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CMT Honors Country Music Icon Loretta Lynn With “Artist Of A Lifetime” Award Presented By Ram Trucks At This Year’s All-Female “Artists Of The Year” Celebration

By on September 25, 2018 in In The Press

Loretta Lynn

In a year of celebrating the achievements of women in country music, CMT today announced that Loretta Lynn will be honored with the “Artist of a Lifetime” award presented by Ram Trucks at this year’s all-female “CMT Artists of the Year” event premiering live Wednesday, October 17 at 8:00 PM ET/PT. Academy Award winner and “Coal Miner’s Daughter” actress Sissy Spacek will bestow the award to Lynn, who joins previous recipients of the honor including Shania Twain (2016), Kenny Rogers (2015), and Merle Haggard (2014).

“I’m always so proud when I receive any awards for my music, but when I heard it was this year’s “Artist of a Lifetime” award it made me really happy,” says Loretta Lynn. “It’s an honor to be able to make music that people enjoy and I’m really excited to have a new album coming out. Thank you CMT for acknowledging me with this award and for honoring the women in country music at Artists of the Year.”

Loretta Lynn has long been established as the undisputed Queen of Country Music, with more than 50 years of recording and touring to her name. A self-taught guitarist and songwriter, Lynn was one of the most distinctive performers in Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s. She shook up Nashville by writing her own songs, many of which tackled boundary-pushing topics drawn from her own life experiences as a wife and mother. “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Fist City” and “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” are just three of 16 country No. 1 singles. She has sold over 45 million records worldwide. Lynn’s latest studio album, Wouldn’t It Be Great, (Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment) will be released Friday, September 28.

Sissy Spacek has been one of the industry’s most respected actresses in a career spanning four decades. Her many honors include an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, five additional Oscar nominations, a Grammy nomination, three Golden Globe Awards and numerous critics awards. In 1980, Spacek starred as Loretta Lynn in the acclaimed biopic “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” winning the Oscar and Golden Globe Award for her performance. Spacek also swept the New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics, National Board of Review, and National Society of Film Critics Awards for her portrayal of the country music legend. Some of Spacek’s other film credits include “A Home at the End of the World,” “The Straight Story,” “Affliction,” “JFK,” “The Long Walk Home,” “Hot Rod,” “Night, Mother,” “Four Christmases,” “Get Low”, “The Help” and “The Old Man and The Gun”.

For the first-time ever the annual “CMT Artists of the Year” special is dedicated to the women of country music—past, present and future. This year’s all-female “Artists of the Year” celebration will honor Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini,

Maren Morris, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman, and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott.

As in past years, the event will feature surprise musical pairings and guests that will be announced at a later date. In addition, CMT will further its commitment to female artists through a day-long “Women of Country Music” takeover across all CMT platforms where music lives including music hours on CMT, the 24/7 digital channel CMT Music and CMT Radio’s widely-syndicated shows “CMT Radio LIVE” and “CMT After Midnite” to encourage and inspire increased female airplay on October 17.

A staunch advocate for country music’s female artists, CMT launched its dedicated “Next Women of Country” campaign in 2013 as a way to give female artists voice and airplay across all CMT platforms. The franchise has received critical acclaim, and in five years since launch CMT has expanded to include tours, digital programming and more. Ballerini and Morris are both alumnae of the “Next Women” franchise.

Last year’s special notched its highest ratings to date and ranked as the most watched in the event’s eight-year history. More than 1.1 million fans tuned in to the premiere telecast and the encore. Socially, #CMTAOTY trended nationally on Twitter during the show and the special ranked as the #1 Most Social Entertainment Program in Primetime on Cable.

Previous “CMT Artists of the Year” performances have included Adele and Darius Rucker performing Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now;” Meghan Trainor, Jill Scott and Kelsea Ballerini honoring Shania Twain with a medley of her biggest hits; Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Chris Stapleton in a moving Tom Petty tribute with “I Won’t Back Down;” Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis paying tribute to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush;” and Maroon 5 covering Taylor Swift’s “Mine.” The show has featured appearances by Ellen DeGeneres, Matthew McConaughey, Selena Gomez, Billy Bob Thornton, Roger Clemens, Morgan Freeman, the cast of Nashville and more.

Former “CMT Artists of the Year” honorees include Blake Shelton (2015), Brad Paisley (2011), Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012, 2016), Cast of “Nashville” (2015), Chris Stapleton (2015, 2016, 2017), Eric Church (2012), Florida Georgia Line (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Hunter Hayes (2013), Jason Aldean (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Keith Urban (2017), Kelsea Ballerini (2016), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Kenny Rogers (2015), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Little Big Town (2015), Luke Bryan (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Merle Haggard (2014), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Sam Hunt (2015, 2017), Shania Twain (2016), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Thomas Rhett (2016), Tim McGraw (2013) and Toby Keith (2012.)

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on

Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMT Press.

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Scott Borchetta’s THE LAUNCH Unveils Details For Season 2

By on September 20, 2018 in In The Press
Tickets to attend live studio audience tapings of THE LAUNCH now available –
– Season 2 to feature limited commercial time with custom advertising opportunities –
Days before production kicks off on the highly anticipated second season of its hit original series THE LAUNCH, CTV announced today the first wave of celebrity mentors on deck to guide this season’s round of hand-picked emerging artists vying for an opportunity to create a new hit single. Recording superstar Ryan Tedder, the creative force behind THE LAUNCH Season 1 certified platinum hit single “Ain’t Easy”, returns to the series in a dual role as celebrity mentor and producer, along with Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan and Max Kerman, the 4x JUNO-Award winning frontman for Hamilton rock band Arkells.

THE LAUNCH also announced today that Québec pop icon Marie-Mai (STAR ACADÉMIE, LA VOIX) joins the series’ as a permanent mentor on the weekly celebrity panel alongside music industry powerhouse Scott Borchetta. In addition, fan favourite entertainment reporter Liz Trinnear (ETALK) joins the show in a new hosting role. THE LAUNCH begins production on its second season Sept. 26 in Toronto. Audience tickets are now available; see details below.

**Media Note** – Download photography and bios for Marie-Mai, Trinnear, and Season 2 mentors announced to date at BellMediaPR.ca.

“Marie-Mai is an amazing artist and performer, and her vast industry know-how will provide a powerful counterpoint to Scott’s expertise, bringing a new and engaging dynamic for both artists and viewers,” said Randy Lennox, President, Bell Media. “We also welcome the superb energy that Liz brings as a host as she guides the performers and the audience through the emotional journey of launching new artists and new songs each week.”

“I’m truly so excited to kick off Season 2 of THE LAUNCH! We have great artistic talent from all across Canada, a new permanent second-seat mentor with the amazingly talented Marie-Mai, and we’ve landed the host with the absolute most, Liz Trinnear,” said Scott Borchetta, Founder/President/CEO of the Big Machine Label Group and co-creator and Executive Producer of THE LAUNCH. “Ryan (Tedder) is coming back and is so fired up about producing another LAUNCH winner, Sarah McLachlan will be amazing to work with as will my new friend Max Kerman… LETS. ROCK. THE. LAUNCH. S2!”

