Luke Bryan celebrated his fifth No. 1 single with a party at the CMA building in Nashville on Monday (September 17th) with the song’s writers, Josh Kear, Rodney Clawson and Chris Tompkins. He says the No. 1 status of the “career-changing song” is pretty special to him. “This one’s special, because this is the first No. 1 I didn’t co-write,” says Luke. “Many times on many albums, I’ve cut outside songs, and so the fact that I finally got one right and really interpreted a song good enough to be No. 1 and a song as good as ‘Drunk on You,’ it’s a really big deal to me.”

Luke and the song’s writers received numerous plaques and awards from the CMA, publishing companies and record label (Capitol Nashville) in honor of the two-week No. 1 single.

Luke, who is climbing the country charts with his latest single, “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” is set to headline the Capitol Record’s Street Party October 17th, as well as headlining his fourth Farm Tour next month.

AUDIO: Luke Bryan says “Drunk on You” has been a career-changing song for him.

Luke Bryan (Drunk No. 1 party) OC: …loving it. :18
“‘Drunk on You’ is kind of a career-changing song for me. It was just a big, big, big song, and we see it every night out there on the road. It’s pretty amazing getting to do it and watch everybody’s reaction. It’s fun seeing everybody sing it and to get the day for the No. 1, we’re loving it.”

AUDIO: Luke Bryan explains why “Drunk on You” going No. 1 is pretty special.

Luke Bryan (special No. 1) OC: …pretty amazing. :29
“This one’s special, because this is the first No. 1 I didn’t co-write. Many times on many albums, I’ve cut outside songs, and so the fact that I finally got one right and really interpreted a song good enough to be No. 1 and a song as good as ‘Drunk on You,’ it’s a really big deal to me. So, I’m just glad that ‘Drunk on You’ landed on my stereo at the house, or my speakers or iPad or iPod, whatever you want to say. But, yeah, it was just a big deal and big song, and it’s pretty amazing.”

For Immediate Release

September 18, 2012

JON PARDI AND FRANKIE BALLARD TEAM UP FOR THE “TIE ONE ON TOUR” WITH SPECIAL GUEST MISS WILLIE BROWN

Capitol Records Nashville artist Jon Pardi and Warner Bros. Records’ Frankie Ballard have teamed up for the “Tie One On Tour,” which kicks off on October 4^th in San Diego, CA. The tour runs through December and will feature special guest Miss Willie Brown. All three acts in the lineup are longtime road warriors, and with their high-energy, diverse musical styles, the “Tie One On Tour” will offer fans a one-of-a-kind live experience.

“I’ve had a blast visiting radio this year promoting my first single ‘Missin’ You Crazy,’ and seeing the fans respond,” says Jon Pardi. “I can’t wait to get back on the road, especially with great live acts like Frankie Ballard and Miss Willie Brown. It’s gonna be a rowdy, beer-drinkin’ good time!”

“I have always wanted to do an old school package tour,” adds Frankie Ballard. “That’s what all my musical heroes did back in the day. Piled into two Cadillacs and hit the highway! At least we get to do it on a bus. Jon and the Miss Willie Brown clan are great people and I’m honored to share these dates with them…there’ll be no shortage of fun, hell, we’re tyin’ one on right?!”

Tickets for the west coast dates are now available for purchase at www.jonpardi.com or www.frankieballard.com.

TIE ONE ON TOUR DATES:

THU: 10/4: SAN DIEGO, CA: Block No. 16
FRI: 10/5: SAN MIGUEL, CA: The Ranch*
SAT: 10/6: HENDERSON, NV: Henderson Events Plaza
SUN: 10/7: SAN BERNARDINO: Brandon’ Iron
TUE: 10/9: ANAHEIM, CA: The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon
THU: 10/11: FOLSOM, CA: Powerhouse Pub**
FRI: 11/2: AUBURN HILLS, MI: Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill
SAT: 11/3: SOUTH BEND, IN: Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill
FRI: 11/9: GULFPORT, MS: Jones Park
THU: 11/29: SAINT LOUIS PARK, MN: Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill
FRI: 11/30: KANSAS CITY, MO: Beaumont Club
SAT: 12/1: FORT WAYNE, IN: Neon Armadillo

