Amanda Hensel

Luke Bryan vs. Edens Edge – The Showdown
Luke Bryan is on a major roll. The ‘Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye’ singer has taken out his four previous competitors in the Showdown, day after day, which means he’s one stop away from being retired into the Hall of Fame, should he get five straight wins. To complete the mission, he’ll have to take out Edens Edge and their new single ‘Too Good to Be True’ today and tonight on Taste of Country Nights radi

Kelleigh Bannen vs. D. Vincent Williams – The Showdown
Sure, Kelleigh Bannen is a newcomer, but she’s proven that she’s ready to make an impact on country music. ‘Sorry on the Rocks,’ the new single from the determined EMI Nashville signee, made no apologies as it took down the Lost Trailers in yesterday’s Taste of Country Showdown. Today and tonight, Bannen and her song will attempt victory against D. Vincent Williams here and on Taste of Country Nig

Kristin Chenoweth Rushed to Hospital After On-Set Injury
Kristin Chenoweth was rushed to the hospital after being injured while on the set of CBS’ series ‘The Good Wife‘ on Wednesday afternoon. According to reports, the multi-talented country singer and actress was struck by a large piece of lighting equipment, which was pushed into her by a gust of wind. Chenoweth was knocked to the ground and hit her head on then concrete.

Did Luke Bryan Read the National Anthem Lyrics Off His Hand at the MLB All-Star Game?
Country fans who were excited to watch Luke Bryan sing the National Anthem at the 2012 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night were left feeling confused by the end of his rendition. Without fail, the ‘Drunk on You’ singer hit all the notes and impressed baseball fans inside Kauffman Stadium — but those watching closely at home noticed that the singer appeared to be reading something, like the lyrics t

Eric Church Dishes on Speaking His Mind, Cone Breasts and Which Artists He’d Still Wait in Line to See
Country music fans like Eric Church for more than just his music. While it’s admirable that in a world of processed, overdone soun the 35-year-old singer-songwriter has built a career from the ground up, it’s really his raw, rebellious side that many are drawn to. As we learned earlier this year, Church has no qualms about speaking his mind — even when it gets him in trouble. But that’s far from a

Daily Roundup: Country Stars Mourn the Death of Two Music Icons + More
Today was a sad day for the music world. One country music inspiration and legendary banjo player passed at the age of 75. Fans also learned of the death of the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer. And while Summer’s death was less directly related to the country music world, it was no less a reason to mourn — especially for Dolly Parton. Get those stories and more in today’s Taste of Country Daily Round

Blake Shelton’s ‘The Voice’ Team Shines With Lady Gaga’s ‘Edge of Glory’
Just minutes after Blake Shelton got a minute in ‘The Voice’ spotlight as a solo performer, bringing the debut of his new single ‘Over’ to our television screens, it was his team’s turn to shine. Jermaine Paul and Erin Willett — along with Team Christina Aguilera‘s remaining two — took the stage to declare that they’re on the ‘Edge of Glory,’ each hoping to find ultra fame as a result of winning t

Favorite Rascal Flatts Song – Readers Poll
Happy Birthday, Jay DeMarcus! The Rascal Flatts superstar celebrates 41 years today (April 26), and we know it’s bound to be a good day for him. After all, the Flatts just released their chart-topping new album, ‘Changed,’ at the beginning of his birthday month, ‘Banjo’ is a huge hit with fans and radio alike, and DeMarcus and his wife are expecting their second child — a boy — this summer. Could

Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood Marries Kelli Cashiola
Congratulations are in order for Lady Antebellum‘s Dave Haywood and his new wife Kelli Cashiola, who married Saturday night (April 14), just outside their hometown of Nashville, Tenn.

Ronnie Dunn Welcomes First Grandchild
Congratulations are in order for Ronnie Dunn and his family — the ‘Cost of Livin” singer became a grandfather for the first time on Sunday (Feb. 26). Dunn found the news especially exciting, as his new grandson was lucky enough to be born on Johnny Cash‘s birthday.

2012 Grammy Awards Winners – Full List
The 2012 Grammy Awards, like every year prior, were held to pay tribute to accredited artists of all genres at what is considered music’s biggest night. Country music wasn’t left out in the cold, of course, and many big names came out to Los Angeles on Feb. 12 to represent with big belt buckles, big hair and big voices.

Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler Blend Their Hits in 2012 Super Bowl ‘Crossroads’ Special
Carrie Underwood and Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler took the stage together in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday to deliver a few of their collective hits for anxious Super Bowl fans. The special CMT ‘Crossroads’ road show aired live on the network, so even those far away from the football action were able to take part in the momentous music event.

George Strait Gets a New Puppy
It seems George Strait has a new bunkmate on his tour bus. KNIX 102.5 in Phoenix reports that the king of country has adopted a new family member: a Golden Retriever puppy.

Miranda Lambert’s Dog Passes Away
Miranda Lambert really can’t seem to catch a break. After losing her father-in-law (Blake Shelton‘s dad) just a few weeks ago, Lambert was then saddened by the loss of a longtime friend, who was killed in a tragic car accident. Today, the ‘Baggage Claim’ songstress shared with her fans that one of her dogs, Dixie, has also died.

Blake Shelton Talks Super Bowl, Marriage + More on ‘Leno’
Blake Shelton got the full package on Thursday night’s episode of ‘The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.’ Not only did he perform his new single ‘Drink on It’ for the first time ever on television, but he got a chance to sit in as a guest on the show, making himself comfy in the gold chairs next to the famous desk as he dished on the upcoming Super Bowl, how married life is going and what romantic love

Miranda Lambert Visits Young Car Accident Victim in the Hospital
Miranda Lambert may have just kicked off her 2012 tour, but she’s never too busy to help a fan in need. Last week, the ‘Baggage Claim’ singer made a pit stop at a hospital in Rockford, Ill. to visit a young fan who is still recovering from a horrific Christmas Eve car accident.

Gloriana Embrace Romance in New ‘(Kiss You) Goodnight’ Video
Much like Lady Antebellum did with ‘Just a Kiss,’ Gloriana are singing the importance of a first kiss in their new single and video, ‘(Kiss You) Goodnight.’

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert to Duet at the 2012 Super Bowl
As if you needed another reason to grab a bag of chips and tune into the Super Bowl, it was just announced that country music’s hottest couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert will be opening up the big game with a duet performance, making the game of the year even more worthwhile for country music fans.

Dierks Bentley Accused of Plagiarizing Song
Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell is mad at Dierks Bentley — really mad. Twang Nation first spotted the Muscle Shoals, Ala. artist ranting and raving via his Twitter page, accusing Bentley of plagiarizing his song ‘In a Razor Town’ to create the chart-topper ‘Home,’ and he doesn’t seem prepared to back down any time soon.

Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley + More Headed to 2012 Houston Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is already the largest exhibition of its kind in the world, but the 2012 event is shaping up to be the biggest yet. On Monday, the HLSR committee announced the 22 acts that will entertain more than two million folks over the span of a month, and the lineup includes many of country’s hottest acts, including Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan and more.
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