401k/ Flickr

The winning continues today!  Make a note of the Q-To-Call times!

8:06 a.m. and 3:36 p.m.!  When you hear the Q-to Call, the 25th nationwide caller wins $1,000.  Each Win Cash call is worth $1,000!  1-877-854-9467.

Listen to these winners get excited!

What would you do with $10,000?

Log onto the website and register for the $10,000 raffle!  (Drawn June 1) You must be a VIP member!

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

When it comes to country music, it’s Taylor Swift‘s world and we’re all just living in it — according to Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list. The 22-year-old music mogul placed No. 11 on the exclusive countdown, making her the highest-ranked country musician.

The list ranked each celebrity based on five factors: money, television/radio, press, web and social rank. Swift’s strongest showing was in social appeal, landing at No. 7. The crossover appeal of her last multi-platinum album, ‘Speak Now,’ also proved helpful, giving the entertainer a No. 14 placement in television/radio. Swift racked in an impressive $57 million in the last year, making her the 22nd richest celebrity on the list.

But the ‘Ours’ isn’t the only powerful star in country music. Toby Keith placed No. 49 overall, earning a cool $55 million from his successful singing career, I Love This Bar and Grill restaurant brand and new line of Wild Shot tequila. Kenny Chesney follows closely at No. 53, earning an impressive $44 million on the strength of his rigorous tour schedule.

Swift’s profile will no doubt rise significantly with the release of her highly-anticipated new studio album, which is expected to be released later this year. No specific details have been released, but British rocker Ed Sheeran is the latest confirmed collaborator on the project. In an interview with the New Yorker this past fall, Swift revealed that the songs she’s penned thus far for her 2012 album are “sad.”

“Being so busy, there’s not a lot of time to stop in the middle of the day and just kind of think about this feeling that you just realized about a relationship you had a year ago,” says Swift. “The ones I love the most end up happening very quickly.”

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-songs/" title="Top 10 Taylor Swift Songs" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

ed yourdon, flickr

Riding a bicycle is no longer just for kids without a driver’s license or adults carrying around the burden of a DUI.

These days, more and more Americans are jumping on their bikes as a way to get some much needed exercise, as well as an alternative to driving or using public transportation.

With respect to May being National Bike Month, the people at Walk Score, which is a website that rates neighborhoods for their “walkability,” has just released its list of the top 10 most bike-friendly cities in America. These cities were rated by the number and quality of bike lanes and trails, destinations and road connectivity, and number of bike commuters and hills.

The highest possible rating that could be awarded was 100, although the top-rated city this year, Minneapolis, could only muster a 79.

So if your city made the list, congratulations. If it did not, Bike Score invites you to air your grievances.

America’s Most ‘Bikeable’ Cities:

1. Minneapolis
2. Portland, Oregon
3. San Francisco
4. Boston
5. Madison, Wisconsin
6. Washington, DC
7. Seattle
8. Tucson, Arizona
9. New York City
10. Chicago

[TIME]

The Green Room PR

“This event started as an idea we had in the studio last year to crash someone’s prom,” says Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott (quote via the Green Room PR). “We had no idea at the time it would fill such a need. We are amazed by the support we’ve gotten from our fans, sponsors and the press. This is one of the proudest moments of our career!”

The moment Scott is referring to is the private concert held last night (May 15), during which $285,000 was raised to rebuild the community of Henryville, a small town in Indiana that was struck by a devastating tornado earlier this year. The ‘Dancing Away With My Heart’ trio performed a 45-minute set for the juniors and seniors at the KFC YUM! Center as part of the school’s prom night, which was followed by a full-fledged post-party concert that was open to the general public in order to help raise funds for the rebuilding process.

Lipton Tea also pledged their support for the effort in the spirit of their Drink Positive and Live Positive message, a campaign that Lady A already supports.

The band exceeded their donation goal, which was set at $250,000. All proceeds raised from the concert portion of Rebuilding Henryville will remain local through the New Hope/Indiana Bankers Association for the benefit of the disaster relief fund. Fans who are unable to attend Rebuilding Henryville can still get involved by making donations in any amount here.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

Like we told you earlier this year, rising country trio Gloriana will perform their latest hit, ‘(Kissed You) Good Night’ on the May 21 episode of the hit reality show, ‘The Bachelorette.’ The band is set to serenade the newest Bachelorette Emily Maynard and her love-driven hopefuls during a unique one-on-one date segment.

