There are many different paths to success in the ever-changing country music industry—and Jessie Chris is forging her own.
Jessie is making moves WITHOUT a traditional record contract, and it has been really impressive to watch the 21-year-old release new music, headline her own tour and acquire sponsorship deals with brands like Durango Boots. It’s hard not to fall in love with her tremendous talents, sweet personality and kind heart.
In this week’s episode, Jessie shares some great insight from her journey and offers valuable advice for other aspiring artists. Hope you enjoy!
Show Participants:
Jessie Chris
Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW
Videos:
Jessie “Plays It Forward” by covering Kelsea Ballerini’s “Peter Pan,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in 2016.
Jimmy Kimmel rounded up some of his music-loving chums for another installment of his popular late-night bit, Mean Tweets: Music Edition 5.
The premise is simple—and hilarious—as artists from all genres of music read unflattering tweets about themselves. Check out the new clip, which features Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Gwen Stefani, The Chainsmokers, Tyga, Imagine Dragons, Halsey, Jason Mraz, Jason Derulo, Dua Lipa, The Strokes, Pink, Elvis Costello, ScHoolboyQ, G-Eazy, Korn, Nickelback and more.
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay celebrated 100 million Spotify streams of their hit single, “Tequila,” with a special recording session at Nashville’s Sound Stage Studios.
During the session, the duo recorded a new version of “Tequila,” as well as a cover of Lady Gaga’s 2016 Top 5 single, “Million Reasons.” Both songs are now available via Spotify.
“Tequila” received three nominations at the upcoming CMA Awards for Song, Single and Video of the Year, while Dan + Shay are nominated for Duo of the Year.
Chris Janson will hit the road this fall for his Waitin’ on 5 Tour.
The 19-date headlining tour kicks off on Oct. 12 in Memphis and makes additional stops in Kansas City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and more. Three of the concerts will be acoustic performances.
George Strait will return to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for two shows on Feb. 1 and 2 with special guest Ashley McBryde.
The Super Bowl weekend shows will George’s 21st and 22nd “Strait to Vegas” concerts, which initially started in 2016. George has used a number of supporting acts along the way, including Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett and Cam.
While George only played a handful of shows in 2018, he will close out 2018 with two concerts in Vegas on Dec. 7 and 8.
Before the American Music Awards kicked off in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, many country stars walked the red carpet outside the Microsoft Theater, including Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Florida Georgia Line and more.
Kane Brown was country music’s biggest winner at the 2018 American Music Awards on Oct. 9 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Kane took home three trophies, including Favorite Male Artist – Country, Favorite Album – Country and Favorite Song – Country.
Carrie Underwood copped the award for Favorite Female Artist – Country, while Florida Georgia Line netted the award for Favorite Duo/Group – Country. Outside of the country genre, Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello were the big winners, earning four trophies apiece.
Check out all of the country-centric winners below.
Favorite Male Artist – Country Kane Brown WINNER
Luke Bryan
Thomas Rhett
Favorite Female Artist – Country
Kelsea Ballerini
Maren Morris Carrie Underwood WINNER
Favorite Duo or Group – Country
Dan + Shay Florida Georgia Line WINNER
Lanco
Favorite Album – Country Kane Brown, Kane Brown WINNER
Luke Combs, This One’s for You
Thomas Rhett, Life Changes
Favorite Song – Country Kane Brown, “Heaven” WINNER
Dan + Shay, “Tequila”
Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, “Meant to Be”
Collaboration of the Year
Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, “Meant to Be” Camila Cabello “Havana (feat. Young Thug)” WINNER
Post Malone, “Rock Star (feat. 21 Savage)”
Bruno Mars and Cardi B, “Finesse”
Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey, “The Middle”
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With official practice under way and the season fast approaching, the University of Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball teams invite Big Orange fans to Thompson-Boling Arena on Oct. 19 to celebrate the occasion at Rocky Top Tip-Off.
After a highly-successful debut a year ago, the latest edition of Rocky Top Tip-off will take place the night before UT’s home football game with Alabama and offer Tennessee fans a chance to see their 2018-19 Vols and Lady Vols up close. Doors open at 6 p.m., and both admission and parking for the event are free. Fans are encouraged to park in the G-10 garage on the east end of the arena. The G5/S30 lots located north of Phillip Fulmer Way will not be available.
