Our List of the 50+ Country Stars Who Follow Donald Trump on Twitter May Surprise You

Our List of the 50+ Country Stars Who Follow Donald Trump on Twitter May Surprise You

Posted on January 19, 2017

For shits and giggles, I attempted a hard-target search for every country artist who follows President-elect Donald Trump on Twitter (@RealDonaldTrump), and compiled a list of more than 50 names.

What does this prove? Nothing. While many of the artists may be Trump supporters, there are probably plenty who just want to stay up to date with his many tweets (good luck), as well as some detractors who want to fan their flames of disgust.

A handful of interesting factoids from the search:

  • Artists with a current single on the Billboard Country Airplay chart Top 40 who follow Trump: Michael Ray (“Think a Little Less” #14), Chris Janson (“Holdin’ Her” #26), Darius Rucker (“If I Told You” #30), RaeLynn (“Love Triangle” #34), Justin Moore (“Somebody Else Will” #35), and Locash (“Ring on Every Finger” #40).
  • Two-thirds of the Dixie Chicks follow Trump (no Martie Maguire).
  • Two-thirds of Rascal Flatts follow Trump (no Gary LeVox).
  • Three-fourths of the Oak Ridge Boys follow Trump (no William Lee Golden).
  • Big & Rich’s John Rich follows Trump, but Big Kenny does not.
  • Carrie Underwood does not follow Trump, but her husband, Mike Fisher, does.
  • Merle Haggard, who died in April 2016, still follows Trump.

Check out the list of @RealDonaldTrump followers below.

  • A Thousand Horses: @AThousandHorses
  • Bellamy Brothers: @BellamyBrothers
  • Billy Currington: @BillyCurrington
  • Brooke Eden: @BrookeEdenMusic
  • Chris Cagle: @ChrisCagle
  • Chris Janson: @Janson_Chris
  • Chuck Wicks: @ChuckWicksMusic
  • Colt Ford: @ColtFord
  • Craig Morgan: @CMorganMusic
  • Craig Wayne Boyd: @CWBYall
  • Darius Rucker: @DariusRucker
  • Drake White: @DrakeWhite
  • Duane Allen (Oak Ridge Boys): @DuaneAllen
  • Emily Strayer (Dixie Chicks): @EmilyRobison
  • GaryAllan: @GaryAllan
  • Gatlin Brothers: @GatlinBrothers
  • Hayes Carll: @HayesCarll
  • Jackie Lee: @JackieLeeMusic
  • Jake Owen: @JakeOwen
  • Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts): @JayDeMarcus
  • Jessie James Decker: @JessieJDecker
  • Joe Bonsall (Oak Ridge Boys): @JoeBonsall
  • Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts): @JoeDonRooney
  • John Michael Montgomery: @JM2Squared
  • John Rich (Big & Rich): @JohnRich
  • Justin Moore: @JustinColeMoore
  • Kelly Willis: @KellyWRobison
  • Larry Gatlin: @LarryGatlin
  • Lee Ann Womack: @LeeAnnWomack
  • Lee Greenwood: @TheLeeGreenwood
  • Locash: @LocashMusic
  • Love and Theft: @LoveAndTheft
  • Lyle Lovett: @LyleLovett
  • Marie Osmond: @MarieOsmond
  • Mark Wills: @MarkWillsMusic
  • Marty Raybon (Shenandoah): @MartyRaybon
  • Merle Haggard: @MerleHaggard
  • Michael Ray: @MichaelRayMusic
  • Morgan Wallen: @MorganCWallen
  • Natalie Maines (Dixie Chicks): @1NatalieMaines (unverified account)
  • Neil Perry (The Band Perry): @TheNeilPerry
  • Oak Ridge Boys: @OakRidgeBoys
  • RaeLynn: @RaeLynn
  • Randy Houser: @RandyHouser
  • Ray Scott: @RayalityCheck
  • Richard Sterban (Oak Ridge Boys): RASterban
  • Ricky Skaggs: @RickySkaggs
  • Rodney Atkins: @RodneyAtkins
  • Sammy Kershaw: @SammyKershaw
  • Scotty McCreery: @ScottyMcCreery
  • Shenandoah: @ShenandoaBand
  • Smo: @TheRealBigSmo
  • Stoney LaRue: @StoneyLaRue
  • T. Graham Brown: @TGrahamBrown1
  • Thompson Square: @ThompsonSquare
  • Travis Tritt: @TravisTritt
  • Trick Pony: @TrickPonyMusic
  • Ty Herndon: @TyHerndonCom
  • Uncle Kracker: @UncleKracker
  • Wheeler Walker Jr: @WheelerWalkerJr

Donald Trump’s inauguration is on Friday, Jan. 20, but the festivities begin today. Check out our post “Here’s Your Schedule of Country Artists Performing at Trump’s Inauguration Festivities.”

