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Dustin Lynch is ecstatic about his debut Nashville Pool Situation at CMA Fest

Posted today at 5:00am

Dustin Lynch's ready to go into full "party mode" with his first Pool Situation party in Nashville during CMA Fest.

"This is one of those, like, 'Duh, how did we not think of that until now? We should have a Pool Situation at CMA Fest,'" Dustin tells ABC Audio. "I hope [it's] something that goes off well and fans have fun at and appreciate. I think they will."

He teases, "I mean, I'm going to try and have as many guest artists as I can to join. It seems like a great opportunity to have some friends come out and join us. As every Pool Situation goes, the crowd dictates how crazy they get."

Looking ahead, Dustin's dreaming big for the longevity of his summery Pool Situation.

"I would love for it to become an annual event, and just keep it special [and] continue to do Situations elsewhere," shares Dustin.

"We've done one in Las Vegas, we do one down in Mexico every year, and hopefully, that type of brand keeps growing for us. But Nashville seems like a great platform and an easy one," the "Stars Like Confetti" singer notes. "You know, fans are already there. It's kind of a built-in roster of artists already around town."

Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Nashville takes place June 10 at Margaritaville Hotel Nashville.

Nashville notes: Randy surprises Josh + Anne Wilson's "Seventh of June"

Posted yesterday at 4:00pm

Randy Travis surprised Josh Turner at the Grand Ole Opry with a plaque commemorating Josh's new RIAA certifications. Your Man is now an RIAA-certified three-times Platinum album, while the title track is a four-times Platinum single. Check out the photo on Facebook.

New UMG Nashville signee and chart-topping country-Christian artist Anne Wilson has dropped a deeply personal new song, "Seventh of June." The powerful number was penned by Anne, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West, and chronicles Anne's profound grief and faith as she navigates the death anniversary of her older brother, Jacob.

Brothers Osborne have shared a special live performance video of their song "Rollercoaster (Forever And A Day)." The clip was filmed at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. Preview it on Twitter and watch the full video on Facebook.

Shop Carly's Closet at CMA Fest + online

Posted yesterday at 3:15pm

Ever wanted to own something from Carly Pearce's personal wardrobe collection? Well, here's your chance.

Carly's Closet returns to this year's CMA Fest on Thursday, June 8, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Noelle Nashville. The pop-up shop will allow fans to purchase items that Carly's owned and been decked out in.

"So excited to be bringing Carly’s Closet back for the 2nd year in a row at #CMAFest!" the "What He Didn't Do" hitmaker shared on Instagram. "It has been so fun looking at all of my wardrobe and finding some good pieces for y’all to choose from. Per Johnny & June’s request, we are excited to announce the ASPCA as Carly’s Closet’s charitable partner. See y’all there!"

If you're not in Nashville for CMA Fest, fret not. Exclusive online-only items will also be available to fans on TalkShopLive.

Sam Hunt "fell in love" with Nashville on his first CMA Fest visit as a fan

Posted yesterday at 2:30pm

There's a special, undeniable charm about Nashville. Just ask Sam Hunt, whose life was changed after his first visit to CMA Fest as a fan.

"You know, I was here several years ago for the first time for CMA Fest as a fan. I came out to the show, did the full experience, and it really was one of the big reasons I decided to move to Nashville," Sam recalls.

"It kind of made the idea of being a songwriter more tangible and realistic, and also I fell in love with the city, Nashville, so I knew it'd be a place I'd be happy living, and also because of the music," the "23" hitmaker adds. "That week here really inspired my move here, and it was a significant part of my life."

Sam's slated to perform at the Spotify House at Ole Red on Thursday, June 8. So if you're going to be in Music City for CMA Fest, don't miss it.

For the full CMA Fest schedule and lineup, visit cmafest.com.

Keith Urban likens CMA Fest to a "summer camp"

Posted yesterday at 1:30pm

Keith Urban has attended and performed at CMA Fest since its old "Fan Fair" days.

And despite being a veteran performer now, Keith still relishes the fun and camaraderie of the annual festival's events.

"I love it! It's like summer camp. I mean, it is!" shares Keith. "It's a chance to obviously see a lot of people I don’t normally see. I don't know. It’s just palpable."

"Since Fan Fair, it's just been that sort of week-plus of energy; the town just explodes, and what it is we love about this genre and the community aspect of it," he adds. "I always love it."

The 2023 CMA Fest takes place in Nashville June 8 to June 11. If you're going to be there, be sure to catch Keith's performance at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 9.

For the full CMA Fest schedule and lineup, visit cmafest.com.

Thomas Rhett celebrates '20 NUMBER ONES' with new vinyl

Posted yesterday at 12:15pm

Vinyl collectors, here's another great country LP to add to your collection.

