Country Music

Nashville notes: Lily's married + Justin and Riley's collab

Congratulations are in order for rising artist Lily Rose, who married her longtime partner Daira Eamon on Saturday, March 25. "We are just excited to start this next chapter and to call each other 'my wife!'" Lily and Daira told People. View photos from the wedding on Lily's Instagram.

Justin Moore will release "Everybody Get Along" with Riley Green on Friday, March 31. "We’re pretty much the same height.. Lol. Everybody Get Along with my buddy @rileyduckman out Friday [handshake emoji]," Justin announced on Instagram.

Newcomer Avery Anna is set to appear on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna on Tuesday, April 4, to perform her as-yet-unreleased song "Self Love." "To me, 'Self Love' is about the struggle of giving so much love to everyone in your life but yourself, and what the journey of learning to love yourself is really like," Avery shares. The track will drop following her television performance.

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For Thomas Rhett, family's always first

ABC

Thomas Rhett loves writing songs, recording music and performing for fans onstage. There's no doubt about that. But at his core, Thomas, who turns 32 on March 30, also knows what's of utmost importance, and that's his family.

"The last couple years to me was more of a rearranging of priority, if you will. Not that certain things aren’t still important, but I think I put so much stock in just winning at all costs," shares the "Die A Happy Man" singer. "And when you look back at what it did cost you, it cost you time away. Now that my family is so big, that is the number one. There is nothing that trumps that."

"And so, I think for me it was like, how can I be excellent at this, and excellent at this, and excellent at this." Thomas adds. "And to me it’s just like finding those moments of like, okay, today I’m in a music brain and today I will give music everything that I have. Today I’m in dad brain and I will give dadding everything that I have. If it weren’t for the last couple years, I don’t know how long it would’ve taken me to realize some of that stuff."

Thomas is currently climbing up the country charts with his single "Angels (Don't Always Have Wings)."

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Cody Johnson + Carrie Underwood have recorded a duet

ABC

Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood have just recorded a duet. That's right, two powerhouse vocalists are going to be on a song together.

This news was casually shared by Cody on the CMT Music Awards Nominee Special on March 27. 

"I actually just recorded a duet with her yesterday for my new album coming out," the "'Til You Can't" hitmaker revealed.

"Getting to know her, man, she's such a pro," he added. "Everybody that she surrounds herself with are all very professional, as well. I don't mean this to sound bad, but it's kind of hard to compete with that."

Cody, of course, is competing with Carrie for the Video of the Year award at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. The six finalists are Cody's "Human," Carrie's "Hate My Heart," Blake Shelton's "No Body," HARDY and Lainey Wilson's "wait in the truck," Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown's "Thank God," and Morgan Wallen's "You Proof."

To view the full list of nominations and to vote for your Video of the Year nominees, visit the 2023 CMT Music Awards website.

The 2023 CMT Music Awards air live on CBS April 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Livestreaming and on-demand streaming options will also be available via Paramount+.

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Dolly Parton + Garth Brooks to host the 2023 ACM Awards

Art Streiber/Dick Clark Productions

Global country superstars Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have been announced as hosts for the 58th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The event will take place on Thursday, May 11, at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and will stream worldwide exclusively on Prime Video.

"I am thrilled to return to host the ACM Awards, this time with my friend Garth," says Dolly, who co-hosted last year with Gabby Barrett and Jimmie Allen. "While I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with him throughout the years, I can’t believe we’ve never had the chance to work together. In addition to getting to see all this great new talent in country music, I am excited to have the chance to premiere the lead single from my upcoming rock album on the show!"

"Anyone with Dolly Parton makes a fantastic couple," adds Garth.

"We couldn’t be more excited to bring this legendary pair together for the first time ever as 'Country Music’s Party of the Year' heads to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters," shares Academy of Country Music CEO and ACM Awards executive producer Damon Whiteside. "From exclusive superstar performances to unexpected collaborations to the industry’s most exciting emerging talent, fans are in for an unforgettable night that can only be seen on the ACM Awards stage!"

The 2023 ACM Awards streams live on Prime Video on Thursday, May 11 at 8 p.m. ET, with a full rebroadcast available for streaming for free the next day on Amazon Freevee.

A limited number of show tickets are still available for purchase on SEATGEEK.

View the full list of nominations at ACMcountry.com.

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Megan Moroney's mom was shocked after hearing "Tennessee Orange"

ABC

Fans may have fallen in love with Megan Moroney's debut single, "Tennessee Orange," but the song was not one her mom loved the first time she heard it.

"Mama" was shocked that her Georgia daughter actually wore a T-shirt representing another state.

"I wrote the song. I sent it to my mom and she immediately called me and was like, 'What's going on? Tell me, tell me the story is not true.' But yeah, Georgia girl and wearing Tennessee. Disappointing a little bit," Megan recalls with a laugh.

Her mom's reaction, however, did not surprise her. In fact, it served as the inspiration for "Tennessee Orange."

