News : Hear A ‘Fancy’ Mashup Of Iggy Azalea & Reba McEntire That Totally Works

What if Iggy Azalea didn’t ask Charli XCX to sing the hook on her song, “Fancy” but offered it up to Reba McEntire instead?

Thanks to the Internet gods, we have our answer with a one-of-a-kind mash-up of Azalea’s “Fancy” and McEntire’s cover of Bobbie Gentry’s song of the same name off her 1990 album, Rumor Has It.

Related: Interview: Iggy Azalea On Fame, ‘Fancy’ and the Unattractively Talented

In theory this shouldn’t work (of course, we say that about most successful mashups), but Azalea’s swagger apparently knows no bounds. Even with fiddles ablazing, Azalea still manages to convince us that she is the I-G-G-Y, name in bold, southern twang and all.

And Reba, well, she doesn’t let us down either, lending back-up to Iggy as she takes down the self-righteous hypocrites. Reba is clearly a boss.



Azalea made history this week by doing the Beatles did nearly 50 years ago. According to Billboard, the rapper joins the Fab Four as the only acts to rank at Nos. 1 and 2 simultaneously with their first two Hot 100 hits. Azalea currently holds the top spot with “Fancy,” off her recently released debut, The New Classic and takes the runner-up spot with Ariana Grande’s “Problem.”


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Sources : Iggy Azalea Photo | Hear A ‘Fancy’ Mashup Of Iggy Azalea & Reba McEntire That Totally Works Article | Listen To Fancy ft. Reba McEntire

News : Johnny Cash's Great-niece Found Stabbed To Death

Authorities in Middle Tennessee say the great-niece of singer Johnny Cash has been found stabbed to death and stuffed in a box in a house.

Putnam County Sheriff David Andrews said Thursday that Courtney Cash's body was found Wednesday morning.

Andrews said Cash's body was found in a large chest. A man identified as William Austin Johnson, Cash's boyfriend, was being treated for stab wounds at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

Andrews said the pair had gone out with a friend before an altercation took place in the house where Johnson and Cash lived with their young child. The friend, identified as Wayne Gary Masciarella, has been charged with first-degree murder.

Andrews said Johnson escaped the attack and took the child with him before driving to the hospital.

"There was a struggle," the sheriff said.

The suspect may have been trying to hide Cash's body, Andrews said. A motive was not released, but Andrews indicated the stabbings were likely connected to drugs.

"This is a senseless, tragic death of a young lady whose life was probably taken as a direct or indirect result of drugs," Andrews said.

Masciarella is being held without bond. He has a court date scheduled for April 21. Officials in Putnam County said they do not know if he has a lawyer.

Johnny Cash's brother Tommy Cash, who was Courtney's grandfather, released a statement on behalf of the family. He thanked the public for their support and asked for privacy after "this violent act."

“We ask for your prayers for the Cash family at this time. Courtney and her boyfriend are beloved members of my family and like you we have a lot of questions and emotions that we are beginning to sort through today...We are completely heartbroken. It is a time like this that we are grateful for our faith and trusting the loving guidance of God.”


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Sources : Johnny Cash's Great-niece Found Stabbed To Death Photo | Johnny Cash's Great-niece Found Stabbed To Death Article

News : 2013 CMA Awards: Nominees & Winners

Married stars Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton won female vocalist and male vocalist of the year respectively for the fourth year in a row.

This cowboy still has some time before riding off into the sunset.

Country legend George Strait, who's currently on a two-year farewell tour, garnered the top prize at Wednesday night's Country Music Association Awards, winning entertainer of the year over such artists as Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Blake Shelton.

"What?! Oh, my gosh, never in a million years. My dad's been having some pretty good conversations up there," said Strait, whose father died in June at age 91.

The award shelves of country music's power couple also got a little heavier.

Married stars Miranda Lambert and Shelton won female vocalist and male vocalist of the year respectively for the fourth year in a row.

"Well, hell. I really didn't think this was going to happen this year," said Lambert, thanking her husband Shelton, who also won his first CMA album of the year award, "for putting up with all my crap."

Shelton's Based On a True Story ... was honored for best album, and he said that if there was ever one award "I always dreamed of having, it was that one."

Little Big Town won its second consecutive vocal group of the year trophy, while the rookies of Florida Georgia Line took home a pair of honors.

"We just got an award from Puffy and Pickle!" Kimberly Schlapman exclaimed when Little Big Town received its trophy from Sean Combs and Kellie Pickler.

