CELEBRITIES 6 artists top CMT nods with 3 each
Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini,
Luke Combs, Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett top the 2020 CMT Music Awards nominations with three each.
In nominations announced Wednesday for the pandemic-delayed show, 14 videos are vying for the top prize of video of the year. The fan-voted show will air on CMT and other networks on Oct. 21 with outdoor performances.
The Chicks return to the list of nominees for the first time since 2007 for their video for “Gaslighter,” and country icon Tanya Tucker gets her first nomination for “Bring My Flowers Now,” both nominated for video of the year. Also nominated in the category are Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Keith Urban, Old Dominion, Carrie Underwood and Blanco Brown.
A number of artists are getting their first nominations this year, including Caylee Hammack, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Riley Green and Travis Denning.
The Highwomen, a group comprised of Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires, also got their first nomination for group video.
With categories that include collaborations and performances from other CMT shows, pop stars Halsey and Gwen Stefani both earned their first nominations for their duets with Ballerini and Blake Shelton, respectively. Electronic producer and DJ Marshmello also earned a nomination in collaborative video for the crossover hit “One Thing Right” with Kane Brown.
John announces new tour dates:
After postponing shows because of the pandemic, Elton John announced Wednesday that his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” will return to North America on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. John also announced rescheduled 2022 dates for Houston, Detroit, New York City, Miami, Toronto and Montreal. His global tour will officially return on Sept. 1, 2021.
“I’ve been enjoying my time at home with the family while the world navigates its way through the COVID pandemic. But, I really miss being on the road and performing for my beloved fans in my Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour,” John said.
“While the scientists are making great progress, we are making big plans for a return to touring that will allow us to ensure the health and safety of everyone.”
Four Seasons’ DeVito dies: Tommy DeVito, 92, a founding member of the Four Seasons, has died.
His former bandmate Frankie Vallie wrote in a post on Facebook that DeVito had died, and said, “We send our love to his family during this most difficult time.” Actor Alfred Nittoli said in a separate Facebook post that DeVito died Monday evening in Las Vegas.
DeVito along with Valli, Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi founded the Four Seasons in 1960. The Broadway musical Jersey Boys, which opened in 2005, tells the band’s story.
Sept. 24 birthdays: Singer Sonny Turner is 81. Singer Gerry Marsden is 78. News anchor Lou Dobbs is 75. Actor Gordon Clapp is 72. Actor Kevin Sorbo is 62. Actor-writer Nia Vardalos is 58. Drummer Shawn Crahan is 51. Guitarist Juan DeVevo is 45. Actor Ian Bohen is 44. Actor Grey Damon is 33. Actor Ben Platt is 27.