Latest news with #Sugarland
The Star
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'The Bondsman' review: The Apocalypse is better with Bacon
Everything is better with (Kevin) Bacon, from arty-cheesy slashers like MaXXXine to Marvel holiday specials and now... even the Apocalypse. In The Bondsman, a new brisk and brutal action-horror series created by shorts/commercials director Grainger David, the "Six Degrees of..." man plays reprehensible bail bondsman Hub Halloran. He is such a "selfish @$$h**e", as one character observes late in the season, that we meet him in the first episode just as he is about to get his throat sliced open from ear to ear. We won't have to settle for a Bacon substitute for the next 7.9 episodes, though – faster than you can say R.I.P.D., Hub is brought back from the dead by no less than (a thus-far-unseen) Lucifer. Why? Well, because demons have recently started escaping from aitch-ee-double-hockeysticks and Hub's skills as a skip-tracer are needed to send them back (in fact, Hub himself was sent "downstairs" briefly after being murdered). 'You are done! No more diving board. Where you going, pal? Sorry ... I just can't resist quoting Die Hard.' Sounds simple, but Hub's baggage complicates things. He can't get over ex-wife Maryanne (Jennifer Nettles, of the country & western duo Sugarland and recently seen in The Exorcist: Believer), who is being wooed by "reformed" criminal Lucky Callahan (Damon Herriman, Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood's Charles Manson), who in turn (not exactly a spoiler) is the one behind his murder. Plus, there's the big question of why Hub was damned to begin with, something his mother and "business partner" Kitty (Beth Grant, Pushing Daisies, Donnie Darko) wants to know but claims she doesn't. Each episode of The Bondsman clocks in at just about a half-hour, making this a breeze to binge. There is a rough "demon of the week" structure, with an underlying pattern to the escapes. These escapees are tough customers, but conveniently dispatched by a means usually reserved for a different breed of screen monster. So between jobs, we get Hub trying to win Maryanne and their son Cade (Maxwell Jenkins, Lost In Space) back, Lucky trying to finish him off, Kitty bending the law to help her son, and Midge baking pastries. Wait, who? That would be Midge Kusatsu (Jolene Purdy, neighbour Beverly from WandaVision and another Donnie Darko alumnus), a home baker turned recruiter for supernatural bounty hunters like Hub. She also gets her little heart-tugging back story, featuring the seemingly ubiquitous Jay Ali (Daredevil S3, NCIS: Hawaii, Magnum P.I., Carnival Row, among many others) in an off-the-wall departure from his usual roles. They forgot to tell Maryanne that no one is ever safe on Apocalypse Idol. The Bondsman works because of the terrific dynamic among all its major characters. Bacon gives us a winningly complex lead who consistently fails because of his conviction that he is trying to do the right thing (even when blind drunk and homicidal). It's an interesting counterpoint with his rival/nemesis Lucky, who shares that same drive, although the character grates on the nerves after a while. Grant is the show's emotional anchor, as a mother willing to go to great lengths to protect her son; though from a moral standpoint, there's a point where her love doesn't extend. The thread running through most character arcs and situations in the show is that the road to THAT place is paved with good intentions, though there is little time for preachiness. This shortness of time (half-hour episodes, remember?) is most sorely felt when it comes to the show's assortment of demons, which end up as mostly underdeveloped ciphers. Sure, the season's Big Bad is a pretty big deal, but before you can say "primordial she-demon", it's cliffhanger time – and one heck of a note on which to end a season. Dang it, Hub, you'd better come back, and not just from the dead. The realm of incomplete TV shows is a nasty kind of damnation for faithful viewers. All eight episodes of The Bondsman Season One are available to stream on Prime Video.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Huge band forced to pull out of awards as star left battling illness
The Academy of Country Music Awards was thrown into chaos at the last minute when a singer was forced to pull out with their bandmate revealing she'd fallen ill A huge singer was forced to pull out of The Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday. Sugarland had been due to take to the stage but it later ermeged that things had dramatically been switched up at the last minute. Sugarland had taken to social media just one day before the prestigious event to share their excitement ahead of the awards ceremony as they encouraged fans to tune in on Prime Video. However, it emerged that the band wouldn't be on stage and were replaced at the last minute by Little Big Town who performed their track Girl Crush, originally released in 2014. But the decision didn't go unnoticed by fans who instantly took to social media to share their confusion. "I need to know- what song were you going to sing?! Missed you tonight," said one follower. A second went on to add: "Wait, Little Big Town sang instead?" asked a second. Another took to X, formerly known as Twitter commenting: "Watching the #ACMawards solely to see Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland) perform and Little Big Town takes their place." "I think Little Big Town replaced Sugarland on the ACMs. It looks like Jennifer didn't make it, only Kristian is there," said