Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Reba McEntire

Oklahoma country stars reflect on tornado

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:07:46 +0000

Our thoughts remain with Oklahoma and the victims of the tornado earlier this week. Country music stars are also reflecting and praying for the region after an EF 5, the highest rating a tornado can receive, touched down in the region.

Toby Keith said:

“This storm has devastated the community that I grew up in. I rode my bike through those neighborhoods. I have family and friends in Moore. My heart and prayers go to those that have lost so much. But Moore is strong and we will persevere. God be with you all.”

Krystal Keith:

“Please pray for my Okie’s today and in the coming days. I am devastated to watch the footage from afar. Feeling pretty helpless today.”

Carrie Underwood:

“I’m thinking about and praying for my beautiful home state and the people in it tonight. Growing up in Tornado Alley, you always know what could happen. It doesn’t change how devastating it is when something does happen. #pray.”

Miranda Lambert:

“Pray. That’s all we can do. Pray for peace for Oklahoma.”

Blake Shelton:

“Just landed in LA and hearing about all the tornados in Oklahoma right now… Get somewhere safe!”

See more reactions below:

Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts:

“My thoughts & prayers are with my home state of Oklahoma. May God’s love & grace be with all affected by these horrible storms.”

Reba McEntire:

“All my prayers go out to the folks in Oklahoma dealing with these tornados. Stay safe everyone!”

Ronnie Dunn:

“Stopped to spend the night in Shawnee, Okla. Just woke up to another tornado hitting Moore. Right in front of it! We got out just before it hit. Those poor people. We will help when and where we can.”

Reba’s Malibu Country cancelled

Lydia Picknell — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:53:36 +0000

Sad news this weekend for Reba McEntire and “Malibu Country” fans. ABC has announced that they will not air a second season of the comedy, and has cancelled what was once named their highest-rated freshman comedy series of 2012. The series aired 18 episodes on its one and only season on ABC. The show followed the story of Reba’s character, a country singer, who had uprooted her family following her divorce from Nashville to Malibu, California. She was trying to keep her career going while raising two kids.

“Malibu Country” was Reba’s return to television after her show “Reba” had run from 2001 to 2007. “Reba” still gets airtime today on multiple stations, including CMT Canada. The show had guest appearances from stars like Blake Shelton, Laura Bell Bundy, and more. Martina McBride and Kelly Clarkson had both previously expressed their interest in wanting to guest star on the sitcom as well.

ABC will be renewing Nashville, which has become a mega-hit for the station, so country music won’t be completely gone.

Are you sad to see the loss of “Malibu Country”? Did you get the chance to watch it while it was on-air?

Kelly Clarkson takes on Clive Davis

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:56:52 +0000

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.

Tweet To Find Out Blake Shelton’s ACM Awards Mystery Co-Host!

Jennifer Swirsky — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 02:13:16 +0000

For the first time in years, Reba McEntire will not be hosting the ACM Awards (due to a jam-packed schedule between her television show and other projects). However, as they say in show biz, the show must go on, and it will do so with Blake Shelton on the stage as a co-host. Yes, I said “co-host,” which means Blake will be sharing the stage with another artist.

It would be absolutely remiss of anybody to assume that Blake would openly tell the masses who his co-host will be without causing us all to jump through some hoops! As such, those involved with the ACM Awards are keeping Blake’s co-host a secret until they receive 25,000 tweets through the official ACM Awards website. To have your hand in helping reveal Blake’s co-host for the 2013 ACM Awards, click here so you can tweet the official Twitter message and have your tweet count toward the 25,000 requirement.

And watch the video below to hear Blake talk a bit about this year’s ACM Awards and his mystery co-host.

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

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Cherie Oakley

Jennifer Swirsky — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:23:40 +0000

Did you watch the first season of “The Voice”? Have you ever heard the Reba McEntire #1 hit song “Turn On the Radio”? Were you tuned in when Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill debuted their new song, “Don’t Rush,” on the 46th Annual CMA Awards? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, our latest interviewee should be no stranger to you!

