Shania Twain will join NBC’s The Voice as a mentor to the contestants this season. The multi-platinum superstar made the announcement on Twitter: “Excited to announce that I’ll appear on @nbcthevoice this month, as a mentor to the finalists.” She joins Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Adam Levine and Alicia Keys on the show. Tune in Monday, April 24th at 8pm ET/PT.
https://twitter.com/ShaniaTwain/status/852589848556974081
Josh Turner is sitting at No. 3 on the country charts with “Hometown Girl,” which is from his sixth studio album, Deep South. In the songs on the collection, as well as his current single, he references growing up the South and some of what makes him proud to be part of that significant and colorful culture and what made him feel guilty at leaving his childhood home in South Carolina.
“I’ve talked in the past openly about how I feel some guilt at times of being the first Turner to move away from Hannah, South Carolina, but I know that this is where I was supposed to be and I was following the path that God set out for me,” says Josh. “I kind of describe my childhood and my upbringing as kind of a paradise in a way, because I was pretty blessed. Not everybody had the kind of upbringing that I had and I’m very thankful that I had it, and I’m glad I had it because I’m a writer and I’m a creator and I’m a singer and so I take joy in trying to paint that picture for people whether they had it or not.”
Josh has an acoustic date in Louisville April 20th, followed by a show April 22nd in Tucson, Arizona.
Josh Turner (where he grew up) OC: …awesome to have. 1:06
“I’ve talked in the past openly about how I feel some guilt at times of being the first Turner to move away from Hannah, South Carolina, but I know that this is where I was supposed to be and I was following the path that God set out for me. But it’s crazy when I can go back home and I can go to the grave of my third great grandfather, and even some ancestors that are older than that. It’s a culture. I grew up in amongst the tobacco farming culture which has changed a lot since I was growing up. I kind of describe my childhood and my upbringing as kind of a paradise in a way, because I was pretty blessed. Not everybody had the kind of upbringing that I had and I’m very thankful that I had it, and I’m glad I had it because I’m a writer and I’m a creator and I’m a singer and so I take joy in trying to paint that picture for people whether they had it or not. It’s like if they had it they can relate to it, and if they didn’t have it, they get to thinking it’s like wow, that would be awesome to have.”
Singer, songwriter, entertainer and philanthropist Toby Keith will host the 14th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic June 2-3 at Belmar Golf Club and Riverwind Casino in Norman, Oklahoma. Clearly, Keith knows how to put on one of the best blowout weekends to be had anywhere any time, but none of it overshadows the astounding good work the event has done for an amazing cause.
Last year, the Classic raised $1.175 million for the Toby Keith Foundation, monies that go directly to operation of the three-year-old OK Kids Korral, a facility offering a home away from home for sick children and families seeking treatment in Oklahoma City. The Korral is completely cost-free to families who stay, but its work is measured in much more than money.
“We have been doing chemo for four years now,” says Amber Robertson, whose five-year-old daughter Bella is one of many kids who have stayed at OK Kids Korral – on average, children and families will stay five times per year for four days per stay. “Bella has grown up with OK Kids Korral, the staff and all their generosity and love,” Robertson continues.
His celebrity friends always turn out for the gala and golf scramble – Sam Bowie, Rocky Calmus, Nancy Lieberman, Scotty Emerick, Walt Garrison, Bart Conner and Ray Childress are already confirmed. Live auction items are among the most exclusive offerings in the world – how about a guitar autographed by the late Merle Haggard or one-of-kind hunting and vacation trips to exotic locales? And silent auction items will include memorabilia from the best of the best including Cal Ripken, Jr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Derek Jeter, Dak Prescott, Greg Jennings, Johnny Bench, Eli Manning, Wayne Gretzsky and Phil Mickelson.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Get more info on ways to support OK Kids Korral at www.tobykeithfoundation.org.
See if you can name more tunes than Josh Turner in the latest episode of his video series, Unscripted.
Josh is currently sitting at No. 3 on the country charts with his single, “Hometown Girl.”
Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman is set to launch a new line of kitchenware through HSN.
“My first set of dishes my daddy bought for me when I was a little girl. And I still have them today,” she tells People. “I meet no stranger when it comes to a pretty dish. So when I found out we could do this beautiful line of kitchen and home things with HSN, I was like, ‘I’m in.’”
