Wednesday, March 20, 2013



CMA Music Fest Coming!

The CMA Music Fest hits Nashville June 6th through the 9th. Three days of amazing performances in the heart of Music City. Order tickets here. Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift and Florida Georgia Line are among the acts playing.




IPhone Creates New Music For Kelleigh Bannen

Newcomer Kelleigh Bannen is not only a singer but a songwriter. The "Sorry On The Rocks" singer tweeted about her new songwriting session. "Working out harmony parts on iPhone keyboard w/Troy Johnson...wrote "Sorry" with him." Maybe you can write a hit song on your I Phone?


Blake Denies Rumors

Blake Shelton and his wife Miranda Lambert refute the claims by Life & Style Magazine that they are divorcing over Blake's alleged flirting with a female friend. Miranda's was the funniest saying "can't wait to find out if we stay together or not!"


Blake's A Tweeter

Blake loves connecting with fans on Twitter. He's pumped about his show at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavillion on August 9th. He tweeted this " here we go! Pittsburgh, Raleigh and KC on sale this week! Pre sales today for BS'ers!” You can play "Blake or BS" to win tickets this week on QDR.


Blake May Have Another Number One Hit

Blake Shelton is getting closer to another Number 1 hit! His song "Sure Be Cool If You Did" is closing in on the top spot this week. Just in time for "The Voice" Season 4 to return and his new album on March 25th and 26th respectively.


The King & Garth Sing

Garth Brooks and George Strait have been added as a duet for the 48th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas. The Show is April 7th at 8pm on CBS. I wonder if this is where Garth announces his comeback. That's the rumor.



Scotty Finds Dating Hard

Scotty McCreery is enjoying his headlining tour and his freshman year at NC State. Scotty tells Broadway's Electric Barnyard that dating is tough with his work and school schedule. Scotty's dream date would be with sports reporter Erin Andrews.



Kellie Pickler A Fav To Win DWTS

Country singer and North Carolina native Kellie Pickler is one of the favorites to win the mirrored ball trophy on Dancing With The Stars. The ABC has paired Kellie with Derek Hough and they scored 21 out of 30 for their first dance on the show. Fan voting will be the key to getting Kellie to win.


Brantley Tours Europe In A Funny Bus

Brantley Gilbert recently finished an overseas run of shows.  The major difference for him touring over there was his tour bus – it was a double decker!  All the bunks were upstairs. Though that sounds kind of cool.



Wednesday, March 13, 2013




Taylor Made Bank

Taylor Swift may have some man problems, but don't feel too bad cause she's rich!! Parade Magazine just published the annual "What People Earn"issue, which revealed she pulled in a HUGE $57-million-bucks last year, making her the third highest-paid woman in Hollywood behind Britney Spears and Oprah. Justin Beiber made $55-million. NCIS star Mark Harmon made 38 million.
 
 
Taylor Not Happy With Tina & Amy
 
Taylor Swift was not to happy with being the butt end of a joke that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler made during the Golden Globes. The comediennes said that "Taylor should stay away from Michael J. Fox's son." He was a trophy presenter that night.  It was a dig at taylor's revolving door love life. Taylor told Vanity Fair "there's a special place in hell for women who don't help women".
 
 
 
Taylor Has Friends Watching Out
 
Jada Pinkett Smith has come to the defense of Taylor Swift and Rihanna. Both woman have been bashed for their love lives. The actress posted on her Facebook "Are we bullying our young artists?"Smith said among other things. "What about being a young woman in her early twenties, exploring the intricacies of love and power on the world stage? And should we shame a young woman for displaying a sense of innocence as she navigates through the murky waters of love, heartbreak, and fame? Are these young people not allowed to be young, make mistakes, grow and eventually transform...?" Jada also said that just because these young artists are famous "do we feel we can do and say what we please without any responsibility?"



Taylor Management Red Faced

Taylor Swift's management office is in big trouble after a woman found a pile of unread fan letters tossed in a dumpster and handed them to a reporter at a Nashville TV network. Taylor never saw the contents of the mail, which was discovered in a trash can behind a Nashville school and traced back to her business office in the city. The letters came from all over the world, from devotees who had decorated envelopes with glitter and stickers.

