Taste of Country

Kelly Clarkson Won't Join 'American Idol' as a Judge, Despite Rumors

Amy Sciarretto — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:00:29 +0000

Been there, done that.

Kelly Clarkson, the original 'American Idol,' won't revisit her former stomping grounds, despite rumors. The pop-country diva will not take a seat at the judge's table for Season 13 in 2014, which is expected to be totally revamped and overhauled with a new set of celebrity panelists.

Tim McGraw Empowers Fan Fighting Cancer With Heartfelt Kiss

Sterling Whitaker — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:00:57 +0000

Country music superstar Tim McGraw thrilled a fan who is battling cancer by acknowledging her at his concert in Burgettstown, Penn. this past Saturday night (May 18). The photo showing the singer giving Shirlene Borsos a tender kiss on the head has since become a viral internet sensation.

Jason Aldean Calls on Fans to Help Decide His Next Single

Christina Vinson — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:03:14 +0000

Jason Aldean has decided to ‘take a little ride’ on the wild side and let his fans help decide the next single from his hit record ‘Night Train.’ With ten No. 1 songs under his belt, he’s hoping those who know best will be able to choose his next hit. “Decisions Decisions!!!! Tryin to decide [...]

Miranda Lambert to Aid Animal Rescue Efforts in Moore, Oklahoma

Sterling Whitaker — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:30:26 +0000

Miranda Lambert's soft spot for animals is well known in country music circles. The singer has her own animal rescue organization, and she's agreed to pitch in to help take care of the many animals displaced by the devastating tornado which hit Moore, Oklahoma on Monday (May 20).

Couple Arrested After Stabbing Each Other Over 'American Idol' Finale

Sterling Whitaker — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:00:33 +0000

If you think you're Kree Harrison or Candice Glover's most passionate fan, think again. A couple in Pennsylvania were arrested and charged with aggravated assault after an argument over the 'American Idol' season finale led to a fight that ended with them stabbing each other.

Win a Flyaway Trip to See Brett Eldredge + More at the 2013 CMA Music Festival

Taste of Country Staff — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:30 +0000

You can win a paid-for trip to the 2013 CMA Music Festival, but your window of opportunity will close soon. Enter now to win a flyaway to Nashville for the June 6-10 party, including hotel, airfare and tickets to all LP Field shows. Plus, you'll see hot country newcomer Brett Eldredge and more perform at the HGTV Lodge.

Little Big Town Hosting 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock'

Sterling Whitaker — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:13 +0000

The members of hot country group Little Big Town are gearing up for a very special honor. The band have been on a huge winning streak this past year, and they’re topping it off by hosting the upcoming TV special ‘CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock.’ The foursome have been around the country music [...]

The Lone Bellow, 'Bleeding Out' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:30:57 +0000

In ‘Bleeding Out,’ Zach Williams of the Lone Bellow sings with an urgency nearly unmatched in country music. Strip away an arrangement that builds to anthemic levels and you’re still left with an unforgettably passionate performance. The song takes a few listens and perhaps some time spent studying the lyrics to figure out what message [...]

Conan O'Brien Bitterly Teaches Taylor Swift What 22 Is Really Like

Megan Pacella — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:06 +0000

The lyrics to Taylor Swift's hit song make 22 sound like a darn good time. Lots of late-night hangouts, dreaming of the future, acting silly with friends -- what more could you want? Unfortunately, the reality for most is that early 20s aren't nearly as fun as they look in the '22' music video -- and Conan O'Brien takes issue with Swift's gross misrepresentation.

Pistol Annies Draw From Real Life, Marriage for New Album

Sterling Whitaker — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:58:58 +0000

Pistol Annies have just released their second album, titled ‘Annie Up,’ and in a new interview, the critically acclaimed country music trio talk about how their real lives helped shape the music they’ve made this time around. “This album is about right now,” Miranda Lambert tells the Tennessean. “When we were doing the first record, [...]

