Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Sugarland

Jennifer Nettles introduces her son

Lydia Picknell — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:05:19 +0000

Congratulations to Sugarland‘s lead singer Jennifer Nettles! She announced the arrival of her son Magnus Hamilton on her official website this morning. She made the announcement on her personal blog for her fans, and even sharing the first picture of her first baby for everyone to see (which you can check out below!).

She celebrated her first Mother’s Day yesterday with her 5-month old son and her husband, Justin Miller. Magnus Hamilton Miller was born back on December 6th, 2012, and the couple did not release the news or a picture until today.

In her blog, she wrote:

“On December 6, 2012 my life was forever changed. I had a baby! Magnus Hamilton Miller was born healthy, hungry and with way more hair than I was expecting after seeing baby pictures of both me and my husband. Needless to say, especially to those of you who have children, the rhythm of my life is way different than the movement and pace before baby. In short, this baby is the boss of me.”

Read the rest of her blog post HERE on her official site.

Magnus Hamilton Miller & Jennifer Nettles.

Congratulations Jennifer and Justin! We wish you all the best with your new family.

Sugarland’s Kristian Bush releases solo music

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:10:47 +0000

Sugarland fans dying to hear some new music are in for a treat – if you live overseas. Kristian Bush has re-launched his own website and music. His brand new solo single “Love Or Money” was released in the United Kingdom and Europe this week. It’s the first solo single released by Kristian, who has been in the music business for over twenty years. The single is available for purchase on all European digital music retailers, including iTunes Europe. For fans worrying on if this means the end of Sugarland, it’s not, the pair decided to take a break from the road while Jennifer Nettles has some time to be a new mom.

Kristian Bush’s Love or Money official single cover.

Kristian released the single in the United Kingdom first since the first time he performed it was on BBC Radio. He played his first solo show at the first country music festival in England at the O2 Arena. Kristian is working on releasing the single to North America in the near future, but for now, international country music fans actually have something American and Canadian fans don’t. We are, however, able to check out the official lyric video for “Love Or Money” below, so make sure to give it a listen and let us know what you think about Kristian trying his hand at solo music:

ACM Poll: Vocal Duo of the Year

Jeanna D. — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 00:12:50 +0000

We’re moving along with our ACM polls!

Who do you want to take home “Vocal Group of the Year”?

Thompson Square won this award last year. The married duo is nominated once again alongside Big & Rich, Florida Georgia Line, Love and Theft, and Sugarland.

Vote and let us know your thoughts! We love hearing from our fellow country music fans.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Sugarland Puts Rumors To Rest

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 22:42:40 +0000

After all sorts of wacky rumors have been circulating for pretty much all of 2012, country music’s superstar duo Sugarland finally decided to make things official. They won’t be breaking up anytime soon. The group, who is made up of expecting mother Jennifer Nettles and songwriter Kristian Bush, wrapped up their innovative and very interactive “In Your Hands” tour this fall. In an exclusive interview with AOL’s The Boot, both members agreed that there is plenty more to come from Sugarland – even if they need to take things a little slower before releasing some new music.

“Jennifer and I are not finished making records. We know that,” Kristian confirms to The Boot. “We’re excited that this a great time to take a little bit of a breather because she’s got to figure out being a mom. We’ve been on the road for a very long time, so there’s no reason we shouldn’t take a little time off. You’ve got to give people space to be a parent. I’m a parent and I know what kind of adjustment that has been for me. I love her more than anything in the world, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure her life adjusts so she can become the best possible mom she can be.”

Jennifer added:

“Right now we’re both in the writing phase and I’m going to take some time with baby and figure that out, hopefully [laughs], and see what’s next musically,” Jennifer said at a recent CMA press event, echoing her bandmate’s sentiments. “We’re both writing separately and doing our separate things and seeing where that’s going to go. Then, I’m going to taking a pause for a little while to be a mom and enjoy this new little one.”

Don’t worry – fans will still be able to see the pair this week when they appear the CMA Awards this Thursday to present. The 46th Annual CMA Awards air live on ABC, beginning at 8:00 PM ET.

Sugarland’s Kristian Bush Sells Out Thanksgiving Shows

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:43:19 +0000

Sugarland‘s Kristian Bush‘s annual Thanksgiving shows have sold out! He’s once again returning to Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia, and since his show had sold out so quickly, he added a second date on November 26th. Kristian is pretty excited about the demand for his shows, and he shares:

“I’ve been a songwriter my entire life, and Eddie’s is the club where I got my start, so I’m happy to keep on playing for as long as people want to listen. I’m thrilled so many fans want to ring in their holiday season with this show that means so much to me.”

Kristian has also announced his special guests for the shows – frequent collaborator Ellis Paul and Mercury Records newcomer Canaan Smith will join him November 25th, with singer-songwriter Patrick Davis on November 26th.