... Taylor's publicist said in a statement: "Taylor gets thousands of fan letters everyday and they are delivered to her management office. After the letters are opened and read, they are recycled. The only explanation for any letters being unopened would be that a small batch of mail that was supposed to be delivered to Taylor was accidentally put with letters headed for the recycling center."
 
 
King George Sets A Record
 
The final show of George Strait's 2013 leg of his "Cowboy Rides Away Tour sold out in just six minutes. More than 72 thousand tickets were snatched up for the June 1st concert in San Antonio, Texas. The tour will continue in 2014. George's new album will be released later this spring.
 
 
Miranda Ain't Selling
 
Miranda Lambert has said that she refuses to sell her home ten miles away from her Tishmongo, Oklahoma house with hubby Blake Shelton. Miranda said if they have a huge fight, ten miles is far enough for one of them to go and cool off, but not so far they can't get back together easily once they do make up.
 
 
 
Craig Morgan New Song
 
Last week at the Country Radio Seminar I got the chance to hear some great new music from Craig Morgan. Check out a snippet of "Wake Up Lovin You". It sounded so good live



Toby Gets An Honor

BMI has awarded Toby keith with the Million Air Award for more than 15 million radio plays of hits such as How Do You Like Me Now, I Love This Bar and Beer For My Horses.


Into The Future



Meet Brett Eldredge

One of the fastest growing songs on the radio is "Don't Ya" from newcomer Brett Eldredge. His deep, husky voice flows through the fun track and is connecting with country listeners. Catch Brett on some of the Taylor Swift "Red" Tour dates this summer.



Brett can perform anywhere, even an elevator.......

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, March 3, 2013


Kellie Pickler Drummer Injured

Gregory Lohman, the drummer for Kellie Pickler is in serious condition at University Hospital in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Lohman, 36 was involved in the second of two accidents that killed two on Saturday.

Jana Making A Movie

Jana Kramer will venture back in front of the camera. She will star in a military drama called "Approaching Midnight". Jana is the daughter of a small town mayor who is the love interest of a military man.


Is Blake Cheating On Miranda?

Life & Style Magazine is alleging that Blake Shelton is cheating on wife Miranda. WIth his "The Voice" schedule and Miranda's touring it's hard for them to spend time together. The tabloid claims the other woman is a twenty-something friend. Speculation on who she is if it's true. I saw Blake and Miranda playing this past week in Nashville and all seemed in order.


Jason Celebrates Number 36

Jason Aldean celebrated his 36th birthday last week. He took some time to party with tour mates jake Owen and Thomas Rhett. Thomas co-wrote Jason's new song "1994".


Luke New Spring Break Album Drops This Week

Luke Bryan will be everywhere this week to promote his new album "Spring Break....Here To Party". He'll be on Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O'Brien and featured in Country Weekly. The album drops online and in stores on Tuesday.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013




Mindy McCready Dies

Country singer Mindy McCready died on Sunday  from a self-inflicted gun shot. The 37-year old has battled depression and drug & alcohol problems over the years. Her boyfriend David Wilson died from similar injuries a week earlier. His death rocked McCready's world. She leaves behind two sons. If you or someone you know has thought of suicide get help here.


McCready's Ex Angry She Left Rehab

Mindy McCready's  ex-boyfriend Billy McKnight is not happy the singer was allowed to leave court-ordered rehab after only 18 hours. McKnight said she was in a terrible state of mind and had threatened suicide after she lost custody of her sons. McKnight added "She wasn't working, lost her kids and her fiance died. She was sent back to an empyt house with nothing but booze and pills."


McCready Joins A List Of Celebrity Rehab Deaths

Mindy McCready joins a growing list of former Celebrity Rehab participants who have died in the past two years. Five alumni, Mike Starr of Alice In Chains, Real World member Joey Kovar, Grease star Jeff Conaway and Rodney King. Dr Drew defends the show and says that death is a real factor for addicts.


Clarkson Disputes Davis Book Account

Kelly Clarkson is coming out swinging at Clive Davis. In his new book "The Soundtrack Of My Life" Clive claims he had some tough conversations with Kelly about song choices for her albums and that the singer burst into tears. Kelly said Davis had some memory lapses and refuses to be bullied by him.

