Category Archives: Artists

Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton Raise Bundle for Relief

Posted on by

Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton Raise Large Sum through Benefit Concerts. Reba and Blake Shelton hosted two “Tornado Relief Concerts” at the Choctaw Events Center in Durant on May 25th and 26th, and managed to raise a total of $500,00 as both shows sold out. The proceeds are being donated to victims of recent severe storms and tornadoes in Atoka County, OK. Both Reba and Blake are Oklahoma natives, and organized the two shows in an effort to show their supports for their fellow Oklahomans. Both performances lasted for over two hours and each included a jam-packed set and an encore. The pair co-headlined the event, opening with a duet of “Oklahoma Swing.” The two sang a combination of their hits including Reba’s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” “Why Haven’t I Heard From You,” “Turn on the Radio” and “Consider Me Gone,” and Blake’s “All About Tonight,” “Goodbye Time,” “Hillbilly Bone” and “Some Beach.” The set lists also included more recent singles like Reba’s “When Love Gets a Hold of You” and Blake’s chart-topping “Honey Bee“. At the May 26th show, fans were greeted with a special treat as Susie McEntire-Eaton and Kelly Clarkson stopped by for surprise appearances. All proceeds raised from both shows and donations from The Choctaw Nation and fans, will go towards Atoka County’s ongoing relief efforts through the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund. Additionally, for those still wanting to lend a helping hand, a special mobile fundraising campaign has been set up with The mGive Foundation. Fans can text “OKGIVE” to 27722 to make a one-time $10 donation, which will be added to their monthly cell phone bill. Checks can also be made out to the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund and mailed to: 101 SE 1st Street, Tushka, OK 74525.

Amber Hayes in Upcoming Cowgirls N’ Angels Movie

Posted on by

Amber Hayes Acts in Cowgirls N’ Angels Movies and Featured on Soundtrack. Newcomer to the country music scene and Oklahoma native Amber Hayes has been cast in the upcoming family friendly movie production, Cowgirls N’ Angels. Hayes just hit the scene in the past few months with the production of her six song EP C’mon in 2010 and subsequent release of her first single “Wait“. She may be new to the role of solo country artist, but this does not mean she lacks experience! Before this year and launching her solo career, Amber utilized her vocal skills in musical theater starring in shows like “It’s Only Make Believe“, a musical about Conway Twitty. By landing the role in Cowgirls N’ Angels Amber has had the opportunity to combine both her career paths. “This was such a thrill for me to be cast in ‘Cowgirls N’ Angels…I had a wonderful time trying my hand at something new. I’m so excited to see the finished movie next year!” -Amber Hayes Cowgirls N’ Angels is the coming-of-age story of Ida Clayton (played by Bailee Madison), a rebellious young girl in search of her rodeo-riding father. On her journey, Clayton meets and joins the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, an all-female group of riders organized by former rodeo star Terence Parker (played by James Cromwell). Hayes plays the supporting role of honky tonk singer Amber Grant. Hayes’ original songs “C’mon” and “Right as Rain,” from her EP are featured prominently in the movie and on the soundtrack. One new unreleased track, a ballad written specifically for the film by the rising Country star and titled “Always There For Me,” is also included. The film was shot in several cities and communities across Hayes’ native state, including Stillwater, Guthrie, Pawnee and Oklahoma City, which is only 90 miles from Amber’s hometown of Weleetka, Oklahoma. Production is set to wrap up this week, and the release date is set for some time in 2012. So, keep an ear out for more info on Amber Hayes! You can check out the music video for “Wait” here.

CMT Music Awards Adds Presenters

Posted on by

CMT Music Awards Adds Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Others to Presenter Line-Up. As the date of the 2011 CMT Music Awards grows closer, the list of presenters keeps expanding! In a bit of a no-brainer, show officials have added both this year’s American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, and runner-up Lauren Alaina as presenters. Other additional presenters include actress Melissa Peterman, CMT original movie “To The Mat” stars Laura Bell Bundy and Ricky Schroder, Shania Twain, Sara Evans, Luke Bryan and Sheryl Crow. The new additions also include several non-country oriented stars like Kristin Chenoweth, Mary Steenburgen, Train, and Green Bay Packers’ Clay Matthews. Sheryl Crow will also be filling the shoes of this year’s CMT One Country spokesperson. The show premiers live out of Nashville on Wednesday, June 8th at 8pm ET on CMT and CMT.com. Fan voting is still open, so click here to weigh in!