Thomas Rhett is celebrating 10 years of hits with a new vinyl that's aptly titled 20 NUMBER ONES.

Due out September 29, the two-disc record will include Thomas' hits from his decadelong career, including "It Goes Like This," "Die A Happy Man," "Marry You," "Sixteen," "What's Your Country Song" and current single "Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings)" as a bonus track.

"To have 20 No. Ones is beyond wild - honestly more than I ever could have imagined," Thomas reflects. "I'm grateful to have hit this milestone, but mostly it’s just exciting to look back at this journey so far and see how these songs represent the different chapters of my life — and hopefully the Home Team feels the same way."

He adds, "I want to say thank you to everyone for letting me be a part of the special moments in life - it's hard to put into words what these past 10 years mean to me. Can’t wait for another great 10!"

Signed copies of 20 NUMBER ONES are available for preorder now.

Here's the 20 NUMBER ONES track list:

SIDE A
"It Goes Like This"
"Get Me Some Of That"
"Make Me Wanna"
"Crash And Burn"
"Die A Happy Man"

SIDE B
"T-Shirt"
"Star Of The Show"
"Craving You" (featuring Maren Morris)
"Unforgettable"
"Marry Me"

SIDE C
"Life Changes"
"Sixteen"
"Look What God Gave Her"
"Remember You Young"
"Beer Can’t Fix" (featuring Jon Pardi)
"Be A Light" (featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban)

SIDE D
"What’s Your Country Song"
"Country Again"
"Slow Down Summer"
"Half Of Me" (featuring Riley Green)
Bonus Track - "Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings)"

Bailey Zimmerman shares footage of his album release week

Posted yesterday at 11:15am

Bailey Zimmerman recently released his highly anticipated debut record, Religiously. The Album. Now, he's offering fans a glimpse of all that happened during album release week.

"I can’t thank y’all enough for continuing to show 'Religiously. The Album.' so much love and support [heart emoji] being able to release music to y’all is such a blessing [folded hands emoji] so I wanted to show you what it was like during the week it was released," Bailey shared on Instagram.

The footage features Bailey performing at the 2023 ACM Awards and onstage at various shows, as well as meeting fans and rehearsing backstage.

Religiously. The Album. has earned the biggest streaming country debut of all time, along with the biggest streaming debut of the year across all genres. The title track serves as Bailey's latest single and is currently number 25 on the country charts.

Bailey's album release week video is available on YouTube.

Michael Ray reveals new EP cover, title track dropping Friday

Posted yesterday at 10:15am

Michael Ray has unveiled the cover art of his upcoming EP, Dive Bars & Broken Hearts.

Set to arrive on June 23, the six-song project is Michael's first set of new music following 2021's Higher Education EP.

"Dive Bars & Broken Hearts is me getting to the sound I’ve always heard in my head, something that’s played on a jukebox or a bandstand in a bar somewhere just outside of town," shares Michael.

Additionally, fans will get another taste of the EP with its title track and accompanying music video dropping Friday, June 9.

While you wait, preview Dive Bars & Broken Hearts with "Get Her Back" and "Workin' On It," and presave the EP now.

Morgan Wallen 'cleared to talk and sing' after weeks-long vocal rest

Posted yesterday at 6:00am

Morgan Wallen is back!

The country star, who had been on a weeks-long vocal rest, announced Tuesday that he was given the green light to "talk and sing" again.

Sharing a picture of himself on a boat, Wallen wrote, "The doc cleared me to talk and sing… we back."

The news comes after the 29-year-old was put on vocal rest after injuring his vocal cords in early May, which resulted in six weeks of shows being rescheduled.

"I got some bad news from my doctors at the Vanderbilt Voice Center yesterday," he said in a May 9 Instagram post. "After taking 10 days of vocal rest, I performed three shows last weekend in Florida and by the third one I felt terrible. So I went in and got scoped yesterday, and they told me that I reinjured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma."

"Their advice is that I go on vocal rest for six weeks, so that's what I'm going to do," the "Last Night" singer continued.

Jordan Davis recalls being blown away by Chris Stapleton at CMA Fest

Posted yesterday at 5:00am

If you're headed to CMA Fest, be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for the next big superstar. Because, as Jordan Davis knows from experience, "You never know who you're going to see."

Jordan recently recounted to ABC Audio one of his most indelible CMA Fest memories, which involved then-newcomers Chris Stapleton and Sam Hunt.

"I was at Rippy's on Broadway. Me, my dad, my brother [and my wife] Kristen, at the time we were just dating. And they had the Bud Light stage right in front of Bridgestone. I was sitting at the bar drinking a beer and I heard this guy singing behind me that I was like, 'Holy smokes, who is that? That's, like, unreal.' Paid the tab, walked out, it was Chris Stapleton. I had never heard him before. And I was like, 'Oh, my God, this guy's amazing,'" Jordan recalls.

