The Boot News Roundup: Martina McBride Will Be Guest Judge on ‘America’s Got Talent’ + More
Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.
Martina McBride fans will want to tune into America's Got Talent on Tuesday night (July 31). The country star will be a guest judge on that night's episode of the TV talent competition. "I wasn't too hard on anybody, but hopefully I gave them some perspective and honest feedback and encouragement," McBride tells Billboard of her time on the show. "I kind of surprised myself. I thought that I would be quiet and observe, but I got to say what I wanted to say and be a part of the whole process."
On Saturday night (July 28), Luke Bryan became the first country artist to perform at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium. The country superstar sold out the venue for his What Makes You Country Tour, which is stopping at a number of stadiums, in addition to amphitheaters and other venues, across the country this summer. Over the years, Bryan has also headlined the Hollywood Bowl, the Staples Center, the Forum and Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in the LA area.
Charles Esten now holds the Guinness World Records title for Most Consecutive Weeks to Release an Original Digital Single By a Music Act. Between July 15, 2016, and July 17, 2017, Esten released a new song each week as part of his Every Single Friday initiative -- 54 original songs in total. The singer and actor was presented with a certificate in recognition of his record during an appearance on Today on July 25.
Amy Helm, daughter of the Band's Levon Helm, is bringing one of her late father's dreams to life. On Aug. 19, at New York State's Arrowood Farms, Helm will launch the Dirt Farmer Festival, an expansion of a small harvest festival her father used to throw for the local community. The event will feature Amy Helm, Jackson Browne, Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble Band and more, as well as local artisans, food vendors and craft breweries. Visit DirtFarmerFestival.com for more details.