'The Voice' Singer, Air Force Vet Angie Johnson Releases 'Sing for You' Video – Exclusive Premiere

Billy Dukes — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:00:51 +0000

It's possible you'll be hearing Angie Johnson's new song 'Sing for You' often this Memorial Day weekend. The singer, one-time contestant on 'The Voice' and Air Force veteran is taking the powerful ballad to New York City's Fleet Week in addition to numerous media experiences. Watch the powerful video first, exclusively on Taste of Country.

New Country Music Releases – June 2013

Billy Dukes — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:00:47 +0000

The new country music releases for June 2013 will finally bring new tunes from Hunter Hayes. The singer's 'Encore' album, featuring a mix of hits from his debut project and some new songs, is in stores on June 18. In addition to 'I Want Crazy,' new collaborations with Ashley Monroe and Jason Mraz are sprinkled among the already familiar tracks. He's not the only one with fresh stuff on store shelves, though.

Toby Keith Heads Home to Oklahoma, Surveys Damage From Deadly Tornado

Christina Vinson — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:00:46 +0000

Toby Keith only recently got back into the United States after his latest USO tour, and was actually in Moore, Oklahoma right before the deadly tornado struck on Monday (May 20), but left for Nashville to record new music just hours before it touched down. When he heard about the wreckage and devastation the storm caused, he returned to his hometown the next day, ready to help and assess the damage.

Blake Shelton and NBC Organizing Benefit Concert for Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Sterling Whitaker — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:00:22 +0000

Country star and 'The Voice' coach Blake Shelton is teaming with NBC to organize a benefit for victims who were struck by the deadly tornado that devastated his home state of Oklahoma on Monday (May 20) -- and he's calling on some famous friends to help out.

Taylor Swift Shows Her Many Colors Live on Red Tour in Texas – Exclusive Pictures

Amanda Hensel — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:11 +0000

Taylor Swift doesn't have thick skin, she tells Taste of Country (after all, no good writer does) -- a trait only amplified during her live show, where she seems most at home. The 'Begin Again' superstar took the stage in the capital city of Austin, Texas on Tuesday night (May 21) wearing her heart on her sleeve and showing it off song by song, story by story.

Ronnie Dunn Shares New Song, 'Peace Love and Country Music'

Sterling Whitaker — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:00:12 +0000

Ronnie Dunn has taken to sampling new songs in progress for his fans, and from the sound of it, his latest one is a potential hit in the making. The former Brooks and Dunn singer shared a new song titled ‘Peace Love and Country Music’ via Souncloud recently, and from the glowing comments he’s been [...]

George Strait, Keith Urban + More Added as 2013 CMT Music Awards Performers

Christina Vinson — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:00:39 +0000

The 2013 CMT Music Awards will be a big night in country music, boasting a terrific lineup of fan-favorite acts, including the King himself. Recently added to the mix are George Strait, Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum, making this evening a truly entertaining country music party.

Hank Williams, Jr. Announces 2013 Summer Tour

Sterling Whitaker — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:00:47 +0000

The legendary Hank Williams, Jr. has announced a summer run of concert dates in support of his most recent album, ‘Old School, New Rules,’ which he released last July. The tour will kick off on June 8 in Minnesota and run through September 14, when it wraps up in Biloxi, Miss. The singer — whose [...]

Can You Guess Which Country Artist This Kid Grew Up to Be?

Billy Dukes — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:30:52 +0000

Aside from being as cute today as this country star was when the baby picture was taken, not much is the same 20-something years later. The eyes are a different color, the smile is more vibrant and the fashion choices are a little more trendy. Do you think you know who this is? She’s part [...]

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Bring 'Over You' to 'The Voice' in Tribute to Oklahoma

Amy Sciarretto — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:00:27 +0000

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert brought their much-decorated ballad 'Over You,' which they penned together about the death of Shelton's brother, to 'The Voice' on Tuesday, performing the intimate and deeply personal song with a different purpose.