She’s a little bit of Pop, a little bit of Country, and a whole lot of talent…Her name is Cherie Oakley and we were lucky enough to sit down with her and talk about songwriting, song recording, song performing, and some of the incredible artist encounters she has experienced in her musical career so far!

KIC: For those readers who may be ‘meeting’ you for the first time in this blog, can you give us a little bit of a back story as to how you became a singer/songwriter/reality TV contestant?

Cherie: Loaded question, but here goes! I grew up singing with my family as well as singing solo. I did a lot of musical theater, country music festivals, banquets, weddings pretty much anywhere I could. I got my first manager at age 5 in NYC and began auditioning for television and films as well. I moved to Nashville in 2002 and that’s when I decided I wanted to focus on developing my skills as a songwriter. I sang demos around town and wrote whenever I wasn’t working a desk job. I toured as a BGV [Background Vocalist] for different artists for a little over 5 years when I got my first song cut. With the songs success I was able to pull off the road and focus more seriously on my dreams as a solo artist and songwriter. That’s when I heard about The Voice and auditioned (last minute) via skype, sitting in my kitchen.

KIC: How would you describe your musical style?

Cherie: Pop/Country

KIC: We know that you are currently hard at work on your first solo album (and we cannot wait to hear what you are working on!), but let’s talk about your first hit song. What was the song? Who recorded it? Where were you when you first heard it on the radio? How did you feel in that moment?

Cherie: My first song ever cut was “Turn On The Radio” by Reba McEntire and it went #1. LOTS of pressure when you come out of the gate with all of that! I don’t remember where I was when I first heard it on the radio … I do remember when I first heard it though … it was in a studio during its final mix … It was extremely surreal … My favorite time to hear it is when I am shopping somewhere … I still get all giddy and overwhelmingly thankful!

KIC: When you are writing songs, from where do you draw your inspiration? Do you prefer writing alone or with someone else?

Cherie: I don’t like writing alone actually … I come up with ideas all the time alone and I’ll finish a song I co/wrote alone but I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with other people. Sitting in a room with a songwriter who is unbelievably creative inspires me to think outside of the box … to try new things. It’s an amazing experience to bounce ideas back and forth and come up with something you know you couldn’t have alone. AND it’s just more fun!

KIC: Do you typically have an idea in mind, write the song, and then shop around for someone to record it, or do you write with a particular artist in mind and gear your work toward that person?

Cherie: I try to come up with a couple of ideas, both melody and overall subject matter before I go into a writing appointment. I write sometimes knowing certain artists are about to go in and record but I always write something I myself would say, or would like to sing …

KIC: You recently tweeted that you sang background on Kelly Clarkson’s new country song “Don’t Rush” (featuring Vince Gill) and performed “Don’t Rush” on the CMAs. How did you score that gig? How awesome was it to sing on such a highly coveted awards show?

Cherie: I’ve been blessed enough to stay in town and work on various records as a background singer as well as write. I was called by Dann Huff (the producer of that song) to sing BGV’s on the record. I knew ahead of time that the song would be performed on the CMA’s but figured Kelly’s touring background singer would sing my part live. Fortunately and unfortunately her background singer was unable to make it last minute due to the hurricane in NY. I was called on Tuesday to sing at the CMA’s which were on Thursday. There was no time to rehearse or anything, but that was ok, everyone knew I already knew the song because I recorded it. So, I just showed up, hung out with Kelly, her band and management team for a while and then hit the stage! It was an absolute blast! Of course I was a fan of Kelly’s voice (who isn’t?) and her music (again, who isn’t?) but I was BLOWN AWAY by her adorable and incredibly down to earth personality. I’ve worked with so many artists that I’ve learned what not to do from, but I thought, “wow, an artist I could actually learn what TO DO from!” You have no idea how refreshing it was. I adore her. I had a blast … Honored to be there.

KIC: Alright, you have had one of your songs (“Turn On the Radio”) recorded by the Queen of Country Music, Ms. Reba McEntire. What goes through a songwriter’s head when she finds out that one of the most notable vocalists in country music history has chosen to record her song?

