August 19, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LAMaddie & Tae have set a new record on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with “Die From a Broken Heart.” 

When “Broken Heart” hit number one this week after 54 weeks, it marked the longest summit to the top spot by a female act in the Country Airplay chart’s 30-year history. 

Maddie & Tae have also become the first female duo to have multiple number ones on the chart, as their debut single “Girl in a Country Song” clinched the top spot in 2014. That track was the second debut single by a female country duo to hit number one following The Wreckers‘ “Leave the Pieces.” 

“Die From a Broken Heart” also makes for the sixth song by a female artist to peak at number one on the chart this year — the highest amount since 2016 when eight female-led songs topped the chart. 

Maddie & Tae are second only to The Chicks as all-female duos or groups to have multiple number ones on the Country Airplay chart. 

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

August 19, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LAEli Young Band are reimagining their song “Saltwater Gospel” with a special guest, and they’re asking fans on social media to guess who it is.    

Yesterday, the group revealed via Instagram that they’ll be releasing a new version of the song, which was originally a single off their 2017 album Fingerprints, as a collaboration with a surprise artist. 

In addition to citing this person as “an incredible legendary artist that we’re so excited about,” the band has been offering clues as to who it could be. 

Clue #1 reveals that it’s a male artist who’s sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, while the second hint states that in addition to being a musician, he is also a best-selling author.  

Each clue is featured against a beach backdrop of crystal clear water crashing onto the white sand shore.

Fans have turned to the comment section to share their guesses that include George Strait, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney.

They’ll find out who it is when the song is released on Friday. 

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

August 19, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Sparrow Records/Capitol RecordsThomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line are teaming up with Christian artist Chris Tomlin for a set of performances of their new song, “Thank You Lord.”

Chris will make his debut on both the Late Late Show With James Corden and the Today show alongside the two country acts. They’ll perform “Thank You Lord” on the Late Late show tonight, followed by a performance on Today on August 25. 

“Thank You Lord” was co-written by Chris, Thomas, Tyler Hubbard of FGL, Corey Crowder and David Garcia, with Chris sharing in a statement that the collaboration is a reflection of his “deep friendships” with the two acts. FGL also executive produced the album.  

The song is featured on the Dove Award winning artist’s latest project Chris Tomlin & Friends that sees him collaborating with several other country stars including Lady A, Brett Young, Russell Dickerson and RaeLynn.

Chris Tomlin & Friends hit number one on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart following its July release.  

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

August 19, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Eric McCandlessThe American Idol judges’ panel is staying the same.

Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are all returning for a fourth season of the reality competition show on ABC.  Ryan Seacrest will also return as host.

In a statement, Karey Burke, the president of ABC Entertainment, said, referring to last season’s remote episodes, “American Idol has always been able to bring people together, entertain and inspire — and I am so proud of how this show continued to deliver joy and laughter into people’s homes during a time when we needed it the most.”

She added, “There is no one who we feel more confident about leading us into a new season of high notes than Luke, Katy, Lionel and the incomparable Ryan Seacrest.”

Showrunner Trish Kinane noted, “Katy, Lionel and Luke are fun, astute and really know how to spot talent. Their chemistry is undeniable, and we are delighted that they, along with host Ryan Seacrest, are returning to find the next superstar and take American Idol to new heights next season.”

American Idol executive producer Eli Holzman said, “At times like these, it is more important than ever to give families wholesome entertainment, packed full of hope, talent and inspiration — where dreams come true. And that is what American Idol is all about.”

Virtual auditions for the new season are underway via Idol Across America, a remote campaign that allows contestants from all 50 states to participate.

There’s no definitive word yet on when the new season will get underway.

By Andrea Dresdale
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

August 19, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

NetflixFans have grown to love Jay DeMarcus as one-third of Rascal Flatts. Now, with his Netflix reality show DeMarcus Family Rules, you’ll get to know him better, along with wife Allison and their two kids, 9-year-old Madeline and 8-year-old Dylan. 

The show grew out of the couple’s appearances on the hit USA series, Chrisley Knows Best.

“Todd and Julie [Chrisley] are some of our dearest friends…” Jay tells ABC Audio, “They’re just hysterical.”

“So one night we went to dinner and they said, ‘We feel like you guys have a show,'” he reveals. “And Todd was like, ‘I totally think you do… You and Allison together are hysterical. And I think there’s something there.'”

“And we wondered if that was a compliment or not,” Allison laughs. “We weren’t real sure. Like, ‘You’re so crazy that you need a show!'”

You get a taste of what’s ahead, as the conversation turns to all the family time they’ve enjoyed since Rascal Flatts’ Farewell Tour was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think they’re all going to… clamor to get back on their buses and back on the road to see people who adore them…” Allison prods. “I know Jay really… doesn’t think that there are big enough fans here in the house.”

“I don’t have any fans in this house… They hate everything I do,” Jay deadpans, before Allison takes it one step further.

“I think that they’re gonna want to probably stay on the road another twenty years now due to the pandemic,” she predicts.

“No way in hell!” Jay jokes. “I’m not gonna be singing ‘Praying for Daylight’ when I’m 84 years old. There’s no way!”  

You can watch the first six episodes of DeMarcus Family Rules on Netflix today.

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