The collection, which includes essentials like pots and pans and knife sets, will debut on April 19th. The designs are inspired by Kimberly’s childhood, flea market finds and her love of cooking, which she’s passed down to her oldest daughter, Daisy, who inspires the name of the line.
Kimberly with her bandmates are making their way up the country charts with “Happy People.”
The nominees for the 2017 Billboard Music Awards were announced and several of your favorite country artists are up for awards. Luke Bryan is nominated in the all-format fan-voted Billboard Chart Achievement category, as well as for Top Country Tour.
Keith Urban has several BBMA nods, including Top Country Album for Ripcord and Top Country Song for “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” as well as a nomination for Top Country Artist.
Chris Stapleton is up against Keith as Top Country Artist, as well as Top Country Album for Traveller.
Little Big Town’s “Better Man” is up for Top Country Song, while Dierks Bentley’s “Different for Girls” featuring Elle King, Eric Church’s “Kill a Word” with Rhiannon Giddens and Vince Gill’s appearance on Chris Young’s “Sober Saturday Night” are up for Top Country Collaborations.
Hillary Scott & the Scott Family have three BBMA nominations, including Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album for Love Remains and Top Christian Song for “Thy Will.”
The Billboard Music Awards will air on May 21 at 8PM on ABC.
Billboard Chart Achievement Award Presented by Xfinity:
Luke Bryan
Nicki Minaj
The Chainsmokers
The Weeknd
Twenty One Pilots
Top Country Artist:
Florida Georgia Line
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban
Chris Stapleton
Jason Aldean
Top Country Tour:
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Dixie Chicks
Top Country Album:
Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know
Florida Georgia Line, Dig Your Roots
Blake Shelton, If I’m Honest
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Keith Urban, Ripcord
Top Country Song:
Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”
Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.”
Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”
Little Big Town, “Better Man”
Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”
Top Country Collaboration:
Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King, “Different For Girls”
Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”
Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens, “Kill A Word”
Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”
Chris Young Featuring Vince Gill, “Sober Saturday Night”
Top Christian Artist:
Lauren Daigle
Hillsong Worship
Hillary Scott & the Scott Family
Skillet
Chris Tomlin
Top Christian Album:
Casting Crowns, The Very Next Thing
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be
Joey + Rory, Hymns
Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, Love Remains
Skillet, Unleashed
Top Christian Song:
Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You”
Hillary Scott & The Family, “Thy Will”
Skillet, “Feel Invincible”
Ryan Stevenson Featuring GabeReal, “Eye Of The Storm”
Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker”
Known for her affable, outgoing personality and her “powerhouse, honey-toned vocals” (Rolling Stone), Lauren Alaina now celebrates her very first No. 1 single with “Road Less Traveled” landing at the top of both the Billboard and MediaBase country airplay charts.
“I cannot believe I have the number one song in the country,” shares an ecstatic Lauren. “I have dreamed of this day my entire life. The five singles, the ups and downs, the tears, the smiles, and the six years of hard work have made this moment so much sweeter. I am so thankful to everyone who helped me get to this point. Regardless of my future, I get to live the rest of my life saying I have written a number one song. Life made.
Written with Jesse Frasure and Meghan Trainor, Lauren delivers an important and empowering message of self-acceptance in the triumphant anthem. Lauren has been an inspiration to countless men and women of all ages with her relatability, vulnerability and openness of her lyrics.
“Road Less Traveled” is the title track of her sophomore studio album which PEOPLE Magazine calls “full of life lessons and uplift.” Lauren recently wrapped the CMT Next Women of Country Tour with Martina McBride and this summer, the “sassy Southerner with killer pipes” (Parade) hits the road on select Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour dates with Luke Bryan.
Fans can find Lauren’s official “Road Less Traveled” playlist HERE. For more information on Lauren, her music and tour dates, visit www.LaurenAlainaOfficial.com.
Audio / An emotional Lauren Alaina tells fans her song, "Road Less Traveled," is No. 1 on the country charts via Facebook Live.
