“Lovers and Leavers“, country singer Hayes Carll. It’s streaming for free at RollingStone.com.
Josh Gracin Said “No” to Being On The “American Idol” Series Finale
JOSH GRACIN was NOT on last night’s series finale of “American Idol”, but he could have been. He told “The Washington Post” that they asked him to perform, but he said no . . . and he gave two reasons.
One reason is because of scheduling conflicts. The other is because he felt disrespected by what they asked him to do. Instead of performing solo, they wanted him to sing covers of country songs in a big group of former contestants.
He didn’t think that was fair because he’s had a decent career since the show, and it seems like they weren’t recognizing that.
He said, quote, “If they don’t want to acknowledge what I’ve been able to do without their help. If they can’t even acknowledge the success I’ve had and what I’ve been able to do, how am I going to get Nashville to [take me seriously]?”
Josh hasn’t had a hit in a while, and he’s feeling like he needs the suits in Nashville to take him seriously. He doesn’t think they would if they saw him on TV singing someone else’s songs. (He was a fourth place finalist on Season Two of “Idol”.)
Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood Sing ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’ on ‘American Idol’ Series Finale
During the American Idol series finale on Thursday night (April 7), current Idol judge Keith Urban and Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood took to the stage to duet on “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”
Originally by Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks, Urban and Underwood were known to perform “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” while on tour together in 2008. The two country stars traded lines and looked like there were having an awful lot of fun together onstage throughout the short collaboration. Press play on the video above to watch.
Urban and Underwood have another recent collaboration to boast about: She lends her voice to a track on Urban’s upcoming album, RipCORD, called “The Fighter.”
Read More: Urban, Underwood Duet on ‘American Idol’ Series Finale [WATCH] | http://theboot.com/keith-urban-carrie-underwood-stop-draggin-my-heart-around-american-idol-series-finale-watch/?trackback=tsmclip
Carrie Underwood Performs ‘Something in the Water’ on ‘American Idol’ Series Finale
More Memories of Merle Haggard:
“My very first concert was MERLE HAGGARD and GEORGE JONES. I was 15 years old. Watching them, I knew that night that I wanted to be in country music.”
WYNONNA JUDD, who followed up on that promise to herself and eventually performed with both of them.
She adds quote, “Those experiences taught me the greatest lessons that I continue to draw strength from even today. I am reminded once again that we must not ever forget where we have come from in country music.”
Speaking of Merle Haggard: His last appearance on the Grand Ole Opry is making the rounds. It was back in October and he performs his song “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink“. (He does a guitar solo at the 2:07 mark.)
There will be a private memorial for MERLE HAGGARD on Saturday in his hometown of Palo Cero, California. Merle’s friend MARTY STUART will officiate the service. (Full Story)
One last thing about Merle Haggard: GEORGE STRAIT says “Okie From Muskogee” is the song that got him hooked on country music. Quote, “I wanted to be like The Hag. I can’t tell you how big of an influence he was on me.”
SCOTTY MCCREERY’s book “Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream” will be out May 3rd. So, he’s going to promote it by launching a 14-city book tour on the same day. (Country Weekly)