Scotty McCreery is featured on the homepage of People.com, with his photo diary of his time spent in the nation’s capitol earlier this week to film TNT’s annual Christmas in Washington television special. Click here to check it out.
The TV show will air December 21st at 8pm ET/PT.
In the latest episode of Webisode Wednesdays, go backstage with Lady Antebellum at this year’s American Country Awards in Las Vegas.
AUDIO: Dierks Bentley didn’t have any white Christmases as a kid in Arizona, so that meant he and his family engaged in some Christmas Day activities that snowbound folks have never thought of.
Dierks Bentley (Christmas in desert) OC: …in Arizona. :32
“I grew up in Arizona, so we didn’t have like a white winter kind of deal. It’s kinda…once you experience that, it’s hard to go back and like celebrate Christmas in the desert but…for us, we would…me and my family and a couple other families would go out to the desert and bring a big turkey and just kinda have a cookout in the middle of the desert…and drink beers and ride four-wheelers and…well, I wouldn’t drink beers, but they would. We’d ride four-wheelers and horses and just kind of spend it out in the middle of the desert, which was kind of a cool way to spend Christmas. So whenever I think of Christmas, I always think of the desert, which is a little weird, but that’s just the way we did it out in Arizona.”
AUDIO: Dierks Bentley says having children brings back the magic of Christmas.
Dierks Bentley (Christmas is for kids) OC: …become one again. :33
“Between touring so hard and being so busy and being away from my family, Christmas didn’t lose any of its real meaning, as far as the religious meaning, you know, Jesus’ birthday. But as far as the whole tree and all the Christmas spirit stuff, the secular stuff, it kind of goes away, to be honest. But then you have a family, all of a sudden, it’s like I’m Clark Griswold out there decorating the tree, putting lights up around the house. It’s all those things you did as a kid and appreciated as a kid, you get a chance to do over again when you have kids, because you kind of become one again.”
AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about his youngest daughter, Jordan, being born on Christmas Day two years ago, and how that will affect the holiday in the future.
Dierks Bentley (Christmas-Jordan) OC: …get older! :31
“My daughter, Jordan, was born at 3 o’clock in the morning on Christmas Day. Some people tend to think that’s like a bad day to have as a birthday, because you’ve got to share it with Jesus and share it with Christmas and all the other presents, but I think it’s great. I mean, I think it was meant to be. Her name’s Jordan Katherine Bentley, so it all fits together. It was meant to be, and it’s going to be a very special Christmas this year. I’m sure down the road when she starts realizing that she’s having to share her birthday, she’ll want to change it. I already told my wife, she could have my birthday. She can take the 20th of November, and I’ll take Christmas as a birthday. Everyone will forget! I’ll never get older!”
Darius Rucker, Eventful and Toys for Tots Respond To Music Fans “Demands” With $10,000 Worth Of Donated Toys From Toys“R”Us
San Diego, Calif.- Dec. 12, 2012 – Darius Rucker is in the holiday spirit. He partnered with Eventful, the leading digital media company connecting consumers to entertainment and special events, to give music fans the chance to “Demand” his sleigh full of $10,000 worth of toys stops in their city. On Monday, Dec. 10, Eventful announced Rucker’s sleigh will land in Lindenhurst, N.Y., a community devastated by Hurricane Sandy. All toys benefit the local U.S. Marine Toys for Tots program and will be distributed to children in the local area.
When he decided to do the Demand It contest, Darius said, “It’s another one of those little things you can do to give back. I’m hoping everybody votes for some small town up in the Northeast that really needs it.” And they did!
Over 30,000 music fans in 3,028 different U.S. cities “Demanded” Rucker bring his sleigh of $10,000 worth of donated toys to their city using Eventful’s unique social media platform, “Demand it!” Participants spread the word virally across Facebook and Twitter and invited friends to help their city win. Fans showed their holiday spirit as they donated their city’s votes and encouraged others to vote for communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.
“To see all these fans come together and “Demand” their votes be counted in an area devastated by Hurricane Sandy is just incredible,” said Darius Rucker. “It never ceases to amaze me how caring country music fans are in helping others, and together we’ll be making the holidays happier for families who really need the help.”
