Trace Adkins, Julianne Hough and Blake Shelton attend FOOTLOOSE Nashville screening on October 6, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Paramount)

Last night in Franklin, Tenn. (just outside Nashville), the Franklin Theatre was the place to be! Hitting the red carpet for the premiere of the remake of the ’80s movie Footloose were Blake Shelton (who puts his spin on the movie’s title song) Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina and of course, the star of the movie, Julianne Hough!

Check out our red carpet photo gallery HERE!

ShareThis

Brad Paisley photo by Jeremy Cowart, courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

The Grand Ole Opry will mark the 1-year anniversary of the flood that devastated Nashville and temporarily displaced the Opry from the Grand Ole Opry House in the only way that’s fitting – with an all-star concert on the Opry stage. The show, Play On, Nashville!, will take place May 3 at the Opry House with Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Charlie Daniels Band, and more scheduled to perform.

“The May 2010 flood devastated homes, businesses and lives, but it also showcased the unsinkable spirit of our city and its citizens in ways we are still learning about a year later,” said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. “We want to celebrate that the Opry’s hometown is stronger than ever the best way we know how— with a one-of-a-kind night of great music.”

Four feet of water filled the Grand Ole Opry house and the show temporarily moved to several other Nashville venues throughout the summer while the Opry House was repaired. It took six months of restoration and recovery for the Opry to return home. Despite the devastation, both to the Opry and all over Nashville, the show never missed a beat, putting on the Tuesday night show following the weekend floods at War Memorial Auditorium.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the flood,” said Opry member Dierks Bentley. “The city of Nashville, the Opry, and the country music community were so resilient and came together to rebuild so quickly after the devastation. I’ve never been more proud to be an Opry member, and I’m looking forward to celebrating that sense of community again on Tuesday.” Continue Reading

ShareThis

GAC hosts Suzanne Alexander (r) and Nan Kelley (l) on the red carpet at the 46th Annual ACM Awards. Photo courtesy of GAC Staff.

Around this time two weeks ago, GAC’s Suzanne Alexander was packing her bags to fly to Las Vegas for the 46th Annual ACM Awards. We asked her to share with you what it’s like to be in the thick of things out in Vegas — so here’s Part 1 of her ACM Awards Diary! Don’t forget to watch Suzanne, Nan Kelley, Storme Warren and all your favorite stars in our exclusive GACTV.com ACM backstage video interviews and browse our ACM Awards gallery, packed with hundreds of photos! Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of Suzanne’s diary — and this Friday for Part 3.

Saturday April 2, 2011: The day before the ACMs
I had a feeling that many industry folks would be on the Nashville Southwest Airlines flight to Las Vegas. I was right – every seat was taken! There were heads of labels, stylists, publicists and some band dudes on the flight out. During the landing, I mapped out what I needed to do once we got to the Vegas airport.

You see, staying at the MGM for the ACMs is great because it’s where the actual award show is held – so you can walk everywhere, no cab rides necessary. BUT the problem is, everyone stays at the MGM and checking in can be an ordeal. Continue Reading

ShareThis

Taylor Swift photo courtesy of Big Machine Records.

After winning the ACM award for Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift visited The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. She bragged about her hometown of Nashville and said she loves Music City because its natives treat awards shows like the Super Bowl. The day before the show, Taylor said strangers stopped her on the street, in stores and in restaurants to wish her good luck.

“I was really happy that the fans were so nice to me this year,” she told Jay.

Taylor also discussed her hidden talent – cutting hair – and how her lucky number, 13, revealed itself to her the night of the ACMs. Watch the clip below to find out — and then head on over to our ACM Awards section to watch our backstage interview with Taylor! Continue Reading

ShareThis

Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow on the Sony Nashville Dinner Cruise during CRS 2011.

Every year during the first week of March, radio folks from all over the country come to Nashville for the Country Radio Seminar to attend educational panels, schmooze with each other and hear lots of performances from new country artists as well as established artists. One of the highlights of every convention is the Sony Music Nashville Dinner Cruise, held on the General Jackson showboat. This year’s soiree was hosted by Country Strong star Gwyneth Paltrow, who endeared herself to the audience with her down-to-earth personality and sense of humor. A few GAC staffers attended the dinner — and here are our combined highlights from the evening:

Gwyneth’s surprise duet partner – Tim McGraw, who caused a shower of camera flashes when he joined her onstage for their song from Country Strong, “Me And Tennessee.”

Chris Young performing his No. 1 single, “Voices,” and new single, “Tomorrow,” with a commanding voice that proved beyond a doubt – this guy is on a fast track from “new guy” to “star.”

Carrie Underwood performs on the Sony Nashville Dinner Cruise during CRS 2011.

Carrie Underwood. Carrie – who was fighting a cold and could barely talk above a whisper – still managed to wow the crowd when she sang “How Great Thou Art.” Continue Reading

ShareThis

Carrie Underwood at the 2009 City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge. Photo by Jason Mease, GACTV.com.

The rosters have been announced for the City of Hope’s 20^th annual Celebrity Softball Challenge on June 7 in Nashville. Rival teams Grand Ole Opry and “After MidNite with Blair Garner” will face off with star-studded lineups featuring country music artists, comedians, and professional athletes.

Playing for the “After MidNite with Blair Garner” team are Keith Anderson, MLB’s Ben Broussard, Chuck Wicks, David Nail, Joe Nichols, Josh Thompson, Luke Bryan, comedienne Melissa Peterman, JP Dumont of the Nashville Predators, Mike Gossin and Rachel Reinart of Gloriana, Randy Montana, Savannah Jack, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ken Amato and Donnie Nickey of the Titans, Vince Gill and Whitney Duncan. Continue Reading

ShareThis

Garth Brooks is all smiles as he announces his new one-man show at the Wynn in Las Vegas, Nev. during a press conference on October 15, 2009. Photo courtesy of garthbrooks.com.

This morning at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Garth Brooks announced the end of his self-imposed retirement. In October 2000, he said he was retiring until the youngest of his three daughters had graduated from high school.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean fans will be getting a new album this year. At the Opry House, Garth said, “If we ever do tour again, if we ever put out new music again, it’s going to be another five years,” he said, reminding the audience that his youngest daughter, Allie, is only 13.

Garth revealed more of his future plans this afternoon at a press conference at the Wynn in Las Vegas. Continue Reading

ShareThis