Dolly’s travel stop has something for everyone! Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Day: May 27, 2026
Dolly’s travel stop has something for everyone! Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Reading Time: 3 minutes
There was a time when Neal McDonough was a rising star among actors.
Then, for a little while, he seemed to vanish — appearing in a few projects, but not so many.
Why was that?
The actor is opening up about how Hollywood branded him as a “religious nut bag” and blacklisted him for years.
‘They thought I was this religious nut bag’
Speaking to Fox News, McDonough recalled turning to alcohol when he believed that his acting career was over.
“What time is the bar open? That was generally my thought process back then,” he characterized.
“It was, you know, fired from a show because I wouldn’t kiss a woman,” McDonough explained.
“No one would hire me because they thought I was this religious nut bag,” he lamented.
“Which is that I love my wife so much,” McDonough continued. “And no one can understand it, no one could understand it.”
McDonough confessed that he “was always a drinker” even before this professional setback.
“It became a bad problem,” he acknowledged, after his refusal to kiss a co-star got him canned — and allegedly blackballed.
“I lost the house, lost the cars, lost everything,” McDonough lamented.
“’Justified’ was just coming out, but I still didn’t think I was worth anything because I failed to my family,” he expressed.
“I failed, [my wife] Ruve, my five kids, that I lost our house,” McDonough reiterated. “I lost all the beautiful things that were the shiny widgets that I had accumulated, were all taken away from me.”
‘It’s us or the bottle, you choose’
Using a very colorful characterization, he continued: “And that crucifixion caused me so much inner pain because I made it all about me. How could I let the team down?”
McDonough gave credit to his wife, Ruve, for giving him the ultimatum that saved him.
“She grabbed me and says, it’s us or the bottle, you choose,” he recalled.
Having now been married to Ruve for 25 years, he says that he “never looked back.”
McDonough went on to say that he has focused upon serving the God of his Christian beliefs “rather than serving me.”
McDonough is not wrong that, to many, his refusal to kiss a co-star became a memorable part of his story.
Even those of us who have enjoyed his acting roles — like in the MCU or his portrayal of Damien Darhk on Arrow (RIP in peace, The CW) — remember this quirk about his career.
Of course, he is not alone. For example, Penn Badgley made a similar comment, despite his starring role on the steamy stalker series, You.
Though McDonough has led a lengthy and successful career that doesn’t appear to have resume gaps like someone who’s been blacklisted might, that doesn’t mean that he didn’t take jobs that were less lucrative.
There is an argument to be made for actors needing to take certain actions on screen, from kissing to eating meat. Some things can be faked by a show, while others cannot. So long as everyone is up front about what they can and cannot do, things should work out.
McDonough also shared that the late, great Luke Perry gave him and his family a place to stay after they lost their home. He was such a deeply good person.
Neal McDonough Says Hollywood Branded Him a ‘Religious Nut Bag’ & … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
Natalie Maines and the Chicks will hit the road to play 16 historic theaters this fall. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Natalie Maines and the Chicks will hit the road to play 16 historic theaters this fall. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
The Chicks are officially heading back out on the road. Fans will have the chance to catch the iconic country music trio as they embark on the Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour, celebrating two decades of their record-breaking studio album of the same name.
Their 26-date trek will launch September 30 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit and continue with shows in major markets across the U.S., including Chicago, New York City, Nashville, San Antonio, Austin, Seattle, and San Francisco, before wrapping with two nights in Hollywood, CA at Dolby Theatre on November 1 and 2.
This anniversary tour gives the thirteen-time Grammy® Award winners,Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer, the chance to connect with fans on a deeper level inside the intimate theaters. With their powerhouse vocals and epic stage presence in two, the trio will join fans in properly honoring the album that has made a lasting impact on a generation.
After Taking the Long Way was released in May of 2006, it went on to top the Billboard 200 chart and earns The Chicks five Grammy® Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. The songs on this project made such an impression at the time that to this day it is still regarded as one of the most influential albums of its era.
It proudly displays the fearlessness and vulnerability of the group. The lead single “Not Ready to Make Nice” particularly has stood the test of time as an anthem of artistic freedom.
Throughout the upcoming run, The Chicks will perform the entirety of the critically-acclaimed album for the first time. Each night, they will close the show with a mix of fan-favorite hits that live within their award-winning catalog.
Tickets
Tickets for the Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 am local time. The general on sale begins on Thursday, June 4 at 10 am local time on Thechicks.com/tour.
To participate in The Chicks Artist Presale on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 am local time fans are required to sign up at https://signup.livenation.com/thechicks by Sunday, May 31 at 11:59pm PT. No codes are needed as access is tied to the user’s account. Anyone who signs up can join the sale.