“For 65 years, Marines have delivered hope to children through the gift of a new toy during the Christmas holidays,” said retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen Pete Osman, President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “The widespread destruction from Hurricane Sandy has left entire communities in need. We want to help the children of Lindenhurst, N.Y. begin to heal and see a pathway to a brighter future. We want them to know that they will not be forgotten this season.”
Beginning at 9 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 17, Rucker will visit Toys“R”Us store in the Lindenhurst, N.Y. area to purchase $10,000 worth of toys for local children in need. Once the toys are purchased, Rucker will help the U.S. Marines load the Toys for Tots truck stationed in the parking lot. Toys for Tots will give the toys to local agencies who will distribute them to children throughout the city.
“We are proud to be a part of the partnership between Darius Rucker and Eventful, Inc., benefitting Toys for Tots this holiday season,” said Dawn Gates, Vice President, Digital Marketing for Universal Music Group Nashville. “Their ‘Demand It!’ technology empowered his fans to show what the true spirit of holiday giving should be about, ultimately bringing joy to children in a community trying to repair and rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.”
“We are thrilled our ‘Demand it!’ service united people and gave them the opportunity to give back to those communities affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Jordan Glazier, CEO of Eventful. “We’re proud to be working with Darius and Universal Music Group Nashville on this special holiday giving campaign to benefit children.”
About Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker first came to prominence as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the pop group Hootie & The Blowfish, whose 1994 debut, Cracked Rear View, sold more than 16 million copies to become one of the best-selling albums in history. In early 2007, Rucker signed with Capitol Records Nashville and has since been embraced by the country music community. Rucker’s success in the country music format was first recognized in 2009 at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards when he received the Best New Artist title and most recently when he was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Rucker will release his third country studio album, True Believers, next year. The title track debut single from the project is currently Top 20 and climbing on the country radio charts. Rucker’s first two country albums, Learn To Live and Charleston, SC 1966 topped the Billboard Country album chart and produced five No. 1 singles including “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” For more information, please visit www.dariusrucker.com.
About Eventful, Inc.
Eventful, Inc. is the leading digital media company connecting consumers with live entertainment, movies and local events. Over 20 million people use Eventful to find out what’s happening and decide what to do. Eventful provides the most comprehensive selection of local event information with over four million events across 27 categories.
Leading brands and entertainment properties rely on Eventful to reach consumers and drive commerce through a unique and targeted blend of digital, social media and direct marketing. Eventful’s unique social media service “Demand it!®” empowers consumers to influence the location and content of entertainment and live events. Learn more, visit Eventful.
About Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots, a 65-year, national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7.2 million less fortunate children. Since 1947 over 209 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org
Kip Moore will be wrapping up his opening stint with Eric Church’s Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour this weekend. At the show in Jacksonville (December 14th), members of his family will be in the audience, which is a pretty rare occurrence. “They saw me play at a little bar in Atlanta, called the Peach Tree Tavern. So they haven’t seen [my show], with what it’s kind of become. They saw me play when [‘Somethin’ ‘Bout a] Truck’ was just cracking the top 20,” says Kip. “They are coming to the show in Jacksonville, which will be the first show, the first big show, that they have ever seen me play.”
The Georgia native is a bit nervous about performing in front of family. “All of a sudden they started seeing me on TV and hearing me on the radio,” says Kip. “It kind of took them all by surprise, because I never talked about it really. I am kind of that way anyway. I am kind of just private and quiet about what I’m doing. I always felt like if it was good enough and working then they would find out anyway, So, I’ll be a little nervous with them in the crowd.”
Kip is nearing the top of the country charts with his latest single, “Beer Money.”
AUDIO: Kip Moore says he’ll perform in front of his family for the first time on Friday in Jacksonville.
Kip Moore (family at show) OC: …seen me play. :19 “They saw me play at a little bar in Atlanta, called the Peach Tree Tavern. So they haven’t seen it, with what it’s kind of become. They saw me play when “Truck” was just cracking the top 20. I think it was sitting at 18. I played a club in Atlanta. It’s going to be fun for. They are coming to the show in Jacksonville. Which will be the first show, the first big show that they have ever seen me play, so that’s at the end of December.”
AUDIO: Kip Moore says he’s a bit nervous about performing onstage in front of his family.
