Month: December 2023

Categories
Country Daypop

Dolly Parton fulfills cancer patient’s ‘bucket list’ item

Dolly Parton at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards Arrivals at the Four Seasons Hotel on April 3^ 2016 in Las Vegas^ NV

Dolly Parton fulfilled a cancer patient’s ‘bucket list’ wish earlier this month, after the country music icon called longtime fan LeGrand Gold of Utah to serenade him during his years-long cancer battle.

Gold had shard with KSL-TV, a Salt Lake City, Utah-based affiliate, that his cancer is spreading, and after a recent doctor’s visit, he was told “the chemo is not working anymore, the radiation is not working anymore. They just sent me home and said ‘be with your family.’”  Gold said that “meeting Dolly Parton” was part of an 11-item bucket list he had written on a napkin of things he wanted to accomplish in his lifetime, but assumed it would be impossible to meet Parton – that is, before he received a call from Parton herself on Friday, December 22. Parton told Gold she was “happy to know I have a fan that devoted,” and thanked him for his support over the years, saying “I will always love you,” and singing her 1970s classic (with a lyric swap to include his name).

Gold’s wife, Alice shared with PEOPLE that after the call from Parton, “we’ve been flying above the silver lining for days. Out of the 11 items [on the list], we thought Dolly would be the impossible, but true to Dolly form, she once again reminds the world that dreams really do come true.” Gold shared a video of the moment on YouTube titled “Christmas Wishes Always Come True’ (you can take a look – here).

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Lainey Wilson surprises young fan with visit on Christmas Day

Lainey Wilson attends the 2019 CMT Music Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 5^ 2019 in Nashville^ Tennessee.

Lainey Wilson made a young fan’s Christmas special, by surprising her with a visit on the holiday itself!  As shared on TikTok, Wilson visited her young fan, Sophia and her mother Chelsea in Alabama – and although her family was aware of Wilson’s visit, Sophia appears shocked to see Wilson at her house.

Wilson first became aware of Sophia after her mother posted a video of Sophia getting tickets to see Wilson in concert, and Sophia crying from excitement upon receiving then gift. Wilson discovered the video, and planned to meat Sophia backstage at the concert. She said at the time, “I’ve watched it a million times. You’re about to make me cry….Girl, come on. I’m going to be seeing you in Huntsville, and we’re gonna make it a night. You’re gonna come backstage. I love you, and I can’t wait to meet you girl. We’re gonna make a thing of it. Wear your bell bottoms, wear your hat, I’ll see you there.”

In the new TikTok, the country singer showed up bearing gifts, and the video shows Sophia overwhelmed with emotion, crying happy tears. Wilson hugged Sophia before the young girl revealed that she bought Wilson a gift also. Wilson is heard saying “This has just made my Christmas, girl. This had just made my Christmas. I’m so glad I got to come see you. You’re so sweet. I’m telling you I watched that video a million times. I’m not even playing. I watched it over and over again. It’s made me laugh and cry and everything.”

Lainey Wilson Surprises Young Fan Who Was Brought To Tears After Receiving Concert Tickets For Christmas

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Kanye West issues apology to the Jewish community, asks for forgiveness

Kanye West iin front of the Dries van noten fashion show. Paris Hotel de ville.

Kanye West is apologizing for his antisemitic rants, posting a message in Hebrew on his Instagram page. In his brief statement, Ye said that he “sincerely” apologizes for all the problematic social media posts and hateful discourse he fueled in the past, emphasizing that unity is his new mission and “forgiveness is important” to him.

Ye wrote: “I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions, it was not my intention to hurt or disrespect, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused. I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity.”

Ye’s latest statement stems from antisemitic rants he made last year, following his controversial fashion show. Ye took to Twitter and announced that he was “going death con 3 on Jewish people.” The statement inspired other antisemitic rants that he made on far-right media outlets, after which he was banned from social media sites, as well as losing many of his corporate partnerships.

Editorial credit: DKSStyle / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Bryan Tanaka confirms split from Mariah Carey after 7 years together

Mariah Carey at the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre LA Live.

Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka have ended their relationship after seven years together.

Tanaka, 40, confirmed his split from Carey, 54, in a statement on social media: “With mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together. Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound respect and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the invaluable time we’ve shared. The memories we’ve created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever. Mariah’s dedication to her family and her commitment to her craft have inspired us during our shared journey. I want to express my love and appreciation for Mariah and her incredible children, whose warmth and kindness have enriched my life in ways words cannot express. I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters.” Carey shares twins Monroe and Moroccan, 12, with ex-husband Nick Cannon.