Cassadee Pope, 'Wasting All These Tears' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:09 +0000

Cassadee Pope didn't rush to release her debut single 'Wasting All These Tears' as so many reality show winners do. It's been six months since she won Season 3 of 'The Voice,' and the singer seems to have made the most of the time, as the track is a polished and unique semi-country arrangement.

Kellie Pickler vs. Joe Nichols – The Showdown

Billy Dukes — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:00:15 +0000

Kellie Pickler actually won two competitions last night, and both were very, very close. The 'Dancing With the Stars' champion topped Keith Urban's new single by the slimmest of Showdown margins. Her song 'Someone Somewhere Tonight' took 52 percent of the fan vote, meaning she'll move on to face a new competitor today and Thursday.

Trace Adkins Accidentally Recorded an Album of Love Songs

Billy Dukes — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:30:26 +0000

‘Love Will …’ is the new collection of love songs from Trace Adkins. It’s a project that makes complete sense, as few men in country music can match the singer’s romantic baritone. Adkins says he didn’t intend to make the project he ended up with, however. The album was finished last August, but the singer [...]

Brad Paisley, 'Beat This Summer' – Lyrics Uncovered

Megan Pacella — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:00:51 +0000

Brad Paisley‘s ‘Beat This Summer’ lyrics were written by the singer with help from talented scribes Luke Laird and Chris DuBois. Unfortunately for the co-songwriters, Paisley knows how to burn the midnight oil — and they were up way past their bedtime. “That song we literally wrote at one o’clock in the morning,” Laird tells Roughstock. “For [...]

Kellie Pickler Wins 'Dancing With the Stars'

Billy Dukes — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:02:57 +0000

Kellie Pickler has been named the winner of Season 16 of 'Dancing With the Stars,' besting Disney star Zendaya in the final two. "Grandpa Ken, we got you the trophy buddy," partner Derek Hough shouted, referring to the man who raised Pickler. NFL player Jacoby Jones finished third, with gymnast Aly Raisman finishing fourth.

Brad Paisley Would Like to Collaborate With Kanye West… Maybe

Christina Vinson — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:05 +0000

Brad Paisley's No. 1 album 'Wheelhouse' is perhaps his most intriguing album yet, thanks to the collaborations he included. Rapper LL Cool J had a prime spot on the album -- the song 'Accidental Racist' sparked much controversy -- but Paisley admitted there's another rapper he's thought about teaming up with... and it probably wouldn't go over too well in the country music scene.

Jennifer Nettles on Sugarland's Status: 'Nobody Panic!'

Sterling Whitaker — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:00:07 +0000

Singer Jennifer Nettles recently revealed that she's working on a solo album, but does that mean it's the end of the road for country super duo Sugarland?

Cute Kids Singing Country Songs – Trace Adkins, 'Arlington'

Billy Dukes — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:00:47 +0000

Trace Adkins‘ 2005 hit ‘Arlington’ should be on everyone’s Memorial Day playlist. This 5-year-old does the song justice with a respectful cover that honors the singer and the subject matter. We appreciate Koty’s unique song choice. You’ll find 100 covers of ‘Honky Tonk Badonkadonk’ for every one of ‘Arlington.’ Koty’s YouTube career was short, but [...]

Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley + Randy Houser Get Locked and Reloaded in Denver – Exclusive Pictures

Taste of Country Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:00:04 +0000

Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley and Randy Houser played Fiddler’s Green Ampitheatre near Denver, Colo. on Saturday night (May 18). The 2013 Locked and Reloaded Tour has been one of the hottest tickets of the year, with the reigning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year taking the stage after rowdy sets from her two opening men. [...]

David Nail, 'Whatever She's Got' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:30:34 +0000

‘Whatever She’s Got’ represents a new sound — and new look — for David Nail. The ‘Let It Rain’ singer previously relied on a strong voice and bittersweet lyrics to work songs up the charts. The new track is pop-friendly and not nearly as deep. Toward the end, ‘Whatever She’s Got’ becomes a little boy-bandish, [...]