December 1, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABCJake Owen is an engaged man. 

The “Down to the Honky Tonk” singer proposed to now-fiancée Erica Hartlein, sharing the evidence on his Instagram Stories Monday night.

In the photos, Erica is seen flashing her glistening diamond ring to the camera while holding the couple’s one-year-old daughter, Paris. Erica beams while Jake wears an elated expression on his face.   

The hitmaker shared another photo showing off his right knee covered in dirt after kneeling to pop the question, captioning the photo “Dat durrrrty knee.”

The couple began dating in 2017 and welcomed Paris in 2019. Jake was married to Lacey Buchanan from 2012-2015; they share eight-year-old daughter, Olive.

Jake’s fiancée and daughters star in the video for his latest single, “Made for You,” which follows his number-one hit, “Homemade.”

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

December 1, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Tanner Gallagher Hardy only needed “One Beer” to launch his artist career. 

The hit songwriter is celebrating his first number one as an artist, as “One Beer,” his collaboration with Devin Dawson and Lauren Alaina, reaches the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

This also marks Hardy’s eighth hit as a songwriter. He’s also appeared at the top of the charts as a co-writer on Morgan Wallen‘s “More Than My Hometown,” Blake Shelton‘s “God’s Country,” “Simple” by Florida Georgia Line and more.

“I am so thankful for the writers and my label for helping me take this song all the way to #1,” Hardy shares. “My first #1 as an artist means so much to me and it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.” 

“One Beer” is also Devin’s first number one and Lauren’s third, following “Road Less Traveled” and her duet with Kane Brown on “What Ifs.”  

“One Beer” is featured on Hardy’s 2020 debut album, A Rock.

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

December 1, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Robby KleinFrom Gabby Barrett‘s perspective, the Christmas season has arrived when she sees cartons of eggnog filling  grocery store aisles. 

The American Idol season 16 finalist admits that during her frequent trips to the supermarket, she knows the holiday season is in full swing by the sight of the creamy beverage. 

“When I see eggnog, that’s what does it for me every single time, because I go grocery shopping so often that when you see the eggnog all stacked up [then you know it’s Christmas],” Gabby says. 

But the singer admits that she’s never been a fan of the seasonal drink, unlike her husband and fellow AI contestant Cade Foehner. However, Gabby is open to the idea of it becoming a potential new pregnancy craving. 

“Where do I stand on eggnog, I don’t like it. Sadly, I don’t. My husband loves it. I don’t like it,” she shares. “I remember not liking it at a young age. Maybe I need to try it again now that I’m pregnant because I might end up liking it. So we’ll see.” 

Gabby and Cade are expecting their first child, a girl, early next year.

In the meantime, Gabby has been dominating the charts with the remix of her hit “I Hope,” featuring Charlie Puth, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Top 40 chart. The original version of the song also hit number one on the Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts. 

To get in the holiday spirit, Gabby has released a rendition of “The First Noel.”

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

November 30, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Butterfly Records, LLCDolly Parton is taking over CMT. 

On December 5, CMT is devoting a day’s worth of programming to the iconic star, which will include several of her classic music videos, a holiday movie marathon and reflections from Dolly herself.

The marathon begins at 9 a.m. ET with a Dolly takeover on CMT Hot Country Countdown, followed by an airing of Coat of Many Colors, the 2015 movie named after Dolly’s hit song that stars Jennifer Nettles, at 12 p.m. ET.  That’s followed by its 2016 sequel, Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. 

Fans can also tune in to the beloved 1989 flick Steel Magnolias that features Dolly as beauty shop owner Truvy Jones, alongside leading ladies Julia Roberts and Sally Field. 

In between screenings, viewers will be treated to surprises from Dolly, ranging from her favorite holiday memories to a preview of her upcoming CBS special, A Holly Dolly Christmas, named after her new Christmas album.   

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

November 30, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABCDarius Rucker has teamed up with Lindsey Stirling for a mystical rendition of “What Child Is This?” 

Acclaimed instrumentalist Lindsey provides the haunting violin as Darius sings the Christmas classic that dates back to 1865, accompanied by a twinkling piano and steady drums.

The pair will perform their rendition of the song on CMA Country Christmas tonight at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. 

“I was so honored when the CMA asked me to perform ‘What Child Is This?’ and to be getting to do it with an amazing musician like Lindsey is just awesome,” Darius says.

“I was so excited to be a part of ‘CMA Country Christmas’ again this year. Every year, they give me an amazing chance to sparkle in their spectacular show,” adds Lindsey, who also covered the song on her 2017 album, Warmer in the Winter.

She adds, “This year was extra special since I got to collaborate with the amazing Darius Rucker. Hope everyone loves it as much as we do!”

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