Tickets for the encore show on November 26th will go on-sale on October 12th at 9 am EST through the venue’s website eddiesattic.com. Fans wanting to make it out to see Kristian better get your tickets fast – the first show sold-out almost immediately.

Kristian, an award winning songwriter, is making his third appearance on the CMA Songwriter Series when it returns to Nashville on Wednesday, Oct 31 (9:00 PM/CT) at Marathon Music Works as part of Country Music Month’s promotions and events leading up the annual CMA Awards on Thursday, Nov 1 where Bush is nominated for CMA Vocal Duo of the Year with his partner Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland.

Sugarland Inducted Into Georgia Hall of Fame

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:16:16 +0000

Congratulations to Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland! They’re on the list of 2012 inductees for the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. They’ll be formally inducted at a ceremony on October 14th in Atlanta, Georgia. The superstar country duo got their experience playing in Georgia and have always supported the local music scene back in Georgia.

The induction process is overseen by the Georgia Senate Music Industry Committee and Friends of Georgia Music Festival, Inc. which is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to nurture the Georgia music community. They also fund the annual scholarship program for students in the state known as the Georgia Music Talent Search.

Congratulations Sugarland!

Sugarland Splitting Up?

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:43:12 +0000

Could country music super-duo Sugarland be heading different ways? In an interview with Zap2it after the ABC “Duets” finale, Jennifer admitted that her and Kristian have been busy doing their own thing as solo artists. Kristian has been busy writing songs with other artists while Jennifer coached her team to a win on the first season of Duets.

In the interview, Jennifer said:

“Kristian [Bush] and I are very supportive of each other in that way,” says Nettles. “He’s been off and writing with everybody on the planet, and obviously I don’t have anything on the books right now as far as scheduled to go in, but I hope to be able to do that one day. And we both do actually, so we’ll see.”

What do you think about Kristian and Jennifer potentially going solo? Do you like them better together? Sound off in the comments below.

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles Is Pregnant!

Robyn Fleenor — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:35:20 +0000

A Sugarland baby is on the way! According to People Magazine, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles is pregnant! Gail Gellman, Sugarland’s Manager, told People Magazine that Jennifer and her husband, Justin Miller, “are thrilled beyond belief.” The Grammy award winning songstress is due in November. Congrats to Jennifer and Justin!

Kristian Bush Writes Song on New The dB’s Album

Robyn Fleenor — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:41:44 +0000

Kristian Bush, half of the country supergroup Sugarland, has co-wrote a song with Peter Holsapple, the front man in the 80’s group dB’s for the band’s first album in 30 years! The track in entitled “She Don’t Drive In The Rain Anymore” and appears on the album entitled, Falling Off The Sky, which was released today (June 12).

I was fortunate enough to get to hang out a little with Kristian Bush of Sugarland. I had a song idea that I wanted to run by him, so we sat together one afternoon on his tour bus and tossed ideas around. Kristian was able to channel his muse and encourage me to finish the song that became ‘She Won’t Drive in the Rain Anymore.’ It’s probably the most different composition on the entire Falling Off The Sky album, in terms of what people have come to expect from The dB’s songwriting over the past 35-odd years. I’m incredibly grateful to call Kristian a friend, and I’m glad we got the chance to pull this song out of the hat. – Peter Holsapple

Peter is by far one of America’s most natural and unique songwriters. I studied his albums over and over. In a lot of ways, those songs taught me how to write a pop song that never gave up and never gave in…I remember writing it and trying not to freak out, because the voice singing on the sofa across from me as we were tossing melodies and lyrics back and forth was a voice I had known since I was 14…I am convinced that the 14-year-old me locked away some dB’s melody and served it back to the man who gave it to me in the first place. I am grateful and humbled. And I am totally freaking out that there is a new dB’s album and this time, my name is in the liner notes. Dreams do come true! – Kristian Bush

Review: Duets – It Takes Two (Again)

Nicole Piering — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:48:59 +0000

Ladies and gentleman, it’s time to du-et again!

Our trusty host Quinoa is back to remind us how this show works. Except no one knows. What we do know is that a quartet of super talented ”superstars” (Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles & Robin Thicke) chose a bunch of moderately talented amateurs to sing with. The stars then score the performances on their mysterious judging tablets of doom and their partners’ faces appear on a Family Feud-esque leader board. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s start the show.

First up are Kelly Clarkson & Robin Thicke with a duet of the Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 track, “State of Shock.” Not gonna lie, this performance has me in a state of shock. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that John & Jennifer were left out, or if its Robin’s sleeveless V-neck and surprisingly lovely biceps, or the fact that lyrics to this song include the words “catatonic” and “supersonic”, but Krobin are getting a little too freaky for ABC. Seriously, Reba would not approve of this…and I think I’ve been impregnated through my television.

After a quick recap of last week that left Team Kelly at the bottom of the scoreboard and Team Jennifer’s J. Rome at the top, we’re ready to get to the “classic” duets.