The trio’s latest television appearance seems a natural fit, considering member Rachel Reinert’s fondness for the popular television show. “I’m a huge fan of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette,” gushes the band’s only female member (quote via Warner Music). “I watched Emily when she was a contestant on the Bachelor and I was an instant fan of hers, so hearing that she is a fan of our band was a wonderful surprise! I’m excited to watch the new season, and I’m even more excited that we got to be a part of it.”

‘(Kissed You) Good Night’ is on the verge of becoming the band’s highest charting single, as it’s currently sitting at No. 17 on the country songs chart. Their debut single, ‘Wild at Heart,’ reached No. 15 in 2009, selling more than 500,000 digital copies. The band’s current radio offering is the second single from Gloriana’s yet-to-be-released ‘A Thousand Miles Left Behind’ and is the band’s first radio single since member Cheyenne Kimball’s departure in 2011.

Click here to view upcoming Gloriana tour dates.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Alan's Country Records/EMI Nashville

With the release of Alan Jackson’s long-awaited ‘Thirty Miles West’ just weeks way, the country superstar has divulged the official track listing for the 13-track album. The project, Jackson’s first under his own label Alan Country Records, in partnership with EMI Nashville, may be his 17th studio attempt, but the Georgia native admits he is still able to create a relevant album title that references his own person life.

“There’s this highway that’s been in existence for forever now — it’s called the Dixie Highway and it runs from north of Michigan all the way down to South Florida, and I wrote a song about it that’s on the album,” he explains. “I grew up on Highway 34 outside of Newnan, Georgia, and that’s where we came up with ‘Thirty Miles West.’ I think we were about thirty miles west of the official part of the Dixie Highway that runs through Georgia.”

When speaking about the album’s current radio offering, ‘So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore,’ Jackson says the connection to the song was instant. “At first, it raised the hair on my arms when I heard the demo,” he says. “It’s the kind of song that made me want to be in country music. I’m such a big fan of that kind of song. Sad songs, break-up songs and heartache songs are always the best ones to bring that emotion out … People are comparing it to a new ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.’ I wouldn’t want to put myself in that category with George [Jones], but it is a great song.”

Written by esteemed songwriter Jay Knowles and Jackson’s nephew, Adam Wright, ‘So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore’ is Top 30 and climbing. ‘Thirty Miles West’ will hit store shelves and digital retailers on June 5.

Alan Jackson’s ‘Thirty Miles West’ Track Listing:

1. ‘Gonna Come Back as a Country Song’
2. ‘You Go Your Way’
3. ‘Everything But the Wings’
4. ‘Talk Is Cheap’
5. ‘So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore’
6. ‘Look Her in the Eyes and Lie’
7. ‘Dixie Highway’ (featuring the Zac Brown Band)
8. ‘She Don’t Get High’
9. ‘Her Life’s a Song’
10. ‘Nothin’ Fancy’
11. ‘Long Way to Go’
12. ‘Life Keeps Bringin’ Me Down’
13. ‘When I Saw You Leaving (for Nicey)’

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/new-country-music-releases-june-2012/" title="New Country Music Releases 2012" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

The band chosen as the winner of the Musical Shootout will open for the Bucky Beaver Ground Grippers during that evening’s street dance, along with $500!

Vote for your favorite right here!

Almeda Bradshaw’s River Band

As a singer/songwriter, I mostly work solo. But I also front an acoustic trio with myself on vocals/guitar plus upright bass and fiddle/mandolin players. And I work with a five piece group that includes banjo and a second guitar. It all depends on what the venue calls for. I play Western Americana: original and traditional cowboy, country, bluegrass, folk and spiritual. You can learn more about me at my website: www.almedam2bmusic.com and through cdbaby.com, fandalism.com, reverbnation.com and facebook.com. I have sdome youtube videos and videos on my website, but for competition purposes, I have submitted an mp3 of my original song “They Keep A-Stealing On You.”

