Category: Country Daypop

Churchill Downs Racetrack announced that Wynonna Judd will perform the national anthem at this year’s Kentucky Derby, taking place on Saturday, May 4, 2024. The Kentucky native will help kick off the historic 150th Run for the Roses® at Churchill Downs with her National Anthem performance set to take place just after 5:00 p.m. EDT, and broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage. Martha Stewart will serve as the Riders Up announcer.

The 59-year-old Judd, who was born in Ashland, Kentucky, said in a statement: “I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions. The Kentucky Derby is something I look forward to every year and being able to perform this year makes the momentous event even more special.”

Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, added: “Wynonna Judd is a multigenerational talent who has helped shape country music over the years, and a Kentucky native, making her the perfect artist to set the stage for this once-in-a-lifetime Kentucky Derby. We’re excited for Wynonna to bring her powerful voice back to Louisville to convey the wide range of emotion for which this landmark occasion calls.”

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ABC News Studios and Hulu has announced the documentary “Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country” will debut May 29th on Hulu. Wilson will reveal a glimpse of her life on the road in the documentary special, which is the latest in a partnership between ABC News Studios and ‘Good Morning America’ co-host, Robin Roberts. A post on social media read: “From dreamer to Grammy winner, @laineywilson’s story is one of resilience and passion. Join us as we explore her incredible journey together through ‘Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Country’ streaming on @Hulu beginning Wednesday, May 29.”

Wilson shared that Roberts “ran the roads with me, going from concerts to interviews and everything in between, to get a sneak peek into this wild ride I’ve been on. Y’all buckle up.” 

Roberts is producing the special via her ABC News Studios production unit, and shared in a statement: “I look forward to telling stories about talented women who are strong and authentic. Lainey is definitely one of those women, and I can’t wait to share her uplifting story with audiences around the world.”

Wilson added: “It’s such an honor to be a part of this project. Thank you to Robin and ABC News Studios for helping bring light to my story throughout the past year. I can’t wait for everyone to watch.”

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Toby Keith will posthumously receive an honorary degree from the University of Oklahoma, located in the late country legend’s home state. Keith passed away on Feb. 5 following a years-long battle with stomach cancer at the age of  62; he will be honored at the University of Oklahoma commencement ceremony next month.

The University of Oklahoma announced the “four outstanding individuals” who will receive honorary degrees this year. Others include educator, economist and activist Barbara Ann Posey Jones, founder of Love’s Travel Stops and university supporter Tom E. Love, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for his work on Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 spacecraft missions David Proctor.  University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. said in a statement: “Through their exceptional talents, transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to serving others, each of this year’s Honorary Degree recipients has left an indelible mark on the world. Their profound dedication has touched countless lives, and we take great pride in conferring the university’s highest honor upon them.”

The caption on a post on Keith’s Instagram account announcing his honorary degree read: “Toby will be awarded an honorary degree at @uofoklahoma’s Commencement ceremony next month. Toby was an avid OU sports fan and longtime donor. #BoomerSooner”

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The Rolling Stones have announced the list of supporting artists on their 2024 ‘Hackney Diamonds’ North American Tour.

Among the artists who will take turns opening on the legendary band’s 10-week excursion in support of their latest album, Hackney Diamonds are country stars Lainey Wilson and Tyler Childers, blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, Bettye Lavette, The War and Treaty, The Pretty Reckless, Widespread Panic, The Linda Lindas, Ghost Hounds, and KALEO.

The Stones’ 2024 North American tour features a total of 19 concerts, and includes an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 2. The band also will play multiple shows at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey; Soldier Field in Chicago; and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California before wrapping-up on July 17 in Santa Clara, California.

A complete list of dates can be found at rollingstones.com.

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The Grand Ole Opry will partner with Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for their ‘Salute the Troops’ event, a special night to support active-duty military and veterans. The Grand Ole Opry will invite active duty and veteran service members, their spouses, and their children to join a red carpet parade into the Opry House.

This year’s Salute the Troops event will take place on May 21, with Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as an Army Reserve Warrant Officer, performing alongsidethe 313th U.S. Army Band in addition to Opry member Lauren Alaina, Lee Brice, HunterGirl, Austin Snell and more.  Special guests for the evening will include Lieutenant Jody Daniels, Chief of the Army Reserve and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command. She is the first woman to command the Reserve. Additionally, Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief of the VFW, Carol Whitmore will be in attendance. She is the first woman to hold the position in the VFW.

This year’s “Salute The Troops” will be filmed to air as a special “Opry Live” during Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 25 on the Opry’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, with free streaming on the Circle Now app.

The public is invited to arrive at 5 p.m. to see the 313th U.S. Army Band perform in the Opry Plaza before they lead the red carpet parade guests at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are available at 615-871-OPRY and opry.com.

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Miranda Lambert is on the road with a slew of new spring and summer tour dates, sharing on her socials: “Vegas is done and now I’m goin back on the road!”

