Taste of Country » Country Music News

Brad Paisley on Recording With John Fogerty: 'A Dream Come True' – Exclusive Video

Billy Dukes — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:00:30 +0000

Brad Paisley is one of five country stars to join John Fogerty on his new solo album, 'Wrote a Song for Everyone.' The country superstar calls working with the rock superstar a "dream come true" in this video, exclusive to Taste of Country. Fans get a glimpse of their work in the recording studio as they listen to a new version of 'Hot Rod Heart.'

Lisa Matassa Finally Singing the Music She Always Wanted to Sing

Billy Dukes — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:00:18 +0000

She calls it “Long Island country music.” Lisa Matassa says she coined the phrase to mean a mix of rock and modern country, the two genres that root the properly trained vocalist. Her new song ‘Somebody’s Baby’ exemplifies that mix, and fans are loving it to the tune of nearly four million views on YouTube. [...]

Chely Wright and Wife Welcome Identical Twin Boys

Sterling Whitaker — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:34:54 +0000

Chely Wright has added identical twins to her family! The ‘Single White Female’ hitmaker and her wife, music executive Lauren Blitzer-Wright, welcomed two boys, George Samuel and Everett Joseph, on Saturday (May 18) in New York City. Though the babies were not due until July, they are “thriving,” according to a statement her rep gave [...]

George Strait Is 60 for 60, Fellow Country Artists Celebrate in Fun Video

Megan Pacella — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:00:39 +0000

Every day is a good day to be George Strait, but now the superstar has more cause to celebrate his illustrious career than usual. Strait ignited 60 for 60 campaign, pushing to clinch his 60th No. 1 hit before his 61st birthday, which he celebrated over the weekend. The iconic country star hit his goal -- and his fellow country artists couldn't be happier for him.

Taylor Swift Reacts to Justin Bieber/Selena Gomez Kiss at Billboard Music Awards

Billy Dukes — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:00:40 +0000

Was Taylor Swift grossed out by watching good friend Selena Gomez being pulled in for a kiss hello from Justin Bieber, or was she just being a bestie? There's a lot going on in a new viral video that shows the pop stars smooching, with Swift sticking her tongue out in apparent disgust.

Jake Owen Rips His Pants Onstage

Amy Sciarretto — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:33:13 +0000

Jake Owen is nothing if not creative and able to think on the fly — and with his fly down. The singer ripped his pants while performing onstage in Charleston, S.C. on May 17. It was quite eventful, since he admitted via Twitter that he had gone commando and therefore had to improvise, using his [...]

Vote to Determine the Top 10 Videos of the Week in Taste of Country's Countdown

Billy Dukes — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:46 +0000

The addition of one of the hottest songs in country music promises to shake up the Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown. Florida Georgia Line has teamed with rapper Nelly to remix 'Cruise,' and it's an iTunes hit. Little Big Town also debut their new video for 'Your Side of the Bed' this week. Can either replace the clip that's held down the No. 1 spot for almost two months?

Trace Adkins Wins 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice'

Christina Vinson — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:56 +0000

Trace Adkins‘ return to ‘Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars’ paid off in a huge way, as he was “hired” by host/executive producer Donald Trump in Sunday night’s heated competition against fellow finalist, Penn Jillette, winning the show. The singer, who wanted to win ‘Apprentice’ for the Red Cross after the loss of his house in a devastating fire, certainly [...]

Keith Urban vs. Kellie Pickler – The Showdown

Billy Dukes — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:00:15 +0000

Two hot country-stars-turned-television-stars will square off in this week's first Showdown. Keith Urban is the champion by way of beating Thomas Rhett's new single over the weekend. 'Little Bit of Everything' took a commanding lead and held on while Rhett's faithful came charging back.

Brett Eldredge Wraps Red Tour Dates, Shares What He Learned From Taylor Swift

Amanda Hensel — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:30:19 +0000

For 20 minutes on Thursday night (May 16), Brett Eldredge owned the crowd that was still trickling into Houston's Toyota Center to see perhaps the biggest tour of the year -- Taylor Swift's 2013 Red Tour. It was a short set for the country newcomer, but like he did at each of the other 18 shows he played with the superstar, he maxed out every second, walking onstage armed with ammo given to him by his grandfather and Swift herself.

