Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Faith Hill

Country stars react to George Jones’ passing

Lydia Picknell — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:56:05 +0000

It’s been a tragic few days for country music stars and country fans. The legendary George Jones passed away in a Nashville hospital, and country stars have reacted in shock and sadness over the loss of an icon. See what some of your favorite stars have said about the great George Jones:

Brad Paisley:

“George Jones’ life is an example of so many wonderful things. How someone’s God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again. That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person’s eye can still prevail even after all of life’s hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George’s life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know. And one of the greatest friends you could ever have.

We miss you already, George.

Brad”

Dolly Parton:

“My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and all his family and friends.”

Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts:

“He was the greatest country vocalist that ever lived! Through the years we have all tried to emulate the passion in his voice, but no one can fill his shoes.”

Merle Haggard:

“The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen.”

Easton Corbin:

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of my all time heroes, George Jones. Georges’ music was real and he was able to touch thousands through his songs. Not only was he a great singer, but he also had the ability to make you relate to every one of his songs, no matter who you are. He and his music will remain timeless in the world of country music. My thoughts and prayers are with his family through this difficult time.”

Blake Shelton (via Twitter):

Just landed in LA. Listened to “The King Is Gone” and “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” over and over again just like always. Can’t accept it. Really REALLY bad news. We’ve lost a country music legend. And I’ve lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones…

Kelly Clarkson (via Twitter):

Sad to hear about George Jones passing. That man touched a lot of lives with his music. Thanks for setting the bar for the rest of us. #RIPGeorgeJones

Faith Hill ends time with Sunday Night Footbal

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:25:34 +0000

NFL fans who had gotten used to Faith Hill‘s Sunday Night Football opening theme might need to adjust again. The country superstar has ended her contract with the league, who is now looking for a new star for the opening credits.

Faith announced the news herself on Facebook this week, saying:

“Amazing 2 have been part of SNF — an honor. I’ve just let everyone there know it’s time 2 let someone else rock the open. Difficult decision. Kinda emotional. Love all u guys at SNF — I’ll b watching!!!”

There’s no news yet on who will be replacing her. Who would you pick to sing the Sunday Night Football theme?

Couples and Collaborations: A Look at ACM Fashion History

Jennifer Swirsky — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 02:34:43 +0000

The 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards are taking place this Sunday, April 7th, in Las Vegas. As we all know, the red carpet and stage fashion choices are some of the most talked about items when it comes to award shows. Back, due to popular demand, is our very own pre-award show fashion reminiscent feature! This time, we take a look at the couples and collaborations of ACMs past … and, boy, have there been some questionably horrific and unquestionably sensational choices in ACM history!

Couples:

There is no better way to kick this thing off than by discussing the 48th Annual ACM Awards host, Blake Shelton, and his blonde bombshell of a wife, Miranda Lambert. On their own, each of these two artists (whom we here at Keepin’ It Country just adore!) looks sensational. Blake looks absolutely dapper in his gray jacket, black shirt, and charcoal tie, while Miranda’s dress is just the perfect amount of flash to go with her shining personality. However, we believe each forgot to consider his/her own best accessory on the red carpet — each other! Silver and gold = giant no no, unless we are talking jewelry … We girls always make exceptions for jewelry!

If you have eyes, you know that Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are gorgeous and insanely talented. Talk about a couple whose children who hit the DNA lottery! However, natural beauty and undeniable talent does not always equate to great decisions. This particular ACM orange carpet appearance leaves a bit to be desired. Is Tim wearing a blazer or a fleece hoodie from Aeropostale? Is his shirt a collector’s item from “Saturday Night Fever”? And Faith looks like a flapper who found out she was hitting the orange carpet and decided to show her love for the Miami Dolphins (Fins to the left! Fins to the Right!). Questionable choices aside, these two are still smokin’, regardless of what they pull off the hangers on any given awards show Sunday!

