Month: December 2023

Categories
Country Daypop

Lainey Wilson becomes 1st female to hit No. 1 on country radio four times in one year

Lainey Wilson at Bridgestone Arena on June 5^ 2019 in Nashville^ Tennessee.

Lainey Wilson continues to break records on Country Radio, becoming the first female to secure four No. 1 within a single calendar year.  The milestone includes her hit songs “Heart Like A Truck” and “Watermelon Moonshine” as well as her collaborations with HARDY and Jelly Roll, “Wait In The Truck” and “Save Me.”

Wilson also now holds the record for the most No. 1 hits by a solo female country artist this decade with six chart-topping hits — including “Things A Man Oughta Know,” “Never Say Never,” “Wait In The Truck,” “Heart Like A Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine,” and “Save Me.”  Wilson has now surpassed Jelly Roll, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen to earn the most No. 1 hits at Country Radio this year (Jelly Roll, Combs and Wallen each reached the No. 1 spot 4 times this year.)

Wilson will embark on her first-ever headlining amphitheater tour in 2024.  The 35-date ‘Country’s Cool Again Tour’ will kick-off on May 31 in Nashville, TN, and includes a stop in New York City at the iconic Radio City Music Hall.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Chris Stapleton reveals new dates for 2024 “All-American Road Show”

Chris Stapleton at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley^ CA.;4/23/2016

Chris Stapleton had announced added dates to his 2024 “All-American Road Show,” with Miranda Lambert, Grace Potter and more to be featured in this new run.  Stapleton revealed on social media: “JUST ANNOUNCED: New All-American Road Show dates. Tickets for new shows on sale Friday, December 15th. Featuring special guests Allen Stone, Elle King, Grace Potter, Lainey Wilson, Marcus King, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Nikki Lane, Sheryl Crow, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The War And Treaty, Turnpike Troubadours, and Willie Nelson & Family.
Sign up for pre-sale at StapletonFanClub.com”

The “All-American Road Show” will feature a star-studded lineup of special guests including Allen Stone, Elle King, Grace Potter, Lainey Wilson, Marcus King, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Nikki Lane, Sheryl Crow, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The War And Treaty, Turnpike Troubadours, and Willie Nelson & Family.

For information, head to: www.StapletonFanClub.com.

Chris Stapleton adds more 2024 All-American Road Show dates

Editorial credit: Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Rita Ora and Jeannie Mai joining Ryan Seacrest on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2024’

Rita Ora at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on February 1^ 2023

Longtime host and TV personality Ryan Seacrest will be joined by new co-hosts as he once again heads up ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. The show will air Sunday, Dec. 31 starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will run through to the midnight countdown from Times Square where the ball will drop.

As in past years, Seacrest will be in New York City’s Times Square, but this year will be joined by singer Rita Ora. The show will also be broadcast from Hollywood, California, with TV personality Jeannie Mai hosting on that coast. In addition, presenter Dayanara Torres is returning to co-host from Puerto Rico.

ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve features performances and A-list appearances from all genres, with the first round of performers just announced, including: Janelle Monáe, Green Day, Ellie Goulding, Aqua, Doechii, Loud Luxury x Two Friends with Bebe Rexha, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp with Coco Jones, and Thirty Seconds to Mars will perform at the Los Angeles party hosted by Jeannie Mai.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Check out the Season 2 trailer for the Disney+ animated series ‘What If…?’

Marvel comics logo on the background of comic pages

The trailer for Season 2 of the animated series What If…? was released, gives a glimpse at some of the multiverse that the upcoming season will explore.

A description of Season 2 of What If…? states that it ‘continues the journey as The Watcher guides viewers through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU. The series questions, revisits and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles.’

Season 2 of What If…? is set to debut December 22 on Disney+. In the spirit of the holiday season, the streamer will be releasing the episodes one at a time over the course of nine nights. Take a look at the Season 2 trailer – here.

Editorial credit: nikkimeel / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Texas judge intervenes to allow woman whose fetus has trisomy 18 to terminate pregnancy

Texas US state flag with statue of lady justice^ constitution and judge hammer on black drapery.

