Taylor Swift, 23, Already Worrying About Gray Hair and Wrinkles

Monday, May 20, 2013 5:01am

Facebook.com/TaylorSwiftAt age 23, Taylor Swift is young, and most people would agree that she's beautiful as well.  But the Grammy-winning star says she's already worrying about what will happen to her when she gets old and gray, and wondering if she'll know when it's time to hang up her microphone.

Speaking to the Australian paper The Herald Sun, Taylor says, "I think about the future a lot.  That's when I start to get very confused.  Essentially, you can't make big decisions like 'When am I gonna take a break?  When am I going to start to slow down?  When is my hair going to start to go gray?  Am I going to dye it or am I going to let it go gray?  How am I going to handle wrinkles?'  You can't make those decisions until you're in that position."

She adds, "I'd like to think that in all aspects of my life I'll know the right time to leave the party.  But you can't know when to leave the party until you're in the room."

For the time being, though, Taylor's doing just fine dominating the music world.  And she tells the paper that she's fine with being pegged as the artist who's famous for her breakup anthems. 

"Breakups are hard," she says.  "And you need music to get through them.  I am happy to be your go-to breakup musician...The heartbroken are a special kind of people.  When you're in that spot, when you're going through it,  I'll be there to hold your hand."

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" Recap: Trace Adkins Wins

Monday, May 20, 2013 5:01am

NBCThe All-Star Apprentice's finale aired on NBC Sunday night, and the ultimate ice cream showdown was appropriately a  split. While Donald Trump declared "Maple Macadamia Mashup" creator Trace Adkins the first-ever All-Star Celebrity Apprentice champion, Penn Jillette earned his charity a hundred thousand dollars from Walgreens for having the best-selling flavor -- his "Vanilla Chocolate Magic Swirtle."

Tied into their flavors, the two contestants presented their commercials during a star-studded ice cream social in which they took big dollar donations from their friends.

While Team Trace raked in big checks from the likes of country music stars like Billy Ray Cyrus, and Wynonna, and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, Jillette used his Sin City connections to attract money from Vegas performers like Wayne Newton, Blue Man Group, former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks.

In the end, it was revealed Jillette earned 503 thousand, 655 dollars, while Trace earned 664 thousand -- however, donor Tim Tebow showed up past a deadline, meaning his 100 thousand dollar donation didn't count towards Trace's bottom line.

Both presentations also featured a live performance -- magic from Penn & Teller, and music from Trace Adkins, playing his hit "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," which he called the, "nastiest song ever heard at an ice cream social." The country star also performed "Not Fade Away" featuring Gary Busey reprising his Oscar nominated role as Buddy Holly, and the competitors came together to play Adkins' new single "Love Will" with Adkins on vocals, and Jillette on bass.

Trump gave Lil Jon a hundred thousand dollar check for his charity, the American Diabetes Association, in honor of the recording artist's mother, who recently died from complications of the disease. The rapper was moved to tears behind his trademark giant sunglasses.

Trump also doled out 20 thousand checks to the respective charities for the stars who hadn't won any money for them during the season, including Busey and Dennis Rodman.

In a tweet before the show's finale aired, Trump hinted, "The cast for next season looks really good!"

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Nashville Notes

Monday, May 20, 2013 5:01am

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockKenny Chesney is featured in a major spread in the May 17 issue of Entertainment Weekly.

Zac Brown Band's new video for "Jump Right In" is now airing on CMT, and it features the return of the band's good friend "Flody Boatwood."

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Kenny Chesney Sings with Eric Church, Sings Happy Birthday to George Strait in Milwaukee

Monday, May 20, 2013 5:00am

Sony Music/Blue ChairKenny Chesney's show at Milwaukee's Miller Stadium attracted a sellout crowd of more than 43,000 fans over the weekend. Opener Eric Church joined Kenny during his set to sing "When I Sing This Bar," a song from Kenny's new album, Life on a Rock. Kenny also led the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to George Strait, who turned 61 on Saturday. Kenny promised to email the video on to King George.