THE LAUNCH heads into production for Season 2 on the heels of a breakthrough inaugural season that garnered an exclusive worldwide distribution deal with Sony Pictures Television (SPT). In addition, the series delivered a series of consecutive #1 hit songs amassing more than 21 million streams internationally to date, including certified platinum “Ain’t Easy” by Season 1 chosen artists Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine. The pop/hip-hop duo won the iHeartRadio MMVA for Best New Canadian Artist in August, and recently dropped their latest single “Better Off.”

As announced earlier this year, each super-sized episode of THE LAUNCH will now feature reduced commercial time, delivering even more music and extended insight into featured artists’ auditions, and the process of recording, performing, and launching a new hit song. Each hour-long episode provides custom advertising opportunities including 30-second “superpods.” Featuring one advertiser per break, the custom creative offers a more seamless and engaging viewer experience between the commercial content and the program.

Following its hit inaugural season, THE LAUNCH vetted thousands of emerging performers for Season 2 following a coast-to-coast-to-coast casting call this past May. More celebrity mentors, songwriters/producers, as well as the artists selected to perform on Season 2 of THE LAUNCH, will be announced soon.

In each stand-alone episode of THE LAUNCH, unsigned aspiring artists audition for the opportunity to learn, record, and perform their version of a new original song by a world famous songwriter/producer. The artists are mentored by a panel of internationally renowned music industry legends alongside Borchetta, who then decide which version of the song will be released across the country immediately following the broadcast of the episode each week. THE LAUNCH is set to premiere on CTV and VRAK in early 2019.

Marie-Mai is the undisputed Queen of pop in Québec. As a supremely talented singer-songwriter, Marie-Mai dominated the Québec live music scene for more than 15 years, with more than two million spectators flocking to her successful live shows. Her four platinum albums, 17 #1 hits, 10 Félix Awards (the highest honour in Québec music – including five for Female Artist of the Year), have solidified her status as a force in the music industry. As a successful songwriter in both French and English, Marie-Mai has won seven awards from SOCAN and was honored as Songwriter of the Year in 2014. Marie-Mai was a featured performer at the Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Building on her success, she took on a coaching role on the Québec version of THE VOICE (LA VOIX) and THE VOICE KIDS (LA VOIX KIDS). Marie-Mai is set to release her sixth French album on November 9, 2018. Her first single “Empire” shattered records on the Québec music charts and her most recent second single “Je décolle”, was released last week.

Liz Trinnear is a well-known face to music and entertainment lovers in Canada, who built her career connecting with audiences and artists in a genuine and authentic manner while in the role as reporter for ETALK, Canada’s most-watched entertainment news program (2015-18), and previously on the front lines of MUCH programming for nine years. Hailing from London, Ontario, Trinnear was voted “most likely to be a MuchMusic VJ” in high school and in 2009, beat out 4,000 candidates to hand herself a job at the legendary music station. The former co-host of THE MUCH MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS (2012-14) has also interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Lady Gaga, Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Harry Styles, and Justin Timberlake.

Scott Borchetta is Founder, President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, the #1 independent record label in the world and home to superstars such as Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, and Thomas Rhett. Borchetta has led the charge on more than 50 million albums sold by Big Machine artists in addition to sending over 200 singles to #1 on the Country, Pop, and Rock charts. His groundbreaking business savvy, Borchetta has been included on Billboard’s Power 100 list and Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business. During the final two seasons of AMERICAN IDOL, Borchetta served as in-house mentor and guided contestants throughout the competition as well as signing the winners to record deals.

THE LAUNCH Live Studio Audience!

CTV is giving viewers in the Greater Toronto Area an opportunity to experience the excitement first-hand by attending a taping of THE LAUNCH. The studio is located in downtown Toronto and those interested in tickets can go to CTV.ca/TheLaunch for more information. All audience members must be at least 11 years of age and an adult must accompany those under the age of 16.

  • Sept. 28: Max Kerman
    Fans in attendance will have an opportunity to meet Season 1 chosen artists Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, who will be on set to greet fans.
  • Oct. 7: Sarah McLachlan
  • Oct. 12: Ryan Tedder
**Additional celebrity mentors and in-studio live taping dates will be announced soon.

THE LAUNCH format was put into development in January 2016 and was co-developed by Randy Lennox and Bell Media in association with Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, and Paul Franklin of Eureka (MASTERCHEF, THE BIGGEST LOSER), in partnership with John Brunton and Lindsay Cox of Insight Productions (THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, CANADIAN IDOL, THE JUNO AWARDS).

THE LAUNCH is executive produced by Randy Lennox, Scott Borchetta, and John Brunton; Lindsay Cox and Paul Franklin are Executive Producers; Executive Producers for Bell Media are Robin Johnston and Corrie Coe, who is also Senior Vice-President, Original Programming, Bell Media. Pat DiVittorio is Vice-President, CTV and Specialty Programming, Mike Cosentino is President, Content and Programming, Bell Media. Randy Lennox is President, Bell Media.

ABOUT BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP
Led by Founder, President and CEO Scott Borchetta, the Big Machine Label Group encompasses Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records, Big Machine Records/John Varvatos Records and publishing company Big Machine Music as well as its own digital radio station, Big Machine Radio. BMLG artists include superstars Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert, Ronnie Dunn, Cheap Trick and Sugarland; chart-topping acts Justin Moore, Eli Young Band, Brett Young, Aaron Lewis, Midland, Carly Pearce; THE VOICE winner Danielle Bradbery, and 2015 AMERICAN IDOL winner Trent Harmon. BMLG artists have received multiple Grammy, CMA, ACM, AMA, CMT, Teen Choice, MTV, Billboard, People’s Choice, and Brit Awards. Big Machine is the first-ever American label to align with terrestrial radio for performance royalty rights for its artists and is an industry leader in fighting for artist, songwriter, publisher, and record company rights. Big Machine Label Group created the Music Has Value Fund to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations that make music, aspire to make music, and access and access and appreciate music. Visit BigMachineLabelGroup.com for more information.

ABOUT EUREKA
Eureka is a next-generation production company combining the expertise, credibility and key relationships traditionally found within large multi-national production companies with the energy and nimbleness of a startup. Launched in January 2016, Eureka has offices in Los Angeles and Sydney and produces both unscripted and scripted programs. Within less than a year of opening Eureka has over sixty hours of programming commissioned in 2017 with more series to be announced soon.

