Billy Dukes
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.
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.
Merle Haggard Cancels Remaining January Tour Dates
Country legend Merle Haggard has canceled four remaining January tour dates to recover from pneumonia. It’s not clear when, if at all, the 74-year-old will reschedule shows originally planned for Paducah, Ky., Lula, Miss., Ft. Worth, Texas and Tulsa, Okla.
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.
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.
Scotty McCreery Looking Forward to Watching ‘American Idol’ This Season
Between a Brad Paisley tour, media obligations and English tests, it would seem Scotty McCreery wouldn’t have much time to keep up with reality television, but the 18-year old says he’ll definitely be sitting down when the 11th season of ‘American Idol‘ begins on Jan. 18.
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.
Miranda Lambert Joins Kelly Clarkson to Assist Blake Shelton’s ‘The Voice’ Team
Add Miranda Lambert to Team Blake. Shelton‘s wife will join him on ‘The Voice‘ this season. Along with Kelly Clarkson — who, as reported earlier, will be assisting Shelton’s team — Lambert will be an adviser to contestants hoping to be this season’s Javier Colon.
Justin Moore Kicked Out of Restaurant
Justin Moore‘s trip to Dallas, Texas to watch his Arkansas Razorbacks play in Friday night’s Cotton Bowl is off to a contentious start. Last night, he was asked to leave an area restaurant for allegedly hitting on two diners. It’s a charge the married father of two vehemently denies.
Loretta Lynn Cancels First Concerts of 2012
A knee surgery and pneumonia kept country legend Loretta Lynn from fulfilling a number of her late 2011 tour dates. An unknown ailment is keeping her off the road to begin 2012. The singer has canceled her first shows of the year, a Jan. 7 stop in Ashland, Ken. and a Jan. 8 show in Durham, N.C.
Taylor Swift Shares 2012 New Year’s Resolution
If Taylor Swift stays true to her New Year’s resolutions, the meat of 2012 will resemble the end of 2011. The singer has touched on the new music that she’ll release next year and says that working with other artists is a goal for future projects.