Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » American Country Awards

Kristin Chenoweth Announces Tour, Offering Country And More

Ted Efron — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:55:53 +0000

As promised, Kristin Chenoweth will be hitting the road to support her debut country album Some Lessons Learned. Today the Emmy and Tony award-winning actress announced a 19-city North American tour. Her first-ever tour will start May 9th in Seattle, WA and will wrap up June 24th in Kristin’s hometown of Broken Bow, OK.

The multi-talented Chenoweth will be performing songs from Some Lessons Learned, along with some of her most memorable songs and Broadway show tunes, including music from “Wicked,” “Promises, Promises,” and “Glee.”

Chenoweth co-hosted the American Country Awards back in December. After the show, she told us that she planned on touring. But those tour plans were temporarily put on hold while she was working on “GCB,” her new TV series on ABC. The series premieres on March 4^thwith Chenoweth playing the role of Carlene Cockburn.

Below are the tour dates, cities and venues. Tickets for select cities go on sale starting March 9th.

May 9 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre

May 11 Berkeley, CA Zellerbach Auditorium

May 12 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre

May 18 Denver, CO Ellie Caulkins Opera House

May 23 Houston, TX Jones Hall

May 24 Dallas, TX Winspear Opera House

June 1 Philadelphia, PA Academy Of Music

June 2 New York, NY City Center

June 8 Boston, MA Boston Opera House

June 9 Baltimore, MD Hippodrome Theatre

June 10 Washington D.C. DAR Constitution Hall

June 12 Toronto, ON Massey Hall

June 13 Cleveland, OH PlayhouseSquare’s Palace Theatre

June 15 Detroit, MI Detroit Opera House

June 16 Chicago, IL Cadillac Palace Theatre

June 17 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre

June 20 Nashville, TN Andrew Jackson Hall

June 22 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Centre

June 24 Broken Arrow, OK Broken Arrow PAC

CONCERT REVIEW: Thompson Square — Love, Marriage & Music

Ted Efron — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:30:03 +0000

In April of 2010 a still little-known Shawna and Keifer Thompson of Thompson Square were in Spokane, Washington as part of a radio station tour. While sitting in a Guitar Center parking lot they heard their single “Let’s Fight” on the radio for the first time. It was a big moment for the husband and wife duo and, understandably, they were excited about it. Keifer was so excited he got out and told a woman in a nearby car to switch her radio to listen to the song.

Twenty months later, Thompson Square doesn’t need to go car-to-car to get people to listen to them. And they certainly don’t need to look very hard to find people who know and love their music. Last night Shawna and Keifer were again in Washington State, this time playing with Jerrod Niemann before a sold out crowd at the Snoqualmie Casino.

They hit the stage introduced by a playing of Frank Sinatra’s “Love and Marriage,” which perfectly sums up the pair. They are all about love: For each other, for the music and for their fans. Fittingly, they kicked things off with the previously mentioned “Let’s Fight,” followed by the rockin’ “Getaway Car.” They then took a step outside of their own music to salute the troops with Tom Petty’s “I Wont Back Down.”

Shawna’s microphone had some issues during “My Kind Of Crazy,” but in typical Thompson Square style, they made the most of the malfunction. Shawna simply walked over to Keifer and shared his mic. Watching them sing face-to-face and cheek-to-cheek, I was struck with one thing: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a couple who are more natural and comfortable singing with and for each other. The mic malfunction gave them another opportunity to be close to each other. The smiles on their faces told us they actually enjoyed the error.

They then launched into their current hit “I Got You,” which was the follow-up single to their chart topping “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?“. It recently peaked at #6 on the Mediabase charts. Keifer told me they were relieved to see the song chart so highly, because they knew it might be difficult to follow the super success of “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?“. Keifer added that “I Got You” is special to them because it’s their first top-ten song as songwriters.

The duo then broke a little news by announcing that their next single will be the beautiful ballad “Glass.“ They credited fan feedback on Facebook and Twitter with helping them to decide to release the song as a single, which shows just how much social media is affecting the music industry. But the most important feedback was in front of them — a huge audience of fans singing along with the song. Here’s a not-so-bold prediction: “Glass” will be their next Top 10 hit — quite possibly their next #1.

Next came a fun cover of Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself For Loving You.” I love the song and their version of it, but I couldn’t help but to start thinking of Sunday Night Football. I’m sure I’m not the only one. But that was just a slight distraction that quickly faded with the singing of their own “I Don’t Want To Miss You”.

The couple set up “As Bad As It Gets” with a bit of teasing. Shawna mentioned that one of Keifer’s bad habits is leaving open kitchen cupboards. To which Keifer responded, “At least I know where the kitchen is.” Shawna shot that down with the argument winning: “And I know where the dog house is.” Naturally, it got a huge laugh. But it also served as another example of two people who are so very much in love with each other and who are comfortable sharing who they are.

