Across the Country with Amanda
by Amanda Tempel
Country music news, artist interviews, new albums and singles, destinations and attractions, and history. Syndicated Radio host Amanda Tempel gives you an inside look at the country music charts, emerging artists, throwbacks, and more.
Episodes
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History of Country Music and the Billboard Hot 200 Charts
Top Story: Megan Moroney and Ella Langley are making headlines for becoming the first country artists to simultaneously top the all-genre Billboard 200 and 100 charts. I dive into every album and song that has achieved success on those charts. Trending Stories: I dive into this week's biggest...
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Underrated Country Songs - The Warren Brothers - Better Man
In this episode of Across The Country With Amanda, we dive into "Better Man," the second single from The Warren Brothers' debut album, Beautiful Day in a Cruel World. Despite its low peak at 32 on the country charts, "Better Man" remains a standout in their catalog. The episode also highlights…
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Country Music Hall of Fame - Modern Category Predictions
In this episode of Across the Country with Amanda, Amanda reveals her top contenders for the 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame's Modern Era category. She discusses a range of artists who achieved national prominence at least 20 years ago, highlighting their significant contributions to country…
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Martina McBride's Emotion Album - Deep Dive
In this episode of Across the Country with Amanda, Amanda explores Martina McBride's 1999 album Emotion. Highlighting how the album stood out during a competitive era in country music, Amanda discusses its deeper themes, unique production quality, and chart successes like "I Love You." She also...
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Underrated Country Songs - Conway Twitty - She's Got A Man On Her Mind
In this episode of Across the Country, Amanda discusses the underrated Conway Twitty song "She's Got a Man on Her Mind" from his Even Now album. She explores how Conway Twitty was able to naturally adapt to the contemporary 90s country sound of the time without seeming out of place. Plus, find…
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Country Music Hall of Fame Predictions: Veterans Category
2025 Veterans Picks for Country Music Hall of Fame | Across the Country with Amanda Radio Personality Amanda Tempel dives into her picks for the 2025 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the Veterans category. She also explains the Hall of Fame election process, including the…
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Album Review: Hummingbird by Carly Pearce
Carly Pearce's album Hummingbird, is a bright spot for contemporary country music. In this episode, I discuss how she blends storytelling, musical arrangements, bluegrass roots, and touches of humor, resulting in a mainstream masterpiece. Tune in to discover why this album is a must-listen! Watch...
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Underrated Country Songs - Albuquerque by Sons of the Desert
This series explores underrated country songs that missed the top 20, delving into their backstories, chart history, and radio impact. In this episode, we look back at Sons of the Desert and their song "Albuquerque." Known for their rich harmonies, the band first made waves in 1997 with "Whatever...
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2023 ACM Honors Preview
The ACM Honors are happening on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, and I have your honoree preview. In This Episode: Carly Pearce returns for as host for the 16th annual event taking place in the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. How to get tickets for the ACM Honors. My favorite past moments from...
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Underrated Country Songs of the '90s: #87 "Better Man" by The Warren Brothers
The second single from The Warren Brothers provides a relief to the glossy and overproduced country music of the late '90s. "Better Man" from their debut album Beautiful Day in a Cruel World lands on this countdown at #87. In this Episode: The Warren Brothers endure longevity with the support of...
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Album Review - Julie Robert's "Ain't In No Hurry"
If there's a country album from the past year that you need to listen to, it's Julie Roberts' "Ain't In No Hurry." Produced by Shooter Jennings and Erin Enderlin, the collection is unlike anything we've heard from the singer on her previous efforts. While it was nearly a decade in-between...
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Concert Review - The Chicks World Tour
The Chicks World Tour made its way to Louisville, Kentucky, on July 25, 2023. With a setlist comprised of selections from each of their five studio albums, it's a show that every fan should see! I share my highlights in this country music podcast. Visit AcrossTheCountryWithAmanda.com for the…
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Country Music Chart Talk - Summer Edition
Diving into the current state and what's happening at country radio in this podcast. Crossover songs are ruling from Jelly Roll, Parmalee, and Luke Combs but at what point are songs no longer considered country? Country's leading females - Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde and Carly...
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Trisha Yearwood's "xxx's and ooo's (An American Girl)" Becomes a TV Movie Theme Song
Penned for a '90s TV movie, "xxx's and ooo's (An American Girl)" by Trisha Yearwood becomes a staple of country music. The movie? It wasn't so acclaimed. But was it really as bad as it sounded? I'll give you my review! In This Episode: Learn which country superstar was supposed to originally sing...
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Underrated Country Songs of the '90s: #88 She's Got A Man On Her Mind by Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty left a legacy of hundreds of songs, many of which were chart-toppers. His reign continued throughout the early '90s when he was scoring big hits amid the Hot New Country wave. "She's Got A Man On Her Mind" would become his final top thirty hit in 1991 and it ranks at #88 in this...
