Sugarland

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Biography

Sugarland , an United States of America|American country music duo, is composed of singer–songwriters Jennifer Nettles (lead vocals) and Kristian Bush (background vocals, lead vocals, mandolin , steel-string acoustic guitar|acoustic guitar , and harmonica ). Sugarland was founded in 2002 by Kristen Hall with Bush and ultimately became a trio after hiring Jennifer Nettles as lead singer . After three years, Hall left the group.

Signed to Mercury Nashville Records in 2004, Sugarland broke through that year with the release of their debut single " Baby Girl (Sugarland song)|Baby Girl ", the first single from their multi-platinum debut album Twice the Speed of Life . The trio became a duo in 2006, when they also released their second album, Enjoy the Ride (Sugarland album)|Enjoy the Ride . This album produced their first two #1 singles (in the U.S.), " Want To " and " Settlin' ", and won the duo a Grammy for " Stay (Sugarland song)|Stay ". In 2008 they released their third album, titled Love on the Inside . This album produced three more #1 singles with " All I Want to Do ", " Already Gone (Sugarland song)|Already Gone "and " It Happens ". Their fourth album, The Incredible Machine (album)|The Incredible Machine was released on October 19, 2010 in both a standard and deluxe edition. Upon The Incredible Machine being certified platinum, Sugarland has sold in excess of 14 million records. Nettles and Bush also write all of the band's songs.

Career

2004–2005, Twice the Speed of Life

Jennifer Nettles grew up in the small town of Douglas, Georgia . Nettles, Bush, and Hall were regulars in Atlanta's folk-rock scene in the 1990s and early 2000s before Sugarland was formed, playing frequently at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Georgia|Decatur , Georgia, which Nettles' ex-husband owned for a time.

Sugarland's debut album, Twice the Speed of Life , was released Oct. 26, 2004. Serving as its lead-off single was the song " Baby Girl (Sugarland song)|Baby Girl ", which peaked at #2 on the Billboard (magazine)|Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and set a record for the longest chart run since the inception of Nielsen SoundScan in 1990; it was also the highest-peaking debut single for a group in 13 years. Also released from the album were the singles "Something More", "Just Might (Make Me Believe)", and "Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good)", which peaked on the country charts at #2, #7, and #17, respectively. The album received Multi-Platinum certification for sales of three million copies, becoming their first album to achieve that status. In late 2005, the trio performed with Bon Jovi on Country Music Television 's musical fusion show, Crossroads (CMT TV series)|Crossroads . Nettles sang with Bon Jovi on their single " Who Says You Can't Go Home ". The song later went on to become a #1 hit on the country charts. They toured the U.S. and Canada performing with Brad Paisley in 2005 and in 2006–2007 with Kenny Chesney on his Flip Flop Summer Tour .

2006–2007, Enjoy the Ride

Kristen Hall left the group in December 2005. According to a statement released on January 17, 2006, by Nettles and Bush, Hall left the group to "stay home and write songs."

Sugarland was nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy and performed the song " Something More (Sugarland song)|Something More " at the 48th Grammy Awards|48th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2006. They also performed at the 2006 CMT Music Awards, where they received multiple nominations including Group/Duo Video of the Year for Just Might (Make Me Believe) , Breakthrough Video of the Year for Something More , and Collaborative Video of the Year for ''Who Says You Can't Go Home . On November 7, 2006, the duo released their second album Enjoy the Ride (Sugarland album)|Enjoy the Ride ''. It sold 211,000 during its first week and opened at #4 on the US Top 200 and at #2 on the Top Country Albums charts. It went on to become their second album to achieve multi-platinum status for selling three million copies. The first two singles from this album—" Want To " and " Settlin' "—both reached Number One on the country music charts, while " Everyday America " and " Stay (Sugarland song)|Stay " were both Top Ten hits. A limited edition of the CD, sold exclusively at Wal-Mart , was released in late 2007 and included a 5-song Christmas EP. The EP contained one original song—"Little Wood Guitar"— written by Bush and Ellis Paul . USA Today included the song in a list of new Christmas songs released in 2007 "that might have some staying power."

In 2007, Sugarland performed at multiple award ceremonies, including the 2007 CMT Music Awards and the 2007 ACM awards. They performed a cover of Beyoncé Knowles ' " Irreplaceable " at the American Music Award s. Knowles joined Sugarland on stage starting with the second verse. The performance drew some poor reviews with The Village Voice calling it "a well-intentioned mess," although other critics also noted that the crowd enjoyed the performance.

