• Anne Wilson Rain in the Rearview
  • Chris Stapleton Think I'm In Love With You
  • Chris Stapleton Think I'm In Love With You
  • Keith Urban Messed Up As Me
  • Darius Rucker Never Been Over
  • Brothers Osborne Break Mine
  • Priscilla Block Good On You
  • Dalton Dover Bury Me In This Bar

News

LITTLE BIG TOWN’S KIMBERLY SCHLAPMAN’S ‘SIMPLY SOUTHERN’ SHOW HAS BEEN RENEWED. (PRESS RELEASE)

NASHVILLE, TENN. (December 13, 2012) – Kimberly’s Simply Southern, a one-of-a-kind cooking show featuring Little Big Town founding member Kimberly Schlapman, has been renewed for a second season on Great American Country (GAC).  New episodes begin airing in early spring. 

The debut season found Schlapman travelling the country while on tour with Grammy-nominated Little Big Town and taking every opportunity to seek out culinary customs and treasures from across America.  Once back in her Nashville kitchen she was joined by family and some of her famous friends to create authentic southern meals combining her traditional family recipes with what she learned during her travels. “I’m so thrilled that I’ve been given a second season of Kimberly’s Simply Southern,” said Schlapman. “This cooking show is a childhood dream of mine and I have to keep pinching myself to make sure it really has come true!  I look forward to many more adventures on the road and to more fun in the kitchen with my family and friends. Thanks for watching!” 

“Kimberly is as natural in front of the camera as she is in the kitchen,” said GAC SVP/GM Sarah Trahern.  “The audience loves her and we do, too.”  

Kimberly’s Simply Southern is produced by Al Roker Entertainment for Great American Country. For recipes and more information, log on to www.gactv.com/simplysouthern.

KEITH URBAN PICKS UP GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATION! (AUDIO)

Keith Urban has already earned a Best Song nomination for a Critics’ Choice Award for the song, “For You,” which he wrote and recorded for the film, Act of Valor, and this morning (December 13th) it was announced he is up for a Golden Globe award, as well, for Original Song. “The most rewarding gift for me as a songwriter, is  knowing that the song has somehow made a connection,” says Keith in a statement issued Thursday. “I’ve been fortunate and moved to hear first-hand how it has impacted others’ lives. For that, and for this nomination, I’m so very grateful and honored.  To wake up to this news, as well as to Nic’s two nominations, is absolutely beautiful. What a way to start the day!!!!!”

Keith and his wife, Nicole Kidman, will be attending the Golden Globes ceremony together since they’re both nominees. Nicole is nominated for both Hemingway and Gellhorn, as well as The Paper Boy.

“We always look at these things as about us anyway. If Nic wins something, it’s us. If I win something, it’s us. So today it was just a literal way of feeling that joy,” Urban tells USA Today. “I feel so pleased to have the support I have from her, and she more than has it from me.”

The 70th Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, will air live Sunday, January 13th, 2013, on NBC at 8pm ET from the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

For You” has also reportedly been submitted for consideration in the Original Song category for the 85th Annual Academy Awards. Those nominations will be announced on January 10th, the same day the Critics’ Choice Awards will be handed out.

Golden Globe Original Song Nominees:
“For You ” (music and lyrics by Keith Urban), Act of Valor
“Not Running Anymore” (music and lyrics by Jon Bon Jovi), Stand Up Guys
“Safe & Sound” (music and lyrics by Taylor Swift, John Paul White, Joy Williams and T Bone Burnett), The Hunger Games
“Skyfall” (music and lyrics by Adele and Paul Epworth), Skyfall
“Suddenly” (music by Claude-Michel Schonberg and lyrics by Schonberg and Alain Boublil), Les Miserables

AUDIO: After seeing the Navy Seal film, Act of Valor, Keith Urban wrote and recorded “For You,” and said he could relate to the depth of conviction the Seals have for their families back home.

 Keith Urban (For You) 2 OC: …family. Absolutely. :21
“I can’t imagine what that level of dedication is to the degree that the [Navy] Seals live. But yeah, I absolutely, since finding my wife and since us having children, I definitely feel that sense of conviction and protectiveness and defensiveness for my family. Absolutely.”

SCOTTY McCREERY CHECKS OUT THE BRIGHT LIGHTS AND CITY LIFE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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.

LADY A TAKE FANS BACKSTAGE TO THIS WEEK’S ACA AWARDS. (VIDEO)

In the latest episode of Webisode Wednesdays, go backstage with Lady Antebellum at this year’s American Country Awards in Las Vegas.

Video / Lady Antebellum - Webisode Wednesday - Episode 229

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CHRISTMAS 2012: Dierks Bentley (AUDIO)

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 WILL LAND HIS SLEIGH FULL OF TOYS IN HURRICANE SANDY-AFFECTED, LINDENHURST, NEW YORK. (PRESS RELEASE-LINK TO AUDIO)

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 ENTERTAIN FAMILY AT JACKSONVILLE SHOW. (AUDIO)

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 TALKS ABOUT CHRISTMAS TREES AND HER FAVORITE DECORATIONS. (VIDEO)

Kelleigh Bannen discusses some of her favorite Christmas decoration traditions.

Video / Kelleigh Bannen on Christmas Trees

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KEITH URBAN’S ‘FOR YOU’ IS NOMINATED FOR A CRITIC’S CHOICE AWARD. (AUDIO)

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.”

ACA AWARDS 2012: Lady A, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town & Luke Bryan (audio)

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!”

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Photos

  • Alan Jackson with WUSN/Chicago’s Jeff Kapugi and Marci Braun, as well as UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan and Steve Hodges.