Month: April 2022

Selena Gomez launches mental health platform ‘Wondermind’

Post author By Staff
Post date April 12, 2022
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Selena Gomez is using her years of mental health advocacy to launch Wondermind, a mental health company she’s heading up with her mom, Mandy Teefey, and media entrepreneur, Daniella Pierson. Wondermind was described in a press release as a platform that “destigmatizes and democratizes mental health.” Teefey said, “We hope to be the one stop shop for all mental fitness and conversation.”

The Wondermind website will serve as the main hub with daily content, interviews with experts, and other tools and resources — free of charge. There will also be a weekly podcast featuring a variety of guests, including therapists and celebrities who are known for their mental health advocacy. Gomez said, “We want to be that place where people feel comfortable to talk about the things under the hood. I really want people to be understood and seen and heard. It’s OK to not be OK.” When Gomez revealed she had bipolar disorder in 2020, she said, “it was really freeing to know that information. It made me really happy because I started to have a relationship with myself, and that’s the best part.”

The eventual goal is to expand Wondermind into a production company that also releases books, exercise journals, and streaming content. Said Gomez in a press release: “Every person has their own mental health journey. If we ignore them, pretty them up or hide them from the world, it doesn’t change that they are very, very real.”

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

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Nashville notes

Several country songs were recognized at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards in the Most Performed Songs category, including Thomas Rhett‘s “What’s Your Country Song,” Darius Rucker‘s “Beers and Sunshine,” “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s” by Sam Hunt and more. Visit ASCAP’s website to see the full list of winners.

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival will return to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee, this year on September 24 and 25. Lineup and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Garth Brooks has broken the attendance record for his upcoming show at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, outselling the UAB Blazers’ previous record. Tickets for the June 4 show went on sale Friday and are still available.

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The Judds to celebrate fans with The Final Tour

Post author By abookbinder
Post date April 11, 2022
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The Judds are embarking on their first tour in more than a decade with The Final Tour.

The mother-daughter duo of Naomi and Wynonna Judd will headline arenas across the country on a 10-date tour beginning on September 30 in Grand Rapids, MI and concluding on October 28 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Along the way, they’ll stop in Fort Worth, TX, Biloxi, MS, Sioux Falls, SD and other cities.

The Judds cite the tour as a “celebration” for their loyal fans.

“The fans have always been my family of choice. I love them dearly, so I’m chompin' at the bit to belt out our hits and reconnect with them once again,” Naomi shares in a statement. “The cherry on top is singing with my beloved, wild and extremely talented daughter. the best singer of any genre, Wynonna!”

“What I’m looking forward to most is celebrating Judd music with the fans. Mom and I have had quite the journey over the last 38 years, and the fans have been with us through it all. This tour is a celebration for them!” adds Wynonna.

Martina McBride will join the multi-Grammy winning duo as a special guest. Tickets go on sale to the public on April 15. Visit their website for a full list of dates.

The Judds will also reunite at the CMT Awards tonight to perform their career-defining hit, “Love Can Build a Bridge.” They’re set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in May.

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Miranda Lambert and Elle King toast to “Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)” hitting #1

Post author By abookbinder
Post date April 11, 2022
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Miranda Lambert and Elle King have a lot to celebrate: “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” is officially a #1 hit.

Sitting at the top of the charts this week, “Drunk” is the first duet featuring two female artists to reach #1 at country radio since Reba McEntire and Linda Davis‘ Grammy-winning 1993 hit, “Does He Love You.”

“The fact that a duet by 2 women hasn't been a number 1 in country music since 1993 is crazy to me. The fact that we got here today means even more because it's bigger than us,” Miranda remarks on Instagram. “Thanks @reba and Linda for paving the way. Elle King I love you and your spirit.”

The singer also shared behind-the-scenes photos from the video shoot of her and Elle dressed in their 80s wedding garb, mugging for the camera with a beer can in Elle’s hand and a bottle of liquor in Miranda’s.

