ABC/Image Group LAIf the phrase “Blake Shelton: underwear model” brings to mind visions of the country crooner in his skivvies, well, Mr. “Came Here to Forget” says you’ve got it all wrong. While Blake’s a spokesperson for Gildan underwear, you’re not going to see him half-naked in ads any time soon. “You’ve got all these underwear …
Jun 06
"Summer" Lovin': Cassadee Pope Relives Her Beachside Romances
Big Machine Label GroupCassadee Pope gets personal on “Summer,” the follow-up to her number one duet with Chris Young. It’s all about her love life growing up by the ocean in the Sunshine State. “I wrote it from personal experience. I mean, there’s been those summer romances, growing up in Florida by the beach,” she tells ABC Radio. …
Jun 05
Frankie Ballard Brings a Little Jimi Hendrix to CMA Music Festival
Warner Music NashvilleIt looks like Frankie Ballard may be country’s answer to Jimi Hendrix. Just like the legend did at Woodstock, the Michigan native will kick off the Friday night concert at CMA Music Festival with an electric-guitar-fueled version of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Frankie’s new album El Rio, which features his hit single, “It …
Jun 04
Eli Young Band Preaches the "Saltwater Gospel"
The Valory Music Co.Eli Young Band is back with a new song that sounds like it was made for summer. “Saltwater Gospel” follows their hits “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and “Drunk Last Night,” and is the lead single from their forthcoming new album. “Sometimes you just have that gut feeling you’ve …
Jun 04
Mitchell men claim $50,000 lottery prize
Philip Picha and Mike Hilton of Mitchell have been buying lottery tickets together for 20 years. When they win, they split their prize. Each man is now $25,000 richer thanks to a Powerball ticket from the June 1 drawing. The South Dakota Lottery Association says the pair matched four of five white ball numbers and …
Jun 03
Cam Calls "Mayday" for Female Artists on Country Radio
Arista NashvilleCam channels her inner Amelia Earhart in the music video for “Mayday,” and in a just-released behind-the-scenes clip, she reveals she sees a parallel between the pioneering aviatrix and many female artists’ struggles to get played on the radio today. “There seems to be a lot of similarities in country music right now,” she …
Jun 03
A Beer and a Big Green Egg: Thomas Rhett's Recipe for Relaxation
Getty Images via ABCSure, he may have a huge hit with “T-Shirt” and a coveted spot on tour with ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean, but Thomas Rhett is easing into the warmer weather just like a lot of the rest of us — with a barbecue and a brew. “Welcoming summer the best …
Jun 03
Country Music Odyssey: Maren Morris Wants to Take You on a "Hero"'s Journey
Columbia NashvilleWith her country anthem, “My Church,” racking up multiple weeks in the top ten and night number one under her belt of Keith Urban’s Ripcord World Tour, there’s perhaps no better time for Maren Morris to finally get to put out her first major-label album. “I feel like I’ve had these ideas in my head about the …
Jun 03
Dan+Shay Reveal What Has Them "Obsessed"
Warner Music NashvilleDan+Shay may’ve given their new album the title Obsessed based on the devotion of their fans, but the duo admits they have an obsession or two themselves. “I would say we are obsessed with coffee, obsessed with rescuing dogs and animals — that’s very close to our hearts,” Dan Smyers confesses. “We’re obsessed with roller-coasters, we love riding …
Jun 02
Hunter Hayes Witnesses Blue Angels' Fatal Crash
Atlantic Records NashvilleLots of people were watching the Blue Angels practice over Smyrna, Tennessee, Thursday afternoon, as one of the jets crashed, killing a pilot– and Hunter Hayes was one of them. When the plane went down around 3 p.m., the “Wanted” hitmaker was standing by to go up with a member of the noted flight demonstration …