Category Archives: twitter

Darius Rucker not invited to CMA Fest

Darius Rucker.

Here’s some news that might be surprising to country fans. Darius Rucker won’t be appearing at CMA Fest this year… because he wasn’t invited. Fans looking to catch a performance from the Hootie & The Blowfish frontman are in luck: he’ll be performing at the CMT Awards this year during CMA Fest week, and he’ll also be holding his annual St. Jude’s benefit show at the Wildhorse Saloon on June 3rd. His “Darius Rucker & Friends” concert is sold out.

The Grand Ole Opry member let fans know himself that he wasn’t invited this year via Twitter:

@TES112980: @dariusrucker Are you going to be at CMA Fest this year?” Not invited

 

Darius is currently promoting his latest single “Wagon Wheel,” from his new album “True Believers” which is now available at both digital and physical retailers.

Are you disappointed to find out Darius wasn’t invited to be part of CMA Fest this year?

Jason Aldean & Kristen Bell to host CMT Awards

Jason Aldean. Photo Credit: Reid Long

It’s official! Country superstar Jason Aldean will co-host this year’s CMT Video Awards alongside actress Kristen Bell. Jason actually made the announcement himself on his Twitter account @Jason_Aldean yesterday afternoon.

Through his Twitter, Jas0n said:

@IMKristenBell Lookin forward to hosting #CMTAwards with ya. now to finish my Veronica Mars marathon…”

He also jokingly posted this picture of himself in a Veronica Mars t-shirt … a television show that starred Kristen Bell.

Jason Aldean's Veronica Mars t-shirt he posted to Twitter.

Jason Aldean’s Veronica Mars t-shirt he posted to Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you excited for this pairing? Who are you favorite country music award show hosts?

Blog Rodeo: Everyone Loves Country Music

BlogRodeoLogo

It may be hard to believe, but once upon a time, you had to trek down to a record store if you wanted to purchase new music. You’d have to buy a full album and you could only listen to the radio stations that were broadcast in your area. There was no iTunes, no iHeartradio, no Spotify. Heck, there wasn’t even a Napster. Additionally, there were no camera phones, no gossip blogs, no reality television and certainly no Twitter. It’s crazy to imagine a world without all of these things, but once upon a time, it existed.

In that world, it would be nearly impossible for a kid from New York to be exposed to country music. While the mainstream scene was full of Backstreet Boys & Britneys, cowboy hats and boots would’ve seemed out of place. That “country western” music had no place on MTV, no one cared who Shania Twain was dating, and “Amazed” by Lonestar was the most country of  country music we’d ever hear.

Fast forward less than fifteen years, and New York now has a country radio station, Taylor Swift‘s rotating boyfriends are national news & it’s no longer unusual for a country concert to sell out Madison Square Garden. Anyone anywhere in the world can go on iTunes to download that oddly catchy “merry go round song” they heard a snip of, and then they can pop on over to Spotify and stream the whole album. The world has evolved through technology, and likewise, so has country music’s role in the mainstream.

Carrie Underwood Reveals Next Single

CarrieUnderwood

Fresh off the #1 success of “Two Black Cadillacs,” Carrie Underwood took to Twitter this afternoon to reveal some big news. The next single off her Grammy-winning, mega-hit album Blown Away will be “See You Again.”

Carrie excitedly tweeted:

Who wants to know what my next single will be?!?!

I’m so happy about “Two Black Cadillacs” being #1 that I want to tell you…

Ok…I am so excited to announce that, hopefully, your radios will soon be blasting “See You Again!” I hope you are as happy as I am!

“See You Again” is the fourth single off of Blown Away, and was written by Carrie Underwood, Hillary Lindsey & David Hodges. You’ll be hearing it on your radio soon!

Miranda Lambert Meets Honey Boo Boo

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After hilariously dressing up as Honey Boo Boo for Halloween, Miranda Lambert met the TLC reality TV star (real name Alana Thompson) backstage at her Thursday night concert in Macon, Georgia.

