Luke Combs tops CMA Awards; Loretta Lynn, Lewis honored
Rock pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis, who like Lynn died last month, was honored with a fiery tribute by Elle King and the Black Keys. Brothers Osborne won vocal duo of the year and Old Dominion won the trophy for vocal group. Chris Stapleton won male vocalist of the year, his sixth win in the category. “All the guys in this category deserve this award,” Stapleton said. Emerging country superstar Lainey Wilson was the leading nominee with six nods, taking home trophies for new artist and female vocalist.
wftv.comCMT announces five stars as their 2022 Artists of the Year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — CMT will honor country stars Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Walker Hayes as their 2022 Artists of the Year. The network will air its annual TV special on Oct. 14 featuring tributes by other artists. Pearce, Johnson and Hayes are first time artists of the year, while Brown and Combs come back for their third time. Both released new albums in 2022 and will be touring overseas. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.
wftv.comLuke Combs stops concert to reward young fans at show
BANGOR, Maine — Country star Luke Combs stopped his concert in Bangor, Maine, on Friday night after seeing a sign from young fans in the audience that caught his attention. >> Read more trending newsA sign in the audience read, “We made 100 bucks stacking 5 cords of wood, bought 2 Luke Combs tickets, man he sounds good. Today’s my 12th birthday oh Lord when it rains it pours!” and caught Comb’s attention, as visible in videos posted from the show. “The concert was brought up and it was an immediate ‘yes,’” Bo’s mom, Desiree, told WABI. “I was surprised that he took the time away from his concert to sign all our stuff,” Tanner told WCSH.
wftv.comSong by song, country star Luke Combs grows into stadiums
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — Singer-songwriter Luke Combs is making big leaps this year in his unprecedented rise to the top of country music, both personally and professionally. 1 country airplay singles with hits like “Beer Never Broke My Heart” and “Beautiful Crazy,” graduated from arenas to selling out football stadiums this year. As it turned out, Combs became a first-time dad with the birth of their son, Tex Lawrence Combs, on Father's Day. But as he's ascends a peak most country artists will never reach, his mind is on the unknowns of being a new parent. Combs admits that he’s been more on the cautious side than some of his team when it comes to booking stadiums.
wftv.comLuke Combs and wife Nicole announce their first child, Tex Lawrence Combs
Luke Combs and wife Nicole In January, the award-winning crooner announced that his wife, Nicole Combs, was pregnant with the couple’s first child. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM)Father’s Day “delivered” this year for country music star Luke Combs and his wife, Nicole. On Tuesday, Luke Combs shared on Instagram the news that their new baby boy, Tex Lawrence Combs, arrived on Sunday, June 19. Everyone welcome Tex Lawrence Combs to the world!” Luke Combs posted Tuesday. In January, the award-winning crooner announced that his wife, Nicole Combs, was pregnant with the couple’s first child.
wftv.comChris Stapleton takes 5 at CMA Awards, including best album
Stapleton won song of the year and single of the year for “Starting Over” and took album of the year for his record of the same name. Allen was openly tearful as he became the second Black performer to win new artist of the year. “I want to thank my father who’s no longer with us for introducing me to country music,” Allen said. In winning album of the year, Stapleton beat nominees including Morgan Wallen, who was caught earlier this year yelling a racial slur. The CMA Board of Directors disqualified Wallen from individual awards, but he could still win for his work.
wftv.comStapleton, Church to take stage, vie for top awards at CMAs
Music CMA Awards FILE - Chris Stapleton performs at the 2018 Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Stapleton is one of the top nominees and will also perform at the CMA Awards, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. (Photo by Al Wagner/Invision/AP, File) (Al Wagner)NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — Chris Stapleton and Eric Church are the top nominees, Luke Combs could be in for a big night, and all three will take the stage to perform Wednesday at the CMA Awards. The 55th annual CMA Awards, telecast on ABC and hosted by Luke Bryan, will represent a return to normal for the show. Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, the most nominated female artist in CMAs history, are also both up for entertainer of the year. Other performers include the Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and Mickey Guyton with Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards.
wftv.comChris Stapleton, Eric Church share top CMA nominations
CMA Awards - Entertainer of the Year This combination of photos shows nominees for the CMA Award for entertainer of the year, from left, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood. In nominations announced on Thursday, Stapleton leads with seven nominations including male vocalist, album of the year, single and song of the year, and two additional nominations as a producer both on his album and single. Church, who put out a three-part album in April collectively called “Heart & Soul," earned five nominations. The CMA Awards will air on Nov. 10 on ABC. Despite having a string of multiplatinum country hits, like “What Ifs" and “Heaven," this is the first-ever CMA nominations for Brown.
