97.3 The Dawg » Country Music News

Eric Church Is 'In the Process' for His Next Album

Sterling Whitaker — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:10:17 +0000

If you’ve seen Eric Church lately, you may have noticed that he’s grown his beard out a little bit more than usual. That’s not because he’s gotten lazy abut shaving — it turns out the beard is part of the musician’s process for his next album. In a press release from Capitol Records, Church says [...]

Blake Shelton, Original Judges to Return for Season 5 of 'The Voice'

Christina Vinson — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:35:49 +0000

Blake Shelton will return to the living rooms of millions for a fifth season of NBC's popular reality singing competition, 'The Voice.' Viewers can rest assured that the comedic country crooner will be sitting back in that big red chair, offering his humor and wisdom to contestant hopefuls come fall.

Oklahoma's Country Stars Send Messages to Those Hit by Moore Tornado

Billy Dukes — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:00:11 +0000

Monday's (May 20) devastating tornado in Moore, Okla. touched the hearts of country music's biggest stars, and more than a few were left worrying about friends and family they knew in the area. The state is home to some of the biggest names in country music -- Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and Blake Shelton are just a few who have roots there, with one superstar having grown up in Moore.

Toby Keith Says Moore, Oklahoma "Will Persevere"

Jude Walker — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:34:10 +0000

Toby Keith was raised in Moore, Oklahoma, the town devastated by yesterday's tornado. He knows the town in which he went to high school will make it through this difficult time.

2013 Bayou Country Superfest Schedule

Jude Walker — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:59:37 +0000

Want to find out who's playing and when? We got the complete lineup for you including the entertainment schedule for Fan Fest outside of the stadium.

Darius Rucker Shoots Down Racist Tweet With a Few Words of His Own

Christina Vinson — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:27 +0000

Darius Rucker has been open about the inspiration that transpired when he heard the classic 'Wagon Wheel' at his daughter's high school talent show. However, he probably didn't expect to be slammed with a racist tweet following some criticism over the song.

Keith Urban Invites Kree Harrison to Sing at Grand Ole Opry

Stephanie Crist — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:46:58 +0000

Grand Ole Opry member Keith Urban has invited American Idol runner up Kree Harrison to perform at the June 4th Grand Ole Opry in Nashville!

Kacey Musgraves Brings 'Merry Go Round' to the 2013 Billboard Music Awards [Video]

Sterling Whitaker — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:27:21 +0000

Up-and-coming country singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves performed her recent career-launching hit ‘Merry Go Round’ on the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (May 19), delivering a performance so subtly nuanced that it seemed almost out of place in the setting of the elaborate, made-for-TV Vegas production. The 24-year-old musician scored a huge hit right out [...]

Jake Owen Rips His Pants Onstage

Amy Sciarretto — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:33:13 +0000

Jake Owen is nothing if not creative and able to think on the fly — and with his fly down. The singer ripped his pants while performing onstage in Charleston, S.C. on May 17. It was quite eventful, since he admitted via Twitter that he had gone commando and therefore had to improvise, using his [...]

Guess Which TV Star Is Coming to 97.3 The Dawg's Studios This Morning

Jude Walker — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:36:28 +0000

This morning shortly after 9am here at 973thedawg.com you will be able to watch another of our “Live in the Lobby” acoustic performances by a brand new country artist. Who is it though? We thought we’d have a little fun by letting you guess as to who the singer is. Take a look at the [...]

Taylor Swift the Big Winner at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Billy Dukes — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:09:29 +0000

Taylor Swift won everything short of the Powerball jackpot Sunday night (May 19) at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. The country superstar collected eight awards, including Top Artist, Top Album and Top Country Artist at the Las Vegas ceremony. Accepting the Top Artist Award from Celine Dion, Swift thanked her family and then her fans. [...]

Carrie Underwood Pranks Hunter Hayes at His Last Blown Away Tour Show

Sterling Whitaker — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:47:21 +0000

Hot young country newcomer Hunter Hayes got the opportunity of a lifetime when he opened up for superstar Carrie Underwood on her Blown Away Tour this year. He wrapped up his dates with Underwood at a performance in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on Saturday night (May 18) -- but she wasn't going to let him get away without a proper sendoff, pulling an onstage prank that really got his goat.

Willie Nelson Helps Texas Explosion Victims

Stephanie Crist — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:00:09 +0000

Willie Nelson presented a check for nearly $81,000 to the West Volunteer Fire Department, after a fertilizer plant explosion on April 17 near his hometown of Abbott, Texas.

Luke Bryan's 'Just a Sip' Video Brings the Ultimate Spring Break Party

Megan Pacella — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:52:55 +0000

Nothing gets you in the spirit of summer quite like seeing thousands of college kids hanging out at the beach during Spring Break. Beaches, beer and bathing suits -- what else do you need? Nothing! That's why Luke Bryan used Spring Break footage to capture the ultimate party-time summer vibe in his new 'Just a Sip' video.

Taylor Swift Admits a 'Cruise' Obsession, Mourns George Jones in Billboard

Sterling Whitaker — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:00:31 +0000

One woman pop country juggernaut Taylor Swift is an unstoppable force in today's music business, not just in country, but cutting across genres. She's performing at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards, where she's also nominated, and she spoke to the publication in advance of the show to share her highs and lows of the last year.

Nascar Pulls the Plug on Billy Currington Show After Indictment

Stephanie Crist — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:11:21 +0000

Josh Turner will perform at the 29th annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 18 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, replacing Billy Currington, who was originally scheduled to perform.

Carrie Underwood Exibit Set for Country Music Hall of Fame

Stephanie Crist — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:09:45 +0000

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is opening the Carrie Underwood 'Blown Away' exhibit to kick off CMA Music Fest in Nashville!

Randy Travis Sues to Stop Release of Naked Arrest Video

Sterling Whitaker — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:00:55 +0000

Randy Travis was arrested last August for a DWI, obstruction and retaliation after crashing his Trans Am, then verbally threatening the police officers who responded to the scene. The singer was naked at the time of his arrest, and now he has filed suit against the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Attorney General to prevent the release of the arrest video.

Tim McGraw TV Watch

Stephanie Crist — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:30:51 +0000

Louisiana's own Tim McGraw is taking a small break from his summer tour and has a whirlwind week of TV appearances!

Jo Dee Messina Postpones Canadian Tour Dates To Stay With Ailing Mother

Billy Dukes — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:24:42 +0000

Jo Dee Messina continues to ask for prayers as her mother recovers from a heart attack and open heart surgery. The singer has written extensively about the emotional toll the last few weeks have taken, but has managed to honor her touring commitments thus far.