They appeared on The Tonight Show , and late in the year they headlined their first concert tour: the Change for Change Tour along with opening acts Little Big Town and Jake Owen . At the 41st CMA Awards, the group won the award for Vocal Duo of the Year.Country Music Association. Retrieved September 10, 2010.

Sugarland also appeared on a Sesame Street episode that first aired during Season 38 on September 14, 2007. During the segment they performed "Songs" with Elmo .MuppetWiki. September 14, 2007. Retrieved August 31, 2009. On November 26, 2007 they made a guest appearance in the "Car" episode of " Yo Gabba Gabba! ".

2008–2009, Love on the Inside

In February 2007, Nettles and Bush began recording Love on the Inside as a follow up to Enjoy the Ride . The Deluxe Fan Edition was released on July 22, 2008, with the regular edition released one week later. The fan edition includes the duo's collaboration with Little Big Town and Jake Owen, a cover of The Dream Academy 's 1985 hit " Life in a Northern Town ". It also introduces four other bonus tracks, including "Fall Into Me", "Operation: Working Vacation", "Wishing", and a cover of Matt Nathanson 's "Come On Get Higher".

The lead-off single was " All I Want to Do " which debuted at #27 on the country charts, the highest debut for the duo. In August 2008 the song became their third #1 single. The following single, "Already Gone", released on September 8, 2008, became their fourth #1 in January 2009.
Sugarland started the Love on the Inside Tour on September 13, 2008 in Asheville, North Carolina . It was their second headining tour. They were supported by Ashton Shepherd and Kellie Pickler and the tour concluded after 25 performances on November 16, 2008 in Bossier City, Louisiana .

In early December 2008, Sugarland received three Grammy Award nominations and performed on the 51st Annual Grammy Awards show on February 8, 2009. They won awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group.Grammy.com. (See Category 38 and Category 41.) Retrieved February 9, 2009.

On February 11, 2009, Sugarland received two nominations from the Academy of Country Music . They were nominated for Top Vocal Duo and Vocal Event of the Year for "Life in a Northern Town".Academy of Country Music. February 11, 2009. Retrieved February 12, 2009. During the broadcast of the April 5, 2009 awards show, Sugarland was presented with the Vocal Duo of the Year award, ending Brooks & Dunn|Brooks & Dunn's nine-year run.DeDekker, Jeff. Leader-Post , April 5, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2009. Nettles also received a Milestone award, presented to her by Reba McEntire .McDonnell, Brandy (BAM's Blog). The Oklahoman , April 5, 2009. Retrieved April 6, 2009.

In March 2009, Sugarland toured in Europe starting with performances at military stations in Italy. They were scheduled to perform in France, the Netherlands, Germany, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Later in 2009 they joined Keith Urban in select cities as part of his Escape Together World Tour and joined Kenny Chesney on his Sun City Carnival Tour.NashvilleGab.com. February 10, 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
The third single from Love on the Inside , and 11th single overall, " It Happens ", was released in February 2009 and became their fifth #1 in May 2009. The album's fourth single, "Joey" is a warning about drunkdriving, encouraging those sober to "take the keys," and thematically is heavily influenced by Concrete Blonde 's 1990 single of the same name. It peaked at #17 on the US country charts.

On May 19, 2009, Sugarland received five CMT Award nominations including a nomination for Video of the Year.Gerome, John. . Associated Press, May 19, 2009. Retrieved June 15, 2009. They were presented the award for Video Duo of the Year at the award show that broadcasted on June 16, 2009.CMT.com . Retrieved June 17, 2009. During the awards show, they also performed " Love Shack " with a surprise appearance by the B-52's .CMT.com. . June 16, 2009. Retrieved June 17, 2009.

On July 2, 2009 a performance that Sugarland recorded for Soundstage (TV program)|Soundstage debuted on many Public Broadcasting Service|PBS channels.Public Braodcasting Service. Retrieved July 3, 2009.

Sugarland's first live DVD/CD Live on the Inside was released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores on August 4, 2009.Country On Demand. June 16, 2009. Retrieved June 17, 2009.

Sugarland released their first holiday album, Gold and Green on October 13, 2009. The album features five original songs and five traditional carols.Morran, Chris. Oklahoma Magazine , August 31, 2009. Retrieved August 31, 2009.

