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Luke Combs performing at Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show

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ABCLuke Combs is combining his love of music and NASCAR with a headlining performance at the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show next month, serving as the kick-off event for the NASCAR Cup Series and the 63rd annual The Great American Race. 

“I grew up watching the NASCAR race every Sunday with my granddad; that was our thing. I never could have imagined back then that I’d be playing the Daytona 500 one day, so this is super awesome and is something I’m really looking forward to,” Luke says in a statement. 

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Luke will perform for a limited, socially-distanced audience at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. Other safety protocols include mandatory face coverings, non-contact temperature checks, and hand sanitizing stations set up throughout the venue. 

Keith Urban, Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker are among the other country artists who have performed at the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show. 

The pre-show event will air on February 14 on Fox at 2:30 p.m. ET.

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

Eric Church, Jazmine Sullivan to perform national anthem at Super Bowl

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ABCEric Church is teaming up with R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan to perform the national anthem at the 2021 Super Bowl. 

The NFL announced on Tuesday that the singers are joining forces for the first time to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of Super Bowl LV, taking place at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida next month. Jazmine is known for hit singles “Need U Bad” and “Bust Your Windows” and has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards.

Eric follows in the footsteps of fellow country star Luke Bryan, who performed the national anthem at the 2017 Super Bowl. Past anthem performers also include Beyoncé, Whitey Houston, Lady Gaga,Mariah Carey and more. 

Additionally, R&B singer-songwriter H.E.R. will perform “America the Beautiful” during the pregame festivities.  The Weeknd will headline the Super Bowl halftime show. 

Super Bowl LV will air globally on CBS on February 7 beginning at 6 p.m. ET. 

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

Carrie Underwood reveals 'My Savior' release date

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Capitol Records Nashville Carrie Underwood is releasing her gospel album, My Savior, on March 26. 

The album, which features a variety of traditional hymns Carrie grew up singing, is co-produced by the singer and Cry Pretty co-producer David Garcia.

In a trailer for the project, Carrie refers to the songs as “legacy stuff,” and says she was intentional about doing “the familiar” in terms of covering the songs she was raised on in church.

“These songs are like a warm hug,” Carrie says in the trailer video over footage of her in the studio, along with a clip of her and husband Mike Fisher singing with friends on the porch swing of their home.

The superstar adds that she’s excited to connect with others who also grew up singing these songs, and to introduce them to a new generation.

“Hymns and gospel music have shaped me as an artist because those were the first things I sang. I think that was just a great foundation for me now as an artist,” she reflects.   

My Savior will also be released on vinyl on April 30.

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

Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard to perform "Undivided" on 'Celebrating America'

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Big Machine RecordsTim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard are bringing a message of unity to Inauguration Day. 

The singers are teaming up for a performance of “Undivided” on the special Celebrating America, a televised special part of Wednesday’s Inauguration Day festivities. Tim made the announcement on Instagram, calling the performance an “honor.”

“What an honor it will be to get to share such an important message during such a historical moment in time,” adds Tyler.   

The special, hosted by Tom Hanks, serves as a celebration of soon-to-be President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris after they’re sworn into office, and they will make appearances throughout. It will also spotlight essential workers, teachers and other personnel on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other performers include Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake and Demi Lovato. 

“Through different segments and performances, the program will highlight the strength of our democracy, the perseverance of our people, and our ability to come together during trying times and emerge stronger than ever before,” according to a statement by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. 

Celebrating America airs at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. 

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

Garth Brooks is "reaching across" for "unity" with a performance at Wednesday's Biden inauguration

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8 Ten, Inc.On Wednesday, Garth Brooks will perform alongside Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, at the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. 

The seven-time CMA Entertainer of the Year made the announcement during a news conference on Monday, after taking the weekend to consider the possibility after “a very sweet ask” during a phone call with future First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

“The main message they’re pushing is unity,” Garth says. “That’s right down my alley, man, because I think if we’re gonna get anywhere, we’re gonna get there together.”

The Oklahoma native has performed for every U.S. President since his close friend, Jimmy Carter, with the exception of Ronald Reagan. 

Garth also revealed he’d been asked to sing at the 2016 inauguration of President Donald Trump as well, though he “couldn’t fulfill that one because we had already had dates in Cincinnati set there.”

Garth didn’t unveil what he plans to perform, but did confirm it likely won’t be his classic, “We Shall Be Free,” since he previously sang it at President Barack Obama‘s inaugural. 

While seeming to indicate his own political persuasion, Garth went on to make it clear that he and the Biden administration share a common goal. 

“I might be the only Republican at this place, but it’s reaching across, loving one another, because that’s what’s going to get us through probably the most divided times that we have [ever had],” he reflected. “I want the divided times to be behind us.”

“I want to be able to differ in opinion and hug each other at the same football game. Right?” he asked. 

ABC’s Inauguration Day coverage is set to kick off at 7 a.m. ET on Wednesday, with the ceremony itself slated to begin at noon. 

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