LOCASH prays for a win, but know they’re the CMA “underdogs”

ABC RadioLOCASH are honored to be among a long list of nominees recognized at the CMA Awards on Wednesday. While the country duo is humbled for the nod as Vocal Duo of the Year — alongside Florida Georgia Line, Dan + Shay, Brothers Osborne, and Maddie & Tae — they’re not betting on a win. …

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Watch: Maren Morris says she and pop star Niall Horan are gonna “blow it out” on CMA night

ABC/Mark LevineAt the CMA Awards on Wednesday night, Maren Morris will be duetting with pop star Niall [nile] Horan of One Direction fame on the song.  The two will sing “Seeing Blind,” a track from Niall’s #1 debut solo album, Flicker.  Maren says she can’t wait. “I’m excited! It’s gonna be a really fun night,” …

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Watch now: Kelsea Ballerini on drinks with Reba, CMA outfit changes and “not earning” a trophy

ABC/Paula LoboOn Wednesday night’s CMA Awards, Kelsea Ballerini‘s not only nominated, she’s also teaming up with none other than Reba McEntire for a special performance.   Kelsea says not long ago, Reba invited her out for drinks so they could get to know one another before their performance, which she really appreciated. “That’s such a pro …

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Thomas Rhett at the CMAs: Dad in the audience, daughters on the carpet

ABC/Mark LevineThomas Rhett‘s CMA Awards night Wednesday will be a real family affair. Not only will his dad, chart-topping singer/songwriter Rhett Akins, be in the audience, but his wife Lauren will be with him — and maybe even his daughters. One of the reasons TR has had such an “Unforgettable” year has been the arrival …

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Watch now: Rascal Flatts on their CMA chances: “I hope that Little Big Town doesn’t break our record”

Donn Jones/CMARascal Flatts are up for Vocal Group of the Year at this year’s CMA Awards, but they’re not too enthusiastic about their chances of winning this year. “It’s getting harder, all these people are creepin’ up behind us, trying to get on our stuff,” Jay DeMarcus tells ABC Radio. “And Little Big Town’s gettin’ …

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The main reason Garth Brooks hopes he wins his 6th Entertainer of the Year trophy

ABC/Randy HolmesGarth Brooks already is the winningest Entertainer of the Year in CMA history, having taken home the honor five times, most recently in 2016. Wednesday night, the G-man has the chance to claim his sixth Entertainer trophy. All his thoughts about winning, however, go straight to his band and crew.   “I don’t know,” he tells …

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ABC’s “American Idol” to premiere on March 11

ABC/FremantleMedia/19 EntertainmentAmerican Idol finally has a premiere date. ABC’s reboot of the iconic singing competition will premiere Sunday, March 11 at 8 p.m. ET.  Auditions for the show began in August, covering 23 cities from Portland, OR to Orlando, FL, encompassing on-site tryouts, online submissions and live-streaming auditions. No word on how many nights per …

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SESAC kicks off the countdown to the CMA Awards, with honors for Billy Currington, Lady Antebellum and Kenny Rogers

ABC RadioSunday night in Nashville, Billy Currington took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to perform his multiple-week #1, “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To.” Immediately afterwards, performing rights organization SESAC proclaimed it the group’s Song of the Year. SESAC’s annual Nashville Music Awards also paid tribute to Lady Antebellum this year, giving …

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A decade into their run as CMA hosts, are Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood planning a Vince Gill take-down?

ABC RadioAs of this year’s CMA Awards, it’s official: Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood have hosted country music’s biggest night for a decade. “Ten years has flown by,” Carrie tells ABC Radio. “Like it’s hard to believe that this is our tenth year. But it means I guess that they like us,” she laughs. “No one else will do …

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Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Bryan kick off the pre-CMA Awards festivities on ABC

ABC/Paula LoboThe 51st Annual CMA Awards won’t get underway until Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, but you don’t have to wait until then for the music to start. Kelsea Ballerini will kick off the day on November 8 with a special performance live from Nashville on Good Morning America. You can watch for the “Legends” …

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