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Chart Roundup – Week of May 25th, 2013

Not a lot has changed at the top since last week, as Florida Georgia Line seem to have a pretty stable monopoly at #1 across Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay and Country Digital Songs, with their hit singles ‘Cruise’ (plus the remix featuring Nelly) and ‘Get Your Shine On’. They’re also occupying #5 on Hot Country Songs, #7 on Country Digital Songs and #6 on Top Country Albums, making them virtually impossible to avoid in country music these days. Also remaining static on the charts is Darius Rucker with ‘Wagon Wheel’, close behind at #2 on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay and #3 on Country Digital Songs. To add to this little rivalry at the top, Blake Shelton (featuring Pistol Annies and friends) is at #3 on Hot Country Songs with ‘Boys Round Here’, and #2 on Country Digital Songs, while he has yet to climb past #7 on Country Airplay. Blake’s 2013 album ‘Based On A True Story…’ drops to #4.

Tim McGraw is also enjoying the rising popularity of his collaboration single with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, ‘Highway Don’t Care’. It’s at #4 on Hot Country Songs, #5 on Country Airplay, and #4 on Country Digital Songs. As you can probably tell, each chart reflects a fairly similar story this week. Good news for Lady Antebellum fans, as their fourth album ‘Golden’ has debuted in at #1 this week, with their lead single ‘Downtown’ still performing well across the charts, #8 on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay and #10 on Country Digital Songs. Kenny Chesney is also enjoying success with ‘Pirate Flag’, reaching #3 on Country Airplay, #11 on Country Digital Songs and #7 on Hot Country Songs. His brand new album, ‘Life On A Rock’, drops to #3 this week.

In addition, Miranda Lambert is retaining her presence with ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’, at #4 on Country Airplay and #6 on Hot Country Songs and Country Digital Songs, although there are signs things are starting to drop off. This is not the case for Luke Bryan, whose lead single from his upcoming fourth record ‘Crash My Party’ is gaining momentum, reaching #5 on Country Digital Songs, #9 on Hot Country Songs and #14 on Country Airplay.

As for new releases, well there are plenty. The Pistol Annies’ ‘Annie Up’ came in at #2 on Top Country Albums, and its release date partner ABC’s ‘Nashville Soundtrack Volume 2’ came in at #5. This aided the gaining of 5 places for Volume 1. Another compilation makes it at #10, ‘Now That’s What I Call A Country Party’, and Craig Campbell’s ‘Never Forget’ debuted at #27, while Lenny Cooper is at #34 with ‘Mud Dynasty’. Dailey & Vincent just make the chart with ‘Brothers of The Highway’ at #40. But it’s not just about albums. Other new releases include Danielle Bradbery’s ‘Maybe It Was Memphis’ (#9 on Country Digital Songs and #25 on Hot Country Songs) and Lauren Alaina’s ‘Barefoot And Buckwild’ (#25 on Country Digital Songs).

Honorable mentions this week go to George Strait, Eric Church, Brad Paisley, Hunter Hayes, The Band Perry, Jason Aldean and Jake Owen.

Check back next Thursday for another chart roundup!

Chart Roundup – Week of May 18th, 2013

Hey guys, my chart roundup is back after a month out! I hope you missed me.

Hot Country Songs remains oddly static at the top, with Florida Georgia Line continuing their successful run at #1 with ‘Cruise’, which also holds onto #1 on Country Digital Songs. What’s more, their most recent single ‘Get Your Shine On’, has the top spot on Country Airplay, #7 on Country Digital Songs and #5 on Hot Country Songs. Is there any chart this duo can’t dominate? Turns out that chart is Top Country Albums, as Kenny Chesney’s ‘Life On A Rock’ debuts at #1, while ‘Here’s To The Good Times’ trails at #5. The lead single from Kenny’s new record, ‘Pirate Flag’, is at #8 on Hot Country Songs and #4 on Country Airplay, nearing the top ten with #12 on Country Digital Songs.

Darius Rucker is also doing well, his hit ‘Wagon Wheel’ remaining at #2 on Hot Country Songs and Country Digital Songs, and #3 on Country Airplay. The same goes for Blake Shelton, hot on his heels with ‘Boys Round Here’ (featuring Pistol Annies and friends) at #3 on both Hot Country Songs and Country Digital Songs. He moves up to #9 on Country Airplay at a steady rise, while his album ‘Based On A True Story…’ drops to #2 this week. His wife, Miranda Lambert, sees ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’ retain its position at #4 on Hot Country Songs, #5 on Country Digital Songs, and move up to the anticipation-filled #2 spot on Country Airplay. Will she top the chart next week?

