that feat. It features performances by Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. To date, the telethon has raised over $66 million.
In the wake of the disaster, other celebrities are joining relief efforts. Martina McBride and Tim McGraw are working with the Red Cross. Martina blogged on her website, “Donating to the Red Cross couldn't be easier. Just text the word 'Haiti' to 90999 and a ten dollar donation will be added to your cell phone bill.” Tim set aside his work on the film, Love Don’t Let Me Down, to create public service announcements encouraging donations for relief efforts. Meanwhile, Julianne Hough is helping victims via Plane to Haiti, an organization preparing to send a airplane full of medical supplies and staff to the island nation.
One more relief effort is coming in the way of a re-recording of "We Are The World." The cast is still being assembled for a recording session next week. We can be pretty sure that big-name crossover country artists will be invited. Producer Quincy Jones says that on the 25th anniversary year of the song, the timing is right to help Haiti. The original 1985 single raised money for famine relief in Africa.
ACM Nominations are starting to roll in. Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson and Chris Young received early nominations from the Academy of Country Music yesterday. The three are nominated as the Top New Solo Vocalist, a category that replaced the separate male and female vocalist categories of previous years. In addition, the Top New Vocal Duo nominees are Bomshel, Joey & Rory and Steel Magnolia. The Top New Vocal Group nominees are Eli Young Band, Gloriana and The Lost Trailers. Interactive fan voting begins on February 26th to determine the winners. The winners in each category will compete for the Top New Artist honor, which will be decided by online voting starting April 1st and awarded in Las Vegas on April 18th.
In the wake of the disaster, other celebrities are joining relief efforts. Martina McBride and Tim McGraw are working with the Red Cross. Martina blogged on her website, “Donating to the Red Cross couldn't be easier. Just text the word 'Haiti' to 90999 and a ten dollar donation will be added to your cell phone bill.” Tim set aside his work on the film, Love Don’t Let Me Down, to create public service announcements encouraging donations for relief efforts. Meanwhile, Julianne Hough is helping victims via Plane to Haiti, an organization preparing to send a airplane full of medical supplies and staff to the island nation.
One more relief effort is coming in the way of a re-recording of "We Are The World." The cast is still being assembled for a recording session next week. We can be pretty sure that big-name crossover country artists will be invited. Producer Quincy Jones says that on the 25th anniversary year of the song, the timing is right to help Haiti. The original 1985 single raised money for famine relief in Africa.
ACM Nominations are starting to roll in. Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson and Chris Young received early nominations from the Academy of Country Music yesterday. The three are nominated as the Top New Solo Vocalist, a category that replaced the separate male and female vocalist categories of previous years. In addition, the Top New Vocal Duo nominees are Bomshel, Joey & Rory and Steel Magnolia. The Top New Vocal Group nominees are Eli Young Band, Gloriana and The Lost Trailers. Interactive fan voting begins on February 26th to determine the winners. The winners in each category will compete for the Top New Artist honor, which will be decided by online voting starting April 1st and awarded in Las Vegas on April 18th.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Long Night of Country Music TV
The Academy of Country Music Awards: 20 performances, a couple handfuls of awards, and the quote of the night came from Brad Paisley, who was at home waitin’ on a woman, “As you can see, we’ve had the baby,” gesturing to Little Jimmy Dickens, Brad kidded, “…kind of a Benjamin Buttons thing.” The night’s top nominee opted to stay close to home because his wife, Kimberly, is expecting their second child at any time. 
As with all live award shows, there were a few technical problems which resulted in the Single of the Year category being read the old fashioned way – by the presenters – instead of by video presentation. The wrong award category teaser was aired at one point and there were a smattering of sloppy camera angles, but the sound quality was better this year than in years past. Although even quality microphones couldn’t help the vocals of some of the performers. Maybe it was nerves, maybe it was some sort of bug that was going around, but several of country’s best vocalists were not at the top of their game last night.
