Latest news with #AcademyofCountryMusic
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Post Malone Brings His Big Ass Stadium Tour Home To Texas: 11 Best Moments From the Dallas Stop
Following a star-studded 60th annual Academy of Country Music awards in Frisco, Texas on Thursday, May 8 – at which Jelly Roll was up for three trophies while Post Malone was competing in four categories – the pair got back to business on their Big Ass Stadium tour with a stop in Arlington, Texas's AT&T Stadium, just outside of Dallas. But, most importantly, the stop was just a 20-minute drive south from Post's hometown of Grapevine (where, as a young kid, he and his family moved to from Syracuse). More from Billboard Kelly Clarkson Tells Fans She's 'Bummed' Her Talk Show Stops Her From Touring During NJ Concert Miley Cyrus Addresses Family Feud Rumors: 'Family Is My Priority Above All Else' Harry Styles Makes Appearance at Pope Leo XIV's Unveiling at Vatican And while Posty's love for his hometown runs deep, his love for the Dallas Cowboys runs deeper. Post even welcomed his dad onstage, telling the crowd how he worked at the Cowboys' current and former stadium for a total of 14 years. To which Post's dad said: 'Let's go Cowboys!' Following a rousing opening set from Sierra Ferrell, it was Jelly Roll's turn to warm up the sold-out stadium. 'Y'all, get ready for your hometown hero,' Jelly repeated throughout his own set, hyping up his pal Posty throughout his hour-long performance. By the time Post took the stage, emotions were already running high. He took a moment to tell the crowd he'll be 30 this July, and that the milestone birthday has had him feeling reflective of late. 'I'm the most grateful mother f—er on the face of this planet,' he said, speaking of his decade-long career. 'You have given me the strength to keep going.' He later said that though this was only the fourth show on his Big Ass Stadium Tour, 'so far this has been the most beautiful experience of my life, ladies and gentlemen.' And for many in the crowd, the same was surely true for them. During 'Goodbyes,' one fan even offered Posty a bouquet of flowers, which he happily reached for and cradled as he walked down the stage. 'I'm having the f—ing time of my life,' he said, with a Texas-sized grin. 'Seriously.' Below are the best moments from his hometown show. Americana star Sierra Ferrell made the most of her short opening set by playing her stellar cover of Kris Kristofferson's 'Me & Bobby McGee' — but that wasn't her only cover. She brought out Joe Jonas, who was in a fully embellished black suit reminiscent of a Nudie or Manuel design complete with cowboy hat, for a gorgeous, sweet cover of Shania Twain's 'You're Still the One' that had the crowd singing along (Ferrell is also featured on Jonas's new album, Music For People Who Believe in Love, out May 25). Ferrell concluded her set with a fiery, fiddle-laden version of 'Fox Hunt,' one of the exhilarating tracks from her acclaimed Trail of Flowers album. Right at 7:30 p.m., Jelly came on stage — and he came on hot. From the opening notes of 'Heart of Stone' he was up to speed and it wasn't just him. Every member of his 11-piece band was as energetic as Jelly Roll, from Porkchop the drummer to his three backup singers who sounded like a 100-person choir. Through his hour set, the pace never flagged and Jelly's band was in constant motion as he gave each one a star turn. This was the fourth time he has played AT&T Stadium, but he still thanked anyone who wasn't familiar with him for 'giving my fat, white-trash ass a chance.' When he wasn't thanking the audience in a gracious display of humility, he was serving as the best possible hype-man for Post Malone, calling him the biggest act in the world. Even before she appeared, Jelly Roll telegraphed his wife Bunnie Xo's appearance. Playing on a set that resembled an abandoned auto parts store, the sign over the entrance changed to Bunnie's Xo in fluorescent pink, as he launched into 'Wild Ones' (sadly, with no appearance from Jessie Murph). 'My wife was born in Texas, and she was not going to miss AT&T Stadium,' declared Jelly before bringing out Bunnie for a sweet kiss as the audience roared its approval. 