With the release of new single, “Female,” Keith Urban is giving fans the first taste from his upcoming—and as of yet unannounced—10th studio album.
The empowering tune, which was co-penned by Nicolle Galyon, Ross Copperman and Shane McAnally, boldly tackles themes of misogyny and rape culture—especially heavy topics when compared to the Top 40 stylings of recent No. 1 hits like “Body Like a Back Road” and “All the Pretty Girls.”
As an established and respected country music veteran—who is also still very relevant on the charts—and the father of two young girls, Keith is an ideal catalyst to put a song like this in motion.
Check out “Female” below, as well as the lyrics.
“Female” When you hear somebody says somebody hits like a girl How does that hit you? Is that such a bad thing?
When you hear a song that they play sayin’ you run the world Do you believe it? Will you live to see it?
Chorus Sister – shoulder – daughter – lover Healer – broken halo – Mother Nature – fire – suit of armor – sole survivor – holy water Secret keeper – fortune teller Virgin Mary – Scarlet letter Technicolor – river wild Baby – girl – woman – child Female
When somebody laughs and implies that she asked for it Just cause she was wearing a skirt Oh is that how that works?
When somebody talks about how it was Adam first Does that make you second best? Or did He save the best for last?
Repeat Chorus
She’s the heart of life She’s the dreamer’s dream She’s the hands of time She’s the queen of kings
On Nov. 7, Broadcast Music Inc. presented the 2017 BMI Country Awards, honoring the prolific songwriting career of BMI Icon Bob DiPiero, as well as the BMI Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year.
A host of artists paid tribute to Bob by performing his hits, including Brooks & Dunn (“You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl”), Reba McEntire (“Till You Love Me”) and Jon Pardi (“Daddy’s Money”).
In addition, Ross Copperman was named Songwriter of the Year, with credits that include, among others, Locash’s “I Know Somebody,” Kenny Chesney’s “Noise” and “Setting the World On Fire,” Brett Eldredge’s “Wanna Be That Song” and Keith Urban’s “Break On Me.”
Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y”—written by busbee and Nate Cyphert—earned Song of the Year, while Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville took home the Publisher of the Year accolade.
Keith Urban was presented with the BMI Champion award for his work supporting the next generation of songwriters and music makers.
Take a look at our red carpet photo gallery that includes shots of Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Brett Eldredge, Dan + Shay and many more. All photos courtesy of Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com. If you don’t see the photo gallery below, click here.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The nation’s No. 1 recruiting class combined for 76 points to lead No. 14/18 Tennessee past Carson-Newman, 121-76, in a season-opening exhibition game Tuesday night at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Featuring a foursome of McDonald’s All-Americans, the young Lady Vols did not take long to make an impact in their opening performance. Rennia Davis led the way for Tennessee, recording a game-high 27 points and 13 rebounds, as each of the freshmen finished in double figures.
The energy and pace brought by the newcomers was complemented by veteran experience, as seniors Jaime Nared and Mercedes Russell played extensive minutes in the first half. Nared finished with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Russell added 14 points and four boards. Freshman guard Anastasia Hayes came off the bench to finish as UT’s third leading scorer with 19 points on 9-of-10 shooting.
Tennessee came out sharp in the first quarter, shooting 63 percent from the field to build a 27-20 lead. Nared made four of her first six shots to lead the way with eight points through the opening frame.
The Lady Vols held Carson-Newman to 38 percent shooting in the first half, and used a 10-0 run during the second quarter to go into the break ahead, 52-42. Davis went 5-for-8 from the floor with 14 points to lead UT.
Also making her debut was Sports Illustrated Preseason National Freshman of the year, Evina Westbrook. The guard from Salem, Ore., netted seven first-half points and recorded three assists, with her first basket in the orange and white coming via a free throw nine seconds into the game. Westbrook finished with 17 points and six assists.
Tennessee broke the game open in the third quarter, going on a 22-5 run to increase the lead to 33. Freshman forward Kasiyahna Kushkituah scored nine of her 13 points in the second half, and was 6-for-8 shooting for the game in the low post. She also added 10 rebounds for UT’s second double-double of the night by a rookie.
UT was assertive on the glass all night, finishing with 56 total rebounds. Twenty-five of the Lady Vols’ points came off second-chance opportunities.
Haris Price led Carson-Newman offensively, scoring 15 points and adding four assists. Jecca Simerly hauled down 10 rebounds for the Lady Eagles.
UP NEXT: The Lady Vols will host East Tennessee State on Sunday. The game will tip off at 2 p.m. and be carried online by SECN+.
HIGH SCORING IN ALL-TIME SERIES: Tennessee’s 121 points on Tuesday night was the most it has scored versus Carson-Newman since Nov. 5, 2009, when it defeated the Lady Eagles 124-34.