"I had on a Tennessee shirt and when I put it on, I had not — I'm a Georgia girl, so I've never worn an Alabama shirt. I've never worn a Florida Gators shirt, Tennessee shirt, never put any of those on," Megan recalls. "And I had a Tennessee shirt on and ... I looked in the mirror and I was like, 'My mother would be very disappointed in me right now.' And I knew since it evoked such a strong emotion for me that I could write a song about it." 

"Tennessee Orange" is currently number 16 and rising on the country charts.

Megan's debut album, Lucky, arrives on May 5.

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Nashville notes: Billy's tour + Vince and Amy's Christmas plans

Billy Currington announced a new tour on Facebook. The multiple-city trek will kick off in Santa Barbara, California, on May 6 before concluding in Mankato, Minnesota, on September 23. Special guests include Eli Young BandChris JansonJessie James DeckerMorgan Evans and Hannah Ellis. For a full list of dates and tickets, visit Billy's website.

Amy Grant and Vince Gill will return to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville this December for their annual Christmas at the Ryman residency. Tickets go on sale March 31 at 10 a.m. CT. For dates and more information, visit the Ryman's page.

Hailey Whitters performed her infectious single "Everything She Ain't" on NBC's Today on March 28. In case you missed it, watch the performance on Today's website.

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Hannah Dasher's "Cryin'" & cooking with Rachael Ray

Jeremy Ryan/Kevin Fisher

Hannah Dasher's "Cryin' All the Way ..." to Rachael Ray

The Stand by Your Pan viral cooking phenomenon returns to the Rachael Ray Show Wednesday, March 29, ahead of the release of her new track, "Cryin' All the Way to the Bank" on Friday. It's the first new music from the Georgia native since 2021's The Half Record.

This time Hannah's amping up her signature Southern biscuits with some chicken and honey butter. Previously, she showed Rachael how to make her Old-Fashioned Beef Pot Roast from her kitchen in Nashville.

You can check the Rachael Ray Show's website to see when the show airs in your area. 

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Scotty McCreery returns to Garner for UScellular campaign

Catherine Powell/FilmMagic

Scotty McCreery has partnered with UScellular for their Locally Grown, Locally Live music campaign.

The campaign, which spotlights artists, and the people and places that have shaped them, will also feature Greylan James, Kalie ShorrCorey KentHailey Whitters and Morgan Wade.

"I love how UScellular is creating an opportunity for me and other artists to stay connected with fans in communities across the country," Scotty shares. "The amazing people in my hometown of Garner, North Carolina, helped give me my start in music, and it’s great to see that UScellular is working in a similar way to show how they are committed to enriching the communities they serve."

The campaign kicked off on March 27 with the Locally Grown, Locally Live VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes and will end on May 28.

There will be special appearances from the featured artists at the UScellular Connection Stage, headlined by Scotty, at Summerfest music festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 8. 

Additionally, on April 5 at 8 p.m. CT, Scotty will host an Ask Me Anything session on Instagram Live to chat and interact with fans. 

Fans can get a glimpse of Scotty's hometown life, including a trip to his guitar teacher's home, the Garner Baseball fields and Lake Benson Park, in a promotional video on Twitter.

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More female stars added to the 2023 CMT Music Awards

CMT

CMT has added more female artists to its 2023 CMT Music Awards lineup. They include Gwen StefaniShania Twain and Alanis Morissette.

Gwen will join two-time nominee Carly Pearce for their debut collaboration and performance onstage.

Shania will be awarded the third CMT Equal Play Award. The award spotlights an artist who's been an advocate for diverse and underrepresented voices in country music. Past recipients include Jennifer Nettles and Linda Martell.

Additionally, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CMT Next Women of Country, the seven-time Grammy-winning Alanis will appear on the CMT Music Awards alongside NWOC alums Ingrid AndressLainey WilsonMadeline EdwardsMorgan Wade and guitarist Jackie Venson for a debut performance of their new anthem, "You Oughta Know." 

Previously announced performers for the show include Blake SheltonCarrie Underwood, Carly, Cody JohnsonKeith Urban, Lainey, Darius RuckerThe Black CrowesWynonna JuddAshley McBrydeTyler HubbardJelly Roll, co-hosts Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, and Kane's wife and "Thank God" duet partner, Katelyn Brown.

Rising newcomers Avery AnnaChapel HartJackson DeanLily RoseMegan Moroney and Nate Smith will also be performing on the Ram Trucks Side Stage.

The 2023 CMT Music Awards air live on CBS April 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Livestreaming and on-demand streaming options will also be available via Paramount+.

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Old Dominion's Matthew Ramsey injured in ATV accident

Jason Kempin / Staff

Old Dominion is postponing their upcoming No Bad Vibes tour stops in Key West this weekend after frontman Matthew Ramsey fractured his pelvis in an ATV accident.

"Well friends – I'm afraid I have some disappointing news. I was in an ATV accident that has left my pelvis fractured in three places. The good news is it's gonna heal just fine. The bad news is I'm gonna have to stay home and recover for a little while," Matthew wrote on Instagram. 

