andPOP » Country

Demi Lovato Is Trading Her Mercedes for a Horse

andPOP Staff — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:31:59 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Demi Lovato is trading her Mercedes for a horse – okay that was a tad over exaggerated. However, Lovato is definitely going country. She posted on Twitter that she is experimenting with country music.

“Wrote my first country song today. ” she wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

“I like to experiment with my music,” she told MTV News. “Someday, I joke around, but I’m actually pretty serious about coming out with a country album. I want to do everything. I love music and I love all types of music.”

Her latest album “Unbroken” has been a smash hit. If she starts going country, Taylor Swift better watch out.

Carrie Underwood Mocks Kim Kardashian at Country Music Awards

Natalia Buia — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:20:22 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

American Idol turned country star Carrie Underwood teamed up with veteran country crooner Brad Paisley to mock the big divorce of 2011.

The two were on stage presenting an award with Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet. Brad busted out the guitar and all three began singing about the failed reality show marriage.

“I’m going to love you forever, or 72 days Amen. I’m going to love you for 20 million dollars, for a hit TV series or pics in Us Weekly, for 72 Days, Amen,” they sang.

They also made fun of Justin Bieber’s baby dilema and Taylor Swift’s dating life. I’m no fan of country music or award shows, but I am a fan of public defamation. This was probably the highlight of the entire award show.

Look at the video posted below. The fun begins at the 5:40 minute mark!

Shania Twain Announces Las Vegas Residency

Christian Allaire — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:20:32 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Shania Twain is taking up residency in Las Vegas, reports CTV.

After a long hiatus from singing, Twain plans to perform a two-year residency at Caesars Palace beginning in 2012.

“I will call Celine (Dion) — somebody should warn her now,” Twain joked at a news conference in Las Vegas. ”I think Celine will be very insightful and very helpful.”

Since taking up residency in Vegas is always a great boost for careers and proved so with fellow Canadian singer Dion, Twain is hoping it will help her kickstart her singing as well. Her career came to a halt after her marriage ended with producer Robert Lange.

Tickets will reportedly range from $55-250 and went on sale Wednesday evening.

“I’m beyond excited,” said Twain. ”I feel like I’m on the top of the world. Honestly, I feel like I’ve climbed a very giant mountain and I’m just standing right on top with my arms open wide.

“This is really beautiful, really lovely, I’m very excited today.”

Good for her! I always said taking up residency in Vegas would be great for her, so I’m glad she made the smart decision. Not only can she spend time with her family on a stable schedule, but she will routinely get back into performing. I look forward to her return.

Willie Nelson Settles Marijuana Case, To Pay $500 Fine

Christian Allaire — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:44:15 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Willie Nelson has settled a marijuana case in court, reports TMZ.

After cops found marijuana on Wilson’s tour bus last year, the country singer has since struck a plea deal in the case and will only have to pay a $500 fine.

If Wilson stays out of trouble for 30 days, the judge will dismiss the case entirely.

Nelson was originally charged with marijuana possession, but has now worked out a deal with prosecutors in which they agreed to reduce the charge in exchange for a no contest plea. Nelson’s lawyer, Joe Turner, said “Willie is glad to have it all behind him. Everyone was very fair.”

And nobody is shocked. Weed to Willie Nelson is like, just part of his soul. He’s earned the right to do whatever he wants. He’s a legend!

‘American Idol’ Winner Scotty McCreery’s New Song Leaks

Christian Allaire — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:18:43 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

American Idol’ winner Scotty McCreery’s newest song has leaked, reports E Online.

The track, ‘Out of Summertime,’ is a relaxed country song that is rumoured be the follow-up to his current hit ‘I Love You This Big.’

McCreery won ‘Idol’ this year against Lauren Alaina, and won over judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson.

The song is a little dull, but it’s perfect for summer and country lovers. I think it suits him perfectly.

Listen to the track below!

Lady Antebellum Set September Release Date For New Album

Christian Allaire — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:44:59 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Lady Antebellum has set a September release date for their new album, reports Billboard.

The country group will release their highly anticipated third album, ‘Own the Night,’ on September 13.

