Icountry Radio.com

Taylor Swift Headed To Japan

Icountry Radio — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:23:52 +0000

TAYLOR SWIFT has added a FEBRUARY 17th concert in TOKYO, JAPAN at the ZEPP venue as part of her FEARLESS 2010 Tour. In addition to the concert appearance, TAYLOR will make several press appearances while on her first visit to JAPAN.

In other TAYLOR news, her performance at last year’s V-Fest in the UK will be broadcast as part of VH-1’s FRIDAY NIGHT ALRIGHT series, showcasing the best in HD-filmed concerts from around the world. The show will air MARCH 26th.

Courtesy: All Access Music Group

45th Annual ACM Awards

Icountry Radio — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:18:07 +0000

The ACM has announced that the 45th Annual ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS will be broadcast live from the MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA in LAS VEGAS on APRIL 18th at 8p (ET) on CBS-TV.REBA will be the host of the award show for the 12th time.

ORLY ADELSON, President of DICK CLARK PRODUCTIONS and Executive Producer of the ACM AWARDS said: “No one does it better than REBA McENTIRE. She always brings spunk and personality to the show and we are honored to have the Queen of country music back to host the Awards for the 12th time.”

In addition, the ACM will tape a concert special, “ACM Presents: BROOKS & DUNN – The Last Rodeo” at the same location, the MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA, on APRIL 19th. The special will air at a later date on the CBS-TV. Artists scheduled to perform include KENNY CHESNEY, REBA, RASCAL FLATTS, CARRIE UNDERWOOD and KEITH URBAN, with more to be announced soon.

Tickets for both events go on sale JANUARY 15th. Tickets are available for purchase to professional members and to fans who have joined the ACM A-LIST from JANUARY 15th through FEBRUARY 19th, after which tickets are available to the public without a special code. Country fans may sign up for the ACM
A-LIST for free at www.acmcountry.com.

Courtesy Of All Access Music Group

Sara Smile

Icountry Radio — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 02:23:23 +0000

Sometimes the third time out for an artist can mystify them, as by this point they’ve chosen to either clone or deconstruct their first record. So what’s next? Jimmy Wayne, who sharply veered away from the deep emotional mining of his first effort to more straightforward country- pop on his second, goes the route of a hybrid collection.

There’s the big leadoff (and Keith Urban-penned) Things I Believe, which swings for the number one hit fences all the way with a hook heavy guitar/banjo army on the chorus. From there, things get pretty romantic, not always successfully. The unapologetic lyric simplicity of Just Look at You will either ring your heartstrings like a church bell or have you asking where’s the beef? The biggest revelation in the Sara Smile remake lies in remembering how underrated a song that is – it deserved a second look. Wayne brought in the original duo of Hall and Oates for background singing. They keep the proceedings faithful, with a bit of a slower groove and extra background plucking.

There’s no fault to be found with Wayne’s voice. Always focused and clean, he declines to go in either camp of a market overrun with macho baritones and breathy high-pitched boys. The Wayne back story of an abusive upbringing makes its way into how he reads a song; but he never lets go of the wheel. Unfortunately there’s no Paper Angels or Do You Believe Me Now on here, but Wayne’s talent (and all-star producer trio) keep him on the second Honor Roll with a B average for his third marking period.

Courtesy Of Country Standard Time

Christmas Day Terror Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

Icountry Radio — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:52:34 +0000

DETROIT — A not guilty plea has been entered on behalf of a Nigerian man charged with attempting to blow up a Detroit-bound U.S. airliner on Christmas Day.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was arraigned Friday on six charges. The most severe carries up to life in prison — the attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. Friday’s hearing was brief. Abdulmutallab walked into the courtroom wearing a white T-shirt, pants and tennis shoes. He answered “yes” in English when asked if he understood the charges against him.After that, his lawyer said Abdulmutallab would stand mute to the charges. The U.S. magistrate judge said a not guilty plea would be entered on his behalf.

Gokey To Make First Opry Appearence

Icountry Radio — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:54:06 +0000

Danny Gokey photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Danny Gokey makes his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry Friday night. With the annual Sound & Speed event taking place in Nashville over the weekend, several NASCAR drivers will act as emcees for the show, including Greg Biffle, Kyle Petty, Jamie McMurray, Denny Hamlin and Michael Waltrip. Other acts playing the Opry at the Ryman Auditorium include Jason Michael Carroll, Chris Young, Vince Gill and Hank Williams Jr.

Carrie Underwood One of Three Named People’s Choice

Icountry Radio — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:41:30 +0000

Peoples Choice Awards

Carrie was one of three country stars to join the winner’s circle during the show, aired live on CBS from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Keith Urban walked off with Favorite Male Artist, and Taylor Swift collected Favorite Female. “It was obviously a very great 2009 for me, and of course that was because of the fans,” Carrie observed. “So thank you guys so muchfor voting. It’s gonna be an even better 2010.”