Justin Moore Details on New Album

Posted on by

Justin Moore Shares Details On His Album Due Out This Summer! Justin Moore sat down with Nashville Country Club to share the low down on his upcoming sophomore album, Outlaws Like Me which is due out Tuesday, June 21st. This album features his already popular single, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” which debuted earlier this year. In a rather candid style Justin also dishes on little known facts about himself including his most embarrassing moment and his wife’s favorite food and tid bits on the ins and outs of the life of a musician! Check out the video of the interview now!

Sugarland Aids in Relief Efforts

Posted on by

Sugarland Offers Helping Hand Through Special Video of “Stand Up”. Sugarland, with the help of Little Big Town, has taken a little time out of their 2011 The Incredible Machine Tour to lend a helping hand to those in need after the devastation of tornadoes and severe storms rocked Alabama and more recently Missouri. They are offering a special performance and video clip of “Stand Up” to fans in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the needs of victims still suffering from this Spring’s batch of severe weather. The special edition is titled “Stand Up (For Tornado Relief)“, features friends and tour mates Little Big Town, and premieres on iTunes Tuesday, May 31st. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross. Lending your support has never been so easy! Help Sugarland, and help the tornado victims by checking out this version of “Stand Up” on iTunes today!

Thompson Square Performs On FOX & Friends

Posted on by

Thompson Square Performs on FOX & Friends on Their Way to CMA Fest. The popular husband and wife duo, Thompson Square, will be performing their most recent single, “I Got You” in a special performance on FOX & Friends “All American Concert Series” this Friday, June 3rd at 8am EST. “I Got You” is the follow up single to Thompson Square’s wildly popular “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not“. This performance marks the calm before the storm for the duo as they head to Nashville next week for a whirlwind of performances and appearances! They will be attending the 2011 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday, June 8th as they are nominated in the USA Weekend Breakthrough of the Year and Duo of the Year categories. Fan voting is still open! So, make your voice heard by clicking here. Additionally, they will be making an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry and signing at both the CMT and GAC booths during the CMA Music Festival. Thompson Square is gearing up for a summer as busy as next week since they will be opening on Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party tour with their first performance at Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI July 8th. If you haven’t had a chance yet, go ahead and check out the video for “I Got You” now! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5yNYMp7DPQ]

LeAnn Rimes Supports Tornado Victims

Posted on by

LeAnn Rimes Holds Benefit for Victims of Recent Tornadoes. With yet another bout of tornadoes and storms devastating parts of the U.S., country stars and country music fans continue to rally in support of the victims coping with the aftermath. LeAnn Rimes and husband Eddie Cibrian are no exception. Rimes has announced she will be co-hosting a special event with Cibrian, “An Evening with Leann Rimes” in an effort to raise funds and support those still reeling from the consequences of the storms. “We all need a hand sometimes and this is the time. Our heart goes out to Alabama and Missouri and all those affected by the recent tragedies there. I am happy Eddie and I can help out in some way.” -LeAnn Rimes The benefit will include an all acoustic set performed by Rimes as well as a silent auction before the show with signed memorabilia from Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and the cast of Glee. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a special auction for a private drink with Rimes and Cibrian after the show. The concert and auction will be held at Jacksonville’s Ponte Vedra Concert Hall on Sunday, June 5th. Tickets run for $65.00 or $100.00 for VIP seating. VIP seating also includes an autographed photo from LeAnn Rimes and a private Q&A. All proceeds will go to benefit the victims of the recent storms.

