Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan confirmed as new “American Idol” judges

ABCAfter weeks — nay, months — of speculation, it’s finally official: Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan will be joining Katy Perry at the judges’ table on ABC’s reboot of American Idol. Lionel’s name had been in the mix almost from the very beginning, while Luke’s name has been thrown around for the past couple of …

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From “Fighter” to Champion: BMI to honor Keith Urban

ABC/Randy HolmesBroadcast Music Incorporated will honor Keith Urban with its Champion Award Tuesday, November 7 at the 65th annual BMI Country Awards in Nashville.  The performing rights organization is honoring the “Fighter” hitmaker for his work in helping the next generation of singers, songwriters and musicians, and his efforts to further music education. So far, the Aussie …

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In new AUDIENCE special, Chris Lane reveals the moment everything changed

ABC/George BurnsFriday’s a big day for Chris Lane. The “Fix” hitmaker will drop the lead single from his sophomore album — “Take Back Home Girl,” a duet with pop star Tori Kelly — and he’ll also star in his own special on the AUDIENCE Network. “A moment for me that changed everything was hearing my song on the …

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After 15 years in the making, Shania “NOW” arrives: “I didn’t think I would ever make another album without Mutt”

Mercury NashvilleShania Twain’s first album in 15 years, NOW, is new in stores and online today. The icon admits it’s a time she once thought would never come, after her split from longtime musical partner and former husband, Mutt Lange. Vocal problems only reinforced her belief. “I took the long, long, long, long, long way around. I …

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“Something’s Going On”: Trace Adkins weighs in on the anthem controversy with “Still a Soldier”

BBR Music Group As the controversy swirls over some NFL players opting to take a knee during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice, Trace Adkins is weighing in with a new song. The Louisiana native has long been a supporter of the USO, America’s men and women in uniform, and veterans, and the track “Still …

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Listen now: Chris Lane picks pop star Tori Kelly as his “Take Back Home Girl” in new duet

ABC/Image Group LA Chris Lane is following up his top-ten “For Her” with a new duet with Grammy-nominated pop singer Tori Kelly. “Take Back Home Girl” is the lead single from his forthcoming sophomore album.  “I’ve been a big fan of Tori’s for quite some time and I had this song that I was looking for a duet …

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Watch now: Lady A’s “Heart Break” — a cinematic video turns into a chance to help Puerto Rico

Capitol NashvilleLong before Hurricane Maria struck the island of Puerto Rico, Lady Antebellum traveled there to shoot the new video for their latest single, “Heart Break.” “After spending time in San Juan, we fell in love with the area, the culture, the people, and that country — it was just a beautiful place…” Dave Haywood recalls. “We feel personally …

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Miranda Lambert and Jon Pardi will be Livin’ Like Hippies on their 2018 tour

ABC/Image Group LAMiranda Lambert will set out on the Livin’ Like Hippies Tour this winter, playing 23 dates starting January 18 in Greenville, South Carolina. The trek takes its name from a line in the track “Highway Vagabond” from Miranda’s double album, The Weight of These Wings. ACM New Male Vocalist Jon Pardi will be along for …

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From weddings to little kids, Dustin Lynch is surprised at the folks who are making him a superstar

Broken BowDustin Lynch has the biggest song of his career so far with “Small Town Boy,” thanks to its four weeks at the top of the Billboard chart. But the way the Tullahoma, Tennessee native can tell he’s really making an impact, is the way the song is working its way into the lives of his fans. “Believe …

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CMT gets a dose of reality with “Music City”

CMTCMT is adding a new dose of reality to its lineup, as it preps the docu-series Music City to premiere early next year. The eight-part reality show will follow a group of aspiring singer/songwriters and musicians as they try to make it in Nashville.  Adam DiVello, who created both The Hills and Laguna Beach for MTV, is the project’s executive producer. Music …

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