2018 Grammy Recap

Grammy Tribute 2018

It was a night of moving tributes and big social movements as the 60th Annual Grammy Awards lit up CBS to honor the year’s most celebrated artists and art. First things first, the winners in country music: Best Country Album From A Room: Volume 1, Chris Stapleton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkCe_fPGlvc   Best Country Solo Performance “Either Way,” Chris Stapleton Best Country Duo/Group Performance “Better Man,” Little Big Town Best Country Song “Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton Songwriters: Mike Henderson and Chris Stapleton Best Americana Album The Nashville Sound, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Best American Roots Song “If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Songwriter: Jason Isbell Best Bluegrass Album (tie) Laws Of Gravity, The Infamous Stringdusters All The Rage – In Concert Volume One [Live], Rhonda Vincent and The Rage Best American Roots Performance “Killer Diller Blues,” Alabama Shakes Best Folk Album Mental Illness, Aimee Mann Best Roots Gospel Album Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope, Reba McEntire Then of course, there’s the 2018 Grammy performances! Kesha – Praying The Brothers Osborne, Maren Morris, and Eric Church – Las Vegas / Manchester Shooting Victims Tribute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqfJ9br-S_g   Little Big Town – Better Man Watch Here The Debuts! Maren Morris ft. Zedd – The Middle   If you want to see the whole awards show again, CBS has it streaming in full at CBS.com  

Country Music Tribute to Route 91 Victims at the 2018 Grammy’s

Grammy Award Coverage on Country Music News Blog

Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, and Maren Morris To perform at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards® in a tribute to victims of concert tragedies. Special segment reunites Musicians from ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL in Las Vegas. SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JAN. 18, 2018) — In addition to honoring musical excellence, the Recording Academy® will also take a moment to honor the victims lost to gun violence and terrorism at various live music events over the course of the past year. In a special GRAMMY® tribute performed by three of the artists who participated in the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, current GRAMMY nominees Brothers Osborne, past GRAMMY nominee Eric Church, and GRAMMY winner and current nominee Maren Morris will come together for the touching segment. “Live music events have always provided a safe space for fans to gather in a shared celebration of music. Sadly, that wasn’t always the case this past year,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We believe it’s incredibly important to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in these senseless tragedies and to remind musicians and music lovers alike that live music will continue to be a powerful force that unites us all.” “In many ways, our show encapsulates the year in music,” said Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the GRAMMY Awards. Although that usually means a focus on achievement and excellence, sadly, last year was marred by a number of senseless tragedies that took place at live music events. We didn’t feel like we’d be doing our jobs if we didn’t reflect on these tremendous losses.” Live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, and hosted by award-winning television personality and performer James Corden, the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Previously announced GRAMMY performers include Alessia Cara, Cardi B, Miley Cyrus, Childish Gambino, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Elton John, Kesha, Khalid, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, Logic, Patti LuPone, Bruno Mars, P!nk, Ben Platt, Sam Smith, SZA, and U2. Performing for the first time on the GRAMMY stage, Brothers Osborne are nominated again this year in Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“It Ain’t My Fault”). GRAMMY Award winner Maren Morris is currently nominated for Best Country Solo Performance (“I Could Use A Love Song”). The 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, Chantel Sausedo is the Talent Producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers. ABOUT RECORDING ACADEMY The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in Continue reading Country Music Tribute to Route 91 Victims at the 2018 Grammy’s

Carrie Underwood Teases “Champion” Track

Carrie Underwood

Country megastar Carrie Underwood gave fans a quick taste of her upcoming track “Champion” during Saturday night’s Wild Card game between the Atlanta Falcons and the L.A. Rams and those fans are going rabid for more! Check out something special from @carrieunderwood that aired tonight during halftime! #SBLII #TheChampion pic.twitter.com/YBL77YsgbQ — SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 7, 2018 Rumor has it this track will be debuted during the 2018 Superbowl which takes place February 4th. In the meantime Carrie is nursing injuries obtained during a fall at her Nashville home over the holiday season. Those injuries include a broken wrist and an undisclosed amount of cosmetic damage to her face that, according to her social media posts, required 40-50 stitches and will leave her looking quite different than what fans expect. Though we doubt fans give a hoot if she’s got a burlap bag and her favorite sweats hiding her looks completely as long as she still sings the same!