Acclaimed 25-year-old singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves, who led all nominees with six total, was named best new artist.

"This first year for me has just been indescribable," she said, thanking her grandmother in the audience. "That woman was my booking agent when I was 10 years old. She didn't make me sign a contract or anything."

Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line also made mention of his grandmother when accepting the award for single of the year for crossover hit Cruise. "Grandma, I know you're smiling up in heaven. This is for you, girl."

After receiving the trophy for duo, Kelley's partner Tyler Hubbard thanked fellow artists Swift, Luke Bryan and Jake Owen for their early vocal support as well as their fans for "making our dreams come true."

Lee Brice's moving I Drive Your Truck won for best song. Co-writer Jimmy Yeary dedicated the award to the man it was based on, a soldier who died in Afghanistan. "His dad today still drives his truck, and we wrote his song about him," he said.

Yeary's fellow co-writer Jessi Alexander is married to Jon Randall Stewart, who won the 2005 song of the year for co-writing the Brad Paisley/Alison Krauss hit Whiskey Lullaby. "I've had to pass his beautiful award for seven years," Alexander says.

During Wednesday morning's Good Morning America, Swift, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban won musical event and music video of the year for Highway Don't Care. And before the prime-time broadcast, Mac McAnally was named musician of the year. It's his sixth consecutive win, tying him with Mark O'Connor, but he still trails nine-time honoree Chet Atkins.

Kenny Rogers was bestowed the Willie Nelson lifetime achievement award. Darius Rucker sang Rogers' classic The Gambler, while the legendary star sang his duet Islands in the Stream with Jennifer Nettles.

"It's been a hell of a week," said Rogers, who was also named recently to the Country Music Hall of Fame. "I can't wait to see what next week brings."

A host of country's top talent took the stage to honor Swift with the CMA's Pinnacle Award, for her worldwide success and recognition.

"They told me this was going to happen, but I didn't know it was going to be all this," she said. "My parents aren't just crying, they're bawling at this point."

In turn, she honored some of the country artists who helped her early in her career, such as George Strait, "who taught me to play the songs your fans want to hear"; Brad Paisley, a guy she'll never be as funny as "and it makes me sad"; and McGraw and Faith Hill, "who have a style that is a pinnacle I will never reach."


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Sources : 2013 CMA Awards: Nominees & Winners Photo | 2013 CMA Awards: Nominees & Winners Article

News : Dolly Parton Defends Goddaughter Miley Cyrus

Dolly Parton has said that her goddaughter Miley Cyrus is "trying to find her own place and wings and learn to fly", adding that she would never seek to advise or criticise her.

The 20-year old Cyrus continues to make headlines in her attempts to shake off her child-star image, dressing herself in a risqué Halloween costume inspired by rapper Lil Kim earlier this week. Parton is her godmother thanks to a friendship with Cyrus's father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.

"If she needs my opinion on something I will surely give it and there have been times we've talked," Parton told the London Evening Standard.

"But I would never dream of calling her and saying, 'Well why are you doing this?' or, 'You shouldn't do this or that,'" she continued.

Parton referred to her relationship with Cyrus on Queen Latifah's US TV show earlier this month, rapping "Hey Miley, I've got your wrecking balls right here!" as she gestured towards her chest as she performed.

The 67-year old country superstar told the Standard she thinks Cyrus is in control of her own destiny. "I know she has thought this all through. We'll let her go and do her own thing," she said.

"It's not easy being young," she continued. "You've almost got to sacrifice your damn soul just to get anything done."

Parton has announced a 13-date UK arena tour for next June.


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Sources : Dolly Parton & Miley Cyrus Photo | Dolly Parton Defends Goddaughter Miley Cyrus Article

News : Taylor Swift 'Forgives Ex-Boyfriend Harry Styles'

A new report claims pop princess Taylor Swift has finally forgiven her ex Harry Styles eight months after the superstar couple broke up.

According to The Sun, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has helped to 'heal the rift' between his two pals.

A source told the tabloid: “Harry was ready to move on months ago and try to remain friends, but Taylor hadn’t let go of what happened.

“Ed didn’t mention Harry for a while, but over the past few weeks Taylor started bringing him up."

Taylor and Harry's good friend Ed have been criss-crossing the States together for the best part of a year, performing shows on her US Red tour.

The source continued: “She made it clear that she didn’t want frostiness between her and Harry any more. She feels she has moved on to a better place - and Harry should know that."