Randy Travis Supports Troops

Posted on by

Randy Travis and Cracker Barrel Team Up to Support U.S. Troops. Randy Travis has teamed up with Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and GAC to release a collection of his hits in addition to 3 brand new songs on a 12 track album. The album is currently available exclusively at Cracker Barrel, and was released to honor U.S. service men and women. “After touring quite a number of our country’s military bases and performing repeatedly for our troops, I can tell you that there is nothing as rewarding as doing these shows for our service men and women.The love they have for this country is inspiring.” -Randy Travis Right in time for Memorial Day, it has been announced a portion of the album sales will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Founded by a group of veterans and friends in Roankoke, VA, the Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit, non-partisan organization with offices in Jacksonville, FL., New York City and Washington D.C. It’s primary goals are to raise awareness among the public in regard to injured soldiers’ needs, and to provide aid to these soldiers through various programs. In an additional effort to honor U.S. troops for Memorial Day, Cracker Barrel Stores are urging Americans to get involved and write messages of appreciation to our service men and women. Those who participate will automatically be entered to win a grand prize including a Cracker Barrel Rocker, Randy Travis CD, & collection of Wounded Warrior merchandise. Submissions are due Monday, May 30th at 12pm ET. Click here for more details and contest rules.

Craig Morgan Hosts Benefit

Posted on by

Craig Morgan Hosts 5th Annual Celebrity Dirtbike Ride and Concert! Country star Craig Morgan will once again host the 5th annual Celebrity Dirtbike Ride and Concert August 6 and 7. This charity event will take place in his hometown of Dickson, Tennessee and will benefit Billy’s Place, a home for temporarily displaced children. The foundation was thought up by Morgan while serving as an Assistant Sheriff’s Deputy in Dickson and later he made it a reality. Saturday morning will have a dirtbike exhibition and will be followed by a group trail ride and lunch. Sunday morning will be the first ever celebrity skeet shoot and later that evening Morgan and some fellow country artists will take the stage for an acoustic show. All events are family-friendly and tickets can soon be purchased here. Celebrity participants will be announced at a later time.

Scotty McCreery Wins American Idol

Posted on by

Scotty McCreery Is America’s Next Idol. It is official. Scotty McCreery is the winner of American Idol‘s 10th Season. The live finale show aired Wednesday, May 25th from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, and was quite the spectacle. Per tradition, the show paired the two finalists, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery, with all-star performers. This year as country music dominated, Lauren was paired with Carrie Underwood singing “Before He Cheats“ and Scotty sang along with Tim McGraw on “Live Like You Were Dying“. I guess since Josh Turner already sang a duet with Scotty, he was out of the running. Also, it would just be unnecessary for the show’s producers to yet again bring attention to the fact that Scotty is a seventeen year old just trying to sound like Josh Turner. It absolutely amazes me that Scotty could win over Lauren. The two finale performances prove once again that Lauren is clearly not only the more talented of the two, but actually has depth and an amazing stage presence. It’s true that the start to Lauren’s performance is just a little bit rocky. However, I want to point out that Lauren began her duet with Carrie walking out on stage after she had already sung the intro. Tim sang for a solid 30-seconds before Scotty even arrived on the stage. In essence, Tim was a distraction from Scotty’s shallow talent while Carrie was a supplement to Lauren’s abundant talent. Also, there is the whole issue of stage presence. America is familiar enough with the concept of show-biz at this point to know it takes more than good vocal chords to make a star. At the end of the day, Lauren was born with what it takes, and I hope for Scotty’s sake that at same point he gets a clue. During Lauren’s performance she interacts with Carrie and really gets into the song making it truly fun to watch. Her nerves are obvious at the beginning, but she powers through and really draws in the audience. On the other hand, Scotty is painfully awkward on stage. The most we get out of him is a dramatic closing of his eyes when he hits a long note or the occasional kneeling mid-song to (I am assuming, it’s honestly hard to tell) flirt with the girls near the stage. The most frustrating quirk is that through the entire performance Scotty looks like he’s holding his stomach like he might be about to throw up. Sure, he should be nervous, its a big moment. Yet, he should work through that and put a little more effort into the performance for his fans’ sake. Despite Scotty’s win, I remain skeptical. I think what little energy is evident in his performance is fueled by his ego, which is no doubt swelling thanks to America’s votes. There is, perhaps, potential in Scotty, that Idol will no doubt take great pains to nurture seeing as he is now bound to them by a rock solid Continue reading Scotty McCreery Wins American Idol→