Kenny Chesney, 'Pirate Flag' – Lyrics Uncovered

Megan Pacella — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:51 +0000

It sounds like Kenny Chesney has more warm-weather radio gold on his hands, thanks to the catchy ‘Pirate Flag’ lyrics. Throughout his illustrious career, the star has been responsible for some serious summer anthems. We’re thinking of ear worms like ‘No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems’ and ‘Summertime.’ And this year, with the help of [...]

Kacey Musgraves Brings 'Merry Go Round' to the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Sterling Whitaker — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:11:21 +0000

Up-and-coming country singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves performed her recent career-launching hit ‘Merry Go Round’ on the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (May 19), delivering a performance so subtly nuanced that it seemed almost out of place in the setting of the elaborate, made-for-TV Vegas production. The 24-year-old musician scored a huge hit right out [...]

The Band Perry Perform 'Better Dig Two' at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Sterling Whitaker — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:40:22 +0000

Hot country trio the Band Perry performed ‘Better Dig Two’ at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (May 19), bringing their unique electricity to the stage with one of the coolest, edgiest mainstream country tracks the genre has seen in recent years. Clad in black and illuminated from behind by dark, mysterious mood [...]

Taylor Swift Brings Fans Backstage and Beyond With '22′ at Billboard Music Awards

Amy Sciarretto — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:21:50 +0000

It was one of those nights! Taylor Swift brought ’22′ — her bouncy, peppy, ode to youth — to the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Sunday night (May 19) in fabulous and unexpected fashion. She began her performance backstage in the dressing room, quickly advancing through the hallways surrounded by a troupe of dancers that followed her [...]

Taylor Swift the Big Winner at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Billy Dukes — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:09:29 +0000

Taylor Swift won everything short of the Powerball jackpot Sunday night (May 19) at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. The country superstar collected eight awards, including Top Artist, Top Album and Top Country Artist at the Las Vegas ceremony. Accepting the Top Artist Award from Celine Dion, Swift thanked her family and then her fans. [...]

Country Artists Drop in at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards – Pictures

Amanda Hensel — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:24:08 +0000

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards, which aired live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday night (May 19), brought out the biggest singing stars from all genres — including country. Shania Twain, the Band Perry, Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line and more were in attendance to represent the genre by [...]

John Rich, Wynonna Judd + More Team Up for St. Jude Benefit Show

Amy Sciarretto — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:30:23 +0000

John Rich, who won his season of 'Celebrity Apprentice' in 2011 while competing to benefit St. Jude, is a consummate and constant do-gooder. The country star will perform alongside Wynonna Judd and his Big & Rich band mate Big Kenny at an upcoming all-star event called St. Jude Presents John Rich & Friends.

Jennifer Nettles Opens Up About Her Blue-Eyed, 'Super Sweet' Baby

Christina Vinson — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:16:56 +0000

Jennifer Nettles, half of the superstar country duo Sugarland, recently unveiled the first public photo of her 5-month-old son, Mangus Hamilton, much to the delight of her fans. Now, she has opened up about her happy, blue-eyed baby and how her venture into motherhood is going.

Carrie Underwood Pranks Hunter Hayes at His Last Blown Away Tour Show

Sterling Whitaker — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:47:21 +0000

Hot young country newcomer Hunter Hayes got the opportunity of a lifetime when he opened up for superstar Carrie Underwood on her Blown Away Tour this year. He wrapped up his dates with Underwood at a performance in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on Saturday night (May 18) -- but she wasn't going to let him get away without a proper sendoff, pulling an onstage prank that really got his goat.

How George Jones Wanted to Be Remembered

Billy Dukes — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:55:25 +0000

George Jones was aware of his legacy at least as far back as 2005. That's when he conducted an interview with Taste of Country sister station WGNA in Albany, N.Y. and talked about how he'd like to be remembered. The Possum considered the good and bad of how he'd lived and summed it up for his audience.

