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Go Country 105

Jelly Roll says he was so nervous when he met Taylor Swift he couldn't think – or talk – straight

Like Taylor Swift, Jelly Roll is a chart-topping country star who’s crossed over to pop. But he says when he actually got to meet Taylor earlier this year at the Grammys, he couldn’t even form a proper sentence.

Jelly tells People that what he wanted to share with Taylor is that when his daughter Bailee – who’s now 16 – was a little girl, he used to take her to a playground in Tennessee that Taylor had donated money to rebuild and push her on the swing set there.

But when Taylor came over to say hello to him at the Grammys, Jelly laughs, “I was so nervous I couldn't even remember what a swing set was.”

“I'm looking at Taylor Swift and I have a reason to explain to her why I like her so much,” he continues. “And I'm going, You built the swing set somewhere, my daughter, I pushed her on it.' I did so bad! Definitely was at a loss for words in that moment.”

Jelly also tells People that so far this year, he’s lost 110 pounds and is winning the battle against his childhood food addiction.

“It's cool because there was once a time in life that the culture I built on tour was the opposite. It revolved around alcohol and drugs,” he says. “And now our tour culture is around good eating and around exercising and doing emotional check-ins with our crew every day.”

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Bailey Zimmerman recalls feeling 'super weird' about his CMA New Artist nomination

Grateful and excited are common feelings when one receives an award nomination. However, another feeling that CMA New Artist nominee Bailey Zimmerman felt was “weird.”

“It’s something that I’ve never felt before,” Bailey recounts to ABC Audio of the moment he found out about his nod. “It was super weird. It didn’t feel like real life.”

“We woke up and saw the news and people were calling me and I called my mom and it was sick,” he recalls. “It’s like, you just remember and flash back to all the work that’s been put into it and all the people that have really cared about what we’re doing and put so much love and effort into it.”

Needless to say, it’s been quite the journey for Bailey, which is why he’s thankful for the recognition.

“It’s just a big win for us, you know? Whether we win or lose, being nominated and acknowledged is all you can ask for,” says Bailey, who already has four #1 hits under his belt.

“So, yeah! Let’s freaking go!” he adds. “Like, we did it! Let’s go!”

Will Bailey beat out fellow nominees Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Nate Smith, Zach Top and Mitchell Tenpenny for the CMA New Artist of the Year trophy? Find out when the 2024 CMAs air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Parker McCollum's thankful for his CMA Song of the Year nod: 'That's as good as it gets'

Parker McCollum‘s not just a singer, he’s a songwriter and prides himself in that art.

That’s why having “Burn It Down” nominated for CMA Song of the Year means a lot to him.

“That’s as good as it gets for me and that’s really the one award I think that carries a bunch of weight for me just as a songwriter, because it is about the songwriting,” Parker tells ABC Audio.

“Just the nomination for me is plenty. And getting to write with [Lori McKenna, Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey from The Love Junkies] and call them, I mean, they’re basically family to me now,” shares Parker. “They come down to my house and go to the ranch in Texas and write and we’ll do that again in January.”

While the nomination “is plenty” for Parker, winning it would be like a big pat on the back.

“It would be the one award that really made me feel like a real songwriter. Just the fact that something as big as the CMAs thought something that I was a part of writing deserved any kind of attention at all,” he says. “That would be heavy.” 

The other Song of the Year-nominated tracks are Post Malone and Morgan Wallen‘s “I Had Some Help,” Chris Stapleton‘s “White Horse,” and Cody Johnson‘s “The Painter” and “Dirt Cheap.”

The 2024 CMAs, hosted by Luke BryanLainey Wilson and Peyton Manning, air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Old Dominion weighs in on potentially earning their seventh CMA Vocal Group award

Old Dominion‘s been on a winning streak in the CMA Vocal Group of the Year category for the past six years.

If they continue their reign this year, they’ll earn their seventh trophy and become the second-most-awarded Vocal Group, taking over the title currently held by six-time winners Little Big Town.

