Blake Shelton, ‘Malibu Country’ Episode Details; Easton Corbin’s ‘All Over the Road’ Teaser + More: Country Music News Roundup
The Boot rounds up today's country music news stories from around the web.
We now know a few more details about Blake Shelton's upcoming appearance on buddy Reba's sitcom, "Malibu Country." Titled "Oh Brother" and airing on ABC March 1, the episode has Reba's wayward brother, Blake, coming up with a plan to turn mama Lillie Mae's BBQ sauce into a money-making venture. But Blake's reputation for get-rich-quick schemes causes his sister to have doubts. We've seen what Lillie Mae (played by Lily Tomlin) likes to drink (and smoke), we'd have some doubts about the whole thing, too!
The Kelly Clarkson-Clive Davis war of words adds another new wrinkle today as the legendary record exec has issued a statement in response to Kelly's claims that his memoir contained several untrue statements with regard to her. "As anyone who has read 'The Soundtrack of My Life' knows, I think Kelly Clarkson is a tremendous vocal talent and performer," Davis wrote in a tweet Wednesday. "In the book, I provide an in-depth look at our years together during which we shared major multi-platinum success, as well as a few creative differences. I am truly very sorry that she has decided to take issue with what I know to be an accurate depiction of our time together." For her part, Kelly said in a blog post, "I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans." [US Weekly]
Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé and Katy Perry have recently sported jewelry that famed designer Lorraine Schwartz created with the help of pediatric patients at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. To honor her late mother, who died of lung cancer, Schwartz partnered with Gabrielle's Angel Foundation to teach the patients, ages six to 15, how to create jewelry, which they then designed into pieces inspired by their favorite celebs. The activity also served as a form of art therapy for the young patients. The champagne diamond-and-amethyst bracelet Taylor wore to the Grammys was created by Jaimin, a young patient -- and avid Taylor fan. "He wanted diamonds to sparkle because Taylor sparkles," Schwartz says of the young designer. [People]
Scotty McCreery was on hand Tuesday night (Jan. 19) at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center as the CMA Foundation donated $1.2 million to benefit music education programs for Music City's 81,000 public school students. The funds were raised via the 2012 CMA Music Festival through the CMA's the Keep the Music Playing campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $6.5 million to help build music labs and purchase instruments and supplies for all 144 Metro Nashville Public Schools through a partnership with the Nashville Public Education Foundation.
Easton Corbin's new video for "All Over the Road" promises "Easton as he's never been seen before." That's according to the announcer on the movie-trailer-inspired teaser that's setting the stage for the singer's new clip, which will officially be revealed Friday. In the video, Easton is taken hostage by a beautiful woman, so, naturally, a wild car chase ensues. Another teaser clip is being revealed Thursday as well, before the video's official premiere. Watch a behind-the-scenes clip from the making of the new video below.
In the latest episode of Dierks Bentley's DBTV, the headliner says so, so long to tour opener Thomas Rhett, as Thomas prepares to open shows for Jason Aldean. Showing that he's picked up a bit of Dierks' humor, Thomas takes the stage to deliver a tribute to his tour mate, a tender ballad called "Dierkin' It." (Actually, it's neither tender, nor a ballad. We're not exactly sure what it is, other than hilarious!) Watch it here.
George Jones' final Nashville concert continues to get even more star-studded, with Dierks Bentley, Kenny Rogers, Josh Turner and Montgomery Gentry the latest additions to the ever-expanding list of performers taking the stage on that special night. The concert is set for Bridgestone Arena on Friday, Nov. 22 and will feature already-announced appearances by Charlie Daniels, Lorrie Morgan, Randy Travis, Jamey Johnson and Gene Watson.
Miranda Lambert's love for her dogs knows no bounds. But one of the singer's pet pooches has apparently had just about enough of the road life, thank you. Delilah, Miranda's first rescue dog, who used to travel with her regularly, is spending her days and nights has retired from road life and is instead staying with the country superstar's grandmother. 'Ran says her pups Cher and Delta are still roadworthy, since "they're little bitty dogs, so it's easy to maneuver them." [CMT]
Dwight Yoakam will be among the eclectic mix of acts at the 2013 Bonnaroo Music Festival this summer. The four-day festival, which includes acts from nearly every music genre imaginable, takes place June 13-16 in Manchester, Tenn. Also on the bill this year: Sam Bush and Del McCoury, Paul McCartney, Mumford and Sons, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and many more. [Bonnaroo.com]
Watch a Behind-the-Scenes Video With Easton Corbin