As with all live award shows, there were a few technical problems which resulted in the Single of the Year category being read the old fashioned way – by the presenters – instead of by video presentation. The wrong award category teaser was aired at one point and there were a smattering of sloppy camera angles, but the sound quality was better this year than in years past. Although even quality microphones couldn’t help the vocals of some of the performers. Maybe it was nerves, maybe it was some sort of bug that was going around, but several of country’s best vocalists were not at the top of their game last night.Surprisingly, 
the small stage set in the midst of the crowd produced some of the best performances of the night: Montgomery Gentry and Lady Antebellum rocked the small stage. Did anyone else notice how much Charles Kelley resembles a younger Ronnie Dunn? Jamey Johnson re-created the “In Color” video by setting his stool on a bed of photographs. The producer’s use of black and white and color saturation effects was grossly predictable. John Rich was seemingly looking for reaction when he changed a couple of key words in “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.” It kind of worked. And was Blake Shelton just filling time with only a partial song? It’s interesting that none of the Top New Artist nominees performed.
On the main stage, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Nettles may just have to throw down in a pool of Jell-O to decide the title of best performance of the night. Carrie proved why she won Female Vocalist of the Year, but the beautifully enormous dress was almost distracting from the song because it let the mind wander with questions. How did she get into that thing? How many assistants does it take to carry the train? And was the train really attached to the draperies? In any case, 
Carrie’s petite framed poking out of the girth of the dress resembled a Barbie Doll perched on top of a molded cake. Whereas the longing gaze Jennifer Nettles gave the camera seemed as though she was going to pull the man she was pining for right out of American living rooms, through the TV set, and onto that stage with her. With the believability of her performance, there has to be some willing candidates out there.
The rest of the main stage performers that filled a whopping three hour show included Trace Adkins’ moving tribute to soldiers of all conflicts, introduced by an elongated standing ovation for a wounded Lt. Marine; David Copperfield making Taylor Swift magically appear for her piano-based tune; Miley Cyrus’ stark white performance of “The Climb” (the Luxor called, and they want their inclinator back); the debut performance of hostess Reba McEntire’s new song; and the opening medley of hits. Kenny Chesney, Heidi Newfield, Toby Keith, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, and Rascal Flatts also performed. The winners are:
Entertainer of the Year
· Carrie Underwood
Top Male Vocalist
· Brad Paisley
Top Female Vocalist
· Carrie Underwood
Top Vocal Group
· Rascal Flatts
Top Vocal Duo
· Sugarland
Top New Male Artist
· Julianne Hough
Single Record of the Year
· “You're Gonna Miss This” Trace Adkins
Song of the Year
· “In Color” Jamey Johnson
After the awards, Clint Black stepped up to be project manager on last night’s Celebrity Apprentice. Was he trying to get fired? Stepping up to be the leader really brought out the assertiveness in Clint and he barely let his team contribute to the project. The task was to create a sixty-second viral internet video for laundry detergent. Clint had a risqué idea for his team’s video, and he persisted to run his agenda with little input or help from the team. At first, they were all on board because they felt the innuendo was funny, but after meeting with product representatives, the girls on the now-mixed KOTU team had second thoughts. Clint insisted and near single-handedly ran the project. Team Athena, meanwhile, was trying to be funny by having little people dressed in product-themed costumes scrubbing down Jesse James. It worked up to the point that the little people started using inappropriate language related to the product. In the end, the product representatives hated both videos. Neither hit the demographic they were aiming for. So with no clear-cut winner, The Donald announced that he would be firing two people. Knowing they were in trouble, Clint and Athena project manager Melissa Rivers each brought two seemingly low-risk team members into the boardroom. It backfired on each. Having done an excellent job with leadership in each case, The Donald was hesitant to fire the project managers because they did produce respectively creative ideas that just didn’t happen to fit the company. Instead, he chose to fire Tionne from Athena based solely on the fact that she volunteered for execution, and he fired Chloe from KOTU because he lost respect for her when he learned she had a DWI. Trump said that he never would have asked her on the show had he known that in advance. Trump did however offer to make the prize donation of the week to Chloe’s anti-drug/drinking charity, so they wouldn’t suffer because of her mistakes. After all, neither Clint or Melissa’s charities were going to get the money, so Trump had to spend it somewhere. Next week: possible merge?