So how’s Old Dominion feeling about potentially taking the crown away from one of country music’s nicest groups?

“It feels great. Feels real great!” OD’s Matthew Ramsey tells ABC Audio with a laugh before Trevor Rosen says in jest, “You think they’re nice?”

“Some of the nicest, most talented people in the world. And we are going to stomp ’em into the ground.” Matthew jokes. 

“Stuff ’em in the dirt,” Trevor adds.

“It’s a tough town,” Brad Tursi says. “Couldn’t have done it without ’em.”

Of course, Old Dominion’s just joking around. They are, in fact, friends with Little Big Town and previously collaborated together on the 2017 track “Stars in the City.”

Other nominees in the Vocal Group category include Little Big Town, Lady A, Zac Brown Band and The Red Clay Strays.

Will Old Dominion clinch their seventh Vocal Group award this year? Find out when the 2024 CMAs air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton + more to perform George Strait tribute at CMAs

Country Music’s Biggest Night is about to get bigger.

It’s been announced that Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Parker McCollum and Jamey Johnson will perform a tribute to George Strait onstage.

Their performance will happen after George receives his 2024 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Past CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Dolly PartonWillie NelsonAlan JacksonLoretta LynnCharley PrideJohnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.

The 58th annual CMA Awards, hosted by Lainey, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Why Riley Green's first CMA Award nomination makes him feel validated

There’s a first time for everything, and for Riley Green, 2024 has been the year of numerous firsts – including getting nominated for a CMA Award and being invited to perform onstage.

“You know, being nominated for a CMA Award, getting to perform at the CMAs is such a huge thing,” Riley tells ABC Audio. “It’s my first time being nominated for a CMA, and those [types] of accolades, whatever you want to call it, they never go away.”

“Whether you win or not, being nominated is something that’s just validating as a songwriter and a performer,” he continues. “It means people are buying into what you’re doing. So that means a lot.”

Reflecting on his milestone year, Riley adds, “We did Red Rocks the first time [this year]. Was an awesome show. I had my whole family there. A lot of moments stand out this year and, you know, it just makes you more excited about the next year of touring.”
 

Riley will hit the road in 2025 for his Damn Country Music Tour with his fellow CMA Music Event of the Year nominee Ella Langely. But before that, they’ll take the CMAs stage Wednesday to perform their hit, “you look like you love me.”

The 2024 CMAs, hosted by Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning, air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

 

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Earning a CMA New Artist nod still feels surreal to Nate Smith: 'It's just crazy'

Nate Smith may have three #1 hits under his belt, but earning a CMA New Artist nomination still feels pretty surreal.

“It does feel good. It’s just crazy. I mean, if you knew me, man, from my hometown and growing up and stuff, you’d be like, ‘This dork. How is he up here? How did he get these number ones? How [is he] nominated for stuff?'” Nate tells ABC Audio.

“Honestly, it’s a miracle,” he adds. “It really makes me think that anything’s possible.” 

Other New Artist nominees include Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Bailey Zimmerman, Zach Top and Mitchell Tenpenny.

The 2024 CMAs, hosted by Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning, air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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News Daypop

Prosecutors oppose dismissal, but won’t object to postponing Trump hush money case sentencing

Prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorney’s office said on Tuesday that while they oppose President-elect Trump’s attempt to dismiss his criminal hush money conviction in New York, they do not object to postponing sentencing in the case.

The district attorney’s office instead suggested deferring all remaining proceedings in the case until after Trump leaves the White House in 2029. Lawyers for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg wrote in a letter to Justice Juan Merchan that Trump should not be sentenced for his crimes, stating: “consideration must be given to various non-dismissal options that may address any concerns raised by the pendency of a post-trial criminal proceeding during the presidency, such as deferral of all remaining criminal proceedings until after the end of defendant’s upcoming presidential term … The People deeply respect the Office of the President, are mindful of the demands and obligations of the presidency, and acknowledge that Defendant’s inauguration will raise unprecedented legal questions. We also deeply respect the fundamental role of the jury in our constitutional system.”