* Jon Pardi & Frankie Ballard Only

** Frankie Ballard & Miss Willie Brown Only

# # #

About Jon Pardi:

Hailing from a small town called Dixon in Northern California, Capitol Records Nashville newcomer Jon Pardi’s first taste of country music stardom started in his Grandmother’s house at the tender age of three. The singer-songwriter spent his youth perfecting his craft – by eight years old, he was playing the guitar and at 12, he was writing his own songs. Determined to make his dream of country music fame a reality, Pardi moved to Nashville at 22 years old, where his unique musical style gained him a publishing contract, and later a record deal with Capitol Records Nashville. Known for his high-energy live shows and undeniably country sound, Pardi has been named “one to watch in 2012” by Country Weekly and was the only country artist out of Nashville to perform at last year’s Austin City Limits festival. The Associated Press raves that Jon “lays out a scenario of youth, music, love and loss that is as compelling as it is raucous.” Pardi has shared the stage with Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Dierks Bentley, Pat Green, Gary Allan and Luke Bryan. His first single “Missin’ You Crazy” is out at country radio now and his debut album will be released next year. www.jonpardi.com.

About Frankie Ballard:

Few debut artists can compare to Frankie Ballard’s impetuous breakthrough in the music scene as the country’s guitar slinging heartthrob joins the ranks of top Music City session players with his ace guitar skills” (Country Weekly). Frankie recently made his national television debut of his single “A Buncha Girls” on CBS’ The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. The single is off his debut album and was named one of the select iTunes “New Artists To Watch.” Frankie has been spending the past year touring with Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Bob Seger, including shows at Madison Square Garden at the Staples Center. He has also opened for Darius Rucker and superstar Taylor Swift on select dates of her“ SPEAK NOW WORLD TOUR 2011.” Hailing from Battle Creek, Michigan, Ballard brings a fresh new sound with his unique blend of edgy, country rock and sheer, fleet-fingered guitar skills. www.frankieballard.com.

Miss Willie Brown:

A&M/Octone Records’ new country duo Miss Willie Brown, comprised of Amanda Watkins and Kasey Buckley, brings raw, honk-tonk-style emotion and irresistible rock & roll swagger. After landing a coveted slot at Bonnaroo (listed as a Top 10 moment from American Songwriter) and touring with Dierks Bentley last year, Miss Willie Brown’s live show is what Billboard describes as “Snarling. Loud. Swampy. Edgy. A shockingly unique take on country music that combines West Coast energy levels and punk attitude.” The duo has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live twice, the first was when they were still an unsigned act. The twosome recently released their first single, “You’re All That Matters To Me,” to country radio. www.misswilliebrown.com.

Little Big Town released their latest album, Tornado, last week, and if you’ve seen them in concert this summer, you’ll most likely find several of the songs a bit familiar. They’ve been playing a handful of some of the new songs live while on the road with Rascal Flatts. “Man, we are really asking the crowd to go with us, stretching them completely, because we’re singing the hits, like ‘Bring It On Home,’ ‘Little White Church’ and ‘Boondocks,’ of course, but we wanted to debut the record,” says LBT’s Karen Fairchild. “We did not want to miss out on the opportunity in front of Rascal Flatts to debut this record. So, it was the debate of like, ‘We should just do ‘Pontoon’ and save the whole record.’ And then…we started talking about it. ‘No! We have to use this opportunity to show them the record,’ so, we ended up doing six songs.”

The band is getting ready to hit the airwaves with their new single, “Tornado.”

AUDIO: Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild talks about taking the opportunity of being on the road with Rascal Flatts to debut some of the songs from their new album, Tornado, in stores now.