On Thursday, a Texas judge granted permission for a woman to terminate her pregnancy due to her fetus being diagnosed with what doctors describe as a ‘fatal disorder’ – despite the state’s strict abortion ban. Travis County District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble handed down the temporary restraining order on Thursday.

The Center for Reproductive Rights filed the historic, emergency lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from the Dallas-area, who found out last week that her baby suffered from the chromosomal disorder trisomy 18, which usually results in either stillbirth or an early death of an infant. Cox’s doctors said continuing the nonviable pregnancy posed a risk to her health and future fertility.  Cox, who is 20 weeks pregnant, has been to three different emergency rooms in the past month, and her doctors have told her that early screening and ultrasound tests suggested her pregnancy is “unlikely to end with a healthy baby.” Due to Texas’ strict abortion bans, doctors told Cox their “hands are tied” and she would have to wait until the fetus dies inside her or carry the pregnancy to term.

The Texas Office of the Attorney General, which challenged Cox’s claims at Thursday’s hearing, may try to ask a higher court to intervene, issuing a statement saying the temporary restraining order “will not insulate hospitals, doctors, or anyone else, from civil and criminal liability for violating Texas’ abortion laws.” Paxton’s office also included a letter sent to several medical centers outlining action it will take against doctors who perform an abortion.

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, Gamble’s decision – which only applies to Cox’s case – is believed to be the first time a judge has allowed a woman to legally get an abortion since the decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973. Texas has some of the strictest abortion laws in the country, and in 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law SB8, which bans abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy. A “trigger ban” also went into effect following the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that made it a felony for doctors in the state to perform an abortion unless the life of the patient is in danger.

Editorial credit: Mehaniq / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Two professors, one faculty member identified as those killed in UNLV mass shooting

Las Vegas^ Nevada - July 4 2020: UNLV Sign

The victims of the mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Wednesday were comprised of three faculty members who were killed, and one faculty member who was injured.

According to the Clark County coroner’s office, one of the victims was identified as Cha Jan Chang, 64, – known as “Jerry” – a UNLV business professor who lived in Henderson, Nevada. Chang was an assistant professor at UNLV from 2001 to 2007 and had been an associate professor since 2007, receiving both his masters and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. UNLV President Keith Whitfield said in a statement on X: “Dr. Chang was a longtime educator of management information systems, spending more than 20 years of his academic career teaching a generation of UNLV Lee Business School students.”

A second victim, Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, was an assistant professor in accounting at UNLV and lived in Las Vegas, according to the coroner. Velez had a Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida, with her UNLV biography stating: “Navarro’s current research focuses on cybersecurity disclosures and assurance, internal control weakness disclosure, and data analytics”. Whitfield said on X: “Dr. Navarro-Velez, an assistant professor of accounting, had devoted her career to educating the next generation of accountants. She joined UNLV nearly 5 years ago as a professor of accounting, where she focused on teaching accounting information systems.”

Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill identified the suspect as Anthony Polito. The suspect — who had applied for a college professorship at UNLV, but was not hired, according to sources — was killed in a shootout with responding officers about 10 minutes after shots were first reported at UNLV’s Beam Hall.

Editorial credit: Katherine Carey / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Miranda Lambert shares details of her star-studded 40th birthday party

Miranda Lambert^ husband Brendan McLoughlin at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 7^ 2019 in Las Vegas^ NV

Miranda Lambert shared details of her recently-celebrated 40th birthday, posting pictures alongside her husband, Brendan McLoughlin and many famous faces. The party took place three weeks ago on November 13, just three days after her actual birthday.

Lambert took to her socials to share a series of photos, from her birthday celebration, held at Billy Bob’s Texas, taken by photographer Tyler Conrad. The series of photos began with a picture of Lambert and McLoughlin in front of a balloon arch with pink, gold, and rose gold balloons, surrounding the illuminated number 40 : “My Billy Bob’s Texas boot scootin’ 40th💕 The absolute best birthday my Texas heart could ask for. Thanks @cameronruthm for putting it all together and for the prettiest balloon arches I’ve ever seen. And huge thanks to my pals and hero’s @adamhoodmusic @randyrogersband @wadebowen for over 20 years of friendship and for entertaining us all night. Thanks to my city mouse friend @telemitry for going country, for the late night jams, and even wearing fringe🤠. Thank you @tylerjconrad for capturing all the fun.”

