Carrie Underwood's faith shines through on church hymns
FILE - Carrie Underwood attends the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington on Dec. 8, 2019. Underwood released her first album of gospel music called My Savior, on Friday, March 26. Now she's releasing her first album of gospel music called “My Savior" on Friday, just in time for Easter. It’s about the smaller thing, the thing that’s inside of me." Gospel icon CeCe Winans joins Underwood on "Great Is Thy Faithfulness” with vocal runs that soar to the heavens.
New this Week: 'Tina,' 'Runaway Bunny' & 'City on a Hill'
This combination of photos shows key art for "The Runaway Bunny," premiering March 25 on HBO Max, left, "Tina," a documentary about Tina Turner premiering March 27 on HBO Max, center, and "City on a Hill," a new series premiering March 28 on Showtime. He has grasped, at least for a proud man like Anthony, how one’s ego keeps fighting a battle it doesn’t know is already lost.”Ad— In Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin's revealing documentary “Tina,” Tina Turner surveys her tumultuous and extraordinary life. The film, which debuts Saturday on HBO and HBO Max, includes intimate interviews with the 81-year-old “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll," along with previously unseen footage, audio tapes and personal photos. The piercing Romanian documentary “Collective” was nominated for both best documentary and best international film — something only one previous film ( "Honeyland," in 2020) — has ever managed to do. Ad— AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSIC— Carrie Underwood’s upcoming album features gospel hymns important to the "American Idol" winner.
New this week: 'Justice League,' 'Country Comfort' & scandal
This combination of photos shows promotional art for the Netflix series Country Comfort, debuting on Friday, left, "Zack Snyders Justice League," premiering March 18, center, and Operation Varsity Blues, a documentary about the college admissions scandal, premiering March 17 on Netflix. (Netflix/HBO Max/Netflix via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIES— Four years after “Justice League” underwhelmed both critics and audiences, filmmaker Zack Snyder has come back to finish what he started. — Loretta Lynn’s new album is a celebration of women in country music and it features collaborations with Tanya Tucker, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Margo Price. — Katherine McPhee, of TV’s “American Idol” and “Smash,” plays an aspiring country singer, Bailey, who’s suffered career and personal setbacks in the Netflix series “Country Comfort,” debuting Friday.
Maren Morris, Chris Stapleton lead ACM Awards nominations
Morris and Stapleton lead the nominations for this year's Academy of Country Music Awards. The academy announced on Friday that Morris and Stapleton both had six nominations ahead of the April 18 awards show, which will air on CBS from Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Maren Morris and Chris Stapleton are the leading nominees for the Academy of Country Music Awards, but only Stapleton joined the all-male ballot for the top prize of entertainer of the year. The academy announced on Friday that Morris and Stapleton both had six nominations ahead of the April 18 awards show, which will air on CBS from Nashville, Tennessee. AdMiranda Lambert, who is already the most nominated artist in ACM history, stretched her streak with five nominations.
ACM Awards show returns to Nashville venues in April
FILE - This April 7, 2019 file photo shows host Reba McEntire on stage at the 54th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. The Academy of Country Music Awards is coming back to Nashville in April for a second time to hold its awards show at three different venues. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Academy of Country Music Awards is coming back to Nashville for a second time to hold its awards show at three different venues. The awards show, which is normally held in Las Vegas in April, used the same Nashville locations when the coronavirus pandemic delayed their show to last September. The show was held in Nashville for the first time last year without a live audience.
A record 39 holiday songs dominate Billboard Hot 100 chart
(Apple TV+ via AP)NEW YORK – Tis the season to be jolly: A record 39 holiday songs have dominated this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart, including nine holiday tunes in the Top 10. Other holiday songs in the Top 10 include Dean Martin's “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” at No. Some acts have multiple holiday songs on the chart, including Bing Crosby, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, Perry Como and Carrie Underwood. Here's a full list of the 39 holiday songs on this week's Billboard Hot 100 chart:— No. 8, Dean Martin, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow”— No.
Holiday movies, music specials arrive to light a bleak year
(NBC/Apple/HBO Max/Netflix/Disney + via AP)LOS ANGELES – Bring on the sentimental holiday rom-coms, the chorus of Christmas music specials and the nostalgia of last century’s animated charmers. HOLIDAY HARMONY— “My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood,” now streaming on HBO Max. — “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” Dec. 4, Apple TV+. Music, dancing, animation and surprise guest stars help create what the streaming service promises to be a heartwarming journey with the pop star. Dolly Parton sings hymns, holiday pop classics and tunes from her new album, and shares personal and faith-based Christmas memories.
