Video: Pistol Annies perform on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”
Pistol Annies, the country music trio comprised of Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert and singer-songwriter pals Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe, performed “I Feel a Sin Comin’ On” Monday night on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
The song is off the trio’s sophomore album, “Annie Up,” which came out last week. (If you have trouble finding the performance on the full episode video, remember the musical guest is the last segment on the show.)
Lambert also sat down on Leno’s couch and chatted with the host about her recent Academy of Country Music Awards victories, her starstruck reaction to partying with Reba McEntire, Faith Hill and Shania Twain, her first concert – Garth Brooks at Texas Stadium “when he fly and like lit the stage on fire” – and of course, the tabloid rumors about her and her superstar husband Blake Shelton.
As previously reported, the Annies will perform the television debut of “Unhappily Married,” another song off “Annie Up,” tonight on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” Ferguson’s show airs at 11:35 p.m. weekdays on the CBS Television Network, according to a news release.
In addition, Pistol Annies will play June 13 at First Council Casino in Newkirk and June 14 at Lucky Star Casino in Concho. For tickets and information, go to www.ticketstorm.com.
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Video: The Swon Brothers pay tribute to George Jones with “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” on “The Voice”
Muskogee’s Swon Brother delivered a poignant and tuneful tribute to the late, great George Jones tonight during “The Voice” live playoffs.
Zach and Colton Swon took to the piano and guitar to perform an acoustic rendition of The Possum’s classic “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes.” It showcased both their voices and musicianship as well as their diehard love for country music.
George Jones died April 26 at the age of 81.
The Swon Brothers are competing in the Top 12 on Season 4 of the hit reality TV show. The first duo to make it to the show’s live founds, they are among the three remaining contestants on fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton’s team.
All 12 finalists performed on tonight’s live episode, and voting is now open. To vote, go to http://www.nbc.com/the-voice or buy the song on iTunes, since downloads there also count as votes. Unlike the previous rounds, this time out, the coaches have no saves and no say in who stays and who goes: It’s all up to the public voters now.
“The Voice” performance recap will air from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday on NBC, following by the live elimination episode from 8 to 9 p.m.
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Video: Swon Brothers compete in the Top 12 as “The Voice” live playoffs continue tonight
Muskogee’s The Swon Brothers continue to vie for the title of “The Voice” as the hit reality TV show’s live playoffs continue at 7 p.m. today and Tuesday on NBC.
As previously reported, Zach and Colton Swon made it through to the Top 12 in last Wednesday’s first Season 4 live elimination episode, becoming the first duo in the show’s history to make it to the live playoffs.
After host Carson Daly revealed which two of Team Blake’s four remaining contenders were safe based on the public’s vote – Danielle Bradbury, 16, of Texas, and Baylor University student Holly Tucker – Oklahoma country music superstar and “The Voice” coach Blake Shelton had to decide whether to save The Swon Brothers or Kentucky country crooner Justin Rivers.
“I love all three of you guys,” Shelton said. “I respect you as men and as great singers and artists. There’s a reason all of y’all made it this far.”
He added, “For the sake of keeping as different and diverse as I can at this point in the competition … I’m going to save The Swon Brothers.”
The brothers show off their Okie charm and hilarious sense of humor in this video interview with “The Voice” social media correspondent Christina Milian:
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Reba McEntire’s sitcom “Malibu Country” canceled by ABC
Reba McEntire, left, and Lily Tomlin co-starred in “Malibu Country.”
Reba McEntire’s sitcom “Malibu Country” has been canceled by ABC.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Malibu Country” is one of several series that the network has opted to axe. Others include “Happy Endings,” “Body of Proof” and “Red Widow.”
“Malibu Country” starred the Oklahoma-born and bred singer/actress as a newly single mom who divorces her cheating country singer husband and moves her family from Nashville to their summer home in Malibu, where she tries to reclaim her own singing career.
Lily Tomlin, Sara Rue and Justice Prentice co-starred in the series. Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton, “American Idol” Kelly Clarkson and Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes were among the fellow musicians who made guest appearances during “Malibu Country’s” freshman run.
The social media-savvy McEntire took to Twitter (@reba) today to address the cancellation:
“Not to worry. Everything happens for a reason!” McEntire posted with a smiley face. “Here’s to our new and exciting adventure, whatever it may be. SO looking forward to it. Love you all for your constant support!”
