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News Daypop

Body found in Memphis is identified as kidnapped jogger Eliza Fletcher

Police said on Tuesday that the body found in a Memphis neighborhood Monday was confirmed to be a Tennessee woman who was abducted late last week. 34-year-old Eliza Fletcher was seen on surveillance video being forced into an SUV while she was jogging near the University of Memphis early Friday morning.

38-year-old Cleotha Abston, the suspect arrested in the case, is being charged with first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis told reporters it was possible others would be charged in the case but as of Tuesday morning no one else has been.

Fletcher’s body was found behind a vacant duplex, Davis said. A police affidavit said officers noticed vehicle tracks next to the duplex’s driveway and smelled an odor. Purple running shorts consistent with the shorts Fletcher was wearing were found in a discarded trash bag nearby, the affidavit said. According to the chief, it was too early for investigators to determine how and where Fletcher was killed.

District Attorney Steven Mulroy said Abston would be arraigned on the murder charges Wednesday, telling reporters: “We have no reason to think this was anything other than an isolated attack by a stranger.”  Abston appeared before a judge earlier Tuesday on charges of kidnapping, tampering with evidence, theft, identity theft and fraudulent use of a credit card; he was issued a $510,000 bond. Abston said he could not afford bond and he could not afford a lawyer. General Sessions Judge Louis Montesi appointed a public defender to represent Abston.

A mother of two and a school teacher, Fletcher is the granddaughter of the late Joseph Orgill III, a Memphis hardware businessman and philanthropist. Fletcher taught kindergarten at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis.  The family said in a statement Tuesday said they were “grateful beyond measure” to authorities for finding Fletcher and for arresting a suspect, adding: “We are heartbroken and devastated by this senseless loss. Liza was a such a joy to so many … Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her.”

Editorial credit: Fer Gregory / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

Luke Bryan says Peyton Manning is the “perfect person” to cohost the CMA Awards

Luke Bryan couldn’t be more excited to co-host the CMA Awards with Peyton Manning

Luke made his CMA hosting debut last year, describing the experience as “truly a blast.” So when producers approached him about hosting again, this time with quarterback legend Peyton by his side, it was an offer the singer couldn’t refuse. 

Luke and Peyton have been friends for years, and the NFL star has attended many of Luke’s concerts. In addition to his career on the football field, Luke has admired Peyton’s on-camera work, such as appearing in Nationwide commercials alongside fellow country star Brad Paisley. Luke calls him “an amazingly talented television person.” 

The two have appeared onstage together before: when Peyton comes to Luke’s shows, he often winds up performing with the country star.  

“Any concert of mine that he’s ever been been to, somehow, mysteriously, he always winds up onstage. He’s got a knack for finding the microphone,” Luke recalls. “He’s a big country music lover, always has been. So I think he’s a perfect person to be out there on the stage.”

The “Up” singer jokes that he and the NFL Hall of Fame member have “the keys to the castle” when it comes to hosting the big show and expects nothing but a positive experience. 

“We’re able to get up there and have fun. We have our hands on the wheel of the CMA Awards, so it’s going to be fun,” Luke says, adding that he’s “looking forward to that night.” “It’s going to be a big night.”

The nominees for this year’s show will be announced Wednesday, September 7, at 8 a.m. ET. The CMA Awards will air live on ABC on November 9. 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

Kane Brown previews duet ‘Thank God’ featuring his wife, Katelyn Brown

Kane Brown and his wife Katelyn Brown shared the first snippet of their duet, “Thank God.” The country superstar took to social media to share a teaser of the song which will impact country radio on Monday, September 12:  “First teaser (Thank God) with my wife @katelynbrown ❤  So excited 🔥releasing this Friday with my album Different Man!!” In the video teaser, Brown and his wife are seen in the studio recording the duet.

“Thank God” marks the couple’s first duet, but this isn’t Katelyn Brown’s first time in the recording studio. Prior to meeting Kane, Katelyn was embarking on a solo career as an R&B/Pop singer, which is actually how the couple met.  The song, which was co-written by Josh Hoge, Jaxson Free, Kyle Fishman, Christian Davis, and Jared Mullins, is the next single from Brown’s forthcoming third studio album, Different Man.  Set for release on Friday, September 9, Different Man features 17 songs, including the duet with his wife as well as a collaboration with country superstar Blake Shelton. The album will also include Kane’s latest single, “Like I Love Country Music,” plus previously released tracks “Grand,” “One Mississippi,” “Whiskey Sour,” and “Leave You Alone.”

Later this month, Brown will also embark on a massive international tour, dubbed the Drunk or Dreaming Tour, kicking off on September 17 in Melbourne, Australia. In addition, Brown recently announced the U.S. leg of his Drunk or Dreaming Tour, which features support from Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett and LOCASH. The U.S. leg of the tour will kick off in Grand Rapids, MI on March 16, 2023, and will visit 23 cities throughout the United States before wrapping up in Greenwood Village, CO on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Kelsea Ballerini shares the video for “What I Have” off her upcoming new album

Kelsea Ballerini has released the video for the song “What I Have”, which shows the 28-year-old singing and playing guitar in a sunny field.  Ballerini wrote on Instagram: “this song was written somewhere in between reflection and eagerness. although ever changing, i’m happy with what i have. out now.”