It was really nice of Madame Tussaud’s to donate these wax figures of Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman. Oh wait, it’s really them! Nashville’s favorite Australian duo hit the red carpet at the ACMs looking fabulous. With their matching hairdos and apparent affinity for all things crushed velvet, Nicole and Keith dazzled…and probably sweated up a storm in the Las Vegas dry heat.

The Collaborations:

Rascal Flatts teamed up with cross-genre sensation, Kelly Clarkson, to sing “What Hurts the Most” at the 2006 ACMs. No question about it, the fashion choices (and stellar performance) by this collaboration surely were not hurting on this night! Ladies first — Kelly always kills it when she wears red, and this night was no exception. The plunging front shows some skin, but leaves plenty to the imagination. Kelly looks classy, comfortable, and chic on the red carpet and on the arms of country music’s popular trio. The men of Rascal Flatts look a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll in vests, blazers, and t-shirts, while sporting some chest. Here’s to you, boys! Here’s to you!

Wait, is this a country awards show? Yes, yes it is. And it looks like Jem has returned from the 1980s to investigate whether Janie really does have a gun. Steven Tyler (of Aerosmith … not of American Idol, youngsters) joined Carrie Underwood during the 2011 ACM Awards to entertain country music fans with his unparalleled voice, while Carrie, once again, showed off her incomparable leg muscles. Steven dons an all-white ensemble, including a long coat, that shows off his rocker side without leaving the country folk thinking he had gone “craaaaazy craaaaazy”. Carrie looks like she grabbed her red star earring, asked Synergy to change her into Jem so she and the Holograms could battle The Mizfits. However, because she is Carrie, and because she is a goddess, she somehow pulls off what looks like Black Swan meets Girl Interrupted flawlessly.

No, really. Is this a country awards show? Also in 2011, Rihanna joined Jennifer Nettles on stage at the ACM Awards, proving once again that different genres are becoming more and more accepting of our favorite music. Let’s start with Rihanna. Unlike Steven Tyler, Rihanna doesn’t quite pull off the all-white look. In fact, with that hairdo, she looks like a Q-Tip that was dipped in iodine (likely to soothe the pain of all of us who had to endure the length of her performance). We love Jennifer Nettles. A lot. And her outfit proves one very important thing to us…She is psychic and was foreshadowing her future as a “Duets” coach. Jennifer clearly was already planning the moment she took the stage with J. Rome to perform “You’re the One That I Want” from “Grease”. On the other hand, if she chose to break into some MC Hammer dancing in those pants, that would not be shocking either.

The Co-Host No More:

We will truly miss Reba hosting this year’s awards show. Reba has become a staple on the ACMs and, while we are excited for her that she has huge projects consuming her time, this installment of the awards will be an adjustment. Reba has had some amazing moments throughout the years, but discussing all of Reba’s awards, successes, and seamless performances is no fun; and we want to have fun! As such, here are some of Reba’s not-so-amazing fashion moments in ACM history.

Thumbs up, Reba? We think not. Bad color, bad fit, bad design. Oh, and the carpet DOES, in fact, match the drapes…

Cheeeeeese! Oh Reba, clearly someone just put a mirror in front of you for the first time right when the photographer was clicking the camera because you look like you’ve just seen a ghost. Or you really need to find the ladies’ room. And thank heavens the pixie do is no more!

We saved the best for last. We rarely render ourselves speechless, but we very well may be at a loss for words here. Considering a blog is meant for words, we will leave it at this: A picture is worth a thousand of them!

Who will we fall for and who will fall victim to us on the red carpet? Who will carry home the big awards and who will go home simply holding a flask? Whose performances will shine and who will be outshone? Don’t forget to tune in this Sunday, April 7th, at 8:00 p.m. EST on CBS to find out!