wftv.comLuke Combs, Dan + Shay celebrated by peers at ACM Honors
14th Annual ACM Honors Luke Combs accepts the Gene Weed Milestone Award at the 14th Annual ACM Honors at Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) (Amy Harris)NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — Dan + Shay, Luke Combs, Rascal Flatts and more country artists were celebrated alongside prominent songwriters, producers and industry leaders at the Academy of Country Music Honors awards show. Carly Pearce, Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack sang tributes to country icon Loretta Lynn, who received the Poets Award. PBS filmmaker Ken Burns accepted the Tex Ritter Film Award for his multipart series called “Country Music” that aired in 2019. “And we were especially gratified that our film reached so many people who previously thought they didn't like country music, but quickly became fans." Toby Keith was also given a Poet's Award, and Trace Adkins performed Keith's hit “Love Me If You Can.”Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.
wftv.comKeith Urban, Carly Pearce to play ACM Honors
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — (AP) — Country stars Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Carly Pearce and Jamey Johnson will perform at the Academy of Country Music Honors, which will honor Loretta Lynn, Dan + Shay and Luke Combs among others. Lynn, 89, will receive the Poet's Award along with Gretchen Peters and the late Curly Putman, while the country duo Dan + Shay will get the Jim Reeves International Award. Combs was named the Gene Weed Milestone Award honoree, while Toby Keith will get the Merle Haggard Spirit Award. Pearce, who is the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry after her induction on Tuesday, will host the show. Lee Ann Womack, Chris Janson, Lady A, Lauren Alaina, Sara Evans and others are scheduled to perform.
wftv.comSinger Luke Combs pays for funerals of 3 who died after show
(J. Scott Park/MLive.com/Jackson Citizen Patriot via AP) (J. Scott Park/MLive.com)BROOKLYN, Mich. — (AP) — Country singer Luke Combs is paying the funeral expenses of three young men who saw him perform at a Michigan music festival before they died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning at a nearby campground, relatives said. I wish I could just give him a hug," said Meeka Sova, the mother of Kole Sova. Sova, 19, William “Richie” Mays Jr., 20, and Dawson Brown, 20, were found dead in a travel trailer on July 17. Two more young men remain in a hospital. Mays' mother, Amy Satterthwaite, recalled how she held her son's hand the previous night during Combs' appearance at the Faster Horses Festival, a weekend show at Michigan International Speedway.
wftv.comSinger Luke Combs pays for funerals of 3 who died after show
Country singer Luke Combs is paying the funeral expenses of three young men who saw him perform at a Michigan music festival before they died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning at a nearby campground, relatives said. Police said the friends were exposed to emissions from a portable generator that was too close to their camper. Mays' mother, Amy Satterthwaite, recalled how she held her son's hand the previous night during Combs' appearance at the Faster Horses Festival, a weekend show at Michigan International Speedway.
news.yahoo.comLuke Combs pays funeral costs of 3 men who died at Michigan music festival
Combs pays expenses Country singer Luke Combs, who played at the Faster Horses Music Festival, paid the expenses of three men who died from carbon monoxide poisoning. (Erika Goldring/Getty Images)JACKSON, Mich. — Country singer Luke Combs has paid for the funerals of three men who died from exposure to carbon monoxide during a Michigan music festival. Officials said the cause of the men’s deaths appeared to be carbon monoxide poisoning from a nearby generator, according to the television station. The country music festival at the Michigan International Speedway typically attracts about 40,000 festivalgoers per day, MLive.com reported. Faster Horses headliner Luke Combs pays funeral costs for families affected by tragedy at the event https://t.co/iXrKhp7h7Q — MLive (@MLive) July 22, 2021The mothers of the men said they were touched by Combs’ gesture.
wftv.comMaren 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.
Luke Combs apologizes for Confederate flag imagery
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country star Luke Combs has apologized for appearing with Confederate flags, saying he is now aware of how painful that flag is. Combs addressed the images during a conversation with singer Maren Morris on Wednesday during a panel for radio broadcasters about accountability in country music. He also wanted to encourage more people in the country music industry to have those hard conversations. Morris also spoke about the Confederate flag, saying that as a native Texan, she also didn't fully understand the history and context of the flag outside of just “Southern pride" until she was a teenager. She said that seeing that flag being flown at country music festivals makes her not want to play those festivals and urged country artists to demand those flags be removed.
