Country News Now

Miranda Lambert Among Nominees For O Music Awards

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:33:00 GMT

Miranda Lambert is in the running for an O Music Award. The country star is up for Best Interactive Music Video with her hit "Fastest Girl In Town" at the event. Her competition in the category includes Linkin Park's "Lost in the Echo," Beck & Chris Milk's "Sound and Vision," Tanlines' "Not the Same," and Yung Jake's "e.m.-bed.de/d." Frank Ocean and Beck are the top nominees heading into the event with two bids each. The fan-voted event celebrates songs, artists, and technology as well as the innovators and counter culture with a 24-hour live-streaming party. More than 50 bands will be performing throughout the country for the ceremony, which will take place on June 19th starting at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Voting is under way now at OMusicAwards.com.

Trace Adkins Playing To Win On "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice"

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:32:00 GMT

Trace Adkins says he's out to win on "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice." The country star explains that his strategy included making a bold stance from the start. Trace was one of Donald Trump's hand-picked first team leaders, and the singer says he used that position to make sure everyone knew he meant business. He also recalls how he told his teammates they needed to deliver -- in the form of a reality check.

Adkins explains that he knew he had to compete in a different way and this time come on strong right away, because everybody he was up against also had previous experience on the show. So far his efforts have paid off -- he's in the finale. Adkins is facing off against Penn Jillette in the reality show's final challenge -- to develop a new flavor for Walgreens' ice cream brand, along with the packaging and a promotional video promotional video for the product. They also have to organize and host VIP events for the product, and sell up to 50 tickets for the event. Viewers will see how each of them fare in the task and learn the "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" winner on the season finale, airing on NBC Sunday night.

Tim McGraw's ACM Special Airing This Weekend

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:31:00 GMT

Tim McGraw's all-star TV special airs this weekend. He's leading the lineup for "ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night," which is set to run on CBS on Sunday. McGraw has said his goal was to present a variety of artists and show viewers all the great musical acts they can see in concert this summer. He's also pointed to Florida Georgia Line, Faith Hill, and Nelly as some of the highlights. The show's country-heavy roster also features Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and The Band Perry, as well as John Fogerty, Ne-Yo, and Pitbull.

Dierks Bentley Opening His Own Bar

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:21:00 GMT

Dierks Bentley will soon be inviting fans -- and everyone else -- to "tip it on back" at his own bar. The Phoenix-born country star has teamed up with the Riot Hospitality Group to open Whiskey Row in Scottsdale, Arizona. The singer say his watering hole features "really cool details that will make it the perfect place to watch a game or listen to music or just get a few drinks with friends." Bentley's Whiskey Row is described as a "throwback to 1920's style saloon with a new country vibe," and is claiming to be Arizona's "most technologically advanced bar." The bar will host both nationally known artists as well as local talent on a 400-square-foot stage hanging directly over the centrally-located bar, while a 24-foot TV hangs on the back wall. In addition, each booth is equipped with beer and liquor taps which will allow visitors to pour their own drinks. Bentley is planning to officially launch Whiskey Row with a grand opening event on July 4th.

Trace Adkins In "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" Finale

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:20:00 GMT

Trace Adkins is in a familiar spot on "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice." The country singer is once again in the finale as the NBC reality series comes to an end. Adkins finished the runner up to Piers Morgan the last time he competed on the show. This time around he's up against Penn Jillette as he works to complete this season's final task. They've been challenged to come up with a new flavor and packaging for Walgreens' ice cream brand. They also have to create a promotional video for the product, host a VIP event for the product, and sell up to 50 tickets for the event. Donald Trump has also brought back some of this season's fired stars to help them with the project. Trace is getting assistance from Lil Jon, Gary Busey, and Marilu Henner, while Penn's team includes La Toya Jackson, Dennis Rodman, and Lisa Rinna.

Adkins has already served as project manager twice this season, and won both times. So far he's raised a total of 710-thousand-dollars for his charity, the American Red Cross. If he wins, he'll be able to give an additional 250-thousand-dollars to the organization. The "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" finale will air on NBC on May 19th.

Lauren Alaina Records Theme To New SeaWorld Orlando Attraction

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:19:00 GMT

Lauren Alaina is adding her voice to a new SeaWorld Orlando attraction. In a YouTube video for the project the country star says she enjoyed having one of the stars of "Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin" in the studio with her as she recorded the theme.

Orlando's "Attractions Magazine" says Lauren will be on hand to perform "Antarctica: One World, One Family" in person during the launch week of "Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin," which is scheduled to open on May 24th.
"Antarctica" is one of two new tracks from the former "American Idol" finalist. She's also just released her new single, "Barefoot and Buckwild."

Carrie Underwood To Sing "Sunday Night Football" Theme

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:24:00 GMT

Carrie Underwood is picking up where Faith Hill left off. After Hill parted ways with the NFL in her "Sunday Night Football" theme song offering, comes word that Underwood will now be singing "Waiting All Day For Sunday Night." Carrie's version of the SNF opener is expected to debut September 8th when the Dallas Cowboys host the New York Giants. In a statement, Underwood said she is "thrilled" to be part of NBC's "Sunday Night Football," adding that she has always loved football season.
Underwood is slated to star in an upcoming live production of "The Sound of Music" for NBC this fall. "Sunday Night Football" producer Fred Gaudelli says the singer was the first and only choice for a new theme singer.

Kellie Pickler Unveils First Single Under New Label Deal

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:23:00 GMT

Kellie Pickler's found time between "Dancing With the Stars" rehearsals to record some new music. The country star has sent the single "Someone Somewhere Tonight" to radio. It's her first release under a new label deal with Black River Entertainment. Kellie says she feels comfortable with the folks at her new musical home.

Kellie recorded her new single with producers Frank Liddell and Luke Wooten, who were also at the helm for her 2012 album, "100 Proof." She says she's glad she was able to work with them again. Pickler calls Liddell and Wooten "family," and says she believes they "captured Kellie on the last album, and now they're gonna put Kellie on this record too." "Someone Somewhere Tonight" will be released on May 14th.

Shania Twain Announces Fall Vegas Dates

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:22:00 GMT

Shania Twain is unveiling fall dates for her Las Vegas show. The country star will wrap up the first year of her two-year deal with 22 performances of "Shania: Still The One" at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace between October 15th and December 14th. She'll begin the run with 12 shows throughout late October and early November, and resume on the Saturday after Thanksgiving with the first of her final ten shows of 2013. Tickets for the new dates go on sale this Friday.

"Shania: Still The One" officially marked Shania's return to the concert stage. She launched the show last December with her first live performance in nearly a decade. The Vegas shows are the singer's first extended run of dates since her "Up" tour in 2003 and 2004. Shania's next performances are coming up next week. She'll begin her next slate of shows on May 14th. Additional details on all upcoming performances are available at www.shaniainvegas.com

New dates for "Shania: Still The One" at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace:
October: 15, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30
November : 2, 3, 30
December: 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14

Garth Brooks Returning To Vegas; May Shows On Sale Today

Country News from 97.1 HANK-FM — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:40:00 GMT

Tickets go on sale today for Garth Brooks' upcoming Memorial Day weekend shows in Las Vegas. The country star is returning to The Encore Theater at the Wynn to play a total of six more shows. He'll give four performances later this month, as well as two shows over the Fourth of July weekend. Garth will take the stage for two shows each on May 24th and 25th, and play one concert on July 5th and another on July 6th. Both the May and July performances will be taped for a TV special as well as an upcoming DVD. Tickets for the July concerts will be available on June 3rd.