Winter Jam in Atlanta Adds Sadie Robertson

Winter Jam 2015 Dome Spectacular added Duck Dynasty star and Dancing with the Stars contestant Sadie Robertson to the lineup for Atlanta on February 7. Winter Jam is a 47-city, three month tour.

Sadie is no stranger to the spotlight. She was cast into the limelight as a star on A&E's reality show, Duck Dynasty. Known for her dimples and engaging smile, this 17-year-old high-schooler is more than a pretty face. A popular motivational speaker, Sadie spends her summers on mission trips and speaks at Christian youth camps sharing her message "to live original" as a Christian young person today. She recently competed on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, collaborated on a formal dress line in time for spring prom, and has written a book called "Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values."

"Our very first Dome Spectacular in Atlanta last year was such a phenomenal success with nearly 30,0000 fans and the addition of quality guest artists and celebrities, that it created a daunting task for us to try to top," said Troy VanLiere, tour producer. "But with the announcement of Sadie Robertson being added to our already stellar line-up, we are well on our way! Her character, integrity and the way she lives out her faith for the entire world to see on both Duck Dynasty and Dancing with the Stars is a perfect "heart-match" for Winter Jam. She'll be a big hit on the Winter Jam stage and something people won't want to miss. Plus there is more to come..."

In addition to Sadie Robertson making a guest appearance in Atlanta, the Winter Jam Dome Spectacular lineup will include Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, Family Force 5, NewSong, for King & Country, and evangelist Tony Nolan. The LifeWay Christian Stores Pre-Jam Party will also showcase performances by Blanca, About A Mile, and VERIDIA.
Winter Jam Tour Spectacular is a $10 at the door concert and no tickets are required. The Winter Jam event in Atlanta - hosted at the Georgia Dome for the first time in 2014 - has been aptly dubbed Winter Jam Dome Spectacular for the day. In 2014, the Atlanta event set a Winter Jam attendance record by attracting nearly 30,000 people.

Pastor Has 8 minutes to Convince Prostitutes to Quit in New Reality Show

A&E has greenlit a provocative new reality series in which a man tries to convince prostitutes to quit their jobs. EW has learned that the network has ordered eight episodes of 8 Minutes (working title), a series featuring cop-turned-pastor Kevin Brown surprising escorts in hotel rooms and offering to rescue them from a life of trading sex for cash. In each episode, Brown has eight minutes to make his case.

Executive producer Tom Forman (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) says the show was inspired by a 2013 LA Times article about Brown, an Orange County vice cop turned pastor who teamed with his church to create an undercover prostitute intervention operation.

“This is one of those great shows that was actually happening whether anybody was shooting it or not,” Forman said. “Brown told his congregation that for 20 years he’s had to arrest these women when what he’s really wanted to do is help them. It launched a drive within his church to run these undercover operations. We read that and thought somebody should put a camera on this, it’s the most incredible thing I've ever heard.”

Entertainment Weekly: So Brown is out there doing this in real life. This isn’t just for the show.
He’s a cop in Orange County who retired a couple years ago, then devoted himself full time to his church. So he was a full-time cop turned full-time pastor. As a cop, he worked vice. He saw girls who had no place else to go, who had been abused by their pimps, girls who really needed a helping hand, and what he had to do as a cop is arrest them. Now that he’s running a church, he can offer them that help. That’s what he was doing well before we called him. I like a little reality in my reality shows.

Entertainment Weekly: What’s the reaction when the women are presented with this surprise?
It has varied. Women have burst into tears and said, “I've been waiting for someone to offer me a path out.” And you have women who say, “I’m doing what I’m doing and I’m not doing anything else,” and they decline. No one has been angry. No one has resented him for being offered an opportunity to leave a life that’s so hard, and so violent and so dangerous.