ABOUT INSIGHT PRODUCTION COMPANY, LTD.
Insight Productions, known for its award-winning ratings juggernauts, is Canada’s most established content producer and an industry leader in the development, financing, and production of hit programming, both scripted and unscripted, as well as digital content. With thousands of hours of programming under its belt, the company has created some of the most dynamic and top-rated programs in the world including Canada’s Grammy Awards – THE 2018 JUNO AWARDS, THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, BIG BROTHER CANADA, TOP CHEF CANADA, INTERVENTION, and original formats including THE LAUNCH (for which Lindsay Cox serves as EP and Showrunner alongside EP John Brunton) and BATTLE OF THE BLADES Insight’s scripted programming includes award-winning READY OR NOT, FALCON BEACH, HATCHING, MATCHING & DISPATCHING, A FURY CHRISTMAS, BUT I’M CHRIS JERICHO!, and THE JON DORE TELEVISION SHOW. In 2017, Insight produced THE TRAGICALLY HIP: A NATIONAL CELEBRATION, a live concert special watched by one in three Canadians. Insight Productions was founded in 1979 and has since created thousands of hours of groundbreaking content.  For more information on Insight Productions, please visit www.insighttv.com or on Twitter – @insightprod or Facebook www.facebook.com/InsightProductions.

ABOUT BELL MEDIA ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING
Bell Media has commissioned some of Canada’s most-watched and most-acclaimed original programming, working with the best Canadian independent producers in the country. Hit series commissioned by CTV include the hit drama CARDINAL; the record-breaking Canadian formats THE AMAZING RACE CANADA and MASTERCHEF CANADA; the original international TV format THE LAUNCH; satirical news series THE BEAVERTON; new comedy series JANN; new lifestyle series starring Mary Berg; and CANADA’S WALK OF FAME AWARDS. Among the original series on Bell Media specialty and streaming platforms are Space’s KILLJOYS and WYNONNA EARP; Bravo’s mystery dramedy CARTER; Comedy’s CORNER GAS ANIMATED;  CraveTV’s hit comedy LETTERKENNY; and SnackableTV’s interactive stand-up series JOKEOFF and upcoming animated series LITTLEKENNY. In addition to adventure drama FRONTIER, Discovery is also home to Bell Media’s hit factual franchises HIGHWAY THRU HELL, HEAVY RESCUE: 401, and CANADA’S WORST DRIVER, in addition to new original series DISASTERS AT SEA, among others. Bell Media is one of the first media companies in North America to commit to producing all new original scripted series in 4K.

ABOUT CTV
CTV is Canada’s #1 private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV has been Canada’s most-watched television network for the past 17 years in a row. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and Out-of-Home. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network’s website at CTV.ca.

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Songwriters Celebrated At Inaugural Nashville Songwriter Awards

By on September 20, 2018 in In The Press

A packed house at the RYMAN on Wednesday September 19th celebrated the inaugural Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented by the Nashville Songwriters Association International and City National Bank. The top honor of the night, ‘Song of the Year’ was awarded to Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip, and Josh Thompson for “I’ll Name The Dogs,” recorded by Blake Shelton. Ashley Gorley was recognized as ‘Songwriter of the Year’ for the 4th time, and Brandon Lancaster received the award for ‘Songwriter-Artist of the Year.’

The evening included stories, videos, and incredible performances by some of today’s hottest artists who filled the RYMAN to honor the songs, songwriters, and those dedicated to the songwriting community. Performers included Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Jamey Johnson, Chris Janson, LANCO, Kip Moore, Jewel, Darius Rucker, Brantley Gilbert, Travis Denning, and more!

“The first ever Nashville Songwriter Awards was a joyous celebration of songwriters, stars, and the real stars of the show: THE SONGS. It was a great evening of great writers with the great artists they write for and with, a whirlwind of music and moments honoring our champions, our heroes and the best songwriters among us.” – Steve Bogard (NSAI Board President)

Additional honorees of the evening included Bill Anderson recognized with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, Congressman Doug Collins, who was honored with the White Hat Award, and Cary Sherman, who was honored with the Stephen Foster Award. The annual awards are set to return to the Ryman Auditorium Fall 2019.

2018 AWARD WINNERS

SONG OF THE YEAR
“I’LL NAME THE DOGS” Written by Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip, Josh Thompson

Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, Blake Shelton, and Ben Hayslip, celebrate backstage after “I’ll Name the Dogs,” was named NSAI 2018 ‘Song of the Year’

SONGWRITER/ARTIST OF THE YEAR
BRANDON LANCASTER

Brandon Lancaster honored as NSAI 2018 ‘Songwriter-Artist of the Year’

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
ASHLEY GORLEY

NSAI 2018 ‘Songwriter of the Year,’ Ashley Gorley with wife, Mandy Gorley

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
BILL ANDERSON
Given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant
contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others.

Bill Anderson (pictured with Steve Bogard – NSAI President) received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award

THE WHITE HAT AWARD
CONGRESSMAN DOUG COLLINS
Bestowed by the NSAI Board of Directors to an individual who has significantly
served the American songwriting community.

Pictured L-R: Steve Bogard (NSAI President), Darius Rucker, Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director), Cong. Doug Collins (GA), recipient of The White Hat Award, and Lee Thomas Miller (NSAI Former President)

STEPHEN FOSTER AWARD
CARY SHERMAN
Given in recognition of a lifetime of dedication to music creators and the recording industry.

RIAA Chairman and CEO, and NSAI ‘Stephen Foster Award’ recipient, Cary Sherman and Jewel backstage at the RYMAN

TEN ‘SONGS I WISH I’D WRITTEN’ AWARDS
Each year, the highly-coveted Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards are voted on by Professional Songwriter Members of NSAI honoring the work of their songwriter peers. Songs eligible for the award have at least one Nashville-based writer and charted in the Top 20 of Billboard Airplay chart in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres between July 1, 2017, and April 30, 2018. The NSAI Song Of The Year is the highest vote-getter.

“Broken Halos” – Written by: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton
“Every Little Thing” – Written by: busbee, Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton
“Five More Minutes” – Written by: Monty Criswell, Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers
“I Could Use A Love Song” – Written by: Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz
“I Lived It” – Written by: Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip
“It Ain’t My Fault” – Written by: Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne, T.J. Osborne
“Marry Me” – Written by: Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally, Thomas Rhett
“Most People Are Good” – Written by: David Frasier, Ed Hill, Josh Kear
“Written In The Sand” – Written by: Shane McAnally, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi
“Yours If You Want It” – Written by: Andrew Dorff, Jonathan Singleton

Writers of the NSAI 2018 Ten ‘Songs I Wish I’d Written’ Awards take the stage to celebrate

Sponsors:Presenting Sponsor – City National Bank. Special thanks to our additional supporting sponsors: Academy of Country Music, Hotel Indigo, Jack Daniels, Loeb & Loeb, National Association of Broadcasters/Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, Recording Academy, Recording Industry Association of America, Soundexchange, and Visit Music City.

 

About City National: With $48.7 billion in assets, City National Bank provides banking, investment and trust services through 72 offices, including 19 full-service regional centers, in Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, Nevada, New York City, Nashville, Atlanta, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. In addition, the company and its investment affiliates manage or administer $64.9 billion in client investment assets.

