Author: abookbinder

With less than three weeks until American Idol crowns its season 21 winner, the completion is heating up.

Most recently, Mary Beth Byrd and Tyson Venegas were sent home, with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Ritchie deciding to save Oliver Steele. 

“[As] judges, we sent some people through that maybe some fans were not happy about. But we’re going on hunches and we’re working quick,” Luke tells ABC Audio.

“I mean, when you look at the Iam Tongi moment, the kid from Hawaii, and he started talking about losing his dad, it was tremendously powerful,” he continues. “Colin Stough really showed up and had an amazing performance [as well].” 

As the competition kicks up a notch, Luke also shared that practically anything could happen and the cards could flip with a life-changing performance.

“You know, when I look at what Colin did and then I think about, at any moment, all those contestants, when you get in the top 12, when you start getting into these rounds, you can have a performance that really flips the way America votes,” notes Luke. “We’re in exciting times.”

The top eight contestants will take the Idol stage next on Sunday, May 7. As Variety reports, Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette have been tapped to join Luke as guest judges for this round, as Katy and Lionel fly out to England to perform at King Charles III's coronation.

American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Tyler Rich has dropped a music video for his song “Heaven Is Your Hometown.” The track is off his three-song EP, I Know You Do, which dropped in March.

Canaan Smith is teaming up with Emily Weisband for a new duet, “Diamond on the Dresser.” Presave the song now to be the first to hear it on Friday, May 5.

Russell Dickerson‘s merch store is having a 25% off storewide sale to celebrate Mother’s Day. The sale runs from now through May 8. Shop now at Russell’s online store.

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Dollywood is set to launch its longest-ever coaster, Big Bear Mountain, on May 12. 

Spanning 3,990 feet with a 66-foot peak track elevation and a maximum speed of 48 mph, Big Bear Mountain will join 11 other attractions at Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove.

The thrilling ride will circle around Wildwood Grove for close to two minutes and feature onboard audio, music and commentary from Benjamin Bear‘s caretaker and Wildwood Grove’s resident wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley.

For more information on Big Bear Mountain and to watch a front-row point-of-view video, visit dollywood.com.

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Thomas Rhett kicks off his Home Team Tour 23 on May 4. But before the tour officially starts, Thomas’ four girls had surprise gifts for him. 

Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love and Lillie Carolina decided to express their love and gratitude for their dad with drawings and notes.

One drawing from all four of them read, “We are so proud of you Daddy,” while another from Ada had the words, “I love you Daddy” on it with rainbow and stickman drawings of her and Thomas. 

“My team trying to make me cry first night of tour. sheesh,” Thomas tweeted alongside images of the drawings he received.

The 40-city Home Team Tour 23 begins May 4 in Des Moines, Iowa, and will conclude in Nashville on September 30. Cole Swindell and Nate Smith will serve as opening acts.

For a full list of dates and to get tickets, visit thomasrhett.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Scotty McCreery has enlisted Colombian singer/songwriter GUSI for a new Latin version of his song “Why She Gotta Be Like That.”

Originally titled “Why You Gotta Be Like That” on his 2021 album Same Truck, the fresh remake features Scotty singing the first half in English before GUSI arrives in the second verse and chorus with his Spanish delivery. Toward the end, the two come together to mix it up with both English and Spanish in the bridge and chorus.

“I’ve always thought it would be fun to bring the Latin part of my heritage into some of my music,” shares Scotty, who is a quarter Puerto Rican. “I met GUSI after hearing him perform ‘Why You Gotta Be Like That’ on Instagram. It is always flattering to have someone cover one of your songs, and he's so talented so I asked him if he would want to bring some Latin flavor to the track.”

“He brought so much to it,” adds Scotty. “It was so much fun to do a new take on this song as a duet with GUSI, so we decided to call this version ‘Why She Gotta Be Like That.'”

“I am very grateful to Scotty and his team for inviting me to participate in this song,” says GUSI. “For me it gives me pride to collaborate with him, since I admire his music a lot. Additionally I have grown up listening to country music and recording this song with this great performer was more than I imagined.”