Jim’n'i

Jim’n'i is a singer/songwriter duo from the beautiful Flathead Lake area featuring Stacy Lynne Santilli’s rich vocal palette and Jim Steiner’s earthy acoustic guitar and harmonies. Listen to more Jim’n'i at www.reverbnation.com/jimnilive

Deadmans Hand

Deadmans Hand was formed in the Winter of 2010 by Rocky Hert, Colton Stieber and Kelly Thompson and with the addition of drummer Mike Hutch they have become a successful Rock and Roll quartet around the Hardin and Billings area. Putting a unique twist on music from the 50′s to today Deadmans Hand has a way to reach music lovers of all ages and lifestyles.

Almost Time

Almost Time was founded by friends and songwriters Joshua Austill and Jeff Hagan in the summer of 2011. Joshua brings with him years of experience playing piano, drums, trumpet, guitar, and singing in choirs. Jeff brings with him years of experience playing bass and teaching others to do so. Jake brings with him a lifetime of experience playing the drums.

Vote for your favorite here

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Kenny Chesney is gearing up to head back out on the road on his first major stadium run since last summer’s Goin’ Coastal Tour. Not only is he sharing the stage with his fellow country music superstar Tim McGraw, but also famed Nashville musician Kenny Greenberg.

Greenberg is the Academy of Country Music’s 2012 Guitarist of the Year and a veteran session musician in Music City who has previously collaborated with Bob Seger, Willie Nelson and Etta James. The legendary guitarist has frequently worked with Chesney on past musical projects, including the singer’s forthcoming new album ‘Welcome to the Fishbowl’ (in stores June 19) and his previous album, ‘Hemingway’s Whiskey.’

“Kenny is one of the best guitarists out there today, period,” Chesney says of his fellow Kenny, Greenberg. “He’s been a great friend and collaborator over the years, right through ‘Welcome to the Fishbowl,’ and it’s going to be amazing to have him at the party each night this summer.”

Greenberg will join Chesney’s already solid band of musicians, which includes Wyatt Beard (keyboards), Sean Paddock (drums), Steve Marshall (bass), Clayton Mitchell (guitar), Jim Bob Gairrett (steel guitar) and Jon Conley (guitar/fiddle).

The highly-anticipated Brothers of the Sun Tour, also featuring Jake Owen and Grace Potter, is set to kick off on June 2 in Tampa, Fla.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/kenny-chesney-tim-mcgraw-2012-co-headline-tour-dates/" title="See Kenny Chesney Tour Dates" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Paramount Pictures / Universal Pictures / Lionsgate

This weekend, you’ll have your choice between a goofy comedy, watching things blow up, and a tale about the joys and perils of new parenthood.

In ‘The Dictator,’ Sacha Baron Cohen stars as the title character who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.

Based on the classic board game, ‘Battleship’ is an epic action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force.

And ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting,’ inspired by the self-help book of the same name, tells the story of a group of expectant parents dealing with the surprise demands of pregnancy.

Here’s a sneak peek.

‘The Dictator’

Directed by: Larry Charles
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, Jason Mantzoukas
Get Tickets & Showtimes

‘Battleship’

Directed by: Peter Berg
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, Tadanobu Asano, Hamish Linklater, Liam Neeson
Get Tickets & Showtimes

‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’

Directed by: Kirk Jones
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Ben Falcone, Anna Kendrick, Matthew J. Morrison
Get Tickets & Showtimes

Vladamir Rys/Getty

It seems like forever since the the Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games have been in Billings.  The event was here in 2000.  Now the Special Olympics are back in the Magic City through 2014.  The games have been in Bozeman the last 3 years.

On May 15 Montana Law enforcement completed their torch run for the Special Olympics, kind of the start to the opening ceremonies.  The Montana Law Enforcement officers ran and biked the Flame of Hope over 2,000 miles over the last 2 weeks through Montana.  The actual opening ceremonies are tonight at Metrapark.

Let the games begin at 7 p.m. tonight at Rimrock Auto Arena and various other locations around Billings.  Good work and thank you to the over 2,000 volunteers it takes to pull off this event.  Over 1,000 athletes will compete at Olympic style events through May 18.   Athletes of all skill levels are out to win but most of all have fun.

James Woodcock/Gazette

Your support can begin tonight, May 16 at the official start of the games.

Michael Loccisano / Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Fans got a peek at Reba McEntire‘s new sitcom today. The country great shared a trailer of ‘Malibu Country,’ a show that stars the redhead as an aging, aspiring country star who’s trying to begin a career after a divorce from a country legend. She isn’t the only superstar to appear on the small screen, however. Carrie Underwood was on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and Taylor Swift‘s ‘Mean’ got the ‘Glee’ treatment yesterday. Find video of both in the Daily Roundup.