Entertainment Weekly: Why set an eight-minute time limit?
Kevin has got a lot of safety protocols. He’s a cop and knows just how dangerous these rescues can be. Before he goes in and does one of these operations, he surveys the scene, he puts his church members in prime locations so they can observe, they have cops on speed dial. And one of his other rules is they would only have eight minutes to talk to any individual girl. In his experience, she’s got eight minutes in which she could return to her pimp and say, “I got a bad feeling about that guy, he backed out, I thought he was a cop,” without having the pimp come looking for her, which could create a dangerous situation for Kevin and his team. So for her safety and theirs, it’s a self-imposed hard deadline. They've got eight minutes to talk her out of prostitution. If she says yes, that’s great. If after eight minutes she hasn't, they give her a phone number and tell her they’ll always be there, but they cut off the intervention.

Entertainment Weekly: What’s his success rate?
It’s about 50-50. But the ones where he succeeds, we follow them out of the rescue and see the girls subsequently get back on their feet and see the good he’s doing. Sometimes they turn and leave, but that’s the case when trying to save prostitutes. If she says yes, they’re sneaking her out the back of that hotel into to a van and off to a safe house. If an angry pimp is coming to look for her, they want to make sure he can’t find her. They’re also getting her out of the city, if not out of the state. They’re putting her first in a rehab program if she needs one, and then a halfway house teaching her life skills, helping her get a job and rebuilding her life. It’s a pretty big decision and a fairly intensive program if you choose to take him up on his offer.

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‘Duck Dynasty’ Season 6 Premiere Ratings Off Significantly

Season 6 of the A&E reality hit premiered Wednesday night, drawing significantly fewer viewers than the Season 5 premiere in January.However, the show still remains the number one cable show on Wednesday night.

Wednesday's “Duck Dynasty” premiere drew 4.6 million total viewers — nearly 4 million less than the 8.5 million who tuned in for the Season 5 premiere.

The slide continues a sharp downward trajectory for the show. The 8.5 million who tuned in for the Season 5 premiere was itself a dramatic drop from the 11.8 million total viewers who tuned in for the Season 4 premiere in August 2013. Granted, the Season 4 premiere set a record for the series, but still — those are pretty big back-to-back declines.

Wednesday night's numbers are also a drop from the Season 5 finale in March, which had 6 million total viewers.

Wednesday night's premiere featured a special guest appearance by Louisiana Gov .Bobby Jindal, who awarded Willie Robertson the inaugural Governor's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence for his success in making the Duck Commander family business a multi-million dollar company.

"It was really neat to have the governor on our show," Willie Robertson told The Daily Advertiser. "His family loves watching the show, and they all came up to West Monroe to participate."

Jindal's guest appearance evidently did not do much to help the show salvage its declining ratings. Although many media outlets are blaming the drop in ratings over controversial statements Phil Robertson made to GQ Magazine last December, others argue that "Duck Dynasty" is simply following the usual, short lifespan of docusoaps.

"Critics and ratings-gazers will be quick to attribute Duck Dynasty's fall from grace to any number of factors -- one of them obviously being star Phil Robertson's controversial persona in the wake of anti-gay comments made in a GQ profile -- but the fact of the matter remains that docusoaps have a short lifespan. And A&E has already milked more out of Duck Dynasty than anybody could have imagined," wrote Michael O'Connor for The Hollywood Reporter.

A&E Developing Edgy ‘Highway to Heaven’ Reboot With Mark Wahlberg

“Highway to Heaven” could be making a return trip to the TV screen.

Hollywood Reporter is reporting that A&E is developing a contemporary remake of the acclaimed late-1980s Michael Landon drama, with Mark Wahlberg on board as an executive producer. The project, which centers on an angel sent down to earth to help troubled souls, is being penned by former Hell on Wheels showrunner John Wirth.

The original, which ran for five seasons on NBC, starred Landon as Jonathan Smith, an angel sent down on probation, and his Little House on the Prairie co-star Victor French as human companion Mark Gordon. Together, the pair is given assignments by God as Landon's character looks to earn his wings.

Wahlberg is also involved with the A&E reality series “Wahlburgers,” about his family’s restaurant.