“Malibu Country” finished its freshman season with a respectable average of 7 million total viewers and a 1.7 rating among adults younger 50, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As part of ABC’s TGIF lineup, McEntire’s series earned an abbreviated full-season with an additional order for five episodes, along with Tim Allen’s return to TV, “Last Man Standing.”
“Malibu Country” went through two showrunners, including Nastaran Dibai (“According to Jim”), who stepped down after replacing creator Kevin Abbott, who exited when he entered rehab, reports the trade publication.
The series wasn’t a breakout hit for ABC, but McEntire’s devoted fan base did support it. “Malibu Country” also was among the network’s less-expensive fare, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
McEntire’s first sitcom, “Reba,” aired from 2001-07 on The WB, which became The CW network during the show’s run. It was the network’s No. 1 show and since its cancellation has continued to air regularly on various cable channels, including ABC Family and Country Music Television.
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Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Luke Bryan lead CMT Music Award nominations
Miranda Lambert
A version of this story appears in Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Church, Bryan, Lambert lead CMT Awards nominations
Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Luke Bryan earned four nominations each to lead the field of nominees for the 2013 CMT Music Awards
The nominations were announced Monday, and fan voting is underway at CMT.com.
Kristen Bell and Jason Aldean will host the show airing live from Nashville at 7 p.m. June 5 on CMT and CMT.com.
CMT Music Award nominees with Oklahoma ties:
Miranda Lambert (Tishomingo resident): Video of the year and female video of the year, “Mama’s Broken Heart; CMT Performance of the Year, “Over You” from the 2012 CMT Artists of the Year; and group video of the year, Pistol Annies’ “Takin’ Pills.”
Rascal Flatts (includes Joe Don Rooney of Picher): Group video of the year, “Come Wake Me Up.”
Rascal Flatts and Journey (includes Oklahoma native Neil Schon): Collaborative video of the year for “Changed” and CMT Performance of the Year for “Don’t Stop Believin’,” both from “CMT Crossroads: Journey and Rascal Flatts.”
Carrie Underwood (Checotah native): Video of the year, “Blown Away,” and female video of the year for “Two Black Cadillacs.”
Blake Shelton (Ada native): Male video of the year, “Sure Be Cool if You Did.”
Thompson Square (includes Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson): Duo video of the year, “If I Didn’t Have You.”
Toby Keith (Norman resident): CMT Performance of the Year, “Beers Ago” from 2012′s CMT Artists of the Year.
Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill (Norman native): Collaborative video of the year, “Don’t Rush” from 2012 Country Music Association Awards.
Luke Bryan and Ryan Tedder (Tulsa native): CMT Performance of the Year, “Drunk On You/Feel Again” from 2012 CMT Artists of the Year.
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The Swon Brothers make it into the Top 12 on “The Voice”
The Swon Brothers
The first “The Voice” Season 4 elimination episode is airing NOW on NBC, and Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton was the first to determine his three finalists.
Oklahoma fans can rest easy: Muskogee’s The Swon Brothers are moving ahead to the competition’s Top 12.
First, “The Voice” host Carson Daly revealed which two of Team Blake’s four remaining contenders were safe based on the public’s vote. Danielle Bradbury, 16, of Texas, and Baylor University student Holly Tucker were the two highest vote-getters on Shelton’s all-country team.
That meant Shelton had to decide whether to save The Swon Brothers or Kentucky country crooner Justin Rivers.
“I love all three of you guys,” Shelton said. “I respect you as men and as great singers and artists. There’s a reason all of y’all made it this far.”
He added, “For the sake of keeping as different and diverse as I can at this point in the competition … I’m going to save The Swon Brothers.”
The Swon Brothers are the first duo in the show’s four-season history to make it to the live playoffs.
After the commercial break, Zach and Colton Swon thanked Shelton but said it was a “bittersweet” moment since Rivers had become a close friend.
During a conference call last week, the Oklahoma singer/guitarists anticipated that saying goodbye to their fellow Team Blake contestants would be difficult.
“For sure, Team Blake particularly, we get to hang out with them a lot. And man, they are like one big family. Like when people say that on show, they mean it. And we’re probably a little too close sometime, but you know, it’s real, and you’re building real relationships,” Colton Swon said.
“And that was why we got in this whole thing is to connect with people and build relationships. And we get to do that with some of the greatest talent on Earth. And so we feel pretty blessed.”
After tonight’s elimination episode, “The Voice” live playoffs continue at 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC. The winner will be announced in a special live episode Tuesday, June 18.