LBT (performing 6 songs from album) OC: (Karen) …of Tornado. :35
KAREN: “Man, we are really asking the crowd to go with us, I mean, stretching them completely, because we’re singing the hits, like ‘Bring It On Home,’ ‘Little White Church’ and ‘Boondocks,’ of course. But, we wanted to debut the record. We did not want to miss out on the opportunity in front of Rascal Flatts to debut this record. So, it was the debate of like, ‘We should just do ‘Pontoon’ and save the whole record.’ And then…” KIMBERLY: “I’m so glad we didn’t.” KAREN: “Me too, and then we started talking about it. ‘No! We have to use this opportunity to show them the record,’ so, we ended up doing six songs (PHILLIP: “Yeah.”) on the whole tour of Tornado.”

Kelleigh Bannen is a powerful songwriter and vocalist, as anyone who has seen or heard her perform. So, it should come as no surprise that one of her favorite songs is Martina McBride’s 1993 hit, “Independence Day.” “‘Independence Day’ is still one of my favorite songs as a songwriter. I think that’s such an incredibly well-written song,” says Kelleigh. “And as a singer…I think that’s such a beautiful vocal performance.”

Thousands of fans will be able to catch Kelleigh singing her own songs, such as “Sorry on the Rocks,” when she performs at the fifth annual Capitol Street Party October 17th in Nashville.

AUDIO: Kelleigh Bannen talks about one of her favorite songs.

Kelleigh Bannen (favorite song) OC: …performance. :15
“‘Independence Day’ is still one of my favorite songs as a songwriter. I think that’s such an incredibly well-written song. And as a singer, that performance, that’s still, I think that’s such a beautiful vocal performance.” 

AUDIO: Kelleigh Bannen recalls the powerful impact of one of her favorite songs, “Independence Day.”

Kelleigh Bannen (Independence Day) OC: …lyric you know. :37

“I can still remember being in gym class, and we were changing in our gym uniforms, and we were talking about the song and singing it. And even then, I remember the lyrics just being so powerful, and the details of it being so specific. I probably didn’t get it, like I probably didn’t get exactly what was going down, but there’s that thing that great songs have, where even if you don’t know every lyric, you know what it means or you know, it has a power outside of every single lyric you know.”

If you haven’t caught Jon Pardi live in concert, go check him out – you won’t be disappointed. The California troubadour enjoys putting his ideas to music, as well as transferring those ideas to song in the studio, but his ultimate enjoyment comes from being on stage and entertaining the crowd. “You know, people jump off buildings for an adrenaline rush. I get up onstage for it, and it’s always exciting,” says Jon. “Sometimes I’m nervous, but it’s more exciting nervous, because you just want to get out there and you just want to make ‘em scream and like your songs or just play ‘em a song they like.”

Most of the time when he and his band, The Allnighters, hit the stage, they pretty much throw the set list out the window, especially if he feels the crowd would benefit. “For the most part, I like to read the crowd, so we may have a set list, and I may be like, ‘No, we can’t do this song. It’s not gonna work, and then we’ll call something else,’” he says. “It’s all about reading the crowd. You want to entertain them.”

Jon, whose debut single “Missin’ You Crazy” is currently climbing the country charts, is set to perform at the fifth annual Capitol Street Party October 17th. In the meantime, you can catch him in Pensacola Beach, Florida (September 23rd), Atlanta, Georgia (September 26th) and Statesboro, Georgia (September 27th). For more information on Jon and his tour dates, go to jonpardi.com.

AUDIO: Jon Pardi talks about having a set list and reading the crowd.

Jon Pardi (performing live) OC: …feel bored. :32
“Well, it depends on the time of your set, but if we’re playing over three hours, there ain’t no set list. We’re just calling out songs we know. But if it’s 20 minutes or so, it’s more or less, ‘Oh, we got 20 minutes, let’s try to sneak in as many songs as we can in 20 minutes.’ So, that’s when you gotta like back-to-back start the songs, have your talk points. But for the most part, I like to read the crowd, so we may have a set, set list, and I may be like, ‘No, we can’t do this song. It’s not gonna work, and then we’ll call something else.’ It’s all about reading the crowd. You want to entertain them. You don’t want to make them feel bored.”