Harry and his One Direction bandmates have just wrapped their own US tour and are gearing up for the release of their debut feature film, This Is Us, which hits cinemas across the UK and Ireland on August 29.


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Sources : Taylor Swift 'Forgives Ex-Boyfriend Harry Styles' Photo | Taylor Swift 'Forgives Ex-Boyfriend Harry Styles' Article | 22 Video

News : 2013 CMT Music Awards Best Dressed Pictures

The CMT Music Awards are traditionally a more casual affair, compared to the other country music awards shows, but stars like Jana Kramer and Kellie Pickler missed the memo. Both dazzled on the red carpet in floor-length gowns made for a queen.

As for the men, Charles Esten from ‘Nashville’ tops this Best Dressed list, but he’s not the only country male who impressed. Scroll through to see if your favorite star was a stud or a dud.

Kellie Pickler showed off her toned arms in this shimmery gown. Eat your heart out, Michelle Obama! Has the recent ‘Dancing With the Stars’ winner ever looked more confident? She owns this dress, and even better, she knows it.

Charles Esten plays Deacon on ABC’s ‘Nashville,’ and at the 2013 CMT Music Awards he proved he’s much more than a pretty face. The actor was amongst country music’s best dressed men on Wednesday night (June 5). His slate gray slacks and vest were distinguished, but not showy. Perfect.

Jana Kramer was simply smokin’ at the 2013 CMT Music Awards. This sheer, black lace gown with nude-colored lining compliments her skin tones and auburn hair. The form finds her curves without causing a scandal. She’s about to get married, after all.

Rascal Flatts have matching haircuts and a uniform, understated style in this picture from the 2013 CMT Music Awards red carpet. The three men look relaxed and comfortable in button-down shirts, blue jeans and rugged sport coats. Joe Don Rooney looks particularly refreshed, but all three shined.

Kacey Musgraves made a statement on stage with her song ‘Blowin’ Smoke’ — and on the red carpet in this long-sleeved mini dress. The singer has great legs, and she shows them off beneath a sparkling, body-colored gown.

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Sources : 2013 CMT Music Awards Best Dressed Pictures Photo | 2013 CMT Music Awards Best Dressed Pictures Article | Kellie Pickler Photo | Charles Esten Photo | Jana Kramer Photo | Rascal Flatts Photo | Kacey Musgraves Photo

News : Blake Shelton Comes ‘Home’ at ‘Healing in the Heartland’ With Help From Usher

There was no Team Blake or Team Usher on NBC tonight. Instead, the two ‘The Voice‘ coaches — currently locked in the heat of battle on their reality singing show — closed the Blake Shelton-organized ‘Healing in the Heartland’ benefit for the victims of the tornado that swept through Oklahoma nine days ago with an emotionally resonant performance of Shelton’s ‘Home.’

Shelton began the song seated and playing guitar, with R&B superstar Usher making his way to the stage at the top of the second verse. It was a pairing that might raise eyebrows on paper, but the execution was flawless, since Usher is a terrific crooner and his voice was the perfect foil for Shelton’s more gruff and gravelly tones.

“Is there anybody in the world cooler than Usher?” Shelton asked the crowd mid-song, causing his collaborator to smile from ear to ear and cheers to rise from the audience.

Shelton added, “I want to thank all my friends who helped out tonight.” He also took care to thank the viewers for taking time out of their lives to watch and support this event, which miraculously came together in less than 10 days and caused the donation phone lines to light up, even jamming at times.

Shelton and Usher wrapped ‘Healing in the Heartland’ with a hug, and the show closed with the deafening screams of fans and Oklahoma in our hearts.


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Sources : Blake Shelton Comes ‘Home’ at ‘Healing in the Heartland’ With Help From Usher Photo | Usher and Blake Shelton - Home - Healing in the Heartland Video | Blake Shelton Comes ‘Home’ at ‘Healing in the Heartland’ With Help From Usher Article

News : Taylor Swift Brings Fans Backstage and Beyond With ’22′ at Billboard Music Awards

It was one of those nights! Taylor Swift brought ’22′ — her bouncy, peppy, ode to youth — to the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Sunday night (May 19) in fabulous and unexpected fashion.

She began her performance backstage in the dressing room, quickly advancing through the hallways surrounded by a troupe of dancers that followed her through the narrow nooks and crannies before heading up the steps to the arena stage to entertain the audience.