Also included in this recap of the hottest music news stories are a few from outside of country, like Justin Bieber‘s thoughts on beer and a review of ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting.’

Today on Taste of Country:

‘Malibu Country’ Trailer Gives First Look at Reba McEntire’s New Comedy Series
Taylor Swift’s ‘Mean’ Gets the ‘Glee’ Treatment in New Video
Kenny Chesney Expands His Band Prior to Brothers of the Sun Tour Kickoff
Miranda Lambert Picks Up Yet Another Stray Puppy
Before They Were Famous: Clint Black
Lady Antebellum Head to Indiana to Rebuild Henryville High School
Josh Kelley, Katherine Heigl Reveal Details About New Adopted Daughter
Best Hump Day Song – Readers Poll
Carrie Underwood Brings ‘Good Girl’ to the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Stage
Taylor Swift Teams Up With Ed Sheeran for New Album
New Country Music Releases – June 2012
Discover America Commercial – What’s the Song?
Toby Keith’s Annual Golf Classic Event Set for May 19 in Oklahoma

Taste of Country Also Recommends:

Justin Bieber GQ Profile Reveals He’s Tried Beer, Likes Metallica + is ‘Flaky’
‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ Review
Jay-Z: ‘Jack White Is Insane’
‘Anchorman 2′ Poster Debuts, Teaser to Play Before ‘The Dictator’
Bill Ward Officially Out of Black Sabbath Reunion After ‘Final Effort’ Fails

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Following a successful television run with her self-titled sitcom ‘Reba,’ Reba McEntire is getting another crack at the small screen. The singer-turned-actress’ new series, ‘Malibu Country,’ has been picked up by ABC, after a pilot episode was given the greenlight earlier this year. Now, the first official trailer for the series has been released.

In the clip below, McEntire tells the dramatic story of how she and her kids found their way out to Malibu. Following a divorce from her cheating husband, the fiery redhead packs up the car and heads west with her brood — mom (Lily Tomlin) included — in tow. But like any good comedy show, you know things aren’t going to be as smooth as the singer had originally planned.

ABC’s official synopsis of ‘Malibu Country’ reads:

When Reba Gallagher (Reba) discovers that her husband, Bobby, (Jeffrey Nordling) a country music legend, has a cheatin’ heart, her world is turned upside down. Reba dreamt of becoming a country star herself, but put her career on hold to raise a family. Now she’s questioning all of that, big-time. With the ink on her divorce barely dry, Reba packs up her sharp-tongued mother, Lillie May (Lily Tomlin), her two kids and the U-Haul and heads for sunny California to begin a new chapter. Leaving Nashville in the rear view, they start over at their Malibu residence — the last remaining asset they have. Reba gets to know her new open and loving neighbor Kim (Sara Rue) and her son, Sage, but also discovers that relocation to Southern California is going to be quite an adjustment for a traditional southern belle: the West Coast seems like the polar opposite of Music City, and Reba feels like an outsider. Still, with the support of her family she sets about finding her voice, jump-starting her music career with the help of her new music agent, Geoffrey (Jai Rodriguez), and embracing this chance to begin again.

‘Malibu Country’ will air Fridays starting this November on ABC.

Watch the ‘Malibu Country’ Trailer Starring Reba McEntire

Source: TasteofCountry.com

YouTube

Carrie Underwood has really been making her rounds to promote ‘Blown Away,’ her newest album release. And while the entire album has received critical acclaim from the media, ‘Good Girl’ — the first single from the record — is her most performed song nowadays. On Tuesday night (May 15), Underwood took the soulful anthem to the stage on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ where she was accompanied by four dancers who tore up the rug.

Underwood’s rocking performance took the ballroom stage by storm during the semi-final competition. With a full band including back-up singers, Underwood took her post by the microphone wearing a short and lacy purple and blue dress. If her vocals weren’t so powerful, her gorgeous getup and signature shoulder-length curly blonde hair would have stolen the show.

During the second verse, the ‘Good Girl’ hitmaker and her backup band were joined by four professional dancers, who twirled and displayed impressive footwork. The two duos flexed their dancing muscles by adding dips and swing moves into the mix.

