July 27, 2012

 


» Idol Bands: The game of musical chairs at American Idol has Hollywood buzzing over Brad Paisley, who's reportedly under consideration for a seat at the judges' table for Season 12. LA Times, CNN and Deadline say that Paisley is being "eyed" for the panel, following the departure of Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. And while Paisley's camp says they have no information about an offer from Idol, the shake-up has us wondering if Paisley would have the time for the show. AI auditions are taking place while Paisley's Virtual Reality tour is underway, and he's currently recording a new album due later this year. The 48th Annual CMA Awards are Nov. 1, which Paisley has co-hosted with Carrie Underwood the past four years. He's also launching a European tour Nov. 8. Last year's runner-up Lauren Alaina weighs in: "He has a great personality. Every time I've talked with him, he's always super-nice. I think that would be a good move for the show." She adds, "Having a country artist as a judge would bring a whole new perspective to the country music community on the show ... because for the most part, it's been all about pop music. I got lucky and people voted for me, but as far as country music as a whole, it hasn't been present and I think that would step it up a bit." More Idol news here.




» Noise Of Summer: Dierks Bentley will close out the summer by releasing a new four-song EP titled Country & Cold Cans. Landing Aug. 21, the collection was produced by rocker Jaren Johnston of the band the Cadillac Black, who will be supporting Bentley on the Country And Cold Cans: Back To College Tour in August. "We thought we'd celebrate the end of summer and back-to-school with new material about cutting loose," Bentley says. "I've written a lot with Jaren, and we thought it would be fun to get the guys in my band and a couple cases of beer and go see what happens in the studio. I think our crowd will dig it." The trek includes stops at the University of Georgia (8/20), the University of South Carolina (8/21) and The Grove at the University of Mississippi (8/22).


» Aided By Voices: Kenny Chesney has been added to Sept. 22's Farm Aid benefit concert at Hershey, PA's Hersheypark Stadium. "Growing up in a small town outside Knoxville, family farmers were a big part of our community," Chesney says. "I am proud to play on the Farm Aid stage again, especially in Central Pennsylvania, where agriculture is at the heart of the community." The lineup includes Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds) and Neil Young. Full lineup here.


» Just One Look: Check out the new look on Jake Owen! Owen hit the hairdresser Thursday, teasing on Twitter that he was thinking about chopping off his signature long locks. Owen polled his followers, "Should I cut off my hair ... like now?" Feedback was varied, with one Twitter user saying, "Sweetie, you could shave your head bald and still look good." Owen then posted this pic (seen left) before finally tweeting, "Got y'all. I didn't cut it. Then there'd be nothing to pull. Well ... maybe my ears."


» In Time And In Tune: New music from the Mavericks hits stores Sept. 25! Called In Time, the 10-track collection will be released in conjunction with the band's 20th anniversary of their first major-label album release. "The idea that we came together and made this record is a testament to faith, fate and chance," frontman Raul Malo says. "All three were essential in the making of In Time. In turn, this is the record we are most proud of." Fans can get four tracks from the upcoming release now in the form of the Suited Up And Ready EP, which features their current single "Born To Be Blue."


» In Case You Missed It: As a guest co-host on Wednesday's The View, Miranda Lambert discussed topics in the news including the deaths of actors Sherman Hemsley and Chad Everett. Lambert also praised The Dark Knight Rises actor Christian Bale for visiting victims of the movie theater shootings in Aurora, CO. "As an entertainer myself, it makes me want to go out and do something nice," Lambert said. "It wasn't for the press. It was out of the kindness of his heart because that was what he felt he could do to help. I think it's really cool he didn't do it for attention." The Pistol Annies also performed "Takin' Pills." Watch the full episode here.

 

Love And Theft performed "Angel Eyes" on Tuesday morning's Fox & Friends and discussed their self-titled sophomore album on Monday's Fox 411 (7/23).

On Tuesday's The Talk, anchor Julie Chen surprised Hunter Hayes with a gold certification plaque for his current single "Wanted." "It's my first gold record, and it's mind-boggling to think about it," Hayes said. "I don't think I've really slowed down enough to process it." Hayes closed the show with a solo piano performance of the song. Watch the appearance at the 34:07 minute-mark here.

Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and LeAnn Rimes made guest appearances on Monday night's Opening Act (7/23). As part of Nigel Lythgoe's panel of experts, Martina McBride helped pick Newcastle, OK's Kylie Morgan as Aldean's and Bryan's opener for a My Kinda Party concert in Birmingham. Morgan performed "On The Radio" and her original song "Phoebe." Watch highlights from the episode here.


Hit List

  • Lady Antebellum's latest Webisode Wednesday includes performance highlights from the European leg of the Own The Night tour. Watch the clip here and view photos from the trek here.
  • Dierks Bentley and Carrie Underwood are among the celebrities participating in CBS-TV's benefit concert special Teachers Rock, celebrating teachers and education. The show will be taped at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre Aug. 14 and air on the network Aug. 18 at 8pm ET. Proceeds from the event will benefit DonorsChoose.org, Feeding America and Teach For America. More here.
  • Newcomer Jennette McCurdy interviewed with the Wall Street Journal, promoting her work with First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage children to eat healthfully.
  • The 11th Anniversary Of The Charlie Daniels Band & Friends Concert will be staged at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium Nov. 19. The preliminary lineup includes Phil Vassar and Thompson Square, and proceeds will benefit Christmas 4 Kids, which works to provide shopping sprees and celebrity meet-and-greets for needy children during the holidays.

Birthdays

Martina McBride (7/29)
James Otto (7/29)
Neal McCoy (7/30)

On TV

Friday (7/27): Lionel Richie, Chelsea Lately (re-air) (E!) and Ellen DeGeneres (re-air) (syndicated); Aaron Lewis, Fox & Friends (FOX News).

Saturday (7/28): Chris Young, Origins (GAC).

Sunday (7/29): Vince Gill, Backstory (GAC).

Monday (7/30): Martina McBride, Opening Act (E!); Gloriana, Good Morning America (ABC).

Upcoming Album Releases

Gloriana A Thousand Miles Left Behind (7/25)




» Even If It Breaks Your Line: The Eli Young Band spend a Sunday afternoon calling fans to personally thank them for all their recent achievements including their second No. 1 hit "Even If It Breaks Your Heart." Pictured in the top row (l-r) are Chris Thompson and James Young. Below (l-r) are Mike Eli and Jon Jones.
 
 

 

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