It was unpredictable — a totally out-of-the-box and clever way to deliver a performance, proving that Swift is one of the best at her craft. Who starts off a performance in their dressing room? Only a creative artist with expanded vision and a true desire to entertain, right?

She also rode through the crowd on the back of a bicycle steered by a cute guy. Wearing high-waisted black hot pants and a sparkly blue T-shirt featuring a unicorn, the singer’s performance embodied the pop song’s essence of being young and carefree.

Her dancers — there were a lot — were a mixed bag of cute and cuddly boys next door and odd, masked characters who looked like mimes, dressed in colorful, trashbag-like ensembles.

Swift even got in on all that dancing fun, busting moves left and right. She was also the night’s big winner, taking home just about every 2013 Billboard Music Award she was nominated for. The singer will return to her 2013 Red Tour on Tuesday with a show in Austin, Texas.


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Sources : Taylor Swift Brings Fans Backstage and Beyond With ’22′ at Billboard Music Awards Photo | Taylor Swift Brings Fans Backstage and Beyond With ’22′ at Billboard Music Awards Video | Taylor Swift Brings Fans Backstage and Beyond With ’22′ at Billboard Music Awards Article

News : Taylor Swift And Ed Sheeran Won’t Appear In ‘everything Has Changed’ Video

Taylor Swift is set to release ‘Everything Has Changed,’ her duet with singer and tourmate Ed Sheeran as the next single from ‘Red.’ As is the case with a new track, there will be an accompanying video — but surprisingly, neither Swift nor Sheeran will appear in the clip.

Sheeran revealed the news of a Swift-and-Sheeran-less video during a radio interview with Kidd Kraddick.

“People always say, ‘Eventually you’ll have to be in your videos.’ But the album outside of America has done three million copies so far, without full music video releases,” the British singer/songwriter — who is absent from all of his own videos since he thinks that the visual should be about the song rather than the artist — admits.

That line of thinking has apparently transferred over to Swift, who is usually the star of her own clips, factoring herself into the plot and the narrative and showing off her acting skills.

“I’ve managed to get it to rub off on Taylor now, because the next song that she’s releasing is our single, and we’re not in the video either,” Sheeran reports.

While the two hit songmakers won’t cameo in the clip, this idea does open up endless possibilities for a creativity. It could be animated, completely populated by actors, or maybe even puppets?


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Sources : Taylor Swift And Ed Sheeran Won’t Appear In ‘everything Has Changed’ Video Photo | Taylor Swift And Ed Sheeran Won’t Appear In ‘everything Has Changed’ Video Article

News : Keith Richards On George Jones: ‘he Was Pure American Music’

Of all of the accolades and remembrances that have poured in about George Jones since the singer’s passing on (April 26), none is more unexpected — or genuinely touching — than that of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, the musician praised Jones as “pure American music.”

Though the Stones are known primarily for their R&B-drenched rock, the group has essayed country many times in their career. Richards was a fan who became a collaborator and friend after he participated in Jones’ 1994 album ‘The Bradley Barn Sessions,’ according to ABC News Radio. The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville reported last week that Richards had recently confirmed his participation in Jones’ farewell concert, which was scheduled to take place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in November.

Here’s the full text of Richards’ statement:

"George Jones has left us. We have lost one of the most individual singers of all time. I cannot express the emptiness I feel.

George was as country as it can get, but he was beyond any bag you want to put him in. He was pure American music without ever waving a flag – you can hear a million imitations on the radio every day – but there was, and ever will be, only one George Jones.

He possessed the most touching voice, the most expressive ways of projecting that beautiful instrument of anyone I can call to mind. You heard his heart in every note he sang. Sinatra called him the second best singer ever. (The number one obviously being Frank!). I would contest that.

I truly loved ‘the possum.’ He was a crazy as me, and just as free… and, oh boy, could he hang."


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Sources : Keith Richards On George Jones: ‘he Was Pure American Music’ Photo | Keith Richards On George Jones: ‘he Was Pure American Music’ Article

News : Cher’s Mom, Georgia Holt, Releases A Country Album

Listen To Georgia Holt : Honky Tonk Woman

It’s never too late to pursue your passions, even if you’re 86 years old. Georgia Holt — mother of Cher, the iconic Goddess of Pop — has decided to go country, even as she approaches her ninth decade of life.