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Kimberly Perry Flourishes With First Solo Release "Bloom"
Kimberly Perry releases the most personal project of her career titled "Bloom." As she begins her solo career, she looks back at the journey here through "If I Die Young Part II," a beautiful ode to her award-winning single that sold over five million copies during her stance as lead singer for…
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Review: LeAnn Rimes Concert at the Ryman Auditorium
With her latest album God's Work, LeAnn Rimes continues to evolve and captivate listeners. Her current tour "The Story...So Far" is an immersive experience that highlights her twenty-five years of making records. I share my thoughts on attending the show and how it exceeded every expectation,...
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Underrated Country Songs of the '90s: #89 No Man In His Wrong Heart by Gary Allan
Could Gary Allan's lack of success with “No Man in His Wrong Heart” be due to another song that happened to be a hidden track that radio program directors were intrigued by? We’ll uncover the details in this episode! Learn about the most popular country songs in 1998. Gary Allan's record label...
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Interview - Shenandoah's Marty Raybon Talks About Why You Can't Stream Two of Their Classic Albums
When you're scrolling through your favorite streaming platform, you might notice an album or two from an artist’s catalog missing. That’s the case with Shenandoah’s Long Time Comin’ and Under the Kudzu. Both of those albums contain some pretty big hits from the ‘90s, like "I Want To Be Loved Like...
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Country Music Chart Talk: May 2023 Edition
Are Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen starting a trend where artists release multiple singles simultaneously to country radio? I'll talk about their success, along with my top picks for the month. Plus, Carrie Underwood's "Hate My Heart," written by HARDY, was poised to be a chart topper, so why did…
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Album Deep Dive: Wish You Were Here by Mark Wills
During a seismic sales boom in the late '90s, Mark Wills released one of the most successful albums from that era. Wish You Were Here spawned multiple top ten singles including the acclaimed "Don't Laugh at Me," which created a generational impact. This podcast outlines the state of country music...
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ACM Awards Recap 2023
The Academy of Country Music Awards were once again streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton hosted and we saw the next generation of country music claim the night's top prizes. Find out the biggest moments, surprising performances, and how the show fared compared to year's...
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Show Update
I have an exciting announcement for listeners! The podcast is growing, and I have some major updates!
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Interview: Sara Evans Talks New Music
Country music superstar Sara Evans talks about songwriting and the traditional-sounding style planned for her next album. Don't miss this interview with one of the leading singer-songwriters of the last 25 years. In This Episode: When is Sara Evans releasing a new album? Sara Evans talks about…
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Country Music Chart Talk: February 2023 Edition
Discussing the current trends at country radio for the month of February 2023. I’ll talk about how the slow-climbing nature of songs is affecting the longevity of artists. Plus the rise in traditional country continues. See how the influx of new artists of today compares to decades past, too....
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Recap: 2023 Grammy Awards
Talking all about country music’s big night at the Grammy’s. Find out the 2023 Grammy Award winners, who performed, and the big surprises of the night. Featured Artists: Bill Anderson, Willie Nelson, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Chris Stapleton, Bonnie Raitt, Molly Tuttle, Shooter Jennings…
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Preview: 2023 Grammy Awards
Predictions on the 2023 country Grammy Award nominees and what to expect on the show. Featured artists: Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson, Zach Bryan, Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, Carly Pearce, and more.
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Interview: Heath Wright of Ricochet shares the story behind "Daddy's Money"
“Daddy’s Money” by Ricochet was one of the biggest country songs in the ‘90s. Ricochet lead singer Heath Wright shares the story behind the song including the country artist that inspired it. He also talks about the song’s longevity and impact on the band’s successful career.
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CMA Music Fest Planning
The CMA Music Fest happens June 8-11, 2023, and the Country Music Road Trip Podcast has all the details on how to buy tickets to CMA Fest, what to pack, how to meet your favorite artist, and more. In this episode, we dive into all the stages in Nashville and nightly concerts at Nissan. Plus, get...
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Martina McBride's 1999 Emotion Album Deep Dive
Insights into the 1999 - 2001 era when country music superstar Martina McBride released her Emotion album. Hear deep cuts, interviews, facts, and more. Artists featured in this episode: Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina, SheDaisy, George Strait, Shania Twain, Chely Wright, and Trisha Yearwood.
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Best-Selling Debut Country Albums of the 90s
Country music saw a commercial explosion in the 90s and so many new artists came on the scene. What were the best-selling albums by debut artists? Find out in this episode. Artists featured in this episode: Trace Adkins, Gary Allan, John Berry, Blackhawk, Paul Brandt, Tracy Byrd, Deana Carter…
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2022 CMA Nominations
Discussing the 2022 CMA nominations and breaking down who’s in and who’s out, surprises, and predictions. Artists featured in this episode: Gary Allan, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Breland, Brothers Osborne, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Luke Combs, HARDY, Cody Johnson, Lady A, Miranda…
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Faith Hill's Cry Album: A Deep Dive Into Her Most Underrated Album
Join me for a deep dive into Faith Hill's Cry album! In this video, we’ll explore the history, impact, and legacy of this Grammy-winning, genre-blending album, breaking down its songs, music videos, chart success, and critical reception. From Faith Hill’s SNL and Letterman performances to her CMA...