City National is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies. RBC serves more than 16 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the United States and 34 other countries. For more information about City National, visit the company’s website at cnb.com.

About NSAI: Established in 1967, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization and has a membership of more than 5,000 spanning the United States and eight (8) foreign countries. Consisting of a body of creative minds, including songwriters from all genres of music, professional and amateur, for over 50 years, NSAI has been committed to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting, as well as carrying a commitment to educate, elevate, and celebrate the songwriter, acting as a unifying force within the music community and the community at large. For more information, visit nashvillesongwriters.com.

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Old Dominion Play Bucket List Historic Ryman Auditorium Charity Show For “An Evening With Friends”  

By on September 20, 2018 in In The Press

Tuesday night, acclaimed country band Old Dominion sold out and electrified the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for their special headline show: “An Evening With Friends.” The gig raised a total of $40K for charity, with half of the proceeds benefitting the Opry Trust Fund  and the other half benefitting the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.
Old Dominion front man and 2017 ASCAP Artist Writer of the Year Matthew Ramsey said, “What an unforgettable night.  The Nashville community has given so much to us. Our lives have changed in ways we could never have imagined – so we felt like this show at the Ryman was a great way to start giving back. There was so much love and music and history swirling around. We are beyond proud to be able to raise money and help those who need it – along with help from our friends!”

Check out photos below of the acclaimed band of songwriters alongside Sally Williams [SVP of Programming and Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry] and Meredith Seacrest [Executive Director and COO of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation].

Old Dominion with representatives of the Ryan Seacrest Foundation (L-R): Jimmy Leach, Whit Sellers, Brad Tursi, Mamie Shephard, Matthew Ramsey, Meredith Seacrest, Trevor Rosen, Katie Klochany, Geoff Sprung ​
Photo Credit: Mason Allen

 

During this unforgettable evening, the Platinum-selling quintet and reigning Academy of Country Music Vocal Group of the Year welcomed a bevy of special guests to the stage for collaborations, including Kenny Chesney, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt, and Michael Ray for show-stopping renditions of fan favorites. Kenny surprised the band on stage and had them play “Save It For A Rainy Day,” which was penned by Matthew Ramsey and Brad Tursi and hit #1 for 3 consecutive weeks. Kelsea joined the band to duet their #1 single “Written In The Sand” and her single “I Hate Love Songs,” which was co-written by band member Trevor Rosen . Michael Ray then performed his latest energetic single “The One That Got Away,” which was penned by Matthew and Trevor. Lastly, Sam Hunt performed 2 songs with the band that included the #1 single “Make You Miss Me,” as well as “Ex To See,” both of which were co-written with Sam by Matthew Ramsey. Old Dominion also performed 19 additional songs during their 120 minute set covering all their #1 hit singles, fan favorites, and debuted two brand new song unreleased songs including the youthful, energetic “Make It Sweet” and the sentimental and spiritual “Smooth Sailing.”

 
“An Evening With Friends” represents a milestone for the group who are steeped in songwriting and live to play. A place like Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium is hallowed ground. After selling out arenas across the U.S. and Canada on the winter leg of their “Happy Endings World Tour,” the band wanted to check the iconic venue off their bucket list before picking back up on the fall leg of their arena tour. The run is set to kick off on Oct. 4 in Knoxville, TN at the Knoxville Coliseum.It was a scorching summer for Old Dominion. The band recently released their Spotify Singles — “Hotel Key” and a cover of Halsey’s “Bad At Love.” They also performed “Hotel Key” and “Written In The Sand” as part of the star-studded lineup for ABC’s “CMA Fest” television special. The group’s marathon tour cycle in support of its chart-topping second full-length album, Happy Endings, is well underway as they headline venues coast-to-coast. See the full itinerary below.

 
Tickets on sale now, HERE.
 
On the way to their fifth #1 off of their sophomore album, “Hotel Key,” which is currently #3 on the country charts, is the latest single from the bands sophomore album Happy Endings which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and #7 on the Top 200. The album also produced the singles “Written in The Sand” and “No Such Thing As a Broken Heart,” which also hit #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay and MediaBase charts. This achievement marked the Platinum-selling country quintet’s fourth total and third consecutive #1s. The group has also surpassed 1 billion on-demand streams.

 
HAPPY ENDINGS WORLD TOUR FALL 2018 DATES:
Oct. 4               Knoxville, TN                           Knoxville Coliseum
Oct. 5               Glen Allen, VA                         Innsbrook After Hours
Oct. 6               Rochester, NY                         Main Street Armory
Oct. 11             Amarillo, TX                            Amarillo Civic Center
Oct. 12             Las Cruces, NM                       Pan American Center
Oct. 13             Albuquerque, NM                   Balloon Fiesta Park
Oct. 25             Atlantic City, NJ                       Hard Rock Atlantic City
Oct. 26             University Park, PA                 Bryce Jordan Center
Oct. 27             Roanoke, VA                            Berglund Center
Oct. 31             Dublin, IE                                 Whelans
Nov. 1              Belfast, IE                                Empire Music Hall
Nov. 3              Liverpool, ENG                        O2 Academy 2
Nov. 4              London, ENG                           O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Nov. 5              Bristol, ENG                             Trinity
Nov. 6              Manchester, ENG                    Academy 2
Nov. 8              Birmingham, ENG                   O2 Institute
Nov. 9              Glasglow, SCT                          Queen Maragaret Union
Nov. 10            Glasglow, SCT                          Queen Maragaret Union
Nov. 29            Estero, FL                                Germain Arena
Nov. 30            St. Augustine, FL                     St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Dec. 1              Winston-Salem, NC                 Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Dec. 6              Toledo, OH                              Huntington Center
Dec. 7              Huntington , WV                     Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Dec. 8              Grand Rapids, MI                    DeltaPlex Arena
Dec. 13            Bismarck, ND                          Bismarck Event Center
Dec. 14            Fargo, ND                                Scheels Arena
Dec. 15            Duluth, MN                             AMSOIL Arena

 

About Old Dominion:
Proving that they are not your average country band, Old Dominion blends old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock‘n’roll grit into radio-friendly, hook-heavy pop nuggets. Old Dominion recently released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Happy Endings, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart and #7 on the Top 200. Upholding an unbelievable hot streak, the album features two singles “Written In The Sand,” and “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” which hit #1 on Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase charts. This achievement marks the Platinum-selling country quintet’s fourth total and third consecutive #1s . In addition to their ACM win, Vocal Group of the Year, Old Dominion has also been nominated for an ACM for “Album of the Year,” as well as an American Music Award, two CMA Awards, and recently nominated for “Top Country Duo/Group Artist” at the Billboard Music Awards.  The group emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in country music with their debut album Meat And Candy, which fused clever lyrics and an infectious sound. The album, which was certified Gold by the RIAA, included several top selling hits including “Break Up With Him” (Platinum), “Snapback” (Gold) and the anthemic “Song For Another Time,” which hit #1 the on Billboard Country Airplay and MediaBase  charts. Following its release, the band was notably named ACM New Group of the Year, ACCA Breakthrough Group of the Year, AIMP Songwriter Artist of the Year and Music Row Breakthrough Artist of the Year.  Old Dominion consists of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung, and drummer Whit Sellers.