Other things to look forward to during this year’s ACMs:

Tim McGraw will perform “Highway Don’t Care” with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban;

Hunter Hayes will world premiere his new single “I Want Crazy” and then be joined later by legendary music icon Stevie Wonder;

Kelly Clarkson will perform “Don’t Rush”;

Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Hunter Hayes will perform together live from ACM Fan Jam;

Country superstar Reba will introduce the George Strait and Garth Brooks performance. As previously announced, Strait and Brooks will perform together for the first time ever to pay tribute to Dick Clark. Each will perform a version of one of their classic hits and then join together for a very special moment;

Jewel will partner with ACM Lifting Lives to perform a live mash-up of her chart-topping hit “Hands” combined with “Fill a Heart,” an original song written by singer-songwriter Tori Kelly. This special musical moment, presented by ConAgra Foods’ Child Hunger Ends Here campaign, will be performed at the 48^thANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS FAN JAM.

Keepin’ It Country Presents: Sarah Davidson

Jennifer Swirsky — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 01:59:44 +0000

Sarah Davidson, a Georgia native, grew up as one of six kids. So, naturally, Sarah had to find some way to stand out in her crowded Valdosta home. Fortunately, the solution came easily: the natural entertainer simply had to open her mouth and sing. Fast forward years later and Sarah is ready to share that fresh, powerful voice with the world and reenergize country music with a rare woman’s take on lighthearted, good-time music. Sarah’s next stop on her path to sharing her talents with country music? That would be our Keepin’ It Country Presents Stageit Stage on March 21st at 9:00 p.m. EST, and we could not be more honored to have her join us!

We just know you will love Sarah, especially all you female country music lovers out there! Sarah takes pride in her ability to reach her fans — especially the country girls. “There are so many women out there who love country music and are responding to what artists like Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean are doing. Those guys are all about living life, and I feel like that’s missing on the female side,” says Sarah, ready and willing to fill that void. “When girls hear my music, I want them to think, ‘Wow, she is just like me.’”

Sarah is always refining her craft, writing regularly with her husband and creative partner, award-winning songwriter Dallas Davidson. The pair met at a songwriters’ festival in Key West. “I’ve been writing since I was 12, so Dallas and I really connected,” Sarah says. “We work well together.” Some of the pair’s collaborations appear on Sarah’s upcoming debut album, including “Don’t Kiss Me like That,” a playful warning to a lover about what comes after that first smooch. Equally upbeat are “Crazy Good,” written by Luke Bryan, and “No Sad Songs,” a track Sarah wrote with pal Kelly Archer that sums up the unfailingly optimistic singer’s worldview: Sweep aside the negative and embrace the positive.

Sarah’s desire to pursue country music was only reinforced when she discovered the music of Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, and even Whitney Houston, whose interpretation of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” struck a chord with Sarah. “I was captivated by the emotion of those artists,” she recalls. “And the stories really attracted me.”

Now, Sarah is eager to share her own story, in songs that will resonate not only with lovers of country, but lovers of life. “I hope people feel good when they hear my songs, because that’s how I feel when I’m singing them,” she says, a brilliant smile on her face. “And that’s a wonderful thing to share.”

We are THRILLED to introduce you all to an incredible artist with an undoubtedly bright future! Please join us on Thursday, March 21st, at 9:00 p.m. EST as Sarah shares her talents with the Keepin’ It Country family! Click HERE to get your tickets for Sarah’s show!

And make sure to check out Sarah’s website, Facebook, and Twitter!

Exclusive Interview: Introducing Tiffany Houghton

Nicole Piering — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:06:31 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with country up and comer, Tiffany Houghton, while she was visiting New York. Upon meeting the Texan talent, she apologized profusely for her “messy” hotel room and excitedly told me about her adventures in the big apple.

Although she may be only nineteen, and technically, a Nashville newbie, Tiffany Houghton has always been driven by her love for music. When I asked Tiffany how she got into performing, without skipping a beat, she responded “Oh, I was born. I’ve always loved music. They say that I could sing before I could talk. I’ve always loved to perform,” She tells us. “I’d get on our kitchen counter and sing to the family. But I really got professionally into music when I was 10 and moved to NY, and did some Broadway and musicals and some acting.”

