Grand Ole Opry announces 2023 Opry Country Christmas – The Grand Ole Opry has confirmed that Opry Country Christmas, Nashville’s beloved holiday concert series, will return to the Grand Ole Opry House for its third consecutive year. Presented by Humana, the seasonal lineup features a number of Spotlight Artist performances: Opry member Lauren Alaina on November 29, multi-Platinum country star Scotty McCreery on December 3, Opry member Trace Adkins on December 7, Lady A on December 11, and Chris Janson on December 18. Additional performers and special appearances will be announced in the weeks ahead, as the Opry continues to celebrate holiday music, family traditions, and the best of contemporary and classic country sounds. Source: The Music Universe
Reality Kingpin Mike Darnell departs Warner Bros. Television Group after 10 years – Mike Darnell, the influential executive often credited with reshaping modern unscripted television, is leaving Warner Bros. Television Group after a decade with the studio. Darnell, who served as president of unscripted television, made the decision after a company restructuring proposed changes that would have altered his responsibilities. The departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both Darnell and Warner Bros., and the exit was scheduled to be announced alongside Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO Channing Dungey. Industry observers expect Darnell’s next move to be closely watched, given his track record creating and developing high-profile reality franchises. Source: Variety
Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying marries fiancé Mark Manio in seaside ceremony – Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying and his longtime partner Mark Manio were married in an intimate, star-studded black-tie ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, California. The couple wed after six years together, surrounded by close friends and family in a romantic seaside setting. The celebration reflected both a private, heartfelt union and the public interest that follows members of well-known musical acts, as fans and colleagues shared congratulations for the newlyweds. Source: People
‘DWTS’ pro Gleb Savchenko announces first movie role in “Swing into Romance” with Danica McKellar – Dancing with the Stars professional Gleb Savchenko confirmed via Instagram that he will make his acting debut as Alex Ivanov in the movie Swing into Romance, co-starring Danica McKellar. Savchenko expressed gratitude and excitement about the new creative chapter, saying he’s “blessed and ready to shine on the big screen.” According to the film’s synopsis, former dancer Christine Sims (McKellar) returns to her hometown for the Fall Festival and discovers her family’s general store is struggling. To help save the business she must dance again, confront her ex-fiancé, and possibly rediscover love. Danica McKellar previously appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2014 with pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Source: ABC News
Bruce Hough, father of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ siblings, qualifies for Utah GOP primary ballot – Bruce Hough, father of professional dancers Julianne and Derek Hough, has qualified for the Republican primary ballot in the special election for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, officials announced. Hough is one of ten children and has emphasized pragmatic priorities on the campaign trail, including identifying specific problems, reducing national and state debt, and slowing government growth by controlling deficit spending. His family’s high public profile—Derek serves as a judge on Dancing with the Stars while Julianne will co-host this season—adds a familiar name recognition component to his campaign as he moves into the political arena. Source: CNN
Zachariah Smith discusses ‘American Idol’ and teases rock-infused country EP – Singer-songwriter Zachariah Smith says his time on American Idol included efforts by the show to steer him into a strictly country role, a direction he resisted. Smith explains that while he appreciates country music, he also loves rock and roll and wants his recorded work to reflect both influences. He revealed that Idol executives pitched several songs to him and were hesitant about some of his own material. Fans can expect his upcoming release—whether it’s billed as an EP or an album—to blend country roots with rock energy, showcasing his range as an artist. Source: Music Mayhem Magazine
Iowa-born Maddie Poppe reinvents her sound with indie spirit – Maddie Poppe, who rose to fame after winning American Idol, says her overall experience with the show was positive but acknowledged the insulated nature of that environment. Poppe noted that being part of the Idol ecosystem felt like living in a bubble and that the business landscape has changed since her initial rise. Despite those shifts, she says the team currently supporting her genuinely believes in her talent and is helping cultivate a new look, new sound, and a more independent artistic identity as she evolves her career. Source: Sioux City Journal
Gabby Barrett channels upbeat, old-school energy on new single ‘Glory Days’ – Country artist Gabby Barrett describes her new single Glory Days as upbeat and evocative of an older Keith Urban vibe—think the era of Somebody Like You—while still feeling fresh and open. The song’s foundational sound was developed with songwriter-producer Seth Mosley, who worked with Barrett on earlier material such as Make You Mine and Build a Boat. Barrett says she wanted a more energetic track this time, and Glory Days draws creative inspiration from recent collaborations, including a duet version of Build a Boat recorded with contemporary Christian artist Colton Dixon. The result is a bright, forward-facing single grounded in her recent musical journey. Source: Billboard
American Idol’s Phillip Phillips reflects on enduring connection with fans – Phillip Phillips, who achieved widespread recognition after winning American Idol, says he still feels humbled whenever he hears his music in public places like radio stations, airports, or grocery stores. Recalling the moment he first heard his hit song Home on the radio during a visit to Boston, Phillips described the experience as “such a cool feeling” and expressed gratitude that people continue to enjoy his work. For him, the recognition is a reminder of how rewarding it is when long-term dedication to music resonates with listeners. Source: Goldmine