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Country Music Minute - October 18
The latest on Tenille Townes’ tour, 2022 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees, plus C2C Festival announces 2023 headliners. Artists featured in this episode: Thomas Rhett, Lady A, Zac Brown Band, Keith Whitley, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Country Music Road Trip podcast brings you the latest country…
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Country Music Minute - October 12
Carly Pearce and Miranda Lambert release new videos, Brett Eldridge plots holiday tour, plus all the performers and presenters at the CMT Artists of the Year. Artists featured in this episode: Cody Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Gary Levox of Rascal Flatts, Kelsea Ballerini, and Dan + Shay. Country Music...
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Country Music Minute - October 11
Carrie Underwood reveals new single, Elle King announced album, Scotty McCreery receives prestigious honor, plus Riders in the Sky return to the Opry stage.
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Country Music Minute - October 10
News from Maddie and Tae, Ashley McBryde, Julie Roberts, Keith Urban, Ricochet, Luke Combs, and more.
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Country Music Minute - October 7
Ashley McBryde receives the honor of a lifetime from Garth Brooks, plus LeAnn Rimes, Toby Keith, and Lainey Wilson are all set to claim major industry accolades.
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Country Music Minute - October 6
New music from Kat & Alex, Reba’s big touring plans, how the Grand Ole Opry plans to pay tribute to Loretta Lynn, plus Alan Jackson is named Artist of a Lifetime by CMT.
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Daily Country Music News - October 5
Country artists Faith Hill, Kentucky Headhunters, Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, and Tanya Tucker share memories of the legendary Loretta Lynn.
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Daily Country Music News - October 4
Touring news from Kelsea Ballerini and Wynonna, Miranda Lambert’s TV appearance, a new record from Chris Janson, plus news from Chris Young, Hardy, and Jamey Johnson.
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Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine" Turns 27 - Story Behind The Song
Shania Twain's iconic "Any of Man of Mine" was inescapable in the summer of 1995. We dive into the chart positions, sales, awards, fashion, and state of country music in 1995. This podcast celebrates the song's 27th anniversary. Across The Country With Amanda is your guide to the best songs and...
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2022 CMT Music Awards Recap
The highlights from the 2022 CMT Music Awards including the show’s move to CBS, last-minute changes, and all the music. Artists featured include Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen, Little Big Town, Cody Johnson, LeAnn Rimes, The Judds, Breland, and more. Country Music Road Trip Radio...
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2021 CMA Award Nominations
Discussion of the 2021 CMA Award Nomination breakdown including who is in, who’s out, surprises, and upsets. Featured artists include Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Carly Pearce, and more. Country Music Road Trip Radio podcast is your guide to the best songs and albums, latest...
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Trace Adkins talks about The Way I Wanna Go
Trace Adkins talks about The Way I Wanna Go, his double-disc project. Plus, he’s celebrating 25 years in country music in 2021. Listen to this interview from the ACM Honors event. Country Music Road Trip Radio podcast is your guide to the best songs and albums, latest news, and country music...
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Shania Twain - Any Man of Mine - Behind the Song
Exploring the history of “Any Man of Mine” by Shania Twain. Talking chart positions, sales, awards, fashion, and country music in 1995. Across The Country With Amanda is your guide to the best songs and albums, latest news, and country music history.
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Country Music Road Trip Minute - August 20, 2021
The Country Music Hall of Fame has announced the 2021 inductees. Learn more about Eddie Bayers, Pete Drake, Ray Charles, and The Judds.
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Country Music Hall of Fame Predictions
Discussing potential Modern Era inductees for the Country Music Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Artists featured: John Anderson, Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Roseanne Cash, Kenny Chesney, Mark Chesnutt, The Chicks, Earl Thomas Conley, Rodney Crowell, Joe Diffie, Vern Gosdin, Faith Hill, The...
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Graduate Nashville - A Dolly Parton-Inspired Hotel
Planning a trip to Nashville? This is the best place to stay! Everything you need to know about Nashville’s latest travel hotspot. Get a glimpse inside this dreamy country music getaway inspired by Dolly Patton. Country Music Road Trip Radio podcast is your guide to the best songs and albums,...
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ACM Honors - Favorite Moments
The ACM Honors is an annual tradition celebrating the best in country music. I’m discussing unforgettable memories from years past, including ACM moments from Joe Diffie, Holly Williams, Eric Church, Matraca Berg, Barbara Mandrell, Restless Heart, and more. Country Music Road Trip Radio podcast…
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About this show
Country music news, artist interviews, new albums and singles, destinations and attractions, and history. Syndicated Radio host Amanda Tempel gives you an inside look at the country music charts, emerging artists, throwbacks, and more.
Hosted by
Amanda Tempel
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