November 5, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Robby KleinNext Wednesday night’s set to be a big one for Gabby Barrett. The former American Idol finalist could take home two trophies at the 54th Annual CMA Awards: New Artist and Song of the Year, for “I Hope.”

Gabby will also be navigating the festivities while expecting her first child with husband Cade Foehner. Plus, it’ll also be her first chance to perform the hit crossover version of “I Hope” with pop star Charlie Puth, since their duet was put together virtually. 

“I’ve never met him in person before,” Gabby explains. “I believe rehearsals will be a couple days before the CMAs, and hopefully it goes well.”

“I’m having a hard time breathing,” she reveals, “being in the third trimester and the baby just crushing your diaphragm, you know, all the good things. I don’t know, but I’m really excited and I think it’s gonna come together really well.”

The Pennsylvania native already has a clear vision of what her ultimate CMA Awards night would be.

“Winning two nominations,” she laughs, “in a big, comfortable, stretchy dress, because my belly will be large!”

“NOT swollen feet,” she continues, “and winning two nominations — yeah, I think that would be the ideal CMA fantasy for me.”

You can tune in to watch the 54th CMA Awards live from Nashville Wednesday starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

By Stephen Hubbard
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

November 4, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Alysse Gafkjen/ABCDarius Rucker couldn’t be more thrilled to perform with country legend and 2020 CMA Awards co-host Reba McEntire during the 54th annual ceremony — but don’t expect him to spill any details before the big show.

During a virtual appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan Wednesday, the “Wagon Wheel” singer chatted about the upcoming awards show. In addition to co-hosting duties, Darius is set to take the stage twice as a performer, singing his new single, “Beers and Sunshine,” with Lady A, in addition to a performance with Reba that he’s keeping under wraps. 

“I’m lucky, I get to do something really special with Reba. We’ve got something that we’re really excited about, and no, I can’t tell you,” he declared with a smile. 

While we’ll have to wait and see what the two superstars have up their sleeves the night of the show, Darius says that the CMA Awards will serve as a special reunion among the country music community, which has been largely kept apart due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  He revealed that all the nominees, performers and presenters will be on-site at the Music City Center in Nashville, where the show will be filmed and everyone will practice social distancing.

“I’m really excited and just blown away about how the social distancing and how careful everybody’s being,” Darious remarks. “It’ll be the first time really the country music family has been in one room all year.” 

The CMA Awards air live on November 11 on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.

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

November 4, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

John ShearerLike many others, Florida Georgia Line‘s Brian Kelley has dealt with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, but he’s found simple, yet effective remedies to relieve the tension. 

Brian says that he and FGL partner Tyler Hubbard have found “peace” in doing activities like yoga and working out, which help alleviates the feelings of worry and anxiety during these trying times.

The singer also admits that he used to be hard on himself when it came to sweating the small things in life, but says that focusing on the positive is what inspires him to move forward. 

“I think we both have found a lot of peace of mind and body and soul and everything in exercise, working out, yoga, trying to stay active,” Tyler explains. “Definitely think that helps out with worrying and just getting, maybe a little anxious. I used to beat myself up about worrying some, and I’ve gotten better about it, but I think when you’re thankful for the things you have and the things that matter there is a little bit of a good worry because you don’t want to lose that.”

“You wanna keep working hard.  But when you get that bad worry, it’s good to go for a run and stay active, call a friend, call someone you need,” Tyler continues. “But worry can get the best of you.  It’s a daily fight but you’ve just gotta trust God, trust yourself and get out there and get it.”

Florida Georgia Line recently released their first original Christmas song, “Lit This Year,” and are currently working on a new studio album.

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

November 4, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Jeremy CowartLindsay Ell and Mitchell Tenpenny are giving back to children in need this holiday season. 

The two will perform at the Christmas4Kids “When Pigs Fly” event on November 7 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville, for the annual Christmas4Kids benefit, which offers shopping sprees to children who may not otherwise have the Christmas experience. 

The event includes a barbecue dinner catered by local favorite Martin’s BBQ, along with a bourbon tasting.

“I’m so excited to be a part of the Christmas 4 Kids show again this year. I always love getting to be a part of giving back to the greater Nashville community as a native myself!” Mitchell says. “Can’t wait to have a fun night with everyone!” 

Christmas4Kids will conclude with a virtual fundraising concert by Phil Vassar on November 23. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, each child will supply a wish list to the team of team of volunteers, who will then go on the $150 shopping spree for them. The gifts will be delivered to the children’s schools on December 15.

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

November 4, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

BMGJimmie Allen is calling on “Hometown Heroes” in a new collaboration with MoonTaxi.

The country star joined forces with the Nashville-based indie rock band for a new rendition of their song, which was released earlier this year in dedication to front-line workers.

Jimmie’s dreamy vocals open the track, uniting with the band on the chorus that transports them back to their roots where “we used to say one for all and all for one,” they chant in unison. 

The “Best Shot” singer also takes lead on the second verse, speaking to the quick passage of time and finding love for one another even when our hearts are heavy. 

“We were hometown heroes, high enough for everyone,” Jimmie echoes in response to Trevor Terndrup, singing “we go way back, where we started from,” leading into an anthemic final chorus.

“I’ve been a fan of Moon Taxi for some time now. To record a song with them was something I’ve wanted to do since I first heard those guys. I’ve been looking forward to sharing this with the world,” Jimmie says.   

Following its March release, the original version of “Hometown Heroes” reached number 23 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart.

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