Kenny performed for a massive crowd at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas the weekend before the Milwaukee show. He said Sunday, "Milwaukee – like Dallas last weekend – had a very special magic to it. Those fans! That stadium! Funny how places that couldn’t be more different both have so much heart.”

Kenny continues the No Shoes Nation tour Thursday in Raleigh, NC.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"Billboard" Music Awards Recap: Taylor Swift Wins Big, Justin Bieber Demands to Be Taken Seriously

Monday, May 20, 2013 1:33am

ABCTaylor Swift's night at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas was a success.  She led all artists at the Sunday-night ceremony with eight wins, including top artist and top Billboard 200 album, for Red.

During her top artist acceptance speech, Taylor thanked her fans for making her music about her crazy emotions the soundtrack to their own crazy emotions. She added that her relationship with her fans was the longest and best relationship she's ever had.

Taylor found out she won the top Billboard 200 album category when fans in the mosh pit held up smartphones that spelled out the album title, RED, in big letters. She said, "I'm really happy about this" and went on to thank her fans for the "magical" award.

Taylor also delivered one of the more memorable performances of the night, singing her hit "22" in an elaborate production that began backstage and featured several dancers, a bicycle ride and plenty of red balloons.

Rihanna and Gotye each received four awards. Several artists, including Justin Bieber, picked up three.

Justin made a bid for musical relevance while accepting the first-ever Milestone Award for musical ingenuity and innovation. During his acceptance speech, Justin took the opportunity to address all the tabloid headlines saying, "I'm 19 years old. I think I'm doing a pretty good job, and basically, from my heart, it should be about the music and the craft that I'm making it."

Justin added, "This is not a gimmick. I'm an artist, and I should be taken seriously, and all this bull should not be spoken of."

Justin also accepted the top male artist award from Miley Cyrus. Her new song, "We Can't Stop," comes out June 3.

Prince closed out the night performing a rocked out version of his classic "Let's Go Crazy" backed by his all female band, 3rdEyeGirl. The Purple One, who received the Billboard icon award, was dressed in a fringe jacket and wore his hair in an afro. It was the first full-on rock performance of the show, and he went into the new song, "FIXURLIFEUP," after an extended guitar and bass solo.  

Here's a rundown of the rest of the night's performances and winners:

The Performances:

Bruno Mars kicked off the night with a finely choreographed performance of "Treasure." Bruno's set looked like it was lifted from classic Soul Train footage with its multiple disco balls and gold flashing lights. Bruno worked the stage with him and his band all wearing matching '70s-inspired, red suits.

Selena Gomez heated things up performing a Middle Eastern-inspired dance routine as she sang "Come and Get It." Selena returned later to introduce Taylor Swift's performance of "22." Taylor kicked the song off singing in her dressing room before continuing the performance with a choreographed romp through the backstage area. An entire crew of dancers, showgirls and masked men accompanied Taylor as she entered the arena on the back of a bicycle during the second verse. She then took the stage to finish the song out with a dance remix breakdown of the song as red balloons rained down on the crowd.

Country star Jennifer Nettles was on hand to introduce The Band Perry's performance of their #1 country hit, "Better Dig Two," which featured a dramatic laser light show. The sibling trio broke it down towards the end with all three members playing individual drums in synch before returning to the chorus.

Carly Rae Jepsen introduced new Swedish pop duo Icona Pop to sing their debut U.S. hit, "I Love It."  Psy and host Tracy Morgan had a dance off before Chris Brown hit the stage for a performance of "Fine China." Chris's Chinese-inspired set and costuming were accented by a martial arts-style dance breakdown. Chris even tapped Michael Jackson's former guitar player, Orianthi, to play as he closed the performance with moves reminiscent of Michael's classic "Billie Jean" routine.

