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CMT announces the anticipated return of its acclaimed, short-form digital series, “Viral to Verified,” featuring first-person accounts from fast-rising artists making waves on social media and in country music. The five-episode installment will highlight one artist per week, giving exclusive looks at the red-hot careers of newcomers Megan Moroney, Dalton Dover, Avery Anna, Cooper Alan and Julia Cole. The series premieres exclusively on CMT’s socials, the very platforms that ignited these artists’ most recent successes.  “We’re excited to be back with Season 2 of our award-winning CMT digital series ‘Viral To Verified,” shares Melissa Goldberg, Vice President, CMT Digital. “This season we’re spotlighting the rise of five talented new country artists, who are at the tipping point of stardom. Each of their stories is as unique as the music they create, and we’re thrilled to document this stage in their careers and introduce them to an even broader audience through CMT.” Goldberg continues, “This year, we’ve elevated the look and feel of the series and added a companion performance to each episode so those who may not be familiar with the artist will be able experience the music firsthand.” The new episodes will premiere as follows:  Jan. 12 – Megan Moroney Jan. 19 – Dalton Dover Jan. 26 – Avery Anna Feb. 2 – Cooper Alan Feb. 9 – Julia Cole “Viral to Verified”’s first episode features Megan Moroney, a Georgia native who is climbing the charts with the fan-favorite, “Tennessee Orange.” The song took off on social media after she posted it on TikTok and went on to become the most-streamed song by any female country artist per week, leading to her record deal with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records. “Viral to Verified” is one of several CMT short-form series specifically produced for digital platforms. The first installment which debuted in… Read More

When Maren Morris was a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race Friday, she seemed more excited than the contestants themselves to be in the Werk Room during MTV’s official aftershow, Untucked. “I’m obsessed. I’ve loved this show for so many years, and it’s crazy how far Drag Race has come,” the country superstar — who in a Friday tweet described her appearance on the show as the fulfillment of a “decade-long dream” — gushed to the cast. “I can’t believe I am in here right now. I feel like I’ve stepped through my TV screen.” Morris’s kiki with the queens started off lightheartedly, as she admitted she was wearing a wig (which — inside Drag Race joke alert — appeared to be at least 40 inches long) to elevate her style for the occasion, and also doled out advice about handling setbacks and criticism in the talent show world. “I’m 32, but I’ve been performing since I was 10. American Idol, I tried out for. America’s Got Talent, The Voice — they all said no,” Morris revealed. “I was devastated, obviously. And now I’m so glad I took the long way… because now people audition with my songs on those shows!” But as Morris wrapped up her Werk Room chat with the 15 contestants vying to be crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar, she grew surprisingly serious. “Coming from country music and its relationship with LGBTQ+ members, I just want to say I’m sorry,” she said. “And I love you guys for making me feel like a brave voice in country music. I just thank you guys so much for inspiring me. I’m gonna cry! I gotta go!” “Just you being here shows you’re an ally,” contestant Mistress Isabelle Brooks assured the emotional singer. After Morris actually left the set, contestant… Read More

Eight-time chart topping songwriter and 2022 Variety Hitmaker ERNEST is doubling down on his investment in Nashville’s songwriting community, announcing today the launch of his own publishing venture, ERN’s Cadillac Music, in partnership with Big Loud. Named with his prized 1975 Coupe DeVille in mind, the on-fire artist and tunesmith shares the news with Billboard exclusively today, crediting the creation of the years-in-the-making imprint to both his passion for the craft of songwriting, and the time and investment early champions made in him that helped get his foot in the door. “I want to be a source for young writers who haven’t gotten a chance yet to play ball,” ERNEST shares with Billboard, recalling how The Warren Brothers were advocates for him and Mitchell Tenpenny early in their careers. “That changed our lives because we were in [writing] rooms we had no business being in, but we were getting in them because The Warren Brothers vouched for us, and then we had to do the rest on our own. But getting that one person that could bridge the gap, that’s the hardest part in this town. I want to create an environment where more writers can get a break.” Excited to become that same kind of champion for a fresh crop of rising talent, he kicks things off with three inaugural signings. Partnering with Big Loud Mountain Music, ERN’s Cadillac Music has signed steel guitar player and burgeoning songwriter Chandler Walters, and Kentucky born, artist-writer Cody Lohden. Additionally, Cadillac is partnering with both Big Loud Mountain Music and Mitchell Tenpenny’sHigh Dime to sign Nashville-native Rafe Tenpenny. “I met ERN a week before my first day of fifth grade at football practice. He came up to me and said ‘I bet I can pick you up’ then decided to show me. We have… Read More

Philly’s best… Everybody knows that sports fans in Philadelphia are relentless, obnoxious, trolls that talk more shit than any other city in the entire country… even though the cities has only won two rings in the past 40 years. Everybody also knows that Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa is kind of an ass clown… AKA an easy target. He got the signature Philly scumbag welcome on the way into Lincoln Financial Field today, in attendance to root on his brother Nick […] The post Eagles Fans Get Under Joey Bosa’s Skin Ahead Of NFC Championship Game: “I’m F*cking Rich You Broke B*tch” first appeared on Whiskey Riff. Read More

That takes some courage… A pitbull is one of the most fierce dogs out there. They have a reputation of being a mean and harmful dog, but that is generally not the case at all. In reality they are one of the most friendly and human loving dogs out there. They are more loyal than anything else, and attacks are usually a result of intentionally violent training or improper training. A pitbull can truly be a man’s best friend, a […] The post Coyote Jumps Fence And Goes Nose-To-Nose With A Pitbull In California Park first appeared on Whiskey Riff. Read More

Still celebrating that national championship, eh? Stetson Bennett, quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, has led his team to two consecutive national championships, most recently after knocking off TCU in a 65-7 massacre a couple weeks ago. But last night he found himself in hot water after being arrested for public intoxication in Dallas. According to WFAA, Bennett was arrested around 6 A.M. this morning after officers responded to reports of a man banging on random doors in Old East Dallas. […] The post National Champion Georgia Quarterback Stetson Bennett Arrested For Public Intoxication After Reportedly Banging On Random Doors In Dallas first appeared on Whiskey Riff. Read More