Cherie: Well, this was also my first cut so many many things went through my mind. Reba called and asked me personally if she could have the song because she knew it was originally written for me (when I had a record deal). The entire experience was completely surreal! Reba has been an inspiration to me since I was a little girl … She was warm and friendly and it seemed oddly familiar. You talk to her and somehow you feel like you’ve known her for years. She has that way about her. She’s amazing. The entire experience I know will never happen quite like that again. It was one of those “God things” I like to say …

KIC: Speaking of Reba, you are also a background vocalist on the theme song for “Malibu Country.” Should we expect to see you guest starring on that show in some capacity anytime in the near future?

Cherie: Expect? No, probably not. But hey, you never know! This life has proven far too crazy for me to ever count anything out all together.

KIC: Segues are easy when we are interviewing someone with so much involvement in the entertainment world! While we are on the subject of television, let’s talk about your stint on “The Voice” and as a member of “Team Christina.” What is your best memory of that experience?

Cherie: I do have some good memories with Christina, but none that didn’t involve a full crew, mics and television cameras … The memories that come to mind to me first are the ones with the friends I made … Mostly with my roomie Casey Weston (who is an awesome artist by the way!). We would just make each other laugh until we cried sometimes! Those are my favorite memories and the ones I miss the most.

KIC: If you could work with anyone in music, who would be your dream collaboration? If you could write for anyone in music, who would be your dream artist to record one of your original songs?

Cherie: Well, this answer will change in the future I’m sure, but for right now … I would love to write with Taylor Swift. I’m a big fan of her writing, although she would NOT need me at all! I’d love to write a song that Adele would sing … I LOVE her voice! And I would love to write a song for/with Kelly Clarkson. After just working with her, I’m just over the moon about her!

KIC: As we mentioned above, you are finishing up your first solo album and anticipate having it fully recorded within the next month. What can we expect to hear from you?

Cherie: More songs like “Turn On The Radio” and good ballads too. I like my music to be fun and put people in a good place emotionally. I want to be careful not to get too heavy. If I write something that’s pretty dark or heavy I want to be sure to have enough fun rockin’ stuff to balance it out.

KIC: Did you have a hand in writing every track on your album, or did you come across a song or two from another songwriter that you just could not turn down once you heard it?

Cherie: I did not write every song on my album. I did co/write most. There are some on there that I heard and I thought, “I gotta have that song!” I think every artist who is also a songwriter needs to always be open to listening to other songwriters songs as well.

KIC: When do you anticipate your solo album will be released?

Cherie: Hoping to have it done by the end of this month, or before Christmas at the latest.

Keepin’ It Country Quick-Fire Round:

1. Who’s your celebrity crush?

Cherie: I don’t really believe in celebrity crushes because I’m married and we are both in the business and will probably end up meeting that person one day! I do still have a crush on my hubby though! Does that count?

2. All-time favorite country song?

Cherie: “Smile”

3. The Voice…be honest…are you “once Team Christina always Team Christina”?

Cherie: Nope

4. Guilty pleasure?

Cherie” “American Horror Story” on FX

5. Facebook or Twitter?

Cherie: Facebook

Since it’s the holiday season:

6. Dark meat or white meat?

Cherie: White

7. Open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Cherie: Both depending on when we visit family or vice versa

8. Winter Wonderland or beach holiday?

Cherie: Beach baby!

9. New Years Eve – go out or stay in?

Cherie: Stay in – I’m a homebody!

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Cherie for taking the time to sit down and talk to us about her experiences. It was an honor and a privilege to get to know more about such a phenomenally talented musician! For more information on Cherie, you can check her out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cherieoakleymusic and Twitter at @cherieoakley.

Keep checking back here for the latest on Cherie’s upcoming projects! And for a sneak peek at the incredible vocals you are sure to find on Cherie’s solo album, take a look at this video of her performing “We’ve Got Tonight”:

Reba’s “Malibu Country” Draws Huge Numbers

Jennifer Swirsky — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 01:25:22 +0000

After the success of Reba McEntire‘s first sitcom, “Reba,” it should come as no surprise that the superstar’s sophomore situation comedy project has already taken off and made huge strides!