Kip Moore (family at show) 2 OC: …in the crowd. :29
“My family has an interesting dynamic. I have kind of kept my career quiet, and I have never talked about what I’ve done. All of a sudden they started seeing me on TV and hearing me on the radio. It was kind of like ‘wait a minute’ it kind of took them all by surprise, because I never talked about it really. I am kind of that way anyway. I am kind of just private and quiet about what I’m doing. I always felt like if it was good enough and working then they would find out anyway, So, I’ll be a little nervous with them in the crowd.”
Kelleigh Bannen discusses some of her favorite Christmas decoration traditions.
Keith Urban‘s “For You” has been nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award!
He wrote the song especially for the film, Act of Valor, which was released earlier this year. Act of Valor is inspired by real life events and stars a group of active-duty Navy SEALs in a powerful story of contemporary global anti-terrorism.
The winners will be announced January 10th, with the ceremony airing live on the CW.
BEST SONG
“For You,” Keith Urban, Act of Valor
“Learn Me Right,” Mumford & Sons, Brave
“Skyfall,” Adele, Skyfall
“Still Alive,” Paul Williams, Paul Williams Still Alive
“Suddenly,” Hugh Jackman, Les Misérables
AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about writing for the film, Act of Valor.
Keith Urban (writing for Act of Valor) OC: …do it. :35
“I’ve never written for a particular thing before, and I was really nervous about it. I was about to do vocal surgery, and I just felt like I can’t do this. But one of the guys from Relativity [Films] flew down and showed us the film, and I was really moved by the film. And I wanted to write something, [but] I couldn’t think of an angle and a place and so on. I have to really thank [my wife] Nic for really saying to me, ‘You should do this. You really should. I think you’ll really be able to do this, if you just commit to it.’ And she really kind of gently suggested that I do it.”
Luke Bryan went into Monday night’s (December 10th) ACA Awards as the leader with seven nominations, including the overall Artist of the Year…and he walked away with ALL of them! He won Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Male Single of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Male Music Video of the Year.
Lady A, Little Big Town and Lauren Alaina also enjoyed a very big night!
Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Lady Antebellum
Zac Brown Band
Luke Bryan — WINNER
Taylor Swift
Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan — WINNER
Kenny Chesney
Eric Church
Toby Keith
Artist of the Year: Group
Lady Antebellum — WINNER
Zac Brown Band
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Artist of the Year: New Artist
Lauren Alaina – WINNER
Pistol Annies
Hunter Hayes
Jana Kramer
Kip Moore
Album of the Year
Lady Antebellum, ‘Own The Night’
Dierks Bentley, ‘Home’
Luke Bryan, ‘Tailgates and Tanlines’ — WINNER
Eric Church, ‘Chief’
Blake Shelton, ‘Red River Blue’
Single of the Year
Jason Aldean, ‘Tattoos On This Town’
Zac Brown Band, ‘Keep Me In Mind’
Luke Bryan, ‘I Dont Want This Night To End’ — WINNER
Eric Church, ‘Drink In My Hand’
Chris Young, ‘You’
Single of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean, ‘Tattoos On This Town’
Luke Bryan, ‘I Dont Want This Night To End’ — WINNER
Kenny Chesney, ‘Reality’
Eric Church, ‘Drink In My Hand’
Chris Young, ‘You’
Single of the Year: Female
Sara Evans, ‘My Heart Can’t Tell You No’
Miranda Lambert, ‘Over You’ – WINNER
Martina McBride, ‘I’m Gonna Love You Through It’
Taylor Swift, ‘Ours’
Carrie Underwood, ‘Good Girl’
Single of the Year: Group
Lady Antebellum, ‘We Owned the Night’ — WINNER
Zac Brown Band, ‘Keep Me in Mind’
Rascal Flatts, ‘Banjo’
The Band Perry, ‘All Your Life’
Eli Young Band, ‘Even if It Breaks Your Heart’
Music Video of the Year
Luke Bryan, ‘I Don’t Want This Night To End’ — WINNER
Jake Owen, ‘Alone With You’
Blake Shelton, ‘God Gave Me You’
Keith Urban, ‘For You’
Chris Young, ‘You’
Music Video of the Year: Male
Luke Bryan, ‘I Don’t Want This Night To End’ — WINNER
Jake Owen, ‘Alone With You’
Blake Shelton, ‘God Gave Me You’
Keith Urban, ‘For You’
Chris Young, ‘You’
Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration
Lady Antebellum, ‘Dancin’ Away With My Heart’
The Band Perry, ‘All Your Life’
Glorianna, ‘(Kissed You) Good Night’
Little Big Town, ‘Pontoon’ – WINNER
Love And Theft, ‘Angel Eyes’
AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley talks about the band’s ACA Award win for Group of the Year, and the fact that it is fan-voted.
