Stephen L. Betts
‘Nashville’ Show Gets an A for Authenticity
Even before the ABC drama series "Nashville" debuted last November, TV critics were unanimous in their praise of the show, with many calling it the best of the new fall season. "Country-fried but never half-baked" featuring "Emmy-caliber performances" read one early review...
Kenny Chesney 2013 Tour Dates Expand, Kelly Clarkson Discovers Wedding Woes + More: Country Music News Roundup
The Boot rounds up today's (Jan. 15) country music news headlines from around the web.
Kenny Chesney has announced 28 new dates for his 2013 No Shoes Nation tour, putting it on track to be one of the year's biggest tours. The 46-date trek begins March 16 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla...
Dierks Bentley: Missing Dog Jake Found!
Dierks Bentley, his family, friends and fans are rejoicing today at the news that the singer's beloved dog, Jake, has been found safe and sound after missing overnight Sunday (Jan. 13). Following severe thunderstorms in the Nashville area on Sunday, Jake reportedly jumped a fence at the Bentley home...
Mavericks’ ‘In Time’ Album Delayed, Taylor Swift Back in Studio + More: Country Music News Roundup
The Boot rounds up today's biggest headlines from around the web.
The release date for the Mavericks' In Time album has been moved to Feb. 26, the band announced Thursday (Jan. 10). The disc, the legendary group's first together in a decade, was originally slated for release in Sept...
Keith Urban, ‘Tonight Show’ Visit Covers ‘American Idol’ Future and Playgirl Past
The men of "American Idol," Keith Urban, Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson, sat down with "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno to talk about the upcoming season and the drama that erupted between new judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj.
Keith explained that because he's seated between the two on the panel, he's had to play the role of neutral peacekeeper...
Darius Rucker, Charleston Roots Explored in ‘Southern Living’
Charleston native Darius Rucker has deep roots in South Carolina and that's even more obvious when it comes to food, good manners and his favorite Southern expression. The singer-songwriter, whose True Believers album is due in June, shared some of his favorite things about Charleston in Southern Living's "Daily South" column, including his secret ambition to be another country superstar
Shania Twain Centre Closing
Isaac Brekken, Getty Images
The Shania Twain Centre in Timmins, Ontario, Canada, built to celebrate the global success of the country-pop superstar, has been sold to a mining company and is expected to close its doors.
Brantley Gilbert, Jana Kramer Play House; Julie Roberts Plays Birthday Show + More: Country Music News Roundup
The Boot rounds up today's country headlines from around the web.
Hot country couple Brantley Gilbert and Jana Kramer are happily playing house, sharing a new home together in Nashville. Although they chose the new digs together, Jana made the purchase and jokes that Brantley "is paying his little monthly rent...
Austin Mahone: Taylor Swift Tour Slot Is ‘Crazy’ Career Boost
Teen pop singer Austin Mahone thought writing a song with superstar Taylor Swift might be a cool thing to do. But Taylor had a better idea: she invited the 16-year-old to open several dates on her highly-anticipated Red tour.
"I met her a year ago in this little café," the Texas-born singer tells CBS Local. "She ...
Country Music 2013 Preview: New Tunes & Tours Excite Fans
Welcome to a brand-new year that promises to be filled with more country music excitement than ever before! As 2013 unfolds, there will be lots of hot new music -- including very different albums from Brad Paisley and Faith Hill -- plus cool concert tours, TV appearances and many more events taking place all year long that will undoubtedly help boost the genre's popularity even more...