“@elleking is one of my favorite artists and one of my favorite people to be around. I am proud to call her my friend and I'm so glad she asked me to do song this song with her,” the Texas native continues. “Thanks to everyone who played /streamed and sang along with us on Drunk. Now let's get drunk and not wanna go home!”

“The life of this song has taught me so much, everything has its own time and path. And when in doubt, add @mirandalambert!!!” champions Elle. “I am so thankful to you Miranda, you are a shining light, and there's no one I enjoy singing with more, than you.”

Miranda previously topped the charts in 2020 with her solo single, “Bluebird,” while Elle had a #1 duet in 2016 with Dierks Bentley on “Different for Girls.”

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Cole Swindell is “ready” to perform “Never Say Never” with Lainey Wilson at the CMT Awards

Post author By abookbinder
Post date April 11, 2022
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Growing up in his native Georgia, Cole Swindell was an avid lover of country music videos and a loyal viewer of the CMT Awards. That’s why he’s especially excited to get to perform his duet with Lainey Wilson, “Never Say Never,” for the first time, along with the title track of his new album, Stereotype.

“That song’s top five and I’ve never sang it with her. I don’t know how that happens,” Cole confesses. “Me and her, we did get to rehearse and get get some practice in. But I’m ready to do it live.”

Another bright aspect of the evening is that Cole will be attending the show with his girlfriend, Courtney Little, a former NBA cheerleader and owner of Little Sisters Boutique. This marks her first time attending an awards show, and the singer is looking forward to showing her the ropes.

“I’m excited, this is her first awards show, so we’ll be going to the CMT Awards together. I’m excited to have her there and just to let her experience a big night like this with a nomination and performances and stuff like that,” he shares.

Cole will take the stage when the CMT Awards air live from Nashville tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

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Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown among final CMT Video of the Year nominees

Post author By abookbinder
Post date April 11, 2022
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Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown and Cody Johnson are the final three nominees for Video of the Year at the CMT Awards.

Jason and Carrie are up for their chart-topping duet, “If I Didn’t Love You,” Kane is nominated for his hit, “One Mississippi,” and Cody scored a nod for his first #1 single, “Til You Can’t.” Fans can vote for their favorite now on Twitter. The winner will be revealed during tonight’s broadcast.

Gabby Barrett has also been added to the star-studded lineup of performers that includes all of the Video of the Year nominees, as well as Carly Pearce, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney and more.

Additionally, Faith Hill is set to present the award for the Video of the Year alongside her 1883 costar, Isabel May. This marks the first time the country legend has appeared at the show since 2010. Craig Morgan, model Lily Aldridge and former NFL player Mike Singletary will also present awards throughout the night.

Kelsea Ballerini, who has tested positive for COVID-19, will co-host the show remotely from home with actor Anthony Mackie, who will be live from Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium. Kane will fill in for Kelsea in person when the CMT Awards air on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

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“I am devastated”: Kelsea Ballerini tests positive for COVID-19, now co-hosting CMT Awards remotely

Post author By abookbinder
Post date April 11, 2022
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Kelsea Ballerini will no longer host the CMT Awards in person after testing positive for COVID-19.

A statement from CMT on Monday morning confirms that Kelsea, who was supposed to host the show with actor Anthony Mackie live from Nashville, has contracted the virus and will be co-hosting remotely. Kane Brown, who co-hosted the show with Kelsea last year, will fill in for her during the in-person ceremony at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.

“I am devastated. I’m gutted. But the good news is that I’m feeling a lot better,” Kelsea shared in a video posted to Instagram, revealing that CMT brought part of set to her house where she’s quarantining so she can still host and perform.

“It is certainly not what we expected or planned for, but we are doing our damn best,” she adds with a smile. “Let’s make some lemonade together out of these very bitter lemons.”

The CMT Awards air tonight on CBS at 8 p.m. ET.

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Police believe 2 people targeted victims at Cedar Rapids nightclub shooting which killed 2 and injured 10

Post author By Staff
Post date April 11, 2022
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Cedar Rapids Police confirm that investigators believe two men fired more than a dozen shots inside a Cedar Rapids nightclub left a man and a woman dead and 10 people wounded early Sunday morning.

Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said that officers – who were just outside the Taboo Nightclub and Lounge because of an earlier incident – rushed inside and found the victims of the shooting, and that between 100 to 150 people ran out of the club at that time. Officers helped treat the people who were wounded and rushed several of the victims to hospitals in squad cars. The names of the man and woman who died were not released Sunday. Jerman said one survivor was in critical condition Sunday afternoon while the other injuries, which were all related to the gunfire. The gunmen likely escaped as the crowd rushed out of the nightclub. Police were searching for suspects Sunday afternoon and no arrests had been reported.

Jerman said police haven’t determined the motive for the shooting but investigators believe one of the victims was targeted, adding: “This is another mindless and senseless gun-related incident involving a reckless disregard for human life. I remain livid and angered at the continued and blatant disregard and lack of respect for human life that continues. That said, I want to reassure the residents of this city that Cedar Rapids is a safe city.” Those with information about the shooting are encouraged to call Cedar Rapids Police at 319-286-5491 or Linn County Crime Stoppers at 800-272-7463.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell urged residents to speak out against violence: “Shock, anger, grief, disappointment — just a few of the emotions that I’m sure we all feel today. And I can personally say that as a mother my heart goes out to those moms and dads today who are having the worst day of their lives. To the families of the injured, we are with you and we are praying for a swift recovery.”

Editorial credit: Yo_Co / Shutterstock.com

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President Biden scheduled to announce new steps on controlling gun violence

Post author By Staff
Post date April 11, 2022
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On Monday, President Joe Biden is scheduled to introduce new policy measures on firearms. Biden’s announcement comes amid growing concern about gun violence and untraceable “ghost guns” that can be 3D printed at home. As part of Monday’s policy rollout, Biden is expected to name a new replacement nominee to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

In September, the White House withdrew its last nominee, 25-year ATF veteran David Chipman, following unanimous opposition from Republicans who say the want to protect the right to bear arms. Gun violence advocates have been furious at the Biden administration for failing to lobby hard enough, in their view, for Chipman, and for waiting so long to announce a replacement.

Biden is also expected to announce fresh steps to make it harder for people to build and acquire so-called ghost guns, as many big cities have reported recovering increasing numbers of the weapons. These weapons lack serial numbers, which would enable law enforcement to track them and enforce background checks. And they are essentially available in plastic, which can bypass metal detectors.

Editorial credit: BiksuTong / Shutterstock.com

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Kelsea Ballerini is bringing community celebration and big Dolly Parton vibes to the CMT Music Awards

Post author By abookbinder
Post date April 11, 2022
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Kelsea Ballerini's co-hosting this year's CMT Music Awards with actor Anthony Mackie, and the singer says she learned how to host an awards show from the best: Dolly Parton.

“I mean, Dolly is the best,” Kelsea gushes to ABC Audio. “She's all personality. She sets the tone for everybody to feel ready to celebrate community, and that's always been the energy I've gotten from this show. It's celebratory, it's community, it's all about the fans.”

Kelsea got an up-close look at Dolly's hosting style during last month's ACM Awards, where she performed a duet with the country legend. Dolly shared host duties with Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett at the ACMs.

“I feel like I've taken a lot of notes from Dolly this year,” Kelsea goes on to say.

But as much as she's focusing on her hosting gig, the singer's also looking forward to having a front-row seat for some truly epic performances.

“The Judds [are performing for the first time in] 20 years? That's insane. It was just announced that Little Big Town, Jimmie Allen and Monica are performing together? Like, what?” Kelsea goes on to say, pointing out that unexpected live moments and team-ups are part of what makes this show special.

“It's not just the songs you've heard on the radio for the last year. It's album cuts. It's new songs. It's collaborations,” she elaborates. “It's a true snapshot of what's going on in country music.”

Tune in to the CMT Music Awards tonight at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.