Kelsea Ballerini Takes Break From Social Media for Two Weeks

Kelsea Ballerini Takes Break From Social Media for Two Weeks

Posted on January 19, 2017

If you follow Kelsea Ballerini’s every move on social media, you might be at a loss for the next two weeks. Country’s current “It” girl has announced that she is taking a break from social media outlets, including Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook, to put her creative inspiration to good use.

The “Yeah Boy” singer will be going underground to write, record and complete her highly-anticipated new album. With a simple post and a picture of a sunset, she let her fans know of her upcoming absence.

“Spent the last month traveling for both work and play and have seen some of the most beautiful beaches, sunsets, and starry skies I’ve ever experienced,” she said in her post. “My creativity and inspiration are bursting at the seams as I head home to Nashville, and for the next 2 weeks i’m going to dive into that and see what I can find. so, as I create, write, and finish my record, I’m going to take a little break from social media. I want to make sure that every second is spent with intention and focus so I can make something beautiful to share with you guys when it’s ready and when I’m ready. I love you guys and appreciate your support and love and excitement more than you know and will be back soooooon. Til then, my team will be covering any announcements or social commitments on my twitter & facebook. LOVE YOU.”

This move is a very similar one to that of Miss Taylor Swift, who Kelsea admires and receives advice from. Taylor has been known to disappear from social media when creating her new music, which has worked out pretty well for the superstar—there might be something to that. And she’s not the only one. Basketball champion LeBron James steps away from the virtual community right before playoff games to concentrate —making Kelsea’s departure not so uncommon.

We will bid Kelsea adieu for now, but we expect the Tennessee native back on Feb. 2, exactly two weeks from today.

spent the last month traveling for both work and play and have seen some of the most beautiful beaches, sunsets, and starry skies I've ever experienced. my creativity and inspiration are bursting at the seams as I head home to Nashville, and for the next 2 weeks i'm going to dive into that and see what I can find. so, as I create, write, and finish my record, I'm going to take a little break from social media. I want to make sure that every second is spent with intention and focus so I can make something beautiful to share with you guys when it's ready and when I'm ready. I love you guys and appreciate your support and love and excitement more than you know and will be back soooooon. Til then, my team will be covering any announcements or social commitments on my twitter & facebook. LOVE YOU. 👋🏼😘🙈💃🏼

A photo posted by Kelsea Ballerini (@kelseaballerini) on

Watch Justin Moore’s Colorful New Video for “Somebody Else Will”

Watch Justin Moore’s Colorful New Video for “Somebody Else Will”

Posted on January 19, 2017

Justin Moore may have traded in the traditional country setting for a psychedelic club atmosphere in his new video for “Somebody Else Will,” but he didn’t trade in his signature cowboy hat for the shoot.

When Justin was looking to do something a little different for his current video, he called on friend and director Shane Drake to take the helm.

“Shane and I have worked together a lot throughout my career,” said Justin. “He always does a great job of getting shots of me that portray the music and that’s a talent.”

Shane was set on bringing the words of the song to life for the latest project. “Cause somebody else will / If I don’t walk up and ask you your name / Right now, offer to buy you a drink / Sit down and tell you your looks could kill / Somebody else will,” sings Justin in the chorus.

“This song is super freaking cool and for this shoot day I really wanted to match that with the visuals. We are in a VIP underground club that has a futuristic/neon/Blade Runner vibe, which you don’t typical associate with country.”

“‘Somebody Else Will’ is, I think, an example of one of the moments where on the Kinda Don’t Care album, we kinda step outside of our comfort zone,” Justin says in the behind-the-scenes video. “It’s a little bit different for us. I’ve talked about, with this particular album, wanting to take a step maybe that we haven’t yet in our career—with the music that we recorded for it—and this is one of those songs that hopefully allows us to do that.”

With that said, you can check out Justin’s new video for “Somebody Else Will.”

 

Did You Forget to Watch Josh Abbott Band Perform “Amnesia” on “Conan” Last Night? Don’t Worry, We’ve Got Ya Covered

Did You Forget to Watch Josh Abbott Band Perform “Amnesia” on “Conan” Last Night? Don’t Worry, We’ve Got Ya Covered

Posted on January 19, 2017

Josh Abbott Band made a West Coast trek to Burbank, Calif., last night (Jan. 18) to perform their single, “Amnesia,” on Conan.