"We watched the rest of the Stapleton set, and then after that, Sam took the stage. It was early Sam Hunt. I think it was the first time he'd ever play 'Break Up in a Small Town,'" Jordan continues. "I still remember those two performances back to back just as a fan, man. It was special."

If you're headed to CMA Fest this week, be sure to join Jordan for his fan club party and performance at Universal Music Group Nashville's Music Is Universal event at the Skydeck on Broadway on June 8 at 11 a.m. Jordan will also take the Nissan Stadium that night at 8:30 p.m.

However, if you're not going to be in Nashville this week, fret not. CMA Fest, a three-hour primetime concert special, airs July 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Nashville notes: Zach Bryan's new achievements + Anne Wilson joins UMG Nashville

Posted Tuesday afternoon

Zach Bryan's American Heartbreak has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. His single "Something in the Orange" is now RIAA-certified four-times Platinum, as well.

Capitol Christian Music Group's Anne Wilson has joined UMG Nashville's artist roster. Check out photos from the signing and read Anne's announcement on Instagram.

Alex Hall has tapped Brandy Clark for his new duet, "Women and Horses." The track will be featured on his forthcoming debut album, Side Effects of the Heart, due out September 15.

Paula Deen has your perfect Dad's Day bundle

Posted Tuesday afternoon

With Father's Day coming up, it's time to shop for the perfect gift for your dad.

Well, look no further than Paula Deen's Dad's Day Kitchen Care Package.

The four-item South in Your Mouth For Dad bundle includes a Deen Brothers seasoning salt, Deen Bothers jack of all spices, butter toffee peanuts and "South in Your Mouth" mug.

Fans can comment on Paula's latest Facebook video for a chance to win one of the bundles.

The South in Your Mouth For Dad bundle is available for purchase now at pauladeenshop.com.

Chris Janson shares how Lee Brice's dad offered him a helping hand

Posted Tuesday afternoon

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

It's not every day that a country singer in the most dire of circumstances runs into another country singer's dad. But, that's exactly what happened to Chris Janson.

Chris recently recounted to fans how he happened upon Lee Brice's father and uncle after his truck broke down. Of course, the odds of that happening were slim, but it did.

"A few days ago, I ran out of gas in the middle of downtown Main Street in my old 86.' Traffic everywhere…saw these two men across the way on a park bench, and frantically asked if they'd help roll me out of the street. They helped, and we did. Within 30 seconds we had made friends, and as crazy as the world turns….this is @leebrice and @lewisbrice dad, Kenny and their uncle," Chris shared on Instagram.

"Two GREAT American men, who lent a helping hand to a complete stranger on a random Thursday. I'll never forget the kindness they both showed me that day. It was awesome," the "Buy Me a Boat" hitmaker adds. "I say all that, to say all this: There are Good People in this world, and kindness MATTERS. Always try and do something nice for someone, and it will repay you when you least expect it. Love y’all."

Check out Chris' Instagram for a photo of Chris and Lee's Father and uncle, and to read the story in full.

Chris' latest single, "All I Need Is You," is currently in the top 30 on the country charts. The track is the lead single from his upcoming album, The Outlaw Side of Me, which drops June 16.

Morgan Wallen's "Last Night" reigns at number one

Posted Tuesday afternoon

Morgan Wallen's "Last Night" is number one on the Mediabase Country chart for a second week.

The song rose to the top of the chart last week, with Morgan's concurrent single, "One Thing at a Time," sitting in the top 10. The latter track is number six this week.

"Last Night" is also a 17-week and nine-week chart-topper on Billboard's Hot Country Songs and all-genre Hot 100 charts, respectively.

New Eric Church exhibit to debut at the Country Music Hall of Fame

Posted Tuesday afternoon

The Country Music Hall of Fame will unveil a new exhibit, Eric Church: Country Heart, Restless Soul, on July 13.

Presented by Gibson, the exhibit will trace Eric's singular ascent to fame, from his early days of penning songs and performing late-night shows in Nashville to his present-day notoriety as one of country music's most genuine storytellers and respected rule-breakers.

Artifacts going on display include musical instruments, song manuscripts, awards, stage wear, tour memorabilia, photographs and other items from Eric's personal collection.

"Eric Church has done it his way completely," shares Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "His steadfast artistic vision and authenticity resonate deeply with audiences, and he continues to serve as an important collaborator and renegade role model for generations of country music artists."

Eric's exhibit opens July 13 and runs through June 2024. For more information, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.

If you're going to be in Nashville for this week's CMA Fest, be sure to catch Eric at Nissan Stadium on Saturday, June 10.