They finished the night, as expected, with “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?“. The song has been part huge part of people’s lives as it has been used in countless marriage proposals and weddings. In return, it’s also been a huge part of Thompson Square’s lives. It may have even helped to save their careers. Keifer told the crowd that not too long ago they were working as bartenders and close to giving up. But the success of their self-titled album and particularly the song, gave them new life.

“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?” recently earned Thompson Square three awards at the American Country Awards. They’re honored by any awards, but Keifer said these meant so much because they were fan voted. For the ”Single of the Year” for a group or duo, fans voted them over fellow nominees Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, The Band Perry and the Zac Brown Band. That’s a list of country music heavyweights, but Thompson Square came out on top.

It’s a tribute to Shawna and Keifer, who have come so far since that day in a Spokane parking lot.

(Thompson Square joins Darius Rucker next year on Lady Antebellum’s “Own The Night” Tour. View our Thompson Square concert pics here. See the video of Shawna and Keifer hearing “Let’s Fight” on the radio here.)

REVIEW: Sherrie Austin “Circus Girl”

Ted Efron — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:58:28 +0000

It’s fitting that Sherrie Austin’s new album is called “Circus Girl.” With this project, the affable Australian singer/songwriter walks a high wire without a net. The album is self-written, self-produced and self-financed. Fortunately, we can apply one more “s-word” to Austin’s album: Satisfying.

It’s been eight years since her last release. It’s an understatement to say the country music landscape has changed a lot in that time. It would’ve been easy for Austin to try to reinvent who she is to fit that landscape. But instead of changing herself, she finds success simply by being herself.

Austin had a hand in writing every one of the 13 tracks on the album. She gives each song the voice of one who has lived life and learned about herself with every step and misstep along the way. It’s this voice of experience that gives the album its heart.

The album kicks off with the autobiographical title track “Circus Girl.” Austin has spent most of her life as a performer. While most of us can’t relate to what it’s like living your life in the spotlight, we can relate to sometimes feeling like a “round peg in a little town square”. It’s okay to not fit in. Happiness can be found if you approach life as fearless and confident as the girl on the trapeze.

“Tryin’ To Be Me” reflects on life and the “scars in the battle” of trying to be ourselves. Austin wrote the track to pay homage to George Harrison. The opening notes certainly will make any fan of the former Beatle think of his “All Things Must Pass” album.

The next two songs show that along with heart, Austin also has a wicked sense of humor. “I Didn’t” rips a former lover for the differences that led to a breakup. The biggest being “he thought he was God, and I didn’t”. In “If I Was A Man,” she imagines how she would be if she were the opposite sex. Naturally, she comes off as being Mr. Right until a surprise twist in the end.

(Note: ”I Didn’t” also appears on Kristin Chenoweth‘s “Some Lessons Learned” album. Chenoweth recently performed an over-the-top version of the song during the American Country Awards. It would be fun to see Austin perform it for comparison’s sake.)

“Just Want To Love You Tonight” steers the album back in a serious direction. Austin tackles the issue of one night stands from the woman’s perspective. The woman isn’t just a participant, but an instigator who along with her man, also lays down the ground rules.

“Get Your Leavin’ Done” continues the serious streak. It’s the end of a relationship. But instead of sorrow, the feeling is more one of resignation. Austin conveys that she acknowledges that it’s over and now it’s time to move out so they can move on.

“He’s All Yours” is bold, bluesy and full of drama. It’s both a kiss-off and a warning from one woman to another about a man who has done her wrong and will do the same to the next woman who falls for his lines. Austin shines through in her powerful delivery of the song which must be a show-stopper live in concert.

“Bad For Me” is another light-hearted approach to love. We all do things that we know are bad for us (like that extra Christmas cookie or two) and sometimes that includes who we choose to be with. This song appeared a few years ago on Danielle Peck’s “Can’t Behave” album. Austin reclaims it with vocal vigor and a banjo backing that gives it more of a country feel.

“Friday Night Girls” serves as an anthem for all the women out there who have reached a certain age where they see the game, but don’t feel the need to play it. They have experienced the world and are smart and strong enough to handle all of its ups and downs – even if just for a Friday night.

“Sleep With Me” is brilliant take on infidelity. The title of the song isn’t an invitation to someone else, but having to face the consequences from the decisions we make. We all have to face ourselves in the mirror, where we see the one person we always have to sleep with.

“That Kind Of Happy” once again leans on life’s lessons. This up-tempo shot of smartness is about realizing that happiness comes in all forms. By letting go and accepting yourself for who you are, you’re able to find the kind of happy that doesn’t come with a matching set of sadness.