Read the full story


 Thomas Rhett Album Delayed

Thomas Rhett's debut album was originally scheduled to be out on March 19th. But the "Beer With Jesus" singer has been working with some new producers and they've got some great new music, so the album will come out later in 2013.

Thomas also was a co-writer on Jason Aldean's new song "1994". 


Lady A New Album Cover Reveal

Lady Antebellum new album "Golden" will hit stores and online May 7th. The band says to expect less strings and more Southern rock flavor on the new album. There first song from the album "Downtown" is their highest debuting single.


Monday, February 11, 2013



Taylor Angers Harry Styles Fans At Grammys

Taylor Swift opened up the 55th Annual Grammy Awards last night singing "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together". But she angered fans of her ex-boyfriend Harry Styles when she did the rap part of the song in a British accent. Taylor picked up a Grammy for her contribution to the song "Safe & Sound" from the Hunger Games movie.




Carrie & Taylor Feud

Late last week there were reports that Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift were at each other throats and needed to be separated backstage. There were allegations it had to do with Taylor getting the opening performance slot on the Grammys. But it turns out it was nothing more than a false rumor. Carrie even cleared the air on CBS "This Morning". She even plugged Taylor's new song saying she loved it.



Carrie Hit The High Notes

Carrie Underwood did an amazing version of her hits "Blown Away" and "Two Black Cadillacs". Her dress became an illuminated masterpiece throughout.


Kelly Clarkson Soars On Tennessee Waltz and Natural Woman

Kelly Clarkson was amazing as usual singing the Lifetime Achievment Tributes to Patti Page and Carole King. Plus she found time to photobomb Ellen and Portia DeRossi.

Kelly also had the best acceptance speech of the night for her win for Best Pop Vocal Album.


 Zac Brown Still In Shock Over Grammy Win

The most surprised winner of the Grammys had to be Zac Brown. When his band took the gold statue for Country Album for "Uncaged" he got choked up. Monday morning it still hadn't sunk in as Zac tweeted "Woke up today thinking it was all just a dream. Got to meet/hang with some very cool people AND won a last night!”

Full Grammy Winners List Here


 Aaron Lewis Makes More Believers

Aaron Lewis is showing his strong country connection to audiences across the nation. For those that thought the Staind front man could only do rock check out his new album "The Road" and his new song "Forever". You will have a new perspective of the man from the 413. Listen to his acoustic performance of "Vicious Circles". Aaron has been added to the lineup for Country Thunder 2013 in Arizona.



Blake's New Video Out

Have you seen the new video for Blake Shelton's "Sure Be Cool If You Did"? It's good.

Blake's 7th studio album "Based On A True Story" will be in stores and online March 26th. It's the day after the Season 4 premiere of "The Voice". One of the tracks on the album is "Grandaddy's Gun" a song co-written by Thomas Rhett. Thomas also has a co-write on the albums first track "Boys Round Here".


Scotty New Songs

Scotty McCreery has been doing some weekend touring. On the stops he's been playing some new tunes from his next album. One is called "Gotta See You Tonight"  and the other is called "Suntan". He'll be out this summer with "Home To Me" singer Sarah Darling.



Into The Future

Meet up & coming Country artist Charlie Worsham. His new song "Could It Be" is starting to connect with fans across the country. I got the chance to meet him when I introduced him onstage at last year's CMA Music Festival in Nashville. The ladies love him.




Monday, February 4, 2013



Keith To Hit Grammy Stage

Keith Urban has been added as a presenter at the 55th annual Grammy Awards Sunday, February 10th on CBS. Dierks Bentley will team up with tour mate Miranda Lambert for a performance, while Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are also added as presenters. The show will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in L.A.

Keith is getting ready for American Idol live shows. The auditions are over and we move on to Hollywood rounds this week before we to viewer voting.


http://www.mjsbigblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/american_idol_83980357-210x280.jpg

Kelly And Carrie Set For Grammy Performances 

Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have been added as performers for this Sundays Grammy Awards. 

Kelly's new song "Don't Rush" featuring Vince Gill is climbing the charts. I'm hoping that she'll think about recording the Carrie Underwood song "I Know You Won't" that she knocked out of the park on her VH-1 Unplugged special. See it here.


