Jake Owen claims his 7th #1 with a little help from John Mellencamp

Big Loud RecordsTwelve years ago this week, Jake Owen’s debut album was released. Fast forward to today, and the Florida native again climbs to #1 with “I Was Jack (You Were Diane).” The tribute to John Mellencamp’s 1982 classic is not only the fastest-rising single of Jake’s career, it also has the rock legend’s personal seal of …

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Kenny Chesney takes his “Songs” to TV, after a record-setting weekend

Blue Chair/Warner Bros. NashvilleKenny Chesney’s got a lot to celebrate: His new album Songs for the Saints album has hit #1 on the iTunes chart, and he broke his own attendance record in Chicago. More than 52,000 fans turned out Saturday to see the superstar singer’s sold-out show at Soldiers Field. Since its release on Friday, Songs for …

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Let the Music Lift You Up: Nashville Songwriters honor Reba as a Career Maker

ABC/Image Group LA The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame will give Reba McEntire its first-ever Career Maker Award this fall during the organization’s 48th Anniversary Gala. The honor was designed to recognize an artist who’s not a Songwriters Hall of Fame member, but who’s made a significant contribution to the careers of the writers who’ve been inducted. …

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Luke Bryan hits a home run at Dodger Stadium this weekend

ABC/Paula LoboLuke Bryan not only became the first country artist ever to play Dodger Stadium this weekend, but he also managed to make the Los Angeles show a sell-out. “Stadiums are a lot of work,” the Georgia native told Billboard before the Saturday concert. “You’ve gotta try to make 50,000 people feel like [they’re in] an intimate setting …

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A little ditty about Jack & Diane and Pearl: Jake Owen celebrates his latest #1

ABC Radio Jake Owen starts this week on a high note as his latest single, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane),” ascends to #1 on the country chart. The single father — whose daughter, Pearl, will turn six in November — says this makes all the sacrifices seem worthwhile. “You know, there’s a lot of …

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Jennifer Nettles shares snippet of duet with Josh Groban: “I am so excited for you all to hear this collab!”

Natasha Moustache/CMA Last month, Jennifer Nettles posted a photo of herself in the studio with Josh Groban, teasing that the two had recorded a duet. Now, she’s revealed a little taste of what their collaboration sounds like. In a 20-second snippet of the power ballad, Josh and Jennifer join their powerful voices together to sing, “Nothing unspoken/live every day …

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From “The Middle” to the top: Maren Morris lands at number one on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart

Nick WalkerMaren Morris continues to straddle genres with her latest collaboration. “The Middle,” Maren’s duet with deejay/producer Zedd and electronic duo Grey, has landed at number one on Billboard‘s Adult Contemporary radio airplay chart this week. The song, which has received major airplay on both country and pop radio, is also #1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart for a 25th …

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Kenny Cheney, Luke Combs and Kelsea Ballerini set for “Good Morning America” performances

Allister AnnCountry music will be highlighted next week on ABC’s Good Morning America as three top acts perform live: Luke Combs, Kenny Chesney and Kelsea Ballerini. On Monday, Luke will kick off the week by giving his new single “She Got the Best of Me” its national TV premiere. The song is one of five new tracks featured on his deluxe …

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Lanco partners with Hard Rock Hotels for unique fan experience

ABC/Image Group LALanco is the first act to partner with Hard Rock Hotels to give their fans a unique concert experience. Recently, the country newcomers invited some of their biggest fans to the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach, FL, where they were treated to an oceanside sunset performance. Fans who weren’t able to attend the …

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Connie Britton discusses her reluctant return for the series finale of “Nashville”

Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesLongtime Nashville fans were pleasantly surprised when, on the show’s series finale Thursday night, Connie Britton’s Rayna Jaymes returned. While Rayna character died in Season 5, she made a special appearance on the final episode via a flashback scene of Deacon and Rayna’s wedding night. “I’ll admit: When they first called me to do it, I was a little …

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