Artist Updates: Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Sara Evans

Carrie Underwood Chimes In With “Church Bells”

Carrie Underwood will debut her new single, “Church Bells,” with a performance on the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 3 on CBS. Produced by Mark Bright and written by Zach Crowell, Brett James and Hillary Lindsey, “Church Bells” ships to country radio on Friday, April 1 and officially impacts on Monday, April 11.

Underwood describes “Church Bells” as one of the most dynamic narratives on her Storyteller album. “I love songs about strong women. I love being sucked into that story: rooting for the woman and seeing that she does something powerful that she never thought she could do,” explains Underwood. “People are strongest when they’re pushed to their limits.”

 

Dolly Parton’s TV Movie Wins Christopher Award

The 2015 TV movie, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, is the recipient of a Christopher Award, which recognizes feature films, TV/cable programs and books for adults and young people. The awards were created in 1949 to celebrate writers, producers, directors, authors and illustrators whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” The awards ceremony will take place in New York City on May 19.

Parton said, “I love the Christopher Award slogan, ‘Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.’ I personally believe that with all my heart. I think the movie, Coat of Many Colors, a true story from my childhood, does throw a light on a lot of things like family, hope, love, kindness, understanding, and acceptance. It really spoke to the issue of bullying. I am very proud at how God works through me to shine a light, and to help heal a lot of hurt in a lot of people, and I am very proud of this award.”

Sara Evans Selected For Symphony Fashion Show

Sara Evans will be the featured entertainer for the 2016 Symphony Fashion Show, a glamorous evening showcasing the designs of Carolina Herrera and celebrating her 35 years as a fashion icon. Taking place April 26 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the 11th annual event is presented through a partnership among the Nashville Symphony, Carolina Herrera and Gus Mayer of Nashville, with funds going to support the Nashville Symphony’s education and community programs.

Evans will join Herrera and 2016 Symphony Fashion Show Celebrity Chair Lily Aldridge, who is an international fashion model, Victoria’s Secret Angel and Sport Illustrated Swimsuit issue model.

“I’m extremely honored to be part of the 2016 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show,” said Evans. “I have a deep love of fashion, and Carolina Herrera’s designs have always been some of my favorites. I can’t wait to perform and see what everyone’s wearing!”

“With her stunning voice, distinct country-crossover sound and incredible beauty and grace, Sara Evans is the perfect choice for this celebration of Carolina Herrera’s 35 years in fashion,” said Sylvia Bradbury and Suzanne Smothers, 2016 Symphony Fashion Show co-chairs. “We are thrilled to have Sara involved in this amazing night, and we are both looking forward to a memorable and electrifying performance.”