Lambert tweeted the photo with one of Alana’s famous phrases, “You better REDNECKONIZE!” We have to wonder what name the Thompson clan gave Miranda…Pistol Boo Boo, perhaps?

Petition to remove Blake Shelton from Opry Membership

Blake Shelton. photo credit: Joseph Llanes.

Looks like there’s still a few ruffled feathers out there in country music. The National Traditional Country Music Association started a petition this week to try to remove Oklahoman superstar Blake Shelton from the Grand Ole Opry membership as a reaction to his comments about classic country stars today.  According to Bob Everhart, President of the National Traditional Country Music Association since 1976:

“We organized a large non-profit corporation 39 years ago to prevent the very thing Blake Shelton is espousing. Today we have joined forces with the Traditional Music Association of America; Classic Country; The Real Old Farts & Jackasses; American Music Group; and several other organizations who are very concerned about the insults Blake Shelton tosses around so nonchalantly.”

His efforts are backed by Maggie Penn, the leader of a country music association in Michigan. She adds:

“We are going to march on Nashville. We are demanding that Blake Shelton be removed from the Grand Ole Opry. We are also demanding that huge radio conglomerates respond to our requests to feature more traditional and classic country music on these so-called country music radio stations. Clear Channel is one of the worst offenders. Mr. May, CEO, of Clear Channel needs to remember that the frequencies they broadcast on do not belong to them, they belong to us.”

The group is setting a march for April 17th down Music Row in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

What do you think? Is this a dramatic overreaction, or are they justified in their protest? Sound off below:

Is the protest going too far?

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UPDATE: Bob Everhart has sent us further details about their protest march in April.

A “March” on Nashville is now scheduled for April 17 beginning at 11am at Tony Rose Park (08 Music Circle East) with the march going down Music Row, ending at the offices of the Country Music Association, which has virtually eliminated ‘traditional’ country music from their objectives. There will be a free concert of “traditional American music” by participating musicians following the march.

The group is also circulating two petitions: one to demand more traditional country music and bluegrass music to be played on country stations nationwide, and another to remove Blake’s Opry membership.

Join Jessica Northey for #Cmchat LIVE at The Ryman Wednesday 2/27

Ryman

Our friend Jessica Northey will be hosting a special edition of her famous #CMchat LIVE from the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, February 27th from 4-7 PM CST. If that’s not exciting enough, “#CMchat LIVE at the Ryman” will feature a TON of guests, including Tracy Lawrence, Jerrod Niemann, JT Hodges, KIC “One to Watch,” Rose Falcon, Sunny Sweeney and recent KIC Presents performer Logan Mize! Many more are expected to join in, so this is an internet event not to miss! The artists and panel will be interviewing the artists and interacting with fans/ viewers through Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus as a kick off to “CRS” week!

 Fans can RSVP HERE to get reminders on Google and we’ll be posting the event right here on our site! Make sure to join us! :)

Clive Davis responds to Kelly Clarkson’s criticism

Kelly Clarkson.

Looks like the Kelly Clarkson vs Clive Davis feud just got a little messier. Music mogul Clive Davis responded this morning to an open letter posted by Kelly, where she claims he lied in his new Memoir “Soundtrack of My Life.” In his new book, Clive claims that Kelly cried over him wanting to put her mega-hit anthem “Since U Been Gone” and the rockier “Behind These Hazel Eyes” on her GRAMMY award winning album “Breakaway.” Kelly claims that the story is mixed up with him not liking her “Because Of You” single.

Clive released his own open letter on Twitter just now, saying:

“As anyone who has read “The Soundtrack of My Life” knows, I think Kelly Clarkson is a tremendous vocal talent and performer. In the book, I provide an in-depth look at our years together during which we shared major multi-platinum success, as well as a few creative differences. I am truly very sorry that she has decided to take issue with what I know to be an accurate depiction of our time together. Before the book was published, I had every fact checked with five independent individuals who were present on a daily basis throughout it all. The chapter as it is written was thoroughly verified by each and every one of them. I stand by the chapter as written in my book. At the same time I wish, and will always wish, Kelly’s talent and her career to soar to ever new heights.”