After an intense round of dancing, one more contestant was eliminated from the 14th season of the show. Julianne Hough also performed with her ‘Rock of Ages’ co-stars.

Underwood has heard her smash hit single performed all over the country since its release in February. In April, the country superstar sang along with the 5th grade choir at PS22 in Staten Island, as they performed their own rendition of ‘Good Girl.’ Last week, a video surfaced of a toddler rocking out to the No. 1 single in her car seat.

Given the mega-popular status of ‘Good Girl,’ it’s not surprising that Underwood made history with her most recent album. ‘Blown Away’ landed Underwood in the books by debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. This makes her only the second country artist in the 47-year history of the chart to have each of their first four albums debut at No. 1.

Currently, Underwood has five CMT award nominations under her belt, including Female Video of the Year, two for Video of the Year, Collaborative Video of the Year, and CMT Performance of the Year. Talk about being blown away!

Watch Underwood’s performance on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ to catch a glimpse of why this lovely lady is getting so much critical acclaim.

Watch Carrie Underwood Perform ‘Good Girl’ on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Source: TasteofCountry.com

uggboy ugggirl, flickr

Buying airfare shouldn’t be as complex as trying to handicap a race horse, but the truth is sometimes it’s trickier.

Most people at least have a fighting chance with a little beginner’s luck when making their first bet on the ponies, yet those of us who have been flying for years can’t seem to get a grip on this airfare game.

Americans typically get a little jumpy when they feel like they’re being ripped off, but losing money on a bet is just part of the fun.

However, there is nothing fun about paying too much for airfare. According to Jetsetter, there are some specific tips you can follow in order to get the best possible deal.

• Book airfare six weeks in advance during normal time (not during the holidays)
• Book airfare three months in advance to a popular location in high season
• Book airfare for Thanksgiving the day after Labor Day
• Book airfare as soon as possible during the summer months because rates get higher as summer progresses
• Book airfare two-to-four weeks in advance during the fall months because you can wait longer for last minute deals in the off-season
• Book airfare for winter vacations as early as September
• Book airfare for spring break three months in advance

So plan all of your trips well in advance to ensure the best possible bet on your next airfare purchase. And remember, it’s a gamble.

[LearnVest]

Jason Merritt/Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images

It certainly looks as though Taylor Swift‘s next studio album will be full of surprises! In what seems like an unlikely pairing, British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran took to his official Twitter account yesterday to tells fans he is indeed working with the country starlet on her highly-anticipated fourth album.

“Writing songs with a very cool artist today ,” The BRIT Award winner tweeted. Sheeran quickly clarified his mysterious tweet by adding, ”In and out burger, defacing guitars and writing music with @taylorswift13.”

The cross-genre collaboration isn’t Swift’s first in recent months. In addition to being the featured artist on rapper B.o.B’s song ‘Both of Us,’ the country superstar has also teamed up with pop phenomenon Justin Bieber to pen a track for the young heartthrob’s next album.

“It’s crazy, I mean I even wrote a song with Taylor Swift, so the whole album ranges differently,” Bieber tells U.K. radio station Capital FM. “Everything doesn’t sound the same, everything’s different and [after] each song you won’t expect the next song to happen.”

No word yet on a release date for Swift’s follow-up to her multi-platinum album, ‘Speak Now,’ but the singer does offer an insight on the lyrical direction of the project. In an interview with the New Yorker this past fall, Swift revealed that the songs she’s penned thus far for her 2012 album are “sad.”

“Being so busy, there’s not a lot of time to stop in the middle of the day and just kind of think about this feeling that you just realized about a relationship you had a year ago,” says Swift. “The ones I love the most end up happening very quickly.”

The new album is expected to be released this fall.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-songs/" title="Top 10 Taylor Swift Songs" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Later this week, Toby Keith is gearing up for his 9th-annual Toby Keith and Friends Golf Classic event — but this year’s will be extra special. To kick the whole thing off, Keith will be present for the groundbreaking of the OK Kids Korral in Oklahoma City — a home-away-from-home for children and families being treated at the Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center and other nearby facilities.

The ceremony is set for 10AM local time on Friday (May 18). Later in the evening, Keith will host the annual dinner and auction to help continue the tradition of raising funds for the important cause.

Among those items up for auction include a trip to Africa with Pros for Africa, a Brush Creek getaway, a Dallas Cowboys VIP package, having a menu item named for you at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, concerts and golf packages, as well as exclusive memorabilia from artists such as Coldplay, Carrie Underwood, the Rolling Stones, the Three Stooges and, of course, Toby Keith himself.

Other auction items on the table include A Day in the Life of Toby on Tour, LA Talk Show Package, ESPYs Package with Adrian Peterson, Houston Astros Suite Package and memorabilia from Bob Griese, Derek Jeter, Drew Brees, Cal Ripken Jr., Tim McGraw, Aaron Rogers, Elvis, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean and Wayne Gretzky.

The main event — Keith’s Golf Classic — is set for the following day, Saturday, May 19. The celebrities will hit the links in hopes of getting a hole-in-one. Those who do accomplish the victory have a chance at winning a Ford truck from local dealership Seth Wadley Ford.

Monies raised from the event will benefit the Toby Keith Foundation, which was set up to give sick children and their families a helping hand. For more information on the event or the charity, visit its official website by clicking here.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/top-toby-keith-songs/" title="Top 10 Toby Keith Songs" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Paramount

Is Will Ferrell’s ‘Anchorman’ sequel going to be a ‘Chorus Line’-style musical? Probably not. That’s too much to ask. But that’s the vibe I’m getting off of this early teaser poster for ‘Anchorman 2,’ which may (or may not) be subtitled ‘The Legend Continues.’

The poster was tagged by The Lebanese Cinema Movie Guide (and shared via ComingSoon). It arrives just ahead of an alleged ‘Anchorman’ sequel teaser trailer that Paramount plans to attach to prints of Sacha Baron Cohen’s ‘The Dictator’ starting this week.

We haven’t seen the teaser yet, but it reportedly involves all four cast members riffing about their return. The last thing McKay told the media about the sequel, they were still hammering out the script. It’s unlikely they’ve filmed anything for the sequel besides this teaser. We’ll post it as soon as it makes it’s way online.

Until then, we have this poster. That’s Ron in the middle, with his signature red suit. Who is that on the left? They appear to have two different pant legs. That has to be Steve Carell’s dim-witted Brick, right?

We have a long time until the ‘Anchorman’ sequel reaches theaters in 2013. But between the Conan O’Brien appearance, the teaser trailer and now this poster, it’s obvious Paramount’s going to promote the daylights out of this sequel, turning it into a massive hit for the studio. Well, that’s if the movie’s any good. It has to be, though. Right?

Source: ScreenCrush.com

NBC

We’re still in the middle of the audition process for ‘America’s Got Talent,’ so at this point audiences are prepared to see anything from the sweet to the absolutely absurd. What better place to find that all than in San Francisco?

We’re technically on the second episode of ‘America’s Got Talent,’ so naturally at this point the judges are ready to ‘go into battle’. “I’ve been waiting in my hotel room since five in the morning, waiting to judge something,” says Howard Stern as he’s greeted by crowds of San Franciscans. And obviously the rest of the crowd is anxious to move forward with the auditions. After all, if the contestants manage to win this competition then they will snag a million dollars. And no matter what you tell us, we don’t believe that Howie Mandell actually flew in on some form of a jet pack. That’s just careful editing at work there.

We begin the festivities with the Sacramento dance group called CMYB, headed by David Garblandi. Now here’s the kicker: they’re not just a dance group, but a painting dance group. Yes, they manage to combine their love of dance with their incredible painting skills. To think that he’s able to paint Mozart while actually dancing to it along with his group is just amazing. Color the judges impressed. (Sorry)

Then the audience isn’t introduced so much as exposed to Mr. Special. His name should sum it up. He comes in a little tricycle playing “Anchors Away” on a trumpet while wearing half of a chicken outfit. He gets an automatic fail from Sharon and Howard, but pushover Howie gives him a chance for a split second until he decides to vote against him. Mr. Special doesn’t take the news well as he almost calls Sharon a b—-, then tells her to give him a call. Mr. Special even manages to slightly harass Howie and Howard back stage. Rude much?

It’s time for a horrible audition montage! We’re exposed to the worst of the bunch which includes lame fire performers, a band who plays solely on guitars made out of suitcases and Mars Green, a man who’s painted like a lizard and sings an awful rendition of Katy Perry’s “Supernatural.” That poor, poor audience.

Obviously the saddest one in the group was Kim McAffe, a singer who’s duet became a solo thanks to her flaky singing partner. She may have given Howard Stern praise for his show, but that doesn’t stop him from giving her an automatic no for her performance. Suddenly Nick Cannon pops up, trying to help her out by “scratching,” which makes her performance a bit worse.

Let’s bring on the balancing act! We’re referring to Cristin Sandu, a seventeen-year-old who balances on several metal circles. It terrifies the audience to a degree, afraid that Cristin will be splattered all over the AGT floor, but he manages to pull off his act without a hitch and wins most of the judges over.

Then we’re sprinkled with a bit of humor as the auditions continue on with LCD – The Lisa Clark Dancers. This has to be one of the funniest dances that’s been seen on the show so far, mixing contemporary dance with classical music. Everyone’s won over except for Howie, which nobody gets, not even us. For some reason Howie is happy when he sees the magician and the concert piano player who pull off a cool sawing act that ends with half of the piano player performing one of his tunes. And then he gives a yes to a juggler who screws up the first time he performs his act. What’s going on in that noggin, Howie?

We get our first dose of impressions on the show thanks to Dave, a comedian impressionist. He manages to imitate the voice and movements of a few celebrities including Nicolas Cage and Vince Vaughn but doesn’t entirely hit the mark the whole time. All of the judges basically tell him to get a little “edgier” with writing his impression skit, but still think he’s good enough to move forward in the competition.

We slip into the more emotionally touching portion of the show when we’re introduced to Luiz Meneghin, a normal man with a solid opera voice. His performance is fine but at the same time you can tell he picked a safe song to sing instead of really pushing his vocal cords to the limit. Either way, he managed to wow everyone in the audience. Here’s hoping he really challenges himself when he’s in Las Vegas.

Day two of the San Francisco auditions kicks off with Paula Nelson, an eighty-year-old woman who’s known as Granny G. What makes Granny G so unique? Why she’s a grandmother who can rap about moral values. The judges suggest that Granny G could be even cooler if she blings up her walker. She’ll certainly be doing that when she’s in the next round. At least she’s loads better than Kotton Kandy, a heavy-set male street performer who wears a glowing showgirl outfit. Hey, he may not be what everyone wants to see but at least he gave it the good old academic try while dancing to the “Tootise Roll.”

Crappy audition montage part two! This round includes motorcycle stunt men who can barely do any tricks, a lady with a performing mini-horse and puppy that just walks around in circles. And though you would have figured the man who transformed his broom and dust pan into musical instruments wouldn’t move forward, you’re wrong.

It’s sympathetic time once more with Tim Hockenberry, an alcoholic who turned his life around and is now ready to sing in front of the nation. He performs a great rendition of “You Are So Beautiful” which almost moves Howie to tears. Everyone is absolutely in love with him, especially Howard who describes his performance as “a breath of fresh air.”

The last dance group we’re presented with is the FBC (Funk Beyond Control). They’re all right, but the one thing that almost killed their routine is that one of the kids immediately messed up. Thankfully, Howard Stern and company were in more of a forgiving mood at this point in the show.

Speaking of decent performances, the judges managed to let an indie folk hipster-like band, called The Emily Ann Band, move forward. They sang a really strange rendition of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” that left half of the audience wondering what they just listened to. Oh well, they advanced to the next round along with so-so stand up comedian Kellen and a martial arts dance group that messed up at one point.

Thankfully the last performer of the night deserved to not only be on this stage but definitely deserves to make it all the way to the finals. Alonso Jones, aka Turf, is a hip hop contortionist dancer who was kicked out of his house for wanting to pursue his dreams. He was homeless for two years and danced for money on the street until he could afford his own apartment. The contortion may at times be uncomfortable to watch but man, he’s got some moves. Even Nick Cannon is speechless, his jaw hanging ajar while watching Turf at work. Once he’s done performing, Turf is moved to tears over the judges’ wonderfully kind words. “Just this right here… dream came true.” Yes, this man is going to Las Vegas.

That’s it for San Francisco’s portion of the auditions. Next week we’ll be watching the trio make their rounds in New York City, Howard Stern’s home turf, on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ airing this next Monday and Tuesday at 8 PM.