 
FOLLOW OLD DOMINION
Website | iTunes | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

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Carlene Carter Sets Bluebird Residency: Wonderful World of Women Who Write Features Top Female Songwriters

By on September 19, 2018 in In The Press

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Carlene Carter has announced an October residency at Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe. Aptly titled “Wonderful World of Women Who Write,” the series will feature some of her favorite female songwriters and collaborators. Lilly Hiatt and Elizabeth Cook will be featured at the October 2 show. Lauren Morrow and Pam Tillis are scheduled for October 16, and Gretchen Peters and Matraca Berg will join Carter on October 30. All shows are 9 p.m. Central.

 

“I wanted to celebrate my return to Nashville by inviting women who inspire me in their writing,” said Carter, daughter of country music legends June Carter and Carl Smith and granddaughter of “Mother” Maybelle Carter. “I was brought up in a songwriting family of women writers, and there is a sisterhood that is so special and solid between women who write. Each one of these ladies have inspired me in their works, and I am so honored that they all said YES!”

 

Carlene Carter

Reservations will be available on a pre-paid basis for $25.00 one week ahead of each show date at www.bluebirdcafe.com.

 

“When I got the call about Carlene’s wish to create this residency, I was thrilled she would want to mark her return to Nashville here at The Bluebird,” said Erika Wollam Nichols, General Manager of The Bluebird Cafe. “We’re delighted that we can present this series to welcome Carlene back to town and share in her musical collaborations with these amazing and spirited women during the month of October!”

 

About the Bluebird Cafe:

Amy Kurland opened what she thought would be a small cafe in a nondescript strip center just south of downtown Nashville in June of 1982. Adding a stage as an afterthought, live music soon became a staple of the eatery. Recognizing the room was built for acoustic music, she offered the club as an outlet for songwriters and aspiring artists to perform original material. Inspired by private guitar-pulls, regular performers Thom Schuyler and J. Fred Knobloch, pioneeredthe idea of presenting songwriters “in the round,” where writers set their chairs in the center of the room to play their original material, telling the stories and inspirations for their songs.

 

In 2008, Kurland sold the legendary venue to the Nashville Songwriters Association International, (NSAI) a 50-year-old, not-for-profit organization devoted to the service of songwriters and the craft of songwriting. In the ensuing eleven years, little about the club itself has changed as the small room continues to focus on promoting the craft of songwriting, but the reach has expanded and the Bluebird hosts several off-site events that bear the iconic name.

 

Bluebird on the Mountain – a sold-out concert series at Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory in Nashville, the Bluebird Cafe at London’s Country2Country Festival, and the annual Bluebird Cafe Concert Series at Utah’s Sundance Resort. Most recently, the new Opry City Stage in the heart of New York City’s Times Square began featuring the Bluebird Cafe Songwriter Series spotlighting songwriters from Nashville, New York and across the country.

 

For additional information on The Bluebird Cafe and the documentary, visit www.bluebirdcafe.com
and follow The Bluebird at

About Carlene Carter:

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Carlene Carter is the daughter of country music legends June Carter and Carl Smith, stepdaughter of Johnny Cash, and granddaughter of “Mother” Maybelle Carter of the original Carter Family.

Carlene’s own career started in the late 1970s when she went to England to record her acclaimed self-titled debut album (with Graham Parker and the Rumour), and Musical Shapes (with Nick Lowe and Rockpile). She co-wrote hit songs for Emmylou Harris (“Easy From Now On”) and The Doobie Brothers (“One Step Closer”), shared the Top 40 Pop duet “I Couldn’t Say No” with Robert Ellis Orrall, then “came home to country” in the 1990s with hits like “I Fell in Love,” “Come On Back,” “Every Little Thing,” and her own TV shows on VH1 and TNN.

Following her 2008 Stronger CD (which Elvis Costello called “astounding”), Carlene Carter came on back again in 2014 with a tribute to the timeless music of her historic family that critics hailed as “a triumph,” “masterpiece,” “an album for the ages,” and “really quite perfect.” But while she is often referred to as “country music royalty,” she simply calls herself (and the album) Carter Girl.

Starting in January 2015, Carlene was Special Guest on the John Mellencamp Plain Spoken Tour, playing to over 250,000 fans in sold-out theaters across the United States and Canada.  A new album, Sad Clowns and Hillbillies, was released on April 28, 2017 including material by both singer-songwriters. Carlene said: “It’s not a traditional kind of duets album. I think people are really going to enjoy it.” Mr. Mellencamp told The Today Show: “She pulled me out of the dump, the doldrums.”

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Diana DeGarmo To Star As Tinker Bell In TPAC And Lythgoe Family Panto’s ‘Peter Pan And Tinker Bell – A Pirate’s Christmas’

By on September 18, 2018 in In The Press

Broadway star, actress, recording artist, and “American Idol” alum Diana DeGarmo will join the holiday spectacular Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirate’s Christmas presented by Tennessee Performing Arts Center and the Lythgoe Family Panto Dec. 13-23 in TPAC’s Polk Theater.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. at TPAC.org, by phone at 615-782-4040, and at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St., in downtown Nashville. Single tickets start at $35, and a four-pack of tickets can be purchased for $99.

DeGarmo, who will play the role of Tinker Bell, rose to fame on “American Idol,” where she placed second at the age of 16. She made her Broadway debut at 18 in the role of Penny Pingleton in “Hairspray,” also performing in the Broadway revival of “Hair” and touring productions of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Brooklyn, The Musical,” and “9 to 5,” where Dolly Parton handpicked her for the role of Doralee. Locally, DeGarmo recently starred in Studio Tenn’s production of “Grease” with her husband, Ace Young.

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirate’s Christmas will also star “So You Think You Can Dance” alum Clarice Ordaz as Tiger Lily and comedic actor/director Ben Giroux, star of Nickelodeon’s “Henry Danger,” as Smee. Both Ordaz and Giroux have appeared in numerous productions for Lythgoe Family Panto.

DeGarmo, Giroux, and Ordaz join John O’Hurley of “Seinfeld,” Broadway’s “Chicago,” “Dancing with the Stars,” and “Spamalot” who will play Captain Hook. The production will include direction by BT McNichol (“Cabaret,” “Spamalot”) and choreography by Spencer Liff (Broadway’s “Head Over Heels,” Deaf West Broadway Revival of “Spring Awakening,” and “So You Think You Can Dance”). Additional roles will be cast locally in Nashville.

