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Thomas Rhett, Gabby Barrett among 'CMA Country Christmas' performers

No Comments Country Music News

CMAThomas Rhett, Dan + Shay and Lady A are among those decking the halls this year as performers on 2020 CMA Country Christmas

The lineup for the CMA annual holiday show covers the country spectrum, with Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw and Little Big Town also slated to perform, along with a special performance by Darius Rucker and acclaimed violinist Lindsey Stirling

Thomas and his wife Lauren Akins will host the show, which was filmed for the first time without a live audience in September.  

CMA Country Christmas Executive Producer Robert Deaton says that the 2020 soiree is modeled after the classic Christmas specials from the 1960s and 70s, like that of Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra, “where the viewer was invited into the homes of the host to celebrate the holiday like a best friend coming to visit.  That was what we wanted to create for this year’s show.” 

The 11th annual show will air on Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

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

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YbP9bfHo18&w=640&h=360]

Report: Kelly Clarkson tests negative for COVID after show staffers test positive

No Comments Entertainment News

Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal(LOS ANGELES) — On Friday, Deadline reported that several staffers on The Kelly Clarkson Show had tested positive for COVID-19.  But reportedly, Kelly isn’t among them.

According to Deadline, a number of people on the production team came up positive when they were tested as part of the show’s COVID-19 safety protocols. A source close to the show told Entertainment Tonight that at least four staff members were exposed on Thursday and were sent home to quarantine.  Kelly herself was exposed, but she’s since tested negative.  So far, she hasn’t commented publicly on the situation.

The show is next set to record on Tuesday, pending testing results, according to Deadline.

Other shows that have had to shut down temporarily due to the coronavirus include Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of New York CityYoung Sheldon, Riverdale and more.

By Andrea Dresdale
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Dolly Parton encourages carrying Christmas spirit to get through troubled times

No Comments Country Music News

Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist Dolly Parton is known for her many gifts, one of which being her innate ability to spread joy.   

Sitting down for a virtual interview on Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, the legendary artist rises above the noise to offer a heartfelt response about how to navigate politically divisive times. 

“I think we’ve just become so divided, ’cause people just seem to love to hate. This is the Christmas season coming up. But we need to carry that Christmas spirit of peace on Earth, and loving one another. We need to carry that into the new year,” Dolly proclaims. “And Lord knows, I hope next year is better than this one.”

The “Coat of Many Colors” singer ends on a hopeful note, encouraging fans to find ways to make change in their own lives. 

“We can’t save the world, but we can save the world we’re living in,” she professes. “Maybe I’m dreaming. But I don’t think so.”

Dolly has taken it upon herself to spread joy throughout the holiday season with the release of A Holly Dolly Christmas, her first Christmas album in more than 30 years, featuring duets with Willie Nelson,Miley CyrusMichael Buble and more.  Also, her upcoming Netflix film, Christmas on the Square, debuts November 22. 

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

Sylvester Stallone joins the cast of James Gunn's 'Suicide Squad'

No Comments Entertainment News

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Sylvester Stallone has joined the cast of The Suicide Squad, director James Gunn revealed on Saturday.

“Always love working with my friend @officialslystallone & our work today on #TheSuicideSquad was no exception,” Gunn shared on Instagram. “Despite Sly being an iconic movie star, most people still don’t have any idea what an amazing actor this guy is.”

Stallone later confirmed the news on his Instagram, captioning a photo of Deadline‘s report, “Working with this incredible Director on this astounding project has made this an amazing year. I am a very lucky man to be surrounded by such talent.”

Gunn previously announced that filming had concluded in February, so the extent Stallone’s role remains unclear.

Stallone previously worked with Gunn on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, in which he played Stakar Ogord, who turns into the hero Starhawk.

The stand-alone sequel also includes several other recurring Gunn players like Guardians of the Galaxy vet Michael Rooker as the super-smart fighter Savant, Nathan Fillion as TDK, and Gunn’s brother Sean, who performed Rocket Raccoon on set in the Marvel movies as the man-sized bipedal animal.

Margot Robbie will return as Harley Quinn, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag and Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang.  Idris Elba, Pete Davidson and John Cena also star.

The Suicide Squad is slated to open on August 6, 2021.

By George Costantino 
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis end 7 year engagement

No Comments Entertainment News

John Shearer/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — It looks like seven isn’t such a lucky number for Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis. 

After a seven year engagement, People reports that the stars have decided to go their separate ways.

“The split happened at the beginning of the year,” a source close to the couple revealed. “It’s been amicable and they’ve transitioned into a great co-parenting routine. The children are the priority and the heart of the family’s relationship.”

Together the duo share two children — son Otis Alexander, six, and daughter Daisy Josephine, four.

Wilde and Sudeikis were together for almost a decade. They first began dating in November 2011 and became engaged in January 2013. 

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