February 9, 2021 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABCOld Dominion is paying it forward to the members of their road crew who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the mass shutdown of live events. 

On Friday, the band is hosting a Crew Appreciation Sale, with money made from merchandise sales on their website going to the people who support them while on tour.

“Our road crew is like family to us. To help them out while we’re off the road, all proceeds from this Friday’s online sales will go directly to them,” the band says in a statement. 

Items available for purchase include new sweatshirts, including a pair that promote OD’s current single “Never Be Sorry.”  There’s also a limited edition cap, signed photos and CDs and more. 

Additionally, the hitmaking band is hosting a livestream tonight at 6 p.m. ET on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

February 9, 2021 • No Comments • Country Music News

Emma McIntyre/Getty ImagesBlake Shelton is overwhelmed by the responses he got to his T-Mobile commercial. 

Blake joins forces with his fiancée Gwen Stefani and former The Voice coach Adam Levine in the spot that premiered during the Super Bowl.  The “Minimum Wage” singer revealed that after it aired, his phone was “smoking” from all the messages he received. 

“You realize, ‘Oh my God, nobody has ever really watched me win an award.’ I know that now. But everybody watches the Super Bowl. Now it’s confirmed, I know every contact in my phone was watching that game,” Blake remarked to Entertainment Weekly.

Blake adds that he had a “blast” filming the commercial that finds him showing up to a blind date with Gwen wearing cowboy boots and spurs.

“When I read the script, I thought it was a great idea. I thought it was so funny. Because people still don’t really understand why she’s with me. And fair enough, right?” he says jokingly. “So I loved being able to spin that out.”

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

February 9, 2021 • No Comments • Country Music News

Warner NashvilleIt was love at first listen when Kenny Chesney discovered his latest hit. 

“The first time I heard ‘Happy Does,’ ironically, it made me smile a lot,” he recalls, “because I love the idea of my audience and the people that listen to this music living their best life.”

Kenny believes that’s not as simple as it used to be, thanks to 21st-century technology.

“I think it’s really hard in today’s world,” he explains, “in the social media world of getting drawn in to what everyone else is doing and how everyone else is living their life instead of concentrating on your own, and not necessarily letting outside factors dictate your life or the mood you’re in.”

“You know, it’s just being happy and being thankful and being humble and having gratitude,” he reflects. “Those are the things that I try to lean on.”

“Happy Does” is the follow-up to Kenny’s 31st number one, “Here and Now,” which topped the chart in June of last year.

By Stephen Hubbard
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

February 8, 2021 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Brian Bowen SmithAs Luke Bryan gears up to celebrate Valentine’s Day with his wife Caroline, he’s toying with the idea of making it the perfect blend of country and romance. 

The superstar singer appeared on Live with Kelly and Ryan alongside his fellow American Idol judges, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, sharing that he’s in the process of planning the couple’s Valentine’s Day celebration that initially began with the idea of taking his wife of 14 years duck hunting.

“But that’s probably not a good idea. I attempted that once, and it didn’t go like I planned,” Luke says in reference to the couple’s recent duck hunting date that involved them getting stuck in four feet of water. 

However, the “Play it Again” hitmaker does plan to give his wife roses, and is trying to plan a romantic getaway with just the two of them. 

The new season of American Idol premieres on Valentine’s Day on ABC at 8 p.m ET.

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

February 8, 2021 • No Comments • Country Music News

Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole OpryMaking his Grand Ole Opry debut wasn’t the only special moment Parker McCollum experienced this weekend. 

In addition to performing his #1 debut single “Pretty Heart” and delivering a cover of Jerry Lee Lewis‘ “Middle Aged Crazy,” Parker was also surprised with a plaque commemorating platinum certification of “Pretty Heart” by the RIAA. 

“Playing the Grand Ole Opry for the first time and dreaming about playing country music for a long time, it is an unbelievable feeling to stand right here and sing my song for you guys,” Parker professed, standing in the sacred Opry circle after performing “Pretty Heart.” 

Parker was invited to make his Opry debut by Dierks Bentley, who was also part of the Saturday night lineup.

“Pretty Heart” is featured on Parker’s EP Hollywood Gold, which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in October.

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.