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirate’s Christmas is a singing, swashbuckling adventure performed in the high-flying style of a British holiday Panto. Take off on a wild quest with Tinker Bell, Wendy and Peter Pan as they try to put a stop to the plot of some dastardly pirates who plan to kidnap Peter as a present to Captain Hook. Filled with big laughs, magic, dancers and contemporary songs by everyone from Taylor Swift to the Bee Gees, this family show has a little bit of something for everyone.

The star-led production blends fairy tales, comedy, the holidays, dancing, contemporary songs and local and regional references to create an unforgettable theater experience.

Lythgoe Family Panto produces fun, musical theater the whole family can enjoy. Known for their creativity and involvement in television hits “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” the Lythgoes are dedicated to bringing affordable theater to families across America. Based on the Grimm fairytales and others, each story has been modernized with topical scripts for parents and well-known pop songs for kids. The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating a memorable experience a family can share together.

GiveKidsPanto is a California based nonprofit that pays for school children to experience live theater for the first time. Buses are paid for and tickets are subsidized, as they introduce young kids to the arts. In 2017, over 6000 Title I students were introduced by GiveKidsPanto to live theater, through the medium of Panto. For more information visit www.GiveKidsPanto.org.

If You Go:
Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirate’s Christmas
Dec.13-23
TPAC’s Polk Theater
505 Deaderick St.

Tickets:
TPAC.org
615-782-4040

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirate’s Christmas is presented locally by Delta Dental of Tennessee and Bank of America.

Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. Institutional sponsors for TPAC include Nissan North America and Coca-Cola. TPAC is a nonprofit arts organization funded in part by support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission. TPAC reminds ticket buyers that the only official place to buy tickets online is TPAC.org.

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Warner Music Nashville To Host Opening Day Luncheon Featuring A Performance By Blake Shelton At Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary Event

By on September 17, 2018 in In The Press

CRS Registration to Increase To $599 on Sept. 19; Register HERE!

When you hit the half-century mark, it’s time to celebrate. Country Radio Seminar is ready to mark its 50th Anniversary event with the return of a third luncheon, to be held on the Opening Day of CRS 2019, Feb. 13, and hosted by Warner Music Nashville. Country music superstar, Blake Shelton, will headline the luncheon that will kick-off what is expected to be one of the most exciting Country Radio Seminars to date.  More WMN artists for the luncheon will be announced soon. 

CRB, Inc.® also announced Blake Shelton has been named the recipient of the CRS 2019 Artist Humanitarian Award and will be honored during the Opening Day luncheon. The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.  Past recipients of the annual award have included Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, and Charlie Daniels, among others. 

Blake Shelton has demonstrated his dedication to giving back through many charitable initiatives and events.  In May 2013, Blake hosted “Healing In The Heartland,” a benefit concert for those affected by the numerous tornadoes that ravaged the country.  The event was broadcast on NBC and more than $6 million dollars was raised for the American Red Cross of Oklahoma.  In September 2016, Blake donated $600,000 to the Jimmy Everest Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK. and in September 2017, he hosted “Hand In Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief,” a multi-city telethon that broadcast on all major television networks.  So far, more than $50 million has been raised for relief efforts for hurricane Harvey and Irma. In Sept. 2017, the Oklahoma–native opened his Ole Red Bar & Grill in his hometown of Tishomingo, OK. All proceeds raised from his performance that evening were donated to a local charity in Tishomingo.  

“Warner Music Nashville is very excited to kick-off CRS activities with an exciting and diverse line up of our amazing artists,” said WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito.“I’m proud of Blake being recognized as Humanitarian of the Year.  Over the years, I’ve watched him give back in so many profound ways. He responded immediately to those in need after the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma in 2013, holding a benefit that was televised nationwide. He continually gives back to his hometown of Tishomingo, to the children’s hospital in Oklahoma City and so much more. But it’s what he does on a daily basis that really sticks out to me.  He will send us an email about something he’s read and say, ‘I want to do this to help this person.’ And I think Blake has helped more stranded motorists than Triple A – but that’s just his character. He’s a humanitarian every day. Congratulations Blake, you earned it!”

Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, through Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at the luxurious Omni Nashville, in the heart of downtown Nashville. The three-day convention is the premier educational and networking event for Country radio and music industry professionals, offering attendees access to informative panels, countless networking opportunities, prominent speakers, research presentations and intimate performances from some of today’s biggest stars and emerging artists. Panels at CRS cover a broad range of topics relevant to today’s Country radio industry, including: social media and digital innovations, PPM, brand strategies, leadership skills, consumer research studies, the relationships and economics of the radio and record industries and much more. 

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 18 marks the deadline to register at the discounted rate of $549. Starting Sept. 19, the price will increase to $599.  Registrations are available for purchase at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

Tickets to the New Faces of Country Music® show are already sold out, and no longer available for purchase with registration packages. Additionally, CRS host hotel, Omni Nashville, is accepting reservations at the $264 single rate; however, regular rooms on Feb. 12 are now sold out. To make a reservation for Feb. 13-15, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com/hotel.

For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, Twitter (Hashtag #CRS50) and Instagram.  Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487.

About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. Country Radio Seminar 2019 is set for Feb. 13-15, 2019 at the Omni Nashville.  

About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ®: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format. 

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CBS SUNDAY MORNING – Carrie Underwood Getting Beyond Three Miscarriages, To joy

By on September 16, 2018 in In The Press

Courtesy of CBS

Superstar singer Carrie Underwood opened up about getting beyond three miscarriages, motherhood and music in a revealing interview with Tracy Smith that was broadcast today on CBS SUNDAY MORNING on the CBS Television Network.

Underwood revealed for the first time the personal agony she endured last year and how it influenced her new music.

Below is the CBSNews.com story:

“Before He Cheats” was a huge hit for Carrie Underwood back in 2006, one of many. More recently she’s faced, and overcome, a daunting series of misfortunes and disappointments. She talks with our Tracy Smith For The Record:

She’s only 35, but Carrie Underwood has already had a lifetime of success. She’s sold 64 million records and won seven Grammys, with a voice that’s been called the best of her generation.

Smith met her last month at the high church of country music, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, and the place was packed to the rafters.

“See, this makes me nervous – not you?” Smith said.

“You can go sing, if you want,” said Underwood.

“No, thank you. I’ll leave that to you.”

Underwood is expecting her second child, but she still did two shows that night, and as always, she managed to make it all look easy.

Smith asked, “Was there a point where you thought, ‘This has gotta stop, like, this winning streak has to end at some point’?”

“I’ve had a good life, and you can’t win all the time,” Underwood replied. “You gotta have some downs to realize when you’re up.”

And she’s definitely had her share of downs.

Her story began in the “single stoplight town” of Checotah, Oklahoma, population around 3,000. It’s typical enough, except for that big green sign just off the interstate that reads, “Checotah, home of CARRIE UNDERWOOD American Idol 2005.”