Lady A On NBC's "The Voice"

Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum will be on the upcoming season of NBC's 'The Voice". She'll be a guest mentor for Adam Levine. “I was so happy that Hillary was interested in coming on The Voice to mentor my team,” Adam told Access Hollywood. “Maroon 5 and I recorded a song with her for our last studio album and we had a great time collaborating in the studio.” Adding, “She is an incredible performer and artist. I know my team will be able to learn a lot from her.” The Voice” Season 4 premieres on March 25th at 8pm ET on NBC.



Luke Bryan Dr Pepper Shoot

Luke Bryan just finished filming a Dr Pepper commercial. His face will be all over their cans this spring.

On the latest installment of Luke Bryan TV he takes you behind the scenes on his latest photo shoot.
Here it is.

 

Kip Moore Sells Out Another Show

2013 is starting out as the year of Kip Moore. He continues to sell out his headling shows including Boston House Of Blues. That show took only 25 minutes to fill up. Kip's already sold out shows n Norfolk, VA, Raleigh, NC, Athens, GA, Nashville, TN, Starkville, MS and upcoming Grand Rapids, MI.

"This year is off to a crazy start and it's only February," said Kip. "We have been at this awhile, just going out on the road and playing to as many people who would listen. It wasn't much at first, but thankfully, the number of people listening seems to be getting bigger and bigger. And if you missed out on any tickets, I'm sorry…but I guarantee we'll be back soon!"

Get more show dates here. Kip is continuing to headline his own dates as well as hitting the road with Brantley Gilbert in February and April. Kip will be opening for Toby Keith this summer starting in May.



Little Big Town Launch Tour

Little Big Town have launch their Tornado Tour. The band is taking special guests Kacey Musgraves and David Nail along for the ride on select dates. The band is excited “It’s gonna be so much fun to go out and play more of the songs from the Tornado record and dig deeper in our catalog and play some stuff for our fans,” says LBT’s Phillip Sweet.

Kacey is on the tour through March 3rd, and David Nail is expected to pick up the rest of the dates through May 9th.

Little Big Town, whose current single “Tornado” is sitting inside the Top 10, are up for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Pontoon” at the Grammys.

If you check out LBT's "Tornado" video you can see Jana Kramer's ex husband Johnathon Schaech as the bad guy who gets entangled in barbed wire at the end.


Miranda Wants A Power Girls Connection

Miranda Lambert was asked who she would love to collaborate with and her answer....Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. That would be a powerhouse trio.


Jason Has Another Number One

Jason Aldean is celebrating. His song with Luke Bryan and Eric Church "The Only Way I Know" is the new number one song on the country charts. Last week's top song by Gary Allan "Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain) falls to number two. That was Gary's first number one since 2004 when "Nothin On But The Radio".

Tim McGraw Had A Connection To Ravens Win

Tim McGraw is celebrating this week. His new album "Two Lanes Of Freedom" is in stores and online. Tim was also pulling for the Ravens to win the Big Game, and they did 34-31. Tim played the stepfather of Michael Oher in the big screen movie "The Blind Side".  The Big Game reached an audience of 164.1 million at the Mercedes Superdome.


Craig Campbell Comes To City Limits

Bigger Picture Records artist Craig Campbell will be rockin the stage at City Limits Saloon in Raleigh on January 16th. Tickets available through etix.com. Check him out performing his hit song "Outta My Head" in the QDR Acoustic Cafe. 

Upcoming Album Releases
  • Eric Church: Live (2/12/13)
  • Shooter Jennings: The Other Life (2/26/13)
  • Luke Bryan: Spring Break...Here For The Party (3/5/2013)
  • Thomas Rhett: Thomas Rhett (3/19/13)
  • Kacey Musgraves: Same Trailer, Different Park (3/19/13)
  • Maggie Rose: TBD (3/26/13)

Into The Future


Meet Morgan Frazier

2013 is shaping up to be a year for the young, fresh females in country music. One that looks to make a name for herself is Sidewalk Records artist Morgan Frazier. She's a creative songwriter with a love for classic country artists. She can sing, play guitar and is a first class yodeler. Check out her performance of her first single "Yellow Brick Road" in the QDR Acoustic Cafe.