October 12, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Curb RecordsLee Brice continues his reign at the top of the country charts this week. 

The singer’s latest hit, “One of Them Girls,” remains in the number-one spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart for the third week in a row, continuing Lee’s personal longest-running streak at the top of the charts. 

The song is only the second country single released to this year to stay in the top spot for more than two weeks, coming in behind Luke Combs, who spent four weeks at number one with “Lovin’ On You.” 

“Truth is, I really have no words. It’s just been such a long road with so many great teammates working so hard to make and keep things going,” Lee reflects in a statement.  “From the creation of the song to radio jumping in so quickly, the fans listening like crazy, to the last drop of blood, sweat, and tears from my label working their butts off. I’m just so thankful!”

Lee scored another number-one hit earlier this year with Carly Pearce on “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” which Luke co-wrote.  Both hits are featured on Lee’s forthcoming album, Hey World, out on November 20.

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

October 12, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThomas Rhett has nothing but glowing remarks for his wife Lauren Akins as they celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary. 

The country superstar took time to reflect on the couple’s milestone in an Instagram post today. Comparing their years of marriage to a whirlwind, Thomas calls his wife and mother of their three children a “fighter” who chooses “love” every day. 

“Happy 8 year anniversary @laur_akins. I seriously feel like we got married 6 months ago. I have loved every second of our journey together,” he writes in the thoughtful post.  

“You are my rock, my inspiration and the woman that simply just makes life better,” he continues, sharing his sweet words alongside a photo of Lauren cuddling with their three daughters, 4-year-old Willa Gray, 3-year-old Ada James and eight-month-old Lennon Love.    

According to the post, the couple plans to spend the day relaxing via napping and Netflix.

The couple married in 2012 in their home state of Tennessee. Thomas’s wife and children have been the inspiration behind many of his hit songs, including “Die a Happy Man” and “Life Changes.”

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

October 12, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

CMTCMT announced today the six artists that are up for the show’s biggest award, Video of the Year, with Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Luke Combs among those vying for the prize. 

Carrie is nominated for her current single, “Drinking Alone,” while Keith nabbed a nod for “Polaroid” and Kelsea Ballerini for “homecoming queen?”  

Luke’s smash hit “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” Miranda Lambert‘s reflective “Bluebird” and Tanya Tucker‘s Grammy-winning “Bring My Flowers Now” also scored nominations for Video of the Year. 

The nominees were selected after fans spent weeks voting to narrowing down the competition to the half dozen artists.

Carrie is the reigning winner in the category, taking home Video of the Year at the 2019 ceremony for her hit, “Cry Pretty.” She’s also the most-winning artist in the show’s history, with 20 awards to her name.

You can cast your vote now via vote.CMT.com.

Kane Brown and Modern Family‘s Sarah Hyland, along with two other to-be-announced acts, will share hosting duties when the 2020 CMT Music Awards air on October 21 at 8 p.m. ET.

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

October 12, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

©Grand Ole Opry/ Photo By: Chris HolloThe Grand Ole Opry is resuming Friday night shows next month. 

The historic Nashville venue will begin hosting a limited live audience for Friday night shows, in addition to Saturday, beginning on November 6. Shows on both nights will be extended to two hours. 

The Opry house is welcoming back guests in compliance with guidelines established by the Nashville Public Health Department.  That includes socially distanced seating arrangements, enhanced cleaning protocols and requiring attendees and staff to wear masks.

The Opry hosted its first in-person audience since March during the October 3 show to celebrate its 95th anniversary. The venue shuttered its doors to patrons on March 14 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and since the beginning of this month has re-opened to a limited live audience for its Saturday night set.    

Tickets for the upcoming shows are available now on the Opry’s website.

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

October 12, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

UMG NashvilleLive Nation is partnering with country artists for a new podcast. 

The touring company has announced “Country Conversations,” a new monthly podcast that sees President of Country Touring Brian O’Connell joining various country stars for a discussion and special performances. 

The series launches tonight with appearances by Jon Pardi and Lindsay Ell. 

“We wanted to start ‘Country Conversations’ because our fans at our festivals and on tour are so important to us, they’re the reason why we do this,” Brian says. “We also have a unique platform to help keep us connected and ease how much we are missing them this year.”  

The episode airs at 8 p.m. ET on the Live Nation website and Facebook page.

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