Underwood grew up here, the youngest of three girls. She’s always loved animals, even helped build a local shelter, Happy Paws, where her mom Carole’s a volunteer.

“We don’t have a bad dog here,” Carole said. “We hardly have ever had a bad dog here.”

Though she’s been gone since 2001, it seems a part of her never left. When asked if there are things she’s missed about Checotah, she replied, “Oh, yeah. I feel like this is the only place that my soul can rest.

“It’s just when I come here, I can turn off. And there’s no other place in world that’s like that. And I feel like everybody’s got that place. Everybody’s got that home feel. But it’s like, I sleep when I’m here. Like, I sleep. And I don’t get that anyplace else.”

Still, there was a world beyond Checotah. At Northeastern State University she sang a bit with a country music group, and majored in journalism, with her sights on a career in TV news.

But that all changed in the summer of 2004, when she tried out for “American Idol.” Her mom, Carole, said, “I was hoping through ‘American Idol’ that at least she would get some face recognition, so she might get a job at one of the news stations or something in Tulsa.”

That was the hope. And then, this happened:

Winning “American Idol” was like launching a country music moon-rocket. She made a hit album, and then a few more. She toured the world, and the awards started piling up.
She also got married, in 2010, to NHL hockey star Mike Fisher; had a little boy, Isaiah; started a workout wear line, Calia; and learned to enjoy her stardom, and all that went with it.

But just when it seemed that all was perfect, life threw her a curve. Last November she tripped outside her Nashville home, and landed on her face.

“My face broke my fall,” Underwood said.

“You joke about it now,” said Smith. “But it was how many stitches?”

“They said between 40 and 50.”

But as bad as that fall was, it was almost trivial compared to the personal agony she endured last year, all while working on a new album called, appropriately enough, “Cry Pretty.”

She told her fans she’d wanted to get the title track right because, “It speaks to a lot of things that have happened in this past year.”

Smith asked, “What’d you mean by that?”

“Here we go. Oh, lawdy! 2017 just wasn’t how I imagined it,” she said.

In what way? “I’d kind of planned that 2017 was, you know, going to be the year that I work on new music, and I have a baby. We got pregnant early 2017, and didn’t work out.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah. It happens. And that was the thing, in the beginning it was like, ‘Okay, God, we know this is, just wasn’t Your timing. And that is all right. We will bounce back and figure our way through it.’ And got pregnant again in the spring, and it didn’t work out.

“Got pregnant again, early 2018. Didn’t work out. So, at that point, it was just kind of like, ‘Okay, like, what’s the deal? What is all of this?’

“And throughout the whole process, you know, I’m writing and, like, literally right after finding out that I would lose a baby, I’d have a writing session, I’d be like, ‘Let’s go. You know, I can’t just sit around thinking about this. Like, I wanna work, I wanna do this.’

“‘Cause I would literally have these horrible things going on in my life, and then have to go smile and, like, do some interviews or, like, do a photo shoot or something, you know? So it was just kind of, like, therapeutic, I guess.”

And, Underwood says, it could also be excruciating.

“This is what the song’s about – that you put this face on for the world,” said Smith.

“And sometimes you just can’t,” she laughed.

I’m sorry, but I’m just a girl

Not usually the kind to show my heart to the world
I’m pretty good at keeping it together
I hold my composure, for worse or for better
So I apologize if you don’t like what you see
But sometimes my emotions get the best of me
And falling apart is as human as it gets
You can’t hide it, you can’t fight what the truth is
– “Cry Pretty”

Smith asked, “Was there a point when you’re like, looking up, going, ‘What are you doing to me?'”

“I had always been afraid to be angry,” Underwood said. “Because we are so blessed. And my son, Isaiah, is the sweetest thing. And he’s the best thing in the world. And I’m like, ‘If we can never have any other kids, that’s okay, because he’s amazing.’ And I have this amazing life. Like, really, what can I complain about? I can’t. I have an incredible husband, incredible friends, an incredible job, an incredible kid. Can I be mad? No.

“And I got mad.”

Then one night, after what she thought was another miscarriage, she says she prayed like never before.

“Mike was away just for the evening, and I texted him, and I was like, ‘I don’t really want to be alone, so I’m just gonna go snuggle with Isaiah.’ And I don’t know how I didn’t wake him up, but I was just sobbing,” Underwood said. “And I was like, ‘Why on Earth do I keep getting pregnant if I can’t have a kid? Like, what is this? Shut the door. Like, do something. Either shut the door or let me have a kid.’

“And for the first time, I feel like I actually I told God how I felt. And I feel, like, we’re supposed to do that. That was like a Saturday – and the Monday I went to the doctor to, like, confirm, another miscarriage. And they told me everything was great!

“And I was like, ‘You heard me.’ Not that He hasn’t in the past. But maybe, I don’t know, He heard me.”

“God heard your prayer?”

“He did.”

Looking at her now, you’d never guess anything was ever wrong.

She’ll go on tour this spring – hopefully, she says, with her new baby in tow. It seems Carrie Underwood waded through a year of despair, and found something beautiful.

“I feel like there’s a lot of songs, there’s several songs on the album that came from that, you know, or I connect with in a totally different way because of those experiences that we went through,” she said. “And they were hard. And it sucked so much! But things are looking better.”

Courtesy of CBS

CBS SUNDAY MORNING is broadcast Sundays (9:00-10:30 AM ET) on the CBS Television Network. Rand Morrison is the executive producer.

Follow CBS SUNDAY MORNING on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and CBSNews.com. Listen to CBS SUNDAY MORNING podcasts on all podcast platforms.

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CMT Expands “Hot 20 Countdown” With The Launch Of Two New Digital Series, “Hot 20 Live” And “Country On Campus”

By on September 13, 2018 in In The Press

CMT today announced two new digital expansions of “Hot 20 Countdown,” including the new multiplatform series “Country on Campus,” hosted by veteran sportscaster Bonnie Bernstein and “Hot 20 Live,” a weekly live digital series from Ole Red in downtown Nashville. “Country on Campus” showcases country artists’ passion for college football and debuts in “Hot 20” this Saturday, September 15 at 9am ET/PT with special guest, PLATINUM-selling, 5-time #1 hitmaker Dustin Lynch. “Hot 20 Live” airs on the Hot 20 Facebook page with guests Runaway June this Friday, September 14 at 5:30pm ET.

Produced by renowned veteran sports journalist Bonnie Bernstein (ESPN/CBS), “Country on Campus” celebrates college football through the eyes of country music, going behind-the-scenes with five artists, exploring the history behind the stars’ football loyalties and capturing their unique access to their favorite teams. Country superstar and lifelong University of Florida fan Dustin Lynch is slated as the first guest on this weekend’s installment, with cameo appearances by Gator greats Steve Spurrier, Tim Tebow and Cris Collinsworth. Each feature will launch exclusively on “Hot 20 Countdown”, with extended cuts available on CMT.com and across “Hot 20’s” digital platforms.

