Daughtry and Chely Wright Join Ty Herndon’s 2019 Concert for Love & Acceptance – The initial lineup for the 2019 Concert for Love & Acceptance, co-hosted by country artist Ty Herndon alongside CMT’s Cody Alan, features an intimate acoustic set by rock frontman Daughtry, a performance from rising country artist Harper Grae, and a special appearance by Chely Wright, the trailblazing country musician who became the genre’s first openly gay artist in 2010. Presented in partnership with GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, the concert is scheduled for June 6, 2019, at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. This fundraiser aims to celebrate inclusion and support LGBTQ visibility within country music and beyond. Read more at Rolling Stone.
Houston’s Uché and Laci Kaye Booth Represent Local Talent on American Idol – Houston native Uché, 24, brought striking confidence to his American Idol performances, though he admits that early appearances left him nervous and self-critical. After an ambitious rendition of Christina Aguilera’s “Ain’t No Other Man,” he nearly risked elimination when judges questioned whether his act relied more on dance than on singing. Uché describes himself as an “overthinking monster” who sometimes needs to check his impulses to avoid psyching himself out; the confident persona viewers see on stage is a deliberate mask he wears to perform at his best.
Also representing the Houston area, 23-year-old Laci Kaye Booth of Livingston impressed judges with a sincere, raspy delivery of Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” Booth says she was visibly shaking during the audition — a reminder of the pressure contestants face — but her understated, heartfelt approach earned her a spot among the show’s top 14. She previously auditioned for The Voice without success, and she recalls early musical influences like dancing to Katy Perry in her room and the thrill of seeing pop stars live. Read more at the Houston Chronicle.
Danny Gokey and Family Celebrate a New Arrival – Danny Gokey, an American Idol season 8 alumnus, and his wife Leyicet recently hosted a gender reveal party for their fourth child. The family announced they are expecting a boy, and fans were moved by the reaction of Gokey’s three children during the reveal. Gokey shared highlights of the celebration on social media, where followers saw the personal, joyful moment and the family’s excitement about the growing household.
Elise Testone’s New Album Nears Release After Two Years – Singer-songwriter Elise Testone has been working on a new album for the past two years, and she reports that the project is finally being mastered. Testone laughs that albums always take longer than expected, noting that this record involved many collaborators and a lengthy creative process. She describes the finished work as a cohesive blend of soul, funk, and rock influences — a mix that covers a broad musical range while maintaining a unified sound. Fans can look forward to hearing the finished product once it’s physically available. Read more at Charleston City Paper.
Julianne Hough on Overcoming Depression and Anxiety: “Dancing Was My Superpower” – Before rising to fame as a two-time Dancing with the Stars champion, Julianne Hough struggled with anxiety and depression. The 30-year-old opened up about her mental health journey at the WOW: The Wonder of Women Summit in Los Angeles, describing how performance and dance became a source of strength and resilience. Hough said that although she often presents a sunny, positive persona to the public, she has worked through difficult periods and now uses her platform to encourage mental and physical well-being. The summit, held at UCLA’s Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center, focuses on inspiring future female leaders through holistic health initiatives. Read more at People.
Rak-Su on Leaving Simon Cowell’s Syco Label: A Frustrating Chapter – Former X Factor winners Rak-Su have publicly discussed their decision to part ways with Simon Cowell’s Syco Records, describing the experience as frustrating and at times confusing. The group says that after their televised win they encountered too many decision-makers, which complicated the process of getting music released. Since moving to RCA, Rak-Su report a renewed focus and momentum: they’ve released new material, produced several videos, and regained creative control over their output. While the group called their time at Syco opaque, they stressed that their relationship with Simon Cowell personally remains respectful. Read more at Digital Spy.