AUDIO: Jon Pardi says his energy and “adrenaline rush” come from performing live.

Jon Pardi (performing live) 2 OC: …and it’s fun. :21
“You know, people jump off buildings for an adrenaline rush. I get up onstage for it, and it’s always exciting. Sometimes I’m nervous, but it’s more exciting nervous, because you just want to get out there and you just want to make ‘em scream and like your songs or just play ‘em a song they like. It goes a long way, and it’s fun.”

When AMERICAN IDOL’s 12^th season debuts in January 2013, superstar judge Mariah Carey – the best-selling female recording artist of all time – and returning judge Randy Jackson, a Grammy Award-winning producer whose expertise and beloved persona have been instrumental in discovering IDOL talent from the beginning, will be joined by two new judges: quadruple-platinum singer, songwriter, rapper and fashion icon Nicki Minaj; and Keith Urban, a four-time Grammy Award winner who has sold more than 15 million albums. 

Hopefuls will meet host Ryan Seacrest and the new four-person panel of Carey, Jackson, Minaj and Urban today, when the auditions begin in New York City. Other audition cities include Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, San Antonio, Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City. 

Carey is a multiple Grammy Award-winning global superstar with more than 200 million records sold worldwide and more No. 1 songs than any solo artist in history, whose 18 Billboard No. 1 singles (17 of which Carey wrote) rival all but The Beatles. Jackson is a Grammy Award-winning producer who has worked on more than 1,000 gold and multi-platinum albums, which have sold more than 200 million albums worldwide. His amazing talent, vast studio knowledge, performing, touring and record company experience have made him one of today’s most coveted music industry experts. Known for her unique performance style and iconic fashion, Minaj became the first female solo artist to have seven singles simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Urban, one of country music’s biggest stars of the decade, has four Grammy Awards and 14 No. 1 hits, and was named Male Vocal Artist of the Year three times, as well as Entertainer of the Year, by the Country Music Association. 

“I am thrilled about this year’s judges’ panel! We’ve got global icon Mariah Carey and IDOL’s heart and soul Randy Jackson, who will be joined by Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. Nicki’s an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop. And Keith is another great addition to IDOL – he’s one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan, we’ve put together one of the most exciting judging panels around.” 

“We’re ecstatic to welcome Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban to the AMERICAN IDOL family, joining Mariah and Randy at the judges’ table,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia. “Nicki is someone who represents a different side of the music industry, who has now crossed into mainstream culture with her unique artistry, style and flair. Keith is one of country music’s true stars who brings with him charm, wit and knowledge about the industry.” 

Executive producer Simon Fuller noted, “With the exciting addition of Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj, alongside Randy Jackson, AMERICAN IDOL’s star power has never been so great. For this we have to thank the ongoing commitment and belief of FOX and the dedication and focus of the IDOL production team. We have all been together since the very beginning and we are focused on making IDOL Season 12 the best ever.” 

“IDOL has truly never looked better,” said Marc Graboff, President of CORE Media Group (owner, 19 Entertainment). “We couldn’t be more pleased about this new team of judges, and, along with our partners at FOX and Fremantle, look forward to a terrific Season 12.”

About Keith Urban:

In 2001, the Country Music Association honored Keith Urban with its Horizon Award, designating him a talented artist with a bright future. He is the first Horizon Award winner in history to go on to win the CMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year, a title he’s captured three times, and the coveted Entertainer of the Year. More than 15 million albums later, Urban is a four-time Grammy Award winner, who has also won a People’s Choice and American Music Award. He’s won five Academy of Country Music Awards and had 14 No. 1 songs, including 28 Top 5 hits. In 2012, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. His latest CD, “Get Closer,” comes on the heels of his fifth consecutive platinum or multi-platinum release. It has produced three consecutive No. 1 singles: “You Gonna Fly,” “Long Hot Summer” and “Without You.” 