Lady A (ACAs 2012) OC: …they can enjoy it. :30
“I think this year was one of those years that we got to get out there and get really close to our fans on the road. And so, it was kind of one of those years where we actually got to see face-to-face all our fans on a really big scale, and so we felt even closer to them this year. So, anytime you see them coming to the table and voting and getting online and voting for us and kinda taking time out of their day, it definitely means a lot. That’s what we make music for. We’re not sitting there making music so we can enjoy it. We make music so they can enjoy it.”
AUDIO: Lauren Alaina is overjoyed that her father was able to enjoy the night as she picked up the New Artist of the Year award at the ACAs.
Lauren Alaina (ACAs 2012) OC: …I won in every angle tonight. :17
“My daddy’s here tonight, and daddy doesn’t get to go to anything ever, ever! He works really hard. My dad’s a hardworker. When I see that look on my daddy’s face when he’s just so proud, him just being able to sit there and watch everybody perform. So, I won in every angle tonight.”
AUDIO: Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook talk about the fan aspect of the ACA Awards. BTW, the group picked up the Music Video of the Year by a Group!
LBT (ACAs 2012) OC: (Jimi) …Wow! What a year. [laughs] :31
PHILLIP: “It means so much, and we are so grateful. Every day we’re so thankful, and it just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter. We’ve been thankful all through this whole journey, but it just gets better and better, and they’re just the most loyal fans in the world.” JIMI: “The fans are the reason that these shows can go on here tonight and the reason we’re on the road and we can have songs on the radio. It’s all about them, and we’re just so grateful. It’s been such an amazing year, and it’s because of the fans. Wow! What a year!”
Mercury Records’ singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves has been tapped by VEVO to be their next “LIFT” artist starting today. This addition makes Kacey the first country artist selected by VEVO for LIFT, which supports emerging acts. Past LIFT artists include Jessie J, Dev, One Direction and Rita Ora.
Over the next eight weeks fans will have the opportunity to get to know Kacey through exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, video premieres and intimate live performances, all exclusive to the VEVO platform. Access Kacey Musgraves on VEVO at http://vevo.com/lift
VEVO’s Doug McVehil (SVP, Music Programming, Talent & Operations): “VEVO is THE home for premium music videos from every genre. While we have focused primarily on pop, hip hop and rock artists for LIFT, we’ve always wanted to throw our support behind country artists. Kacey is a remarkable young artist and was an obvious first choice. We’re excited to work with our partners at Universal Nashville to provide her with a LIFT.”
Along with the insight into all things Kacey Musgraves online, you can also catch her out on tour. With the continued success of Kacey’s debut single “Merry Go ‘Round” (this week No. 22 on the Billboard country charts) Kacey was asked to join Little Big Town on their Tornado Tour starting January 31, 2013 with stops in Birmingham, New York, Atlantic City and Washington, DC to name a few.
Furthermore, Musgraves was asked to join the Kenny Chesney No Shoes Nation stadium tour for the summer of 2013. The No Shoes Nation tour begins March 16, 2013 in Tampa and ends August 24, 2013 in Foxboro, MA.
For a full list of Kacey Musgraves tour dates visit www.kaceymusgraves.com
Download ‘Merry Go Round’ on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/KMMerryGoRound
Follow @KaceyMusgraves on Twitter: http://twitter.com/KACEYMUSGRAVES
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaceyMusgravesOfficial
Prior to his show at the Nashville Symphony where he received the 2012 Harmony Award, Keith Urban was in Brussels, Belgium where his wife is filming a new movie. He checks in from the backseat of his car on his way to a guitar store. The clip stars his driver, Frank, who LOVES listening to bluegrass, which quite tickles Keith.