'The best decision I ever made in my life was marrying my best friend.' No debate there. As anyone who has listened to his music knows, Jelly Roll is on a mission to save souls one musical note at a time. That was evident throughout his set, but especially on the songs that explore the seemingly insurmountable chasm between Heaven and Hell, such as 'Son of a Sinner (his first No. 1 on Billboard's Country Airplay chart) and set closer 'Save Me,' where he conjured up the song's aching pain as if the wound were still raw. More than anything, for his entire set it was clear that he wanted every member of the 70,000 or so audience to feel seen and, even if was only for that hour, to feel less alone. As he sings in one of his most recent hits, 'I'm not okay/but it's all gonna be alright.' Despite tackling such tough subjects as addiction, depression and feeling unworthy in his music, on stage Jelly is pure, unadulterated joy. While Jelly Roll's backing vocalists wore Cowboys apparel (though only one, Peach, is from Texas), Post's band fittingly went all out with every single member wearing a Cowboys jersey. Post himself decided to represent for number 17, Brandon Aubrey, who joined the team in 2023. But a jersey alone wasn't enough; Post was also rocking Dallas Cowboys in-ears. For nearly five minutes, Post allowed himself to fully feel, or at least try to, the magnitude of the moment. After performing 'Wow.' it seemed he himself was stunned by his current reality. 'Hold on, can we cut the music real quick?' asked Post after thanking the crowd. 'I didn't have enough time to say what I wanted to say, ladies and gentleman.' But after asking the sold-out stadium how they were feeling, he appeared at a loss for words, even becoming a bit teary-eyed as his fans chanted 'Posty.' After a few minutes of taking it in, he said how good it felt 'to be back home' before once again thanking 'each and every one of y'all for coming out tonight… holy f–k, we're playing AT&T Stadium!' Of course, Jelly Roll returned to the stage after his own set to accompany Post on their F-1 Trillion collaboration 'Losers.' The two friends couldn't help but giggle together on stage, with Post later revealing that Jelly made fun of his jersey when he first came out: 'Jelly came out and pointed at my jersey and said, 'This one i for the losers.' But by the end of the song, something shifted for Jelly, as he declared: ''You know what? F— it, I'm a Cowboys fan!' 'I know for a fact I'm going to f–k this up, because I've never sang this song live,' teased Post, as the crowd immediately perked up in anticipation. 'There's a beautiful mustached man by the name of Morgan Wallen…' Posty continued, as the crowd went wild, wondering if Wallen might be making an appearance. 'We made this song together a long time ago,' Post said of the pair's recently-released second collaboration, 'I Ain't Comin' Back.' Post handled both parts like a pro, and after nailing reminded fans, 'I've never sang that song in my f—ing life.' 'AT&T Stadium, can I play some f—ing guitar for y'all tonight?' asked Post. The answer was a clear (and loud), 'yes.' While standing along at the end of the stage's runway with just an acoustic guitar (plus a cigarette and an ever-present solo cup), Post performed one his most beautifully-written tracks to date, 'Feeling Whitney.' Despite a brief tuning delay, the intimate moment was worth the wait and Post took his time with the song and ended with a sing-along on the chorus of 'oohs.' He then welcomed 'one of the best vocalists' back to the stage, opener Sierra Ferrell, to perform their F-1 duet, 'Never Love You Again.' Once Post started teasing his debut hit 'White Iverson,' the stadium's intensity increased. 'Some would argue this is my only good song,' he said – highlighting the unspoken irony that his country set – and a near decade of hits beyond his first – is what bumped him into sold-out stadium territory. 'I grew up not too far from here and I remember I moved to L.A. and I told myself that one of these mother f—ing days I'm gonna be a singer and I'm gonna play AT&T Stadium, ladies and gentleman… and it's thanks to all you that it's happening right now,' said Post, feeling once again emotional and reflective on the series of moments that brought him to tonight. While standing above the crowd in an air-lifted stage – the closing gimmick of the tour – he then turned the attention to everyone in attendance. Telling them that they gave him the 'hope and courage' to chase his dreams, and making clear all he wants is to now give that same gift back. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kelsea Ballerini pairs with CMA Fest partner SoFi for college student-aimed financial program
Official CMA Fest partner SoFi is already uniquely doubling down on its active engagement in country's mainstream marketplace. The 14-year-old personal finance and financial technology company has announced a partnership with Grammy-nominated Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Award-winner Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to college access and success, to launch the Rising Stars Program. The $2 million initiative will provide Tennessee-based college students over $500,000 in grants to expand its COMPLETE program aimed at helping college students quickly gain financial independence in their post-graduation years. "I'm incredibly proud to be working with SoFi to give students in Tennessee the financial tools and education they need to