If a passion for music and a knack for writing make a career, then color Amanda Hensel lucky. She is the product of writers -- apparently when you add two news journalists together, you get one music journalist. She currently resides in 'the live music capital of the world,' where she snagged a journalism degree from the University of Texas. Although she's grounded in Austin, Hensel's name travels -- in her short career, she has cited her passion writing for AOL Music Blog, Fringe Magazine, the Houston Press and various other publications.
Amanda Hensel
Kelly Clarkson Pregnant!
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes ... well, you know! Kelly Clarkson is pregnant, having officially confirmed the news that many were expecting to come soon.
Kip Moore Documentary Shows Desire to Keep Fueling the Fire
"It all starts with a song," Kip Moore echoes in his new 'Burn the Whole World Down' documentary, referencing a quote on the wall at BMI in Nashville. He's a firm believer in that saying -- in fact, it's become somewhat of a mantra for the 'Hey Pretty Girl' singer.
Hunter Hayes Proves Why He Deserved an Invite to Hunter Mountain at 2013 ToC Fest – Pictures
It's only a coincidence that Hunter Hayes played Hunter Mountain -- where the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival officially set up camp -- on Saturday afternoon (June 15), but he owned the crowd as if the rolling green hills had actually been named for him.
Lady Antebellum Perform Last Set Before Hillary Scott Gives Birth at 2013 Taste of Country Festival – Pictures
On Saturday night (June 15), Lady Antebellum took the stage for the last time before Hillary Scott becomes a mother. The trio stunned the crowd at the first-ever Taste of Country Music Festival, ending the three-day event in a way only they could.
Taylor Swift Shows Her Many Colors Live on Red Tour in Texas – Exclusive Pictures
Taylor Swift doesn't have thick skin, she tells Taste of Country (after all, no good writer does) -- a trait only amplified during her live show, where she seems most at home. The 'Begin Again' superstar took the stage in the capital city of Austin, Texas on Tuesday night (May 21) wearing her heart on her sleeve and showing it off song by song, story by story.
Country Artists Drop in at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards – Pictures
The 2013 Billboard Music Awards, which aired live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday night (May 19), brought out the biggest singing stars from all genres -- including country.
Fertilizer Plant Explodes Near Waco, Texas: Country Artists Share Thoughts, Prayers
The town of West, Texas -- 20 miles north of Waco -- was shaken by devastation Wednesday night (April 17) when a massive explosion occurred at a fertilizer plant around 7:50PM local time.
Savannah Berry Covers Taylor Swift’s ‘Safe and Sound,’ Joins Team Blake on ‘The Voice’
It's likely that Blake Shelton's fellow 'The Voice' judges are kicking themselves after the three-time reigning winner snagged country singer Savannah Berry on Tuesday night's (April 2) episode. Berry, just 17, performed a rendition of Taylor Swift's 'Safe and Sound' (featuring the Civil Wars) that impressed not only the superstars on the show, but Kelly Clarkson as well.
Kellie Pickler’s Drummer Seriously Injured in Accident
Kellie Pickler's drummer suffered serious injuries as the result of a car accident on Saturday (March 2). Gregg Lohman was traveling along Interstate 65 in Kentucky around 11:30AM when the crash occurred.
Mindy McCready Dead
Mindy McCready is dead. Local law enforcement has confirmed the news, also speculating that the country singer took her own life. She was 37.
Carrie Underwood’s ‘Blown Away’ Snags Best Country Song at 2013 Grammy Awards
Carrie Underwood's 'Blown Away' picked up an early 2013 Grammy Award for Best Country Song during Sunday's pre-telecast ceremony, where 70 Grammys were handed out and songwriters Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins were on hand to accept for their country smash.
Taylor Swift Unfazed by Being Criticized, Dubbed ‘Not Country Enough’
Much like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift isn't one to go around slapping labels like "pop" or "country" on her music. No, that's too confining -- she'd rather just do her own thing in the way she sees fit.