Growing up, one of her first gigs was a “dream come true” and involved performing for both the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers. “I must’ve been 11 and one of the first times I performed, this sweet old man chased me down to get my autograph, and I thought I made it. It was so fun, I LOVED that.”

Only weeks after her eighteenth birthday, the pint-sized powerhouse packed up her life and headed for Nashville. While such a decision would be hard for anyone, Tiffany knew it was what she needed to do. “I have a deep rudder. I knew no matter what happened that I always wanted to do this. I don’t think I knew that it was going to be as hard as it was those first few weeks, but I knew that it was the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do with my life.“

Today, Tiffany has called Nashville home for about 14 months, and has placed her focus squarely on country music. Since moving to Nashville, she’s been introduced to the world of co-writing, and she tells us, “I write because I can’t not write.” For such a young artist, her lyrics have an uncanny depth and power, which she says she’s drawn from real life experiences. “I’ve written in a journal since I was 7 years old, I’ve always just pulled lyrics from my stories. And I tend to be a little dramatic so it works perfectly for song writing.”

Although each song on her EP is unique and a favorite in its own right, Tiffany named “Different” as the one song people should listen to if they’re only going to pick one. “Out of all my songs, I think that’s the one people need to hear. They need to know that our differences make us beautiful and I think it’s hard to remember that all the time.”

Also on her EP, her first single “Only One.” She recalls that the song was inspired by a devastating “little high school breakup.” However, that boy (who is surely kicking himself now) proved to be a great muse and led to quite the epiphany. “I looked at the clock and it was 4:38…I came to this realization where I was like ‘he was the only one,’ and then I was like what if I said that differently like ‘wait, he’s only one.’ And I like freaked out and sped home…that song kinda wrote itself to be honest; it all spilled out.”

One highlight of the EP is the touching ballad, “Like He Treats her,” inspired by none other than Tiffany’s own parents. Now, prepare to “Awww” outloud. “My parents have always been such an inspiration to me and…my mom was 18 years old when they got married.” Tiffany says about the track. “Today, they’re so in love and they’ve been such a great example to me of what true love is. And so I wrote that song when they were leaving to go on their little Sunday walk and they were holding hands and I was just like ‘Awwww!’ I wrote it for them for their 25^th anniversary.”

Tiffany lists artists like Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Faith Hill and the Dixie Chicks as her inspiration, and we can completely hear the influences. If she could tour with anyone, she doesn’t hesitate in naming Hunter Hayes. She’s also a big fan of Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, and Luke Bryan. (Ed. Note: Who isn’t?!) “I looooooooove me some Luke Bryan.” She smiles. “He is so cute”

Tiffany has one simple message for her fans. “I love them. This year has been so wonderful to see my fans and watch my fan base grow, and see how engaged they are.” She continues, “They legitimately care about the things I have to say and my music. It’s so uplifting and they help me every day to continue pursuing this.”

As she kicks off 2013, Tiffany plans to continue to write and record music. She’ll also be releasing music and videos online while performing around Nashville. Right now she’s focusing on recording and releasing individual singles that she can’t help but share, and we can’t wait.

“When I was a kid, on weekends, my Dad and I would go pick up a new CD at Barnes & Nobles and listen to it for the next few weeks on the way to school.” Tiffany tells us. “I decided I want to be that for some little girl.” And, we think she’s well on her way.

Lightning Round:

All-time favorite country song: “Black Eyes, Blue Tears” by Shania Twain

Guilty Pleasure: Nutella

Celebrity Crush: Channing Tatum

Last Song Listened To: The new Fall Out Boy (her manager is a HUGE fan) song – “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark”

Favorite American Idol Judge: Paula Abdul…Oh, and Keith Urban!

Favorite Broadway Show: Wicked

We’d like to thank Tiffany for taking the time to talk with us! For more information on Tiffany Houghton, check out her official website, ‘like’ her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and check out her Youtube page.