succeed. Investing even small amounts of money in your 20s will go further than larger amounts invested later in life. Building true financial independence starts by investing in your future early," offered Ballerini via a press statement. SoFi's contributions will fund students' 1:1 coaching and financial support as they prepare for a high-skill, high-wage career, plus a specialized financial readiness curriculum for the 60,000 students across their programs. Financial assistance for food, housing, laptops, textbooks, and emergency funds, plus a financial planning curriculum covering topics like budgeting, investing, and saving for future life milestones. In addition, SoFi is offering every Tennessee resident between 18-24 the opportunity to receive a minimum of $5 in free stock of their choosing, with a chance to win up to $1,000 in stock – all with no minimum deposit or fees required. 'tnAchieves could not be more excited to partner with SoFi to bring financial literacy resources to our students and families, helping more Tennesseans achieve their ambitions of going to college and earning a high-quality degree,' said Krissy DeAlejandro, President/CEO of tnAchieves. 'The Rising Stars Program will provide our students with the critical support and mentorship they need to get into college, pursue meaningful careers, and build generational wealth. We are grateful for their support as tnAchieves executes programs designed to build Tennessee's future workforce by meeting each student where they are — at scale.' To participate in the Rising Stars program, college students can register for an Active SoFi Invest brokerage account, with no minimum deposit required. Once their account is set up, they will be directed to a promotion where they can reveal a $5, $10, $50, $100, or $1,000 prize and select their chosen stock(s). This offer is available to Tennessee residents aged 18-24 who do not have an Active Investing brokerage account with SoFi. Registration is open from June 6 until July 31, 2025. The Rising Stars Program is part of the SoFi Generational Wealth Fund, which has contributed millions of dollars across multiple initiatives to help underserved communities build wealth for the next generation. A press statement notes that SoFi's programs have helped low-income families purchase their first home, funded high school athletic programs, provided financial aid for family planning and empowered women's economic independence. "Patterns" vocalist Ballerini joins SoFi's iGenerational Wealth Fund partners, including NBA All-Star and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, tennis champion and best-selling author Venus Williams, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, and Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBA star Cameron Brink. Visit for more information. Via a SoFi Plus membership, as the presenting partner of June 5-8, 2025's CMA Fest, personal finance company SoFi is offering attendees exclusive event perks. From VIP access to money-back rewards, SoFi Plus members could receive the following at CMA Fest: 25% Cash Back Rewards: Earn 25% cash back on up to $200 of eligible food, drinks, and merch purchases at CMA Fest when they use their SoFi credit or debit card SoFi Plus Lounge Access: Get exclusive access to the SoFi Plus Lounge, located inside Riverfront Station at the end of Broadway. There, members (and a plus one) can cool down with drinks, custom swag, ACs, indoor restrooms, and surprise perks daily Last-Minute Ticket Drops: SoFi Plus members will have first access to a limited number of last-minute CMA Fest tickets – available exclusively to subscribers on a first-come, first-served basis SoFi will provide fans music, rewards, and comfort, with access to over $1,000 in annual value for SoFi Plus members who engage in qualifying activities across banking, investing, and spending. To learn more or join SoFi Plus, visit This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kelsea Ballerini, SoFi team up for college student financial program
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Amazon, ACM Awards Extend Streaming Deal Through 2028