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Apparently having the number one song in the country does not make you less of a dork. Forever on the #RoadLessTraveled #ohhhhh pic.twitter.com/KiXFHAutau
— Lauren Alaina (@Lauren_Alaina) April 8, 2017
"Sliding" into the number one spot on media base AND billboard. #KeepingItGrassy #ICantBelieveMyLife pic.twitter.com/IGB6PvHBN9
— Lauren Alaina (@Lauren_Alaina) April 10, 2017
Nine years since visiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and pledging his support, Darius Rucker has announced the date for his eighth annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert, sponsored by State Water Heaters. The event, which leads into CMA Music Festival week, takes place Monday, June 5 and will be held for the FIRST time at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
“This concert is a real highlight for me every year,” Rucker said. “And I couldn’t do it without the support of my friends who turn out to perform, tell stories and make this a memorable night for the fans, who are here from around the world.”
The event has received an overwhelming response in past years, with sellouts year-after-year and more than $800,000 raised for St. Jude. Friends performing with Rucker in past years have included Luke Bryan, Radney Foster, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum) and Kenny Rogers, among others. The lineup for this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks.
Rucker made a commitment to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® after touring the campus in 2008 and is recognized worldwide for the lifesaving mission.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Unlike any other hospital, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from individual contributions. Events like this help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Tickets to “Darius and Friends” will be available on Friday, April 14 at 10 a.m. CT via ticketmaster.com. This year Rucker teamed up with Ticketmaster to allow supporters to become #VerifiedFans. Qualified registrants that enter by Thursday, April 13 at 10 a.m. CT will receive a unique code to ensure they can buy tickets without worrying about scalpers or bots. More info on becoming a #VerifiedFan here.
Additional sponsors of “Darius and Friends” includes CDW/Intel, GE, Hutton, Maverick, CAA and UMG/Capitol Nashville. For more information please visit www.DariusRucker.com.
About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Since opening more than 50 years ago, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives and, for every child treated here, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children. St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, who believed that no child should die in the dawn of life. Join that mission by visiting stjude.org or following us on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.
Lady Antebellum takes fans behind-the-scenes of their performance on this year’s ACM Awards of the band’s latest single, “You Look Good.”
Chris Stapleton has revealed the title and track list for his much-anticipated new album, From a Room: Volume 1. The collection of nine songs will be released May 5th, with a second volume following later this year.
He re-teamed with producer Dave Cobb (Traveller) and recorded the project at RCA Studio A, and it will feature eight songs he co-wrote, as well as a cover of “Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning,” originally recorded by Willie Nelson for his 1982 album, Always On My Mind. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard country chart.
The album takes its name from Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, where it was recorded during the winter of 2016-17. Other highlights from the album include “Second One To Know,” which Stapleton recently premiered at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards as well as the album’s first single, “Either Way.”
In addition to Stapleton on vocals and guitar and Cobb on acoustic guitar, the album features Morgane Stapleton on harmony vocals as well as longtime band-members J.T. Cure on bass and Derek Mixon on drums and musicians Mickey Raphael on harmonica, Robby Turner pedal steel and Mike Webb on keys.
The May 5th release of Volume 1 comes exactly two years to the day since the release of Traveller. Released to immediate widespread critical acclaim, the album had one of the best-selling first weeks by a debut country artist in 2015. Following a historic turn on the 49th Annual CMA Awards—where Stapleton became the first artist to win Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the same awards – Traveller became the first album to re-enter the Billboard 200 all-genre album chart at No. 1, where it stayed for two straight weeks. The critically acclaimed album went on to win multiple Grammy and ACM Awards and was the #1 selling Country album of 2016 and the fourth-highest selling album of 2016 across all genres.
Coming off a sold-out Canadian tour last month, Stapleton is currently in the midst of an extensive U.S. tour. “Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show” will span throughout 2017 and includes stops at L.A.’s The Forum, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and New York’s Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater and will feature Brothers Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Anderson East, Brent Cobb, Margo Price and Marty Stuart as special guests. Seven new dates were recently added to the tour itinerary, which go on-sale at LiveNation.com this Friday (April 7th) at 10:00am local time.
From a Room is now available for pre-order digitally and with physical bundles.
