Kellie Pickler Has Luke Bryan's Back on the National Anthem Controversy

KELLIE PICKLER was on CNN's "Showbiz Tonight" talking about all the grief heaped on LUKE BRYAN for using his hand as a cheat sheet while singing the National Anthem at Tuesday's All-Star game.
Kellie . . . who nailed "God Bless America" that night . . . was asked if she's ever written down lyrics to help her through a similar situation. She said, quote, "I've never written the lyrics on my hands but I know that there's teleprompters and stuff at different sporting events for people that sing the anthem . . . and he's a great guy and, so what? "He sung his butt off and it was all about the game and having a good time.  People need to quit being mean." It never occurred to me that teleprompters are provided for such events, but it makes perfect sense. It also makes you wonder why the singers who are nervous about performing don't take advantage.

Luke Bryan Apologized for Checking His Watch While Singing the National Anthem at Tuesday's All-Star Game

LUKE BRYAN hit up his Twitter page yesterday to apologize for checking his watch and using his hand as a cheat sheet while singing the National Anthem at Tuesday's All-Star game. Let's start with his apology:
He Tweeted, quote, "I really wanna explain the National Anthem performance from last night. I had a few keys words written down to insure myself that I wouldn't mess up. I just wanted to do my best. I promise it was from the heart. "If I offended anyone with my approach I sincerely apologize. Anytime I sing the anthem it is an honor and my heart beats out of my chest." He added, quote, "I did check my watch because I knew the stealth bomber would fly over two minutes in and I knew [I] started a little late. Being a part of the All-Star game was amazing and I look forward to the next time I can perform the anthem. Thanks y'all."

Taylor Swift Teases New Music in Facebook Post

Taylor Swift fans can most likely expect to hear some new music shortly. Taylor posted a message on Facebook this week from Nashville saying, "I just sat in a big room with a lot of people and made a lot of decisions about a lot of things happening very soon." Taylor admits the post is vague, but she adds, "I think you know what that means. Stuff is about to happen." Taylor has been working on her new album for most of this year since wrapping up the Speak Now World Tour in March.

UPDATE: Miranda Lambert Still on Voice Rest, Postpones This Weekend's Shows.

Miranda Lambert's doctor is keeping her on voice rest for another week, which means her concerts this weekend are being rescheduled.  Miranda says in a written statement, "I’m so sorry to disappoint the fans that have already bought tickets to see me.  I’m taking care of my voice and I can’t wait to get on the road again and bring you a hell of a show.”

Dierks Bentley Wants the Tape Deck Put Back in His Old Truck!

Like all music fans of a certain age, Dierks Bentley grew up listening to his favorite albums on cassette tapes. Since Dierks is also a guy who likes to hold on to old things like his 1994 Chevy Silverado forever, it's no surprise he's still a big fan of cassette tapes.  In fact, Dierks is thinking about having a tape player put back in his old truck. Dierks recently got a CD player put in his truck.  Describing his trip to the stereo shop, Dierks explains, "I said, 'What kind should I get?'  They go, 'Well, George Jones got this one.'  I was like, 'Well, I'll get that one.' It's just a disc player, and I'm like, 'I miss the tape deck.'" Dierks actually has a few mixtapes he made himself still laying around his house. One of them is arranged with music to play before 5 p.m. on one side and music for after 5 p.m. on the other. The nighttime music includes classic country songs by the likes of George Jones, Faron Young and Moe Bandy. Says Dierks, "You don't want to listen to that stuff during the daytime. It's just too lonesome. So, that's probably one of my favorite mixtapes, but I can't play it right now." Unfortunately, Dierks' latest album, Home, is not available on cassette, but you can get it on CD or online. The latest single from that project, "5-1-50," is headed for the top of the country chart in the coming weeks.

Kenny Chesney Says It's a Blast Bringing Sports Stars on Stage to Sing.

We know KENNY CHESNEY loves hanging with sports stars. And the feeling is mutual. We've seen NFL teams let him suit up and make a fool out of himself at practice. Kenny returns the favor by pulling players on stage to sing off key. Obviously, it's all a goof . . . and a thrill for both sides. Kenny explains, quote, "It's great to see the crowd roar for them when they come on stage, which is a completely different setting than being at bat. "(But) I will say this: KEVIN MILLAR is the worst singer I've ever been on stage with. I met him when I was taking batting practice for the Red Sox, which remains one of my biggest thrills. "Kevin is a big kid at heart and a great guy who I'm still close with today, but he came up on stage when we were playing in Toronto and sang his favorite [song of mine], 'Old Blue Chair'. "It was just a terrible version!  But he really had a blast and it was all in good fun."

"Assassin's Creed" Movie Casting News!

Michael Fassbender will star in and co-produce "Assassin's Creed," the bigscreen adaptation of Ubisoft's videogame franchise, through his DMC Film banner....

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(Variety)