Josh Thompson Announces Release of New Album “Change: The Lost Record”

Reaching #1 this week on country radio for his hit single “Any Ol’ Barstool” by Jason Aldean, country singer-songwriter Josh Thompson exclusively premieres his song, “Daddy Had a Beer,” on Rolling Stone Country today, April 20, in anticipation of the release of his latest album, Change: The Lost Record, tomorrow, Friday, April 21. The project, which was originally recorded in 2011 but never released, also includes fan favorites such as “Comin’ Around” and “Change.”

The Wisconsin-native released his debut album, Way Out Here, in 2010 with his first two singles, “Beer on the Table” and “Way Out Here,” grossing almost one million downloads. Known for penning the title track of country music icon Tim McGraw’s fourteenth studio album, Damn Country Music, the hitmaker has also had cuts from some of the biggest names in country music, including Brad Paisley, Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Justin Moore, and Joe Nichols.

Fans can purchase the album here. Catch Thompson on WSM Radio’s Coffee, Country, & Cody tomorrow, Friday, April 21 at 9:00 am CST.

Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett Team Up To Host CMA Fest 2017

CMA Music Festival is not only the ultimate Country Music festival experience for fans from all over the world to attend, it’s also the only music festival with its own annual network television special. This year that special will be hosted by two of Country Music’s hottest stars: Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett.

The pair will team up to host “CMA Fest 2017,” the three-hour special that brings Country Music’s most storied Festival to a national television audience this summer on the ABC Television Network, executive-produced by Robert Deaton. The announcement that Ballerini and Thomas Rhett would serve as hosts this year was made Thursday morning on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

“I’ve grown up going to CMA Fest as a fan and last year getting to perform on the big stage is one of the most epic memories I’ll ever have. And now, being able to host with my current tour mate, Thomas Rhett, is going to be another crazy thing off the bucket list,” said Ballerini. “I can’t wait to test out my hosting skills and perform again this year!”

“I always look forward to CMA Music Fest,” added Thomas Rhett. “Ever since I was there as a fan sitting in the nosebleeds to hosting this year with Kelsea, it’s always been one of the biggest weeks in Country Music that is all about the fans. I’m pumped.”

Filmed during CMA Music Festival June 8-11 in Nashville, the special features many of today’s most exciting Country Music stars as they hit the stage during the four-day celebration of America’s music. The annual event is unlike any other, with meet-and-greets in Fan Fair X, live music on 11 stages, hundreds of artists and celebrities, and a guest list of 88,500 avid singing-and-dancing-till-dawn fans.

A limited number of tickets for the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium are still available at CMAfest.com or through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST. Outdoor daytime stages including the Chevrolet Riverfront and Park Stages, Budweiser “Forever Country” Park Stage, Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe, and the Music City Stage inside the Nashville Visitor Center at Bridgestone Arena are free and open to the public.

Funds generated through CMA Music Festival ticket sales for the Nightly Concerts and Fan Fair X benefit music education. Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $17.5 million to support quality, sustainable music education initiatives across the country on behalf of the artists who participate in the event for free, impacting the lives of one million children through the power of music.

For upcoming talent announcements and all other info, stay connected with CMA on CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA, Twitter.com/CountryMusic, Instagram.com/CMA, “CMAsnaps” on Snapchat, and sign up for CMA Country Connection, CMA’s e-newsletter. This year’s app is now available in the App store for iPhone and Android and includes features that allow fans to create individual concert schedules and be the first to know which of their favorite stars will be appearing on the free stages throughout the Festival.