Tomorrow, Rascal Flatts' Unstoppable hits streets. In addition to the current single, “Here Comes Goodbye,” you’ll get another highly recommended song, “Forever.” Perhaps The Great Country Blog is sniffin’ out future singles. Look for Gary, Jay, and Joe Don promoting their 6th studio album on NBC’s Today Show tomorrow (4/7), followed by appearances on the The Ellen DeGeneres Show on April 13th and the Late Show with David Letterman on April 16th. Also look for the Flatts’ cameo in the Hannah Montana movie on Friday as well as music on the soundtrack.
the small stage set in the midst of the crowd produced some of the best performances of the night: Montgomery Gentry and Lady Antebellum rocked the small stage. Did anyone else notice how much Charles Kelley resembles a younger Ronnie Dunn? Jamey Johnson re-created the “In Color” video by setting his stool on a bed of photographs. The producer’s use of black and white and color saturation effects was grossly predictable. John Rich was seemingly looking for reaction when he changed a couple of key words in “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.” It kind of worked. And was Blake Shelton just filling time with only a partial song? It’s interesting that none of the Top New Artist nominees performed.
On the main stage, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Nettles may just have to throw down in a pool of Jell-O to decide the title of best performance of the night. Carrie proved why she won Female Vocalist of the Year, but the beautifully enormous dress was almost distracting from the song because it let the mind wander with questions. How did she get into that thing? How many assistants does it take to carry the train? And was the train really attached to the draperies? In any case, 
Carrie’s petite framed poking out of the girth of the dress resembled a Barbie Doll perched on top of a molded cake. Whereas the longing gaze Jennifer Nettles gave the camera seemed as though she was going to pull the man she was pining for right out of American living rooms, through the TV set, and onto that stage with her. With the believability of her performance, there has to be some willing candidates out there.The rest of the main stage performers that filled a whopping three hour show included Trace Adkins’ moving tribute to soldiers of all conflicts, introduced by an elongated standing ovation for a wounded Lt. Marine; David Copperfield making Taylor Swift magically appear for her piano-based tune; Miley Cyrus’ stark white performance of “The Climb” (the Luxor called, and they want their inclinator back); the debut performance of hostess Reba McEntire’s new song; and the opening medley of hits. Kenny Chesney, Heidi Newfield, Toby Keith, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, and Rascal Flatts also performed. The winners are:
Entertainer of the Year
· Carrie Underwood
Top Male Vocalist
· Brad Paisley
Top Female Vocalist
· Carrie Underwood
Top Vocal Group
· Rascal Flatts
Top Vocal Duo
· Sugarland
Top New Male Artist
· Julianne Hough
Single Record of the Year
· “You're Gonna Miss This” Trace Adkins
Song of the Year
· “In Color” Jamey Johnson
After the awards, Clint Black stepped up to be project manager on last night’s Celebrity Apprentice. Was he trying to get fired? Stepping up to be the leader really brought out the assertiveness in Clint and he barely let his team contribute to the project. The task was to create a sixty-second viral internet video for laundry detergent. Clint had a risqué idea for his team’s video, and he persisted to run his agenda with little input or help from the team. At first, they were all on board because they felt the innuendo was funny, but after meeting with product representatives, the girls on the now-mixed KOTU team had second thoughts. Clint insisted and near single-handedly ran the project. Team Athena, meanwhile, was trying to be funny by having little people dressed in product-themed costumes scrubbing down Jesse James. It worked up to the point that the little people started using inappropriate language related to the product. In the end, the product representatives hated both videos. Neither hit the demographic they were aiming for. So with no clear-cut winner, The Donald announced that he would be firing two people. Knowing they were in trouble, Clint and Athena project manager Melissa Rivers each brought two seemingly low-risk team members into the boardroom. It backfired on each. Having done an excellent job with leadership in each case, The Donald was hesitant to fire the project managers because they did produce respectively creative ideas that just didn’t happen to fit the company. Instead, he chose to fire Tionne from Athena based solely on the fact that she volunteered for execution, and he fired Chloe from KOTU because he lost respect for her when he learned she had a DWI. Trump said that he never would have asked her on the show had he known that in advance. Trump did however offer to make the prize donation of the week to Chloe’s anti-drug/drinking charity, so they wouldn’t suffer because of her mistakes. After all, neither Clint or Melissa’s charities were going to get the money, so Trump had to spend it somewhere. Next week: possible merge?
