Category Archives: breaking news

Hannah Blaylock Leaves Edens Edge

edens-edge-album

Edens Edge took to their website and twitter this morning to announce that one of their founding members, Hannah Blaylock, has sadly left the trio. Cherrill Green and Dean Berner posted this message for their fans this morning on their site:

Edens Edge said farewell to a founding member of the group, who left upon her own accord and with much disappointment. They played their final show on February 22, 2013 at The Grand Ole Opry. The Arkansas natives made their sentimental Opry debut on March 5th, 2011. Dean found the location of their last show to be beautifully ironic as, “The Opry stage is a place that artists begin living the first pages of their journey and many times it is the last place they play before their earthly journey ends and tonight we couldn’t have asked for a better place to open this new chapter for Edens Edge than on such a gracious stage.”

Dean & Cherrill would like to personally thank Scott Borchetta for his belief and support in Edens Edge. They’re forever grateful for the time spent inside the Big Machine family.

Personal message from Dean: “We’re literally living on the “edge” right now, as we regroup, write, and the next chapter of our band is revealed. It’s a crazy but exciting time, and we hope everyone will join us on the journey.”

Personal message from Cherrill: “One of my favorite parts of the past few years, in addition to amazing tours and performing on the Opry stage, was getting to make and meet fans. Feeling supported and loved as you are following your dreams is one of the most amazing gifts. I can’t thank the fans enough, and we can’t wait to get back out there and see them all again.”

Cherrill and Dean have announced that they are still writing and recording new music, although it looks as though they’re no longer part of the Big Machine family. “The new freedom we have in the writing process has injected creativity and life into every lyric. It has allowed us to create songs that are true to the love for traditional sounds that brought us together but we’re also taking some unconventional risks with regard to collaborations, new faces and content. We’re pushing our own boundaries. I can’t wait for our wonderfully loyal fans to hear what we’ve been working away on,” said Cherrill, excitedly.

Edens Edge was formed back in 2004 and was signed in 2010 by Scott Borchetta to Big Machine Records. Currently, Edens Edge is listed as an Archived Artist on the Big Machine website.

Deans priority is to get Edens Edge back on the road to perform for fans. “We will never be the same as we were before, but we believe that the changes will lead to a more exciting and electrically engaging stage show.”

Kelly Clarkson to Perform at President Obama’s Inauguration

kelly-clarkson

As if getting engaged in December and being nominated for four Grammy’s wasn’t enough, Kelly Clarkson‘s big moments keep on coming. It was announced today that the pop/country superstar will be joining Beyonce and James Taylor at the 57th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 21.

The talented trio will each give their take on a patriotic classic with Beyonce tackling the National Anthem. Taylor will perform “America The Beautiful” and Clarkson will perform “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

The Nashville resident spoke to The Tennessean today. ”I really have spent a lot of time coming up with a cool arrangement,” she said. “I wanted to make it special. I’m really proud to be singing in his inauguration. I vote for him. It’s a proud moment when you support something, and then you get to be a part of it.”

Jake Owen cancels shows due to flu

Jake Owen

One of country music’s brightest stars was forced to deliver some bad news to fans on Twitter yesterday. “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” singer Jake Owen sent out an apologetic message to fans after having to cancel his Houston, Texas concert due to the flu.

Jake said:

Sorry to my Houston friends… I’m unfortunately gonna miss you tonight. Laid up with the flu. I’ll make it up to ya. You’ve got my word.

Jake’s next tour date is tomorrow night in Vero Beach, Florida. It’s Jake’s annual concert to benefit the Jake Owen Foundation, and the closing night of “CMT On Tour: Jake Owen – The Summer Never Ends” with friends Love & Theft and Florida-Georgia Line. Will you be going? Tickets are still on-sale at jakeowen.net.

Little Big Town forced to postpone California shows

Little Big Town.

Little Big Town has been forced to cancel a series of shows, effective immediately, due to a loss in their immediate family. In a statement posted yesterday to their official website, the group announced that they will reschedule the effected dates. The headlining dates being moved are their California ones: Riverside tonight, and Los Angeles concert on November 29th. Riverside, CA will be rescheduled at a later date and the Los Angeles show at The Wiltern will now take place on February 8, 2013. Tickets for The Wiltern show will be honored on the rescheduled night. The band would like to thank their fans for their understanding and compassion during this very difficult time.

No other information has been released yet at this time. The group’s new single, the title track from their brand new album “Tornado,” is at country radio right now.

Miranda Lambert & Dierks Bentley To Tour!

dierks bentley & miranda lambert

Here’s some exciting breaking news for country music fans – Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley will be hitting the road together this January for the “Locked & Reloaded” tour. Check out their official announcement below, and we’ll post tour dates as they are announced. Will you be going?

What country acts would you love to see touring together?

 

“Making music for our fans is the best job in the world,” said Miranda. “It’s especially great being able to take to that music on the road with someone I respect as an artist and human being. This will be a tour of ‘epic badassery.’”

Dierks added:

“Some of my favorite times on tour over the years were with Miranda and her crew. We have a lot in common musically and our fans do too. It’s going to be a killer year.”

See the list of cities below and let us know if you’ll be checking out the tour:

George Strait Announces Final Tour

George Strait. Photo Credit: Kelley May

It’s a sad day for country music – George Strait has announced his final tour. “The Cowboy Rides Away” will take place through 2013 to 2014, and will be the last tour for the king of country music. He will record and perform at select and special times following his retirement tour – but will not be retiring. He will continue to record and write after the tour. The surprise was announced just a few minutes ago at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

The two-year tour will take George across the United States with Martina McBride as his special guest on every date. We have the list of 2013 dates, as 2014 dates are still being finalized. Fan club member pre-sales begin October 9th. See the list of 2013 dates so far below. He’s announced that Texan superstar Miranda Lambert will appear at his Houston date.