The much-needed Friday afternoon happy hour is here with “Hot 20 Live,” hosted by CMT’s Marley Sherwood and featuring Runaway June on this week’s episode. Airing live from Ole Red, the Broadway honky tonk inspired by country music superstar Blake Shelton’s satirical hit “Ol’ Red,” “Hot 20 Live” includes interviews and performances from country music’s up-and-coming artists, and previews the weekend’s all-new episode of “Hot 20 Countdown.  Fans can get their weekend started early by joining the party in downtown Nashville while enjoying delicious food, specialty cocktails and live music, and interacting with the live show on CMT’s Hot 20 Facebook page every Friday afternoon.

“Country on Campus” is produced by Bernstein’s Walk Swiftly Productions and WhaleRock Industries for CMT, with CMT’s Quinn Brown, Bernstein and WhaleRock’s Laura Sweet serving as executive producers. “Hot 20 Live” is produced by WhaleRock Industries for CMT, with CMT’s Quinn Brown and WhaleRock’s Laura Sweet serving as executive producers.

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

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Carrie Underwood Releases Video For New Single “Love Wins” 

By on September 12, 2018 in In The Press

Photo Credit: Randee St. Nicholas

Multi-platinum-selling global superstar Carrie Underwood released the official music video for her new single “Love Wins.” The powerful, uplifting and colorful video was directed by Shane Drake. “Love Wins” written by Underwood, David Garcia and Brett James is the new single from her highly-anticipated studio album, Cry Pretty, available on Friday, September 14.  Underwood co-wrote nine of the songs on Cry Pretty which she co-produced alongside David Garcia.

Underwood shares, “This song is hopeful.  It’s saying no matter who you are, what you feel, what you think, we’re all human beings.  We all deserve love.  We all deserve respect and we all should try to show that to one another.”

Cry Pretty has already received early media praise. Rolling Stone declares Underwood as “arena country’s mightiest voice, as Cry Pretty reaffirms” and Entertainment Weekly calls Cry Pretty “her most emotionally accessible work to date.”

Photo Credit: Randee St. Nicholas

Underwood, in the midst of cross-country promotion for Cry Pretty, has scheduled appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (September 13), Today Show Summer Concert Series (September 14), CBS Sunday Morning (September 16) and The Ellen Show (September 19).  On September 20, she receives her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and will perform at the upcoming iHeart Radio Music Festival on September 22 in Las Vegas.

Album Pre-order

Cry Pretty Track List:

  1. Cry Pretty (Carrie Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
  2. Ghosts On The Stereo (Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, Andrew Dorff)
  3. Low (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  4. Backsliding (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  5. Southbound (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
  6. That Song That We Used To Make Love To (Hillary Lindsey, Jason Evigan)
  7. Drinking Alone (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
  8. The Bullet (Marc Beeson, Andy Albert, Allen Shamblin)
  9. Spinning Bottles (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  10. Love Wins (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
  11. End Up With You (Hillary Lindsey, Brett McLaughlin, Will Weatherly)
  12. Kingdom (Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Dave Barnes)

Produced by David Garcia and Carrie Underwood

Bonus Track – The Champion (featuring Ludacris) (Carrie Underwood, Brett James, Chris DeStefano, Christopher Bridges) Produced by Jim Jonsin

In Spring 2019, Underwood will launch a new arena tour, The Cry Pretty Tour 360. Sponsored by CALIA, the new tour will kick off on May 1 in Greensboro, NC, and will play 55 arenas across the U.S. and Canada and be promoted by AEG Presents.  She will be joined on tour by special guests Maddie & Tae and Runaway June.

THE CRY PRETTY TOUR 360:

Date City Venue
May 1, 2019 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
May 3, 2019 Birmingham, AL Legacy Arena at the BJCC
May 4, 2019 N. Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena
May 6, 2019 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
May 9, 2019 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Arena
May 11, 2019 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
May 12, 2019 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center
May 14, 2019 Sacramento, CA Golden1 Center
May 16, 2019 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
May 18, 2019 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena
May 21, 2019 Portland, OR MODA Center at Rose Garden
May 22, 2019 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena
May 24, 2019 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
May 25, 2019 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
May 28, 2019 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place
May 31, 2019 Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre
June 2, 2019 Winnipeg, MB Bell MTS Place
June 9, 2019 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
June 10, 2019 Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre
June 13, 2019 Hershey, PA GIANT Center
June 15, 2019 Cincinnati, OH U.S. Bank Arena
June 16, 2019 Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse
June 18, 2019 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center
June 20, 2019 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum
June 21, 2019 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
June 23, 2019 Lincoln, NE Pinnacle Bank Arena
Sept 10, 2019 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
Sept 12, 2019 Los Angeles, CA STAPLES Center
Sept 14, 2019 Salt Lake City, UT Vivint Smart Home Arena
Sept 16, 2019 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Sept 18, 2019 Wichita, KS INTRUST Bank Arena
Sept 19, 2019 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
Sept 21, 2019 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Sept 22, 2019 Lafayette, LA Cajundome
Sept 24, 2019 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Sept 25, 2019 Oklahoma City, OK Chesapeake Energy Arena
Sept 27, 2019 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
Sept 29, 2019 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena
Sept 30, 2019 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena
Oct 2, 2019 New York City, NY Madison Square Garden
Oct 4, 2019 Washington, D.C. Capital One Arena
Oct 5, 2019 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
Oct 10, 2019 Boston, MA TD Garden
Oct 12, 2019 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena
Oct 13, 2019 Buffalo, NY KeyBank Center
Oct 16, 2019 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
Oct 17, 2019 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
Oct 19, 2019 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
Oct 20, 2019 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
Oct 23, 2019 Memphis, TN FedExForum
Oct 24, 2019 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
Oct 26, 2019 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
Oct 27, 2019 Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Oct 29, 2019 Chicago, IL United Center
Oct 31, 2019 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena

About Carrie Underwood:
Carrie Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, and film. A seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner, she has sold 64 million records worldwide and recorded 26 #1 singles, 13 of which she co-wrote.

Earlier this year, she released the hit event anthem she co-wrote, “The Champion” featuring Ludacris, which opened NBC’s Super Bowl LII and was incorporated into the network’s coverage of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games and has been certified Gold by the R.I.A.A.

In 2013, Carrie starred as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s three-hour holiday blockbuster, the Emmy®-winning The Sound of Music Live!, whose airings attracted 44 million viewers.  She is lead designer for her fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, which launched in 2015 and is exclusively available at DICK’S Sporting Goods nationwide and online at www.caliastudio.com. This Spring, Carrie celebrated her 10th anniversary as a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry and returns this Fall for her sixth season as the voice of primetime television’s #1 program, Sunday Night Football. This November, Carrie and Brad Paisley will co-host the CMA Awards for the 11th consecutive year.

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