Billy Dukes
Brantley Gilbert, ‘Kick It in the Sticks’ – Song Review
It’s difficult to overstate how important ‘Kick It in the Sticks’ is to Brantley Gilbert‘s career and the direction of country music. It’s a line drawn in the red Georgia clay — after two releases that held back — to allow those not previously familiar with the Jefferson-born singer to get acquainted with his pacing and style. This is his ‘Free Bird,’ in that it’s the first song fans and critics w
Which Country Star Should Replace Steven Tyler on ‘American Idol’? – Readers Poll
For 11 seasons, ‘American Idol’ has ignored country music when it comes to the judges panel. But with Steven Tyler announcing his ‘Idol’ departure on Thursday, it’s time to make things right. Stars like Blake Shelton and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland have proven that Nashville has artists capable of shining on a nationally-televised stage. Which country artist do you think would be the perfect fit
Tim McGraw vs. Craig Morgan – The Showdown
Easton Corbin fans gave country superstar Tim McGraw a fight on last night’s Showdown, but ‘Lovin’ You Is Fun’ came up a few votes short, meaning ‘Truck Yeah’ is the new champion. Tonight, McGraw’s rock-country hit from his upcoming album will face off against another song that will bring a wide grin to the countriest of country boys. Vote for either ‘Truck Yeah’ or Craig Morgan‘s ‘Corn Star’ here
Tim McGraw vs. Easton Corbin – The Showdown
Carrie Underwood has won five straight Showdowns, meaning her song ‘Blown Away’ will become just the fourth song ever retired to the Taste of Country Showdown Hall of Fame. Today, two new songs will battle it out. Tim McGraw and Easton Corbin both have lead singles from new albums on the radio. Which do you like better?
Zac Brown Band, ‘Uncaged’ – Album Review
On paper, ‘Uncaged’ should not work as an album, let alone a country music album. The new release from Zac Brown Band redefines “something for everybody.” Country, reggae, bedroom R&B… Brown and his ever-growing motley crew stretch the Nashville sound further than any other artist. If they weren’t so talented, this project would fall apart long before the title-track.
Carrie Underwood vs. Little Big Town – The Showdown
There is a new Showdown champion! The voting went down to the final minutes last night on Taste of Country Nights radio, with Carrie Underwood‘s ‘Blown Away’ topping ‘Over’ by Blake Shelton. Early online voting proved to be critical to Underwood’s success, as she was able to hold off rallying Shelton fans. The dark and stormy title-track from the normally sweet and innocent singer’s new album will
Blake Shelton vs. Carrie Underwood – The Showdown
It’s a country superstar Showdown today. Three-time champion Blake Shelton will face Carrie Underwood, after ‘Over’ made easy work of Rodney Atkins‘ ‘Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll’ on Wednesday. Shelton’s captivating ballad will need to get past the title track from Underwood’s new ‘Blown Away’ album to move one step away from Showdown Hall of Fame enshrinement. A winner will be decided after 10PM CT on
Craig Wayne Boyd Becomes a First-Time Father
Big Ride Records artist Craig Wayne Boyd became a first-time father over the weekend. The Texas-born singer announced the birth of Jaxon Wayne Boyd on Twitter on Saturday, June 30. The mother is Boyd’s girlfriend, Natalie Hoover.
Blake Shelton vs. Rodney Atkins – The Showdown
Blake Shelton has made it two in a row! Last night, his new hit ‘Over’ topped Jerrod Niemann‘s ‘Shinin’ on Me’ to win the Taste of Country Showdown a second time. The emotional ballad was helped by online voting, but also by listeners who caught both songs on the new Taste of Country Nights radio show. Tonight, Shelton’s potential seventh straight No. 1 hit will have to top one of the feel-good so
Andy Griffith Dies: Brad Paisley, Scotty McCreery + More React on Twitter
The death of Andy Griffith did not go without notice in Nashville. Over a dozen of country music’s top stars tweeted a prayer on behalf of ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ actor’s family, or simply took a moment to reflect on his influence. Griffith embodied the strong character that country fans strive for, and artists like Rodney Atkins, Chris Young, Darryl Worley, the Band Perry and Scotty McCreery wer
Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn Nominated for Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction
Longtime duet partners Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn are on the same ballot for induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Both are nominated in the Songwriter/Artists category, but only one can be inducted. There’s no guarantee either will be picked, however.
Blake Shelton vs. Zac Brown Band – The Showdown
You now have a chance to decide the best new songs in country music every day! Starting July 2, the Taste of Country Showdown will run online and on the air daily. With the launch of Taste of Country Nights on 34 radio stations across America, you’ll get to hear even more of the hottest hits from the hottest artists in country music. Today’s challengers are Blake Shelton and his new song ‘Over’ ag