Country Universe, a country music blog website, published a list of the top 32 selling country albums of 2009. Sugarland had four albums on the list with Love on the Inside (#10), Gold and Green (#26), Love on the Inside (#28), and Enjoy the Ride (#29).Country Universe. January 4, 2010. Retrieved January 11, 2011.

2010–2011, The Incredible Machine

Sugarland's "It Happens" was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals when nominees for 52nd Annual Grammy Awards were announced on December 2, 2009.Gilbert, Calvin. CMT News. December 3, 2009. Retrieved October 25, 2010. They lost to Lady Antebellum's "I Run To You". During the awards show, Jennifer Nettles teamed with Jon Bon Jovi for "Who Says You Can't Go Home".Suddath, Claire. Time , February 1, 2010. Retrieved October 25, 2010.

On February 1, 2010, Sugarland appeared with many other artists in the making of "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti" to benefit the 2010 Haiti earthquake|Haiti earthquake relief efforts and the rebuilding of Haiti .We Are The World Foundation. Retrieved October 25, 2010.

On September 10, 2010, Sugarland appeared on The Today Show AOL Music. September 10, 2010. Retrieved October 25, 2010. and performed " Stuck Like Glue " – the first single from their album The Incredible Machine (album)|The Incredible Machine , which was released on October 19, 2010 in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.Willman, Cris. Entertainment Weekly , October 13, 2010. Retrieved October 25, 2010. The album is scheduled to be released in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2011.

The American Express concert series Unstaged pairs Sugarland with director Kenny Ortega for a performance from New York City streamed live on October 18, 2010.Mansfield, Brian. USA Today , October 12, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2010.

"I'm a complete geek," says Sugarland's Kristian Bush , "and I've been dreaming of how awesome it's going to be to play a show and stream it to people for a long time. Now, you can sit and reach a kid in Sevierville, Tenn., like I used to be, that might not ever get to New York. They'll be able to see a show like that and have the excitement of it being live and happening right now."

On November 29, 2010 Jennifer Nettles hosted the first CMA Country Christmas during which Sugarland also performed two holiday songs from their Christmas CD, Gold and Green .Country Music Association. PRNewsWire, October, 21 2010. Retrieved December 21, 2010.

On December 5, 2010, Sugarland performed at "The VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" show, hosted by Kathy Griffin, which aired on VH1. Other performers included Katy Perry , Keri Hilson , Nicki Minaj , Paramore and Grace Potter . Sugarland performed their country crossover single "Stuck Like Glue", after an introduction by supermodel Marisa Miller and Jennifer Nettles' brother, a member of the Air Force.Newsday.com. December 4, 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2010.

It was announced on January 11 that Sugarland was the #5 selling country album of 2010 with The Incredible Machine and the #3 selling digital country track of 2010 with their single "Stuck Like Glue".Roughstock January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2011.

Sugarland graced the stage of American Idol in March, performing the hit "Stuck Like Glue.

On April 3, 2011 Sugarland hosted and performed at the first annual ACM Fan Jam during the ACM awards show.The Boot January 17, 2011. Retrieved January 17, 2011. Sugarland was nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year and Video of the Year for "Stuck Like Glue", and won for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 46th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Nettles performed alongside pop star Rihanna at the ceremony, performing "California King Bed".. Rap-Up.com (2011-03-24). Retrieved on 2011-10-22.. Community.livejournal.com (2011-03-24). Retrieved on 2011-10-22.

" Tonight (Sugarland song)|Tonight " is the second single released in the U.K. from The Incredible Machine as well as the third country radio single, released April 11.

In April 2011, Sugarland began their own radio station, which was launched by A.P.E. Radio. The station is programmed by Nettles and Bush, and gives fans the opportunity to hear experiences from both singers' lives and from their current musical endeavors.

The duo appeared at the 2011 CMT Music Awards, winning for "Duo Video of the Year" but losing to Taylor Swift's "Mine" for video of the year. They also performed their donation song "Stand Up".

The duo recorded the song "Run" with Matt Nathanson on his album, " Modern Love (album)|Modern Love ," but is credited individually on the track.

Indiana State Fair stage collapse

On August 13, 2011, an outdoor stage collapsed due to high winds at the duo's concert at the Indiana State Fair , killing seven people and injuring over forty-five. Moments after the crash, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush posted on their Twitter account: “We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you’ll join us. They need your strength.” Sugarland cancelled their concert scheduled for August 14, 2011, at the Iowa State Fair. The band also sent out a letter on their website explaining what they have gone through and a tribute for the families. Sugarland held a free benefit concert in honor of the victims of the stage collapse on October 28, 2011. On November 23, 2011 it was announced that 44 lawsuits had be brought against Sugarland and a handful of organizations involved with the show, citing an unspecified damage amount for compensation. The suits were filed by family and friends of those killed in the stage collapse. Refer to Sugarlands' hit song "It Happens."Disasters happen; this is something we all need to accept and get over.

