Month: January 2023

Nashville notes: Carrie & Lee on the Opry, Artists to Watch in 2023

Post author By abookbinder
Post date January 4, 2023
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Already-established hitmakers Jackson Dean and Nate Smith are part of Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artists to Watch: Country Class for this year, in addition to newer names like Avery Anna, Megan Moroney, Warren Zelders, Madeline Edwards, Dylan Schneider and Dalton Dover. You can check out their music on Amazon’s Breakthrough playlists.

You can tune in for the premiere of a previously recorded episode of Opry Live featuring Carrie Underwood, Lee Brice and Bailey Zimmerman this Saturday at 9 p.m. ET on Circle TV.

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Chris Janson returns with “All I Need Is You”

Post author By abookbinder
Post date January 4, 2023
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Chris Janson‘s debut single on BMLG Records will be called “All I Need Is You.”

The Missouri-born hitmaker unexpectedly announced he was leaving his longtime label home, Warner Nashville, for Big Machine in September. While with Warner, Chris scored number ones with “Buy Me a Boat,” “Fix a Drink,” “Good Vibes” and “Done.” He won ACM Video of the Year for his hit “Drunk Girl.”

Chris resumes his Heavy & Western Tour January 19 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. So far, we don’t know when “All I Need Is You” will be available to stream, but you should start hearing it on the radio the last half of February.

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Chase Rice saddles up for 'GMA' and contemplates his complicated relationship with cowboys

Post author By abookbinder
Post date January 4, 2023
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Chase Rice brings his sense of irony to Good Morning America this Friday as he performs his new song, “I Hate Cowboys.”

It’s one of the two contrary title tracks of his new album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell, which comes out February 10.

“When you listen to the song you of course get that I don't actually hate cowboys,” Chase clarifies. “I'm really fortunate to call several of them great friends.”

“But damn, doesn't it make you crazy when Mr. Steal Your Girl kicks open the door – with that hat and those Wranglers, and he can two-step better than you, talk cooler than you?” he asks. “I Hate Cowboys' is an ode to the fact that just like Taylor Sheridan writes in Yellowstone, ‘If it were easier everyone would cowboy’ … hell, I wish I could.”

Chase co-wrote the new tune with HARDY, Old Dominion‘s Brad Tursi and hit tunesmith Ross Copperman.

Tune in to GMA Friday starting at 7 a.m. to check out Chase’s performance. You’ll also be able to watch the “I Hate Cowboys” music video online that day.

Go Country 105

Shania Twain's the 'Queen of Me' and the queen of your TV

Post author By abookbinder
Post date January 4, 2023
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If you didn’t check out Shania Twain‘s career-spanning documentary, Not Just a Girl, when it premiered last July on Netflix, you’ll have another chance next week.

The comprehensive look back airs Wednesday, January 11, at 9 p.m. ET on AXS TV. It includes appearances by Kelsea Ballerini and Lionel Richie, among many others, and extensive recollections and reflections from Shania.

Of course, it’s just part of the Canadian superstar’s extensive lead-up to her new album, Queen of Me, which arrives February 3. It’s only the sixth album of her career so far and her first since 2017.

Shania’s set to stop by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Wednesday. You can watch starting at 11:35 ET on CBS.

Go Country 105

Jimmie Allen's headed back to college, with an eye on his degree

Post author By abookbinder
Post date January 4, 2023
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Jimmie Allen hangs onto the top spot on the country charts for one more week, making “down home” the first #1 of 2023.

It’s the Delaware native’s fourth chart-topper, and a special one, since it was inspired by the memory of his late father.

Jimmie also just learned he’ll be headed home on May 12 to be the commencement keynote speaker at Delaware State University.

“Delaware State University is where I am proud to say I attended,” Jimmie says. “I met lifetime friends there and learned so much about who I am as a Black man, and navigating my way through life. I'm honored to be the keynote speaker and hope I can share something that will inspire the next generation of leaders.”

The university’s president, Tony Allen, also plans to nominate Jimmie to receive an honorary degree at the ceremony.

In the meantime, Jimmie hits the road for the next leg of Carrie Underwood‘s Denim & Rhinestones Tour February 2 in Miami, Florida.

Go Country 105

Wynonna opens up about mental health journey: “You can't keep a good woman down for too long”

Post author By abookbinder
Post date January 4, 2023
No Comments on Wynonna opens up about mental health journey: “You can't keep a good woman down for too long”

Wynonna Judd is giving fans an update on her mental health more than nine months after her mother Naomi‘s death by suicide.

The 58-year-old took to TikTok on Tuesday to address a fan’s comment that she “doesn’t appear well.”

“I have heard some of the comments,” Wynonna began by saying, “and the first thought that I had was, ‘Opinions and buttholes.’ And then I realized people are genuinely concerned, so I want to respond to that piece.”

“I am working so hard on my mental, physical and spiritual well-being. I have a great team and I’m really blessed,” she continued. “And I’m broken and I’m working really hard at self-care – which is not selfish, it’s sacred.”