“Streets of Heaven” actually was the title track of Austin’s last album. The deeply personal song is based on a family experience and is her highest-charting song to date. She says she re-cut it for this album to remind herself that even though this is an independent release, she’s not the one who is ultimately in control – God is.

The Christmas song “Naughty Or Nice” puts a neat, little bow on the album. It features Shane Stevens (who co-wrote “American Honey” for Lady Antebellum). Holiday songs are risky as they can be hit or miss. This one falls on the “hit” side and its funky rhythm will have fans rockin’ around the Christmas tree for years to come.

Score 8/10

EXCLUSIVE: ACA Red Carpet Interview with Thompson Square!

Jessica Crans — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 03:50:06 +0000

We caught up with Shawna and Keifer of Thompson Square at the American Country Awards last Monday on the red carpet! Find out what they had to say about getting to where they are now, daring to dream as big as the Grammy’s, and touring with Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker.

The duo was nominated for seven American Country Awards and took home three last Monday night, winning for Single of The Year: Duo or Group for “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”, Single of The Year: New Artist for ”Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”, and Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration for “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.”

Thompson Square is heading out on tour this summer with Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker, check out Ticketmaster to find a show near you!

“Idol” Advice: McCreery Listens To Underwood’s Wisdom

Ted Efron — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:04:07 +0000

American Idol’s latest country winner is taking life lessons from its first country winner. Naturally, we’re talking about Scotty McCreery and Carrie Underwood.

Underwood, as we all know, has become arguably the most successful of all the Idol winners. (Kelly Clarkson fans might say different, but that’s why we say “arguably”.) Her list of awards is too long to list here, but her most recent honors came this week at the American Country Awards at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. The fan-voted show honored Underwood with three awards (which come in the form of a customized Fender Telecaster guitar): Female Artist of the Year; Female Single of the Year and Female Video for “Mama’s Song”.

The event was McCreery’s first award show and he didn’t go home empty-handed. Fans voted him New Artist of the Year, choosing him over Thompson Square, The Band Perry, Jerrod Niemann and The Pistol Annies.

In the press room after getting his award, he seemed humbled by the win. “It’s incredible,” said McCreery. “It’s one of those things you dream of when you’re little. I just wanted to attend. I used to watch the shows thinking ‘I’d just like to be there one time’. And to actually win something and the first one to be a Telecaster. It don’t get much better than that.”

As for the fate of his first award, it’s definitely not going up on the wall. McCreery says he plans to literally play with his prize, but it might take a while. “I’m not hanging it up. I mean, how can you hang up a Telecaster? Hopefully my guitar player can teach me how to shred while we’re on the road. But it will take a few years probably.”

Now that he’s finding success beyond his win on Idol, he’s relying on the people around him to keep him grounded. The 18-year-old high school senior says it helps that his family and friends don’t treat him any differently. ”I think if it was just me doin’ this it would be easy for me to start thinking ‘Oh, my goodness!’ and my head start swelling, but to get home and see my friends treat me the same. And Mama, Lord knows, if my head got anywhere bigger than this (holding his hands up to the sides of his head) she’d slap it out of me quick.”

It also helps to talk with someone has already been through what he’s currently experiencing. Thats’ where Carrie comes in. McCreery says they have talked a few times and has gotten a lot out of it: “When I have talked to her she’s always had great things to say and great advice. She’s been through the exact same thing as I have, going through Idol and moving on to country music. She kinda paved the way for me and some other country acts on the show, so it’s cool to hear her advice.

“She told me to stay the same and kinda the same thing that a lot of people say. But coming from somebody that’s been through it, it kinda means a lot more. Because they’re telling me it’s easy to change getting caught up in the business and getting caught up in the big Hollywood aspects and Nashville aspects. You know ‘I’m on TV’ and “Oh, that’s me!’. But she says if you stay the same and stay humble, then you never know what you can do.”

McCreery can also get in touch with Underwood if he wants, but don’t plan on him blowing up her phone with text messages any time soon. Just because he has her number, doesn’t mean he’s going to use it. It sounds like he’s not the only one. ”She gives all the winners her number and she says nobody ever texts her. I guess I’m in the same boat,” said McCreery. Then he added respectfully, “I don’t want to bother her. She’s a busy girl.”

McCreery will be busy himself in the coming year. He’s planning on going to college, but first he and his family have to find a way to balance school and his career.

Plus, he’ll be going out on the road with The Band Perry in support of Brad Paisley’s “H2O II: Wetter and Wilder World Tour”. Until then he says he’s going to take some time off to enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

Around The Social Networks: Stars Weigh In On ACAs

Jeanna D. — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:08:55 +0000

The stars took to Twitter and social networking sites to sound off on last night’s American Country Awards! They shared their appreciation to their fans, highlights from the event, and some pictures.