The sentencing in Trump’s criminal case is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 26. Defense attorneys have asked New York Judge Juan Merchan to dismiss the case ahead of Trump’s impending inauguration. Trump’s defense lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove said in a filing made public Tuesday that the case must be dismissed because a sitting president is immune from prosecution: “To require President Trump to address further criminal proceedings at this point would not only violate the federal Constitution, but also disrupt the Presidential transition process.  There is no material difference between President Trump’s current status after his overwhelming victory in the national election and that of a sitting President following inauguration.”

Prosecutors said in their filings, however, that they intend to oppose any effort by Trump to dismiss his case outright. Trump’s lawyers said in a previous letter that they would do so, claiming his election meant the case might cause “unconstitutional impediments to President Trump’s ability to govern. ”

Judge Merchan was tentatively scheduled to sentence Trump later this month on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. He will have the final say regarding the next steps in the case.

Editorial credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

Rep. Nancy Mace’s Capitol anti-trans restroom bill targets first transgender member of Congress, Sarah McBride

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said Tuesday that the bill she introduced to ban transgender women from using female bathrooms at the U.S. Capitol is a direct response to the election of Sarah McBride, who will become the first openly transgender person in Congress. On Monday, Mace introduced a resolution to prohibit any lawmakers and House employees from “using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.”

When asked by reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday if the bill she introduced was in response to McBride, Mace said: “Yes, and absolutely. And then some. I’m not going to stand for a man, you know, someone with a penis, in the women’s locker room. I’m absolutely 100% gonna stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a women’s restroom, in our locker rooms, in our changing rooms. I will be there fighting you every step of the way.”

McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, didn’t respond to questions on the topic as she entered the House Democratic caucus meeting Tuesday morning.  However on Monday in a post on X, McBride said: “This is a blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists to distract from the fact they have no real solutions to what Americans are facing. Every day Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully, I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness.”

GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia called McBride a “biological man” and said she had confronted House Speaker Mike Johnson at during the House Republican Conference meeting Tuesday morning about what “men in leadership” would do to address their concerns. Greene said: “you know, Sarah McBride … should not be using any of our restrooms in the Capitol, in our office buildings. But Nancy Mace’s resolution doesn’t go far enough. A resolution is just a statement by Congress saying that Congress disagrees with something we need, something more binding. And that’s what I just brought up at the microphones there — in our conference, I directly asked Speaker Johnson what the men in our leadership are going to do about this, because this this has to be stopped.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday that Republicans are trying to resolve the issue but that they will make accommodations for McBride: “This is an unprecedented matter, so we’re going to, we’ll find a resolution that that solves the problem, but we’re working on that … and stay tuned for how we respond. We welcome all new members with open arms who are duly elected representatives of the people. I believe it’s a command we treat all persons with dignity and respect …. this is an issue that Congress has never had to address before. We’re going to do that in a deliberate fashion with member consensus on it, and we will accommodate the needs of every single person.”

Editorial credit: Philip Yabut / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

Luke Combs is excited to do something 'for the first time' at the CMA Awards

It’s always special when an artist gets an Album of the Year nod, but it means even more for Luke Combs when it’s his autobiographical Fathers & Sons, an album he dedicated to his two boys.

“That one’s a little extra special, man. To be able to have something like that for [my sons] and just, you know, to do something that you’re really passionate about and have it be recognized is always nice,” Luke tells ABC Audio.

Luke, however, won’t be performing a track from Fathers & Sons during the CMAs Wednesday. Instead, he’ll blow in with his latest hit, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” from the Twisters soundtrack – and it’ll very much be like a scene from the film.

“The performance will be really fun. You know, we’ve always kind of stripped our stuff back and really let the music be out front. And we let go of that for this performance,” shares Luke.

“We’ve got the fire and the cool stuff and it’s like it’s part of the movie, you know?” he teases. “I feel like the song really fits that kind of stuff. So we’re excited to do that for the first time.”

The 2024 CMAs, hosted by Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.