The Chicks latest album dropped in 2020 following a 14-year hiatus. Their fifth studio album Gaslighter arrived via Columbia Records and featured 12-tracks all co-produced by award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff. While that project marked a bold return for the group, this upcoming tour allows The Chicks to once again spotlight the album that forever changed the trajectory of their career and left a lasting mark on country music.
The post The Chicks To Return To The Road For Taking The Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Back in early April, Pam Bondi was fired from her post as attorney general after reportedly clashing with Donald Trump on numerous issues, including the handling of the Epstein files.
Now, multiple sources have confirmed that Bondi was diagnosed with thyroid cancer shortly after being let go.
While Bondi herself has yet to speak out on reports about her health, Axios and other outlets have credibly confirmed the news.
There’s encouraging news, as Bondi has reportedly undergone treatment and is now recovering.
And sources close to the situation tell Axios that Bondi is doing well following treatment.
Specific details about the stage of the cancer or the nature of her treatment plan have not been released.
The revelation surfaced just as Bondi was reportedly tapped for a new role inside Trump’s orbit.
Despite being dismissed from the Justice Department, Bondi has reportedly been appointed to the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, where she is expected to focus on artificial intelligence policy and serve as a liaison between government officials and tech leaders.
Her firing earlier this year generated headlines, especially as it was just one of several shakeups within the Trump administration in 2026.
Bondi had served as attorney general during the first year of Trump’s second term before being removed in April amid reported frustrations surrounding her leadership. Former Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has stepped into the role on an interim basis.
For now, however, politics appear to be taking a backseat to something much more important.
While thyroid cancer diagnoses can sound frightening, the disease is usually highly treatable when caught early, and prognosis rates are generally strong.
No matter where anyone lands politically, battling cancer is never easy.
Our thoughts go out to Pam Bondi and her loved ones as they face this challenge together.
Pam Bondi Diagnosed With Thyroid Cancer After Being Fired as Attorney General: Report was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
“I say in the first part of this book, I really want you to love me, but the truth is you’re probably not going to,” Herndon tells Taste of Country. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
“I say in the first part of this book, I really want you to love me, but the truth is you’re probably not going to,” Herndon tells Taste of Country. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
CMA Fest just gained even more star talent! Today’s announcement from the country Music Association and ABC reveals that multi-award-winning Country star Riley Green and Emmy® Award-winning anchor and host from ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Lara Spencerwill make their debut as co-hosts of “CMA Fest presented by SoFi.”
The 53rd CMA Fest will return to downtown Nashville next week from June 4-7, 2026. The three-hour summer concert event will be filmed and is set to air Thursday, June 25, at 8/7c on ABC and stream next day on Hulu.
Each year, thousands of fans from all over the world flock to Music City to experience the magic of CMA Fest, which offers free daytime shows all week long with star-studded lineups taking over the outdoor stages. Then at night, fans make the trek across Nashville’s pedestrian bridge to Nissan Stadium, where even more memorable performances, collaborations and can’t miss surprises will take place.
The upcoming TV special allows attendees to relive all the excitement of the four-day event from home while giving the chance for any fans who couldn’t make it in person to see all the excitement that unfolded on stage.
CMA Fest’s free daytime stages will spotlight a mix of up-and-comers and rising hitmakers.
Chevy Riverfront Stage
The Chevy Riverfront Stage, which is expected to once again serve as one of the festival’s main daytime hubs, will feature Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Carter Faith, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Chayce Beckham, Cooper Alan, Dasha, Drew Baldridge, Dylan Marlowe, ERNEST, Ian Munsick, Josh Ross, Kaitlin Butts, Kameron Marlowe, Lauren Alaina, Mackenzie Carpenter, Maddox Batson, Marcus King, Max McNown, Midland, Molly Tuttle, Nate Smith, Priscilla Block, RaeLynn, Redferrin, Russell Dickerson, Shane Smith & The Saints, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tigirlily Gold, Ty Myers, Tyler Braden, Vincent Mason, Brandon Lake and Waylon Wyatt.
CeCe will launch Thursday’s festivities at the Chevy Riverfront Stage with the national anthem.
