Billy Dukes
Eli Young Band Make a Drinking Game Out of State of the Union Address
Like millions of Americans who watched President Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night, the Eli Young Band paid close attention to the details of his message — at least for as long as they could before likely toppling over. A recent tweet from the band indicates they made a drinking game out of the 65-minute long speech.
Merle Haggard to Be Released From Hospital
Merle Haggard will be heading home to northern California soon. WMAZ in Macon, Ga. reports that the 74-year-old singer’s condition has improved and that he’ll be released shortly.
Merle Haggard Cancels Remaining January Tour Dates
Country legend Merle Haggard has canceled four remaining January tour dates to recover from pneumonia. It’s not clear when, if at all, the 74-year-old will reschedule shows originally planned for Paducah, Ky., Lula, Miss., Ft. Worth, Texas and Tulsa, Okla.
Steel Magnolia Reportedly Break Up
Country duo Steel Magnolia canceled a concert in Greenville, Tenn. and set off a whirlwind of rumors about their personal and professional relationships. TriCities.com was the first to report about a potential breakup after the group pulled out of a March 24 tour stop.
Blake Shelton’s Father Dies
Blake Shelton‘s ailing father has died. Dick Shelton’s health had been in decline over the last year, and a press release from the singer’s record label reveals that he passed on Tuesday night in his home state of Oklahoma with loved ones surrounding him.
Carrie Underwood’s New Album Expected to Have Darker Songs
Carrie Underwood is nearing completion of her new, yet-to-be-titled fourth album and she says the songs she’s chosen were influenced by time spent in studio with Tony Bennett, Steven Tyler and Brad Paisley.
Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire to Host the 2012 ACM Awards
Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire will be back to host the 2012 ACM Awards. After a praiseworthy performance during the 2011 awards show — and Shelton’s skyrocketing public profile — inviting the two to run the show again was likely a no-brainer for producers. In addition, the AP reports that the academy has announced headliners for the other events taking place during the early April celebration.
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New Tim McGraw Song ‘The One That Got Away’ Released to iTunes
The new Tim McGraw album isn’t expected to be in stores or at iTunes until Jan. 24, but fans can now buy four of the 12 cuts from ‘Emotional Traffic‘ online, including the just released song ‘The One That Got Away.’
Scotty McCreery’s ‘Clear as Day’ Goes Platinum
It was only a matter of when, not if, Scotty McCreery‘s debut album would be certified platinum for one million copies sold.
Miranda Lambert Joins Kelly Clarkson to Assist Blake Shelton’s ‘The Voice’ Team
Add Miranda Lambert to Team Blake. Shelton‘s wife will join him on ‘The Voice‘ this season. Along with Kelly Clarkson — who, as reported earlier, will be assisting Shelton’s team — Lambert will be an adviser to contestants hoping to be this season’s Javier Colon.
Scotty McCreery Looking Forward to Watching ‘American Idol’ This Season
Between a Brad Paisley tour, media obligations and English tests, it would seem Scotty McCreery wouldn’t have much time to keep up with reality television, but the 18-year old says he’ll definitely be sitting down when the 11th season of ‘American Idol‘ begins on Jan. 18.
Rascal Flatts, Tim Tebow’s Favorite Band, Perform National Anthem Before Denver Broncos Win
Rascal Flatts have a fan in Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, and after a thrilling overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, their relationship may grow deeper. The trio gave a brilliant performance of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ prior to the game at Mile High Stadium. Could Gary, Jay and Jo Don be Tebow’s good luck charm?