ACM Reveals ‘The Week Vegas Goes Country’ Performer Lineups – The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has revealed details including the musical lineup, additional industry and fan events, as well as ticket on-sale dates and hotel codes for The Week Vegas Goes Country®, including the 5th Annual ACM Party for a Cause® – along with the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, which will broadcast LIVE for the first time ever from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Each of the festivities for The Week Vegas Goes Country will feature performances by some of the biggest names and hottest new talent in country music including Lauren Alaina, Drew Baldridge, Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Bailey Bryan, Scooter Carusoe, Brent Cobb, Easton Corbin, Billy Currington, Dan + Shay, Clare Dunn, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Seth Ennis, Ryan Follese, Kenny Foster, Ashley Gorley, Walker Hayes, HISH, Ryan Hurd, Chris Janson, Ryan Kinder, Lady Antebellum, Luke Laird, LANCO, Tracy Lawrence, Jackie Lee, LOCASH, Love & Theft, Shane McAnally, Scotty McCreery, Alyssa Micaela, Midland, William Michael Morgan, Kip Moore, Jerrod Niemann, Old Dominion, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Eric Paslay, RaeLynn, Michael Ray, John Rich, Darius Rucker, Runaway June, Dylan Scott, Aubrie Sellers, Dee Jay Silver, Chris Stapleton, Michael Tyler, Clay Walker, Aaron Watson, Hailey Whitters, Brett Young and more to be announced. – See the full schedule at Music Row
Authenticity is Key: A Q&A With Avalon Young – Wait. How did you get the courage to try again? Well, The Voice hit me up two years ago. A casting director hit me up and said they wanted me on the show. I went in for the first audition and I made it through to the second round. Then I made it to the third round. But you have to make it through the fourth or fifth round before you make it to TV. I didn’t make it that far so at that point I officially gave up on TV shows. Fast forward to early 2015 and American Idol hits me up. They invited me to try out for the last season and I was like “No. F*ck that.” Then I told my mom about the situation and she said, “Well you really have nothing to lose if it’s the very last season, what’s the point of not doing it? – Read more at OnesToWatch
Kellie Pickler kicks off 2017 tour in Lancaster on Saturday – From a small town to the big time in what seems like a flash, Pickler’s goal was always in country music. “I can’t remember a time in my life when music was not a big part of it. For me music was always a friend, a constant companion and the desire of my heart,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to pursue country music.” No matter what, her unfailing drive and wit keeps her going. “Everybody has to be willing to make sacrifices, to give up things,” she said, “But it’s all worth it in the long run – for anything that they love and care about. It’s just a part of who you are.” – Read more at HeraldOnline
Cassadee Pope Marks a First for “The Voice” Heading into the Grammys – “Isn’t that insane?” she asks. “I can’t believe it. I’m gladly taking on that record right there, and I have to thank The Voice for everything they’ve done for me,” she adds. “The real work started after the show, so I’m really glad I stuck with it.” The 2012 Voice winner is nominated for the Best Country Duo/Group Performance Grammy for her duet with Chris Young. She admits it’s hard to believe she’s in the same category with the likes of Dierks Bentley & Elle King, Brothers Osborne, Kenny Chesney & Pink, and Pentatonix & Dolly Parton. – Read more at ABC News Radio
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Relax – and Share a Smooch – in Big Bear Lake Ahead of The Voice Return – Before they return to their big, red chairs later this month, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are enjoying their free time, together. The couple – who began dating in fall 2015 – were spotted sharing some PDA and posing for selfies in Big Bear Lake, California. Stefani, 47, was clad in a puffy, patterned coat and a lime green top, paired with a pair of skinny jeans and a red plaid shirt worn tied around her waist. She smooched the 40-year-old country singer – who looked comfortable in jeans and a camo coat – as their fellow travelers looked on. – Read more at People.com
