EXCLUSIVE!!! Ronnie Dunn Leaks New Details about Don Henley's Secret "Country" Album!!!

A few months ago, I found out about Don Henley’s top-secret Country Album that he’s recording in Nashville with the help of some BIG Country Stars.  Well, then Ronnie Dunn let the Eagle out of the bag on his Facebook page, saying he had recorded a song with Alison Krauss and Don Henley for Don’s Country Album…but there was no word on what song it was…whether it was a Country Classic, or what…So, I caught up with Ronnie Dunn…I wanted to get any details I could about the project…I had no idea that Ronnie would tell me EVERYTHING…

Ashley Mann: The project that you sang on with Alison Krauss and Don Henley, what was that like?

Ronnie Dunn: Terrifying. I walked into the studio and Don is, Don’s kinda shy. Golly, he put his hands in his pockets and I’m not sure if he planned on which song we were gonna sing. He said I’ve recorded a couple of covers…I’ve recorded some Eagles’ stuff…and he thought for a minute...and I looked over at the board...and there’s Stan lynch from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers! He’s producing…of course we just take off and say, "Holy Cow! Stan Lynch!" 'Cause we used to watch that DVD...all the guys in the band. It’s our go-to cd. "Look how they put the band together, look how this works, look how Stan sings the high"…Anyway, it was really fun. Of course Alison comes in, and she sings everything like RADAR. So Don picks, of all things…"Seven Bridges Road"...alright...which is the song that the Eagles do acapella. And he goes, “let’s go try that.” Knowing that I don’t know what key it’s in..so Stan played the song for us. There were 3 mics set up in the studio, and Don goes, “I called Randy Travis’ people to see if he’d sing bass…and we had like 4 part harmony….and he said they said he doesn’t sing harmony. And I started laughing halfway thru the story…and said,”Don I’m not sure if I sing harmony either!” So it’s like, Uh-Oh! So he says, “let’s go try it anyway, ok, well you sing the lead.” So we got out there and it was just a hair low for me, and I said, "you know what, if you’ll just be patient with me"…and I’m thinking, I’m talking Don Henley…of the Eagles here, right? I’m gonna ask him to like, coach me thru this harmony part. And stand here and cut this thing in the room together…

Well, Ronnie told me that all in all…working with Don Henley went better than he expected:

Ronnie Dunn: He went above and beyond to work with me on the part and made sure we cut it…LIVE.

Ashley Mann: LIVE??!

Ronnie Dunn: The 3 of us standing there. You’ll hear 1-2-3-4 “There is a..” Away we went. He was so cool. He texted me when I left..after I got home and said, “Man, you did a great job. Thanks for being so patient.” Couldn’t have been any nicer.

Ashley Mann: So you walked in there totally blind…didn’t know who you were singing with or what song?

Ronnie Dunn: No, not a clue. He just pulled one out of the air. And of course it’s not fair cause Alison Kraus has been to the Super Bowl a hundred times...so has Don!! I just showed up to the game!! (laughs) I just came in there to "Germ" Don and Stan!

Ashley Mann: How long did it take y’all to do that?

Ronnie Dunn: Uh..a couple of hours..but he was good. He would stop. He wanted it phrased like the Eagles, and I talked to him at one point and I said “Man! Cause I heard stories about the Eagles. They have this thing, where it’s called the "Circle of Fire"...where they all sit in a circle and play and sing the harmony parts until it’s like, just air-tight. He says, “No, no this is fast! The Eagles,” he says, “we’d work for days and days and days on stuff." So it was cool. So I kinda walked away feeling, OK.

Ashley Mann: When do we get to hear it?

Ronnie Dunn: I don’t know. It’s a work in progress.  He’s still recording.

Can you imagine Ronnie Dunn, Alison Krauss and Don Henley singing THIS? 

LIVE and acapella?!!  As Ronnie would say, “Holy Cow!!!!”  I can’t wait to hear it!

-Ashley

Thompson Square talks 14 Years and Slinging Beers - EXCLUSIVE!