Tim McGraw is also a key player on the charts, as his collaboration with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, ‘Highway Don’t Care’, holds onto #6 on Hot Country Songs, while it sits at #4 on Country Digital Songs and #6 on Country Airplay. ‘Two Lanes of Freedom’, Tim’s latest album, is at #14. Luke Bryan is also rising up the charts with ‘Crash My Party’, at #6 on Country Digital Songs, moving up to #9 on Hot Country Songs, and #17 on Country Airplay. In addition, Hunter Hayes’ ‘I Want Crazy’ is right behind him, reaching #10 on Hot Country Songs, #8 on Country Digital Songs and #21 on Country Airplay. Also of note, Lady Antebellum’s ‘Downtown’ is hanging on in there in the top ten, at #7 on Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs, and dropping down to #10 on Country Digital Songs. Their fourth album, ‘Golden’, has just been released this week and will impact the chart from next week. Also to impact next week include the Pistol Annies with ‘Annie Up’, and ABC’s ‘Nashville’ soundtrack, volume 2.

New releases include ‘Hey Girl’ from Billy Currington, at #9 on Country Digital Songs, as well as ‘Trouble’ the new album from Randy Rogers Band at #3, and ‘Rose Queen’ by William Clark Green, #34 on Top Country Albums. After George Jones’ passing, his album ‘The Great LOST Hits’ jumps 16 places to #35. There is a re-entry from Carrie Underwood’s new single ‘See You Again’, which being so new is struggling to match the chart power of her previous singles.

Honorable mentions go to Thompson Square, George Strait, Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift.

Come by next Thursday for another instalment of my Billboard chart roundup.

Posted by Vickye (Guest Writer).
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

Jason Aldean & Kristen Bell to host the '2013 CMT Music Awards’ live on Wednesday, June 5

Recent ACM Male Vocalist of the Year winner Jason Aldean is joining forces with television and movie actress Kristen Bell to manage what’s proven to be music’s wildest night of the year, when they host the 2013 CMT MUSIC AWARDS live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 5 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT and CMT.com. The duo confirmed their co-hosting duties this afternoon after Bell disclosed this week on Twitter that she was returning as host for this year’s show and teased who her counterpart would be. Fans can read more about Bell and Aldean’s back-and-forth correspondence on Twitter here.

Jason Aldean officially files for divorce

Back last week when word hit that Jason Aldean and his wife of 12 years, Jessica Ussery, had been separated since January, there were understandably a few people who didn't want to believe it, especially since it was Us Magazine that broke the news. 

Unfortunately, fans will now have to face the sad fact that Jason and his wife have indeed called it quits because there are now court documents to back up the news. 

TMZ has obtained divorce papers that Jason filed in Tennessee on April 26, citing the usual "irreconcilable differences." The papers were filed on the same day that Jason's rep had announced that the couple was "having problems."

"I can confirm that Jason and his wife are having problems, but there is nothing more to share at this time. It's a private family matter, and we hope everyone will respect that he would like to keep it that way."

The couple has two young daughters so hopefully things can stay as calm as possible for their sake. 

In unsurprising news of the day, Jason Aldean and wife reportedly separate

In what is probably not the most surprising news to anyone who has kept track of Jason Aldean's actions within the last year, Us Weekly is reporting that Jason and his wife of 11 years, Jessica Ussery, have separated. 

Jason's rep tells the magazine, "I can confirm that Jason and his wife are having problems, but there is nothing more to share at this time. It's a private family matter, and we hope everyone will respect that he would like to keep it that way."

A source tells the magazine that the couple have been separated since January, which makes Jessica's absence from the ACM Awards earlier this month understandable.

As most people are aware, Jason was photographed last September loving up Brittany Kerr, a former "American Idol" contestant (who happened to tweet not too long ago -- jokingly I think -- about trying out for "The Voice") in a California hot spot. After the scandal hit, Jason and Jessica presented a united front and  spoke with several news outlets about the trouble they were going through.

"Our lives got turned upside down, and it's been a learning process," Jason told Us at the time. "When there's kids involved, that's something you've always got to try and protect."

Jason and Jessica have two young daughters so let's hope the pair do, indeed, protect them. 

Like what we're sharing? Keep up with all the fun by following NashvilleGab on Twitter,Facebook, or subscribe to our feed. If you have something you'd like to share, drop me a line at Shannon@NashvilleGab.com. 

Luke Bryan gives buddy Jason Aldean a shiny new (old) Bronco

Bet you wish you could have friends like this. 

Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean played to a record 60,000 fans at Sanford Stadium show in Athens, Georgia on Saturday, and Luke didn't come empty handed. Presumably to show his appreciation for Jason bringing him along on the tour, Luke gave Jason a very cool cherry red '76 Bronco. 

Jason tweeted: 

Check out my new toy courtesy of @lukebryanonline 76 Bronco!!! Thanx homey. #AldeanUGA twitter.com/Jason_Aldean/s…

— Jason_Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) April 13, 2013

I have to admit that when I first read the homey part of the tweet I thought it said honey, which kind of gave the gift a whole different vibe.  

Like what we're sharing? Keep up with all the fun by following NashvilleGab on Twitter,Facebook, or subscribe to our feed. If you have something you'd like to share, drop me a line at Shannon@NashvilleGab.com.

Jason Aldean joined by Ludacris in Georgia Saturday night

Photo: Brian Mansfield/USA Today

Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan made history on Saturday night when they packed 60,000 screaming fans into the University of Georgia's Sanford Stadium for the stadium's very first concert as part of Jason's Night Train Tour.  