Live show: NASCAR to hold pre-race Daytona 500 concert with Luke Combs
NASCAR will attempt some normalcy at the season-opening Daytona 500 with a live pre-race concert featuring country music star Luke Combs. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NASCAR will attempt some normalcy at the season-opening Daytona 500 with a live pre-race concert — the first big performance at a track during the pandemic — featuring country music star Luke Combs. Born in Charlotte but raised in Asheville, Combs made NASCAR races a weekly viewing staple alongside his grandfather. “If you would’ve told me back then that I’d be performing at the Daytona 500 one day, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said Combs, a longtime fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Live music is a way for us to be able to disconnect from everything else, and just be there in the moment,” Combs said.
The Weeknd criticizes Grammys over nominations snub
He said music from his fifth studio album “Changes” was wrongly viewed as a pop album, rather than an R&B project. “I set out to make an R&B album,” he wrote on Instagram. It is not being acknowledged as an R&B album, which is very strange to me.”Bieber was nominated in the categories for best pop solo performance, best pop duo/group performance, best pop vocal album and best country duo/group performance. The singer said he loves pop music, but he wants to be respected for his work. “I grew up admiring R&B music and wished to make a project that would embody that sound,” he said.
12 Grammy facts: BTS and Dr. Luke in, The Weeknd out
And it earned him his first Grammy nomination in six years. 3 spot on the pop charts — is up for best rap song and best rap performance. And Anderson .Paak's “Lockdown," about police brutality and racial injustice, is up for best melodic rap performance and best music video. JAY-Z, THE SONGWRITERS, SHINESHappy wife, happy life: Jay-Z has lent his songwriting hand to his wife Beyoncé and he's earned Grammy nominations for it. PAUL McCARTNEY, THE ART DIRECTORPaul McCartney scored his 79th Grammy nominations this year — as an art director.
A 'Black Parade' Grammys: Beyoncé leads with 9 nominations
(Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Beyoncé is bringing her Black parade to the Grammys: The pop star’s anthem about Black pride scored multiple nominations Tuesday, making her the leading contender with nine. A winner of 24 Grammys, Beyoncé becomes the second-most nominated act in the history of the awards show with 79 nominations. Beyoncé is only behind her husband Jay-Z and Quincy Jones, who have both earned 80 nominations each. Jay-Z picked up three nominations this year for his contributions to Beyoncé’s songs: He co-wrote “Black Parade” and “Savage,” thus earning nominations for song of the year, best R&B song and best rap song. Instead, multiple nominations went to Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa and Roddy Ricch, who each earned six nominations and followed Beyoncé as the second-most nominated acts.
And the Grammy nomination goes to ... Megan? Harry? Weeknd?
Others who may earn nominations include Lewis Capaldi, Summer Walker, Morgan Wallen, Doja Cat, BLACKPINK, Ingrid Andress, Snoh Aalegra, Skip Marley, Mickey Guyton and CNCO. Ricch should also earn nominations for his guest appearance on DaBaby’s international hit “Rock Star,” helping him become the show’s overall top nominee. ________FOLKS LOVE FOLKLORETaylor Swift’s last two albums, “Lover” and “reputation,” didn’t earn nominations for album of the year. The seven-member group’s hit “Dynamite” could snag a nomination for best pop duo/group performance, and their latest album could compete for best global music album. 3 on pop charts, should earn a nomination for best country performance and best country song.
Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris to play CMAs
FILE - Eric Church performs at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. on March 28, 2017. Church will perform at this year's CMA Awards in Nashville. (Photo by Rick Scuteri/Invision/AP, File)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Luke Combs and more are set to take the stage at the CMA Awards in November. The country music awards show promised that the genre’s biggest stars will be together in one room again for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak started. Lambert, the leading nominee with seven nods including entertainer of the year, will perform “Settling Down" from her album of the year nominated record ”Wildcard."
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!"
Post Malone, Kelly Clarkson, BTS set for Billboard Awards
Malone, who is nominated for 16 2020 Billboard Music Awards, will perform at the awards show airing Wednesday night on NBC at 8 p.m. (Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Post Malone will celebrate his 16 whopping nominations at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards with a performance. Kelly Clarkson is hosting the show, where Malone is up for honors including top artist, top male artist, top rap artist and top streaming songs artist. Malone's competition for the show's biggest prize, top artist, include Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Khalid and Jonas Brothers. The 2020 Billboard Awards were originally supposed to take place in April but was postponed because of the pandemic.
