Month: March 2023

Categories
Go Country 105

Nashville notes: Lily's married + Justin and Riley's collab

abc-rss-feed-20230329140000

Congratulations are in order for rising artist Lily Rose, who married her longtime partner Daira Eamon on Saturday, March 25. “We are just excited to start this next chapter and to call each other ‘my wife!'” Lily and Daira told People. View photos from the wedding on Lily’s Instagram.

Justin Moore will release “Everybody Get Along” with Riley Green on Friday, March 31. “We're pretty much the same height.. Lol. Everybody Get Along with my buddy @rileyduckman out Friday [handshake emoji],” Justin announced on Instagram.

Newcomer Avery Anna is set to appear on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna on Tuesday, April 4, to perform her as-yet-unreleased song “Self Love.” “To me, ‘Self Love’ is about the struggle of giving so much love to everyone in your life but yourself, and what the journey of learning to love yourself is really like,” Avery shares. The track will drop following her television performance.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

For Thomas Rhett, family's always first

abc-rss-feed-20230329121500

Thomas Rhett loves writing songs, recording music and performing for fans onstage. There’s no doubt about that. But at his core, Thomas, who turns 32 on March 30, also knows what’s of utmost importance, and that’s his family.

“The last couple years to me was more of a rearranging of priority, if you will. Not that certain things aren't still important, but I think I put so much stock in just winning at all costs,” shares the “Die A Happy Man” singer. “And when you look back at what it did cost you, it cost you time away. Now that my family is so big, that is the number one. There is nothing that trumps that.”

“And so, I think for me it was like, how can I be excellent at this, and excellent at this, and excellent at this.” Thomas adds. “And to me it's just like finding those moments of like, okay, today I'm in a music brain and today I will give music everything that I have. Today I'm in dad brain and I will give dadding everything that I have. If it weren't for the last couple years, I don't know how long it would've taken me to realize some of that stuff.”

Thomas is currently climbing up the country charts with his single “Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings).”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Cody Johnson + Carrie Underwood have recorded a duet

abc-rss-feed-20230329100000

Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood have just recorded a duet. That’s right, two powerhouse vocalists are going to be on a song together.

This news was casually shared by Cody on the CMT Music Awards Nominee Special on March 27. 

“I actually just recorded a duet with her yesterday for my new album coming out,” the “‘Til You Can’t” hitmaker revealed.

“Getting to know her, man, she’s such a pro,” he added. “Everybody that she surrounds herself with are all very professional, as well. I don’t mean this to sound bad, but it’s kind of hard to compete with that.”

Cody, of course, is competing with Carrie for the Video of the Year award at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. The six finalists are Cody’s “Human,” Carrie’s “Hate My Heart,” Blake Shelton‘s “No Body,” HARDY and Lainey Wilson‘s “wait in the truck,” Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown‘s “Thank God,” and Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof.”

To view the full list of nominations and to vote for your Video of the Year nominees, visit the 2023 CMT Music Awards website.

The 2023 CMT Music Awards air live on CBS April 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Livestreaming and on-demand streaming options will also be available via Paramount+.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Dolly Parton + Garth Brooks to host the 2023 ACM Awards

abc-rss-feed-20230329070200

Global country superstars Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have been announced as hosts for the 58th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The event will take place on Thursday, May 11, at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and will stream worldwide exclusively on Prime Video.

“I am thrilled to return to host the ACM Awards, this time with my friend Garth,” says Dolly, who co-hosted last year with Gabby Barrett and Jimmie Allen. “While I've had the pleasure of spending time with him throughout the years, I can't believe we've never had the chance to work together. In addition to getting to see all this great new talent in country music, I am excited to have the chance to premiere the lead single from my upcoming rock album on the show!”

“Anyone with Dolly Parton makes a fantastic couple,” adds Garth.

“We couldn't be more excited to bring this legendary pair together for the first time ever as ‘Country Music's Party of the Year’ heads to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters,” shares Academy of Country Music CEO and ACM Awards executive producer Damon Whiteside. “From exclusive superstar performances to unexpected collaborations to the industry's most exciting emerging talent, fans are in for an unforgettable night that can only be seen on the ACM Awards stage!”

The 2023 ACM Awards streams live on Prime Video on Thursday, May 11 at 8 p.m. ET, with a full rebroadcast available for streaming for free the next day on Amazon Freevee.

A limited number of show tickets are still available for purchase on SEATGEEK.