Source: ScreenCrush.com

ABC

With so many amazing contenders in the ‘Dancing with the Stars‘ semifinals, it was really anyone’s guess who’d leave after Tuesday night’s elimination show.

So which three couples will move on to next week’s big finale?

Hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet, who was nice enough to introduce first-time viewers to her cleavage, kicked off the show by letting the judges choose an encore dance from performance night.

Len announced the honors would go to William and Cheryl’s samba, so the bronzed pair again took to the stage to showcase William’s bouncy backside to a grateful nation.

Then we got a backstage look at what exactly happened to Katherine after she flubbed the end of her second routine on Monday. Apparently a twinge in her back chose to make itself known at an inopportune time, and she was devastated — although it seemed she was more concerned about possibly costing Mark a spot in the finals than she was about herself.

Brooke’s cleavage called Katherine and Mark to the stage to learn their fate, and after they were told they were the first to make it to the finals, they jumped so high it honestly looked like they’d both been launched from ejector seats. Much rejoicing ensued, and we have to say we’re pleased we’ll get to see them next week.

Next up: Derek and Maria, who had a helluva night on Monday. But even though they were at the top of the judges’ leaderboard, they must have fallen short on audience votes because they were the first couple in jeopardy.

Then we got a peek at the upcoming ‘Rock of Ages‘ movie, only live on stage, featuring ‘DWTS’ vet Julianne Hough and the always-amazing Mary J. Blige. It was … well, see for yourself:

Donald and Peta were the next to be told they were in jeopardy, which course meant William and Cheryl moved on to the finals.

And in what many people will probably feel was a really shocking result, Maria and Derek were eliminated, even after getting one perfect score and one near-perfect score on Monday. Yeah, those audience votes do matter. (Is this a good time to say we predicted they’d come in fourth?)

But if Maria was surprised, she sure didn’t let it show. “I learned so many things,” she said about her time on the show. “I learned how strong I was. I learned to persevere.” Classy lady — and as we said, it really could’ve been anyone who went home.

See you next week, when we’ll finally find out who wins the coveted mirror ball trophy.

Source: ScreenCrush.com

NBC

Last night (May 14), progressive country star Willie Nelson stopped by ‘Late Night With Jimmy Fallon’ to talk about his new ‘Heroes‘ album, guitars and touring America in his legendary Honeysuckle Rose biodiesel bus. After the interview, the legendary singer performed ‘Texas Flood’ alongside his son, Lukas Nelson.

Fallon started out the interview by complimenting the legendary star, telling him that growing up in Brooklyn, the only country albums his parents played were by Willie Nelson or Hank Williams. Shotgun Willie nodded his head (done up with his signature pigtail braids) and said, “Well, I’m in good company then.”

Fallon and Nelson chatted about the country singer’s former songwriting career, cluing in viewers that Nelson was the hand behind Patsy Cline’s now-famous rendition of ‘Crazy.’ The ‘Red Headed Stranger’ told the story of meeting Cline’s husband at legendary Nashville bar Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, and how the song came to be from that single interaction.

Of course, Fallon asked to see ‘Trigger,’ Nelson’s beat-up acoustic guitar that never leaves his sight — or his stage. Fallon pointed out the giant hole in Nelson’s signature guitar, and Willie responded, “Well, I think it sounds better [that way],” drawing many laughs from the audience.

It’s clear that Willie Nelson has nobody to impress: He walked onto the popular late-night show wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and a dirty pair of New Balance sneakers. Still, the host was in awe.

Near the end of the five-minute interview, Nelson spoke to the hilarious talk show host about his tour bus, Honeysuckle Rose, which runs off of bio fuel. Nelson wasn’t shy about his political leanings (is he ever shy about politics?), and talked about the problem with America’s dependence on oil. Before the interview closed, the ‘Always on My Mind’ singer invited Fallon onto the tour bus.

“I don’t think I’ll get off it if I get on,” joked Fallon. Of course, Nelson didn’t disagree.

Every interview with Willie Nelson is entertaining, thanks to his straightforward demeanor, but the star really shined in his bluesy rendition of ‘Texas Flood’ with his son. Check it out!

Watch Willie Nelson’s Interview on ‘Late Night With Jimmy Fallon’

Watch Willie Nelson Perform ‘Texas Flood’ on ‘Jimmy Fallon’

Source: TasteofCountry.com