Month: November 2022

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Go Country 105

Lauren Alaina announces she's engaged from the Grand Ole Opry stage

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Lauren Alaina recently got engaged to her boyfriend Cam Arnold, and she picked a special spot to share the news with fans.

The singer — who has been a Grand Ole Opry member since February — appeared onstage for her Saturday night performance with a brand new ring on her finger. “I was welcomed into this family and it was a dream of mine as long as I can remember,” she told the crowd, speaking about her Opry membership.

“I didn't think this year could get any better, [but Friday] I got asked into another family!” the singer continued, according to People. “After he proposed to me, I said, You have to come out on this stage at the Grand Ole Opry.'”

And come out he did: Cam, who Lauren has been dating for two and a half years, joined her onstage to officially meet her country music family.

“Everybody, this is my fiancé,” Lauren announced. “…Make some noise for my future husband, everybody!”

Cam is a partner in a Nashville-based insurance firm, and according to People, he typically prefers to keep his life fairly private, so the couple have stayed largely out of the spotlight for most of their relationship. For their engagement, however, Cam made an exception.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Kenny Chesney announces I Go Back 2023 Tour with opening act Kelsea Ballerini

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Just weeks after wrapping his Here and Now Tour, Kenny Chesney is already announcing tour plans for 2023.

The singer shared the news on Monday, unveiling his I Go Back 2023 Tour, which is set to launch next March. Of course, the trek takes its name from Kenny's 20004 hit “I Go Back.”

While the singer hits stadiums in 2022, things will be a little bit more up-close and intimate on his 2023 run. He's playing amphitheaters and arenas this time around, kicking things off with a March 25 stop in State College, Pennsylvania.

But that's not all: Kenny has a very special opening act booked for the I Go Back Tour. Kelsea Ballerini, his “Half of My Hometown” duet partner, will join him for the dates.

“Kelsea understands everything about where I come from, because she's from there too,” Kenny says of the singer. The two stars both hail from the same hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.

“She knows how hard it is to leave, how much you miss all those things that make you who you are…but also how the only way to chase the kind of dream she has is to do just that,” he continues. “It's a tough call when you love home the way we both do, but for kids like us, there was never really a choice.”

Tickets to the I Go Back 2023 Tour will go on sale December 2 at 10 a.m. local time.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Pop Daypop

2022 American Music Awards: See the full list of winners

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The 50th American Music Awards took place on Sunday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Wayne Brady and airing on ABC.

Taylor Swift ruled the evening, sweeping all six categories for which she was nominated, including artist of the year, the night’s top honor. Swift is now the most decorated artist in AMAs history, with 40 career wins. BTS also broke records, winning in favorite pop duo or group for the fourth time, making them the most awarded group in the history of the category. Elton John took home his first AMA win since 1988 for best collaboration with Dua Lipa, becoming the longest-recognized artist in the awards show’s history. (John was first nominated for an AMA in 1974.)

Bad Bunny won for Best Male Latin Artist and his Un Verano Sin Ti was named Best Latin Album, while Anitta won for Best Female Latin Artist. Beyonce was awarded Best R&B Artist with her album Renaissance winning for Best R&B Album; and the Best Male R&B Artist statuette went to Chris Brown. Kendrick Lamar scored the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist award, with his Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers LP named Best Hip-Hop Album; Nicki Minaj won Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. Morgan Wallen earned the Best Male Country Artist award, and his single “Wasted on You” winning for Best Country Song.

Lionel Richie, a 17-time AMA winner, was honored with the Icon Award for his career contributions to the music industry, with Charlie Puth, Stevie Wonder and Ari Lennox performing a tribute to Richie.

For the full list of winners, head here.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

5 migrants dead, 5 missing after boat capsizes off coast of Florida

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The U.S. Coast Guard Southeast said in a statement that five migrants have died and another five are missing after a homemade boat capsized off the coast of Florida.

The group of migrants was traveling in the homemade boat when it capsized 50 miles off the coast of Little Torch Key, Florida, authorities said. Some of the rescued migrants wore life jackets, which the Coast Guard said saved their lives with winds at 30 miles per hour on Saturday, and the seas were 6 to 8 feet in the swell. Nine people were rescued, while four died almost immediately upon capsizing and one died after the incident.

The Coast Guard did not identify the country of origin for the migrants but did tag the U.S. Embassy in Cuba Twitter account in tweets about the incident. The Coast Guard said: “For individuals residing in the US seeking information on a family member possibly intercepted by the Coast Guard, please contact your local government representative.”

The Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has repeatedly warned migrants not to make the journey from the central triangle countries, because it is incredibly dangerous and could result in death.

Editorial credit: Rob Wilson / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

Suspect in custody after mass shooting at LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs kills 5

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A 22-year-old man is in police custody after at least five people died and another 25 were injured in a shooting at a LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colo., just before midnight on Sunday.  The mass shooting occurred at Club Q, until recently the only LGBTQ+ nightclub in the city comprised of 484,000 residents.  Colorado Springs Police Lt. Pamela Castro said at a news conference that the suspect, 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich, was taken into custody at 12:02 a.m. just minutes after the shooting. He is being treated for injuries at a local hospital.

Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said that the suspect began shooting upon entering the club, and two “heroic” people fought with him and were able to stop him from killing and hurting others before officers arrived. “We owe them a great debt,” said Vasquez. At least two firearms were found at the scene, with an unspecified long rifle in the shooting. “The motive of the crime is part of the investigation and whether this was a hate crime is a part of that investigation,” Vasquez added.

Club Q said in a statement posted on Facebook: “Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community. Our prayers and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends. We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”

Gov. Jared Polis, the first openly gay governor in the U.S., tweeted : “This is horrific, sickening, devastating.  My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor Suthers and made it clear that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs. We are eternally grateful for the brave individuals who blocked the gunman likely saving lives in the process and for the first responders who responded swiftly to this horrific shooting. Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn.”

Editorial credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

Parades, parties and trophies usher in 'Bluebird Days' for Jordan Davis

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Jordan Davis has plenty to celebrate these days, hot off his Song of the Year win for “Buy Dirt” at the recent CMA Awards. 

Even before that, the busy father of two had to get creative to squeeze in a birthday party for his firstborn, Eloise, who turned 3 on November 17.

“It was the only Sunday that I’m gonna be home for the next couple months,” Jordan tells ABC Audio. “So we had that and it was a Frozen-themed party. She dressed up as Princess Elsa and we had a blast.”

“Three’s a fun age!” he adds. “It’s a hard age. But it’s a fun age.”

Next up, he’s headed to New York City to take part in one of America’s most beloved turkey day traditions before enjoying a holiday with all the trimmings with the in-laws.

“Thanksgiving, we’re going over to Kristen‘s family in Virginia,” Jordan explains. “I’m doing the … Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that morning. Then we’re gonna go to Virginia that afternoon.”

“You know, that’s how we started Thanksgiving every year,” he says of the annual parade. “So it’s like, you know, it’s just cool to think that there’s a lot of people watching. I know my family’s gonna be at home watching it, so it’s gonna be fun.”  

Early next year, Jordan will release his new album, Bluebird Days, which features his latest hit, “What My World Spins Around,” as well as his double-Platinum smash “Buy Dirt.” 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

American Music Awards 2022: Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen and Dan + Shay earn country honors

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The 2022 American Music Awards went down in Los Angeles last night, with Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen the big country winners.

Taylor nabbed two country awards: Favorite Female Country Artist, and Favorite Country Album for Red (Taylor's Version). These wins, along with several others last night, extend Tay’s record as the most awarded artist in AMA history with 40 wins.

Also winning two awards was Morgan, who nabbed Favorite Male Country Artist and Favorite Country Song for “Wasted on You.”

The only award handed out on the broadcast was Favorite Country Duo or Group, which went to Dan + Shay.

“We are so grateful to get to make country music,” Shay Mooney shared while accepting the award.  “We are proud to represent our community here. This is unbelievable.” Dan Smyers thanked his musical partner, noting, “I am so glad to make music with you, this is a dream come true to stand on this stage with you and accept this award,” adding to their fans, “we couldn't do this without you…you change our lives every single day.”

And while Taylor's win for Favorite Female Country Artist robbed Carrie Underwood of another AMA trophy, that didn't stop her from wowing the crowd with a performance of her Denim & Rhinestones track “Crazy Angels,” which she began while hanging over the audience in a spherical apparatus.

Also performing last night was Yola, who sang “Break the Bough” for the show's second annual “Song of the Soul” moment, and Jimmie Allen, who paid tribute to the late Loretta Lynn, performing a bit of her classic “Coal Miner's Daughter” on guitar.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

Lauren Alaina announces engagement to boyfriend Cameron Arnold

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Lauren Alaina announced that she and boyfriend Cameron Arnold are engaged. Alaina wrote via Instagram on Sunday, November 20:  “BRIDE be dang’d, y’all. My best friend, @arnold.cam, asked me to marry him, and I announced it at my favorite place in the world, @opry.  I didn’t know happiness and excitement like this existed. I can’t wait to be Mrs. Cameron Scott Arnold.”

