Keepin' it Country Media & Radio

Team Blake Advances to Top 8 on “The Voice”

Jeanna D. — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:20:54 +0000

Team Blake survives another week on The Voice!

Danielle Bradbery, Holly Tucker, and The Swon Brothers all advance to next week’s Top 8. Team Adam also returns all three remaining members, while Usher and Shakira each had to say good-bye to another teammate last night.

Blake definitely put together a strong team, and all three should do well with a career in country music in the future.

First, Danielle is a star! She has powerful vocals that are always spot on. The voice mixed in with her amazing stage presence and personality makes her a definite front-runner in the competition. She seems like a seasoned performer, yet she is the youngest contestant and the show was her first audition.

Next, we have Holly Tucker. She’s another fantastic vocalist, who I think just had her best performance this week. All I could say after watching her version of “How Great Art Thou” was ‘DANG! That was awesome!’ And I’m not southern… Blake is rubbing off on me.

Finally, the Swon Brothers. They are so unique and are as country as you can get. Whether they are rockin’ out or slowing things down, the brothers truly shine together.

Blake may just have another win on his hands. Could it be a three-peat for Team Blake? I think Adam is his biggest competition right now, and it will probably come down to a Team Blake vs. Team Adam showdown.

Congrats, Team Blake on making the Top 8!

Jake Owen has fastest rising single of his career

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:16:48 +0000

Landing his fastest rising single to date, Jake Owen’s smash “Anywhere With You” rounds out the Top 10 at Country radio this week holding the No. 9 position on both the Mediabase Country Chart and Billboard Country Chart. The catchy song is the fourth single from his chart-topping album, Barefoot Blue Jean Night. Emerging as one of country music’s leading vocalists, Jake’s RCA Nashville project produced three consecutive No. 1 hit singles; the Double Platinum “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” Platinum “Alone With You,” and Gold-certified “The One That Got Away.”

The bright nights are continuing on the road as the charming entertainer wows fans and critics nationwide with his energetic, impressive live show.

The ACA Breakthrough Artist of the Year is currently touring with Jason Aldean‘s NIGHT TRAIN TOUR and in between shows is working in the studio with producer Joey Moi on his fourth full-length studio album.

VIDEO: Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert Pay Tribute to Oklahoma

Nicole Piering — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:12:44 +0000

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert paired up on NBC’s The Voice last night, to perform a touching tribute to the tornado victims of Moore, Oklahoma. The pair joined voices on Lambert’s hit, “Over You,”changing a few lines of the song to fit the situation. The couple resides in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, which is about 100 miles from Moore.

Shelton also revealed to Billboard that he is in the process of enlisting his famous friends to put on a benefit concert, to air on NBC.

You can help by calling the Red Cross at 1-800 HELP NOW.

Watch the heartfelt performance here:

Oklahoma country stars reflect on tornado

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:07:46 +0000

Our thoughts remain with Oklahoma and the victims of the tornado earlier this week. Country music stars are also reflecting and praying for the region after an EF 5, the highest rating a tornado can receive, touched down in the region.

Toby Keith said:

“This storm has devastated the community that I grew up in. I rode my bike through those neighborhoods. I have family and friends in Moore. My heart and prayers go to those that have lost so much. But Moore is strong and we will persevere. God be with you all.”

Krystal Keith:

“Please pray for my Okie’s today and in the coming days. I am devastated to watch the footage from afar. Feeling pretty helpless today.”

Carrie Underwood:

“I’m thinking about and praying for my beautiful home state and the people in it tonight. Growing up in Tornado Alley, you always know what could happen. It doesn’t change how devastating it is when something does happen. #pray.”

Miranda Lambert:

“Pray. That’s all we can do. Pray for peace for Oklahoma.”

Blake Shelton:

“Just landed in LA and hearing about all the tornados in Oklahoma right now… Get somewhere safe!”

See more reactions below:

Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts:

“My thoughts & prayers are with my home state of Oklahoma. May God’s love & grace be with all affected by these horrible storms.”

Reba McEntire:

“All my prayers go out to the folks in Oklahoma dealing with these tornados. Stay safe everyone!”

Ronnie Dunn:

“Stopped to spend the night in Shawnee, Okla. Just woke up to another tornado hitting Moore. Right in front of it! We got out just before it hit. Those poor people. We will help when and where we can.”

Kellie Pickler Wins “Dancing With The Stars”

Jeanna D. — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:41:01 +0000

Kellie Pickler is the new Dancing With The Stars champion!

Country’s sweetheart and her partner, Derek Hough, took home the Mirror Ball Trophy last night. The pair wowed us all season, and their performances were near perfection on Monday. Their freestyle dance was absolutely stunning and had the ballroom in tears. If you missed it, check out the video below. It’s probably the best dance ever on Dancing With The Stars.

We know Kellie is amazingly talented when it comes to music, but she also has the talent when it comes to dancing. The judges even compared her to Derek’s sister and superstar dancer/country singer, Julianne Hough, during the finale. She truly looked like a professional out on the floor.

On top of her top-notch dancing skills, the genuine personality and classiness that Kellie brings to everything she does was clearly evident every week. People fell in love with her on American Idol years ago, and they got to fall in love with her all over again on Dancing With The Stars.

Congratulations to Kellie and Derek! We’ve always been Team Pickler. The win was very well deserved and we are so happy for you.

While we are at it, let’s take a look at some of our other favorite Pickler dances this season.

Jazz Routine – Week 2:

Rumba – Week 4 with special appearance by Kellie’s husband and songwriter, Kyle Jacobs:

Argentine Tango – Week 9:

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert to Pay Tribute to Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Nicole Piering — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:52:37 +0000

It’s no secret that Blake Shelton takes pride in his Oklahoma roots, and with the recent tragic tornadoes that ripped through the state, it’s only fitting for the famous Okie to pay tribute.

According to Entertainment Weekly, on tonight’s episode of The Voice, Blake will be joined by Miranda Lambert to perform a duet that’s “close to their hearts.” The tribute will take place at the top of the show, which begins at 9 p.m. EST on NBC.

Trace Adkins Wins All-Star Celebrity Apprentice

Jeanna D. — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:53:06 +0000

Trace Adkins is the first All-Star Celebrity Apprentice winner!

The live finale aired last night on NBC, and Donald Trump chose Adkins over Penn Jillette for the title after several weeks of competition.

The country star raised $1,554,072 for the American Red Cross, while the Vegas super magician raised $598,655 for Opportunity Village. Adkins now adds $250,000 to that total for being crowned the winner.

The celebrity apprentice is always fun to watch, but more importantly, the stars are all playing for charity and that’s what makes it great!

You’re hired, Trace Adkins. Congratulations!

Dancing With The Stars: Good Luck, Kellie Pickler!

Jeanna D. — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:21:07 +0000

Kellie Pickler competes for the Mirror Ball Trophy tonight on Dancing With The Stars!

Pickler has been impressing us all season with her dance skills and continues to win everyone over with her adorable and genuine personality. The country sweetheart has really perfected her technique over the course of the show, and there are truly times where she seems like a professional dancer. While the competition is tough, she and partner Derek Hough consistently standout to me. Even though the judges generally score the contestants pretty evenly, Kellie seems to be on another level and she is sometimes maybe scrutinized harder than the rest because of her ability.

Pickler will be facing Aly Raisman, Zendaya Coleman, and Jacoby Jones, and the contestants will all perform three dances tonight in hopes of being crowned the winner tomorrow.

Part one of the two-night finale begins tonight at 8/7c on ABC. Tune in and make sure to vote for Kellie!

Good luck, Kellie & Derek… Team Pickler!

You can vote by phone, text, or online…

Kellie and Derek’s phone number: 1-800-868-3401

Text for AT&T customers only: Text “VOTE” to 3401

The Voice: Team Blake Advances to Top 10

Jeanna D. — Sat, 18 May 2013 01:21:03 +0000

Team Blake advances another week and is stronger than ever!

It was Top 12 time on The Voice this week, and the voting was left completely up to the public. The coaches did not get a vote nor could they save anyone. Usher and Shakira each ended up losing a team member in Vedo and Garrett, respectively, while Team Blake & Team Adam remained in tact.

That means Danielle Bradbery, Holly Tucker, and The Swon Brothers move on! Blake sure did put together a powerhouse country team.

Congrats, Team Blake! We’re rooting for you. Keep it up and keep it country!

The Top 10 take the stage Monday night on NBC at 8/7c!

Check out the video of Blake performing with his team on Tuesday:

Kree Harrison To Make Opry Debut

Jeanna D. — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:32:43 +0000

It has been a huge week for Kree Harrison…

The American Idol finale was this week where she finished Top 2 and runner up to Candice Glover. Her debut single “All Cried Out” is available on iTunes. Today is her birthday (Happy Birthday, Kree). And earlier, she received some amazing news… she will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut!

The debut will take place on June 4th. Joining Kree on the Opry will be American Idol judge, Keith Urban. Other previous performers announced for that night include: Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler, and Lennon and Maisy from ABC’s Nashville. It sounds like it will be a great show!

The humbled singer was, of course, honored by the invitation:

“I’m speechless. It has been my lifelong dream to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. I am so honored to be invited!”

Congratulations, Kree! We are very excited for you and know you will have a great career. We look forward to following along.

“All Cried Out” iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-cried-out-single/id648665235 …