2011 ended in a whirlwind storm of events for the duo, as they won Vocal Duo and performed "Run" with Matt Nathanson at the 2011 CMA awards, they will perform at the Grammy Nominations Concert, a performance (as well as hosting duties for Jennifer) at the 2011 CMA Country Christmas Special, two nominations from the ACAs in the categories of Artist of the Year-Duo or Group and Single of the Year-Duo or Group for "Stuck Like Glue," and finally a performance in Oslo, Norway on December 11 for the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

On Saturday, November 26, 2011, Jennifer Nettles married boyfriend of 2 years, Justin Miller, in a sunset ceremony in Nashville. Miller, a former model was featured in the band's 2006 hit song, "Want To".

Sugarland will take some time off in the beginning of next year to "chill and relax and sleep in our own beds and contemplate how we want to approach what’s next," with a possible solo album from Nettles, but the duo is still together.

2012-present

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles paired with Pepsi MAX and recorded a commercial for Super Bowl XLVI. Jennifer recorded Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart" which is featured in the commercial as a Coke Zero delivery man tries to buy a Pepsi Max without being discovered. http://sugarlandmusic.com/news/59021

Sugarland recorded a song for the 2012 movie, Act of Valor. The soundtrack to the movie is set to be released on February 21, 2012. The song is titled "Guide Me Home". http://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/act-of-valor/id498852053 Kristian confirmed in late January that Sugarland will be touring in "mid to late Spring" and that they're "going to source our fans for our set list."

Touring

As opening act

Time Well Wasted Tour ( Brad Paisley , with Sara Evans , Carrie Underwood , Jake Owen , Billy Currington , 2005)

Long Haul Tour ( Brooks & Dunn , 2006)

Flip Flop Summer Tour ( Kenny Chesney , 2006–2007)

Escape Together World Tour ( Keith Urban , with Taylor Swift , 2009)

Sun City Carnival Tour ( Kenny Chesney , 2009)

Lilith Fair Festival ( Sarah McLachlan|Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair , 2010)

As headliner

Change for Change Tour (with Little Big Town and Jake Owen , 2007)

Love on the Inside Tour (with Kellie Pickler and Ashton Shepherd , 2008–2009)

The Incredible Machine Tour (with Danny Gokey , Jake Owen , Luke Bryan , Little Big Town , Vonda Shepard , Randy Montana and Julianne Hough , 2010)

The Incredible Machine Tour (with Ellis Paul ,Sugarland Music. June 27, 2011. Sara Bareilles , Little Big Town , Matt Nathanson , and Casey James 2011).Smith, Jay. . Pollstar , January 5, 2010. Retrieved January 5, 2010.. Content.usatoday.com (2011-01-27). Retrieved on 2011-10-22.

Lawsuit

Kristen Hall left the band unexpectedly because she felt pressured into doing so because of her image and money.

In July 2008, Kristen Hall filed a lawsuit for $14 million against Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles stating that she was being excluded from sharing profits as had been agreed upon after her departure in 2005 to pursue a solo career. USA Today . August 8, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2009. Hall claims to have coined the name of the band and allowed Bush and Nettles "to obtain equal co-ownership of the trademark and service mark".Harrison, Shane. . The Atlanta Journal-Constitution , August 8, 2008. Retrieved May 6, 2009. Hall's name is listed on the trademark for "Sugarland". The lawsuit was eventually settled outside of court in November 2010. Details regarding the settlement agreement were not disclosed.Bluestein, Greg. . Associated Press via Yahoo& #33; News , November 14, 2010. Retrieved November 15, 2010.

Discography

;Albums

2004: Twice the Speed of Life

2006: Enjoy the Ride (Sugarland album)|Enjoy the Ride

2008: Love on the Inside

2009: Live on the Inside

2009: Gold and Green

2010: The Incredible Machine (album)|The Incredible Machine

;U.S. #1 Country Singles

" Want To " (2006) (2 weeks)

" Settlin' " (2007)

" All I Want To Do " (2008)

" Already Gone (Sugarland song)|Already Gone " (2009)

" It Happens " (2009) (2 weeks)

Awards

Sugarland has been nominated for 65 major music awards, winning 18 of those awards as noted below.

