George Strait Is Releasing New Music, And He’s Doing Four Shows Next Year in Vegas
GEORGE STRAIT has always maintained that he wouldn’t be retiring after his “Cowboy Rides Away” tour. He just didn’t want to do any more structured tours. And he definitely promised he’d still make records.
So, here you go. Yesterday he announced he’s releasing a new album, and will do four shows next year in Las Vegas.
The album is called “Cold Beer Conversation” and it’ll be out Friday. It’s only available at Walmart and through Apple Music. The first single is also called “Cold Beer Conversation” and that’s out today.
The Vegas shows will be at the brand new Las Vegas Arena. The first two are April 22nd and 23rd . . . and then he’ll be back for two more on September 9th and 10th. KACEY MUSGRAVES will be the opener. (Grab details,here.)
One Direction Singer to Try His Hand at Country Music?
Pop boyband One Direction have been enduring a bit of a shakeup since one member left earlier this year, and they have pledged to go on a break beginning next spring. But what will they do in the meantime? Apparently, member Liam Payne might just “go country.”
The 22-year-old spoke to Press Party regarding his plans for the impending hiatus, and Payne dished he may have a genre change up his sleeve.
“I have written country songs,” Payne shares. “I started out doing rap songs. That’s where my mind is set. A lot of people say to me, ‘Oh, you’ll go solo’, but I haven’t thought about that. If the right song comes along and I think I should sing it, then I will release it as a solo artist.”
While he may not go full-fledged country star himself, perhaps he will simply pen songs for existing country stars.
“Otherwise, I’m happy being behind the scenes. When the other boys go solo I would love to write songs for them. I want to make great music that people want to listen to,” Payne reveals.
Until then, the Directioner plans to stick with pop, as the band is set to release its fifth album as a group before the break. He hasn’t revealed what his country style would be, but perhaps a Sam Hunt-type endeavor would suit him? Or would he go old school like the legends Cash and Haggard? One thing’s for certain, he’ll have no problem gaining female fans.
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Keith Urban Says ‘American Idol’ Might Not Be Over for Good
After 15 seasons, the hit FOX vocal competition American Idol is coming to an end … or is it? Country icon Keith Urban, who joined the cast of celebrity judges in 2012, says fans may not have to say goodbye forever, after all.
“I’ve been hearing more and more that there’s so much love out there for Idol that it may continue on in some form somewhere else. I don’t know. I just know there’s so much talk about it maybe being the final season where it is. And, at some point coming back to life again, so who knows,” he tells Country Countdown USA.
Urban’s not ready to wash and hang dry his iconic red Coca-Cola cup just yet, either. He says if a new Idol came to fruition, he’d be up for sticking around.
“I’d be open to it because it’s a fun part of my year,” the singer admits. “My primary love professionally is writing songs, making records, and touring. That’s what I love more than anything. But Idol fits in beautifully to that, so I certainly enjoy doing it.”
American Idol has brought country music some of its biggest stars since its launch in 2001, including, of course, Carrie Underwood, but also introducing to fans Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Kellie Pickler and Kelly Clarkson, who has dabbled in the genre from time to time.
Urban has also been busy earning his 18th No. 1 single with “Raise ‘Em Up,” a duet with Eric Church serving as the second single to his forthcoming album, after “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.” The artist recently celebrated its ascent to the top of the charts with cowriter Jaren Johnston of the Cadillac Three.
Read More: Keith Urban Says ‘American Idol’ Might Not Be Over for Good | http://tasteofcountry.com/keith-urban-american-idol-not-over-for-good/?trackback=tsmclip