Lainey Wilson was being interviewed and talked about a recent audition she had. At the end they asked her to do it again, but without an accent. She told casting, “Y’all this is about to be funny, and I’m not even trying to be funny . . . If I ever do that, it will definitely take some work . . . I’ll need to talk to a professional to figure out how to not talk like this.” She said most of the parts she’s going out for right now are okay with her accent.
Morgan Wallen just gave fans a rare peek into how he writes and records music, and it’s surprisingly methodical. Morgan explained it: “We won’t even begin a song unless we already have a full concept and the payoff hook done at the beginning. And then we’ll start at the first verse to write towards that hook.” That’s his usual process, though not always the rule. For his song “Genesis” Morgan admitted he did things backward. He started with nothing but a loose idea, writing verse by verse until the hook revealed itself. He went on to say, “I’ve got a zillion ideas in my brain, a lot of them are terrible.” Morgan even hinted that he’s been drinking less to put more focus on his career.
Cody Johnson grew up in Texas riding bulls. Now, he’s bringing things full circle when he headlines the Hondo Rodeo Fest in Phoenix, Arizona, taking place between November 7th and 9th this year, featuring artists like Jason Aldean, Jon Pardi, Riley Green, and Nickelback. Cody won’t just be singing. Cody will actually be roping in the rodeo competition, too. So, if you go to the Hondo Rodeo Fest, you can watch Cody Johnson compete in the rodeo . . . and then listen to him sing soon after. That’s pretty cool.
Zach Top and Shaboozey are nominated for New Artist of the Year at the CMAs for the second year in a row. Zach earned a nomination last year . . . then returned this year with five total nods, including New Artist of the Year again. And Shaboozey is in the same boat, getting back-to-back nominations for New Artist of the Year. The CMA defines the category as recognizing “the most significant creative growth and development in overall consumption or chart activity, live performance and/or national media recognition related to the launch of their career.” And here’s the catch: artists can be nominated twice for New Artist . . . as long as they haven’t actually won the award, or another major CMA trophy. So, if someone breaks out one year but doesn’t take home the win, they can land back on the list the following year. That is until they’ve had TWO chances. After that, the door closes. Besides Shaboozey and Zach, the other nominees are Tucker Wetmore . . . Stephen Wilson Jr. . . . and Ella Langley. Stephen is 46 years old, and Ella is well established already. So, is Tucker the only true “New Artist” in this category?
Ben Affleck isn’t happy that Jennifer Garner is planning her wedding. A source says, quote, “He was clinging to the hope she’d have second thoughts and call it off, but now that’s clearly not happening.”
New in Theaters: “The Long Walk”, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale”, and “Spinal Tap II”.
TV This Weekend: “The 77th Emmy Awards”
Sydney Sweeney is 28.
Kelsea Ballerini is 32.
Andrew Luck is 36. Heisman trophy winning quarterback.
Alfie Allen is 39. “Game of Thrones”.
Jennifer Hudson is 44.
Jay McGraw is 46. Dr. Phil’s son
Ruben Studdard is 47. “American Idol”,
Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland is 51.
James Frey is 56. Author of the fake memoir “A Million Little Pieces”
Louis C.K. is 58.
Bryan Austin is 58.
Ben Folds is 59.
Amy Yasbeck is 63. John Ritter’s widow, “Wings”
Nina Blackwood is 70.
Linda Gray is 85. Sue Ellen Ewing on both versions of “Dallas”.