Dr Pepper Amp Stage
Over at Ascend Park, the Dr Pepper Amp Stage will spotlight a group of performers that span different areas of country music, including Angie K, Billy Dean, Blanco Brown, Canaan Smith, Cody Hibbard, Craig Campbell, Dave Fenley, Drake Milligan, Emily Ann Roberts, Erin Kinsey, Greylan James, The Jack Wharff Band, John Morgan, Kaylee Bell, Kaylee Rose, Kolby Cooper, Late Night Thoughts, Leanna Crawford, Melissa Etheridge, Noeline Hofmann,Pam Tillis, Pecos & the Rooftops, Shaylen, Travis Bolt, Travis Denning, Ty Herndon, Tyler Farr, Uncle Kracker, The War And Treaty, Filmore, Gabriella Rose, Nappy Roots and Willow Avalon.
Chevy Vibes Stage
The Walk of Fame Park will once again host the Chevy Vibes Stage, offering another full schedule of performances from Adrien Nunez, Alana Springsteen, Ashland Craft, Austin Snell, Bellah Mae, Caylee Hammack, Chase McDaniel, Colt Ford, Dax, Drake White, Frankie Ballard, Graham Barham, Hannah McFarland, Jade Eagleson, Karley Scott Collins, Kelsey Hart, Lanie Gardner, Lauren Watkins, Mack Geiger, Madeline Merlo, Mae Estes, Maggie Antone, Mark Wills, Melanie Dyer, Neal McCoy, Owen Riegling, Shane Profitt, Sister Hazel, Tayler Holder, Walker Montgomery, Willie Jones, MŌRIAH, and Love and Theft.
Good Molecules Reverb Stage
A short walk away, Bridgestone Plaza plans to continue its tradition of serving as a hotspot for on-the-rise acts on the Good Molecules Reverb Stage. This lineup features Abbey Cone, Alex Lambert, Alexandra Kay, Atlus, Ava Hall, Belle Frantz, Blake Proehl, Brad Cox, Bryan Andrews, Cassidy Daniels, Cody Lohden, Eli Winders, Elizabeth Nichols, Gareth, Jacob Hackworth, Jamie MacDonald, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Jenna Davis, John Foster, Julia Cole, Just Jayne, Kevin Powers, The Kruse Brothers, MaRynn Taylor, McCoy Moore, Myles Morgan, Preston Cooper, Scoot Teasley, Sophia Scott, Stella Lefty, Timmy McKeever, Trey Lewis, Tyce Delk, Tyler Nance, Wesko and Will Moseley.
Wrangler Remix Stage
Fans can also head over to the newly added Wrangler Remix Stage inside Fan Alley. Performers for this stage include Omer Netzer, MORGXN, Alli Walker, Aniston Pate, Ashley Kutcher, Benny G, BODHI, Bottomland, Brooke Lee, Carson Wallace, CECE, Chancey Williams, Chandler Walters, Clayton Mullen, Cole Goodwin, Dalton Davis, Emily Nenni, Gannon Fremin & CCREV, Hayden Blount, Hayden Coffman, Highway Home, Hogslop String Band, Jake Banfield, Jay Webb, Kat Luna, Lil Man J, Lily Meola, Matt Cooper, Payton Smith, ROME from Sublime with Rome, SKEEZ, Sons of Habit, Sterling Elza, Trey Pendley, Tyla Rodrigues and The Wilder Blue.
Nissan Stadium
Once the sun sets, it will be time to head over to Nissan Stadium, where a slew of stars will keeping the party going. Country favorites Clay Walker, Jo Dee Messina, Rhett Akins, and Sara Evans are set to open the nightly shows, while Caylee Hammack will perform the national anthem on Thursday.
Newly announced additions include Emily Ann Roberts, The Jack Wharff Band, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Laci Kaye Booth, Maggie Antone, Scoot Teasley, Vincent Mason, Willow Avalon, and Zach John King, all of whom will sing from the Platform Stage inside the stadium.
Previously announced performers for inside the home of the Tennessee Titans include Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore, Zach Top and Lainey Wilson. The Band Perry and Stephen Wilson Jr. will also deliver mid-field performances.
Fans can view the full lineups for the remaining stages HERE.
Ticketing Options
While the outdoor stages around downtown Nashville are free, fans do have a variety of paid options to elevate their festival experience. The fest offers four-night stadium passes, single-night stadium tickets, VIP access to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, Dr Pepper Amp Stage and Chevy Vibes Stage via Riverside Retreat, access to Fan Fair X, and VIP Packages. More info can be found HERE.
“CMA Fest presented by SoFi” will air Thursday, June 25, at 8/7c on ABC and stream next day on Hulu. Robert Deaton will serve as executive producer and writer, with Alan Carter directing the broadcast. With the 2026 airing, CMA celebrates 23 consecutive years of producing a summer concert TV special.
The post Riley Green and ‘Good Morning America’s’ Lara Spencer To Co-Host ‘CMA Fest’ TV Special appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now