New this week: Selena series, 'Shameless' and Shawn Mendes
Because live shows aren’t really a thing in 2020, she’s launching a holiday TV special on Apple TV+ on Friday. “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special” will includes a mix of musical performances and dancing with amination. — Shawn Mendes released his debut album in 2015 and he’s dropping his fourth effort Friday. Along with the album is the Netflix documentary called “Shawn Mendes: In Wonder,” which is available for streaming and follows Mendes’ rise and journey over the last few years. — Christmas came early when Carrie Underwood released her first holiday album in September, and on Thursday she’ll debut a musical TV special to accompany the album.
Carrie Underwood named top artist at CMT Music Awards
In this video image provided by CMT, Carrie Underwood accepts the female of the year award for Drinking Alone during the Country Music Television awards airing on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. (CMT via AP)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Carrie Underwood already had the most CMT Music Awards of any artist, but she'll need to make more room on her shelf. The superstar picked up two more trophies for video of the year and female video of the year in a remotely shot awards show. "I am so proud to be a part of this legacy of women in country music with you. Singer Granger Smith won for his on-the-nose music video called “Don't Cough On Me!"
Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker take over as CMA Awards hosts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country stars Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker are promising laughs and good music when they co-host this year's CMA Awards in November. McEntire, a Country Music Hall of Famer and veteran host of country music awards shows, returns after hosting last year with Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton. Pride was the first Black country artist to co-host the awards show, in 1975 with Glen Campbell. And to be here 14 years later hosting with Reba freaking McEntire? Although the pandemic may change some behind-the-scenes production, McEntire promised she would keep up her awards show tradition of multiple outfit changes throughout the broadcast.
Shania Twain reflects on breakout album that changed country
FILE - Shania Twain appears during a portrait session in New York on June 14, 2019. (Photo by Christopher Smith/Invision/AP, File)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The record that turned Shania Twain from a struggling singer-songwriter from Canada into a global superstar also changed country music for years to come. But her life changed after “The Woman in Me,” her Grammy-winning second album released in February 1995, which was the best-selling release by a woman in country music at the time. But she was also taking a risk as a country artist to be so forward with her sexuality and her classic supermodel looks. Despite taking a long break from recording between 2002’s “Up!” and 2017’s “Now,” Twain is still the best-selling female country artist, according to the Recording Industry of America.
Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs top CMT noms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett top the 2020 CMT Music Awards nominations with three each. In nominations announced Wednesday for the pandemic-delayed show, 14 videos are vying for the top prize of video of the year. The fan-voted show will air on CMT and other networks on Oct. 21 with outdoor performances. The Highwomen, a group made up of Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires, also got their first nomination for group video. Electronic producer and DJ Marshmello also earned a nomination in collaborative video for the crossover hit “One Thing Right" with Kane Brown.
5 Things to Know for Today
FILE - In this Aug. 19, 2020, photo Attorney General William Barr participates in a roll call with police officers from the Kansas City Police Department in Kansas City, Mo. In a private conference call this week with his U.S. attorneys nationwide, Attorney General William Barr said he wanted prosecutors to be aggressive in charging demonstrators who cause violence. (AP Photo/Mike Balsamo, File)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. QUESTIONS RISE OVER INDIA’S DEATH TOLL Experts say its death toll of only 83,000 in a country of 1.3 billion people is likely an undercount, raising questions about the way it counts fatalities from COVID-19. ACM AWARDS TAKE SURPRISING TWIST Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett tie for entertainer of the year, the first time the top prize has been split between two artists.
Country's night to party sobers up amid pandemic
This combination photo shows, from left, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood, nominees for entertainer of the year at the 55th ACM Awards. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a pre-pandemic world, the Academy of Country Music Awards advertised itself as country music’s night to party with gambling, after-parties and a Las Vegas-style attitude. This year the red carpet, crowds and gambling are all r eplaced with COVID-19 tests, temperature checks and face masks. Swift, who makes her first return to the ACM stage in seven years, was the last female artist to win ACM entertainer of the year in 2011. “I certainly believe that she’s been an entertainer of all entertainers and brought so much grace and class and elegance to country music,” said Bryan.