Tim McGraw Reveals How He Learned of His True Paternity

Amy Sciarretto — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:16:36 +0000

Tim McGraw‘s father was late Phillies relief pitcher Tug McGraw, who died of brain cancer in 2004. While the two didn’t form a strong relationship until Tim was 18, the ‘Highway Don’t Care’ singer revealed to Larry King how he discovered his birth certificate and thus uncovered his true paternity. McGraw responded to King’s question [...]

Trace Adkins Takes Over NYC's Hard Rock Cafe for Sounds of Summer Show – Pictures

Amy Sciarretto — Sun, 19 May 2013 02:08:55 +0000

Trace Adkins was the king of the world -- or at least of NYC -- on Wednesday, May 15. The country superstar, last seen with a busted foot, performed at Manhattan's famed Hard Rock Cafe as part of a special engagement for SiriusXM listeners, members of the Red Cross and the USO. The performance was part of the Sounds of Summer programming.

Dierks Bentley Says Third Baby Was 'Kinda Planned, Kinda Unplanned'

Amy Sciarretto — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:21:10 +0000

Dierks Bentley, with decidedly shorter hair, spoke to a Jacksonville radio station during an appreciation event for the military and revealed how his wife Cassidy let him know that their third bundle of joy was on the way. The pregnancy, according to Bentley, was sort of a surprise, but not really.

Would Keith Urban Return to 'American Idol'?

Amy Sciarretto — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:42:11 +0000

Most average people hate their jobs, toiling away to earn a wage and to make ends meet. It is a rare and precious few who get to do what they love for a living, and Keith Urban is one of those fortunate folks when it comes to being a judge on the embattled 'American Idol.' The singer and guitarist wants to return to his seat for Season 13 in 2014 and with good reason.

Chris Young Doesn't Feel Pressure When It Comes to Fourth Album

Amy Sciarretto — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:11:09 +0000

With a string of No. 1 singles – ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘You’ from 2011′s ‘Neon,’ and ‘Gettin’ You Home,’ ‘The Man I Want to Be’ and ‘Voices,’ from 2009′s ‘The Man I Want to Be’– there are expectations surrounding Chris Young‘s upcoming fourth album. But as for pressure? Pft. He’s feeling none of that. “Feeling like I [...]

Kree Harrison Reveals Future Plans After 'American Idol'

Sterling Whitaker — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:35:03 +0000

Country’s own Kree Harrison was revealed as the runner-up on the twelfth season of ‘American Idol‘ in the dramatic finale Thursday night (May 16), and in an interview after the show, she shared some of her future plans. “We have the tour, which is so exciting,” Harrison tells MTV News. “I get to travel the [...]

Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina Will Miss 'American Idol' Judge Randy Jackson

Christina Vinson — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:16:39 +0000

Fox's hit singing competition 'American Idol' has propelled many singers into successful careers, including country music standouts Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Scotty McCreery, and Lauren Alaina. With the sad announcement that judge Randy Jackson would be pursuing other endeavors, former contestants spoke up about their respect and admiration for him.

Taylor Swift Earns a Spot on Maxim's Hot 100 List

Sterling Whitaker — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:50:48 +0000

It looks like pop-country superstar Taylor Swift is not only one of the hottest women in country music. She’s also one of the hottest women, period… …At least according to Maxim’s new Hot 100 List. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter claimed a spot on this year’s list alongside stars like Katy Perry, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus. Swift [...]

Luke Bryan's 'Just a Sip' Video Brings the Ultimate Spring Break Party

Megan Pacella — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:52:55 +0000

Nothing gets you in the spirit of summer quite like seeing thousands of college kids hanging out at the beach during Spring Break. Beaches, beer and bathing suits -- what else do you need? Nothing! That's why Luke Bryan used Spring Break footage to capture the ultimate party-time summer vibe in his new 'Just a Sip' video.

Taylor Swift Admits a 'Cruise' Obsession, Mourns George Jones in Billboard

Sterling Whitaker — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:00:31 +0000

One woman pop country juggernaut Taylor Swift is an unstoppable force in today's music business, not just in country, but cutting across genres. She's performing at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards, where she's also nominated, and she spoke to the publication in advance of the show to share her highs and lows of the last year.