Said Miranda: “I’ve been touring since I was 19 years old, so it was nice to step away from the road for a bit and settle into Vegas. That gave us time to miss touring though, so I cannot wait to get back out there on Elvira, my home away from home, and visit the fans across the country that we haven’t seen in a while.”

The 17-date trek, which kicked-off April 19 in Ashland, Kentucky at Rock The Country Festival, will hit California, Texas, South Carolina, New York and more, before concluding in Gautier, Mississippi at The Sound Amphitheater on September 27.

Tickets to the newly added shows are on sale now via Miranda’s website.

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Reba McEntire will return as host of the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday, May 16th at 8 pm EDT/5 pm PDT, streaming live globally across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Luke Combs leads this year’s nominees with eight nominations, followed by Megan Moroney and Morgan Wallen with six nominations each.

The Academy of Country Music officially announced the news on social media, sharing that McEntire, 69, will be hosting the awards show for the 17th time: “Country Music’s Party of the Year is going to be extra-FANCY this year with @Reba back as our host! She will also be taking the stage for a show stopping performance featuring brand new music! You don’t wanna miss the 59th #ACMawards LIVE May 16 at 8e | 5p on @PrimeVideo. Tickets on sale NOW on @SeatGeek – https://lnk.to/59thACMTix!TP #RebaACM”

McEntire, a 16-time ACM Awards winner, will also perform new music at the ceremony; she shared in a statement: “I am ticked to pieces to get to host the ACM Awards for the 17th time! What an honor to have been part of the past, present and now the future of the Academy of Country Music with Amazon Prime Video. I can’t wait to get to Texas and see everybody May 16th!”  

ACM CEO Damon Whiteside added: “We are thrilled for the homecoming of Reba to the ACM Awards stage for the 17th time! There is simply no one better to continue to elevate this show in our new global streaming era with Amazon Prime Video”

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Sam Hunt has earned his 10th #1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart with his single, “Outskirts”.  Written by Hunt with Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, and Josh Osborne, “Outskirts” is featured on Hunt’s EP, Locked Up, which was released April 5th. (per Billboard)

Hunt recently wrapped his arena-headlining Outskirts Tour with country music’s Brett Young and Lily Rose. Hunt also just announced his headlining summer amphitheater Locked Up Tour kicking off June 28th in Bend, Ore. The 20-city trek runs through September with dates across the US and Canada, and features support artists Russell Dickerson, George Birge in the US, and Dalton Dover in Canada.

Check out the video for “Outskirts” – here.

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Florida’s Kickoff Jam has shared their 2024 lineup, featuring headliners Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks and Alabama. The festival will take place Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Panama City Beach, Florida in celebration of five decades of country music on the beach.

Brooks posted on his socials: “Join Garth, Carrie Underwood, Alabama and more over Labor Day Weekend for KICKOFF JAM celebrating 5 Decades of Panama City Beach and 5 Decades of Country Music! Tickets go ON SALE April 24 at 10am CST http://kickoffjampcb.com -Team Garth”

Night 1 of Kickoff Jam on Friday, August 30th will be headlined by supergroup Alabama with a special appearance by Randy Travis. Jamey Johnson, Tyler Farr, Gavin Adcock, Pam Tillis, and Catie Offerman will also perform on 8/30. On Saturday, August 31st, headliner Carrie Underwood will take the stage, preceded by Needtobreathe, Lauren Alaina, Restless Road, Carter Faith, and Kayley Green; and finally on Sunday, September 1st, Garth Brooks will perform as headliner along with Allie Colleen, Mackenzie Carpenter, Rhett Akins, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Randy Houser.

Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady shared: “I’ve been doing this for 40 years, and without question, this is the biggest show we’ve ever put on. We’re excited to celebrate five decades of Country music in Panama City Beach! Kickoff Jam COO Mark Sheldon added: “It’s such a great honor to be a part of bringing the biggest names in Country music right here to our beautiful beaches. It’s our vision to not only support the local community, but to show the country how proud we are of our heritage and Country music in Panama City Beach.”

Three-day passes are available to purchase now at KickoffJamPCB.com.

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Nate Smith will embark on his headlining “Through The Smoke” tour this fall. Smith posted on his socials: “Let’s go!!!! Hitting the road on my Through The Smoke Tour with @johnmorgan95 and @karleyscottcollins! .. Where will I see you??”

The 14-city trek will kick off on September 19th in Portland, Oregon, and ends on November 23rd in Des Moines, Iowa. Joining Smith on the road will be special guests John Morgan and Karley Scott Collins on select dates.

Smith is currently on the road with Morgan Wallen’s One Night at a Time 2024 Tour, which will see Smith opening on stadium dates across the country including Arlington, Charlotte, Denver, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Nashville, Oxford, Tampa, and more.  Smith is also set to return to Stagecoach Festival this weekend, after making his festival debut last year.

For more details on the ‘Through The Smoke” tour, visit NateSmithOfficial.com.

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