Tune-In Alert: Shania Twain on “Drop the Mic” 1/9/18

Shania Twain on Country Music News Blog

Shania Twain is set to appear on the show Drop the Mic where stars go head-to-head in an amateur rap battle. The show, which pits the superstar against pop star Megan Trainor, will air Tuesday (January 9th) at 10p ET. Shania is currently gearing up for her record-breaking 2018 tour in support of her new album “Now. You can find tickets to see Shania Twain LIVE at CountryMusicOnTour.com

Nicole Kidman Includes Keith Urban in Golden Globes Acceptance

In a time of gender divides and terrible revelations, country’s sweetheart couple stands together as an example of love and respect. In last night’s Golden Globe award ceremony the pair flashed another set of great relationship goals as Nicole Kidman included husband Keith Urban in her acceptance speech for Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series for her role as Celeste Wright in HBO’s Big Little Lies. “Keith Urban, when my cheek  is against yours, everything melts away, and that is love. It’s true. I love you so much,” she said. Her impassioned speech included appreciation for her co-stars of the series, including co-producer Reese Witherspoon, as well as Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley and Zoe Kravitz. The show went on to win Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Alexander Skarsgard and Laura Dern also picked up Best Supporting awards for their roles in Big Little Lies.   Keith is making his way up the country charts with his latest song, “Female.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8BhbOqgTAI  

Tune-In Alert: Aaron Tippin on Huckabee 12/30

The “Hardest Workin’ Man in Country Music” Appears on  National Television Program this Saturday Night at 8 PM ET Country music’s Aaron Tippin will appear and perform on this weekend’s edition of Huckabee on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). Tippin joins Governor Mike Huckabee on the national television program this Saturday night, December 30, at 8 PM ET. On the show, the “Hardest Workin’ Man in Country Music,” along with his wife, Thea, and son, Tom, will perform “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the Radio” and “Kiss This.” The episode re-airs on Sunday, December 31 (New Year‘s Eve) at 8 PM ET. Tippin’s latest project is yet another collaboration with Crossville, Tennessee-based Stonehaus Winery. Last month, the singer and winery teamed to release Aaron Tippin “Kiss This” Sweet Cherry Wine, a nod to his #1 hit song. Check out Tippin’s recent feature story from The Tennessean to learn more about his business venture with Stonehaus Winery. [bctt tweet=”See @TippinAaron perform on this weekend’s edition of @HuckabeeOnTBN” username=”My_CountryMusic”] About Aaron Tippin Aaron Tippin’s traditional sound and focus on working-class themes made him one of the most popular acts of the 1990s. Tippin’s major career hits include “Kiss This,” “My Blue Angel,” “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the Radio,” “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” “Working Man’s Ph.D.,” and “You’ve Got to Stand for Something.” In 2015, Tippin celebrated 25 years in the music business and released Aaron Tippin 25, a two-disc collection of 25 songs that includes 10 freshly recorded versions of his biggest career hits, as well as 15 brand new songs. The album is available for purchase at aarontippin.com and iTunes.

Tune In Alert: Florida Georgia Line to Perform on Rockin’ New Years Eve on ABC

FGL on NYE on Country Music News Blog

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE TOPS OFF METEORIC YEAR WITH ABC’s ROCKIN’ EVE To Perform “Smooth” Plus Superstar Collaborations With Bebe Rexha; Hailee Steinfeld, Alesso, And watt. In The Studio With New Music Promised For 2018 History-making global duo FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE are ending their monumental 2017 on a high note, as featured top-tier entertainers on ABC’s iconic Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2018 on Sunday, December 31. BMLG Records’ MULTI-PLATINUM class act will perform their Top 15 “Smooth,” in addition to genre-smashing collaborations with Bebe Rexha – with their historic Billboard Hot Country Songs chart #1 (3 weeks running) “Meant to Be” – plus Hailee Steinfeld and Alesso’s hit “Let Me Go” featuring watt – during the sizzling West Coast party hosted by Ciara. The 46th annual New Year’s Eve celebration ignites the official countdown to 2018 beginning at 8 p.m. (ET). From their 13th #1 smash “God, Your Mama, And Me” featuring Backstreet Boys, to their groundbreaking 2017 DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR directly followed by THE SMOOTH TOUR 2017, this supercharged past year has been jam-packed with colossal milestones, including headlining sold-out stadiums on select THE SMOOTH STADIUM TOUR 2017 dates with Backstreet Boys. FGL also chart-jumped with The Chainsmokers’ “Last Day Alive,” Morgan Wallen’s  “Up Down,” and teamed up with Jason Derulo and Hank Williams, Jr. for ESPN’s Monday Night Football’s fresh rendition of “All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night.” FGL’s revolutionary status has only further elevated from record-breaking Country superstars to cutting-edge entrepreneurs as well. Their devotion to Music City’s flourishing economy is evident in their latest innovative venture – a groundbreaking compound located on 21st Avenue in Nashville’s Hillsboro Village, which fuses retail, creative, and business through Tribe Kelley Trading Post, Tree Vibez Music, and meet + greet. FGL HOUSE, their first four-story restaurant and entertainment destination, has rapidly become a local staple since its grand opening in June. Currently creating in the studio, FGL promises bold new music for their fourth BMLG Records album in 2018. For more information about Florida Georgia Line, please visit floridageorgialine.com and reach out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For special details on meet + greet and to apply for a membership, visit MeetGreetNashville.com and reach out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tune-In Alert: LoCash to Debut New Song on Megyn Kelly 12/29