Nashville's Hayden Panettiere introduced Macklemore & Ryan Lewis singing "Thrift Shop" live from the Tryst nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas. Country duo Florida Georgia Line introduced fellow country newcomer Kacey Musgraves' acoustic performance of her debut hit, "Merry Go 'Round."

Justin Bieber emerged from an airplane cockpit to sing and dance his way through "Take You," the song his fans chose via Twitter for him to perform. Justin returned to perform "That Power" with will.i.am from Will's new album #Willpower.

Ke$ha introduced Pitbull and Christina Aguilera's performance of "Feel This Moment," which includes a sample of the '80s hit "Take on Me" by Norwegian band A-ha. A-ha actually showed up to sing a chorus of the original song to close it out. Pitbull returned later for his latest collaboration with Jennifer Lopez, "Live It Up."

Miguel crooned his breakthrough hit "Adorn" behind a screen projecting evocative images to go along with the sexy song. Once the screen went up, Miguel danced around the smoke-filled stage and even jumped over the fans in the mosh pit to the catwalk, accidentally landing on top of one girl and kicking another in the head.

Ed Sheeran turned in an intimate, solo performance of "Lego House" from the arena's b-stage. David Guetta, Ne-Yo and Akon transformed the MGM Grand into a giant rave with their high-energy performance of "Play Hard," and Nicki Minaj gave Lil Wayne a full-on lap dance during their performance of "High School."

The Winners:

Vegas headliner Shania Twain noted how odd it was that she was presenting the evening's first trophy, top rap artist. Nicki Minaj took that award and admitted she didn't expect to win it in her acceptance speech.

Will.i.am confessed his favorite Madonna song is "Like a Virgin" before introducing Madonna herself to accept the top touring artist award for her blockbuster MDNA tour. An extended highlights reel of the show, including a shot of Madonna's bare backside, aired before she took the stage. She joked that it took longer to negotiate whether she could show her bottom in that trailer than it took to rehearse for the actual tour. Madonna took off what she called her "pretentious sunglasses" to thank a few key people in her touring organization, her four children and her fans.

Avril Lavigne and Alyssa Milano presented the digital song award to Carly Rae Jepsen for "Call Me Maybe," which has sold seven million downloads.

Kid Rock got a jab in at people lip-synching to pre-recorded music on the show before presenting the top rap song award to "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Macklemore thanked Goodwill and Value Village for the win.

Kelly Rowland and Austin Mahone handed the top EDM artist award to David Guetta. Fun. took the top rock artist award, and Psy's "Gangnam Style" won honors for top streaming video. Rihanna was named top radio artist, and One Direction won new artist honors.

For a full list of winners, go to Billboard.com.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

2013 "Billboard" Music Awards Air Live from Vegas This Sunday with Taylor Swift, The Band Perry & More

Sunday, May 19, 2013 5:00am

ABCSunday night's Billboard Music Awards, airing live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on ABC, will feature quite a bit of country flavor throughout the night.  Kacey Musgraves and The Band Perry will join big-time nominee Taylor Swift on the performers lineup.

Taylor joins fun. and Maroon 5 as the lead nominees for the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, with 11 nods apiece.

All three of those artists are up for the Top Artist prize too, along with One Direction and Rihanna.  Taylor is also up for Top Female Artist, and for Top Billboard 200 Album for Red.  Other categories including a nod for Taylor are Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Social Artist and Top Streaming Song (Video) for "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together."

Taylor also got a mention in the Top Country Artist field, along with Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Hunter Hayes and Carrie Underwood.

Jason also picked up a nomination for Best Male Artist against Justin Bieber, Flo Rida, Bruno Mars and Drake.  Taylor's Red and Jason's Night Train projects are up also for Top Country Album honors, along with Luke Bryan's tailgates & tanlines, Carrie Underwood's Blown Away and Tuskegee by Lionel Richie.