New this week: David Byrne, 'The Amazing Race' & Tommy Lee
Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. — Gretchen Sorin and Ric Burns' “Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility in America” was, unfortunately, always going to be of the moment. — Rocker Tommy Lee is in a collaborative state of mind on his new album, “Andro,” out Friday. Sundance Now’s true crime drama “Des” stars David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) as Dennis Nilsen, a serial killer who targeted young men, including the homeless. The three-part “Des,” debuting Thursday on the streaming service, was a recent U.K. TV hit and drew raves for Tennant’s performance.
Killer Mike to earn Change Maker Award at Billboard Awards
NEW YORK – Grammy-winning rapper and social-political activist Killer Mike will receive the first Billboard Change Maker Award at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards. Atlanta-born Killer Mike first made waves in music with his appearance on Outkast's 2000 album, “Stankonia." But Killer Mike has made noise outside of music, too. Last year he hosted Netflix's “Trigger Warning with Killer Mike," a 2019 documentary series about issues affected the Black community. The Billboard Change Maker Award will be presented by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms at the African American Panoramic Experience Museum in Atlanta.
Billboard Awards: Alicia Keys, Bad Bunny, Malone to perform
NEW YORK – Alicia Keys, Bad Bunny, Luke Combs and leading nominee Post Malone will perform at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards. With restrictions set due to the coronavirus pandemic, it wasn’t clear if the performances will be live or pre-taped. The awards show was originally supposed to take place in April but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, which caused a halt to live performances and TV and film productions. Kelly Clarkson will host the Billboard Awards, and Garth Brooks will receive the ICON Award. Malone’s 16 nominations include top male artist, top rap artist and the show’s biggest prize, top artist.
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.
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.
ACM Awards brings live performances back to TV amid pandemic
This combination photo shows country singers, from left, Luke Bryan, Kane Brown and Mickey Guyton who will perform at this year's ACM Awards in Nashville. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – At the Academy of Country Music Awards on Wednesday, there won’t be fake fans, canned applause or pre-taped acceptance speeches. After a five-month delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, the awards show wants to bring the live television experience back again. The 55th annual ACM Awards, normally held in April in Las Vegas, were delayed this year and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, for the first time. “I don’t know if it’s gonna look like an NFL Draft night when we hand out the awards,” Urban said laughing.
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.
Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton, Luke Bryan to sing at ACM Awards
NASHVILLE, Tenn. The Academy of Country Music Awards will feature performances by Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Mickey Guyton and Morgan Wallen, all from the Grand Ole Opry House. Riley Green won new male artist of the year and Tenille Townes won new female artist of the year. The Bluebird Cafe will host performances by Jimmie Allen, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert featuring songwriters Natalie Hemby and Luke Dick, and Tim McGraw. And Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, and Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi will put on their shows from the Ryman. Keith Urban will host the show from the Grand Ole Opry House.
Miranda Lambert leads CMA noms, Luke Combs' streak continues
The CMAs announced Tuesday that Lambert earned seven nominations. She's followed by Luke Combs, who continues his streak of success as one of country musics biggest streaming artists with six nominations, including his first for entertainer of the year. Combs earned his first all-genre No. Carrie Underwood joins Combs and Lambert in the entertainer of the year category, along with Keith Urban and Eric Church. Other top nominees include Maren Morris, who scored five nominations including song and single of the year for her love song, The Bones."
Apple Music launching shows with Snoop Dogg, Shania Twain
NEW YORK Apple Music is launching several new radio shows hosted by A-list musical acts, including Snoop Dogg, Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood. The streaming service announced that it will debut two new radio stations Tuesday: Apple Music Hits, focused on popular songs of the 80s, 90s and 2000s, as well as Apple Music Country, dedicated to the country music genre. Both channels will have daily on-air hosts but will also include several shows hosted by well-known musicians. Apple Music Hits will include shows hosted by Snoop Dogg, Twain, Alanis Morissette, Backstreet Boys, Meghan Trainor, Ciara, blink-182s Mark Hoppus and Huey Lewis. Apple Music also announced Tuesday that its popular Beats 1 radio station featuring shows hosted by Billie Eilish, Elton John and Lil Wayne will be renamed to Apple Music 1.