Locash News on Country Music News BLog

LOCASH TO DEBUT NEW SINGLE “DON’T GET BETTER THAN THAT” ON NBC’S MEGYN KELLY TODAY (12/29) First Release From Chart-Topping Duo’s Forthcoming Album Available On All Digital Platforms Dynamic Country duo LOCASH will celebrate the release of their hotly anticipated new single “Don’t Get Better Than That” with the song’s television debut on NBC’s Megyn Kelly TODAY (12/29). The first single from their forthcoming sophomore album with Reviver Records will be available on all digital platforms the day of the performance. Finishing strong in their most exciting year yet, LOCASH will conclude 2017 with a bucket-list performance in Times Square on December 31 at Opry City Stage’s first-ever “New Year’s Eve Bash.” Tickets are on sale now. As LOCASH’s jam-packed tour schedule shapes up for 2018, the “separated at birth singing partners” (Rolling Stone) will hit the road in January, bringing their electrifying live show and GOLD-certifed hits to fans in Washington, D.C. (1/19), Uncasville, CT (1/20), and more. For tour dates and additional information on LOCASH, please visit www.locashmusic.com Reach out to them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube ABOUT LOCASH: LOCASH is a Country music duo made up of singer-songwriters Chris Lucas and Preston Brust, natives of Baltimore, Maryland, and Indianapolis, Indiana, respectively. With a sound that fuses modern Country and classic heartland Rock with an edgy vocal blend, the independently-minded partners are revered as “one of Nashville’s hardest-working acts” (Rolling Stone) whose live show “has consistently been among the most energetic and entertaining in the country music genre” (Billboard). With two albums and eight charting singles to their credit, LOCASH broke out in 2015 with their gracious GOLD-certified hit, “I Love This Life,” followed by the flirtatious GOLD-certified #1 smash, “I Know Somebody” – their first trip to the top of the Country radio airplay charts – and 2017’s fun-loving romantic anthem “Ring On Every Finger.” All three singles were part of their Reviver Records album debut, THE FIGHTERS, which was released in the summer of 2016 to Top 15 success. The follow up to THE FIGHTERS is expected in 2018, with the forthcoming album’s first single “Don’t Get Better Than That” available on all digital platforms December 29. As songwriters, Lucas and Brust have scored two undeniable hits (Keith Urban’s #1 “You Gonna Fly” in 2011 and Tim McGraw’s PLATINUM-certified “Truck Yeah” in 2012). In 2017, they earned their first round of awards show recognition, nominated at the ACM Awards for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year, the CMT Music Awards for Duo Video of the Year (“I Know Somebody”), and the CMA Awards for Vocal Duo of the Year.

Tune-In Alert: Craig Morgan on ESPN December 23rd!