The snapshots also shows Miranda with friends including Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, songwriter Jessi Alexander, and members of Pistol Annies—Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley. Said Lambert: “I got to enter a new decade with dear friends and family at my favorite honky tonk @billybobstexa. There are so many pics full of joy and smile’s, so I’m going to keep on posting! That’s why it’s taken me 3 weeks to post these. I’ve just been overwhelmed with gratitude and love for everyone that came to scoot your boots with me. I love all of y’all so so so much ❤🤠 Cheers to 40!”

DJ Jesse Frasure, also known as Telemitry, served as the DJ for the party, with Dierks Bentley, Natalie Hemby, Waylon Payne, Caylee Hammack, Lainey Wilson, Terri Jo Box and more also shown celebrating Lambert’s milestone birthday. Lambert’s family, including her brother Luke Lambert, mother Beverly, and father Richard, were also in attendance for the special occasion.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Chelsea Handler returning to host 2024 Critics Choice Awards

Chelsea Handler at Fairmont Century Plaza on January 15^ 2023 in Los Angeles^ CA.

Chelsea Handler is set to return as the host of this year’s Critics Choice Awards, which will air live on the CW on Jan. 14, marking Handler’s second consecutive year hosting the ceremony.

Handler said in a statement: “I am very happy and excited to be hosting the Critics Choice Awards again this year, as last year was one of the most fun nights I’ve had. There is no greater reward than making fun of actors and then getting drunk with them afterward. It’s an honor.”  Added Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin, “We are thrilled to have Chelsea Handler join us once again to host the Critics Choice Awards. After having her as our host last year, we couldn’t wait to have her back up on the stage again.”

The Critics Choice Awards celebrates the best in film and television. TV nominations were just announced, with the Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show” leading the television contenders with six nominations, and HBO’s “Succession” following with five nominations. Film nominations will be revealed on Dec. 13.

The 29th annual Critics Choice Awards, taking place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, will air live on the CW on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. ET.

Editorial credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

Kim Kardashian to star in Netflix comedy film ‘The Fifth Wheel’

Kim Kardashian on November 12^ 2022 in West Hollywood^ CA

Kim Kardashian is set to produce and star in the new comedy movie for Netflix, The Fifth Wheel.  Kim will co-produce and star in an all-new comedy from producer and writer Paula Pell (SNL, Sisters) and writer Janine Brito (Girls5eva).

Netflix shared on X:  “Kim Kardashian is about to be The Fifth Wheel. Kim will co-produce and star in an all-new comedy from producer and writer Paula Pell (SNL, Sisters) and writer Janine Brito (Girls5eva) — coming soon to Netflix! Paula Pell and Janine Brito are writing the film. Pell is also a producer on the project.”

Kardashian can currently be seen in the latest American Horror Story season, ‘Delicate,’  She has also lent her voice to animated features like the PAW Patrol film and its sequel The Mighty Movie.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Lana Del Rey covers John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’

Lana Del Rey at Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 30^ 2022 in Beverly Hills^ CA

Lana Del Rey has released a cover of country-folk singer John Denver’s classic hit song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. Del Rey’s cover, produced by Zachary Dawes, swaps out Denver’s original acoustic guitar for piano as she sings the song solo until the end, when a choir of background singers join in for the final chorus.

The 38-year-old singer-songwriter has previously included nods to Denver in her own music, notably in her song “The Grants” from her album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.   A lyric in that song reads “My pastor told me, ‘When you leave, all you take is your memories’ … I’m gonna take mine of you with me/ Like ‘Rocky Mountain High’ the way John Denver sings,” referencing Denver’s 1972 smash.

Denver, who died at age 53 in 1997, released the original “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in 1971. It has become synonymous with West Virginia, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. The legendary songwriter went on to top the chart four times: in 1974 for “Sunshine on My Shoulders” and “Annie’s Song”; and in 1975 for “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” and “I’m Sorry.”

Take listen to Del Rey’s version of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – here.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com