Tomorrow, Rascal Flatts' Unstoppable hits streets. In addition to the current single, “Here Comes Goodbye,” you’ll get another highly recommended song, “Forever.” Perhaps The Great Country Blog is sniffin’ out future singles. Look for Gary, Jay, and Joe Don promoting their 6th studio album on NBC’s Today Show tomorrow (4/7), followed by appearances on the The Ellen DeGeneres Show on April 13th and the Late Show with David Letterman on April 16th. Also look for the Flatts’ cameo in the Hannah Montana movie on Friday as well as music on the soundtrack.Friday, April 3, 2009
ACM Weekend
Tracy Lawrence is in El Paso tomorrow night. Check the concert section below to find the link to all the information about the show at Whiskey Dick’s. Tune in this afternoon after 2 pm to hear the conversation with Tracy!
The ACM awards are coming up on Sunday night on CBS. It’s time for a nominee review of the awards not already handed out:
Entertainer of the Year
· Kenny Chesney
· Brad Paisley
· George Strait
· Keith Urban
· Carrie Underwood
Top Male Vocalist
· Kenny Chesney
· Toby Keith
· Brad Paisley
· George Strait
· Keith Urban
Top Female Vocalist
· Miranda Lambert
· Heidi Newfield
· Taylor Swift
· Carrie Underwood
· Lee Ann Womack
Top Vocal Group
· Lady Antebellum
· Little Big Town
· Rascal Flatts
· Randy Rogers Band
· The Lost Trailers
Top Vocal Duo
· Big & Rich
· Brooks & Dunn
· Joey & Rory
· Montgomery Gentry
· Sugarland
Top New Artist
· Jake Owen
· Julianne Hough
· Zac Brown Band
Single Record of the Year
· “Gunpowder & Lead” Miranda Lambert
· “In Color” Jamey Johnson
· “Johnny & June” Heidi Newfield
· “Waitin' On A Woman” Brad Paisley
· “You're Gonna Miss This” Trace Adkins
Song of the Year
· “I Saw God Today” George Strait
· “In Color” Jamey Johnson
· “Johnny & June” Heidi Newfield
· “Waitin' On A Woman” Brad Paisley
· “You're Gonna Miss This” Trace Adkins
Click here to get your last minute vote in for Entertainer of the Year.
Entertainer of the Year
· Kenny Chesney
· Brad Paisley
· George Strait
· Keith Urban
· Carrie Underwood
Top Male Vocalist
· Kenny Chesney
· Toby Keith
· Brad Paisley
· George Strait
· Keith Urban
Top Female Vocalist
· Miranda Lambert
· Heidi Newfield
· Taylor Swift
· Carrie Underwood
· Lee Ann Womack
Top Vocal Group
· Lady Antebellum
· Little Big Town
· Rascal Flatts
· Randy Rogers Band
· The Lost Trailers
Top Vocal Duo
· Big & Rich
· Brooks & Dunn
· Joey & Rory
· Montgomery Gentry
· Sugarland
Top New Artist
· Jake Owen
· Julianne Hough
· Zac Brown Band
Single Record of the Year
· “Gunpowder & Lead” Miranda Lambert
· “In Color” Jamey Johnson
· “Johnny & June” Heidi Newfield
· “Waitin' On A Woman” Brad Paisley
· “You're Gonna Miss This” Trace Adkins
Song of the Year
· “I Saw God Today” George Strait
· “In Color” Jamey Johnson
· “Johnny & June” Heidi Newfield
· “Waitin' On A Woman” Brad Paisley
· “You're Gonna Miss This” Trace Adkins
Click here to get your last minute vote in for Entertainer of the Year.