New this week: Alicia Keys, 'Filthy Rich' and the Emmys
This cover image released by RCA Records shows "Alicia" the latest release by Alicia Keys. The album, out Friday, features several guest stars, including Jill Scott, Miguel, Khalid, Snoh Aalegra, Sampha, Diamond Platnumz and Ed Sheeran, who co-wrote the single Underdog. (RCA Records via AP)
New this week: Alicia Keys, 'Filthy Rich' and the Emmys
This cover image released by RCA Records shows "Alicia" the latest release by Alicia Keys. The album, out Friday, features several guest stars, including Jill Scott, Miguel, Khalid, Snoh Aalegra, Sampha, Diamond Platnumz and Ed Sheeran, who co-wrote the single Underdog. (RCA Records via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. It lands on HBO and HBO Max on Saturday at 8 p.m.— AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSIC— Piano-playing pop star Alicia Keys is putting out her seventh album on Friday. — Kim Cattrall is at the center of Fox’s “Filthy Rich,” a prime-time soap opera loaded with money and betrayal that debuts 9 p.m. EDT Monday, Sept. 21.
Taylor Swift returns to ACM Awards for "Folklore" premiere
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country-turned-pop star Taylor Swift is coming back to her roots with a performance at this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards. The nine-time ACM award winner will perform from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, where the awards show will be broadcast Wednesday on CBS. Swift will perform “betty” from her new album “Folklore,” which has held the top spot on for six weeks on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. 6 on Billboard's Hot Country song chart. This marks the first time in seven years that the two-time ACM entertainer of the year has performed at this awards show and will be her world premiere performance for any song from her “Folklore” album.
Garth Brooks doesn't want to win CMA entertainer award again
FILE - Garth Brooks accepts the award for entertainer of the year at the 53rd annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn. on Nov. 13, 2019. Brooks says he is pulling himself out of nominations for the Country Music Association's entertainer of the year award, saying it's time for someone else to win the top prize. Brooks, who won the top prize last November, said during an online press conference on Wednesday that he doesn't want to be nominated in any upcoming years as well. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
Demi Lovato to sing national anthem at Super Bowl LIV
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Demi Lovato will sing the national anthem at Super Bowl LIV. The NFL announced Thursday that the Grammy Award-nominated singer will take part in the nationally televised pregame festivities Feb. 2 at Hard Rock Stadium. Lovato, 27, follows in the footsteps of other performers like Carrie Underwood, Billy Joel and Cher to sing the national anthem at a South Florida Super Bowl. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira have already been tapped for the Super Bowl LIV halftime show. List of other performers to have sung national anthem at Super Bowls in South Florida
Carrie Underwood fans not happy with CMAs
(L-R) Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton speak onstage during the 53rd annual CMA Awards at the Music City Center on Nov. 13, 2019, in Nashville. Garth Brooks took home the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award that more than a few wanted to see go to Carrie Underwood. Underwood, who co-hosted with fellow superstars Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, has had a banner year with her "Cry Pretty" album and tour. "Not only to Carrie, but to the women of country music in general," the tweet went on to say. Last month, Miranda Lambert posted a lengthy explanation on Instagram about why Underwood deserved the award.
Carrie Underwood announces new health and fitness book
Carrie Underwood is sharing her years of health and fitness tips with her fans in a new book she announced called "FIND YOUR PATH: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life." The "Before He Cheats" singer announced the big news Wednesday and said the book will hit shelves in 2020. Fitness and healthy living have been a passion of mine for years, Underwood said in a statement to PEOPLE. Not only will Underwood have a fitness book at bookstores, she also has her own activewear line of clothing called CALIA by Carrie Underwood. If you want fitness and health tips from Underwood, you can pre-order the book by clicking or tapping here.
CMA Awards 2019 nominations announced
(CNN) - The Country Music Association announced the nominees for "The 53rd Annual CMA Awards" on Wednesday, with Maren Morris topping the list with six. Those nods add to her previous 10 nominations and one win in years past. The following is a list of the nominees:ENTERTAINER OF THE YEARGarth BrooksEric ChurchChris StapletonCarrie UnderwoodKeith UrbanSINGLE OF THE YEAR*Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s), and Mix Engineer- "Burning Man" -- Dierks Bentley Feat. Brothers Osborne)Producers: Maren Morris, busbee- "Brand New Man" -- Brooks & Dunn (with Luke Combs)Producer: Dann Huff- "Dive Bar" -- Garth Brooks & Blake SheltonProducer: Garth Brooks- "Old Town Road (Remix)" -- Lil Nas X feat. The-CNN-Wire & 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company.
CMA's replace host Brad Paisley with Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire
(CNN) - The CMA awards are switching things up this year, replacing host Brad Paisley with Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. The change comes after 11 years of Paisley hosting, along with Carrie Underwood, who will return this year as part of the combination of hosts. Paisley said he is excited to watch the show with Parton and McEntire on stage. "As a fan of all 3 of these amazing women, I can't wait to watch," wrote Paisley, who retweeted the CMAs' announcement Monday. Last year, the Country Music Awards took a ratings dive, so ABC was up for some show changes.