The new duo,Thompson Square, went to #1 this week with their song “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not”…it’s also the number-one country digital single AND the number-one country ringtone. Check out their music video for their #1 Hit:

Keifer and Shawna Thompson have come a long way together. They’re not only a singing duo, they’re also a married couple…who were destined to make beautiful music together! I caught up with the happy couple to talk about their rise to the top:

Ashley: How did the two of you meet?
Keifer: We met a singing competition…and shawna and I moved to town like 3 or 4 days apart from our respective homes..and saw each other one night and that was it…and we’ve literally been together ever since...that was 14 years ago
Shawna: I’ve tried to get rid of him, but I just can’t shake him…I’m kidding
Keifer: Whatever, we know better than that… 

They're too funny! And a typical happily married couple. Did you notice the boxing glove Shawna's wearing in their promo shot? : )  

Well, Not too long ago, you could find the happy couple slinging beers down on Broadway! 

Ashley: How have your lives changed this past year?
Keifer: Last year this time we were bartending…during the CMA we were talking to radio people that we over served the year before…yeah there was a lot of them but this whole year has been amazing..its just unbelievable that we went from bartending one year and hoping we would get here..it’s been a whirlwind of firsts for us its just been one after the other..so we’re very thankful…feel very blessed to be where we’re at right now… 

Well, Keifer and Shawna are a lot of fun to hang out with! It's hard to believe they went from slinging beers on Broadway a year ago to singing their #1 hit to thousands of fans...

Ashley: Tell me about the first time you had fans respond to your song, “Are you Gonna Kiss Me or Not”

Shawna: We did our first show in grand rapids and that was the first time..it was so cute…there were like 8000 people there…we did the first chorus and keifer looks over and he goes, "they’re singing our song!”…and I’m like…keep singing just keep singing…It was really cute!

Keifer: ...and I’m just like I’ve been dreaming of this my whole life…you know, and we actually got choked up…it was hard to…it was pretty amazing..

Ashley: So "Are you Gonna Kiss Me or Not" can make a relationship happen or break one up…have you witnessed either while on stage?

Keifer: We haven’t broken anybody up yet, I don’t think!!!

Shawna: We had a couple come up on stage and get engaged on stage…and it was pretty cool…because you know they’re gonna remember that for the rest of their lives and we were a part of it

Keifer:  He was all strong and said "this is gonna be cake"...so they gave me the ring and the part of the song that stops…we stopped the song and he walked out from the back and grabbed the mic…and he was shakin and then his girlfriend came on stage and he was all choked up and said “I just wanted to ask you in front of Thompson Square…and everybody here…and it was crazy!

Shawna: I was bawlin

Keifer: Everybody was bawlin...but I wasn't cryin! 

Congratulations Keifer and Shawna on scoring your very first #1 song! It couldn't have happened to a nicer couple! : )

-Ashley

Sara Evans is Looking for a Baby Mama..

Sara Evans and her husband, Jay Barker (former University of Alabama quarterback and now sports radio host in Birmingham, AL) have 7 kids between the two of them. Sara has three children from her previous marriage, and Jay has four kids from his prior marriage. But according to Sara, that’s not enough!

Sara says she wants to have another baby…But she doesn’t want to HAVE another baby. Sara doesn’t really want to be pregnant; she’d rather find someone else to do that for her. Sara said,“I’m begging Jay to let us hire a surrogate…I could, like, continue to drink wine and be skinny and have fun and then all of a sudden have this beautiful baby.”

Sara’s offered family members a cool $20,000 to carry a baby for her, but so far there are no takers. So Sara says she’s on the lookout for a Baby Mama, and she says the right candidate is, “Someone I knew I could trust and they wouldn’t run off with my baby.” 

Surrogacy is gaining popularity among celebs. And in the Country Music world, too. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman’s secret Baby Faith Margaret was born via a gestational carrier just a few months ago.  So Sara could call Keith and Nicole to find out how to find a surrogate…

OR...word is...a Nashville Country Radio Dj is VERY interested in being Sara Evans' Baby Mama...

Stay tuned...

-Ashley

Lady Gaga Gone Country?!

I've heard rumors about this for a few months...but it's finally happened...

Pop Superstar, Lady Gaga, has gone Country! She released what she calls a "Country Road" version of her single, "Born This Way." Lady Gaga herself tweeted the release of the song at midnight on Friday. The newly mixed tune replaces pop tracks with slide guitars, mandolin and a harmonica....but does that automatically mean it's a Country song?? She also changed the lyrics up a bit, saying, "If I wanna make it country, baby, it's OK, cuz I was born, I was born, I was born this way."

What do you think? Here's Lady Gaga gone Country:

Lady Gaga was also spotted earlier this month in Dallas, sporting hand-crafted Tony Lama platform cowboy boots. Word is, she approached the boot maker, requesting the specially made boots for her Country release of "Born This Way." It supposedly took 500 hours to make them. The boots feature hand-stitched and hand-painted rainbows, flying unicorns and of course, the words "Born This Way."