Here’s Tiffany’s first single “Only One”:

Tim McGraw Finds Out Who His Friends Are

Jennifer Swirsky — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:14:27 +0000

As we found out years ago, Tim McGraw, along with country music pals, Kenny Chesney and Tracy Lawrence, found out who his friends are. Well, Tim has teamed up with those friends to create a compilation disc, entitled “Tim McGraw & Friends,” scheduled for release by Curb Records on January 22, 2013. Colt Ford helped Tim out on the track, “Twisted,” which will be the first single off the special compilation disc. The album will be exclusively available at Walmart and will include 11 individual tracks:

1. Sail On – Featuring Lionel Richie
2. Twisted – Featuring Colt Ford
3. Owe Them More Than That – Featuring Kenny Rogers
4. Me And Tennessee (from The Motion Picture Country Strong) – Featuring Gwyneth Paltrow
5. Middle Age Crazy – Featuring Jerry Lee Lewis & Jon Brion
6. Can’t Hurt A Man – Featuring Randy Travis
7. Find Out Who Your Friends Are – Featuring Tracy Lawrence
8. Cold Cold Heart – Featuring Tony Bennett
9. Milk Cow Blues – Featuring Ray Benson
10. Bring On The Rain – Featuring Jo Dee Messina
11. It’s Your Love – Featuring Faith Hill

You can pre-order your copy of “Tim McGraw & Friends” by clicking here.

Faith Hill & Tim McGraw Debut Soul2Soul in Vegas

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:34:39 +0000

Marking the first time they have performed together in six years in the U.S., superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill dazzled audiences with the kick off of “Soul2Soul” at The Venetian Theater this past weekend. Their smash filled set inside the intimate venue invites the audience to get up close and personal with McGraw and Hill as never seen before. In between solo hits like McGraw’s “Real Good Man” and Hill’s “Breathe” as well as their current singles “One Of Those Nights” and “American Heart” the powerhouse husband and wife duo deliver crowd favorites “It’s Your Love” and “Like We Never Loved At All” along with surprising covers and interactive moments with the audience. The 10 weekend limited engagement runs through April.

They aren’t the only country stars taking over Vegas the last two weeks – Canadian country superstar Shania Twain kicked off her “Still The One” dates at Cesar’s Palace this month. Which show would you travel to see?

A Look Back at AMAs Fashion

Jennifer Swirsky — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:39:16 +0000

This Sunday marks the 40th Anniversary of the American Music Awards, and when we think of decades past, we think of one thing — crazy fashion choices! So, in anticipation of this year’s big show, we decided to do a little fashion policing of our own (sorry Joan), because though the awards are really about the music, the thing that seems to get the most lasting buzz is the red carpet do’s and don’t's! Below are our staff’s picks for country music’s fashionistas and fashion faux pas in AMA history!

Our Top Five Fashionistas of the Years Past:

You can’t have a Top Five without featuring Carrie Underwood. No matter the occasion, no matter the year, Carrie always seems to find the absolute most stunning ensemble possible. This golden girl shined on the red carpet, and we have no doubt she will do the same at this year’s awards.

Remember back when Miley Cyrus was better known as Hannah Montana? We do. We also remember a time Miley had a brief stint as a country artist, recording “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” with her dad, Billy Ray. Sadly, Miley left our genre, but we haven’t forgotten her. This adorable, age-appropriate red dress had a little bit of sass and a little bit of class. Coupled with the gold accessories, Miley looked like a wholesome teenager whose alter ego was raking in the big bucks worldwide.

The man, the myth, the legend. How we miss us some Garth. There is nothing like a good ole country boy in head-to-toe black on black on black on black. Nothing screams a night of partying like a stellar black get-up. Ten bucks that the night of those awards, Garth didn’t go down till the sun came up.

At first we were kind of torn about this look…as torn as Kellie’s dress. But we have to admit, Ms. Pickler looks fantastic on the red carpet. She looks young, fun, flirty, and fabulous. Country music is typically so conservative that it is a fun change of pace to see a country artist kick it up a notch, go out on a limb, and dare to be different. Way to go, Kellie!

