Taylor Swift accepts the Choice Female Artist award onstage during the 2011 Teen Choice Awards held at the Gibson Amphitheatre on August 7, 2011 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Taylor Swiftwas the night’s big winner at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards on Sunday, taking home a total of six new surfboards to add to her collection. The night brings her Teen Choice Awards total to 13, her lucky number, and makes her the most-honored winner in the history of the TCAs.
The big honor of the night, the Ultimate Choice Award, was presented to Taylor following an introduction by her friend, actress Emma Stone, and a video tribute. The special award, not handed out every year, was presented to Taylor in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the music and entertainment industry. Past recipients include Justin Timberlake, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers and Reese Witherspoon. Continue Reading
The title of Sheryl Crow‘s 7th studio album,100 Miles From Memphis, literally refers to her hometown of Kennett, MO. which is 100 miles north of Memphis. Now, it’s Nashville that Sheryl calls home. And back in May, Sheryl came out to support her new hometown after the devastating floods by performing on GAC’s Music City Keep On Playin’ benefit concert. For her performance on the show, Sheryl took a seat at the piano and debuted a powerful new ballad entitled “Stop,” a song featured on this album and one that seemed to fit that evening perfectly.
I’ve previewed all the tracks on this 70′s soul inspired album and love what I’m hearing. There are some great collaborations including guest appearances by Justin Timberlake on the cover of Terence Trent D’Arby’s “Sign Your Name” and Keith Richards provides the guitar licks on “Eye to Eye.” The final bonus track on the album features Sheryl paying homage to the Jackson 5 with “I Want You Back.” An interesting side note, Michael Jackson gave Sheryl her first big break when he hired her as a backup singer.
For me, the stand out track also happens to be the groovy lead single “Summer Day.” Check out the video and you’ll see what I mean…
Of course I realize this is not a “country” album. But it’s a fun collection of easy-going tunes that I think are worth a listen for any music fan. What do you think about Sheryl Crow’s new music? Leave us a comment and share your feedback on her music video for “Summer Day” and the album…
Nearly three weeks after a Jan. 12 earthquake destroyed large swatches of Haiti, the response from country music’s community is heartening. Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Pam Tillis, Big Kenny, Restless Heart and Toby Keith are just some of the artists who found ways to get involved.
They’ve donated their time, their voices and their money, and in one particular instance, one unintended result was a confirmation that the recording industry has crossed a barrier as it continues to evolve in the digital age. Taylor and Keith were both featured on the multi-network special Help For Haiti Now, which was immediately released as a digital-only album. It quickly sold more than 170,000 copies and came in at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 all-genre albums chart. It marks the first time in history that the top album in the country could not be purchased in a physical format.
Here’s a summary of the ways country stars have reached out to help:
LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 140 -- Pictured: (l-r) Taylor Swift, Jimmy Fallon -- NBC Photo: Dana Edelson
You’ve probably heard by now, Taylor Swift is set to pull double duty as both the host and musical guest this weekend on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL). Taylor joins a short list of superstars including Sting, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake that have filled both shoes on the show. The last time a female country artist was tapped to both host and perform was Dolly Parton, 20 years ago.
Last Monday night, Taylor made a special guest appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and got some great advice from the SNL vet. Continue Reading