Carey and Tanaka were first linked in 2016; rumors they had split began this month after Tanaka did not join Carey on her Merry Christmas One and All! tour, as he had done in the past.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

FBI investigating threats against Colorado Supreme Court after ban of Trump from state ballots

Colorado Supreme Court and Colorado Court of Appeals exterior

The FBI and police in Colorado are investigating threats against that state’s Supreme Court after they ruled that they will block Donald Trump from appearing on the primary ballot in March.

The ruling has led to an increase in threats made against the justices, with the Denver Police Department increasing patrols around the homes of Colorado supreme court justices.  The judges’ personal information has been shared on some far-right social media platforms, as well as the platform Truth Social, the site started by Donald Trump, and X, (formerly known as Twitter).

The justices have reported a number of threats since the decision came down more than a week ago, which included users calling for the justices to be killed and describing how to do it.ore frequently on social media.  Vikki Migoya, an FBI spokesperson, said in a statement: “The FBI is aware of the situation and working with local law enforcement. We will vigorously pursue investigations of any threat or use of violence committed by someone who uses extremist views to justify their actions regardless of motivation.”

Trump’s eligibility to appear on the ballot has been challenged in several states under Section Three of the 14th Amendment, including Minnesota, Michigan and New Hampshire. New Hampshire is one of four early-voting states in the primary election.

Editorial credit: Epiglottis / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Apple pulls sale of newer Apple Watches after White House declines to veto ban

new Apple Watch Ultra. new features with fitness tracking^ health-oriented capabilities^ and wireless telecommunication.

The White House declined to veto a ban on some Apple Watch imports, upholding the ruling won by a health company that accused Apple of patent infringement for copying its technology.  The Office of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in a statement: “After careful consultations, Ambassador [Katherine] Tai decided not to reverse the ITC’s determination and the ITC’s decision became final on Dec. 26, 2023”

As a result, Apple can no longer sell the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S. Apple pulled both devices from its website on December 21st and from its store shelves after December 24th.

The International Trade Commission sided with the health technology company Masimo Corp. in October, who alleged that some features on the Apple Watch Series 6 smartphone were their tech originally. Masimo said Apple had hired away some of its key employees and stole trade secrets connected wot its light-based technology for calculating blood-oxygen levels, which also appeared on the Apple Watch smartphone. The tech company filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission in 2021.

Apple said it would start phasing out sales of Apple Watch models after it failed to win a delay of the ban from the ITC last wee, and ended sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Thursday — pulled items from physical retail stores by Saturday.

In a statement published by Reuters, an Apple spokesperson confirmed it will appeal the ITC decision: “We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.”

Editorial credit: Wongsakorn Napaeng / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Go Country 105

The Year in Music 2023: Country welcomes Jelly Roll, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith as the class of 2023

abc-rss-feed-20231227030000

The superstars are still going strong: the Lukes (both Bryan and Combs), Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean and many more. But 2023 brought an impressive stream of newcomers, eager to elbow their way into their ranks: 

– Jelly Roll officially walked away with CMA New Artist of the Year honors this year, on the strength of #1 hits like January’s “Son of a Sinner” and August’s “Need a Favor.” By December, “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson became his third consecutive #1, just one of an impressive array of collaborations, confirming he’s one of the hottest tickets in town.

– Bailey Zimmerman delivered on the promise of 2022’s “Fall in Love” by also topping the chart this year with “Rock and a Hard Place,” as well as the title track of his debut album, Religiously. Though this certainly isn’t “Where It Ends,” that does happen to be the name of his newest single.

– Nate Smith took “Whiskey on You” to #1 in February 2023, before setting out on tour with Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell. In 2024, he’s headlining his own trek and playing with Morgan Wallen, as “World on Fire” sets the chart aflame.

– Megan Moroney topped the chart with “Tennessee Orange” and went on to win a CMT Music Award. She was also nominated for an ACM and two CMA Awards. She’s now climbing the chart with her own “I’m Not Pretty” and “Can’t Break Up Now” with Old Dominion.

– Cory Kent followed up his success in his native Texas by hitting #1 with the Morgan Wallen-penned “Wild As Her.” He rides into 2024 with “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” from his RCA debut, Blacktop.

– Waterloo Revival‘s George Birge struck out solo, following up his viral hit, “Beer Beer Truck Truck,” with his first radio success, “Mind on You.” 

