Rascal Flatts tells GAC they will look back on 2011 and see it as a year of changes and big accomplishments:
“We started off the year with our own network special, which was thrilling, and there are very few acts that can say they’ve had their own television network special,” Jay DeMarcus said. “We had a video with Justin Bieber, a song, a duet with him. So a lot of things that were milestones in our career – members of the Grand Ole Opry and other things that affected us professionally, too.”
“It’ll be one of my favorite years to look back and remember because so many of the goals that we had set for ourselves years ago had finally come true,” Jay said.
2012 is shaping up to be another year to remember. Rascal Flatts kicks off their Thaw Out 2012 Tour in January, plans to release a new album later this year, and will announce plans for a summer tour in the coming months.
The three members of country group Lady Antebellum are resolving to find balance in their personal and professional lives in 2012. It will be more of a challenge than ever with their first headlining tour resuming in January and two weddings to plan. Dave Haywood proposed to girlfriend Kelli Cashiola, 29, by hanging Christmas lights on her house that spelled out “Will You Marry Me?” Singer Hillary Scott got engaged in July and is planning to marry fiance Chris Tyrell in the spring. Singer Charles Kelley is already married.
“Next year we’ve got a pretty heavy touring schedule, but we’ve learned this fall how to balance that, how to have a good time at home,” said Haywood. “All of us are good and cognizant about having our loved ones out with us when we can and being able to get home when we can. So I think continuing to find the balance, which is where we get our inspiration and where our songs come from, is this personal life.”
Reflecing on 2011 Brantley Gilbert remembers an amazing year as well. He spent more time on the road than a lot of artists, sometimes playing 4 or 5 shows a week. He knows pounding the pavement is a part of building his career and he’s seeing it pay off in the form of fan response. “Feedback’s always been pretty positive,” Brantley tells GAC.
“People responded real well to cover songs,” he said. “Now they’re responding well to originals, so that’s pretty awesome for us.” Brantley will join Eric Church on his The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour in January.
Miranda tells the Associated Press she wants to focus on songwriting in 2012,
“I’d love to actually write a song that was nominated for song of the year. That would be a huge thing to me,” said Lambert, who is kicking off herFire” tour Jan. 12 in Rockford, Ill. “Eventually over the next five years I’d maybe like to win entertainer of the year — when I’ve earned it.”
Miranda’s hubby Blake Shelton has New Year’s Resolutions too but they have nothing to do with self-improvement or himself.
“I really would like to see Dia’s record take off and do well, and Xenia has made a great record. My heart is there for them,” he said.
Brad Paisley’s resolution is to set new goals.
“I have a career that’s on a bit of autopilot in the sense that I feel I can rest easy a little bit more. … I don’t feel that people are just going to leave me. They’re not going to just move on. We do well, and it’s a great feeling,” said Paisley. “I guess I’ve just learned to be a little more comfortable with who I am.”
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