“What I Have” appears on Ballerini’s forthcoming fourth studio album, Subject to Change, set for release on Sept. 23.  The album also features the songs “Heartfirst” and “Love is a Cowboy.”

Ballerini will also launch a 10-city tour that begins Sept. 24 in New York, N.Y., and ends Oct. 14 in Mashantucket, Conn.  You can take a look at the video for “What I Have” here.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Justin Bieber cancels remainder of his ‘Justice World Tour’ to prioritize his physical and mental health

On Tuesday, Justin Bieber told fans in a statement posted on his Instagram story that he was calling off the remainder of his Justice World Tour to prioritize his health.

He wrote: “Earlier this year, I went public about my battle with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, where my face was partly paralyzed. As the result of this illness, I was not able to complete the North American leg of the Justice Tour. After resting and consulting with my doctors, family and team, I went to Europe in an effort to continue with the tour. I performed six live shows, but it took a real toll on me. This past weekend, I performed at Rock in Rio and I gave everything I have to the people in Brazil. After getting off stage, the exhaustion overtook me.”  Bieber said he knew in that moment that he had to “make my health the priority,” adding, “I’m going to take a break from touring for the time being. I will be okay, but I need time to rest and get better. Thank you for your prayers and support throughout all of this.” 

Bieber shared news of his health issues in June and said of his remaining U.S. tour dates at the time, “I’m just physically not capable of doing them. This is pretty serious.” Bieber was able to restart his tour the following month, performing at Italy’s Lucca Summer festival.  According to the Mayo Clinic, Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the chickenpox virus, which continues to lay dormant in a person after initial infection and can reactivate as a shingles rash. The syndrome is caused when a shingles rash, which can be painful, breaks out near one’s ear. It can trigger facial paralysis and hearing loss.

Editorial credit: Babak Rachpoot / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Nicki Minaj shares the video for ‘Super Freaky Girl’

Nicki Minaj has dropped the music video for her new single “Super Freaky Girl”. The video arrives just days after Minaj closed out her performance at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards with a performance of the track.

“Super Freaky Girl” marks the rapper’s first solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 following “Trollz” and “Say So,” her respective collaborations with 6ix9ine and Doja Cat, both hitting the top of the charts in 2020.

Watch Minaj’s music video for “Super Freaky Girl” – here.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Go Country 105

Nashville notes: CMA Awards, Darius Rucker & more

The nominees for the 2022 CMA Awards will be announced tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. ET on the CMA’s website. 

Craig Morgan sat down with Good Morning America recently to discuss his upcoming memoir, God, Family, Country, set for release on September 27. 

The full music schedule has been released for Darius Rucker‘s first annual Riverfront Revival. Darius, Jimmie Allen and Brothers Osborne are among the performers at the event, which will take place October 8-9 in Charleston. 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Justin Moore is at #1 “With a Woman You Love”

Justin Moore is back on top of the charts.

The Arkansas native is at #1 on country radio this week with his latest single, “With a Woman You Love.” This marks the singer’s 11th #1 hit, preceded by: “We Didn’t Have Much,” “Why We Drink,” “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” “Somebody Else Will,” “You Look Like I Need a Drink,” “Lettin’ the Night Roll,” “Til My Last Day,” “Point at You,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” and “Small Town USA.” 

“I think this song speaks to guys like me, or even my buddies, who used to have a wild side and said they'd never be that guy who does this or that, holding a purse, having a little dog sleep in the bed, etc. Until you find the woman you love, then it all changes. For the better!” Justin described of the song upon its release. 

“Woman” is the lead single off the hitmaker’s upcoming seventh studio album. He’s on tour with his headlining Country On It Tour through mid-September. 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

“Now the work begins”: Jimmie Allen looks ahead to Carrie Underwood's Denim & Rhinestones Tour

Jimmie Allen is preparing for his opening slot on Carrie Underwood‘s Denim & Rhinestones Tour. 

After wrapping up months of his own headlining tour dates, the country singer is taking a moment to reflect on life on the road and what he’s learned thus far. 

“As this part of my journey comes to and end, I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned. I step into the light covered by this new horizon as it embraces new realms,” he expresses in an Instagram caption, accompanied by photos of him onstage and a closeup of a blue leather jacket displaying the word “dream.” “Standing confidently in who I am, I see the path has been illuminated for me. Now the work begins,” he adds with #denimandrhinestonestour.

Jimmie will spend the rest of 2022 and the early part of 2023 on the road with Carrie, serving as the opening act for the duration of the Denim & Rhinestones Tour. It kicks off on October 15 in Greenville, S.C. and concludes on March 17 in Seattle, WA.  

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Gabby Barrett shares photos from all-blue baby shower

Gabby Barrett’s family threw a gift-filled shower for her and her baby boy. 

The “I Hope” singer recently ventured back to her home state of Pennsylvania for the event, which according to Instagram Stories, featured a table filled with presents and decor including a teddy bear with balloons tied around its arm and a stack of blocks that spell out “baby.” The food table boasted all-blue treats like M&M’s, wrapped chocolates, cupcakes with blue frosting and a blue and white cake.

“My sweet family and friends showered little boy with gifts in Pittsburgh,” Gabby writes with a tear drop and blue heart emoji. “Thankful to my mom, sister & others who helped.”

Gabby and her husband, Cade Foehner, who met as contestants on season 16 of American Idol, are expecting their second child this year. They welcomed daughter Baylah in January 2021.   

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