Amanda Hensel
Daily Roundup: Brad Paisley, New Country Babies + More
Are country artists trying to produce the next generation of music stars? It sure seems like it, what with all of the new babies arriving — and new babies on the way — in 2012. Find out who is expecting baby No. 3, as well as who adopted a second little one, in today’s Taste of Country Roundup. Oh, and don’t forget to catch Brad Paisley as a cartoon on ‘South Park’!
Granger Smith Begins 100-Mile Walk in Texas With Gov. Rick Perry in Tow
Granger Smith will literally be ‘Sleeping on the Interstate‘ this week as he begins his second-annual 100-mile walk for the troops. The Texas-based singer-songwriter took off from south Austin on Sunday afternoon (April 15), followed closely behind by Texas state Governor Rick Perry, United States Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell and a supportive group of family, friends and fellow walkers.
RaeLynn Shoots Down ‘The Voice’ Competition With Maroon 5′s ‘Wake Up Call’
On Monday’s first Live Shows episode of ‘The Voice,’ it was Team Blake Shelton vs. Team Christina Aguilera — two powerful teams taking the stage one by one to show viewers their worth. But none felt quite as heavy, or worth their weight in gold, as 17-year-old country sparkplug RaeLynn.
Adley Stump Impresses Blake Shelton With Carrie Underwood’s ‘Last Name’ on ‘The Voice’
It’s obvious from her blind audition performance that Adley Stump has country music in her blood. Now, the Tulsa, Okla. native has a home on NBC’s ‘The Voice‘ — thanks to her grizzly rendition of Carrie Underwood’s ‘Last Name’ that got both Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera spinning in their chairs… Literally.
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.
New Country Music Releases – March 2012
As it begins to heat up outside and the snow and ice turn to green grass and fresh blooms, artists will churn out new country music releases for March 2012 faster than you can say “bring on spring break!”
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.
Sunny Sweeney Quits Smoking
New year’s resolutions often go by the wayside by the second week of the year — at least for most people. But ‘From a Table Away’ hitmaker Sunny Sweeney wasn’t going to start her 2012 with a bad habit. The blonde country starlet announced via her Facebook and Twitter pages that she has officially quit smoking.
Keith Urban Snags Two CMAA Awards
There’s no question that Keith Urban is one of the most famous Australian country singers, well, ever. Therefore, it’s no big surprise that he snagged not one, but two awards at a Country Music Association of Australia event on Saturday, adding to his huge collection of accolades.
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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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.
Miranda Lambert to Appear on ‘Law and Order: SVU’
Miranda Lambert: country music icon, total spitfire, and now, budding actress! The ‘Baggage Claim’ hitmaker will make her acting debut on an upcoming episode of ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,’ according to TVGuide.com.