Holt is incredibly inspiring, as she just released ‘Honky Tonk Woman’ on Tuesday (April 30). The former beauty queen, actress, and model recorded the album in Los Angeles in 1980, when she worked with Elvis Presley‘s musicians, but according to Nashville Gab, it was never released. Over 30 years passed, and the tapes were discovered, restored, and mixed by the musical director of the hit reality competition ‘The Voice,’ Paul Mirkovich.

Holt’s 10-track album ‘Honky Tonk Woman’ includes one song she sang with her daughter Cher, entitled ‘I’m Just Your Yesterday.’ Now Cher’s fans know who the ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ hitmaker got her esteemed vocal abilities from — her mom.

There are several other stars who have inherited their singing talent from their mothers, including Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum (whose mother is Linda Davis) and Eric Church, who says he owes his musical chops to his mom.

Cher’s mom has finally achieved her dream of being a singer, and her album may motivate dreamers of all ages to take a step forward and pursue their goals.


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Sources : Cher’s Mom, Georgia Holt, Releases A Country Album Photo | Listen To Honky Tonk Woman | Cher’s Mom, Georgia Holt, Releases A Country Album Article

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News : Kree Harrison Is A Top Three Finalist On ‘American Idol’

Powerful country soul singer Kree Harrison became a top three finalist on ‘American Idol‘ on Thursday night (May 2) after delivering two very different performances during Wednesday’s competition.

Harrison has been a standout contestant since early in the season, delivering a wide array of material with equal confidence and poise. She has been a favorite of both the judging panel and fans, earning repeated praise and consistently landing in the top three after the votes are tallied each week.

Two weeks ago she unexpectedly landed in the bottom two, and since then she has struggled to get her balance back. Last week Harrison was back in the top two, but on Wednesday she earned mixed reviews from the judges for her renditions of Carrie Underwood‘s current single ‘See You Again‘ and the classic ‘Stormy Weather.’

After all of the votes were tallied, Harrison placed in the bottom two again this week along with Amber Holcomb. But Harrison was safe, while Holcomb was eliminated from the competition.

Harrison has survived to compete again next week, and she will also get a triumphant hometown visit as one of the final three contestants.


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Sources : Kree Harrison Is A Top Three Finalist On ‘American Idol’ Photo | Kree Harrison Is A Top Three Finalist On ‘American Idol’ Article

News : Texas Hometown Rallies Behind ‘American Idol’ Finalist Kree Harrison

Powerhouse country vocalist Kree Harrison has been a standout on this season of ‘American Idol,’ turning in one convincing performance after another and winning over the judges and viewers alike. She has consistently placed in the top two after all the votes are tallied — and as it turns out, that may be thanks to the overwhelming support she’s receiving from her friends and family in Texas.

Harrison was born in Woodville, Texas, and she received the key to the city on national television when the mayor appeared on ‘Idol’ for a special presentation. But her parents hailed from Bridge City, where the singer attended eighth grade and part of her family still lives.

The singer, who now calls Nashville home, lost both of her parents in accidents before she was out of her teens, but her aunt, Penny Harrison, has been drumming up support for her now-famous niece in Bridge City, hosting a weekly viewing party for family and friends at which she brings out Kree’s guitar.

According to the Orange County Record, she even sent Kree a picture of the guitar, which she has decorated with a hat and sunglasses to resemble the singer.

Penny Harrison drives 1,600 miles a month from Bridge City to various stops in Louisiana for her job. To raise even more support for Kree, she has painted the windows of her car with white shoe polish encouraging everyone to vote for her. She has also reached out to local businesses, asking them to show their support on their marquees and windows.

Other family members have put out fliers to local supporters, thanking them for their assistance so far and reminding them that Harrison needs their votes more than ever. Harrison’s grandmother, Beverly Mire, told the Register that could make all the difference. “People hear she is in the top two, but to keep her there, we need to vote,” Mire said.

Harrison will return to the ‘Idol’ stage to compete against the other top four finalists on Wednesday night (April 24).


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Sources : Kree Harrison Photo | Texas Hometown Rallies Behind ‘American Idol’ Finalist Kree Harrison Article

News : Willie Nelson, West, Texas Benefit: Icon Hosting Concert for Explosion Victims

Thursday (April 18), the singer tweeted that he will be raising funds to helps those affected by a deadly explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas this week.

"The previously scheduled concert on 4/28 at @thenewbackyard will now benefit West VFD. Details to come soon," the post read. The performance was originally intended to celebrate the country icon's upcoming 80th birthday.