The tune, which was written by Josh, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, delves into the topic of trying to forget a love gone wrong, and it is featured on JAB’s 2015 album, Front Row Seat.

Watch Josh Abbott Band’s performance of “Amnesia” on Conan.

Josh Abbott Band Tour Dates

Jan. 20-21 – Denver, CO – Grizzly Rose
Jan. 25 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
Jan. 26 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre – Studio B
Jan. 27 – Springfield, IL – Boondocks
Jan. 28 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live
Feb. 3 – Norman, OK – Riverwind Casino
Feb. 10 – San Antonio, TX – Cowboys Dance Hall
Feb. 11 – Donna, TX – Chisholm Trail Festival
Feb. 17 – College Station, TX – TBD
Feb. 25 – El Paso, TX – Texas Country Music Festival
March 1 – Boston, MA – TBD
March 2 – Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert Hall
March 3 – Washington, DC -TBD
March 4 – New York City, NY -TBD
March 8 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
March 9 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
March 10 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon
March 11 – Rootstown, OH – Dusty Armadillo
March 15 – Seattle, WA – The Croccodile
March 17 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
March 18 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
March 22 – Sacramento, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
March 23 – Bakersfield, CA – Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace
March 24 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
March 26 – Anaheim, CA – The Parish House of Blues Anaheim

Luke Bryan Added as Headliner to Alabama’s Rock the South Festival

Luke Bryan Added as Headliner to Alabama’s Rock the South Festival

Posted on January 19, 2017

Most of the country may still be hunkering down through the cold-weather months, but there is no reason we can’t dive headfirst into the upcoming festival season with the announcement that Luke Bryan will headline the 2017 Pepsi Rock the South Festival on June 2-3 in Cullman, Ala.

Luke will be making his first-ever appearance at the festival and will join headliner Sam Hunt. Known as “The Biggest Party in the South,” the festival boasts a star-studded lineup with acts such as Brett Eldredge, Dustin Lynch, Maren Morris and Chris Janson.

“Over the past six years, Rock the South has become synonymous with ‘ultimate fan experience,’ and this year we sought to once again bring a great mix of stadium entertainment and breakout stars to the Cullman area, while offering affordable ticket prices. Last year’s festival hosted more than 25,000 fans a day with great acts like Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, and this year we are thrilled to bring two of the largest acts in country, superstars Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt,” said Nathan Baugh, co-founder of Rock the South.

Past performers of the festival have included Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Alan Jackson, Tyler Farr, Travis Tritt, Kelsea Ballerini and many more.

Tickets for the Rock the South, which originally began in 2012 as a one-time benefit for those devastated by a series of tornadoes that hit the Cullman area, go on sale starting January 23. To purchase tickets, check out Rock The South’s website.

Here’s a look back at 2016’s Rock the South event. Don’t miss out.

 

Photo by Trae Patton/CBS

Lady Antebellum Is Back in Action With a New Single [Listen], New Album and New Tour

Lady Antebellum Is Back in Action With a New Single [Listen], New Album and New Tour

Posted on January 19, 2017

After their Wheels Up Tour capped in late 2015, Lady Antebellum, as a whole, took a hiatus. But the trio’s individual members—Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood—weren’t resting on their laurels. Each member tackled individual projects, including Charles’ solo album, The Driver, Hillary’s faith-based album, Love Remains, and Dave’s gigs as a producer for other artists such as Post Monroe’s self-titled EP.

Now, the hiatus is over. Today (June. 19) Lady A announced a return to the airwaves with a new single, “You Look Good,” which drops today. The horn-happy track was produced by busbee, and you can check out the lyric video below.

“We’ve always loved experimenting with different instruments and sounds in the studio, but we’ve never used horns before,” said Dave. “The energy they brought to this song is really fun and was validation for all three of us that it had to be our first single back.”

“There’s also something contagious about the chorus that will be perfect in our live shows this year,” said Charles. “We knew after the time off that we wanted to get back out on the road in a big way. We couldn’t be more ready to get back out there with the fans and hopefully make a few new ones too.”

The trio also announced that their new album, Heart Break, will be released on June 9. Fans can get a taste of what the album has to offer tonight (Jan. 19) as Lady A hosts a Facebook Live event.

“We knew right away that we had to name this album after a track that is a play on the word ‘heartbreak,’” said Hillary. ”It’s all about those personal growths everyone goes through and it was liberating to get back in the studio with Charles and Dave to intertwine those feelings into the recording process. I feel like we’ve reemerged stronger than ever and I can’t wait to share more music!”