TALE OF TURNOVERS: Despite playing two freshmen at point guard, Tennessee committed only 10 turnovers in the contest. Anastasia Hayes committed only one turnover, while Evina Westbrook had two. Carson-Newman, meanwhile, was harassed into 24 miscues on the evening.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee senior Ethan Wolf, juniors Micah Abernathy and Shy Tuttle and freshman Trey Smith met with the media on Tuesdayafternoon to talk about the Vols’ final SEC road trip.
UT heads to Columbia, Mo., this Saturday to face Missouri after defeating Southern Miss on Homecoming. The Vols are 2-3 all-time when playing the Tigers, having taken a 19-8 win when the two teams met in Columbia in 2015 and a 63-37 victory at Neyland Stadium last season.
The potential series-tying game will be aired on SEC Network at 7:30 p.m. ET with Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers and Cole Cubelic providing game coverage.
Playing for the Seniors
With three games left in the regular season and a bowl game on the line, the Volunteers are playing for their seniors.
“We are trying to get them to a bowl game,” Abernathy said. “Every year they have been here, they have made it to a bowl game. We are trying to continue that legacy and let them continue on.”
Tennessee has made it to a bowl game each of the last three seasons and became one of just nine programs to win three consecutive postseason games since 2014 with a 38-24 victory over Nebraska in the 2016 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl.
Limiting Missouri’s Offense
With practice No. 2 of Missouri week in the books, Tennessee continues its preparation to face the Tigers’ explosive, fast-tempo offense. An important factor in the Vols’ success will be takeaways and tackles for loss.
“Coach has been stressing that all year really,” Tuttle said. “With tempo offenses, you have to get them behind the line and behind the sticks to make them slow down and do something they are not comfortable with.”
In 2017, UT’s defense has recorded 51 tackles for a loss of 188 total yards, including 19 sacks for 115 yards. The Vols have also recovered 10 of 14 fumbles so far this season.
“We have our work cut out for us, but we are an extremely confident football team and we are going to go out and give our best effort,” Wolf added.
Additional Quotes
Senior Tight End Ethan Wolf
On redshirt freshman quarterback Jarrett Guarantano’s performance:
“Jarrett is doing really well. He is two games in. He continues to get better with each snap and gains more and more confidence in himself. Seeing the subtle improvements that he’s making each and every snap is reassuring. It builds your confidence as a team, that he is going to come out there and do what he needs to do to win.”
On a bowl game:
“It’s on a lot of our minds, everyone’s I would say, especially the seniors because it’s our last go around and we don’t want to finish not being there. We are taking it one week at a time, but that’s in the back of our minds, knowing that each and every win now counts toward that.”
On Missouri:
“They’ve been a great team since I have played them. I think we lost to them my freshman year, but have been fortunate enough to beat them since then. It has always been a close game, and they always play us hard. Whether they are new to the SEC or not, they are still a good football team. They have a really explosive offense and a solid defense. We have our work cut out for us, but we are an extremely confident football team and we are going to go out and give our best effort.”
Junior Defensive Back Micah Abernathy
On being tested in pass attempts this season:
“We have played some pretty good receivers and quarterbacks this year and whether they decide to throw the ball or not we are going to defend it to our best ability.”
On challenges Missouri brings:
“They have big receivers. They have a wide variety of receivers in both size and speed. They have a lot of things that they do differently than any other team we’ve played this year.”
On the difference in Missouri’s quarterback between this year and last year:
“He is a lot more calm this year. He was pretty calm last year and mature, but I would say this year he is a lot more poised and he gets the ball out to his receivers.”
On motivation for rest of season.:
“Right now, we are all playing for our seniors. We are trying to get them to a bowl game. Every year they have been here, they have made it to a bowl game. We are trying to continue that legacy and let them continue on.”
Freshman Offensive Lineman Trey Smith
On what he thinks he did best at offensive tackle against Southern Miss:
“I liked that just because I made the shift to tackle, my physicality didn’t really drop off. I still felt like I was the same player to a degree. I also liked the way my sets were coming at some points in the game.”
On if he surprised himself with his play at offensive tackle:
“I did surprise myself. When you’re on the edge, it’s a different world. You’re on an island essentially. When I started playing in training camp, I told my coaches and friends that when you’re a tackle, you have to be a man out there. You’re not getting as much help like you would at guard or center. You’re on your own in a lot of things.”
On if he believes his play has had a positive impact on his teammates:
“Anytime you put some violent stuff on film, it’s going to rub off on other people. I think we all influence each other on this team. If we see a good strain, or if we see someone take somebody out or if we see a big hit, everyone else is going to feed off of that energy. If he’s doing this like that, I can do it too.”