Your reigning Entertainer of the Year, 4-year winner Kenny Chesney, is set for a big night on Sunday. He'll perform his latest single, “Out Last Night,” and Sun City Carnival sponsor, Corona, unveils its latest television commercial--with Kenny in it! Kenny said, “I've been given so many blessings. Just going to rehearsals and hearing the band firing up; seeing the production stuff for this year; knowing that the fans are just as psyched for us to get out there as we are to hit the road; well, that's an awesome feeling. Then you start looking around, realize that Corona's gonna debut a commercial I'm in on the ACM Awards! I couldn't have made that up when I was kid if I tried.”
Meanwhile on GAC, Emily West will be your Fan Correspondent on the Orange Carpet. Emily said, “I’m so excited for my Sin City trip — though I don’t plan on sinning while I’m out there as I’ll be too busy working. I love seeing all of my country music friends and can’t wait to work the orange carpet for GAC – I have the PURRfect dress!” Prior to the Awards Show, a film crew will follow Emily around to document her Vegas experience for an upcoming webisode series.Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Injuries With The Stars
When Ty Murray signed on to do Dancing With The Stars, it’s doubtful that he thought to bring his Kevlar vest. Yet with the injured list lengthening, ballroom dancing is turning out to be more dangerous than facing a 2000 pound bull. During yesterday’s rehearsals, celebrity dancer Steve-O was added to the injured list after he performed a front-flip at the end of the routine, landed on the dance floor flat on his back, and crushed his mic pack. His partner Lacey Schwimmer explained that his back was iced at that point, but during a later rehearsal his back struck her hip bone and the immediate swelling sent him to the emergency room. Missing the live show, Steve-O and Lacey were judged via previously recorded rehearsal footage. We’ll find out tonight if Steve-O will dance again or if he will be forced to withdraw. If he does withdraw, that will be the first out, and the remaining twelve couples will dance again. So it’s only the second episode and already this season there’s been a knee injury, broken tibia's, back injury, and potential problems from Steve Wozniak’s crushed foot and Gilles separated shoulder. At this rate, the mirror ball trophy may end up being given to the couple that can survive the longest!
So far, there have been no injuries for Chulianne. What there has been is the lubrication of an ol’ country boys hips! Julianne Hough taught sexy, and Chuck Wicks brought sexy. If voting for Country Weekly’s Hottest Bachelor wasn’t already over, Chuck would have won the vote hands down after last night’s steamy romp across the floor with Julianne. The judges weren’t impressed though, accusing Chuck of not dancing enough and leaving Julianne to do all the work. True enough, it was more of a mixture of Latin dances than a true Salsa, but Chuck did his share of gyrating. It should be plenty to keep Chulianne in the game for awhile. Also last night, Ty Murray finally relaxed and danced. He missed a few steps, but the judges complemented his frame and rewarded an improved performance with improved scores. There were other performances which were more worthy of a chop with the first ax. If it’s not Steve-O, it’s still likely Holly and Dmitry. On the plus side, it’s obvious who the judges have already pegged as leaders. Melissa and Tony earned the first two nines of the night; it was only head judge Len Goodman who bestowed a measly eight, despite admitting to gyrating in his chair. What would it take to get a nine out of Len? A fairly clean Quickstep from early favorites Gilles and Cheryl. Results are tonight.Who’s the next reality TV star? Likely James Otto, if he can sell his show. James has created his own show inspired by his cross-country travels, Desperotto. James says that he got the idea when he realized he was seeing more of the inside of his tour bus than of the great sites across the country. So now at each tour stop, he hops on his motorcycle with his video camera and heads out to shoot footage and learn about the places he plays.
So who’s your pleasure? Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban or Brad Paisley? Again this year, the Academy of Country Music is letting fans vote for Entertainer of the Year by logging onto the ACM website. Voting runs through the last hour of the show, which airs live on CBS, April 5.