Wynonna explained that while she has a “very full schedule,” she also takes time off to “be on the farm and to walk in the woods and take the dogs,” noting that “tonight is Mexican night, we’re playing games and it’s family.”

“So I’m OK,” she added. “The last thing I’ll say is, you can’t keep a good woman down for too long.”

On January 26, Wynonna kicks off the 2023 leg of The Judds: The Final Tour with Ashley McBryde in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Tanya Tucker and Brandi Carlile will also join her on the trek, which continues through the month of February.

News Daypop

House adjourns after Kevin McCarthy fails in bid for House speaker

Post author By Staff
Post date January 4, 2023
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Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., fell short of the votes needed to be elected speaker of the House on the first three ballots on Tuesday, leading the House to adjourn in advance of further voting. Representatives officially adjourned for the day at 5:27 p.m. EST and will resume voting after noon Wednesday, marking the first time in 100 years a speaker has not been elected on the first ballot.

20 Republican colleagues opposed McCarthy, 57, during the third vote, an increase from 19 during the second vote. McCarthy collected 202 votes on the third ballot, one less than during the second round. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio received 20 votes cast with the aim of denying McCarthy’s bid for the position. Jordan collected 19 votes in the second round. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., collected 212 votes from Democrats. No other votes were cast.

McCarthy received 203 votes on the first ballot, while Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs received 10 votes and nine others also received votes. One of those who defected, Florida Representative Matt Gaetz had said that he would support Jordan for speaker instead, despite Jordan himself saying that he supports McCarthy for speaker. Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry also refused to support McCarthy. In an effort to gain votes, McCarthy had announced several concessions in a proposed House rules package, including changes to how the speaker could be removed.

Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington was elected Tuesday as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, which puts her third in line of presidential succession after the vice president and speaker of the House. Also on Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell celebrated becoming the longest serving party leader in Senate history.

Editorial credit: Shirley Preston / Shutterstock.com

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Amber McLaughlin becomes first openly transgender woman executed in the U.S.

Post author By Staff
Post date January 4, 2023
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Amber McLaughlin died by lethal injection Tuesday night in Missouri, becoming the first openly transgender woman to be executed in the U.S. McLaughlin began her transition in prison about three years ago. According to the Missouri Department of Corrections, McLaughlin was pronounced dead at 6:51 p.m. at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre. McLaughlin said in a final, written, statement before her execution: “I am sorry for what I did. I am a loving and caring person.” She spoke quietly with a spiritual adviser at her side as the fatal dose of pentobarbital was injected, and was pronounced dead a few minutes later.

McLaughlin, 49, was convicted of first-degree murder in 2006 in the killing of Beverly Guenther. A judge sentenced her to death after the jury deadlocked on its sentencing decision. McLaughlin was in a relationship with Guenther before her transition, but Guenther obtained a restraining order after McLaughlin showed up multiple times at her workplace. Officers found a broken knife handle near Guenther’s car and a trail of blood at her office building on the night of Nov. 20, 2003. McLaughlin later led police to a location near the Mississippi River in St. Louis where Guenther’s body had been dumped.

McLaughlin’s appeal for clemency argued that the jury did not listen to issues about her mental health, including details of traumatic childhood abuse and depression. Advocates also expressed concern that McLaughlin would be put to death even though the jury was not unanimous. However, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson denied clemency Tuesday, saying in a statement on Tuesday: “McLaughlin is a violent criminal. Ms. Guenther’s family and loved ones deserve peace. The State of Missouri will carry out McLaughlin’s sentence according to the Court’s order and deliver justice.”

Editorial credit: OFFFSTOCK / Shutterstock.com

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Reba drops 'The Hammer' this weekend

Post author By abookbinder
Post date January 4, 2023
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Reba McEntire‘s ready to drop The Hammer this Saturday.

That’s the name of the new Lifetime movie she both stars in and executive produced. In it, Reba plays colorful lawyer Kim Wheeler, who becomes a traveling judge in Nevada after the previous one died under suspicious circumstances.

Reba also reunites with her sitcom co-star Melissa Peterman, who plays her sister and the prime suspect in the former judge’s death. Reba’s real-life boyfriend, Rex Linn, is also in the film.

Check out the trailer to see why Reba’s character is nicknamed The Hammer. You can watch the full movie Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.

That’s not Reba’s only TV venture these days, of course: She continues to star in the latest season of Big Sky. You can check out a new episode Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Danielle Bradbery announces first headlining ‘A Special Place Tour’

Post author By Staff
Post date January 4, 2023
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Danielle Bradbery has announced her first-ever headlining tour dubbed ‘A Special Place’ tour, kicking-off February 23 in Indianapolis, IN and ending April 1 in Bradbery’s hometown of Houston, TX. Bradbery’s fan club pre-sale starts today (January 3) prior to public on sale Thursday, January 5 at 10:00am local time via Bradbery’s official website. Said Bradbery: “I’m so excited to hit the road for my very first headline tour. I’ve built a show that I’m really proud of and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

Bradbery will join “Midnight Crisis” duet partner Jordan Davis on the road supporting him on select dates beginning February 1 in Denver, CO. Visit Danielle Bradbery’s official website for more information.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com