Jennifer Nettles To Perform National Anthem at the 145th Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs Racetrack  announced that Grammy® Award-winning country music superstar Jennifer Nettles will sing the national anthem at the 145th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Nettles will also be a guest of the world-famous Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala.

Nettle’s performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be broadcast live on NBC and take place in front of approximately 160,000 fans attending the 2019 Kentucky Derby. It will take place in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle just after 5:00 PM EDT, immediately prior to the historic race.

“Jennifer Nettles is a country music and vocal powerhouse,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We are excited and honored for her to perform our national anthem for the millions of viewers and fans around the world who tune in on Derby day.”   

Nettles is the eleventh artist to perform the national anthem since Churchill Downs began the tradition in 2009. Notable artists and vocalists who have performed the national anthem at the Kentucky Derby include Pentatonix (2018), Harry Connick, Jr. (2017), Lady Antebellum (2016), Josh Groban (2015), Jo Dee Messina (2014), Martina McBride (2013), Mary J. Blige (2012), Jordin Sparks (2011), Rascal Flatts (2010) and Lee Ann Rimes (2009).

Matt Stell Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Rising star Matt Stell made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, April 27th, sharing the iconic stage with Martina McBride, Charles Esten, Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, and more.

The “Prayed For You” singer/songwriter was introduced by Seely and received a rousing welcome from the audience, including throngs of friends, family, and fans who made the trip from Arkansas to cheer on the hometown singer, as he stepped into the Opry’s hallowed circle to perform “Everywhere But On” and a heartfelt rendition of his debut single.

Stell had just returned to Nashville from a sold-out hometown show in Little Rock, AR hours before stepping onto the Opry stage.

Matt Stell continues to turn heads with his current single, “Prayed For You,” a song he wrote with Ash Bowers and Allison Veltz, which has already garnered over 42 million on demand streams and over 360,000 consumption units.  The track which features his “rich, rumbling vocals” (Digital Journal) is making waves on Billboard’s Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs Charts — currently sitting at No. 43 on Airplay — and spinning on SiriusXM’s The Highway.

The CMT Discovery Artist’s official music video for “Prayed For You” premiered via People, stars Savannah Chrisley and her fiance’, Nic Kerdiles and has racked up over 4.3 million views! The track has been featured on Spotify’s Hot Country, New Boots, Wild Country, and Country Kind Of Love Playlists, Amazon’s “The Weekly One,” and Apple’s A-List Country Playlist.

“Prayed For You” is the debut single from his forthcoming EP slated for release this spring.

Learn more at mattstell.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

CMR Exclusive: Amy Wilcox Live Performance Video Premiere of “Jailbird”

Singer, songwriter Amy Wilcox is currently celebrating the release of her new EP, WEST! The collection of music features six hit tracks, including her new single, “Jailbird.”

“Jailbird is all about the love/hate relationship you can have with your own love life” Wilcox shares with us about her new single. “There’s a part of you who wants to let go and throw yourself wholeheartedly into it, and there is also a part of you who wants to hold back to maintain your own independent spirit.”

“I was deep in writing for this EP, and I was so excited about the momentum of everything, then of course, in creeps an unexpected romance” Amy reveals to us. “This song is what I felt at the time – trying to navigate those two passions in my life.”

Country Music Rocks is excited to premiere a live performance video of Amy Wilcox performing “Jailbird.” Watch below or check it out here.

Keep up with Amy Wilcox by visiting her Official Website, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Live Nation Offers Music Fans $20 Concert Tickets To Celebrate National Concert Week

Live Nation has launched their 5th Annual National Concert Week which is scheduled for May 1st – May 7th. National Concert Week provides fans with an exclusive opportunity to buy tickets for $20 including any/all fees. Yes, you read that right – Tickets are $20 all-in!!!

2019 is set to be an incredible year for concerts, and Live Nation is giving music fans an opportunity to spend their summer attending multiple shows at an affordable price. At only $20 a ticket, you’ll be able to pick up some cool merch!

This deal lasts for only one week, so don’t miss it! Tickets go on-sale Wednesday, May 1st at 9:00am EST. Tickets and additional information can be found at ncw.livenation.com.

For a complete list of tours  and festivals, be sure to visit www.livenation.com.

Country Artists Participating in Live Nation’s $20 all-in ticket officer includes: 
Alabama
Brad Paisley
Brantley Gilbert
Chris Young
Clint Black & Trace Adkins
Dierks Bentley
Florida Georgia Line
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Miranda Lambert
Rascal Flatts
Thomas Rhett
Willie Nelson & Family and Alison Krauss
Zac Brown Band

Miranda Lambert To Kick Off CMA Fest With MuttNation’s “Mutt March”

Miranda Lambert, Country Music’s animal-loving superstar, will kick-off CMA Fest with a “bark.” As part of MuttNation’s 10th Anniversary celebration, she’ll lead the foundation’s Mutt March, presented by Tractor Supply Company, on Thursday, June 6 from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Starting at Nissan Stadium, the parade of pups will wind its way across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and into Music City’s Walk of Fame Park, where Storme Warren will interview Miranda in a live broadcast on Sirius XM’s The Highway.

There will also be activities and refreshments available for both dogs and their owners. “We’re hoping that 1,000 or more people, some with their furry friends, will join us walking in support of shelter pet adoption,” said Lambert, the proud owner of eight rescues herself.

Register for the MuttMarch at https://www.MuttNationFoundation.com. 

This also marks the third consecutive year that MuttNation will entertain CMA Fest attendees with adoptable dogs on the floor of Xfinity Fan Fair X at Music City Center.

“Country music lovers and dog lovers, they go hand-in-hand,” said Miranda, “and CMA Fest provides the perfect setting to make that special connection.”

Partnering again with Nashville Humane Association for the adoption event, which is also sponsored by Tractor Supply, the MuttNation booth will host dozens of the cutest canines from Thursday thru Sunday, 12 – 3 p.m. Bev Lambert, Miranda’s mom and co-founder of MuttNation Foundation, will be on-site to have photos taken with each of the new forever families. In 2018, 55 shelter dogs were adopted during CMA Fest.