The 28-year-old Alaina debuted her romance with Arnold in August 2021, and the happy couple celebrated their engagement news during her concert at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Saturday, November 19.  During her performance, Alaina flashed her engagement ring and said: “I didn’t think this year could get any better, and yesterday, I got asked into another family. After he proposed to me, I said, ‘You have to come out on this stage at the Grand Ole Opry!’ Make some noise for my future husband, everybody!”  Arnold then joined Alaina on the stage before she resumed performing, adding, “He did not want to do that… He likes to be in the shadows, and he was like, ‘You’re not making me come out there,’ and I said, ‘You are not, not getting a picture in the circle.’ So, we negotiated, and he came out for the picture.”

Alaina was previously engaged to high school boyfriend Alex Hopkins in July 2018. but the former couple broke up in January 2019. Shortly after, Alaina dated comedian John Crist, before they split in September 2019.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Granger Smith releases new album “Moonrise” from upcoming film debut

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Granger Smith has just released his latest album Moonrise and announced his acting debut as the star of the upcoming film Moonrise, available on December 15th. Produced by Granger with John Marlin, every song on the new album will also be featured in the film.

In the movie, Smith portrays Will Brown – a country music artist with three kids who has lost his wife in a tragic accident and must seek redemption with his music and his family. Smith felt connected to the character after reading the script and upon learning there wasn’t any music for the film, Granger became the movie’s musical supervisor and wrote all the songs for the movie.  Said Smith:“I definitely didn’t expect to record an album this year (or at least in this way)!  Last holiday season when I accepted the lead role in the movie, I spoke with the director about a song mentioned prominently in the script called ‘Forever Forward’ among others. I said, ‘Can you send me this song, so I can learn it?’ and she replied, ‘Oh, we don’t have that yet, but we’ll find it!’ So, I decided the easiest thing to do would be to write the songs to fill in the gaps for the film. Before long, I had 12 brand new songs and a complete album. This was so different than any other process of music making that I’ve been involved in with, and I LOVED every minute of it.”

You can stream the album “Moonrise” –here.
Smith also premiered the official music video for the song “In This House” from his new album and upcoming film.  Take a look at the video on YouTube – here.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Ticketmaster apologizes to Taylor Swift and fans for ‘The Eras Tour’ ticket fiasco

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Ticketmaster is apologizing to Taylor Swift and her fans for the disasterous presale for her The Eras Tour, and for canceling the public on-sale. The company released an updated public statement about what went wrong during Tuesday’s Verified Fan presale that left millions of fans without tickets.

Ticketmaster’s tweet read: “We strive to make ticket buying as easy as possible for fans, but that hasn’t been the case for many people trying to buy tickets for Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. First, we want to apologize to Taylor and all of her fans – especially those who had a terrible experience trying to purchase tickets. Next, we feel we owe it to everyone to share some information to help explain what happened … Historically, we’ve been able to manage huge volume coming into the site to shop for tickets, so those with Verified Fan codes have a smooth shopping process. However, this time the staggering number of bot attacks as well as fans who didn’t have codes drove unprecedented traffic on our site, resulting in 3.5 billion total system requests – 4x our previous peak … We handle onsales for countless top tours, some of the biggest sporting events, and more. Never before has a Verified Fan onsale sparked so much attention – or traffic. This disrupted the predictability and reliability that is the hallmark of our Verified Fan platform.”

Ticketmaster added that it will work to improve its system in hopes this doesn’t happen again: “The biggest venues and artists turn to us because we have the leading ticketing technology in the world – that doesn’t mean it’s perfect, and clearly for Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour onsale it wasn’t. But we’re always working to improve the ticket buying experience. Especially for high demand onsales, which continue to test new limits. We’re working to shore up our tech for the new bar that has been set by demand for the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. Once we get through that, if there are any next steps, updates will be shared accordingly.  While it’s impossible for everyone to get tickets to these shows, we know we can do more to improve the experience and that’s what we’re focused on.”

Demand for Swift concert tickets was huge before the Verified Fan presale. Swift initially announced 27 dates and then added eight and then 17 new dates within two weeks. Swift will play multiple nights in all cities, tallying to 52 shows in US stadiums in 2023. And despite the ticket sale problems, Ticketmaster did note that “over 2 million tickets were sold on Ticketmaster for Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour on Nov. 15 – the most tickets ever sold for an artist in a single day.”

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