In 2009, Urban was named radio’s most-played country artist, thanks to No. 1 hits such as “Sweet Thing,” “You’ll Think Of Me,” “Only You Can Love Me This Way,” “Better Life” and “Days Go By.” In addition, his 2002 smash, “Somebody Like You,” was named the No. 1 Country Song of the Decade by Nielsen BDS (based on radio airplay and audience impressions). 

But Urban’s reputation as an elite songwriter, musician, vocalist and virtuoso guitarist is no more evident than when he is onstage. His electrifying concerts have played to sold-out venues in Australia, Germany, England, Canada and the United States, all while receiving high praise from critics. In fact, 2009’s Escape Together World Tour, as well as 2007’s Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy World Tour, were both, according to Pollstar, one of the top-grossing tours for their respective years. Last year, his Get Closer 2011 World Tour solidified Urban as one of the music industry’s best live performers. 

AMERICAN IDOL has been the No. 1 entertainment program among Total Viewers for the past nine consecutive seasons. To date, IDOL alums have produced 356 No. 1 Billboard hits and garnered nearly 250 million iTunes downloads. Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips’ first single, “Home,” which was released May 23, has been certified platinum. Last year, Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery released his debut album “Clear As Day,” which dominated the Billboard Country Albums chart and has gone platinum, selling more than one million copies. McCreery is the youngest male artist to ever enter the U.S. albums charts at the No. 1 spot. 

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of Core Media Group and FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

Visit www.americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. “Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #idol. Follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @MariahCarey; @yo_randyjackson; @nickiminaj; and @keithurban.

AUDIO: During his visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for an educational program a couple of weeks ago, Keith Urban talks about the rumors swirling around that he would be a judge on the FOX TV show, American Idol.

Keith Urban (American Idol) OC: …what we do. :25“I
would love to do it and hopefully that happens. I did get to do that similar kind of role in Australia for The Voice, and I really enjoyed it. I actually did a few of those kinds of shows when I was very young. I went on a few TV talent shows. I was terrible at all of them, but I really enjoyed the experience. The thing about some of these shows is that mentoring aspect. I really like that. It’s all about passing it on, and all of us help each other get better at what we do.” 

Luke Bryan will be coming to the small screen on Monday (September 17^th), as he’ll be hosting the ABC-TV special, CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, along with The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry. You’ll see him interview some of your favorite country superstars, including pals Lady Antebellum, which he says is “gonna be so funny!” Luke had a blast with his hosting gig, and says the point of the show, for him, was to try to make the viewers at home feel like they were actually at the Festival. “I think, most importantly, is trying to make the show for the viewers at home and really allow everybody to have a big ole smile on their face while they’re watching the show and watching all the fans have a great time at CMA Music Fest and watching the artists up there on stage putting on amazing concerts.”

In addition to hosting the show, you can also catch Luke in action “shaking it” and singing for the crowds. Other performers include Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry and Keith Urban, among others.

CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock airs Monday at 8pm ET on ABC.

AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about hosting this year’s CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock television special.

Luke Bryan (hosting CMA Music Fest) OC: …was a blast. :35
“The Lady Antebellum interview is gonna be so funny ‘cause I have such a big history with them. But I think most importantly, is trying to make the show for the viewers at home and really allow everybody to have a big ole smile on their face while they’re watching the show and watching all the fans have a great time at CMA Music Fest and watching the artists up there on stage putting on amazing concerts. The whole week for me was fun, getting to perform, getting to host and hanging with Kimberly and, obviously, interviewing the artists. It was a blast.”

After appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Thursday (September 13th) to promote their new album, Tornado, Little Big Town recorded a message to the talk-show host. Check the message, as well as their performance of the No. 1 hit, “Pontoon” below:

Little Big Town talk to the Associated Press about their new album, Tornado, and what Karen Fairchild did to help push their single ‘Pontoon’ to the top of the charts. The song is their first No. 1 hit in 13 years as a band.