The excitement level for Tennessee basketball is extremely high, with both teams included in the preseason top 10 by several publications. The Vols return all five starters from a team that finished 26-9 and captured the SEC regular season championship, including 2018 SEC Player of the Year Grant Williams and All-SEC performer Admiral Schofield. Head coach Rick Barnes returns for his fourth season on Rocky Top with his most-experienced and talented team yet.
Before Barnes and company defend their conference title, they will take one final curtain call. The Vols will share a special moment with their fans at Rocky Top Tip-Off, as they accept their 2018 SEC Championship rings.
The Lady Vols, meanwhile, return three starters from a squad that went 25-8 overall and 11-5 in the SEC, including senior Meme Jackson and 2018 SEC All-Freshman honorees Rennia Davis and Evina Westbrook. Seventh-year head coach Holly Warlick also welcomes the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation on the heels of last year’s No. 1-rated group to form a young, but talented, roster.
Members of both teams will be available to sign autographs on court level from 6:30 to 7:15, and both Barnes and Warlick will be there as well to meet and pose for photos with fans.
Emcee Trennie Williams and DJ A-Wall will host the festivities and provide music and introductions, while the Tennessee Spirit Squad and Dance Team, the UT Pep Band and Smokey also will play roles in energizing the crowd on what is a fun showcase of Vol and Lady Vol basketball at T-BA.
In addition to autographs and introductions of team members, players will take part in a three-point contest, half-court shot competition and dunk contest. Activities for the entire family include fan contests, a prize wheel, kids’ corner activities and a photo booth with life size cutouts of the players. The UT Spirit Squad, Smokey and members of the teams also will be mingling on the concourse as fans are arriving.
To top it all off, fans will have an opportunity to take part in a handful of on-court promotions as well as get a chance to win season tickets for Vols and Lady Vols games.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
6:00 p.m. – Doors open
6:30-7:15 p.m. – Autographs
7:15-8:30 p.m. – Activities on the court
Luke Bryan’s 5th annual Crash My Playa concerts on January 23–26 in Riviera Maya, Mexico, are taking shape with the announcement of headliner Thomas Rhett and performers Dustin Lynch and Lauren Alaina. TR and Lauren will be making their first appearances at Crash My Playa, while Dustin will return for the fifth time.
“So excited to have Thomas Rhett and Lauren join us for the first time at Playa,” says Luke. “I can’t even imagine doing these shows without Dustin a part of it. This makes five for five.”
During the four-night concert vacation on the beach, Luke will headline two nights, including his Luke & Friends set. Additional artists, details about poolside performances and more event updates will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Grand Ole Opry paid homage to icon Ray Charles on Oct. 8 with a special showcase that was hosted by Darius Rucker and featured performances by Darius, Cam, Brett Eldredge, Ronnie Milsap, Lukas Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, Allen Stone, Travis Tritt, Charlie Wilson, Leela James, Jessie Key, Chris Young and Boyz II Men.
The night’s performances were filmed for a PBS television special that will air in February 2019. The special will also feature behind-the-scenes footage, a visit to the Ray Charles Library and iconic footage courtesy of the Ray Charles Foundation.
“When you think of musical legends, you think of Ray Charles,” says Darius. “To host this great event celebrating his legacy at the Opry makes it even more special. Being asked to join the Opry six years ago was one of the greatest highlights of my career and it’s an honor any time I get to step onto that stage, especially for a night like this.”
Set List
Boyz II Men and Chris Youg: “Your Love So Doggone Good”
Travis Tritt: “I Am Moving On”
Brett Eldredge: “That Lucky Old Sun”
LeAnn Rimes: “Fever”
Charlie Wilson: “Unchain My Heart”
Darius Rucker: “Don’t Change On Me”
Boyz II Men: “Georgia On My Mind”
Ronnie Milsap and Jessie Key: “You Are my Sunshine”
Leela James and Cam: “Don’t Tell Me Your Troubles”
Lukas Nelson: “Seven Spanish Angels”
Chris Young: “I Can’t Stop Loving You”
Allen Stone and Cam: “Here We Go Again”
Charlie Wilson and LeAnn Rimes:“Crying Time”
Everyone: “America the Beautiful”
photo courtesy of Frederick Breedon IV/Getty Images/Schmidt PR