The Academy of Country Music Awards will remain on Prime Video for several more years. The academy, producer Dick Clark Productions and the Amazon-owned streamer have signed a three-year deal to keep the annual show on Prime Video through 2028. The previous agreement was up after last week's 60th ACM Awards. More from The Hollywood Reporter Tory Lanez Hospitalized After Getting Stabbed In Prison (Reports) Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour Wraps L.A. Leg - How to Get the Best Ticket Deals for Remaining Cities Lisa's Limited-Edition Bose Earbuds Are the Ultimate Audio Accessory for Blackpink Superfans 'Our ongoing partnership with the Academy of Country Music and Dick Clark Productions has been an amazing experience for everyone involved,' said Vernon Sanders, global head of television at Amazon MGM Studios. 'With the tremendous success of this year's 60th anniversary show hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire, we are overjoyed to continue our relationship with the Academy and DCP for the next three years. We look forward to maintaining this success and bringing even more star-studded and captivating shows to our global Prime Video customers.' The ACM Awards were the first big awards show to move exclusively to streaming, beginning in 2022 (the SAG Awards followed suit in 2024, moving to Netflix). The Tony Awards, Grammys and, as of this year, Oscars have live streamed simultaneously with their network broadcasts in the recent past. 'Our powerful partnership with Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video has expanded the reach and accessibility of our show and the country music genre to viewers anytime, anywhere around the world and has redefined what an awards show experience can and should be in today's environment,' said Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside. 'The synergies between Prime Video, Amazon Music, Twitch, and the other divisions of Amazon bring exponential value to our artists, our genre, and our fans through an immersive 360 music experience they can't get from any other platform. I am so proud of our pioneering first four years in the streaming space, and we are excited to continue to deliver the future of country music and the ACM Awards to fans everywhere over the next three years.' Added Dick Clark Productions CEO Jay Penske, 'We're thrilled to continue our partnership with Prime Video through 2028. The Academy of Country Music Awards made history in 2022 as the first major awards show to exclusively livestream and continues to break new ground, creating a world-class music event and providing dynamic, unparalleled reach through Prime Video, connecting country music with a global audience.' Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation, The Hollywood Reporter's parent company, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise 'Yellowstone' and the Sprawling Dutton Family Tree, Explained
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Greenville Country Music Fest announces 2025 headliners
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Put your cowboy boots on and get ready for a weekend full of incredible, county music. The Greenville Country Music Fest announced their headliners that will be taking the stage on October 24 and 25. Zach Top and Koe Wetzel will be featured as this year's main performances, performing at the CCNB Amphitheater at Heritage Park, in Simpsonville. Zach Top is making waves in the world of country music, recently earning the 2025 Academy of Country Music, 'New Male Artist of the Year' award. His debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music was nominated for Album of the Year. Koe Wetzel's hits have already ranked on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, with his sound captivating audiences with his blend of country and rock influences. Tickets are on sale now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Keith Urban's Major Career News Marks a Country Music Milestone
Over a decade since Carrie Underwood was the last country artist to win the Triple Crown Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Keith Urban will be honored with the highly prestigious prize. Presented by the Academy of Country Music, the ACM Triple Crown Award is only given to artists who have already won three separate awards: New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. Urban, 57, is eligible for the distinction thanks to a series of previous wins, including Top New Male Vocalist in 2001, Male Vocalist of the Year in 2005 and 2006, and Entertainer of the Year in 2019. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 In a tribute to the "Somebody Like You" singer, the awards ceremony will include performances of his hit songs by Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney and Brothers Osborne, according to a press release. As previously announced, the 60th annual ACM Awards will be hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winner Reba McEntire and will open with a performance highlighting past ACM Songs of the Year from Clint Black, Dan + Shay, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland, Wynonna Judd and McEntire herself. The televised event, scheduled to stream on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8, at 8 p.m. ET, will also feature performances from the likes of Backstreet Boys, Rascal Flatts, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Eric Church,Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert, plus New Artist of the Year winners Ella Langley and Zach Top.