You know us here at Keepin’ It Country. We consider Kelly Clarkson one of ours, and in 2004, when Kelly hit the red carpet, she looked so stunning that all music fans were blown away. In this gorgeous red dress, Kelly turned heads and dropped mouths. We could not overlook this particular fashion choice of Kelly’s … the good ones are so few and far between.

Okay, now let’s have some fun! Our Top Five Fashion Faux Pas of Years Past:

Typically we would say a man in black can’t go wrong, but Tim has disproven that theory. The hat, the beard, the leather pants … Sorry, Tim, but while Garth was looking all Rico Suave in his black on black, we have to tell you that we neither liked it nor loved it on you.

Like husband like wife. Faith … what, pray tell, were you thinking? The hair, the lipstick, the pants … You look like Courtney Love wearing the decorations of a sushi restaurant. The only things that lend a little bit of credibility to this picture are the two awards in your hands!

Shania is evidently a Christina Aguilera, circa 1999, fan. Or an Aladdin fan. Either way, she is striving for the genie in a bottle look and, while she pulled that off swimmingly, this outfit is a red carpet drowner. Sad thing is, if you do a Google search for Shania on the red carpet, this is just one of many fashion crimes Ms. Twain has committed.

Maybe this was a good look back then? Maybe? I mean, this does date back to when Reba’s music videos competed with Michael Jackson’s for length. We will cut her a little bit of slack on the 1980s hair, but we cannot be as forgiving on the dress. It almost screams Little Mermaid, before The Little Mermaid was even released. Perhaps this was photo was the inspiration Disney needed? A little bit of Ariel, a little bit of under the sea, a little bit of Ursula, and a whole lot of speechlessness.

And, the worst dressed country artist at the American Music Awards, as chosen by our staff, is *drumroll* …

HILLARY SCOTT in her Magic Eye ensemble! Hillary, consider yourself arrested by this fashion police squad. We can’t even look at you for more than a split second, as we fear we will be hypnotized. This saddens us, because we are almost positive your dress is the next place someone can find a Jesus face. We just don’t want to stare long enough to prove that theory!

Who will sink and who will swim on this year’s red carpet? Who will take home the highly coveted AMA trophies and who will go home empty-handed? Whose performances will dazzle and whose performances will daze? Don’t forget to tune in this Sunday, November 18th, at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC to find out!

To watch the red carpet arrivals LIVE online, click on the video below on Sunday!

Video streaming by Ustream

Faith Hill to Premiere American Heart Music Video

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:18:46 +0000

Country music icon Faith Hill is getting set to premiere her brand new music video for her single “American Heart” on Ustream tomorrow for her fans first. The video will go live at 9 pm EST tomorrow night at Ustream.com/faithhill. It’s her first music video in nearly five years, and will be part of her live ustream broadcast which includes a behind the scenes look at the video and how it was made.

“American Heart” is available on iTunes and is out now at country radio. What do you think of Faith’s new single? Do you think it’s the right choice for a “comeback” after being out of the spotlight for so long, or do you think that Faith will be able to find her way right back on the country charts?

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill to Perform at CMA Awards

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 23:33:45 +0000

Country music’s original super-couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw will finally be performing again at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards on November 1st. Faith will perform her latest single “American Heart” during the broadcast, and Tim will preview a new song from his upcoming untitled album with Big Machine Records. They’ll later join Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum in a special tribute to country legend Willie Nelson during the award show.

Faith and Tim will be taking residency in Las Vegas with a special Soul 2 Soul stay at the Venetian. Their Vegas shows kick off December 7th. It’s the biggest musical event in the Venetian’s history, but it is limited so make sure you find a way to see their shows before its too late! Their shows will go on for ten weekends starting this December and ending April 26th.

Who else do you want to see perform at the CMAs this year? Are you going to be tuning in?