Lisa talks with Michael Ray about the importance of creating memorable moments onstage for his fans, his No. 1 song, “Think a Little Less,” his upcoming new album, what he learned while touring with Darius Rucker, his brief cameo on Nashville, and more. Show Participants Michael Ray Lisa Konicki, NCD editor in chief Show Links &…… MORE
Shania Twain Will Mentor Finalists on “The Voice” on April 24
Shania Twain is bringing her “That Don’t Impress Me Much” talents to Season 8 of The Voice on April 24. Like Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in previous seasons, Shania will serve as a mentor to the finalists. Shania made the announcement on Twitter today (April 13): “Excited to announce that…… MORE
Blake Shelton Reaches Defamation Settlement With “In Touch” Magazine Over “Rehab” Cover
According to TMZ, Blake Shelton has reached a settlement with In Touch magazine over its September 2015 issue that featured a cover story with the headline “Rehab for Blake: He Finally Hits Rock Bottom.” The accompanying article portrayed Blake as an alcoholic with several of the singer’s alleged drunken antics. Blake denied the incidents occurred…… MORE
Adam Craig Takes You Behind the Scenes of His New Video for “Just a Phase”
Adam Craig, one of country’s hottest new voices, released his current single, “Just a Phase”—featured on his self-titled EP—in February. Now the sultry voiced newcomer is releasing his first major label video, and he’s taking you behind the scenes to check it out. “This is my first music video on a major label, and it…… MORE
CMA Fest Announces Forever Country Stage, Featuring Tracy Lawrence, Darryl Worley, Mark Chesnutt, Lonestar and Many More
If you’re one of those country fans that have been longing for a return of ’80s, ’90s and ’00’s country music, you’re in luck. The CMA has announced a brand new stage at CMA Music Festival, on June 8 -11 in Nashville, called the Budweiser Forever Country Park Stage. Located in the park behind Ascend…… MORE
Loretta Lynn Announces New Studio Album, “Wouldn’t It Be Great,” Set for Aug. 18 Release
Loretta Lynn will turn 85 years old on Friday, April 14, and she’s celebrating with two sold-out shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on April 14 and 15. But the celebration is starting today (April 13) as Loretta announced she will be releasing a new album, Wouldn’t It Be Great, on Aug. 18. All of the…… MORE
Zac Brown Band’s Jimmy De Martini Welcomes Fourth Child, First Daughter
Congratulations are in order for Zac Brown Band’s violin player, Jimmy De Martini and his wife Stacey, who welcomed a bouncing baby girl to their family earlier this month. Jonelle De Martini was born on April 4, weighing in at 6lbs 5 oz and is the first girl for the couple. The new baby will…… MORE
Carrie Underwood’s Fingers and Toes Are Ready for Playoff Hockey
Carrie Underwood is ready for playoff hockey. Carrie posted a pic on Instagram of her freshly painted fingernails and toenails that match the team colors—navy blue and gold—of the Nashville Predators. Carrie’s husband, Mike Fisher, will lead the Preds against the Chicago Blackhawks tonight (April 14) in the first round of the NHL playoffs. Carrie…… MORE
Jessie James Decker Named as Brand Ambassador for South Beach Diet [Photo Gallery]
Jessie James Decker can now add “Brand Ambassador” to her flourishing résumé. The singer/songwriter/TV personality/entrepreneur has been named the brand ambassador for South Beach Diet, a division of Nutrisystem. The mother-of-two will appear in a 360-degree marketing campaign for the company, including TV, online, digital and social media. “I have been following the principles of…… MORE
Higher Learning: University of Tennessee Offers “Dolly Parton Honors Class”
The University of Tennessee has finally recognized something we’ve known for years: Dolly Parton = higher learning. Since the Fall 2016 semester, Dolly has been the subject of an honors class—”Course-Work: Dolly’s America”—at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, which is about 30 miles northwest of her hometown in Sevierville, Tenn. The class is offered…… MORE
Blogs
These Four Women Are Keeping The Grand Ole Opry In Tune
At the heart of the iconic Grand Ole Opry, one of the symbolic homes of country music, lies a team of dedicated women ensuring its 100-year legacy thrives. Associate producer of talent Gina Keltner, director of archives and content management Emily Frans, associate producer of show development Nicole Judd, and director of artist and industry…
Mickey Guyton Continues To Buck The Odds In Country Music
Variety’s Power of Women Nashville cover star Mickey Guyton has defied the odds to become a prominent figure in country music, while inspiring many with her talent and resilience. Despite facing challenges as a female and Black artist in a predominantly white, male industry, Guyton has continued to make her mark with her powerful performances…
Ella Langley And Zach Top Set To Perform At 60th ACM Awards Following New Artist Wins
Ella Langley and Zach Top, fresh off being presented with ACM’s New Female Artist and New Male Artist of the Year awards, are both set to perform at the 60th ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire. Langley leads all ACM nominees with eight total nods, on the strength of her successful debut album, hungover, and…
Kelsea Ballerini Says She Had To “Differentiate” Herself From Taylor Swift To Avoid Early Comparisons
In a new interview with Variety for her Power of Women Nashville cover story, Kelsea Ballerini recalled the challenge of establishing her own identity separate from her idol, Taylor Swift, in order to make a mark in the music industry. She recalls an interaction with a record label executive who dismissed her early on by…
Beyonce Kicks Off Cowboy Carter Tour In LA With The Help Of Her Kids, Blue Ivy And Rumi
Beyoncé launched her Cowboy Carter Tour on Monday night (April 28) with a nearly three-hour performance at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The 35-time Grammy winner looked resplendent in an all-white outfit complete with cowboy hat, boots, and fringed jacket, with backup dancers dressed in similar attire. The 39-song set focused on Beyoncé’s 2024 Album…