Check 'em out:

PLUS...certain sources told me recently that there's a rumor on the Row that Lady Gaga has been making top-secret trips to Music City...quietly collaborating with writers, producers...and quite possibly Country Stars. So...is it just a rumor...OR...is there an entire Lady Gaga Country album in the works??? Guess we'll have to wait and see...  


: )

-Ashley

Miley Cyrus' Mom FINALLY Speaks Out!

For the past few months, we’ve heard an awful lot about the Cyrus family drama…first Billy Ray filed for divorce from his wife, Tish, amid rumors of an affair she had with Rocker, Bret Michaels. Then Miley Cyrus showed up in a youtube video smoking a bong…and then Billy Ray released a controversial interview in GQ magazine…blaming the TV show Hannah Montana for ruining his family…which made Miley mad…and Billy Ray cancelled TV appearances to quote, “mend his family.” 2 1/2 weeks later Billy Ray showed up on the view with the news that he called off the divorce..and that things at home are better than they’ve ever been…and his relationship with Miley is stronger than ever. Here's two clips of his appearance on The View:

So Billy Ray has really been an open book throughout the family's difficult time...and Miley's had to publicly deal with the drama, too. But through it all, Tish Cyrus has kept silent. 

Well, Tish is FINALLY speaking out about the family’s drama, and she chose facebook as her platform this week. She posted “Big thanks to all of our family, friends, and fans who have kept us in their thoughts and prayers. I feel so blessed to have so much support from all of you. Our family weathered a huge storm and I feel we are stronger than we have ever been. Much love to all of you guys! You're the BEST."

So it sounds like the Cyrus family is on the right track again...and I think ALL parents can learn from their situation. 

-Ashley

Wynonna's Secret Lover Revealed...

Wynonna Judd has managed to keep her love life under wraps….even though for the past 2 years, she’ had a secret “rock-star” boyfriend. Back in December, Wy admitted to Larry King that she’s had a crush on this “mystery man” for the last 25 years…since he was just 18 years old…and she said she’s very much in love. But…she would NOT say who he was!!! She said her secret love would be revealed in March, and that fans would find out by watching The Judds' TV series on Oprah Winfrey's TV network. Here's a sneak peek of the Judd's upcoming 6 episode docu-series:

The Judd’s show hasn't launched yet; it premiere’s on April 10th. But I guess Wynonna couldn’t keep it a secret in any longer…because now…FINALLY, Wy has let the rocker out of the bag! She told CMT that her secret love is… Highway 101 drummer Cactus Moser. He also played drums in Julianne Hough’s band. Here's a video clip I found of the talented Cactus Moser on the web:

Wynonna’s had a somewhat turbulent past, when it comes to her love life…She’s been married twice and filed for divorce from her second husband, D. R. Roach, after he was accused of sexual assaulting a pre-teen. He was later convicted of sexual battery.

So…Wy's due for a good man...and she deserves true love! Wynonna's 46 and I believe Cactus is 43...they have music in common…so it seems like a great match for both of them!

Congratulations, Wynonna! 

-Ashley 

The Band Perry Duet with Tyler Ward

The Academy of Country Music is using newer and hipper ways to promote this year’s awards show. You might remember the funny video campaigns that nominees put together to win votes from fans…Easton Corbin's clips of re-made commercials...The JaneDear Girls parody of "On a Boat". Some of those videos have even gone viral.

Well now, in a brand new video campaign to promote the ACM’s, country stars are teaming up with singers who were discovered performing their hits on YouTube. Sugarland, Eric Church, Luke Bryan and The Band Perry are all participating in those promotional videos.

The Band Perry hooked up with YouTube sensation, Tyler Ward, to help him sing “If I Die Young.” Tyler tells all about how the opportunity to sing with TBP came his way in a how his  behind the scenes video. Check it out:

Um...I think Tyler may have a crush on Kimberly. : ) 

Well, after Casanova met the Band Perry…here’s what they came up with:

Not bad for singing right there on the spot! And it seems like they had fun together...

Luke Bryan teamed up with the trio, Boyce Avenue, and sang "Someone Else Calling You Baby." I talked to Luke on Monday at his #1 party for the song, and Luke said the trio gave him one of  their cd's...and he's been listening to it in his truck ever since!  Here's their behind the scenes video:

...and here's their finished product:

Sugarland teamed up with Savannah Berry. Here's their behind the scenes vid:

...and the finished product:

Eric Church teamed up with Mitch Rossell:

Here's their finished vid:

In case you needed another reminder...the ACM's air April 3rd! : )

-Ashley

Trace Adkins is Changing His Tune...Again.

Trace Adkins is changing his tune.

Now Trace is saying he did NOT apologize for “Brown Chicken Brown Cow”, even though he seemed to do just that earlier this month at the Country Radio Seminar. At the seminar,Trace apologized to Country radio programmers for the subject matter of the song, and then said jokingly, “They told me it was a hit…I blame the 3 songwriters.”

Well, now Trace is saying folks misunderstood what he meant by that apology. In an interview with The Boot Trace said, "There's been a lot made of that, but I must not have worded it the right way, because I did not apologize for the song." Trace continued, "I apologized for asking some ultra-conservative radio stations to play it. I should have known better than that."

Not only was the song "shut out" by radio, Trace received some backlash from his fans, too. His more conservative fans were disappointed with the risque song…and they let Trace know about it. Here's Trace's video for "Brown Chicken Brown Cow"...

But Trace is moving on from brown chickens and cows…he's focusing on fish now. He released a new family-oriented tune to radio just last week called, "Just Fishin." It's about a father who goes fishing with his daughter and the lessons in life that are learned from fishing.

-Ashley

Is Shania Twain Making a Come-Back?..."Why Not?"

Shania Twain thought she’d never sing again. After her divorce from her producer-husband Mutt Lange, Shania said she lost her ability to express herself through her music, and wasn't comfortable singing in front of people anymore. 

But…it seems she’s overcome her fear…because the first week of May will be a BIG week for Shania Twain! Her autobiography is being released on May 3….and It was just announced that her reality TV show, Why Not with Shania Twain…which chronicles her journey through her heartbreak and back to fame… will premiere on Sunday May 8 on the OPRAH Winfrey Network. (Shania’s show will follow the finale of the Judd's reality show).

Shania is also scheduled to be a guest on the Oprah Winfrey show. And Oprah is calling on all “Ultimate Shania Twain Fans” to submit on her website for a chance to be in the audience for the show taping. This was posted on Shania's website, along with the link to submit: 

"Looking for Shania Twain's ULTIMATE Fans!! Do you consider yourself an ULTIMATE fan of Grammy-Award Winning country pop singer and songwriter Shania Twain?  Have you closely followed her amazing career from her very first self-titled album to her chart-topping songs from The Woman in Me to her appearances as a guest judge on American Idol?  Do you still find yourself cranking up the volume on your car radio and singing along when Man, I Feel Like a Woman! comes on?  Are you anxiously awaiting the release of her biography, From This Moment On?  Were you shocked and saddened by the news of Shania's marriage break-up after her husband was found cheating with her best friend?  Are you interested to hear about her journey of recovery from this intense heartbreak and how she has learned to embrace life again?  Can you relate to her story of betrayal and what it takes to bring yourself back from such a dark place?  Share your story with us.  If you would like to be in the audience for this taping with Shania Twain, email us now!" https://www.oprah.com/ownshow/plug_form.html?plug_id=7464236&cc=CA (They are no longer taking submissions...but if you were lucky enough to get a ticket to the show, please let us know!!)

PLUS, its being reported that Shania is in serious talks about launching her own LIVE show at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

So Shania Twain has a LOT going on! And it’s lookin’ like a good ole fashioned come-back to me. The only thing that’s missing at this point is New music. There’s no word yet about a new album for Shania. I’m hoping that she’ll make an announcement soon...because I'm ready for some new Shania Twain tunes!

Check out the promotional video on OWN. I'm not sure...but I THINK I saw Shania in the studio making some new music!! Wishful thinking???

-Ashley

The Tables have Turned on Taylor Swift...

Taylor Swift admits to writing songs about her exes.  She never names names...BUT...she says her exes will know which song is about them. Some exes are OK with that...some are not.

Well, now, one of Taylor Swift’s ex-boyfriends says it’s time to tell his side of the story...that ex is Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. According to Taylor, Joe Jonas dumped her in a 27 second phone conversation. The breakup was supposedly so bad that Taylor was inspired to write the song, “Forever and Always”. Remember that one? Refresh your memory here:

Well now, Joe Jonas is telling Details magazine, that Taylor actually hung up on him…and he says, “all artists have the right to write about what happens to them…BUT…I have a right to write about things too.” Apparently, Joe’s upcoming solo album is chock full of songs he’s written about “different love scenarios” that he’s been through. And he says “people might want to hear his side of the story.”