"I know we all had plans to sing and dance together in Key West," the 45-year-old added. "I was looking forward to that so much! We will make it up to you! I promise we'll keep up updated on my recovery and any other shows that might be affected. This tour has been such a blast so far this year and before you know it, I'll be back out there with No Bad Vibes! Love you all. – m"

In the post's caption, the band shared that "this weekend’s shows in Key West, FL have been rescheduled for March 22, 23, and 24 of 2024."

More information, including refunds and next steps for ticket holders, can be found on Old Dominion's Instagram post.

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Jackson Dean almost became a bricklayer like his dad

ABC

Did you know that Jackson Dean almost became a bricklayer? That, in fact, was his plan as he was about to start working. He wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps working the same job.

But the elder Dean saw the pure talent in his son and urged him to pursue a music career instead.

"I think he saw that I had a pretty good taste in what I wanted to do. He saw that I wasn’t up here to do 'Hey girl' songs. It was much bigger than that, and I think he saw that I could make a future out of it," Jackson recalls.

"And I think that he saw that it was something that I really loved. Cause nobody in my family had ever done anything like that before. Nobody. Nobody that we know has done anything like what I’m doing," he adds. "But I can tell you for a fact he did not want me to be a bricklayer. If you ever get the chance to meet my dad, he’s fallin’ apart. His knees are shot, rotator cuff surgery twice, and carpal tunnel. His back is shot, and he doesn’t want that for us.”

Jackson's debut album, Greenbroke, dropped in 2022. The 10-song project includes Jackson's current single, "Fearless," as well as his number one hit, "Don't Come Lookin'."

On April 14, Jackson will release his first live record, Fearless (Live at the Ryman).

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Parker McCollum to bring "Handle On You" to 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon'

ABC

Parker McCollum will perform "Handle On You" for his debut appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, March 30. 

Of the song, Parker shares, "It’s a super honest song, and it really means a lot to me when I listen to it and think back on that time on what I was going through. You know, I was drinking to try to get out of a bad spot which is never gonna work, but I don’t regret it at all because we wrote 'Handle On You' from literally living exactly what that song’s about."

"Handle On You" serves as the lead single from Parker's forthcoming studio album, Never Enough, which is dropping on May 12.

"Handle On You" is currently number five and climbing on the country charts.

Check your local listings to watch The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on NBC.

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Miranda Lambert's a big believer in authenticity

ABC

With a career spanning over two decades, and numerous hit singles and accolades, Miranda Lambert is undeniably one of country music's biggest female superstars. While she's blazed her own trail, the "Kerosene" singer has also been a trailblazer for many of the genre's up-and-coming female artists.

To celebrate Women's History Month, Miranda recently spoke with the press to share words of advice and her hopes for "the next generation of women in country music." 

"I just hope that they know that they’re heard and seen, and my biggest wish is that everybody will just be real and be themselves," Miranda said. "And, you know, it’s hard with all the noise that’s around with social media and everything else to find your confidence."

"Sometimes you find yourself confused comparing yourself to other people and what they’re doing, what their life is, but I really believe in just standing strong in who you are to the core," she added.

Miranda's latest studio album is 2022's Palomino. The 15-song collection, which includes the singles "If I Was a Cowboy" and "Strange," served as her final record with her longtime label home, Sony Music Nashville.

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Nashville notes: Charley Pride's statue + Ronnie Milsap's birthday

A bronze statue of country legend Charley Pride will be unveiled outside Nashville's Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, March 29. Bill MonroeLoretta Lynn and Little Jimmy Dickens are also honored with statues at the historic venue.

The War and Treaty will appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday, March 27, to perform their powerful single "Ain't No Harmin' Me." The track is featured on their latest album, Lover's Game. Watch the duo's performance at 10:35 p.m. CT on ABC.

Grand Ole Opry member Ronnie Milsap celebrated his 80th birthday at the Opry on Saturday, March 25. The special event, dubbed Ronnie Milsap & Friends, featured performances from Ronnie, as well as Trace AdkinsLittle Big TownMark WillsJeannie SeelyDon Schlitz and Mandy Barnett. View photos from the night on the Opry's Instagram.

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Watch Elle King surprise a high school teacher

ABC

Elle King stopped by Chouteau High School in Oklahoma on Friday, March 24, to surprise two special people: Cathy Welker-Graham, one of Elle's biggest fans and the school's teacher of the year, and Emma Hughes, a senior student who wrote to Elle about her remarkable teacher. 

During her visit, Elle and her guitarist gifted Cathy, Emma and the school's faculty, staff and student body with an acoustic performance of her song "America's Sweetheart."

"I didn’t always have the greatest experience in school," Elle admits with a laugh to the press. "But every few schools I would find a teacher who believed in me, and it gave me confidence and they told me that I could do something great with my life even if I was different. So I think that great teachers should be celebrated. It was important to me that we show this deserving teacher some well-earned gratitude."

"As educators, this is why we do what we do," adds Chouteau High School Principal Clint Hall, who assisted with organizing the event. "We are here to make positive impacts on our students. It took a lot for me to keep a lid on this. Mrs. Welker-Graham is a rockstar teacher and Emma is a great kid! It could not have come together for two better people. This was priceless! Tears of joy from a lot of people today!"

Watch a clip of Elle's surprise visit on Instagram.

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