Junior Defensive Tackle Shy Tuttle
On if he feels full recovered from his injury:
“I’m getting there. I’m trying to improve every week in practice, but I feel like I’m progressing each week.”
On getting back to the full speed that he was at prior to his injury:
“It is pretty hard to get back to normal. Sometimes I don’t know what to think about it. I watch it on film, and that makes me step gingerly and stuff. It’s been a long process.”
On the importance of slowing down Missouri’s fast paced offense with tackles for loss:
“It’s very important. Coach has been stressing that all year really. With tempo offenses, you have to get them behind the line and behind the sticks to make them slow down and do something they aren’t comfortable with.”
Before the 51st CMA Awards kick off on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, we asked a few people around the Nash Country Daily office to predict which artists will be taking home trophies.
There was no back-and-forth debate, no who “should” win, and no waffling. Each panelist was simply asked: Who WILL win in each category?
Panel
Ty Bentli, co-host of Ty, Kelly & Chuck
Elaina Smith, co-host of Nash Nights Live
Blair Garner, host of Blair Garner Show
Jim Casey, Nash Country Daily editor in chief
Here’s who Ty, Elaina, Blair and Jim think WILL win each award . . . but seriously, what do we know?
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR (Award goes to the artist)
Garth Brooks
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
Garth: Ty, Elaina, Blair, Jim
SINGLE OF THE YEAR (Award goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer)
“Better Man” – Little Big Town; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineer: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban; Producer: Dann Huff, Keith Urban; Mix Engineer: Chris Lord-Alge
“Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt; Producer: Zach Crowell; Mix Engineer: Zach Crowell
“Dirt On My Boots” – Jon Pardi; Producer: Bart Butler, Jon Pardi; Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
“Tin Man” – Miranda Lambert; Producer: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf; Mix Engineer: Eric Masse
“Body Like a Back Road”: Ty, Elaina, Blair, Jim
ALBUM OF THE YEAR (Award goes to the artist and producer)
The Breaker – Little Big Town; Producer: Jay Joyce
From A Room: Volume 1 – Chris Stapleton; Producer: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Heart Break – Lady Antebellum; Producer: busbee
The Nashville Sound – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit; Producer: Dave Cobb
The Weight of These Wings – Miranda Lambert; Producer: Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf, Eric Masse
The Weight of These Wings: Ty, Jim Heart Break: Elaina From A Room: Volume 1: Blair
SONG OF THE YEAR (Award goes to the songwriter)
“Better Man” — Songwriter: Taylor Swift
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” — Songwriter: Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Olsen
“Body Like A Back Road” — Songwriter: Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
“Dirt On My Boots” — Songwriter: Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
“Tin Man” — Songwriter: Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall
“Better Man”:Ty, Elaina, Blair “Blue Ain’t Your Color”: Jim
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (Award goes to the artist)
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood
Maren Morris: Ty, Elaina, Blair Miranda Lambert: Jim
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (Award goes to the artist)
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
Chris Stapleton: Elaina, Jim
Keith Urban: Ty Thomas Rhett: Blair
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR (Award goes to the group)
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band
Little Big Town: Ty, Blair, Jim Lady Antebellum: Elaina
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR (Award goes to the duo)
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
LOCASH
Maddie & Tae
Brothers Osborne
Florida Georgia Line: Elaina, Blair, Jim Brothers Osborne: Ty
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR (Award goes to each artist)
“Craving You” – Thomas Rhett (feat. Maren Morris)
“Funny How Time Slips Away” – Glen Campbell with Willie Nelson
“Kill a Word” – Eric Church (feat. Rhiannon Giddens)
“Setting the World on Fire” – Kenny Chesney (with P!nk)
“Speak to a Girl” – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
“Craving You”: Elaina, Blair
“Speak to a Girl”: Ty “Setting the World on Fire”: Jim
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (Award goes to the artist and director)
“Better Man” – Little Big Town; Director: Becky Fluke and Reid Long
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban; Director: Carter Smith
After seven years with Jennifer Nettles as the emcee, CMA Country Christmas will turn to Reba McEntire to host its eight annual showcase. The two-hour holiday music celebration, which will be taped at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House on Nov. 14, will air on ABC on Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. CT.
“Christmas is such a special time,” said Reba. “It reminds me of growing up in Oklahoma and singing carols with my family. I’m just tickled to join a group of some of my best country buddies onstage to celebrate the holiday season. This is where my love of music began.”
The lineup of artists performing at this year’s shindig include Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, CB30, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, CeCe Winans, Trisha Yearwood and Chris Young.
Tickets for the taping of CMA Country Christmas are sold out, but you can catch it on ABC on Nov. 27.