another. Sugarland, consisting of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush had also been scheduled to present the Duo of the Year award but only one half of the duo took to the stage. Kristian presented the gong to Brooks & Dunn. Explaining Jennifer's absence, he said: "I was supposed to be presenting this ACM Award for Duo of the Year with my amazing partner Jennifer Nettles. Sadly, she got sick this morning, proving that when it comes to duos, it really does take two. "Jennifer, I love you, we love you, feel better soon." The comments instantly prompted an outpouring of support from fans, with one sharing on social media: "Get Well Soon @jennifernettles." A second typed: "@jennifernettles hope you feel better soon. You were missed!!" Jennifer is yet to comment on her illness. Before their scheduled performance, the duo teased that they were planning on "going all out" and fans "won't want to miss" their set. But it appears that there's no love lost between the band as Sugarland and Little Big Town joined forces last year at the CMT Music Awards for a performance of the Phil Collins hit, Take Me Home. They later went on to release the track as a single on the same day. Elsewhere, they co-headlined a tour, the Take Me Home Tour, which ran between October 24 and December 13 of last year. At the awards, Lainey Wilson took home the top prize of Entertainer Of The Year for the second year in a row. And that was after she cleaned house, taking home trophies for both female artist and album of the year. "I really do have the best fans in the world," she said in her final acceptance speech, admitting to experiencing impostor syndrome. "I dreamed about entertaining. ... Country music has given me more than I deserve."
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge band cancel ACM Awards performance and get quietly replaced as singer battles illness
THE Academy of Country Music Awards took place last night, but one band failed to perform as slated. With the star-studded event taking place last night, fans were saddened when one of the advertised acts was noticeably missing. 6 6 6 Country music band Sugarland were due to take to the stage to sing, but failed to croon their hits in front of the crowds. Instead, Little Big Town appeared on stage to replace Sugarland. The hit country band then proceeded to sing their 2014 hit Girl Crush When viewers realized that Sugarland were absent, they quickly took to social media to share their concerns. "I need to know- what song were you going to sing?! Missed you tonight," penned one person on Sugarland's Instagram post that advertised their performance at the ceremony. "Wait, little big town sang instead?!" said a second, who was extremely confused. While another said: "I think Little Big Town replaced Sugarland on the ACMs. It looks like Jennifer didn't make it, only Kristian is there." The band were also supposed to present the award of Duo of the Year. Half of Sugarland, Kristian Bush, appeared on stage for this. Taylor Swift sports a bright red bob in Sugarland music video teaser He presented the award to Brooks & Dunn, sans Jennifer by his side. While presenting the award, Kristian explained the last-minute change to their plans. He said: "I was supposed to be presenting this ACM Award for Duo of the Year with my amazing partner Jennifer Nettles. "Sadly, she got sick this morning, proving that when it comes to duos, it really does take two." He concluded his short speech by saying: "Jennifer, I love you, we love you, feel better soon." Taking to the Sugarland Instagram account, one fan quickly penned on their ACM post: "@jennifernettles hope you feel better soon. You were missed!!" Jennifer has not yet broken her silence on her illness after falling sick. Sugarland and Little Big Town - who replaced them at the ACM Awards this year - have long been associated. In April 2024, Sugarland and Little Big Town came together for a performance of Phil Collins' Take Me Home, at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. The song was released as single the same day. Sugarland co-headlined the Take Me Home Tour with Little Big Town from October 24 to December 13, 2024. 6 6
Winnipeg Free Press
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards are here. Newcomer Ella Langley leads the nominees
NEW YORK (AP) — The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards celebrate their 60th anniversary Thursday night. And by the looks of it, they're not planning on slowing down any time soon. There's a lot to celebrate. Sixteen-time ACM Award winner Reba McEntire will once again host. Keith Urban will be awarded the coveted ACM Triple Crown Award, marking the first time an artist has received the trophy on stage since Carrie Underwood was honored in 2010. And perhaps most exciting of all: the ACM Awards will open with a 14-minute 'Songs of the Decades' performance highlight 60 years of country music and featuring McEntire, Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland and more. FILE - Ella Langley performs during Amazon Music Country Heat at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, Tenn., on Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File) The ACM festivities actually began ahead of Thursday's event. Before the award show, first-time nominee Ella Langley won the title of female new artist; the male award went to Zach Top. Here's what you need to know before the main ACMs attraction begins. How to watch the ACM Awards The ACM Awards will stream on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch Live beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific. No Prime membership is required to view the livestream. This year's ACM Awards nominees Langley leads the ACM Awards this year with eight nominations, six of which are from her smash hit 'You Look Like You Love Me' with Riley Green. Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Morgan Wallen closely follow Langley's nominations with seven each. Chris Stapleton has six nominations; Green and Post Malone are tied with five. Johnson, Wilson, Wallen and Stapleton are up for the night's top category, entertainer of the year. Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs and Jelly Roll are also nominated for the award. Who's performing at the ACM Awards In addition to the star-studded 'Songs of the Decades' performance, Langley, Wilson, Top, Stapleton, Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney, Blake Shelton and Alan Jackson will perform. Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up There will be a few star-studded duets as well. Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts will take the stage together, as will Jelly Roll and Shaboozey. Brooks & Dunn will perform with Johnson. Who's presenting Buckle up, because it's a long list of ACM presenters: Shelton, Judd, Green, Black, Carly Pearce, Crystal Gayle, ERNEST, Gabby Barrett, Gretchen Wilson, Jordan Davis, Lee Ann Womack, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Parker McCollum, Rita Wilson, Sara Evans, Sugarland, The Oak Ridge Boys and NASCAR driver Chase Elliott. ___ For more coverage of this year's ACM Awards, visit
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, ERNEST, Carly Pearce, more to appear at ACM Awards 2025
Thursday evening's 60th Academy of Country Music Awards have announced a series of updates regarding the festivities. The milestone event will stream exclusively on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Blake Shelton at Ole Red in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Of note, Keith Urban, who, by 2019, had won Entertainer of the Year and Best New Male and Best Male Artist of the Year honors, will receive his Triple Crown Award honoring that achievement. As well, country radio's current chart topper, "Texas" performer Blake Shelton, will join nearly two dozen presenters representing 70 ACM Award victories over the awards program's six-decade history, who have also been announced to appear. Who will be presenting at the 60th ACM Awards? The acclaimed group of presenters joining the anniversary show includes: Blake Shelton (five-time ACM Award-winning artist) Carly Pearce (four-time ACM Award-winning artist) Clint Black (six-time ACM Award-winning artist) Crystal Gayle (four-time ACM Award-winning artist) ERNEST (five-time ACM Award nominee) Gabby Barrett (ACM Award-winning artist) ERNEST walks the carpet at the 59th ACM Awards at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, May 16, 2024. Gretchen Wilson (two-time ACM Award-winning artist) Lee Ann Womack (five-time ACM Award-winning artist) Jordan Davis (two-time ACM Award-winning artist) Lionel Richie (two-time ACM Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and American Idol judge) Little Big Town (eight-time ACM Award-winning group) Martina McBride (four-time ACM Award-winning artist) Parker McCollum, left, performs with Jordan Davis, right during the ACM Lifting Lives event at Top Golf in The Colony, Texas., Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Parker McCollum (two-time ACM Award-winning artist) Riley Green (two-time ACM Award-winning artist) Rita Wilson , singer-songwriter and actress Sara Evans (ACM Award-winning artist) Sugarland (five-time ACM Award-winning duo) The Oak Ridge Boys (three-time ACM Award-winning group) Kelly Sutton, left, and Amber Anderson walk the carpet at the 59th ACM Awards at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, May 16, 2024. Wynonna Judd (eight-time ACM Award-winning artist) Chase Elliott , NASCAR driver Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton, Amazon Music's co-hosts of the Country Heat Weekly Podcast The celebration of 60 years of the ACM Awards will feature an opening of 12 minutes straight of music highlighting ACM Songs of the Year from six decades in an all-star performance featuring Clint Black, Dan + Shay, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland, Reba McEntire, and Wynonna Judd. The show will also feature previously announced performers including Alan Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Blake Shelton, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Shaboozey, and Zach Top. Keith Urban's Triple Crown Keith Urban's ACM win will be celebrated by performances of his chart-topping hits by Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney and Brothers Osborne. The ACM Triple Crown Award is presented to artists who have won New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. Urban achieved this honor by winning Top New Male Vocalist in 2001, Male Vocalist of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and Entertainer of the Year in 2019. Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert perform at the 13th Annual ACM Honors at the Ryman Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. His receiving of the award at the ACMs and not at the ACM Honors event annually held at the Ryman Auditorium makes him the first artist to receive this honor on the ACM Awards since Carrie Underwood in 2010. For more information on the Academy of Country Music, visit This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: ACM Awards: Martina McBride, Lionel Richie, more scheduled to appear