The finalists for Top Country Song are Luke Bryan's "Drunk on You," Eric Church's "Springsteen," "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line, Hunter Hayes' "Wanted" and Taylor's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together."

Look for Florida Georgia Line, Shania Twain, Jennifer Nettles and Nashville's Hayden Panettiere to present trophies on the show too.

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards will air live from Las Vegas Sunday, May 19 at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift Featured on "Rock 'n Royalty" Special Saturday Night

Saturday, May 18, 2013 5:00am

Capitol NashvilleSome of music's biggest names will be spotlighted Saturday night on a special edition of ABC's 20/20. 

Called Rock 'n Royalty: Billboard's All-Stars, the show will be anchored by Barbara Walters, and feature the best and most memorable moments from ABC interviews conducted throughout the years with a variety of pop and country superstars.

Among the moments featured on show are Katie Couric's 2012 interview with Taylor Swift to announce her RED tour, and a new interview with Lady Antebellum, conducted by ABC's Juju Chang.

Interviews with Madonna, Cher, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé are also featured.  Comedian Tracy Morgan, who hosts this Sunday night's Billboard Music Awards also sat down for a new chat.

The two-hour special airs Saturday night at 9 p.m. ET.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Watch "Amazing" Kelly Clarkson Sing About Sex in Sneak Peek of New CBS Comedy "The Crazy Ones"

Friday, May 17, 2013 8:00pm

Robin Williams Via TwitterA few weeks back, Kelly Clarkson tweeted a photo of herself with Robin Williams, posing on the set of a CBS comedy pilot called The Crazy Ones.  Turns out she made a cameo as herself in the pilot, and now that CBS has now picked up the show for the fall, we'll be able see her.  A sneak preview, however, is available online now.

The Crazy Ones is set in Chicago, and is about a father and daughter, played by Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar, who both work in advertising.  In the pilot, they try to persuade Kelly to sing a McDonald's commercial, but she tells them she wants to change her image and "sing about sex."

"They said I wouldn't have to act, 'cause I suck at acting," says Kelly in the preview.  "They said, 'Well, you're playing yourself.' But it's not myself!"

Kelly says she "lost" it during a scene where Robin Williams and another cast member try to come up with ways that Kelly can sing about sex, and still sing about McDonald's.  Next, we see her in the studio singing a song called "It Ain't the Meat It's the Motion" -- which is a real song, by the way -- and simulating being in the throes of sexual passion.

The show's executive producers say that Kelly was "amazing" in the episode, adding, "She rocked it!"

The Crazy Ones will air on Thursdays this fall at 9 p.m.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Wynonna to Perform on "Dancing with the Stars" Finale on Tuesday

Friday, May 17, 2013 5:00pm

ABCWynonna will return to ABC's Dancing with the Stars for Tuesday night's finale.  She'll join the other celebrities from this season's cast on the show, including remaining finalist Kellie Pickler.

Look for Wy to perform her cover of Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is."  PSY will be there to sing his latest hit, "Gentleman," and Pitbull will perform his new single, "Hands Up."

The Dancing with the Stars finale airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Brad Paisley Gives Fans a Look at Beat This Summer Tour Staging in Upcoming GAC Special

Friday, May 17, 2013 2:00pm

CMABrad Paisley gives fans a look at the staging of his Beat This Summer tour in the new GAC special, Brad Paisley Spins the Wheelhouse: Live in Vegas, airing later this month. The special, filmed at The Orleans in Las Vegas after the ACM Awards last month, features appearances from Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley and rock legend John Fogerty.

Brad delivers classic hits including "Mud on the Tires," "Water," and "Old Alabama," as well as new songs from Wheelhouse, including his latest hit, "Beat This Summer."