“Why She Gotta Be Like That” is out on all digital music platforms now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Russell Dickerson will be making his acting debut in the upcoming season finale of Call Me Kat.

The country singer will play himself on an episode titled “Call Me A Donut Wall” and offer Max (played by Cheyenne Jackson) a new career opportunity that might change his life.

“I was super nervous at first, like playing my first concert all over again,” Russell shares of his first acting role. “But the cast and crew were so welcoming and made it such an incredible experience. I could absolutely see myself acting more!”

On the music front, Russell is climbing up the country charts with his current single, “God Gave Me A Girl.”

Call Me Kat airs Thursday, May 4, at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Miranda Lambert is thrilled about a career-first achievement she has notched.

Her cookbook, Y’all Eat Yet?, is number three on the New York Times' Best Sellers list of Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous books.

“Oh em gee y’all. I just got a call from my publishers that Y’all Eat Yet?: Welcome to The Pretty B*tchin’ Kitchen is number three on the New York Times‘ bestselling list!” told fans in a Twitter video. “I can’t actually believe that. I’m so grateful and just, I can’t believe it. It’s for my Nonny in heaven. She’s partying tonight, I know it.”

“I’m just beside myself that people would want to hear our stories and join our sisterhood,” she adds. “This is crazy. So thanks to everybody who bought it and is reading it. I love y’all, welcome to the tribe!”

Y’all Eat Yet? is available in bookstores and online now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

With the 2023 ACM Awards just one week away, host Garth Brooks is sharing what he’s most looking forward to.

No, it’s not making his hosting debut. While he’s definitely excited about that, it doesn’t quite top what he’s truly eager to see – a performance by his co-host, Dolly Parton. 

“I think what I'm most excited about is just … I'm really excited about the final number of the show,” Garth says. The “final number” performance is, of course, Dolly’s world premiere of her highly anticipated rock song, “World on Fire.”

“I can tell you this,” adds Garth, “I don't think she'll disappoint. I just love her!”

“World on Fire” will serve as the first preview of Dolly’s debut rock album, Rockstar, which is slated for release later this year.

The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Dolly and Garth, streams live on Amazon Prime Video May 11 at 8 p.m. ET.

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Country music’s elder statesman Willie Nelson was recently announced as one of 2023’s inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He follows 2022 member Dolly Parton as the latest country icon to receive this prestigious honor.

The recognition has been a long time coming for Willie, who has made an enduring impact on art and society by co-founding Outlaw Country, launching Farm Aid and championing marijuana legalization in the U.S., among other things.

“He’s somebody who has managed throughout his entire 90 years to find a way to make great music and have an impact on society,” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Vice President of Education and Visitor Engagement Jason Hanley tells ABC Audio. “I think when he finally ended up on the ballot this year, the voters said, ‘Yeah, this is somebody who’s connected to so many styles, sounds [and] artists.'”

“Every musician who’s come through the Hall of Fame in the last several months since he’s been nominated has said to me, ‘Man, Willie Nelson, an American treasure. Not only what an incredible musician, but what a great guy,'” he continues.

Joining Willie as one of 2023’s inductees is Sheryl Crow, who’s ecstatic that her longtime friend and collaborator is joining the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as well.

“Sheryl said one of the things she was most looking forward to during the inductions was seeing Willie get inducted,” Jason shares with a laugh. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if the two of them end up onstage at some point during the night together. I can just see that happening.”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Ashley McBryde has dropped new items in her merch store, including a black sweatshirt and white T-shirt with the words “trust yourself” from her latest single, “Light On In The Kitchen.” Check it out on store.ashleymcbryde.com.

Christ Stapleton has added new All American Road Show tour T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and bandanas to his merch store, as well. Grab yours at Chris’ online store.

Shy Carter is dropping his new song with Caitlyn Smith, “How Did You Sleep,” on Friday, May 5. Presave the track now to be the first to hear it.

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