John Legend and Bridget Carrington take the stage first, covering the George Michael & Aretha Franklin hit “I Knew You Were Waiting.” The only thing I remember about this girl from last week is her penchant for ginormous hoop earrings. The only thing I remember after this performance is that Robin Thicke says she looks like Skittles…and she still wears giant hoop earrings. She’s the only person who sang so far so she’s in first place.

Next, we head to rehearsals with KC and the J’s (Jordan & Jason), who aren’t too happy about being in 7th & 8th place. Jordan and her pink hair are up first with the Steven Tyler/Pink duet “Misery.” I’ve never heard the song before but for obvious reasons, I’m going to assume that Jordan is taking on the role of Pink this evening. The performance is a clear improvement over last week and shows more of Jordan’s soulfully gritty voice. For now, she nabs second place.

Jennifer and (the-robbed-of-first-place-last week) John Glosson are up next with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and it has a very strong Rascal-Flatts-meets-Sugarland vibe. John may be one of the only amateurs on this show who can truly go note for note with his mentor, and this performance proves his vocal prowess once again. The performance isn’t flawless, as some of his motions are rather distracting. Also distracting: Jennifer’s bedazzled space creature getup and the spinning giant record on stage that’s trying to hypnotize us into believing we actually like this show.

Robin Thicke and Olivia Chisholm are going to sing “Where is the Love?” and I’m expecting the Black-Eyed Peas. Instead, we get Olivia complaining that she can’t remember the lyrics when there are few actual words other than “where is the love.” Yikes, this performance is painful, and there is no love on that stage. Perhaps Robin hid it in the hideous shirt he clearly stole from the set of “Growing Pains.”

Next up is the alarmingly aloof John Legend, whose partner Johnny Gray is now as mysteriously MIA as Kelly and Jessie were during “Saved By the Bell’s” Tori episodes. He holds open auditions and narrows his new contestants down to a guy named Mario, who appears to be a Hispanic version of John Glosson, and a girl who resembles Lilo (minus Stitch, unfortunately). Ultimately he chooses Ohana and goes with Meleana Brown. The aloof one and his lovely lips hide behind the piano while his sparkly new partner riffs the heck out of “Endless Love.” The song choice is an ironic one, since Legend jumped in as a last-minute replacement for Lionel Richie. I can’t help but miss Lionel…except for the fact that John has nicer lips. Robin Thicke compares this performance to a sandwich, while Kelly and Jennifer’s comments are simply a twang-off to see who has a thicker country accent. All sandwiches aside, Lilo steals first place!

Kelly and last week’s lowest scorer, Jason, are up next, duetting on Mariah Carey & Brian McKnight’s “Whenever You Call.” With all the publicity that Kelly’s “new” body is getting lately, I’m just wondering why she didn’t change out of that unfortunate & unflattering dress. Jason has a great tone to his voice, and completely shines on the bridge of the song. His biggest weakness on this show is also his biggest strength, and that’s the mere fact that he’s tasked with performing with Kelly Clarkson’s golden vocal chords each week. He’s the most adorable and likable contestant of the group, and I have a feeling that if he makes it to the live shows, he’ll easily be grabbing America’s votes.

Last week’s top scorer, J. Rome , is up next, performing “You’re the One that I Want” from Grease with Jennifer Nettles. Although I feel like this performance is more suited for Robin Thicke’s hair and hip-thrusting, Jennifer and J. Rome are convincing as a sort of unconventional Danny & Sandy. With J. Rome rocking his varsity jacket and Jennifer dressed like some sparkly version of Ursula from “The Little Mermaid”, this performance is cheesier than the dairy aisle at Whole Foods, but it works in a weird way. While J. Rome is a far cry from my usual country-boy cowboy crushes, I have a huge crush on his swagger (but not his birth mark.) J. Rome ties Lilo for first place and it’s safe to say that we have our clear front-runner.

Last up is Alexis Foster, whose performance I couldn’t stand last week. This week, she awkwardly holds her microphone like an ice cream cone and forgets to wear pants while singing “You’re All I Need to Get By,” (Fun fact, Kelly Clarkson sang this on the first live show of American Idol before Simon even liked her). The human version of Jimmy Neutron, Robin, is on his third outfit of the night (a silky white blazer that makes him look like a creepy ice cream man), and he has a distracting gold microphone. He also has the weakest and most unlikable team, but somehow Alexis and her no-pants-dance rank in 6th place.

Quidditch reminds us that our first amateur will get the boot at the end of next week with 2 of them facing off in something mysterious and ominous called the “Duets Showdown.” Then, somewhere in the future where Jennifer Nettles’s space vests are considered normal, America will get to vote. Huh? This show has the worst voting system since Florida in the 2000 Presidential Election.

With that said, we love the cheese…Bring on Episode 3 and the ominous Duets Showdown!