Thirty to 40 people are missing and believed to be dead after Wednesday's massive explosion, which destroyed the plant and damaged homes and buildings within a half-mile radius. The plant was in a highly-populated neighborhood ... to which Willie has a personal connection.

"West is just a few miles from my hometown of Abbott," he writes. "I was born and raised here and it was my backyard growing up. This is my community. These friends and neighbors have always been and are still a part of my life. My heart is praying for the community that we call home."

Willie's family plans to show their support at the benefit, as well.

"I'll be there, and my son Lukas, my son Micah and daughters Paula and Amy," the legend tells CMT. "We'll all be there doing a benefit show now. Until today, it was set up as a birthday show. But since the West tragedy happened, we decided to start a benefit there and let other people join in. If they want to donate to the West Volunteer Fire Department, they can do so. That's where our proceeds are going to go on that day."


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Sources : Willie Nelson, West, Texas Benefit: Icon Hosting Concert for Explosion Victims Photo | Willie Nelson, West, Texas Benefit: Icon Hosting Concert for Explosion Victims Article

News: Fertilizer Plant Explodes Near Waco, Texas: Country Artists Share Thoughts, Prayers

The town of West, Texas — 20 miles north of Waco — was shaken by devastation Wednesday night (April 17) when a massive explosion occurred at a fertilizer plant around 7:50PM local time.

CNN reported early that dozens were injured and at least two confirmed dead, but city emergency management system director Dr. George Smith says that realistically, there could be as many as 60-70 casualties.

“That’s a really rough number, I’m getting that figure from firefighters, we don’t know yet,” Smith revealed before midnight Wednesday. “We have two EMS personnel that are dead for sure, and there may be three firefighters that are dead.”

Volunteer firefighters shopping at a local convenience store headed toward the plant when they saw smoke. It was roughly 10 minutes later that the explosion occurred.

Area hospitals were told to prepare for a string of 100 or more injured residents coming in, while a triage station was set up on a nearby football field. Eye witnesses say the blast caused a gigantic fireball in the sky, and there have been reports of broken windows in homes as far as five miles away, with some saying the boom could be heard 45 miles from the town. According to ABC News, 75 to 100 homes and structures near the plant were destroyed by the blast. That source has the number of injured persons at 200 — 40 critical.

Immediate residents were told to evacuate the area, and Tommy Muska, mayor of the small Texas town, expressed concerns about the air quality due to the chemicals. Several emergency helicopters flew to the site of the fertilizer plant — which is surrounded by many buildings, including a nursing home and middle school — to transport the most critically injured. Hazardous material teams were also said to have been sent to the scene.

“We are monitoring developments and gathering information as details continue to emerge about this incident,” Texas Governor Rick Perry said in a statement late Wednesday evening. “We have also mobilized state resources to help local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of West, and the first responders on the scene.”

West has been in my backyard all my life.My heart is praying for thecommunity that we call home. #westtx

— Willie Nelson (@willienelson) April 18, 2013

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Texas town of West. Been our favorite stop since our first road trip. If you've ever been, you know.

— EliYoungBand (@EliYoungBand) April 18, 2013

Wow!! Prayers and thoughts out to everyone in West Texas....Hope everyone is ok....

— Casey Donahew Band (@caseydband) April 18, 2013

Watching the unbelievable news coming out of Waco TX.This is surely going to end up being an event with large loss of life.

— Chely Wright (@chelywright) April 18, 2013

Man... just now seeing whats going on in TX... so bad. All my love to Texas.

— Chuck Wicks (@chuckwicksmusic) April 18, 2013

Tons of friends and family in West, TX. Sad night. Sad night. Please help all you can in the coming days and weeks

— WadeBowen (@WadeBowen) April 18, 2013

Thoughts and love to TX friends tonight. #crazy

— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) April 18, 2013

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Sources : Fertilizer Plant Explodes Near Waco, Texas: Country Artists Share Thoughts, Prayers Photo | Fertilizer Plant Explodes Near Waco, Texas: Country Artists Share Thoughts, Prayers Article

News : Boston Marathon Explosion: Country Stars React

Two explosions near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon have the nation on edge Tuesday afternoon (April 15). Country stars like Lady Antebellum, Scotty McCreery, the Band Perry and Lee Brice took to Twitter to send prayers toward those involved. The first blast happened at about 3PM ET, with another occurring 10 seconds later.