This fight is turning into a he-said-she-said battle. So, KIC readers, who do you think was telling the truth? Are you on Team Kelly or Team Clive?

Who do you think is telling the truth?

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Read Kelly’s original letter below:

Kelly Clarkson takes on Clive Davis

Kelly Clarkson.

Music superstar Kelly Clarkson is standing up for herself in a message posted on her Facebook and Twitter accounts today. Music superpower Clive Davis released a memoir, and which Kelly claims he spreads false information about her and she gives her side of what happened.

Kelly, who has released multiple country singles (“Because Of You” with Reba McEntire, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean, “Mr Know It All” country version, and “Don’t Rush” with Vince Gill), is frustrated at what Clive wrote in his book.

Read Kelly’s statement below:

So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music. I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.

First, he says I burst into “hysterical sobbing” in his office when he demanded Since You Been Gone be on my album. Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up. I did want more guitars added to the original demo and Clive did not. Max, Luke and I still fought for the bigger sound and we prevailed and I couldn’t be more proud of the life of that song. I resent him dampening that song in any way.

But, yes, I did cry in his office once. I cried after I played him a song I had written about my life called “Because Of You.” I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that I was a “sh*tty writer who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me.” He continued on about how the song didn’t rhyme and how I should just shut up and sing. This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honored to work with.
But I continued to fight for the song and the label relented. And it became a worldwide hit. He didn’t include that in the book.

He also goes on to say My December wasn’t successful because I co-penned the album and it didn’t have “pop hits”. Well, first let me say, I’ve co-penned many of my “pop hits.” Secondly, My December went platinum (It sold 20,000 less than All I Ever Wanted which followed My December.) Hardly a huge failure. Never Again, the ONLY single they released in the US from that record was a Top 10 hit. I am very proud of that and I have my fans to thank. But, again, what’s most interesting about his story is what he leaves out: He doesn’t mention how he stood up in front of his company at a convention and belittled me and my music and completely sabotaged the entire project. It never had a chance to reach it’s full potential. My December was an album I needed to make for myself for many reasons and the fact that I was so completely disregarded and disrespected was so disheartening, there really aren’t words to explain….

Anyway, I love my job. I love my music. I love my fans. I love my label and all of my professional relationships… now. And I am grateful for Clive for teaching me to know the difference.

Cheers to another amazing year! And, as always, thanks for listening!

KC

What do you think about Kelly’s message? Do you support the 2012 Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year nominee standing up for herself? Read her statement here on Whosay.

Country stars react to Mindy McCready’s suicide

Mindy McCready.

It’s been a tragic twenty-four hours for the country music community after learning about the passing of singer Mindy McCready. The “Ten Thousand Angels” artist was found dead from an apparent suicide last night in Arkansas. Mindy was 37 years old and leaves behind a six year old and a nine-year old son.

See what some of country’s brightest stars had to share about the sad news:

Oak Ridge Boys: We sang “Farther Along” last night in honor of Mindy McCready. One day we will know!!!!!

John Rich: Very sad to hear about Mindy McCready. When I was in Lonestar she was our label mate and we were friends. A tragic end to a talented life.

Jana Kramer: So sad to hear about the loss of Mindy. What an insanely talented woman.

Michelle Wright: As you may know Mindy McCready has passed on. She was a young promising country music artist in the mid ’90′s but faced a number of challenges and I’m so sad that she lost the battle with addiction and mental illness which can also cause depression. I’ve been sober now for several years and I know how hard it can be sometimes. RIP Mindy.

Jimmy Wayne: RIP @mindymccready We met 14 years ago @ Acuff & Rose. Who’d thought 14 years later on this day…. #why

Jason Blaine: Sad to hear about the passing of Mindy McCready. Thoughts & prayers for her young children. Tragic situation.

Carrie Underwood: I grew up listening to Mindy McCready… so sad for her family tonight. Many prayers are going out to them…

See more reactions below: