Billy Dukes
Jason ‘Wolf’ Hamlin Impresses ‘American Idol’ Judges With Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues’
The final contestant to earn a golden ticket during ‘American Idol‘ on Sunday night was 24-year-old Jason Hamlin. His friends call him ‘Wolf,’ and it’s easy to see why. The golf course mechanic is a larger, much hairier Johnny Cash lookalike.
Merle Haggard to Be Released From Hospital
Merle Haggard will be heading home to northern California soon. WMAZ in Macon, Ga. reports that the 74-year-old singer’s condition has improved and that he’ll be released shortly.
Samantha Novacek and ‘Patty the Pittsburgh Planker’ Impress ‘American Idol’ Judges With Faith Hill Song
Samantha Novacek and Patricia Bell both scored golden tickets to Hollywood on Thursday night’s episode of ‘American Idol,’ but only one of them sang a song. Bell, who says people know her as ‘Patty the Pittsburgh Planker,’ laid on her belly in a yoga pose (known as planking) as her 19-year-old sister belted out Faith Hill‘s ‘Like We Never Loved at All.’
Rascal Flatts Reveal Album Title and Cover Art
Rascal Flatts have released new details about their forthcoming studio album, which is scheduled for release on April 3. The project will be called ‘Changed’ and it was recorded in Nashville.
Steel Magnolia Reportedly Break Up
Country duo Steel Magnolia canceled a concert in Greenville, Tenn. and set off a whirlwind of rumors about their personal and professional relationships. TriCities.com was the first to report about a potential breakup after the group pulled out of a March 24 tour stop.
Merle Haggard Hospitalized for Pneumonia
Country legend Merle Haggard hadn’t been feeling well in recent days, but chose to press on with a run of tour stops across the south. The illness caught up with him on Tuesday night, however, as Haggard was hospitalized for pneumonia just minutes before he was scheduled to begin a set in Macon, Ga.
Blake Shelton’s Father Dies
Blake Shelton‘s ailing father has died. Dick Shelton’s health had been in decline over the last year, and a press release from the singer’s record label reveals that he passed on Tuesday night in his home state of Oklahoma with loved ones surrounding him.
Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars Debut ‘Safe and Sound’ Live in Nashville
The Civil Wars sold out the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville last night, and then introduced Taylor Swift for an impromptu live performance of their song ‘Safe and Sound‘ from ‘The Hunger Games’ soundtrack. Swift has been an early supporter of the Americana-country duo.
Scotty McCreery Worries People Could Forget About Him
Scotty McCreery has learned from previous ‘American Idol‘ winners’ mistakes. During a recent interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the 18-year-old said he was emphatic about being aggressive in the days following his win on the Fox television show.
Faith Hill Wears Emotions of ‘Come Home’ for 2012 People’s Choice Awards Performance
For country music fans, Faith Hill‘s performance of her new song ‘Come Home’ was the highlight of the 2012 People’s Choice Awards on Wednesday night. The singer returned to the national spotlight for just the third time in recent years, singing the song that she debuted at the CMA Awards in November.
Carrie Underwood’s New Album Expected to Have Darker Songs
Carrie Underwood is nearing completion of her new, yet-to-be-titled fourth album (due out in 2012), and she says the songs she’s chosen were influenced by time spent in studio with Tony Bennett, Steven Tyler and Brad Paisley. The 28-year-old also tells Entertainment Weekly that the album’s songs will include darker storylines.
Billy Dean’s Barn Destroyed in Fire
Early ’90s hitmaker Billy Dean received horrible news while on tour with Kenny Rogers shortly before Christmas. His 1,500-square foot barn burned to the ground after a fire started on Dean Acres, his farm in Smithville, Tenn., a small town located 65 miles east of Nashville.