Jan. 18 – Lubbock, Texas, United Spirit Arena
Jan. 19 – Oklahoma City, Okla., Chesapeake Energy Arena
Jan. 25 – Salt Lake City, Utah, EnergySolutions Arena
Jan. 26 – Nampa, Idaho, Idaho Center Arena
Jan. 31 – Sacramento, Calif., Power Balance Pavilion
Feb. 1 – Fresno, Calif., Save Mart Center
Feb. 2 – Las Vegas, Nev., MGM Grand Garden Arena
Feb. 15 – Saint Paul, Minn., Xcel Energy Center
Feb. 16 – Grand Forks, N.D., Alerus Center
Feb. 22 – Buffalo, N.Y., First Niagara Center
Feb. 23 – Hartford, Conn., XL Center
March 1 – Knoxville, Tenn., Thompson-Boling Arena
March 2 – Lexington, Ky., Rupp Arena
March 17 – Houston, Texas, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo / “RodeoHouston”
March 22 – Greenville, S.C., Bi-Lo Center
March 23 – Greensboro, N.C., Greensboro Coliseum
April 5 – Albuquerque, N.M., Pit Arena
April 6 – Las Cruces, N.M., Pan American Center
April 12 – N. Little Rock, Ark., Verizon Arena
April 13 – New Orleans, La., New Orleans Arena

Chris Young To Make Headlining Debut at Ryman Auditorium

Chris Young.

The Ryman Auditorium is going to be adding another rising star to its roster. RCA Nashville artist Chris Young announced on Friday via Twitter, that he will be making his Nashville  debut at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Thursday, November 15. Fellow Valory Music label mate Thomas Rhett and Columbia Records recording artist Joanna Smith will also join Young in his debut headlining performance.

Chris Young made his claim to fame after being crowned the winner of the American singing competition, Nashville Star in 2006. After winning, he signed a recording deal with RCA Records Nashville and has since released 3 albums that have produced three number one singles.

After releasing the exciting news to his Twitter followers, Young reminisced his first time hitting the Ryman Stage:

“The first time I set foot on the Ryman stage was an unbelievable experience. I am so grateful for the support of my hometown crowd all of these years and saying I can’t wait for this show is an obvious understatement”.

For more information on Chris and to purchase tickets, visit www.chrisyoungmusic.com.

LeAnn Rimes Enters Treatment

LeAnn Rimes.

In what came as a surprise to most country music fans this morning, LeAnn Rimes has voluntarily checked herself into a treatment facility one day after celebrating her 30th birthday. The “Spitfire” singer is trying to learn better stress coping mechanisms as she returns to her singing career with her new single out in December. In a statement to People magazine, her representative denies that it’s for drugs, alcohol or an eating disorder.

“LeAnn has voluntarily entered a 30 day in-patient treatment facility to cope with anxiety and stress,” her rep Marcel Pariseau tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement.  “While there will be speculation regarding her treatment, she is simply there to learn and develop coping mechanisms. While privacy isn’t expected, it’s certainly appreciated.”

LeAnn herself released a statement addressing why she feels it was so important to check herself in now rather than later:

“This is just a time for me to emotionally check out for a second and take care of myself and come back in 30 days as the best 30-year-old woman I can be,” she says.  “All the things in my life will be there when I get out, but you know what? I’m hoping they’re not going to affect me as much,” she adds. “I’ll have the tools to know how to deal with them.”

Read the article on People magazine’s site here. She’ll be heading out on a fall tour this year, releasing her new single, and a brand new album will hit stores in 2013. We’re hoping we see a lot more of the “Spitfire” star this year and wish her a quick recovery!

 

Randy Travis Hospitalized After Fight

Randy Travis.

According to a breaking story on TMZ, Randy Travis was hospitalized after a fight in a Texas church parking lot early this morning. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that they responded to a call about a fight at 1 am local time, and both men were taken to hospital. The source told TMZ that Randy appeared to be “highly intoxicated” and that the fight was over a girl.

This isn’t Randy’s first run-in with law enforcement this month: he was arrest for driving while intoxicated after he was found naked at the scene of a car accident. He was also arrested for public intoxication back in February when he was found on the steps to a different church.

TMZ has been unsuccessful in attempts to reach Travis at this time.

The Grammy Nominations Concert To Be Held in Nashville

grammy-awards-blizzard

Looks like Hollywood is turning a little country. On December 5th, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN will host the Grammy Nominations Concert LIVE! on CBS. It’s the first time in its five year existence that the special is being held outside Los Angeles, which is something that The Recording Academy’s President and CEO Neil Portnow is pretty excited about:

“We are excited for the opportunity to bring ‘The Grammy Nominations Concert LIVE!’ to Nashville this year as we recognize our nominees for the 55th Annual Grammy awards. Nashville’s rich musical and cultural history is so important and vital to our industry, and indeed to the world — a fact The Academy has recognized for decades by locating one of our most thriving and active Chapters there. We look forward to celebrating the year in music in such a passionate, vibrant and flourishing city.”

The special is a new way for the Recording Academy to announce the nominees for the prestigious award show. Formerly, the nominees were announced through press releases from inside a hotel ballroom. The Recording Academy started the nominations concert as a way to get fans excited for the nominations and to renew interest in their award show.

Who do you hope to see nominated this year? Do you think country music has a shot at taking the major category awards?