Police said both explosions were bombs. A third explosion at the JFK library was not thought to be related. Both ABC and CBS news are reporting two people were killed — and dozens more injured. ABC reports that the first blast came from a running store and knocked the windows out of four nearby buildings. The injured are being treated at tents set up to attend to runners in need, or being taken to nearby hospitals.

The Associated Press has also confirmed that two additional explosive devices were found near the Boston Marathon and are being dismantled. We’ll update as more details from the horrific Boston Marathon explosion are confirmed.

Praying for all of those injured and affected by the Boston marathon explosions. Can't believe it. So sad.

— Hillary Scott (@HillaryScottLA) April 15, 2013

My thoughts are with Boston. One of my favorite cities in the world. Stay strong <3

— Cassadee Pope (@CassadeePope) April 15, 2013

Wow, just heard about the explosions in Boston at the marathon. Praying for all involved and their families.

— Rodney Atkins (@RodneyAtkins) April 15, 2013

Omg just saw the news. My heart goes out to everyone in Boston.

— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) April 15, 2013

Prayers going out to everyone involved at the Boston Marathon.. #shocking

— Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) April 15, 2013

Boston, sending our thoughts and prayers...

— The Band Perry (@thebandperry) April 15, 2013

Prayers go out to everyone in Boston right now!

— Lee Brice (@leebrice) April 15, 2013

So sad whats happening in Boston. Please pray.

— Danny Gokey (@dannygokey) April 15, 2013

Our hearts and prayers are being sent to everyone in the Boston area. #Boston

— Willie Nelson (@willienelson) April 15, 2013

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Sources : Boston Marathon Explosion: Country Stars React Photo | Boston Marathon Explosion: Country Stars React Article

News : Clay Walker And Wife Expecting Third Child

Country icon Clay Walker attended the ACM Awards Sunday night (April 7) with his wife Jessica — who was noticeably pregnant and beaming as the couple posed together on the red carpet.

According to Celebrity Baby Scoop, the ‘She Won’t Be Lonely Long’ singer and his second wife are expecting their child this summer. They have made no formal announcement, revealing the pregnancy by simply showing up — with bump — on the red carpet Sunday night.

The couple already have a 4-year-old son, William, and a 3-year-old daughter named Mary. In 2008 the couple revealed they were expecting their son by showing up at a red carpet event with Jessica visibly pregnant, then confirmed the news via Walker’s fan club newsletter. A representative for Walker has yet to respond to an inquiry from Taste of Country regarding baby No. 3.

Walker also has two teenage daughters from his first marriage.


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Sources : Clay Walker And Wife Expecting Third Child Photo | Clay Walker And Wife Expecting Third Child Article

News : Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Many More Big Names Added to 2013 ACMs Performance Lineup

The 2013 ACMs just wouldn’t be complete without performances from the hottest names in country music, and the Academy of Country Music has just announced new additions to the exciting performance lineup, including Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift.

Joining them will be other fan-favorite acts, including Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town, along with a whole slew of previously-announced A-list performers. The ACM Awards are shaping up to be the concert of the year, with the best country music acts, two very funny hosts, and the 3rd annual Fan Jam, all within the same night.

Chesney, who just kicked off his No Shoes Nation Tour, has won eleven ACM Awards in his career, including four Entertainer of the Year Awards and the Crystal Milestone Award, which has only been given to five acts in the history of the Academy. This year, he has the chance to add to his collection, as he’s nominated for Vocal Event of the Year ‘Feel Like a Rock Star’ with McGraw.

Speaking of Entertainer of the Year, Swift is hoping to defend her current title, which would be her third consecutive win in that category. She’s also racked up four other ACM nominations, including Female Vocalist of the Year, Video of the Year, and a double nomination for Album of the Year (artist and producer). With seven Grammys gleaming in her home, the ‘We Are Never Getting Back Together’ hitmaker certainly has her sights focused on adding to her collection of awards, and is staying busy while on the road for her 2013 Red Tour.

When you have that many famous country musicians in one single evening, you know all the fans will leave the event satisfied; they might even ‘feel like a rock star.’ With a star-studded performance lineup and all of your favorite songs, you won’t want to miss the 2013 ACMs, as it’s sure to be one of the most talked-about events this year.

The 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7 at 8PM ET on CBS.


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Sources : Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Many More Big Names Added to 2013 ACMs Performance Lineup Photo | Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Many More Big Names Added to 2013 ACMs Performance Lineup Article