Brad Paisley To Make Multiple TV Appearances In Support of New Album, Love And War

Brad Paisley is confirmed to make three national TV appearances this week in support of his new album LOVE AND WAR. Fans can see Paisley on NBC’s “Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and nationally-syndicated “Entertainment Tonight” on Thursday, April 20.  On his new album’s street date, Friday, April 21, the Arista Nashville entertainer will be a guest on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

An Associated Press review of the album enthuses, “The hidden secret is that Paisley can play the paint off a guitar and get the biggest names in the business to sing along with him on his strongest tracks. Sir Mick Jagger helps him out with stellar vocals on ‘Drive of Shame,’ a raucous twang of a track. John Fogerty weighs in on the album’s title song, ‘Love And War,’ a soaring call-out to take care of America’s veterans when they come home broken. Resistance is futile. If you like country, then there are a couple of Paisley songs you love. If you’re new to the genre, he’s an easy way in because he surrounds his music with everyman themes and solid musicianship. Love And War has tracks that will burn up hot country spots on the radio dial and cement his place as the most dependable act in the business.”

Brad Paisley’s 11th studio album, LOVE AND WAR, is available for pre-order now HERE. Pre-save LOVE AND WAR on Spotify HERE.

As an added bonus, fans who pre-order or pre-save the new release will receive the #1 hit “Today,” the current single, “Last Time For Everything,” and three additional album cuts, “Gold All Over The Ground,” “Heaven South” and “selfie#theinternetisforever.”

Jerrod Niemann Brings New Single “God Made A Woman” To Life By Crashing Weddings and Renewing His Vows

Curb Records’ hitmaker Jerrod Niemann stunned unsuspecting newlyweds as their personal wedding singer to perform an intimate acoustic take on his heavenly single, “God Made A Woman,” as their first dance for six back-to-back nuptials scattered across Las Vegas during the ACM Awards weekend (4/1).

From the “world’s tallest observation wheel” at 550 feet above the Strip in the High Roller, to a historic visit to The Mob Museum, Niemann stopped by one-of-a-kind spots that only the ultimate marriage capital of the world can offer – such as Denny’s and KISS by Monster Mini Golf. Blessed to witness a charming vow renewal of 19 years, Niemann even visited the only local “freestanding wedding chapel of its kind,” Chapel of the Flowers.

Niemann was so moved by the emotional night that he shocked his “nontourage” by allowing the officiant – the “official Elvis of Las Vegas,” Jesse Garon – to renew his own vows to his gorgeous wife of two years, Morgan, at A Little White Wedding Chapel. Known for its 24-hour drive-thru “Tunnel of Love,” the iconic landmark has been seen on ‘90s cult-classic Friends, and has hosted a legion of famous brides and grooms including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra & Mia Farrow, Britney Spears, Michael Jordan, and Bruce Willis & Demi Moore.

“Since I recorded ‘God Made A Woman,’ I hoped it would touch others’ lives like it has impacted my wife and me,” says Niemann. “To share special moments with other couples in Las Vegas was unbelievable. Hopefully more folks out there will be able to experience something special with the song as well.”

Country radio is falling head over heels for the stunning release of Niemann’s striking lead single off his forthcoming fourth studio album with 40 station adds nationwide, as well as SiriusXM’s The Highway, on impact. Filmed by director Ryan Hamblin in Marfa, Texas, the breathtaking accompanying music video features dramatic cinematography and is continuing to mesmerize viewers by offering a heart-stirring introspective look at Niemann’s real-life romance with Morgan.

Niemann will continue to tour this summer with coast-to-coast dates scheduled from Modesto, CA, to Long Island, NY, and everywhere in between.

For additional information on Jerrod Niemann, please visit www.jerrodniemannofficial.com.

Carrie Underwood Performs National Anthem at Bridgestone Arena for the Nashville Predators’ NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Game

Carrie Underwood surprised the crowd last night at the Bridgestone arena performing the national anthem for game three of the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Game. Wearing a No. 12 jersey in support of her husband, Nashville Predators’ captain Mike Fisher, Underwood delivered an impeccable performance of “The Star Spangled Banner.” (watch below)


In addition to wearing a Predators’ jersey, Underwood was the ultimate fan-girl  supporting the team, complete with blue and gold nail polish and a SMASH hat standing for Smashville, nicknamed for the Bridgestone Arena during Predators’ games. 

The Nashville Predators took on the Chicago Blackhawks for game three of the first round of playoffs. The Predators won in overtime with the final score of 3-2. The Nashville team continues to move forward in the Western Conference quarterfinals with a 3-0 lead.