Craig Mornga on ESPN with LineX

Craig Morgan to Appear in Two LINE-X TV Spots During ESPN Broadcast on December 23  🏈 TOP 20 “BEST FOR VETS” FRANCHISE – LINE-X – TO SALUTE MILITARY SERVICEMEMBERS FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR AT LOCKHEED MARTIN ARMED FORCES BOWL LINE-X, a global leader in extreme performance protective coatings complemented with first-rate Truck Gear by LINE-X accessories, will honor United States military servicemembers and veterans at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl for the second consecutive year. Hosted in Fort Worth, TX, the college football showdown will feature the Army West Point Black Knights and the San Diego State University Aztecs. Airing live on December 23 at 2:30 p.m. (CT) on ESPN, the broadcast will feature two TV spots from 17-year U.S. Army veteran, country music star and TV host Craig Morgan. As part of the LINE-X family, the prominent artist’s appearance is reflective of the brand’s priority in recognizing military personnel for their service. LINE-X’s long-standing support for the armed forces and its veterans remains a high-priority for the company. With several senior executives having served in the armed forces, including President Dennis Weese – who is a former U.S. Army officer and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point – the company has extended efforts in several ways to support the nation’s veterans and their success in life. LINE-X has been ranked the 16th Best Franchise for Veterans by Military Times for the quality of its veteran franchise program. Initiatives include philanthropy support to veteran’s organizations and special incentives through LINE-X’s Franchising Program for veterans to start their own businesses. There are more than 90 veteran-owned LINE-X franchises throughout the expanding network of more than 550 locations across 60 countries. “We’re very excited to be able to partner with the Armed Forces Bowl for the second year in a row as a reflection of our unwavering support for current and former members of our Armed Forces,” said Dennis Weese, president of LINE-X. “As a veteran myself, I’m incredibly proud to work at such a veteran-friendly company that supports and encourages veterans to start their own franchises, while backing organizations that support veterans once they’ve returned home. This incredible event is just another way that we’re able to celebrate our men and women in uniform. I’m also a West Point alumnus, so I may have a slight bias when it comes to the actual football game.” About the 2017 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: The 2017 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, played in honor of the United States armed forces, is the only collegiate football bowl game that has hosted all three U.S. Military Academy football teams – the U.S. Military Academy (2010), the U.S. Air Force Academy (2007-2009, 2012, 2015) and the U.S. Naval Academy (2013). About LINE-X LLC: LINE-X LLC (www.LINE-X.com) is a global leader in high performance polyurea protective coatings offering scientifically formulated polymers that permanently bond to a wide range of surfaces for unmatched durability. With the launch of the brand’s Truck Gear by LINE-X accessory Continue reading Tune-In Alert: Craig Morgan on ESPN December 23rd!

Tune In Alert: KELSEA BALLERINI “UNAPOLOGETICALLY” CONCERT SPECIAL TONIGHT

Kelsea Ballerini on Country Music News BLog

KELSEA BALLERINI UNAPOLOGETICALLY CAPS STAR-DEFINING YEAR WITH  AT&T AUDIENCE NETWORK TELEVISION CONCERT SPECIAL TONIGHT Before ringing in 2018, Black River Entertainment recording artist KELSEA BALLERINI is topping off a “mountaintop” year with an exclusive one-hour television concert special, Kelsea Ballerini, presented by AT&T AUDIENCE Network tonight. Filmed live from Nashville, Ballerini is offering at-home viewers a front-row seat to her milestone performance at Bridgestone Arena. Airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT on DIRECTV channel 239, AT&T U-verse channel 1114, and on-demand through DIRECTV NOW, the high-caliber footage was captured in front of a sold-out audience during the final U.S. date of her fall run on Lady Antebellum’s YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev3dc5_0-NM “Some of my biggest concert memories have been at this venue and Nashville shows are always super special,” Ballerini shares. “To be able to bring fans into my tour world and share this epic night with them is really cool.” Mixing her history-making #1s from her GOLD-certified debut THE FIRST TIME – PLATINUM-certified “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Peter Pan,” and “Dibs” – with breakout tracks from her acclaimed sophomore album UNAPOLOGETICALLY, such as the anthemic title track, “I Hate Love Songs,” and Top 15 and rising lead single, “Legends,” Ballerini’s top-tier set further cements her Country music stardom. Click here to see a standout first look of Ballerini’s “Legends” performance, as revealed by Rolling Stone Country. A trailer and preview of Ballerini’s post-show interview with AUDIENCE Music series host Ted Stryker is also now available. As UNAPOLOGETICALLY continues to garner overwhelming support, illustrious outlets are including the poignant project on their reputable year-end lists. Spotlighted in The New York Times’ “The Best Albums of 2017” and Rolling Stone Country’s “40 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2017,” UNAPOLOGETICALLY has also received a genre-blurring nod by BuzzFeed’s “The Top 50 Pop Songs Of 2017” for the self-assured knockout “Get Over Yourself.” Beginning in February, Ballerini will welcome fans inside her whirlwind world of loss, life, and love, as she introduces UNAPOLOGETICALLY nationwide on THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR. From the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham, AL, on February 8, to the annual Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA, on April 27 – with big city stops in Nashville, TN, New York, NY, and Seattle, WA in-between – she will be supported by special guest and breakout artist Walker Hayes. Rising star Bailey Bryan will also join for a special one-night-only appearance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Valentine’s Day. For more information on KELSEA BALLERINI and VIP Experiences for THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR, visit KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Fans can also follow along the tour with #KB2TOUR.