Billy Dukes
2012 ACM Award for Entertainer of the Year – Who Will Win?
The final award given out on Sunday night will name the country artist who — all things considered — had the best year in 2011. There’s no formula for how a voter should choose. It’s some magic mix of sales, concert draw, chart success, high-profile appearances and “heat.” Everybody has their own special blend to decide which artist is tops. Fans can still vote at www.VoteACM.com.
Kenny Chesney’s New Single Likely to Be a Duet With Tim McGraw
Taste of Country has confirmed that Kenny Chesney‘s new ‘Welcome to the Fishbowl’ album includes a duet with Tim McGraw. The singer played the entire album track-by-track for radio and industry personnel on Friday afternoon.
Trace Adkins Recording New Music… Naked! [Safe for Work]
Trace Adkins is excited to be recording new music. Actually, it looks like Trace Adkins is really excited to be recording new music. The big man shared that he’s having a naked Thursday (March 29) as he belted out the words to a new song.
Reba McEntire – Then and Now
It was a slow start for Reba McEntire, but no one is blaming the track jacket. She released multiple albums on Mercury Records in the beginning of her career, but failed to work her way into the fabric of the country music fans’ hearts until 1982 — six years after she debuted. ‘Can’t Even Get the Blues’ became her first No. 1 hit, and she’d gone through three hairstyles by then!
Country and Bluegrass Pioneer Earl Scruggs Dies at 88
Country Music Hall of Famer Earl Scruggs died Wednesday morning at a Nashville hospital. The bluegrass legend and one-half of the forever influential duo Flatt and Scruggs died of natural causes, according to his son Gary. He was 88.
Blake Shelton Makes Final Cut on ‘The Voice,’ Three Country Singers Sent Home
Blake Shelton sent the most countrified member of his team home during Monday night’s episode of ‘The Voice.’ To be fair, the song Jordan Rager was asked to sing was way out of his comfort zone, but a perfect fit for his Battle Rounds contender Naia Kete. Rager’s growth during the rehearsals was commendable, but ultimately not enough.
Kix Brooks Bursts a Vocal Cord, Ronnie Dunn to Fill In
Kix Brooks has had to pull out of a scheduled show in Jacksonville, Fla. after bursting a vocal cord. Upon hearing the news, his old duet partner Ronnie Dunn graciously stepped in to replace ‘New to This Town’ singer.
Miranda Lambert Dishes on the Secrets of Her Kitchen and Cooking for Blake Shelton
Between recording award-winning albums and high-energy tour dates, Miranda Lambert can whip up a pretty mean corn and macaroni casserole. The singer and wife of Blake Shelton recently sat down with Taste of Home to share some of her favorite foods and recipes.
Who Will Win the 2012 ACM Award for Entertainer of the Year? – Readers Poll
Five artists are competing to be named Entertainer of the Year at the 2012 ACM Awards on April 1. Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton have all had years worthy of the honor, but only one can bring the trophy home. Your votes will help decide the winner.
George Strait Confirms Name of New Grandson
George Strait has opened up about life as a grandfather — and about the new little boy’s name. In an interview with Country Countdown USA‘s Lon Helton, Strait confirmed rumors that the family name would be carried on for decades to come.
Blake Shelton Says Goodbye to Smokey Singer Lex Land on ‘The Voice’
Blake Shelton paired up two contestants from opposites ends of the earth during his only battle on Monday’s (March 12) episode of ‘The Voice.’ Lex Land, the sultry-voiced camp counselor, faced off against Jersey girl Charlotte Sometimes, singing Foster the People‘s ‘Pumped Up Kicks.’
Garth Brooks Considered Changing His Name to Avoid Confusion With Kix Brooks
Garth Brooks, Kix Brooks … no relation. Still, one of these country legends almost changed his name to avoid confusion with the other. During Tuesday’s press conference to announce the inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Garth Brooks said fans came very close to knowing him by a different name.
Police Searching for Trespasser Who Abandoned Burning, Stolen SUV Near Garth Brooks’ Property
Police in Rogers County, Okla. are trying to determine if the man who left a burning vehicle near Garth Brooks‘ house knew he was trespassing on the singer’s property as he escaped. Despite a perimeter search following Thursday’s incident, the man has not been found.
Lady Antebellum Take Target Practice at Army Base
Prior to last week’s show in Columbus, Ga., Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum took a few of their bandmates to learn the skills of a sharp-shooter at the US Army base at Fort Benning. In their most recent ‘Webisode Wednesday’ episode, fans can watch highlights from their afternoon.
Neal McCoy, ‘XII’ – Album Review
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert lend a hand in co-producing ‘XII,’ Neal McCoy‘s first album in almost seven years. The superstar country couple’s fingerprints cover almost every track. At times, it even sounds like Shelton singing.
Blake Shelton Sends Two Members of Team Blake Home on the ‘The Voice’
Blake Shelton paired contestants cut from the same cloth together during the battle rounds of ‘The Voice‘ on Monday night. Country singers RaeLynn and Adley Stump faced off early in the episode, and then rockers Brian Fuente and Jordis Unga squared off. At the end of the night, Shelton’s team of 12 was trimmed to 10.
Scotty McCreery Joins High School Baseball Team
He admittedly is a little out of shape, but Scotty McCreery made the cut to earn a spot on Garner High School’s Varsity baseball team. The 18-year-old hasn’t pitched since 2010, and even the coach at his hometown school isn’t sure what to expect from the senior.
Kenny Chesney to Drop New Album in June
Within weeks of beginning the Brothers of the Sun Tour, Kenny Chesney will have a new album for sale in stores nationwide and at digital retailers. A press release confirms that the still-untitled project will be released on June 19, just 17 days after his first date with co-headliner Tim McGraw.
Lady Antebellum Share First Dance Stories in ‘Dancin’ Away With My Heart’ Video
The new video for Lady Antebellum‘s ‘Dancin’ Away With My Heart’ features live footage of the band’s recent tour. It’s filled with images of fans singing along while holding up their iPhones and the trio working the stage in the dramatic fashion they’ve become known for.
Craig Morgan, ‘This Ole Boy’ – Album Review
Craig Morgan‘s discography includes songs as wild and redneck as ‘Bonfire’ and ‘International Harvester,’ and as sobering as ‘Almost Home’ and ‘Tough.’ On his new album ‘This Ole Boy,’ the singer never reaches those extremes, turning in his most centered project to date.