Home

TTR News Center

Luke Combs says diversity in country music "would only be a positive thing"

• No Comments • Country Music News

ABCLuke Combs is opening up about the importance of diversity in country music. 

“I think country music can stand to be more diverse. I think that would only be a positive thing,” Luke says on an upcoming episode of The Big Interview with Dan Rather, after Rather asks Luke about his thoughts on the genre’s reputation for being “white man’s music.” 

Luke also acknowledges, “the majority of country music is derived from African-American music.”

The chart-topping singer goes on to say that country music has long served as a constant support system for him, and that he’s “upset” knowing that Black artists in the genre may not feel that same sense of acceptance. 

“I think the climate of country music has helped me in so many ways and it’s upsetting that there are people that I consider my peers who happen to be Black Americans who don’t feel like country music provides them as much of that safe space or as much of a welcoming place as it does to me, and that’s a problem,” Luke continues.  “If they feel like they’re not welcomed into this community then absolutely that’s something that needs to be addressed.” 

Luke’s full interview with Rather airs on January 13 on AXS TV at 8 p.m. ET.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDQh6R5_BdM&w=640&h=360]

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Jason Momoa gifts 'Aquaman' trident to young fan battling brain cancer

• No Comments • Entertainment News

ABC/Rick Rowell(LOS ANGELES) — Jason Momoa gave one of his biggest fans, soon-to-be eight-year-old Danny Sheehan, one of the best presents an Aquaman fan can ask for: a life-sized replica of his on-screen trident.

Sheehan, who was diagnosed with rare form of brain cancer in 2017, is a huge Aquaman fan. He went viral last month after yelling in delight for being gifted an action figure of his beloved superhero.

Momoa later caught wind of Sheehan’s video and, once learning of his cancer battle, personally reached out to offer some words of encouragement.   The two bonded over their love of dolphins, of which Sheehan admitted he had never seen in person but hoped to one day.

Two weeks after their heartwarming conversation, Momoa updated fans on Sunday about the care package full of Aquaman-related goodies he arranged to have sent over to the young boy.

“Wanted to share a picture of this amazing boy Danny Sheehan, Natalie his mom sent me this today,” he announced alongside a series of photos of Danny enjoying his new prized possessions. “I wanted to say thanks to Andy Smith @sideshowcollectibles for putting some action figures and toys together for Danny and @wbpictures for sending over a Aquaman trident.”

Mamoa also included a card referencing their adorable heart-to-heart, writing, “Can’t wait to ride on some dolphins with you Danny!  Love, Uncle Aquaman.”

Danny’s mother, Natalie Sheehan, told Yahoo! Entertainment that the gift meant the world to her son.

“Danny was speechless — which for one so talkative, was a true testament to how surprised he was,” she explained. “Danny had a rough week this week, so it was great to see him so lively and excited.”

By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Matthew McConaughey slams Hollywood hypocrisy over 2020 election

• No Comments • Entertainment News

ABC/Nicole Wilder(TEXAS) — When it comes to politics, Matthew McConaughey dares you to meet in the middle. 

During a recent conversation on Russell Brand’s Under The Skin podcast, the 51-year-old actor shared his thoughts when asked if he noticed a “condemnation and criticism of ordinary working people” in the entertainment industry when it comes to politics. 

Brand, 45, opened up the conversation with the example of people saying, “‘Oh, they’re dumb, they’re voting for Brexit, they’re voting for Trump,'” before adding, “I don’t like it, and I don’t like to hear it.” 

McConaughey replied, “There are a lot [of people] on that illiberal left that absolutely condescend, patronize, and are arrogant towards the other 50 percent.”

The True Detective star then noted how the roles have been reversed regarding the election results from 2016 and 2020 and how people are dealing with it. 

“I’m sure you saw it in our industry when Trump was voted in four years ago, they were in denial that was real. Some of them were in absolute denial,” he said. “[Now] it looks like Biden’s our guy. Now you’ve got the right that’s in denial…”

McConaughey’s hope, though, is that there will be an eventual meshing together these polar groups, or at the very least, having them meet in the middle. 

Noting that it’s all about the way things are worded, he said, “I almost feel like it’s a move to say, ‘Let’s get aggressively centric. I dare you.'”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOkIHQ326JU&w=640&h=360]

By Danielle Long
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Chris Lane's wife Lauren is pregnant with their first child

• No Comments • Country Music News

Terry Wyatt/FilmMagicChris Lane and his wife Lauren are expecting a baby in 2021. 

The couple revealed the news via Instagram on Sunday, sharing a video of an ultrasound with Chris’ song “Big Big Plans” playing over it. “Prayer works! Hope you look like your Mama,” he writes. 

Lauren tells People that she felt compelled to take a pregnancy test after having a “funny feeling” that she was pregnant, even though there weren’t any physical signs. After the second line came up fuzzy on the first test, the couple bought a digital test that confirmed the pregnancy, though Lauren admitted that she took several more tests to be certain.  

“Because I was so early we both were shocked but cautiously optimistic!” she says. “It was very exciting but now feels even more real seeing the ultrasound and hearing the heartbeat. We are just soaking it all in!” 

Chris popped the question to the former The Bachelor contestant in 2019 at a Bushnell family gathering where he performed “Big, Big Plans.” The video for the hit single features clips from the couple’s wedding day.

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-JOwTp6AeU&w=640&h=360]

Naya Rivera's ex, Ryan Dorsey, shares sweet photo of their son decorating the Christmas tree

• No Comments • Entertainment News

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Ryan Dorsey is forging ahead with his holiday preparations. Dorsey, who is the ex-husband of the late Naya Rivera, shared a sweet snap of him and their five-year-old son Josey decorating the Christmas tree.

The photo, posted Saturday, shows Dorsey hoisting up little Josey who is reaching out to place the star atop of their festive tree.  The two of them, who are wearing Santa hats, are all smiles.

“#HappyHolidays to all. You, you, and even you, all of ya. Hope you get nothing but happiness,” the Justified alum expressed. 

However, there was one entity whom he withdrew from receiving those festive sentiments, clarifying later in his caption, “Except you. I’m talking to you, 2020.” 

Prior to breaking out the ornaments, tinsel and lights, Dorsey shared a series of videos and photos to his Instagram stories documenting the two heading to the Christmas tree farm to pick out their perfect tree.

Rivera died of an accidental drowning in July while on a boating trip with her son.  She was 33.

A wrongful death suit has since been filed by Dorsey.

The couple wed in 2014 and divorced four years later.

By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.