View the full list of nominations at ACMcountry.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
News Daypop

Murder conviction of Adnan Syed reinstated by Maryland appeals court months after he was freed

shutterstock_22059572359933

A Maryland appeals court has reinstated the murder conviction against Adnan Syed, roughly six months after Baltimore prosecutors provided new evidence in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee, due to a lower court’s violation of the victim’s family right to attend the hearing to vacate the conviction.

The 41-year-old Syed, whose conviction was made famous by the podcast “Serial,” had his conviction tossed out by a circuit court and the state’s attorney’s office. He had been serving a life sentence for the past 23 years — more than half his life — since his arrest in 1999.

Syed was released from prison in October after Baltimore City State Attorney Marilyn Mosby said DNA evidence supported his Syed’s innocence. Lee’s family filed an appeal, arguing that they were not properly notified of the efforts to release Syed, and the Maryland appeals court ruled in their favor, stating that officials failed to provide sufficient notice for Lee’s family to attend the hearing.

Tuesday’s decision is seen as a procedural issue, and there is no reason to believe Syed will be sent back to prison. A new hearing will be held regarding the evidence to vacate Syed’s conviction, but the previous murder charges have been reinstated in the interim. The prosecutor has indicated that there is evidence pointing to other suspects and that the investigation is ongoing.

Editorial credit: John B Hewitt / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

GOP House committee subpoenas Antony Blinken over Afghanistan withdrawal

shutterstock_2234700327196029

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul subpoenaed Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to demand the official records on the department’s Dissent Channel warning against a speedy withdrawal from Afghanistan.  The Dissent Channel is a confidential channel operated by the State Department and used by foreign affairs officials and other government employees. Employees may use the channel to share dissenting opinions about the government or matters of foreign affairs.

The cable from the State Department may reveal what the department’s employees in Kabul shared with Blinken and the Biden administration nearly a month before troops were withdrawn. McCaul’s press release said the record was first requested in August 2021, after U.S. troops and staff were evacuated.

Signed by 23 staffers from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul on July 13, 2021, the Dissent Channel cable warned the State Department that the Taliban was rapidly advancing in Afghanistan, forecasting a situation the Afghan military would be unable to handle. McCaul said in a statement that Blinken has refused to provide the cable despite multiple concessions being offered on McCaul’s behalf: “We have made multiple good-faith attempts to find common ground so we could see this critical piece of information. Unfortunately, Secretary Blinken has refused to provide the Dissent Cable and his response to the cable, forcing me to issue my first subpoena as chairman of this committee. The American people deserve answers as to how this tragedy unfolded, and why 13 U.S. service members lost their lives.” McCaul said concessions included reviewing the documents by camera and having the names of staffers who signed the cable redacted.

Blinken testified to the Foreign Affairs Committee last week and during his testimony he said he was preparing the relevant information the committee is seeking.

Editorial credit: Alexandra Pandrea / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Go Country 105

Megan Moroney's mom was shocked after hearing “Tennessee Orange”

abc-rss-feed-20230329030000

Fans may have fallen in love with Megan Moroney‘s debut single, “Tennessee Orange,” but the song was not one her mom loved the first time she heard it.

“Mama” was shocked that her Georgia daughter actually wore a T-shirt representing another state.

“I wrote the song. I sent it to my mom and she immediately called me and was like, ‘What’s going on? Tell me, tell me the story is not true.’ But yeah, Georgia girl and wearing Tennessee. Disappointing a little bit,” Megan recalls with a laugh.

Her mom’s reaction, however, did not surprise her. In fact, it served as the inspiration for “Tennessee Orange.”

“I had on a Tennessee shirt and when I put it on, I had not – I’m a Georgia girl, so I’ve never worn an Alabama shirt. I’ve never worn a Florida Gators shirt, Tennessee shirt, never put any of those on,” Megan recalls. “And I had a Tennessee shirt on and … I looked in the mirror and I was like, ‘My mother would be very disappointed in me right now.’ And I knew since it evoked such a strong emotion for me that I could write a song about it.” 

“Tennessee Orange” is currently number 16 and rising on the country charts.