Friday, March 6, 2009
CSI; DWTS; ACM; CW
Well, if this singing thing ever doesn’t work out, Taylor Swift’s got a career in acting. For a girl who’s never acted before, short of her own videos, Taylor took on a pretty meaty role as “Haley” in last night’s CSI. (SPOILER ALERT) Sparing the viewer the wait for the inevitable, Haley was found slain right at the beginning of the episode. The rest of the hour was used to tell the interlocked tale of events that were set in motion before Haley was born. In the end, the adoptive mother did it. She was flailing scissors and threatening to cut Haley’s hair because it was done in the style of her birth mother. Haley didn’t know she was adopted; she was just emulating a young woman posing with a baby in a photo that she found on the motel property. The photo was left as a memorial by the father of one of the motel’s other homicide victims, “Tonya.” It turned out that Tonya was Haley’s birth mother, and the adoptive mother killed her, too, when she came around all those years later to meet Haley as a teenager. The mother had many issues which were revealed throughout the story. Along the way, Taylor’s character appeared at progressive points to interact with the investigator who would find her stabbed. Taylor played several of her scenes with natural teenage feistiness and curiosity, but most notable were the make-out scene and the fatal fight scene. This is the girl who didn’t want to kiss the boy at the end of the “Love Story” video; yet she’s locking lips with an actor on a TV show! After all, one must ‘act’ as the script is written. And act she did as she was stabbed with Hollywood scissors and crumbled to the asphalt. And looked deceased! Many a singer has tried to act in fluff cameo roles, CSI seemed to unearth another talent in the multi-faceted Taylor. Grey’s Anatomy should be calling soon.
Monday’s premiere of Dancing With the Stars will announce the first injuries of the season. Last season, Misty Mae Treanor withdrew due to injury several weeks into the competition; this year two stars have withdrawn with injuries before the season even begins! Jewel has been plagued with blisters and tendinitis since nearly the beginning of training; now she has been diagnosed with a fractured tibia in both legs. “When the doctors told me my injuries were so severe that I couldn’t walk, let alone compete, I was devastated that I couldn’t continue the show,” Jewel said. “I have every intention of being at Dancing With the Stars this season supporting my husband, Ty (Murray), and his partner, Chelsie (Hightower). I hope to be back on the show in the future.” It’s also being reported that TV personality Nancy O’Dell has withdrawn from the competition with a torn meniscus in her knee. Both ladies are anticipated to appear on Monday’s premier to kick off the season’s injured list, er, the show. Cast replacements will also be announced on the season premiere.The ACM Album of the Year Nominees have finally been announced. Due to a revision in the eligibility requirements to accommodate critically acclaimed albums with low sales figures, here are the nominees:
Jamey Johnson That Lonesome Song
Montgomery Gentry Back When I Knew It All
George Strait Troubadour
Taylor Swift Fearless
Carrie Underwood Carnival Ride
The ACM Awards will be held in Las Vegas on April 5th.
And don’t forget ladies, today and tomorrow are the last days to vote for Country Weekly’s Hottest Bachelor! It should be a crime to have so many good lookin’ men in country music! Click here to see the choices; choose your poison and good luck to all the hot fellas!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Big Honors From The Industry; Big Honors From The Fans
Today’s news opens on the concert ticket front. Our friends at Axis Radius Entertainment have changed the local ticket vendor for El Paso concerts, generally held at Whiskey Dicks and Take II. You can now buy your tickets at Horse ‘N’ Hound, 991 W. Amador. Tickets are now on sale for Lady Antebellum at Whiskey Dicks on March 27th and for David Allan Coe at Whiskey Dicks on February 15th. DAC tickets are $20 in advance.
The latest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame have been announced. Barbara Mandrell, Roy Clark, and Charlie McCoy will participate in May’s official medallion ceremony. It’s interesting that all three of this year’s inductees used television to further their respective careers. Barbara hosted her own NBC variety show in the early 1980’s, showcasing her talents alongside her sisters Louise and Erlene. (Somebody needs to put Barbara Mandrell and The Mandrell Sisters on DVD!) Her vocal and instrumental talents led her to become the first repeat winner of the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year award. Roy Clark spent a good bit of his career as the “pickin’ and grinnin’” co-host of Hee Haw. He, too, won a CMA Entertainer of the Year trophy. And session-player Charlie McCoy has ties to both Barbara and Roy. In addition to being a member of the Hee Haw band for 18 years, you can hear Charlie’s musicianship Roy’s "I Never Picked Cotton" and Barbara’s "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed" and "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right." Over his career, Charlie was nominated 13 times for the CMA’s Instrumentalist of the Year honor, and he won it in 1972 and ’73.