“Malibu Country” premiered on Friday night in the 8:30pm time slot on ABC and drew in 8.9 million viewers. Reba’s new show is about a Nashville-stationed country singer (cleverly named Reba) who finds out her husband has been cheating on her. As a result, she picks up her life and moves herself and her children to Southern California in an attempt to start over. “Malibu Country” also stars Lily Tomlin and Sara Rue. Plus, rumor has it we will be seeing Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson making cameos soon enough!

Tune in on Friday night at 8:30pm to check out ABC’s next biggest hit show!

Calling All Kelly Clarkson Country Critics!

Jennifer Swirsky — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:28:04 +0000

If you are a frequent visitor of this website, you know that the staff here recognizes, appreciates, and, well, flat out loves us some Kelly Clarkson. We have always embraced her as a country music stepchild and, now, country music itself has made it more official and has clearly adopted her into their family. However, it seems that some country music fans out there are struggling with the genre’s “newcomer.” We would love to say we understand the conundrum, but we don’t. Maybe it is because we know Kelly’s relationship with country music isn’t nearly as new as people may believe. In fact, to us, it was only a matter of time before pop-rock, man bashing Kelly turned the corner and embraced her musical roots. So, for all of you nay-sayers out there, we have compiled a Top 10 list to show you just why Kelly Clarkson going country makes perfect sense.

1. Before Kelly even auditioned for Idol, she locked herself in a closet with a tape recorder, aka her “music studio,” and recorded demos to send to record labels in hopes of getting herself a gig. One of those demos was her rendition of “To Make You Feel My Love.” Kelly recorded it around the time Garth Brooks released his own version, which was featured in the film “Hope Floats.”

2. When Kelly won Idol, she was given the opportunity to hit the stage and sing a duet with HER idol, Ms. Reba McEntire. This was six years before the two would hit the road together and tour the United States (and ten years before Kelly practically joined Reba’s family). Even back in 2002, Kelly’s fans knew that, eventually, their girl would go country. Very few can hold their own with Reba, and Kelly didn’t just hold her own — she made us ask Linda Davis who?! (Sorry Hillary [Scott] … no disrespect to your mama!)

3. Starting in 2004, Kelly hit the road on her own tour and it became the norm for her to cover other artists’ songs as part of her set. During her “fair tour” of ’04, Kelly added Reba’s hit “Why Haven’t I Heard From You?” Kelly has covered this song many times on stage — both on her own tour and during television specials. It doesn’t get much more country than this, folk!

4. Back on tour she goes, and back to the covers as well! In 2005, Kelly introduced her fans to an up and coming country group, Rascal Flatts, when she added “I’m Movin’ On” to her set list. She introduced the song by explaining that the lyrics described her life perfectly … and her vocals fit the song perfectly as well.

5. Speaking of Rascal Flatts, the group obviously found something special in Kelly, because they asked her to join them on stage in 2006 to perform their huge hit “What Hurts the Most” at the ACM Awards. If one of the hottest groups in the history of country music can see Kelly’s niche for country music, why can’t you?

6. When do you know you have really made it in music? Easy. When your childhood idol not only performs with you as a favor on stage, but decides several years down the road that a song you wrote (when you were sixteen, mind you) and put on your own album is a song she, too, wants to record. Wait, not only does she want to record your song because it is incredible, but she wants you to lend your vocals to it and make it a duet. That’s right, oh skeptical ones, Reba didn’t let Kelly sing HER song, it is quite the contrary! Are you a believer yet?

