August 20, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LACountry superstar, American Idol judge and now…underwear model? Luke Bryan proves he can do it all in a new commercial for Jockey brand underwear, also starring his wife Caroline.

In the clip, Caroline brings Luke a box while he’s watching TV, announcing that the items for his underwear photoshoot arrived in the mail and asking him if he’s nervous.

“Am I nervous?! I been working out,” Luke playfully grins. As Caroline pulls out one set of underwear after another, Luke continues to be excited, commenting that a set of boxer briefs are his “go-tos.” But he stops smiling once he sees a tiny pair of thong underwear.

“This is a prank, is what that is,” he says with a laugh as Caroline slingshots the thong towards his face. “‘Bout took my eye out with that dental floss!”

Luke can’t be blamed for being overly cautious. If you follow Caroline on social media, you know she’s a big prankster, and the prank wars have only ramped up during the COVID-19 quarantine.

This week, Luke also confirmed plans to return to his judging role on American Idol, along with Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

August 20, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LABrad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will reunite this fall to step into the circle at the Grand Ole Opry.

The two artists will take the stage on September 5, marking the Opry’s 4,941st consecutive Saturday-night broadcast. The shows have continued amid the COVID-19 pandemic, though live audiences are temporarily paused in order to adhere to social distancing regulations.

Performances air on the Opry’s own Circle TV network, as well as online and over the airwaves via the venue’s flagship station, 650 WSM AM.

Brad and Carrie have plenty of experience sharing a stage, as they co-hosted 11 consecutive CMA Awards ceremonies between 2008-2018. In 2019, the superstar duo broke with tradition. Brad stepped back and Carrie co-hosted the show with Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire as part of that year’s tribute to women in the country genre. 

Both artists will step into the circle with plenty of exciting new music to share: Brad recently released his new single, “No I in Beer,” while Carrie is gearing up to drop a Christmas album called My Gift later in September.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

August 20, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Danielle Del Valle/Getty ImagesParker McCollum has tested positive for COVID-19. The singer shared his diagnosis with fans on social media, explaining that he’s canceling two upcoming shows in Kansas and Oklahoma as a result.

“After several months of being off the road, we were finally getting a chance to play two socially distanced, mask mandated shows Thursday and Friday night,” he wrote. However, that changed when he started experiencing some mild symptoms caused by the virus.

“After realizing this morning that I could not taste or smell anything at breakfast, I went to get tested for COVID and the results came back showing that I was positive for the virus,” Parker went on to say. “My deepest apologies to the fans and venues who were counting on me to perform. I absolutely believe that the shows should go on and I wish more than anything that I could be there to play them.”

He assured fans that he’s not feeling too under the weather.

“I feel great and will self-quarantine at the ranch for 14 days,” Parker said. “It’s just an absolute bad stroke of luck on the timing of contracting this virus.”

He ended his post by encouraging his fans to do their part to control the spread of COVID-19. “Please wear your mask and stay healthy. Hope to see you all very soon,” he concluded.

Parker is one of several country stars who have contracted COVID-19. Laine Hardy, Kalie Shorr and Runaway June’s Jennifer Wayne are all among those who have recovered. Joe Diffie and John Prine both died this spring from complications of the illness.

Parker found success last year with his breakthrough hit, “Pretty Heart.”

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

August 20, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LASeattle-based singer Anita White, who has performed under the moniker Lady A for decades, has been open about her objections to the country trio formerly known as Lady Antebellum’s name change. The band dropped “Antebellum” in acknowledgement of the term’s associations with slavery.

White argues that their efforts towards compromise have been hollow, and geared more towards optics than genuine conflict resolution.

“You can’t be halfway woke,” White says in an interview with The Washington Post. “If you’re going to be an ally, be an ally. Put action behind your words. They made this public statement, so I think I need to hold their feet to the fire on this.”

The singer goes on to say that she thinks it’s important to hold the band accountable for their action, even though it distracts from her own career.

“I’m also working on some new music for my CD next year. These last three weeks? I haven’t been able to do anything like that,” White explains. “I’m anxious to get back to my music. They’ve interrupted my life a little bit. But, like I said, I believe God has placed me here for a reason, and I will be victorious.”

The singer says that it’s important for her to use her position to help other Black and marginalized artists facing similar challenges.

“I believe that God has placed me in this situation because it’s my season,” she reflects. “It is my season to help somebody else. I believe that I’m here to stand up.”

Still, she admits the process is taking a toll on her, both creatively and mentally.

“Is the situation easy? No. It has been a roller coaster,” White adds.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

August 20, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Courtesy The Jimmy Carter Presidential LibraryGarth Brooks, Willie Nelson and Trisha Yearwood are just a few of the artists slated to give interviews in a new tribute film highlighting President Jimmy Carter’s unique relationship with music.

Called Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President, the film explores how Carter incorporated his passion for music into his political career, harnessing the power of song to connect with voters and even span party divides. The movie was directed by Mary Wharton, and is scheduled to hit both traditional and virtual theatres this fall.

The President’s friendship and working relationship with Garth and Trisha Yearwood is an example of that powerful bridge between politics and the arts. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, also routinely join forces with the country superstar couple to build Habitat for Humanity homes.

Other artists who give interviews in the new film include Jimmy Buffett, Rosanne Cash, Bob Dylan, Bono and many others. The movie also features archival performances from many of the artists who worked most closely with Carter, including Willie Nelson.

Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President will be available in theatres beginning September 9, and will be released for home entertainment the following month.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.