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Wednesday Video Spotlight: Blake Shelton and Shakira perform “Need You Now” on “The Voice,” elimination episode airs tonight
Check out this video of Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton and her fellow “The Voice” coach Shakira performing Lady Antebellum’s super-smash “Need You Now” on Tuesday night’s episode of the hit reality TV show, plus the video of Shelton’s four finalists, including Muskogee duo The Swon Brothers, performing Little Big Town’s “Boondocks.”
The live elimination episode will air from 7 to 8 tonight on NBC. The top 12 finalists will be revealed, and The Swon Brothers are hoping to be among those moving ahead in the competition.
Zach and Colton Swon turned in a great performance of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s classic hit “Fishin’ in the Dark” on Tuesday’s performance episode. To watch it, click here.
Rod Stewart and “The Voice” Season 1-3 coach Cee Lo Green will perform on tonight’s “The Voice” elimination show.
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Video: Swon Brothers play “Fishin’ in the Dark” on “The Voice” live playoffs
Muskogee’s The Swon Brothers again showed off their strong sibling harmonies on tonight’s “The Voice” live playoffs.
Zach and Colton Swon turned in a great rendition of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s hit “Fishin’ in the Dark” that wowed all four coaches.
Now, they are seeking public votes. To download their cover of “Fishin’ in the Dark” – downloads count as votes – click here. To vote online, click here.
To read about other voting options, click here.
The elimination show will air at 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
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Video: Swon Brothers to compete on “The Voice” live shows tonight
Muskogee’s The Swon Brothers will carry on their quest to win “The Voice” as the reality TV show’s Season 4 live playoffs continue at 7 tonight on NBC.
Zach, 28, and Colton, 24, are competing on Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton’s team.
The four finalists each for Team Usher and Team Adam competed on Monday night’s live rounds, which means Team Blake and Team Shakira are up tonight.
The live playoffs mark the first time the public gets to vote for its favorite contestants. For voting information, go to www.nbc.com/the-voice.
The elimination episode is set to air from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The siblings are the first duo in the four-season history of “The Voice” to advance to the live shows. In last week’s knockout founds, their celebrity coach, Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton, pitted The Swon Brothers against Memphis “bluntry” (blues-country) singer Grace Askew, who crooned the Ann Peebles/Tina Turner standard “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and earned kudos from the coaches for her originality.
As with the blind auditions and battle rounds, the Swons’ brotherly harmonies helped them win, this time with their tuneful rendition of the Dobie Gray classic “Drift Away.”
The singer/guitarists started performing with their parents’ southern gospel group Exodus when they were youngsters, so they are accustomed to making music live. They told me in a teleconference last week that they aren’t worried about the added pressure of playing in front of millions of TV viewers on “The Voice’s” live stage.
“When it comes to the actual music part of it, it’s going to be awesome, it’s going to be fun. The stuff that worries me is like falling off stage or something like that,” Zach said wryly. “But other than that, man, I’m ready to have a good time. And it’s going to be the funnest part of the show I think.”
“My brother is pretty clumsy, so I see where he’d worry about that,” Colton joked. “Other than that, bring on the live shows, we’re ready.”
Fans can expect to see them perform more songs that accent their teamwork and tight harmonies, they said.
“There’s no formula for picking songs for us right now,” Colton said. “We just go with our gut and pray about (it), and at the end of the day, you know, you’ve just got to have fun and connect with the audience.”
To read more of my latest feature on the Swon siblings, click here.
The sibling duo’s extensive music-making experience may well be a key factor in how they fare in “The Voice” live rounds. Check out this 2-year-old video shot in Muskogee of The Swon Brothers performing the song “American Girl”:
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Video: Blake Shelton “Boys ‘Round Here” featuring the Pistol Annies and RaeLynn
From left, Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley and Miranda Lambert of musical group Pistol Annies, and singer Blake Shelton perform “Boys ‘Round Here” at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2013. (AP file)
Oklahoma country music superstar Blake Shelton has released the video for “Boys ‘Round Here,” the hip-hop-infused second single from his new album “Based on a True Story.”
The single and video features the Pistol Annies – Shelton’s wife Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe – as well as RaeLynn, a Season 2 contestant on the reality show “The Voice.”
Shelton will bring his “Ten Times Crazier Tour” in support of the new album to Tulsa’s BOK Center on Oct. 4. For more information, go to www.bokcenter.com.
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