Brad Paisley Spins the Wheelhouse: Live in Vegas premieres Wednesday, May 29 at 10 p.m. ET on GAC.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

"American Idol" Runner-Up Kree Harrison Making Grand Ole Opry Debut June 4

Friday, May 17, 2013 12:00pm

Michael Becker / FOXAmerican Idol runner-up Kree Harrison is making a beeline back home to Nashville to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on June 4. That show serves as the Opry's kick-off to the CMA Music Festival.

Kree is floored to be on the bill.  She says, "I'm speechless. It has been my lifelong dream to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. I am so honored to be invited!” 

Friday is Kree's birthday, and she told reporters in a conference call that getting the invite to perform on the Opry is the "best birthday present I've ever gotten in my life." She added that she cried when Keith Urban told her Thursday night that she'd be performing on the Opry.

Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban are also on the Grand Ole Opry June 4.

Kree's debut single, "All Cried Out," is now available at iTunes.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Jennifer Nettles to Release Debut Solo Album this Fall

Friday, May 17, 2013 11:39am

Dana TynanSugarland's Jennifer Nettles has announced plans to release her debut solo album this fall. She's working with producer Rick Rubin, who has been in the studio with everyone from Johnny Cash to Jay-Z.

Jennifer says, "I am absolutely thrilled and wholly proud to be working with Rick. If you ask any musician who is on their producer ‘bucket list,’ Rick would be on each and every one."

Sugarland's last album, The Incredible Machine, was released in 2010. Jennifer gave birth to her son, Magnus Hamilton, last December.

For now, it seems Jennifer and her Sugarland duo partner, Kristian Bush, are taking some time apart to work on outside projects, though a rep for Sugarland's record label tells ABC News Radio the duo has not broken up. You can keep up with Jennifer at JenniferNettles.com, and the latest on Kristian will be posted at KristianBush.com.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Jana Kramer, Brett Eldredge Playing CMT Music Awards Official Fan After-Party June 5

Friday, May 17, 2013 11:00am

Warner Music NashvilleThere will be no shortage of events for country fans to attend surrounding next month's CMA Music Festival, but Warner Music Nashville is offering one of the week's most star-studded shows, separate from the nightly concerts at LP Field. The 2013 CMT Music Awards Official Fan After-Party will feature performances from Jana Kramer, Brett Eldredge, The Farm and Charlie Worsham immediately following the CMT broadcast on June 5.

The Official Fan After-Party takes place at aVenue in downtown Nashville, just steps away from the Bridgestone Arena, which is hosting the CMT Music Awards again this year.

Tickets are on sale at the official store at WarnerMusic.com/Warner-Nashville.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Country Star Trivia

Friday, May 17, 2013 8:00am

Comstock/ThinkstockWhat is the name of the Eli Young Band's lead singer? HINT: It's not Eli Young. ANSWER: Mike Eli.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Are Taylor Swift & Lena Dunham Now Dinner Buddies?

Friday, May 17, 2013 8:00am

Kevin Mazur/WireImageTaylor Swift and Lena Dunham, the creator and star of the award-winning HBO series Girls, have a mutual admiration society going on Twitter, but now it appears as though they've taken their friendship offline and into -- gasp! -- the real world.

Life & Style magazine reports that both Taylor and Dunham attended the star-studded Met Gala in New York City on May 6, and then afterwards, they grabbed a late dinner together.  According to an insider, it was Lena who made the first move, telling Taylor that there was a "really cute diner" by her house, where they could have "like, salads and stuff."

Not long ago, Taylor said she was "floored" to learn that Dunham was a fan of hers. 

"When I found out that she listens to my music...it absolutely floored me," said Taylor. "It made my day, honestly.  So, I think, to me, for there to be someone with that creative of a mind and that impressive writing talent, for someone like that to listen to my music it was a real, really good day for me."

Taylor doesn't just like Dunham and Girls; she's also a fan of Dunham's boyfriend, Jack Antonoff.  He's the guitarist in the band fun., and Taylor told Billboard that they're one of her favorite bands right now.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio