Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard have joined for Undivided. Tim teased the new track last week and shared that the pair “got together in the studio last month and created something real special.” The full song was released Wednesday. • LISTEN
Brett Young is kickstarting the New Year with the January 25 launch of BY40 Challenge, a 10-week fitness program with celebrity trainer Don Saladino. Brett teamed up with Saladino to meet his goals in advance of his milestone 40th birthday in March. Designed to be interactive and simple to follow for all levels, Brett is inviting fans to sweat is out with him and earn prizes for the challenges completed along the way.
Garth Brooks is among the slate of artists who have been chosen to receive the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021. He’ll be honored in a ceremony that’s been delayed until May alongside fellow honorees Debbie Allen, Joan Baez, Dick Van Dyke, and violinist Midori.
Carrie Underwood is making a generous donation to a young fan who stepped up to help a local children’s hospital during the pandemic. When Hayley Orlinsky, a seven-year-old from Chicago, heard that the children’s hospital where she was hospitalized as an infant was running out of PPE at the start of the pandemic last March, she felt compelled to help by making friendship bracelets to sell and raise money for the hospital. Her initial goal was $200, but she has since raised more than $27,000. Carrie surprised Hayley and her mom via Zoom while appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show this week.
… After host Drew Barrymore revealed she was donating $5,000 to Hayley’s effort, Carrie announced that she and Bodyarmor, the sports drink company she’s recently partnered with, are making a matching donation, bringing the total to $10,000.
Lee Brice is teaming up with Yuengling beer. Lee will serve as an official Brand Ambassador for Yuengling Traditional Lager. The partnership with Lee includes a variety of elements including personal appearances and performances on behalf of the brand, fan meet and greets, special promotions to meet Lee, a chance to win custom Yuengling and Lee swag, and more.
… The partnership also officially launches Yuengling’s Stars & Stripes program, which is dedicated to supporting our nation’s military.
Carrie Underwood encountered a lot of animals while growing up in Oklahoma — but none shook her quite like turtles. And, according to Carrie, the reason is simple: “They’re the ones that have bit me the most. I grew up in the country and turtles were the easiest to catch.” Carrie clarified that she’s not “petrified by turtles.” She simply doesn’t want to pick one up after a string of bad childhood experiences.
Maren Morris had big plans for 2020: After taking some time off from touring to give birth to her son Hayes and settle into life as a family of three with husband and fellow artist Ryan Hurd, she’d get back on the road in June for her RSVP Tour.
Toby Kieth helped see Donald J. Trump in as president, playing at the inauguration concert four years ago — and he came back to help see him out, too. It’s being reported that both Toby and fellow country music star Ricky Skaggs were at the White House Wednesday afternoon to receive the National Medal of the Arts. Media representatives were not invited to the ceremony, and there was no prior announcement of Toby and Ricky getting awarded with the medals.