Megan’s debut album, Lucky, arrives on May 5.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

Old Dominion halts tour after frontman Matthew Ramsey is injured in ATV Crash

shutterstock_1511772014244954

Old Dominion have rescheduled at least three shows on their current No Bad Vibes Tour after frontman Matthew Ramsey was involved in an ATV accident. The singer explained that the incident left his pelvis “fractured in at least three places” and will require him to stay home and rest for the time being. Ramsey’s social media post read: “Well friends – I’m afraid I have some disappointing news. I was in an ATV accident that has left my pelvis fractured in three places. The good news is it’s gonna heal just fine. The bad news is I’m gonna have to stay home and recover for a little while,” he says. “I know we all had plans to sing and dance together in Key West. I was looking forward to that so much! We will make it up to you! I promise we’ll keep up updated on my recovery and any other shows that might be affected. This tour has been such a blast so far this year and before you know it, I’ll be back out there with No Bad Vibes! Love you all. – m”

The postponed shows were set to take place on Friday (March 31), Saturday (April 1) and Sunday (April 2), all in Key West, Fla. Those shows have already been rescheduled for March 22, 23 and 24 of 2024. The band also states that anyone who holds a ticket for this weekend’s Florida shows will automatically be granted admission to the rescheduled dates. Any fans who are unable to make it to the 2024 show days can collect a refund at their point of purchase for the next 30 days.

The next scheduled stop on the tour is Apr. 13 in Reading, Pa.  Old Dominion suggests fans who have tickets for that date (and any future dates) check the Old Dominion website periodically to see if any more upcoming No Bad Vibes Tour dates will need to be rescheduled due to Ramsey’s injury.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Eric Church, Zach Bryan and more to headline 2023 Summerfest

shutterstock_440186179800513

Milwaukee’s Summerfest festival will celebrate its 55th anniversary this summer with over 100 artists taking the stage over three weekends in June and July.  Milwaukee World Festival Inc. CEO Don Smiley in a statement: “Celebrating 55 years of live music is a true testament to this festival. Together with the City of Milwaukee, we look forward to hosting music fans from across the globe at Summerfest and delivering a world-class lineup with hundreds of artists during our nine-day run”. 

The festival has announced its headlining performers, including Eric Church (with Elle King), the Zac Brown Band (with Marcus King) and James Taylor & His All-Star Band (with Sheryl Crow) on the first weekend (taking place June 22-24). The second weekend (taking place June 29-July 1) will feature headliners Dave Matthews Band, Odesza (with a Bonobo DJ set) and another artists to be announced, with the final weekend (July 6-8) t0 feature Zach Bryan and Imagine Dragons (with AJR).

Other acts appearing at 2023 Summerfest include: The Avett Brothers, Elvis Costello & the Imposters, Bleachers, Three 6 Mafia, Brett Eldredge, Sofi Tukker, Gryffin, Fitz and the Tantrums, NLE Choppa, Cheap Trick, Lyle Lovett, Tegan and Sara, Santa Fe Klan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Noah Kahan, Ava Max, Lord Huron, Yung Gravy, Vance Joy, Cypress Hill, The Pretty Reckless, Sean Paul, Coi Leray, Brett Young, Spin Doctors, Jesus Jones, Japanese Breakfast, Lauren Daigle, Tyler Hubbard, Yellowcard, Smokey Robinson, Fleet Foxes, The War on Drugs, Yungblud, Styx, Grupo Niche, Tesla, Dinosaur Jr., Jenny Lewis, Scotty McCreery and many more.

Tickets for Summerfest are on sale now – summerfest.com.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Kelly Clarkson announces new album and Las Vegas residency

shutterstock_21594721138926

Kelly Clarkson has announced she will headline an exclusive Las Vegas Residency dubbed ‘Chemistry…An Intimate Night With Kelly Clarkson’ at the Bakkt Theater (formerly Zappos Theater) at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The announcement follows the recent news that Clarkson will drop a new album, Chemistry, which she shared is “coming soon.”

Said Clarkson: “I am so excited for these shows and couldn’t think of a better place to get back on stage than Las Vegas! The crowds in Vegas are such an amazing collection of people that simply want to have a great time and that’s what we’re going to do! So many of my musical idols have had, and still have, incredible residencies on The Strip, and I’m so excited to create my own!”

Clarkson also surprised the audience of a recent episode of ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ with tickets to the upcoming residency, and shared that she’s only performing 10 shows: “I could only commit to 10 shows, that’s why it’s exclusive, there’s only 10 shows. I ain’t adding more, I’m telling ya right now. Mama needs a little bit of a break.”

The 10 performances going on sale are July 28 and 29 and August 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 18 and 19. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, March 31st at 10 am PT at Ticketmaster.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com