“We’ve spent the last year, year and a half writing for it, and we’re really proud,” Charles Kelley said.

The album’s first single ‘Just a Kiss’ debuted just last month, which fans hailed a great follow-up to their original smash ‘Need You Now.’

“We’re just excited. With the first single debuting in the top 10, we never expected that, so hopefully off to a good start,” says Kelley. “You never know until it gets out there with the fans. We feel good about it, but they’ll let us know if they like it or not.”

I’m sure fans across the nation will enjoy it, Kelley. The group is really unique, so I hope they stick around for a really long time and continue making hits.

Shania Twain To Release New Single On June 12

Christian Allaire — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:19:58 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Shania Twain will be releasing a new single after a long hiatus, reports CTV.

The Canadian country singer will release her new single, titled ‘Today is Your Day,’ on June 12.

The song will first make an appearance on her new reality TV show ‘Why Not? With Shania Twain,’ which is featured on Oprah Winfrey’s network ‘OWN,’ and then will then be available on iTunes at 11 p.m. ET.

Twain has been missing from the music scene for quite a while now, after taking a long hiatus following the nasty split between her and former husband Robert Lange. This will be the first song Twain has written solo in six years.

Many, including myself, are excited for her return to music. I’m glad she took some personal time and found happiness again, so I couldn’t pick a better time for her to bounce back and return with full force!

Haley Reinhart Eliminated On ‘American Idol,’ Scotty McCreery To Face Lauren Alaina

Christian Allaire — Fri, 20 May 2011 17:11:29 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Fan-favourite Haley Reinhart was surprisingly eliminated last night on ‘American Idol,’ leaving many fans confused and angry.

Fans must now get ready for an all-country music showdown on the ‘Idol’ season finale. Country singers Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina are now to duke it out next week, after the raspy-voiced Reinhart was eliminated from the singing competition on Thursday night.

Before announcing Reinhart’s elimination, Ryan Seacrest boasted to the crowd that this week’s voting numbers reached 95 million, the largest sum of any non-season finale in ‘Idol’s’ history. Maybe she wasn’t a fan-favourite, after all. But I do know many who are pissed about it.

For her farewell song, the Wheeling, Ill. native returned to Elton John’s ‘Bennie and the Jets,’ which she’d performed earlier this season.

The Pussycat Dolls leader Nicole Scherzinger performed last night, with an assist from 50 Cent on her single ‘Right There,’ as well as Italian tenor trio Il Volo with ‘O Sole Mio.’

Who do you think will win the top prize? I have a feeling that McCreery’s going to win it, just because he’s so unique and different than any other past winners.

Shania Twain’s Divorce Caused Her To Lose Voice

Christian Allaire — Mon, 09 May 2011 17:43:33 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Country music star Shania Twain bares all in her new memoir, revealing that the end of her 14-year marriage caused her to lose her singing voice.

In the new book, titled ‘From This Moment On,’ Twain shares that her inability to express her feelings finally caught up with her and affected her ability to sing.

“I’m going to have to go through some very serious physiotherapy and recovery to be able to sing again,” Twain told ‘Canada AM’ co-hosts Beverly Thomson and Seamus O’Regan today.

It’s been three years since Twain, 45, ended her marriage to Robert Lange, 62. The split came after Twain learned Lange had fallen for her best friend and close confidante, Marie-Anne Thiebaud. That’s just plain awful.

“It wasn’t difficult to write this book. It was difficult to share it with the public,” said Twain. ”I’m sure I’m not the only one in the world who has gone through the things I’ve gone through. I know I’m not alone.”

In the memoir, Twain writes how she was “freezing cold all the time” and would take five hot baths a day just to warm up. Even then, Twain would “wear a winter coat” over her pajamas.

After she learned of the affair, Twain recounts how she felt chilled to the bone yet she was dripping in sweat for one long, dark, week. She writes that she was “forcing the pain out of my pores so I wouldn’t drown in it.”

Twain is no stranger to heartache, unfortunately. She grew up in Timmins, Ont., in a household rife with financial difficulties and arguments. Twain’s mother battled depression, but was the driving force behind Twain’s music career. ”In the more desperate times she pushed me because she needed it more than I did,” said Twain.

Twain eventually married Thiebaud’s ex-husband, Frederic, on January 1, 2011 in Puerto Rico. Kind of ironic, but I’m glad she found happiness.

Since she disappeared for such a long time, I’m glad she’s making her triumphant return in a stable state. Hopefully she’ll regain her voice and make more music – Canada misses her!

Taylor Swift Turns Rehearsals Into Charity Event

Christian Allaire — Sat, 07 May 2011 15:30:01 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Only Taylor Swift could turn rehearsals into charity gold.

The country/pop star will give fans an early taste of her upcoming ‘Speak Now’ Tour for a very good cause, reports MTV News.

The singer announced on Friday that she will allow fans to buy tickets to the final dress rehearsal of her tour to benefit communities devastated by tornadoes in the South in late April. Swift has been preparing for her upcoming tour over the past five weeks at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, which will be the site of the ‘Speak Now … Help Now’ benefit.

“I was watching the coverage of the tornadoes backstage at rehearsals, and I wanted to do something for the families affected by the damage,” Swift told the Associated Press. “I’ve never opened a rehearsal to the public before, but I felt that inviting my fans to the last rehearsal for the Speak Now Tour would be a great way to raise money.”

The songstress added that the benefit will be different from her other live appearances, and she is still hammering out the kinks of the production.

“We will probably still be doing some fine-tuning to the show that night, since this will be a true rehearsal, but I feel like it is so important for me and my fans to help if we can,” she said.

Swift’s ‘Speak Now’ Tour is set to kick off May 27 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Grammy-winning superstar also just unveiled her latest video, ‘Mean,’ which can be viewed below.

What a sweetie, that Swift is. I’m sure she’ll raise a lot of money over this, as every fan that I know is an absolutely-100-per-cent-crazy-pay-any-price-for-tickets fan, so I’m sure she’ll have no problem selling tickets for this event.

‘The Rock’ To Play Country Legend

Christian Allaire — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:25:24 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Well this is certainly a different role for him.

The Rock, otherwise known as Dwayne Johnson, is preparing to produce and star in biopic of black country music star Charley Pride, reports Variety.

The former wrestler will produce alongside Dany Garcia, Idol judge Randy Jackson and Pride’s manager John Daines. The film is in association with Sony ATV Music Publishing.

Pride is a Country Music Hall of Famer, has charted more than three dozen No. 1 singles, and has sold more than 70 million records.

The Rock is currently starring in Universal’s “Fast Five,” which opens this weekend, and is starring in New Line’s “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.” He hasn’t ever really done a serious, dramatic role, so this will be a first for him.

I’m a little skeptical about this. I’ve never seen him in this kind of role, so I can’t judge if he will be able to pull it off or not. This kind of role can either be a career-changer or career-ender, so let’s hope its the first. Prove us wrong, Rock.

Lady Gaga Releases Country Version of “Born This Way”

Christian Allaire — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:10:15 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Among taking inspirations from the 80s, GoGo girls, rock and roll culture and countless others, it seems Lady Gaga is getting inspired by jean jackets and cowboy hats – specifically country music.

Yes, you heard right. On Thursday night, Lady Gaga released a new reworked version of her smash hit “Born This Way” - and it features bluesy guitars, harmonicas and brash drumming.

After tweeting her Little Monsters that she was preparing to release ”Born This Way (The Country Road Version),” which can be heard below, Gaga dropped the song at midnight PT on Friday (March 25) via her Twitter account.

The song has a more laid-back feel, and she switched around some harmonies and beats. The song still has the same message, but takes on a more casual and soulful feel. Just before the three-minute mark, Gaga even mixes in some new lyrics, singing “if I wanna make it country, baby, then it’s OK, cuz I was born, I was born, I was born this way,” over picked mandolin. “From London, Paris, Japan back to USA/ I was born on the road, I was born to be brave.”

Meanwhile, according to Billboard Hot 100, the original version has reached its sixth week in a row at #1 in the charts this week.

Earlier this week, Gaga also revealed that she’s almost done recording her Born This Way album, telling fans via Twitter “In Nebraska, finishing up record today … I’m so proud of the album: I keep dancing+drinking: metal/techno rock journey of a woman on the run.”

I really like this version of the song. I’m not a huge country fan, but leave it to Gaga to make it hot. People often forget that she has a great voice, and this song really showcases her range. Unlike her other songs, it takes aside all the spectacle and just delivers a raw, talented performance. I don’t know if Gaga will continue exploring the country route, but if she is able to maintain her signature presence, I’m all for it.

Cher to go Country for Next Album?

Christian Allaire — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 18:01:27 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Digital Spy is reporting that Cher is going country for her next album. What?

Country music producer Mark Bright has confirmed that he will be working on a new album with Cher in the near future. Bright has worked with numerous country acts, and is known as one of the masterminds behind all three of Carrie Underwood’s studio albums.

When asked about working with Cher, he told Silk and Denim Music: “Cher knows that her listeners also listen to country music, so she felt it was a natural thing to develop a country music relationship.”

The album would be the first solo effort from Cher since 2001′s Living Proof. That’s a decade!

The star has recently appeared in the film and soundtrack for “Burlesque” alongside Christina Aguilera. Although Cher won a Golden Globe for the song ‘You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me’ from the film’s soundtrack, she failed to win an Oscar.

Cher is such an icon, and I can guarantee that her dedicated fans will follow her no matter what music path she decides to embark on, but country? Really? I guess her deep, crooner voice would fit with the genre, but I just have such an image of Cher as this electronic disco diva that I find it hard to picture her in a cowboy hat.

Props to her for trying something new, though. Unlike Avril Lavigne or the Backstreet Boys, who have been doing this forever without a change in style, at least Cher is taking a risk. And I like risk-taking. Yeehaw, Cher, Yee-haw.

Gwenyth Paltrow’s Record Deal is Not Real…Yet.

Elisheva Baer — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:27:00 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Despite her not-so-noteworthy performance at the Academy Awards, E! Online reports that many record labels have been trying to court this blonde into signing a record deal of her own, following in hubby Chris Martin’s musical footsteps. I don’t know about you guys, but I’d love for her to put out an album!

The most recent rumour of them all is that Gwyneth Paltrow has signed a $900,000 record deal with Atlantic Records to create an album that the New York Post classified as “country pop”. I hate to burst your bubbles – well, I mostly hate to burst mine – but E! Online has said that this statement is false, and that Paltrow has not yet closed any deals with a record company.

Thanks a lot, New York Post, for getting my hopes up!

But apparently there is still hope – E! Online goes on to say that it is not a matter of “if” Paltrow will actually sign with a record company, but “when.”

Paltrow has previously showed off her singing chops in the the fail-of-a-movie, “Country Strong,” and has appeared on two episodes of “Glee,” in outstanding performances as substitute teacher Holly Holliday, along with live performances at the Grammy Awards, where she joining Cee Lo Green on-stage for a slightly Sesame Street-rendition of “Forget You”, and the Oscars, where she performed the nominated song “Coming Home” from “Country Strong.” (To set the record straight, the soundtracks weren’t a fail, just the movie.)

So get to work on that recording contract Gwyneth, because there are a lot of eager Team Paltrows waiting for it! And if your “Glee” co-star Matthew Morrison can do it, so can you!

New Couple Alert: Taylor Swift and Chord Overstreet?

Christian Allaire — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:44:51 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

On one hand, we have the cute, country-singing, innocent Taylor Swift. On the other, we have a pop-singing, TV star, gleek Chord Overstreet. Match made in heaven? I think so.

The two stars were spotted hanging out at an L.A Kings hockey game at the Staples Center last night, E! Online reports with pictures.

Overstreet, 22, seems a perfect match for Swift, 21. They are in the same age range, both teen sensations, blonde, musically talented, and good looking. This coupling is much better than when Swift was canoodling with Jake Gyllenhaal or John Mayer (barf). At least they are in the same age range and could create beautiful babies. I’m pretty sure babies with John Mayer would be born saying sarcastic, douchey things.

Perhaps the meeting wasn’t just romantic, though. Maybe the two were discussing a glee collaboration? Swift’s country anthems about boys and love and boys seems perfect for the tween-teen hit show. Or maybe Swift was warming up to Overstreet so she could get closer to Cory Monteith, whom she was spotted having dinner with earlier this month.

The reasons for their meeting is a mystery, but what I do know, is that I approve. Although I am not a fan of Swift’s music, nor a fan of the show Glee (it has gone downhill), these two together just feels right. Two blondies who sing? Doesn’t get any better than that.

Going Back in Time With Darius Rucker

andPOP Staff — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:59:09 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

During our recent interview with Darius Rucker, we went back in time in two respects. First, you will see that Jordan’s intro took place in the middle of winter, while the actual interview took place in the summer. Second, Darius walked us through his success during the 1990′s, and his explosion on the pop scene with Hootie And The Blowfish.

Carrie Underwood Marries NHL Player Mike Fisher

andPOP Staff — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:19:54 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Country star Carrie Underwood married NHL player Mike Fisher last night at a Southern luxury resort.

People reports their wedding planner called the ceremony “a spiritual expression of their love” – a special moment for a “very special couple.” 250 friends and family were apparently in attendance.

“We could not feel more blessed to have found each other and to have shared this day with our friends and family that mean so much to us!” the newlyweds told PEOPLE in a statement, signing their names “Mike & Carrie Fisher.”

Alan Jackson and Wife Share Spotlight

Irene Ogrodnik — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:09:06 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Country star Alan Jackson came out to sign autographs for the first time in 10 years at the CMA Music Fest exhibition, but he had to share the spotlight with his wife.

Denise Jackson set up shop to sign her best-selling 2007 book, “It’s All About Him” which traces her marriage’s ups and downs, including infidelities.

“It does take the pressure off of me because he doesn’t do very many signings anymore,” said Denise.

The couple greeted over 1,000 fans for more than two hours. Together the duo signed photos, baseballs, T-shirts and guitars for more than 320 fans. Alan did offer his wife some advice, stating: “Don’t talk so much; just sign. I’m not being rude, but you’ve got a lot of people. She’ll sit down and write a paragraph!”

Tim McGraw Makes a Boy’s Dream Come True

Irene Ogrodnik — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:11:30 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Country star Tim McGraw made one 9-year-old boy very happy during an Oklahoma City concert Friday night, by singing a duet with the young fan.

“My son Luke has been a fan since he was 3 years old and always has said that he was going to sing with Tim McGraw someday,” said the mother of Luke Wood, Kendra Wood, who brought her son to the concert.

“He made a simple sign, ‘Can I sing with you?’ And brought it with us. I was completely shocked when Tim started singing ‘Last Dollar (Fly Away)’ and motioned for him to come forward. Before I knew it he was whisked onstage, Tim handed him a mic and began singing with Luke,” she explained.

“I have NO idea how I am going to top this birthday present!” said Wood.

Chesney: ‘I’m Not Gay’

andPOP Staff — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 13:37:36 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Country music star KENNY CHESNEY has denied rumours he split from RENEE ZELLWEGER because he is gay.

The couple checked the word “fraud” on their legal separation documents when they split, which fuelled rumours about the singer’s sexuality.

Speaking for the first time about the annulment to US news show 60 MINUTES he says, “The only fraud that was committed was me thinking that I knew what it was like… that I really understood what it was like to be married, and I really didn’t.

“We thought the least harmful (stated reason) was fraud because it (is) kind of broad… doesn’t specify (the reason for the separation). And boy… we were wrong!”

Speculation Chesney was gay grew because Zellweger was the one citing fraud as the reason for the split.

He says, “Its not true. Period. Maybe I should have come out and said, ‘No, I’m not (gay),’ but I didn’t want to draw any more attention to it. I didn’t have to prove to anybody that I wasn’t (gay).”

But Chesney insists he has no regrets about marrying the Oscar winner: “I loved her… It was real.”

Zellweger, 37, and Chesney, 38, married just four months after they met in 2005 and split four months later.