Year	Organization	Award	Result
2005	Country Music Association Awards	Single of the Year-"Baby Girl"	nom
		Vocal Group of the Year	nom
		Horizon Award	nom
	Radio Music Awards	Song of the Year/ Country Radio-"Baby Girl"	nom
	American Music Awards	Favorite Breakthrough New Artist	won
2006	Grammy Awards	Best New Artist	nom
	Academy of Country Music Awards	Top New Duo or Vocal Group	won
		Song of the Year-"Baby Girl"	nom
		Single Record of the Year-"Baby Girl"	nom
		Album of the Year-"Twice the Speed of Life"	nom
		Top Vocal Group	nom
	CMT Music Awards	Breakthrough Video of the Year-"Something More"	nom
	CMT Music Awards	Group/ Duo Video of the Year-"Just Might(Make Me Believe)	nom
	Country Music Association Awards	Vocal Group of the Year	nom
	Country Music Association Awards	Horizon Award	nom
	Billboard Music Awards	Duo/ Group Country Artist of the Year	nom
2007	Academy of Country Music Awards	Top Vocal Duo	nom
	CMT Music Awards	Duo Video of the Year-"Want To"	won
	CMT Music Awards	Video of the Year-"Want To"	nom
	Country Music Association Awards	Vocal Duo of the Year	won
2008	Academy of Country Music Awards	Top Vocal Duo	nom
		Song of the Year-"Stay"	won
		Single of the Year-"Stay"	won
		Video of the Year-"Stay"	nom
	CMT Music Awards	Duo Video of the Year-"Stay"	won
		Video of the Year-"Stay"	nom
		Performance of the Year-"Stay"	nom
		Tearjerker Video of the Year-"Stay"	nom
	Country Music Association Awards	Vocal Duo of the Year	won
		Single of the Year-"Stay"	nom
		Song of the Year-"Stay"	won
		Music Video of the Year-"Stay"	nom
		Entertainer of the Year	nom
		Musical Event of the Year-"Life in a Northern Town"	nom
	American Music Awards	Favorite Country Band/ Duo/ Group	nom
2009	Grammy Awards	Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals-"Stay"	won
		Best Country Song-"Stay"	won
		Best Country Collaboration with Vocals-"Life in a Northern Town"	nom
	Academy of Country Music Awards	Top Vocal Duo	won
	Academy of Country Music Awards	Vocal Event of the Year-"Life in a Northern Town"	nom
	CMT Music Awards	Video of the Year-"All I Want to Do"	nom
		CMT Performance of the Year-"Life in a Northern Town"	nom
		Collaborative Video of the Year-"Life in a Northern Town"	nom
		Duo Video of the Year-"Already Gone"	nom
		Duo Video of the Year-"All I Want to Do"	won
	Country Music Association Awards	Vocal Duo of the Year	won
	Country Music Association Awards	Album of the Year-"Love on the Inside"	nom
	American Music Awards	Favorite Country Band/ Duo/ Group	nom
2010	Grammy Awards	Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals-"It Happens"	nom
	Academy of Country Music Awards	Top Vocal Duo of the Year	nom
	CMT Music Awards		nom
	CMT Music Awards	Duo Video of the Year-"Keep You"	nom
	Country Music Association Awards	Vocal Duo	won
	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Music: Country Group	nom
	American Country Awards	Touring Headline Package of the Year-"The Incredible Machine"	nom
	American Country Awards	Artist of the Year: Duo or Group	nom
2011	Academy of Country Music Awards	Top Vocal Duo of the Year	won
	Academy of Country Music Awards	Video of the Year-Stuck Like Glue	nom
	Billboard Music Awardscite web	Top Country Song-Stuck Like Glue	nom
	Billboard Music Awardscite web	Top Country Album-The Incredible Machine	nom
	CMT Music Awardscite web	Video of the Year-Stuck Like Glue	nom
	CMT Music Awardscite web	Duo Video of the Year-Stuck Like Glue	won
	Country Music Association Awards	Vocal Duo	won
	American Country Awards	Single of the Year: Duo or Group	nom
	American Country Awards	Artist of the Year: Duo or Group	nom

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1. Brooks and Dunn 2. Chely Wright 3. Kenny Chesney 4. Brad Paisley 5. Keith Urban 6. Jennifer Nettles 7. Miranda Lambert 8. Kellie Pickler 9. Lady Antebellum

Country Music Artists