Recently, we told you about Toby Keith and Taylor Swift getting into the fashion business. Add Trent Tomlinson to that list. Trent and his wife, Jessica, recently opened a clothing boutique in Mooresville, North Carolina. According to Trent, Tempt boutique features men’s and women’s clothing and will also offer swimwear since they are located by Lake Norman. Trent plans on designing some clothing items in the future.
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has named a famous musical entertainer, three U.S. legislators, a major U.S.company, a volunteer bugler, and two Congressional staff members as recipients of its highest awards for 2009. As he is about to embark on his 8th USO Tour, Toby Keith will receive the MOAA Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional support of military people. Over the years, Toby has performed more than 100 shows for the USO.
And finally, it’s almost ACM season! Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, Leann Rimes and Jessica Simpson will announce nominees for the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on February 11th. The show will be held April 5 in Las Vegas. Again this year, fans will be allowed to vote, but in different categories. Remember last year? Fans voted in the Entertainer of the Year category and Kenny Chesney opined that that category should be held to a higher regard.
Well this year, for the first time, the three newcomer categories – Top New Male Vocalist, Top New Female Vocalist, and Top New Vocal Duo or Group – will be opened up for fan voting through gactv.com from Friday, February 13th through Thursday, March 5th. The winner in each of the three categories will be announced March 9th, and will move on to compete in a brand new Academy of Country Music Awards Category: Top New Artist. Voting for the Top New Artist Category will begin on March 16th, and will close on April 5th, with the winner announced during the ACM's. Good luck to all the pending nominees in these categories, as fans can be voracious voters.
The latest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame have been announced. Barbara Mandrell, Roy Clark, and Charlie McCoy will participate in May’s official medallion ceremony. It’s interesting that all three of this year’s inductees used television to further their respective careers. Barbara hosted her own NBC variety show in the early 1980’s, showcasing her talents alongside her sisters Louise and Erlene. (Somebody needs to put Barbara Mandrell and The Mandrell Sisters on DVD!) Her vocal and instrumental talents led her to become the first repeat winner of the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year award. Roy Clark spent a good bit of his career as the “pickin’ and grinnin’” co-host of Hee Haw. He, too, won a CMA Entertainer of the Year trophy. And session-player Charlie McCoy has ties to both Barbara and Roy. In addition to being a member of the Hee Haw band for 18 years, you can hear Charlie’s musicianship Roy’s "I Never Picked Cotton" and Barbara’s "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed" and "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right." Over his career, Charlie was nominated 13 times for the CMA’s Instrumentalist of the Year honor, and he won it in 1972 and ’73.Recently, we told you about Toby Keith and Taylor Swift getting into the fashion business. Add Trent Tomlinson to that list. Trent and his wife, Jessica, recently opened a clothing boutique in Mooresville, North Carolina. According to Trent, Tempt boutique features men’s and women’s clothing and will also offer swimwear since they are located by Lake Norman. Trent plans on designing some clothing items in the future.
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has named a famous musical entertainer, three U.S. legislators, a major U.S.company, a volunteer bugler, and two Congressional staff members as recipients of its highest awards for 2009. As he is about to embark on his 8th USO Tour, Toby Keith will receive the MOAA Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional support of military people. Over the years, Toby has performed more than 100 shows for the USO.
And finally, it’s almost ACM season! Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, Leann Rimes and Jessica Simpson will announce nominees for the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on February 11th. The show will be held April 5 in Las Vegas. Again this year, fans will be allowed to vote, but in different categories. Remember last year? Fans voted in the Entertainer of the Year category and Kenny Chesney opined that that category should be held to a higher regard.Well this year, for the first time, the three newcomer categories – Top New Male Vocalist, Top New Female Vocalist, and Top New Vocal Duo or Group – will be opened up for fan voting through gactv.com from Friday, February 13th through Thursday, March 5th. The winner in each of the three categories will be announced March 9th, and will move on to compete in a brand new Academy of Country Music Awards Category: Top New Artist. Voting for the Top New Artist Category will begin on March 16th, and will close on April 5th, with the winner announced during the ACM's. Good luck to all the pending nominees in these categories, as fans can be voracious voters.
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