Joe said his heart was broken about two years ago…by someone in the entertainment world. "I won't say her name," Joe says. "But I was in a relationship, and we tried to work things out, and I was really upset because she broke up with me."

OK. So, he didn’t exactly say that he was talking about Taylor, or if there will be a song on his album about their break up. BUT the timing of their relationship makes me think so. Is Taylor  the real heart-breaker here?


Joe also gushes about his new girlfriend (Twilight actress, Ashley Greene) in the magazine, saying his relationship with Ashley "feels good" and he says their relationship works because she puts his feelings first and "understands his busy schedule". 


UPDATE: (shocking that this news comes to us TODAY...and on the very same week that Joe's interview was published) Apparently, Ashley Greene and Joe Jonas have broken up! A source close to the couple says, "The break-up was mutual and amicable and was caused by conflicting work schedules."


-Ashley

Martina McBride's Teenage Daughters are Driving her to Drink!

Martina McBride says her teenage daughters are driving her to drink! She doesn’t just SAY it…she actually SINGS it!

Martina’s releasing a brand new single called “Teenage Daughters”…which she co-wrote with the Warren Brothers. The song is about the relationship she has with her own teenage daughters…Delaney, who’s 16,  and her 13 year old, Emma. Martina says, "I love the fact that 'Teenage Daughters' blends humor, sass and sweetness. It's definitely a very personal song, and to me, it just feels like an honest conversation between mothers and fathers of teenage daughters everywhere."  

When I spoke to Martina about her new album, she told me to expect it to be different from anything she's ever done before. She told me this album would not be the normal "Pop" sound, that we've gotten used to hearing from her. According to Martina, her new album (still with no title) will be "stripped down and more organic".  And "Teenage Daughters" sounds exactly like Martina promised me…it’s definitely different from anything she’s ever done. Here’s Martina’s new song, “Teenage Daughters”: 

Ironically, both of Martina’s daughters think their mom’s new song is “cool”…so they give it a thumbs up. I’m sure they’ll probably fight about it later…


I think a lot of Mom's will relate to Martina's new song...parents with young daughters can listen and learn from "Teenage Daughters."  


By the way...This blog post is dedicated to my best friend, Cindy, and her daughter, Hana. Martina has impeccable timing, doesn't she? : ) Love to you both!!


-Ashley

Kenny Chesney's Shady Deal

Kenny Chesney's "Goin Coastal Tour" kicks off TOMORROW...and he's gearing up for by working out a shady deal for his fans. Kenny signed on with the company, Costa, to design his first line of signature sunglasses! He'll sell them at his concerts and online, and all the proceeds from the sale of these Kenny Chesney Limited Edition shades will benefit the Coastal Conservation Association. 

Kenny says, "It's important for all generations to be able to enjoy the ocean like I did, and I'm proud to partner with Costa to design a signature line of sunglasses that will help support ocean conservation.” Each pair of Kenny's shades will feature hand drawn artwork etched inside the sunglass arms along with Kenny's signature.

Now, Kenny’s also decided to partner with the restaurant, Hooters. (I’m sure it’s because they have really great chicken wings). Hooters will host Kenny’s “Official Happy Hour," and be the pre-concert destination in the markets where his concerts will be held. 


Kenny's made sure Hooters customers will "rack up" while they're there. Customers will have plenty of chances to win all kinds of cool Kenny Chesney swag, autographed stuff and even concert tickets to his shows! Hooters is also launching a national Happy Hour promotion at all Hooters locations...and they’ll have a limited edition Hooters Kenny Chesney CD...PLUS a chance to win a VIP Flyaway to Kenny’s closing night of the tour.

-Ashley

Trace Adkins Issues an Apology

Trace Adkins issued an apology….Trace said he’s sorry for sending his song, “Brown Chicken Brown Cow” to radio.  After 9 weeks, the song wasn’t well received…and it only reached #39 on Billboard’s Country chart. Trace seized the opportunity to apologize to radio programmers at a CRS (Country Radio Seminar) function a couple of weeks ago. Trace told CMT that "Brown Chicken Brown Cow" has made some of his loyal fans "want to projectile vomit"...that may be a little dramatic, but it does seem like Trace is getting some backlash from releasing the tune. 

Trace said the song probably wasn’t the most appropriate song for all audiences. "Brown Chicken Brown Cow” uses the melody of a guitar riff taken from pornographic films of the 70’s, and the lyrics of the song deal with “voyeuristic barnyard animals”.  Trace made a funny music video for the song. In it he chose puppets over porn, and used the puppets to portray the characters of the song… there was even a puppet that looked like Trace. The music video is one of CMT’s most popular music videos; but even so, Trace apologized for choosing the song…then he joked, “They told me it was a hit…I blame the three songwriters!” 

According to a secret source who reached out to me, Trace may still be bothered by it. Supposedly, he was spotted at LAX this weekend...and apparently, Trace was discussing the topic with folks who were traveling with him. (According to the source, this pic was taken of Trace at the airport)

So this week, Trace is releasing a new single called, "Just Fishin'," and this song is family-oriented.  It’s about a father who takes his daughter fishing…and the lessons you learn from teaching your children to fish.  “Just Fishin’” will be on Trace’s new album that's due out later this year.

For what it's worth, I like "Brown Chicken Brown Cow." Here's the video...what do you think?  

-Ashley

Shania Twain's Stalker Set Free!!!

Shania Twain’s stalker is a free man after Shania refused to testify in court. According to the Ottawa Citizen, Dr. Giovanni Palumbo (who is a cardiovascular surgeon in Canada) allegedly harassed Shania back in 2009. He apparently sent her flowers and letters, showed up at her home in Switzerland on several occasions and was found hanging around the vicinity of her summer home, too.

Supposedly, Shania had been cooperating with authorities about the investigation and the trial. She sent in a written statement, but she was a no-show in court last week. It's reported that her attorney had presented a request to submit a video testimony from Shania, but later withdrew the request. Without her testimony, they couldn't prove that the allegations against Dr. Giovanni. The judge even “chastised” Shania for wasting “scarce” court time as well as police resources used to investigate her case. They had apparently set aside 5 days for the trial.

So…those charges have been dropped.  Now Dr. Palumbo's headed to court again...this week he’s scheduled to appear in court to face charges of threatening his ex-wife.

For more info, click the link below: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Harassment+charges+against+Ottawa+doctor+dropped+after+Shania+Twain+refuses+testify/4396895/story.html

-Ashley

Brad Paisley is NOT Invited to Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert's Wedding?!

I was surprised to learn that Brad Paisley has NOT received an invitation to Blake and Miranda's wedding.  In fact, it comes as a bit of a shock to me...Blake’s touring with Brad this year AND they (Blake and Brad) just recorded a duet for Brad’s album upcoming album. I would think THAT would guarantee an invitation. 

But, word is...Brad doesn’t really care that he hasn’t been invited. He laughed at it, actually and said that weddings are a “turn-off” for him after singing at so many of them as a teenager.  He said that "folks who are 'normal' end up going nuts on their wedding day".  He has nothing but best wishes for Blake and Miranda and hopes they “stay sane” on their big day!!! 

Blake and Miranda will get married on May 14^th somewhere in Oklahoma.  Blake picked Neal McCoy as the official wedding singer. So Brad, you can let out a sigh of relief…you will not be singing at Blake and Miranda’s wedding either. : )

...Of course, there's always a chance that Brad's wedding invitation is on it's way to his mailbox right now...Brad may have spoken too soon!!!

-Ashley

A Come-Back for Brooks & Dunn??

Brooks and Dunn are making a comeback…

Well, one of their songs is, at least.  Their hit song, "Believe”, which was co-written by Ronnie Dunn, will be covered by a Pop Star. Word is, it’s going from this: 

...to this:

That, of course, is Jennifer Hudson singing the Brook’s and Dunn hit at their farewell concert last year.  You may remember that moment. It was so heart-felt…you could just see her passion behind the song.  

Word is, Jennifer has now recorded the song for her next album. Well, Jennifer told Entertainment Weekly that the she had to have it on the album…and fought hard to get it!  She said as soon as she sang it for Brooks and Dunn at their farewell concert, she fell in love with the song. She went on to say that it’s one of her favorites on the project… and says she really put the “Jennifer Hudson spin" on it.  It has a gospel inspirational feel and it made the album feel complete. 

Jennifer says she grew up singing in church…and the song ”Believe” reflects her faith…and that’s what kept her going after her family was tragically murdered. A few years ago her mother, her brother and her nephew were murdered by her sister’s estranged husband.

Jennifer said the only thing she can do now is make them proud. From what I've heard about her recording of "Believe"...Jennifer surely does just that...

-Ashley