Here is what they had to say:

Jason Aldean:

@Jason_aldean Thank u guys so much for all the votes for the ACA… Now i gotta figure out where to put 6 guitars! Yall are awesome! See u in 2012, now its time to celebrate in Vegas baby!

Blake Shelton:

@Blake_shelton Thanks to every one of y’all who took time to vote for me for the ACA’s.. And for all the thoughts and prayers for dad! He’s happy about it!

Scotty McCreery:

@ScottyMcCreery HUGE thanks to all the fans out there who helped me win my first award tonight! yall are incredible n younever cease to amaze me! love yall!

Chris Young:

@Chrisyoungmusic I have the best fans in the world. And that’s not just saying it. I mean it. I have had a record deal for six years thanks to you. #thankyou

Kelly Clarkson:

@Kelly_clarkson I just found out I won 2 awards tonight with @Jason_Aldean! I had no clue we were even up for any awards haha! That’s awesome! Go us :)

Lauren Alaina:

@Lauren_Alaina Finally got to see @Jason_Aldean and thank him for letting me be part of his tour! (:

Josh Turner:

@Joshturnermusic Hanging backstage at ACA’s with my beautiful co-presenter Jordin Sparks.

Jordin Sparks:

@jordinsparks ?’d presenting 2 my girl Carrie & getting serenaded by @joshturnermusic? My heart skipped a few beats! Josh! I think we need 2 do a song! ;)

Eli Young Band:

@Eliyoungband Awesome #ACAs moment: our dressing room is right next to @TheAlabamaBand !!

The Alabama Band:

@thealabamaband Here’s a pic of Randy backstage with Blake Shelton getting ready for the show last night!

American Country Awards Nominees Announced!

Jessica Crans — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:48:42 +0000

The second annual American Country Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Jason Aldean and Zac Brown Band lead with eight nominations each; Thompson Square follow in second with seven nods; and The Band Perry and Taylor Swift each earned six.

Starting today, fans can vote once each day for their favorite American Country Awards nominees at www.theacas.com.

Voting is open until Friday, Nov. 11 for all categories, except for Artist of the Year, which closes on Friday, Dec. 2. The nominees for each award category have been determined by four media measurement companies: BigChampagne (record sales and media consumption); Great American Country (video airplay); Mediabase (radio airplay); and Pollstar (touring data).

The two-hour awards show is hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, and it is the only country music awards show that gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories but also in previously unrecognized areas of the business such as touring, encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has.

Performers and presenters will be announced soon.

The list of categories and nominees for the American Country Awards are as follows:

ARTISTS
Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum
Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton

Artist of the Year: Female
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Eric Church
Eli Young Band
Justin Moore
Jake Owen
Chris Young

Artist of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry
Scotty McCreery
Jerrod Niemann
Pistol Annies
Thompson Square

ALBUM
Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Kenny Chesney, “Hemingway’s Whiskey”
Brad Paisley, “This Is Country Music”
Taylor Swift, “Speak Now”
Keith Urban, “Get Closer”
Zac Brown Band, “You Get What You Give”

SINGLES
Single of the Year
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Chris Young, “Voices”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

Single of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Luke Bryan, “Someone Else Calling You Baby”
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Chris Young, “Voices”

Single of the Year: Female
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Miranda Lambert, “Heart Like Mine”
Reba, “Turn On The Radio”
Taylor Swift, “Mean”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”

Single of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Rascal Flatts, “Why Wait”
Sugarland, “Stuck Like Glue”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Zac Brown Band, “Colder Weather”

Single of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Craig Campbell, “Family Man”
The JaneDear Girls, “Wildflower”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
Brad Paisley with Alabama, “Old Alabama”
Zac Brown Band with Jimmy Buffet, “Knee Deep”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

TOURING
Touring Headline Act of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

VIDEOS
Music Video of the Year
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”
Blake Shelton, “Who Are you When I’m Not Looking”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Josh Turner, “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”

Music Video: Male
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”
Blake Shelton, “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”
Josh Turner, “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”
Keith Urban, “Put You In A Song”

Music Video: Female
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Reba, “Turn On The Radio”
Ashton Shepherd, “Look It Up”
Taylor Swift, “Back To December”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Lady Antebellum, “Hello World”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

Music Video: New Artist
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Craig Campbell, “Family Man”
Brett Eldredge, “Raymond”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Be sure to head on over to www.theacas.com to vote for your favorite artists!

Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenowith to Host 2011 ACA’s

Lydia Picknell — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:32:19 +0000

Trace Adkins is returning to hosting duties again this year for the second annual American Country Awards, but this time he’s bringing in help. Actress and singer Kristin Chenowith of Glee fame will be his co-host the ACAs this year. The awards are set to air December 5th at 8 pm EST on Fox live from Las Vegas.

The American Country Awards are produced by the same team behind the Teen Choice and Kids Choice Awards.