Some Networks upset with A&E for 'caving' on Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson's Comments

A&E was quick to reinstate Phil Robertson on "Duck Dynasty" following last month’s controversy over comments he made to GQ magazine about homosexuality. Now an insider tells Fox News there is still heat on the network for their about face.

According to a well-placed source, higher-ups at several networks – including executives at both ABC and CBS – remain hopping mad with A&E for “caving” to the backlash from "Duck Dynasty" fans.

"Several high-ranking executives have expressed upset over the way this all played out. The network execs think that in allowing Phil to come back so quickly and seamlessly, without apology, sets a bad standard,” the source told Fox News. “The standard being that talent can say whatever offensive thing they want about gay people or other groups and get away with it. No consequences.”

Fox News was also told that power players at both ABC and CBS are annoyed – and were quite frankly “shocked” – that the Robertson family patriarch was suspended for just a week and welcomed back so warmly.

"It's all about money. I guess many feel that A&E should have taken a stronger stand,” added the source. “Where do moral standards go from here? Does this now mean stars can say whatever offensive things they want under the guise of freedom of speech, without repercussion?”

One industry pro says things could have been far worse for the cable channel if A&E had not backed down and brought Robertson back.

“At the end of the day, entertainment is big business and clearly A&E decided that ‘this too shall pass.’ Sometimes avoiding the major news as would have occurred has they fired him would have been more damaging to their brand then simply having Robertson continue on,” noted Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5WPR. “Not all press is good press.”

'Duck Dynasty' Family to Appear in 87th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Robertson family of A&E's hit reality television show "Duck Dynasty" will make an appearance at the 87th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade later this month.

The Robertsons will be joined at the parade by a host of other celebrities, including Jimmy Fallon, Kristin Chenoweth, Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri and many more.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, whose motto is "A Holiday Treat for Children Everywhere," was first held in 1924 and was made up of only about a dozen different attractions. This year's spectacle will include, among other things, 30 floats, 11 marching bands, 1,600 dancers and cheerleaders, 15 character balloons and, of course, Santa Clause.

The parrade is expected to be watched by more than 3.5 million people in person and by more than 50 million people nationwide.

The parade doesn't commence until Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. ET, though the Robertsons have already been busy preparing for the holiday season.

Last week the family's Christmas album, "Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas," was released. In addition to performances by members of the Robertson clan, country stars like Alison Krauss, Josh Turner and Luke Bryan also performed on the record.

Willie Robertson, president of Duck Commander, told Reuters last week that his family is proud of the album.

"It is definitely from our perspective of a down-home middle-America Christmas," Robertson told the news wire. "There is some funny stuff and then there is some serious stuff."

Between 55,000 and 60,000 copies of the Christmas album may have been sold in its first week, according to Billboard, and it may land in the top five of the Billboard 200 chart this week. The Billboard 200's top 10 list will be released on Wednesday.

‘Duck Dynasty’ Stars: ‘It Ain’t Gun Control We Need, It’s Sin Control’

One “Duck Dynasty” star made his stance on gun control known in an interview with Men’s Journal.
“It ain’t gun control we need, it’s sin control,” Si Robertson said.

In a wide-ranging interview with Men’s Journal, the man known as Uncle Si described how he used to be a “sinner” during his younger days when he was drafted into the Army and heading off to Vietnam.

Robertson said he was worried about the pedestal the family has been put on since the reality show took off.

“Look, I worry that people put us on a pedestal now,” he told Men’s Journal. “We’re human beings. We make mistakes just like everybody else.”

The article also features Phil Robertson, Si's brother and the patriarch, who adds, "We're trying to infuse a little good into a culture in which gentleness, patience, kindness, self-control, love, joy, and peace have become abnormal."

Si is sitting next to him, sipping tea from the blue Tupperware cup his mother sent him while he was serving in Vietnam and that has since become nearly as famous as he has. "Sad," he says, shaking his head.

"Very sad," says Phil. "I go out into America and I am literally navigating a minefield. Godliness has become abnormal. I just left California, where I spoke to 40,000 altogether. I told them I was a Bible man. I told them I believe that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth. 'What's he trying to say? That I can't sleep with anybody I want? Is this guy crazy?' Then they see a little family structure on TV – us – and the show goes ballistic. Thousands and thousands of people have thanked us. Isn't that right, Si?"

Montell Jordan to Star in Duck Dynasty Commercial

Montell Jordan is the guest star in a promotional video for the upcoming season of Duck Dynasty on the A&E Network. The video shows Jase Robertson playing Jordan's classic hit single, "This Is How We Do It," on his duck call, with the rest of the Robertson brothers joining in vocally on the song. The camera angle widens to show Jordan sitting in a chair and not very enthused with the impromptu performance to deliver a fun, humorous promo video.

Jordan's current single with Chris August, "You Are," is gaining momentum at Christian Contemporary radio and is from Jordan's debut project in the Christian market, Shake Heaven. The album received a Dove nomination for Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year. The 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards show is October 15, and will broadcast exclusively on UP on Monday, October 21, at 8:00 pm ET.

‘Duck Dynasty’ Season Premiere Shatters Cable Records

Variety is reporting that A&E reality smash “Duck Dynasty” kicked off its new season with a whopping 11.8 million viewers — the largest audience ever for a non-fiction cable series.

The show about a Louisiana family also set an A&E record as the biggest telecast in the network’s history in all key demos.

In adults 18-49, “Duck Dynasty” did a huge 5.0 rating (roughly 6.3 million viewers in the age group), up 26% from last year and a higher same-night rating than any series telecast on television since an April 15 episode of NBC’s “The Voice.”

The only cable reality show to ever draw more adults 18-49 was TLC’s “Jon & Kate” in June 2009 (6.5 million).

Among adults 25-54, “Duck Dynasty” drew 6.3 million viewers to top the previous cable reality record set by “Trading Spaces” nearly 10 years ago.

A&E is certainly striking while the iron is hot, as this is the fourth season of “Duck Dynasty” even though the show first premiered less than 18 months ago.

When it bowed in March 2012, it drew 1.81 million viewers, but that increased with its second season in October of last year (3.94 million) and then more than doubled when it opened season three in February of this year (8.62 million).

The third season of “Duck Dynasty” averaged 8.4 million total viewers, up 95% compared to season two. It is cable’s top reality program this year, and the No. 2 original series overall, behind only AMC juggernaut “The Walking Dead.”

Thanks in large part to “Duck Dynasty,” A&E ranked among the top five cable networks in both adults 18-49 and 25-54 for the second quarter of this year — rising 17% in both categories — while placing sixth in total viewers (up 19%).

“Duck Dynasty” was far and away the No. 1 program in all categories, including adults 18-49 (7.51 million or 5.9 rating) and total viewers (13 million), according to live-plus 7 Nielsen data.

Is ‘Porter Ridge’ the next ‘Duck Dynasty’?

The producers of “Duck Dynasty” are dishing out another family show, this time for Discovery Channel.

“Porter Ridge” looks at a tight-knit community whose code is simple: “respect the Lord, love your family and watch each other's backs.”

But will the new cable series attract as much attention—and as loyal a fan base—as “Duck Dynasty?”

Scott Gurney, who is the executive producer for both “Duck Dynasty” and “Porter Ridge,” said he expects new show will appeal to a similar demographic.

“This is great show for families to watch,” Gurney told Fox News. “It’s a great show for all ages and for males and females. That’s one of the things that’s great about ‘Duck Dynasty,’ it has such a broad audience, and I think this show will do the same thing.”

Fans of the A&E series about a family who work together to produce duck calls have often praised the show for its good, clean message and family-friendly plot lines. “Duck Dynasty” ends each episode with a prayer.

“I think that one of the big things that people love about ‘Duck Dynasty’ is that it’s a positive takeaway, and I think the same thing is going to exist with this series. “

But the similarities likely end there, he declared.