– “Pretty Little Poison” never tasted so sweet, as Pennsylvania native Warren Zeiders turned the potentially lethal into his debut hit.

– After the TikTok buzz over “I Hate Alabama,” Nashville native Conner Smith overflowed with potential, as he turned “Creek Will Rise” into his first bona fide hit.

– Chayce Beckham became the first person to win American Idol with an original song back in 2021, but in 2023, that same song – appropriately titled “23” – became a hit on the radio. He shares a manager with Idol judge Luke Bryan and was featured prominently on the superstar’s tour this year.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

Nate Smith earns his 2nd No. 1 single with “World On Fire”

Close up look of hands of a man playing the electric guitar during a concert

Nate Smith has earned his second No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2023 with “World On Fire,” following his No. 1 debut “Whiskey On You.”

Smith shared with Billboard: “If you would’ve told me back in 2018, that December of 2023, I’d be celebrating not my first, but my second number one at country radio, I certainly wouldn’t have believed it. In December of 2018, I was absolutely devastated from the very fact that my hometown of Paradise, California had just been destroyed by a fire. I had nothing left to my name. My friends and family came around me and helped push me forward. I want to say thank you to my passionate fans–it’s all about you, country radio for still giving this random dude from the foothills of California a shot, my world-class management and Sony Music Nashville/RCA Nashville team, my incredible publisher, and Lindsay Rimes, Taylor Phillips and Ashley Gorley for writing it with me! This accomplishment goes to show that anything is truly possible. If you’re out there wishing you could go and chase your dreams, just go! Quit wasting time! Get you a few champions who will carry you all the way, and there won’t be anything stopping you!”

“World On Fire” is one of 26 tracks off Nate Smith (Deluxe), which dropped on April 28. The project marked the largest album debut from a new artist this year as well as the largest full-length album debut from a new artist since 2020, hitting No. 6 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart and No. 30 overall on the Billboard Top 200.

Editorial credit: NOVODIASTOCK / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest’ reveals star-studded list of performers

Ryan Seacrest jn Times Square during a New Year's Eve broadcast.NEW YORK^ N.Y. – December 31^ 2022

ABC and Dick Clark Productions have announced the star-studded lineup for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest.” with 19-time host Ryan Seacrest and his new co-host, Rita Ora leading the festivities from New York’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Television personality Jeannie Mai will host from Los Angeles, while TV presenter Dayanara Torres will co-host the celebration from Puerto Rico.

Megan Thee Stallion will perform from the Planet Fitness stage, while country superstar Jelly Roll will perform a medley of his hit songs live from Times Square, joined by singer and songwriter, Jessie Murph.  In addition, singer/actress Sabrina Carpenter will perform her hit singles “Nonsense” and “Feather.”

Meanwhile, Post Malone will perform from the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas, with reggaeton artist Ivy Queen performing in Puerto Rico, as well as an appearance from K-pop group NewJeans from South Korea.

Previously announced performers from Los Angeles include Aqua, Doechii, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monáe, Loud Luxury x Two Friends with Bebe Rexha, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp with Coco Jones and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” will air live, Sunday, Dec. 31 on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. EST.

Editorial credit: Ben Von Klemperer / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Ryan Gosling drops ‘Ken the EP’ featuring ‘Barbie’ remixes

Ryan Gosling attends the "Barbie" European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square in London^ England. July 12^ 2023:

Ryan Gosling – who famously portrayed Ken in the Barbie movie – has released a new EP. Going teamed up with music producer Mark Ronson on Ken the EP, a mini album featuring three remixes of the Barbie song “I’m Just Ken.”

Ken the EP features the holiday remix “I’m Just Ken – Merry Kristmas Barbie,” an acoustic version “I’m Just Ken – In My Feelings Acoustic” and the dance remix “I’m Just Ken – Purple Disco Machine Remix.”

Ronson posted on Instagram that he was “starstruck” when he first met Gosling in 2022 to record the original version of “I’m Just Ken” – “Not only did he bring a broken falsetto, a hefty growl, & everything in between, he brought the emotional resonance of a great actor who’d been living in a role for the past 6 months…after that, we didn’t see each other again for 18 months but of course, I was excited to see the world fall in love with his performance & know to some small degree, our song was a part of it”

Ronson, who also produced the Barbie: The Album soundtrack, also released a music video with Gosling for the holiday version of ‘I’m Just Ken.”  Check it out: here.

Editorial credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com