The group will kick off a new 65-plus-date You Look Good World Tour on May 26 in Bakersfield, Calif., and visit Phoenix, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, Dallas, Atlanta and Nashville, among others. The tour will also make stops in Europe and South Africa. Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young will serve as the tour’s opening acts.

You Look Good World Tour North American Cities
Bakersfield, CA
Mountain View, CA
Sacramento, CA
Albuquerque, NM
Phoenix, AZ
Los Angeles, CA
Chula Vista, CA
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh, NC
VA Beach, VA
Philadelphia, PA
Washington DC
Cincinnati, OH
Toronto, CAN
Detroit, MI
Indianapolis, IN
New York, NY
Cleveland, OH
Hartford, CT
Gilford, NH
Jacksonville, FL
Tampa, FL
West Palm Beach, FL
Detroit Lakes, MN
Omaha, NE
Rogers, AR
Darien Center, NY
Holmdel, NJ
Boston, MA
Columbia, MD
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Chicago, IL
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Salt Lake City, UT
Boise, ID
Puyallup, WA
Portland, OR
Atlanta, GA
Nashville, TN

Watch Carrie Underwood Talk With Ron Swanson About Skydiving, “The Walking Dead” & More on the “Today” Show

Watch Carrie Underwood Talk With Ron Swanson About Skydiving, “The Walking Dead” & More on the “Today” Show

Posted on January 19, 2017

Carrie Underwood was on the Today show on Jan. 18, where she talked to hosts Tamron Hall, Al Roker and guest co-host Nick Offerman (aka Ron Swanson) about a variety of topics, including her recent skydiving adventure in Australia, her Calia clothing line and meeting Jeffrey Dean Morgan of The Walking Dead at this year’s Golden Globes.

Check it out.

Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood & Little Big Town Win People’s Choice Awards—Blake Makes History

Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood & Little Big Town Win People’s Choice Awards—Blake Makes History

Posted on January 19, 2017

Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town took home trophies at the People’s Choice Awards last night (Jan. 18).

Blake became the first country artist ever to win the People’s Choice Award in the all-genre Favorite Album category, where his 2016 album, If I’m Honest, knocked off Rihanna’s Anti, Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman, Beyoncé’s Lemonade and Drake’s Views. Blake also won his second consecutive award for Favorite Male Country Artist, besting Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Tim McGraw. In the all-genre Favorite Male Artist category, Blake was topped by Justin Timberlake.

“It’s so cool to be recognized by the people who are spending the money and taking time out of their day to vote,” Blake said. “I could not be more thankful. All I’ve ever wanted to do is sing country music, so to win Favorite Male Country Artist is incredible. And to be the first country artist to ever win Favorite Album is beyond words. I’m so proud of If I’m Honest and to know that it’s resonating with fans is why I make music.”

Carrie Underwood copped the award for Favorite Female Country Artist by besting Dolly Parton, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert and Reba McEntire, while Little Big Town earned the trophy for Favorite Country Group over The Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line, Lonestar and Zac Brown Band.

Watch Blake’s acceptance speech below, where he thanks, among others, “the hottest date here tonight, Gwen Stefani.”

 

photo by OConnor-Arroyo / AFF-USA.com

Here’s Your Schedule of Country Artists Performing at Trump’s Inauguration Festivities

Here’s Your Schedule of Country Artists Performing at Trump’s Inauguration Festivities

Posted on January 18, 2017

They may not be the biggest names in country music, but they are names in country music. Here’s a rundown of the country acts slated to perform at the various inauguration festivities for soon-to-be President Donald Trump.

Thursday, Jan. 19

Make America Great Again Welcome Celebration
Location: Lincoln Memorial, 4–6 p.m. ET
Performers: Toby Keith, Lee Greenwood, Tim Rushlow of Little Texas, Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Richie McDonald of Lonestar and 3 Doors Down

Black Tie & Boots 2017 Inauguration Ball
Location: Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, 7 p.m.
Performers: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers

Great American Alliance Inaugural Gala
Location: N/A
Performers: Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy

Friday, Jan. 20

Veterans Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball
Location: Renaissance Washington Hotel, 5:30 p.m.
Performers: Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Neil Thrasher and Wendell Mobley

Great American Inaugural Ball
Location: MGM National Harbor Hotel, 9 p.m–2 a.m. ET
Performers: Darryl Worley

 

Toby Keith courtesy Shock Ink; Gary LeVox courtesy CMT; Lee Greenwood courtesy Webster PR; Big & Rich by Joe Hardwick/Webster PR; Larry Gatlin by Kayla Register/Absolute Publicity

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