7. Ring ring goes the phone, and yet another hot country act asks for Kelly’s involvement in his/her own music. You all might have heard of Jason Aldean, the man who sells out every show, be it in an amphitheatre or stadium. Like Rascal Flatts and Reba, Jason realized the pipes on the little small town Texan and invited her to join him on a song for his album. “Don’t You Wanna Stay?” became a huge hit and is still played on country music stations as if it is brand new to the airwaves. Hmmm … we are now up to three very credible country acts who not only embraced Kelly’s talent, but reeled her in for her involvement in country music. Interesting…

8. Kelly evidently started to realize how much the country community loves having her around, as she decided to remake her own song, the first single off her last album “Stronger,” called “Mr. Know It All.” The track has a smooth vibe on her album with just the right amount of attitude and is far from country sounding … and then it was redone. Enter strings. “Mr. Know It All” took on a whole new life, complete with an acoustic sound and a bit of a twang in the vocals. The track was not only released on iTunes, but worked its way to radio and the Top 40 countdown. Looks like Kelly is starting to break free of her role as country duet girl and make her way toward country soloist, huh?

9. Appropriately, Kelly recently moved to Nashville. Coincidence? We think not. Kelly also wrapped up her latest North American tour in Nashville, where she covered a song in memory of her guitarist, Aben Eubank’s, uncle who recently passed away. What song did Kelly choose? “Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill. Call this foreshadowing perhaps, as Kelly covered a Vince Gill song in Music City in front of an audience filled with her fans and musical peers. Number 10 on our list might shine some light on what type of hint Kelly could have been giving us.

10. Vince Gill resurfaces, and this time Kelly isn’t covering him. She’s singing WITH him. Kelly’s latest single, “Don’t Rush,” features Vince Gill during the chorus and has a smooth, jazz vibe coupled with the perfect amount of country to get this girl an invitation to perform (with Vince Gill) at the 46th Annual Country Music Association Awards.

To wrap this up, while we would love to go on and on and continue to explain to all of you who doubt that Kelly belongs in country music just how very misguided you are, we will take a step back and let you watch these ten videos that speak volumes. Need we say more?

Blake Shelton To Tape Christmas Special with Special Guests in Los Angeles

Nicole Piering — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:55:25 +0000

Earlier this week, we told you that Blake Shelton was offering one lucky fan an exclusive opportunity to fly to Los Angeles to attend a private television taping with Mr. Shelton himself. We’ve learned that Blake will be joined by Miranda Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire and his mom, Dorothy Shackleford, at this taping, which just may get attendees into the holiday spirit a little early this year. The special will air on NBC (Date TBA), and is entitled “Blake Shelton’s Not So Family Christmas Special.”

Expect to hear songs from Blake’s Holiday album, Cheers, It’s Christmas, which features all those lovely ladies. They technically may all not be Blake’s family, but we have to laugh, as he’s enlisted his wife, his mom, and his manager’s step-mom and girlfriend. I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty dang “family” to me!

Reba McEntire Making TV Rounds Next Week

Lydia Picknell — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 20:59:25 +0000

Good news for Reba McEntire fans who have been missing seeing her on television lately! The country queen will be all over television next week as she promotes her new show “Malibu Country.” Her media blitz actually kicks off tonight on ABC’s All-Access country special, where she sits down with Katie Couric for a country music edition of the in-depth interview program. It airs tonight at 9 pm EST.

Next on Reba’s schedule is a stop by LIVE with Kelly & Michael tomorrow morning. Check your local listings for the exact air time of tomorrow’s episode. On Thursday, November 1st, the Valory Music Co’s superstar will make an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America as they broadcast live from downtown Nashville, the same day the CMA Awards will be held at Bridgestone Arena. During her GMA appearance, she’ll perform the new theme song for “Malibu Country” and two other songs at 7 am EST. She’ll also be presenting an award during the CMA Awards broadcast, which will also air on ABC.

Reba will then make a special online stream available for her fans on Friday, November 2nd at 5 pm CST on UStream as she counts down the series debut of “Malibu Country” later that night. Fans can RSVP to the live chat at ustream.tv/reba. When the show finally airs at 8:30 pm EST on ABC, she’ll continue the fan interaction with live Tweets along with her fans during the episode. Make sure you follow Reba @Reba to join the live Tweeting!

She’ll also make a stop by The Chew on Tuesday, November 6th at 1 pm EST on ABC. Will you be tuning in to “Malibu Country” when it airs next week?