From A Studio: Volume 1 track list:
1. “Broken Halos” (Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson)
2. “Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning” (Gary P. Nunn and Donna Sioux Farar)
3. “Second One to Know” (Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson)
4. “Up to No Good Livin'” (Chris Stapleton and Casey Beathard)
5. “Either Way” (Chris Stapleton, Tim James and Kendall Marvel)
6. “I Was Wrong” (Chris Stapleton and Craig Wiseman)
7. “Without Your Love” (Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson)
8. “Them Stems” (Chris Stapleton, Jimmy Stewart and Shawn Camp)
9. “Death Row” (Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson)
CHRIS STAPLETON’S ALL-AMERICAN ROAD SHOW”
April 6—Columbus, GA—Columbus Civic Center* (SOLD OUT)
April 8—Ft. Lauderdale, FL—Tortuga Music Festival
April 20—Roanoke, VA—Berglund Center† (SOLD OUT)
April 21—Pikeville, KY—East Kentucky Expo Center† (SOLD OUT)
April 22—Pikeville, KY—East Kentucky Expo Center† (SOLD OUT)
April 27—Columbia, MO—Mizzou Arena‡ (SOLD OUT)
April 28—Cape Girardeau, MO—Show Me Center‡ (SOLD OUT)
April 29—Bloomington, IL—U.S. Cellular Coliseum‡ (SOLD OUT)
May 5—Alpharetta, GA—Verizon Amphitheatre§ (SOLD OUT)
May 6 – Alpharetta, GA – Verizon Amphitheatre§ (SOLD OUT)
May 11—Virginia Beach, VA—Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at VA Beach§
May 12—Raleigh, NC—Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek§ (SOLD OUT)
May 13—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion§ (SOLD OUT)
May 18—San Diego, CA—Mattress Firm Amphitheatre§
May 19—Phoenix, AZ—Ak-Chin Pavilion§
May 20—Los Angeles, CA—The Forum§
May 23—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre§ (SOLD OUT)
May 24—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre§ (SOLD OUT)
June 1—Fresno, CA—Save Mart Center at Fresno State§
June 2— Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheatre§
June 3—Wheatland, CA—Toyota Amphitheatre§
June 9—Southaven, MS—BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove#
June 10—Birmingham, AL—Oak Mountain Amphitheatre# (SOLD OUT)
June 11—Nashville, TN—CMA Music Fest
June 15—Charleston, WV—Charleston Civic Center# (SOLD OUT)
June 16—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center#
June 17—Indianapolis, IN—Klipsch Music Center#
June 22—Tulsa, OK—BOK Center#
June 23—Manhattan, KS—Country Stampede
June 24—North Platte, NE—Nebraskaland Days
June 29—Chicago, IL—Wrigley Field†† (SOLD OUT)
July 5—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest††
July 6—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest††
July 14—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center#
July 15—Hartford, CT—The XFINITY Theatre#
July 16—Darien Lake, NY—Darien Lake Performing Arts Center#
July 20—Holmdel, NJ—P.N.C. Bank Arts Center#
July 21—Wantagh, NY—Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater#
July 22—Bristow, VA—Jiffy Lube Live#
July 28—George, WA—Watershed Festival (SOLD OUT)
July 29—Central Point, OR—Country Crossings Music Festival
July 30—Mountain Home, ID—Mountain Home Country Music Festival
August 3—Duluth, MN—AMSOIL Arena** (SOLD OUT)
August 4—Prairie Du Chien, WI—Country on the River
August 5—St. Louis, MO—Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre**
August 10—Hershey, PA—Giant Center**
August 11—Pittsburgh, PA—KeyBank Pavilion**
August 12—Philadelphia, PA—BB&T Pavilion**
August 17—Toronto, ON—Budweiser Stage**
August 18—Cleveland, OH—Blossom Music Center**
August 19—Clarkston, MI—DTE Energy Music Theatre** (SOLD OUT)
August 25—Gilford, NH—Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion**
October 6—Des Moines, IA—Wells Fargo Arena** (ON-SALE 4/7)
October 7—St Paul, MN—Xcel Energy Center** (ON-SALE 4/7)
October 19—Baton Rouge, LA—Raising Cane’s River Center Arena+ (ON-SALE 4/7)
October 20—San Antonio, TX—AT&T Center+ (ON-SALE 4/7)
October 21—Bossier City, LA—CenturyLink Center+ (ON-SALE 4/7)
October 26—Austin, TX—Austin360 Amphitheater+ (ON-SALE 4/7)
November 4—Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena+ (ON-SALE 4/7)
*with special guest Maren Morris
†with special guest Brent Cobb
‡with special guest Lucie Silvas
#with special guests Anderson East and Brent Cobb
**with special guests Margo Price and Brent Cobb
††with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
+with special guests Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb
