About Nicki D

Nicki D. is an Emmy-nominated entertainment host in Nashville. Known for her quirky and creative approach to broadcast journalism, she welcomes her interviewees to The Red Towel™, her version of The Red Carpet. In addition to her talent and wit as a host, Nicki D. has experience in writing, producing, editing, and radio operations. This feisty brunette has been seen interviewing artists and more all over Music City, including backstage at festivals, historic venues, and even hitting the road to cover special events. When Nicki D. is not making videos, you can find her cooking healthy goodies in the kitchen, dancing like a goofball, or getting “right and tight” at the gym!

Author Archive | Nicki D

Kenny Rogers Gets Us in the Christmas Spirit

Kenny Rogers - Once Again It's Christmas

Although Halloween is still a few weeks away, country music fans can get a head start on celebrating Christmas thanks to Kenny Rogers! The music legend recently released his first new holiday album in seventeen years! The project is called Once Again It’s Christmas and serves as Rogers’ sixth Christmas record overall.

If you think the Country Music Hall of Fame member needs to decorate the studio or wear a Santa hat to get into the spirit before recording, think again.

“The songs and the lyrics themselves put me in the Christmas spirit,” Rogers admits. “I do love singing Christmas music. I’ve never been overtly religious, but I’ve always been deeply spiritual. And I think Christmas gives me a chance to say that without saying it.”

Rogers furthers, “I’ve learned a long time ago – if songs don’t touch me, I can’t make ’em touch anyone else. If they touch me, I can usually make someone enjoy ’em enough to say ‘I like that song.'”

Several guest stars join Rogers on Once Again It’s Christmas including Jennifer Nettles, Alison Krauss, Jim Brickman, Home Free, and Winfield’s Locket. The Texas-native has had great success with duets because of a particular theory he has. “You never start with a partner. You start with a song, and you say, ‘Who could sing this song well?'” Rogers talks about working with Nettles and Krauss in the video below.

The Once Again It’s Christmas album art holds a special place in the singer-songwriter’s heart. It’s a photo that Rogers took himself. Yep! He sings. He writes. He produces. He takes fantastic pictures! The jack-of-all-trades describes himself as an impulsive obsessive.

Speaking of the holidays, FOCUS on the 615 wanted to know how far in advance Rogers does his Christmas shopping and if his 11-year-old twins (Jordan and Justin) have been good boys this year.

“I do that all year long. I see something that I think will be nice, and I’ll order it and put it away. And especially for the kids… I just bought them a couple of – I think they’re called hamster balls. Those round things you get in and you bump into each other. They’re always trying to kill each other.” Rogers says with a laugh, “So I thought I’d try to either make it easier for them or take away the danger.”

When asked about a gift that he has always wanted and still to this day has not received, Rogers shares, “A Ferrari. Talk to my wife!” Here’s to hoping Santa brings him one this year!

And if you’re wondering about his favorite classic Christmas song of all time, Rogers loves “White Christmas.” Oh and turkey is his go-to holiday food. “I know that’s Thanksgiving but…” We can’t blame him for that!

Once Again It’s Christmas is certainly a must-have for the holiday season. And you’ll want to catch Rogers out on the road on his Once Again It’s Christmas Tour featuring Linda Davis – which kicks off Nov. 11.

Rogers announced his retirement from touring on NBC’s The Today Show. See more here.

Dates for Rogers’ farewell world tour are coming soon.

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Tip Tip, Hooray! Aaron Tippin Celebrates 25 Years in the Biz

2015 marks a special year for Mr. Aaron Tippin. The country music singer-songwriter is celebrating 25 years in the industry! Tippin stands on Nicki D‘s trusty Red Towel and dishes about his career milestone, fitness regimen, and delicious blackberry wine!

The “You’ve Got to Stand For Something” singer reveals, “Actually the first 10 years, I don’t even remember what happened. It was a whirlwind… There were times when it was year three or four, and I wondered if there was going to be a year five. I’m lucky to still be out here making music.”

Speaking of music, fans can enjoy both old and new tunes on Tippin’s two-disc 25th Anniversary album Aaron Tippin 25. “I’m just proud as a peacock. There are 10 of the old hits, 10 new hits, and 5 songs you probably wouldn’t expect old Aaron Tippin to do. There’s Aaron Tippin doing Frank Sinatra, which sounds like Hank Sinatra.”

The star admits that he does country music because he likes it, but it’s not the only thing he can do. This record also includes hints of bluegrass and classic rock.

When asked what his secret is to longevity in the business, Tippin shared, “I think the key to it is the fans. Every night for 25 years, I got through with the show, wiped the sweat off, got me an energy drink, and I went straight out to the front of the stage and signed autographs until the last one was signed. And I’m still doing that today.”

To further commemorate his 25 years, Tippin partnered with Stonehaus Winery (coincidentally also celebrating their 25th anniversary) to release a wine called “Aaron Tippin Country Jam“.

“I wanted something that most of my fans would appreciate and enjoy, so we’re starting out with a blackberry. And it is good, good, GOOD!”

And of course when chatting with a former bodybuilder, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t throw some fitness questions in there. Even at the age of 57, Tippin has no shame bringing the “guns” out. Look at those muscles!

Tippin swears by good old-fashioned push-ups, squats, and sit-ups. Check out the video above to find out the singer’s go-to healthy food, favorite cheat meal, and tips for staying “right and tight.”

 

In case you’re wondering whose physique in country music Tippin is impressed with, he revealed, “Aw shoot, Joe Diffie back in his day. Joe hung out in the gym quite a bit. Chad Brock… I guess nowadays I would say Tim McGraw.” One can’t argue with that, but we think it’s safe to say that Tippin is OUR fitness inspiration!

The country star certainly has a lot to celebrate in 2015. This year also marks 20 years of marriage for Tippin and wife Thea. Congrats, you lovebirds!

About Aaron Tippin
Aaron Tippin’s fame was launched in 1990 with the release of his uncompromising single, “You’ve Got to Stand For Something.”  He followed with other major hits including “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” “There Ain’t Nothing Wrong with the Radio” and “Kiss This.”
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2015 Glitter & Glam Event Shines Bright Like a Diamond

It’s hard to say who got more whistles and applause on the runway this past Sunday night (Aug. 30) at Agape Animal Rescue‘s seventh annual Glitter and Glam event. Both dogs and models strutted their stuff like pros for this original fashion show, which was held at Nashville’s Hutton Hotel.

This year’s theme was Old Hollywood, and participating celebrities included NFL Pro Bowl Player Brad Hopkins, WKRN‘s Dawn Davenport and Cherish Lombard, recording artists Brian Fuente and Jordan Pruitt, and many more. The Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders kicked off the night with an energetic dance to get the crowd pumped, and the rest is history.

CMT‘s Katie Cook served as the emcee for Glitter & Glam 2015. “I just love what Agape does for these animals. I love that they have over 50 foster families and that they make it so easy for them. That’s just such a blessing. The medical care, the food, any rehabilitation, any training that needs to be done, Agape provides that… I’m just all across-the-board impressed with the way they handle their organization, and I’m an animal lover.”

When asked if there were any canine prima donnas throwing fits backstage, Cook reveals, “I have worked with several human models over the years, and these dogs are by far the biggest divas! I’m kidding of course. They’re getting along really well.”

Reality star and country artist Brooke Hogan explains, “I’ve always been into anything that helps animals… A lot of people have this weird stigma about shelter pets. It’s like they’re going to be a used toy or something like that. These dogs are perfect.”

Ray from the nationally-syndicated Bobby Bones Show was partnered with a little dog named Chai and shares, “I carry the thing and it’s just giving me kisses. I’m just rockin’ it back and forth. The owner wants it back, and I’m like, ‘This dog’s attached to me already.'”

“We are celebrating tonight the fact that almost 1,000 dogs have been saved because of our program. That is a huge accomplishment,” notes Stephanie Willis of Agape. “There’s an unheard of – less than 1% return rate – because in so many shelters, the screening process just isn’t as thorough as it needs to be. But because of our awesome volunteers and the program we have in place, we make sure that those dogs have the perfect fit. So it’s right for the dog, right for the family.”

Willis dishes, “We have quite a few that we have just recently witnessed being adopted that are now on our runway. And it’s so cool to think of where they were just a few months ago versus now at this star-studded event. We’re celebrating them really.”

Don Murry Grubbs of Absolute Publicity jokes, “This is really weird because I’m a PR guy, and I need a publicist. A publicist should be escorting me right now, what is the deal?! You’re not legit unless you have a PR guy representing you.” On a serious note, “To be a part of this and raise awareness for the animals, dogs specifically, is great because I have a rescue dog.”

The dapper publicist admits that his canine partners and Glitter & Glam veterans – French Fry and Tator Tot – almost jerked him off the runway, “That’s ok. I can handle it. I like a little bit of excitement, and they definitely brought that because I almost went flying off with them.”

Local designers Glitz Nashville and Platinum Jewelers styled the human models, and doggie models wore pieces by Yvette Ruta in partnership with Winston Dog Boutique. Harlow: A Salon on Music Row provided hair and makeup.

The annual fundraising event also included both a silent and live auction, wine, cocktails, and food.

All proceeds from Glitter & Glam benefit Agape Animal Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to finding forever homes for abandoned and displaced dogs while educating the public to be more responsible pet owners.

We can’t wait for next year!

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Professional Bull Riders Come to Nashville

Looking for something fun to do this Friday (Aug. 21) and Saturday (Aug. 22) in Nashville? How about watching some real life cowboys ride the fiercest bulls in the biz?! These beasts weigh nearly 2,000 pounds! Join FOCUS on the 615 as we go behind-the-scenes of the 2-night PBR event at the Bridgestone Arena. Host Nicki D. hangs with Canadian bull rider Aaron Roy and gets a few tips on how to dominate “Mighty Bucky.” Find out if she has what it takes to be a bull rider! Buy tickets to the event HERE.

About The Jack Daniel’s Invitational: (from BridgestoneArena.com)

The Jack Daniel’s Music City Knockout is on the PBR’s elite 2015 Built Ford Tough Series featuring the top 35 bull riders in the world against the best bulls in the industry! During a night of heart-pounding, bone-crushing action, fans can look forward to seeing a star-studded line-up of athletes.

About The Built Ford Tough Series:

Every event begins with pyrotechnics, explosions, and flames. Then the excitement really begins when the Top 35 bull riders in the world compete against the fiercest bucking bulls on the planet, providing two hours of thrills and spills guaranteed to keep you on the edge-of-your-seat and your heart pounding. The nationally-televised Built Ford Tough Series visits some of the most famous arenas across the United States, including Madison Square Garden in New York and Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Each event has a winner, and riders accumulate points towards the ultimate goal, the Professional Bull Riders World Championship. The highest-paid bull riders in the world are not only competing for the coveted Championship Buckle, but also the $1 million bonus awarded to the winner.

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[Video] A Closer Look @ The Doobie Brothers

Photo credit:  Patrice Majors

Photo credit: Patrice Majors

FOCUS on the 615 had the pleasure of catching up with Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons of The Doobie Brothers when they were in Nashville. And yes, Nicki D. definitely brought out The Red Towel (her version of The Red Carpet) for this special moment. The Doobies chat about their 14th album Southbound, which features several collaborations with your favorite country artists. Johnston and Simmons reveal what they think of Blake Shelton, things they have on their tour bus, and their secret to longevity in the music business. Plus: boxers, briefs, or banana hammocks? The rockstars answer this and more in our hilarious segment called The Doobie Deets Lightning Round!

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Interview With JT Hodges | Release Party

©2015 Grand Ole Opry / Photo By: Chris Hollo

©2015 Grand Ole Opry / Photo By: Chris Hollo

FOCUS on the 615 caught up with JT Hodges at his release party for “Locks On Doors”.  Check out the sweet #RayBans cake his team got him along with the full interview below!

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[Video] LIKE A COUNTRY SONG DVD Release Sept. 9th, Red Carpet Highlights

like a country song LIKE A COUNTRY SONG featuring Billy Ray Cyrus and Joel Smallbone is a story about humility, forgiveness, and redemption in the presence of pain and burden.

Get your copy on DVD September 9th!

Check out the video below for highlights as we caught up with the cast and more during CMA Music Festival at the Red Carpet premiere held at Regal Green Hills Cinemas in Nashville!

Watch the official movie trailer here:

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FOCUS on the 615 is Nashville’s premier entertainment blog. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the hottest news, reviews, and exclusive interviews!

Twitter – @FOCUSonthe615

Facebook.com/FOCUSonthe615

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[Video] 2014 Waiting For Wishes Celebrity Waiters Dinner

Check out the video below from the Waiting For Wishes Celebrity Waiters Dinner held at The Palm in Nashville! Featuring celebrities: Kevin Carter, Jay DeMarcus, Scotty McCreery, Charles Esten, Chris Carmack, Rick Springfield, Dierks Bentley, and many more! All to help raise money for charity.

Watch the video on YouTube by clicking here!

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