September 15, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LAMorgan Wallen is gearing up to take the stage during Wednesday night’s ACM Awards for what will be a big career moment: The singer’s first time getting a breakout moment all to himself on an awards show stage.

“It’s my first time really getting a full-song performance on an awards show. So that’s really special,” Morgan tells ABC Audio. “And I’m getting to use my own band.”

Given the special circumstances, there’s no better song choice for his performance than his biggest hit to date, “Whiskey Glasses.”

But that’s not the only thing that’s special about his upcoming performance. Not only does the ACM Awards performance mark his first major awards show booking ever, but it’s also the first time Morgan will take the stage with his band since the COVID-19 pandemic forced them off the road back in the spring.

“So you know, I’ve missed that. And then it’s obviously not a full show, but one song is better than none,” he adds.

Plus, Morgan hints that he’s planning a little something extra for the fans during his time onstage.

“There’s gonna be a little bit of fan interaction, like, virtually, for our performance,” he teases. “So I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out.”

In addition to performing, Morgan was also nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2020 ACMs. That trophy ultimately went to Riley Green. Tune in to watch the show on Wednesday night at 8PM ET on CBS.

September 15, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Pamela SpringsteenIt’s a busy day for Willie Nelson, as he and his sister Bobbie Nelson are making the rounds on television to discuss their new memoir. Called Me and Sister Bobbie, the book delves into the lifelong bond between the country superstar and his only sibling.

The sibling duo first stopped by The Today Show this morning during the 8AM hour. If you missed that appearance, you’ve got one more chance to catch Willie and Bobbie in conversation about their book: They’re planning to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this evening.

While country fans have known and loved Willie for decades, it’s the first time that many are getting to hear Bobbie’s side of their incredible childhood story. The pair have stuck together through the highs and lows of life for over eight decades, ever since being abandoned by their parents at a young age.

Me and Sister Bobbie becomes available today, September 15, as a Random House Hardcover book.

Additionally, Willie and Bobbie are at work on a picture book, co-written with Chris Barton, tentatively called Sister, Brother, Family: Our Childhood in Music. That title is planned for release in the fall of 2021.

September 15, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Courtesy of the Academy of Country MusicThe 2020 ACM Awards will take place this week, and before the show starts, People has announced that it will produce and exclusively livestream the show’s pre-party.

Called PeopleTV Red Carpet Live: 55th ACM Awards, the show will kick off at 7PM ET. It will be hosted by PeopleTV’s Jeremy Parsons in New York City, and will feature interviews and coverage of all the fun leading up to the Nashville show.

The ACM Awards show itself kicks off at 8PM ET. For the first time in the event’s history, it will take place in Nashville, broadcasting from three iconic Music City venues: The Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry House and the Bluebird Cafe. Keith Urban will host the show.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing practices, the ACMs look quite a bit different this year than they usually do. The show was pushed from its usual April date in order to maximize safety protocols. This year, the show will take place without a live audience, but will broadcast live on CBS.

Presumably the pre-party will look a little bit different this year as well, without the usual glitz and glamor of a crowded red carpet.

September 15, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Mark SeligerWhen the lights come up on the 2020 ACM Awards this week, the show will look pretty different than usual. For one thing, the ACMs are taking place in Nashville this time around, instead of their usual Las Vegas venue.

For another, there won’t be any fans or audience members in the stands. Instead, the show will broadcast live from three Music City venues, as part of its focus on safety and social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

And even though Reba McEntire knows it’ll be different, she also knows that challenge can be the key to creativity, especially with a host as talented and seasoned as Keith Urban. Reba knows a thing or two about the gig: She’s hosted the ACM Awards 16 times, more than any other artist!

“The best thing about Keith Urban is he’s an entertainer and he’s going to make the best of the situation that he has been handed,” Reba tells ABC Audio. “So I think what’s going to happen is we’re gonna find new ways of doing the awards shows that are probably going to be more fun, more creative.”

As for what exactly that looks like? Reba says she’s as curious to find out as the fans are.

“But they’ve always been successful in putting on a great, wonderful, entertaining, colorful show. And I don’t see that this year’s gonna be any different,” she points out. “I’m just like you. I wanna see how they pull it off.” 

To find out how the show unfolds, tune into CBS on Wednesday, September 16 at 8 p.m. ET.

September 14, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Joseph LlanesThis weekend, Carrie Underwood returned to NBC’s Sunday Night Football for her eighth season of providing the theme song.

SNF will look considerably different this year, with the NFL’s annual show open revamped to comply with COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. No fans attended live; instead, the Sunday night opening show this weekend highlighted virtual content from viewers at home.

Of course, there’s no substitute for the excitement of live football with fans in the stands. However, Carrie did her best to provide some extra drama and glamor to the occasion with a high-octane performance of the Sunday Night Football theme, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.”

Interspersed with clips of NFL football teams at the top of their game, Carrie delivers the swagger-filled theme song from a dazzling stage decked out in lights.

The SNF opening show took place on Sunday, September 13. After the show, the Los Angeles Rams beat the Dallas Cowboys 20-17.