Fans then got a huge surprise when Jason welcomed rapper Ludacris to the stage during Dirt Road Anthem. This wasn't the first time Ludacris surprised Jason's fans, the pair performed the song together back in 2011 at the CMT Music Awards. 

"This is definitely one of the highlights of my career, playing here tonight," Jason told the crowd (via USA Today).

Also making an appearance at last night's show was Kelly Clarkson who joined Jason during Don't You Wanna Stay, although her appearance was prerecorded and played on the huge high-definition video screens.

 

Jason Aldean had some arm candy at last night's ACM Awards but it wasn't his wife

Jason Aldean walked the red carpet at last night's ACM Awards in Vegas. Unfortunately, it looks like his wife Jessica, as a reader pointed out, was a no show.

Where was Jason's wife at the 2013 ACM Awards last night? Doesn't she always attend with him? I have yet to see anyone mention it.

So was Jessica a total no show or did she just skip the very public red carpet? I have no idea, but I do know Jason had one piece of arm candy last night ... Duck Dynasty's Willie Robertson. 

Yep, these two definitely make a good looking couple.  

Chart Roundup – Week of March 30th, 2013

Country pop is sneaking up on the charts this week as Blake Shelton reigns with ‘Sure Be Cool If You Did’, at #1 on Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay and Country Digital Songs. Alongside him are Lady Antebellum with ‘Downtown’ at #2 on Hot Country Songs, #4 on Country Digital Songs, and up at #6 on Country Airplay. Miranda Lambert is also clinging on to her place near the top of the charts with ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’, at #3 on Country Digital Songs and Hot Country Songs, although she’s still trailing at #11 on Country Airplay. Miranda’s 2011 album ‘Four The Record’ is up two places this week to #12 for its 72^nd week on the chart.

Darius Rucker’s ‘Wagon Wheel’ is still rising, at #2 on Country Digital Songs, while at #5 on Hot Country Songs and #16 on Country Airplay. Meanwhile Carrie Underwood’s ‘Two Black Cadillacs’ is holding onto its peak at #4 on Hot Country Songs, #2 on Country Airplay but is down to #12 on Country Digital Songs. The album ‘Blown Away’ is at #9. A new entry on the chart is ‘DONE.’ by The Band Perry, which debuts at #11 on Country Digital Songs, while their ‘Better Dig Two’ is at #10. ‘DONE.’ is at #26 in its third week on Country Airplay, with ‘Better Dig Two’ residing at #12 on Hot Country Songs.

Slowly climbing are Brad Paisley’s ‘Beat This Summer’ (#21 on Country Airplay) and Jason Aldean’s ‘1994’ (#23 on Country Digital Songs). Lee Brice (#6 on Hot Country Songs with ‘I Drive Your Truck’), Florida Georgia Line (#7 with ‘Get Your Shine On’ and ‘Cruise’ at #11), and Hunter Hayes (#8 with ‘Somebody’s Heartbreak’ and #9 with ‘Wanted’) are all hanging around the top 10 across the charts. They have a challenger from Kenny Chesney in ‘Pirate Flag’, at #10 on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, and #7 on Country Digital Songs.

Shooter Jennings impacts Top Country Albums with ‘The Other Life’ at #19, while Ashley Monroe’s new one ‘Like A Rose’ drops 8 places to #18. The true king of this chart however is Luke Bryan, whose recent compilation release ‘Spring Break… Here To Party’ is at #1 for its second consecutive week. His previous full-length album from 2011, ‘Tailgates and Tanlines’ jumps up to #7. However his latest not-really-a-single-it’s-just-sort-of-promotional-and-we-needed-a-song-out ‘Buzzkill’ drops 11 places this week to #16 on Country Digital Songs.

Others tearing up the charts and honourable mentions this week are Little Big Town for ‘Tornado’ (both single and album); Tim McGraw for ‘One of Those Nights’, his new single ‘Highway Don’t Care’, and the album ‘Two Lanes of Freedom’; Taylor Swift for the album ‘Red’; Eric Church for ‘Like Jesus Does’ and his album ‘Chief’ (86^th week and counting); Thompson Square for ‘If I Didn’t Have You’; Chris Young for ‘I Can Take It From There’; and Kacey Musgraves for ‘Merry Go Round’. Stayer of the week has to be Brantley Gilbert’s album ‘Halfway To Heaven’, which celebrates its 150^th week on the chart this week, rising back up to #17!

Check out my chart roundup next week to see where Kacey Musgraves’ hugely anticipated new album will sit, plus other chart gossip.

Posted by Vickye (Guest Writer).
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

Teach Me How to Diffie

Thomas Rhett, co-writer of Jason Aldean's new single "1994," teaches us how to "Diffie". My apologies to the white race for living up to the stereotype that has plagued my people for many, many years...white people can't dance! If the video doesn't work, click here.

Posted by Broadway (Guest Writer)
Listen to my radio show weekday mornings, 6-10a eastern on iHeartRadio and follow me on twitter @broadwayonair.