“This is a different show. It’s not ‘Duck Dynasty’… It’s not so much family based and more friendship based.”

The series follows a group of friends—and rivals—living in Southern Indiana, in an area with no rules, no leaders and no streetlights. And yet, somehow everyone manages to get along.

“Cameras follow this interesting culture that if you didn’t see it on TV, you’d honestly think it doesn’t exist,” Gurney said.

But it does. Gurney insisted that the series is unscripted—even though it seems implausible that one of the show’s stars shares his home with eight grizzly bears.

Jeff Watson, 48, appears on “Porter Ridge” and spends his days with his neighbors and with his domesticated bears.

“They’ve been in my house, but they don’t stay in here all the time,” Watson said of the bears.

It is elements like his pets that make the series so dissimilar to anything else that’s on TV, Watson said.

“I’m sure there are people out there who would like to see a show that’s less cussing, more family values, camaraderie, rapport, relationship between the characters, not a lot of fighting between everybody… I think people are getting a little tired of too much drama and they want to see people getting along, and we get along around here.”

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Unbearded Son Joins Hit Show Duck Dynasty

You may not know who Alan Robertson is, but come August 14 when “Duck Dynasty” returns for its fourth season on A&E, he’ll be a household name.

The full-time Louisiana pastor is leaving the pulpit to join his family as the newest cast member of the hit reality series. Alan will manage public relations and speaking engagements for his parents, Phil and Kay Robertson, his Uncle Si and the rest of the family.

Alan told the New York Post he decided to sign up for his family’s reality show so he could spread his religious beliefs to a larger audience.

“What I do for our church — you see, it’s a pretty good-sized church — impacts a lot of people, but because of my association with the show, I’ll get to minister to a lot more people,” Alan told The Post.

And he noted that one thing that separates him from the other male members of his family is his clean shaven face.

“The beards are so iconic,” Alan told The Post. “All this time I’ve been flying under the radar; I can go to Starbucks and get Mama coffee.”

“That is about to change,” Phil added of his eldest son.

The Robertson family has gained fame, and lots of attention, since “Dynasty” began airing, something Alan admitted he may not be fully prepared for.

“My children are grown, but all of my brothers’ children are teenagers now, so how is this crazy world going to impact them?” Alan told the newspaper. “We think about John Luke and Sadie, who are such a big part of the show and they’re teenagers, you know? They need to be just normal teenagers. We pray about that.”

'Duck Dynasty' Finale Beats American Idol in Key Demo

Nearly 10 million people watched the Robertson family vacation in Hawaii for the Wednesday, April 24 finale.

In comparison, the most watched episode of TLC's “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” history was 3.1 million viewers (only a third of ‘Duck Dynasty’s’ finale amount).

However, History’s “The Bible” miniseries finale ended their successful run with 11.7 million viewers.

Prior to ‘Duck Dynasty,' 'Storage Wars' was the network’s golden child. Their most watched episode was 5.6 million.

‘Duck Dynasty’ is particularly really appealing to the 18-49 crowd. In this age bracket alone, they scored 5.6 million viewers in the finale, shattering all of A&E’s records. ‘American Idol’ which was airing this same night had 4.13 million viewers in that same age group. However, the Fox reality show was the most watched overall because of their lead of viewers aged 50 and older, and women aged 25-to-54.

Nonetheless, ‘Duck Dynasty’ won in every other key category. In the 18-34 age group, they beat ‘American Idol’ by an impressive 70 percent.

The A&E hit focuses in on the backwoods Robertson family that made millions from their top-notch duck calls. The Robertson family is definitely not the typical reality TV family. They are witty, genuine, and hilarious, but they keep the show completely clean in the process. It’s harmless fun, and has won the family stamp of approval. The Christian family even eats dinner together at the end of every episode. The gun-loving, duck-hunting men are known for their excessive facial hair, and their jabs at one another.

The show has been on hold for season 4 as salary negotiations are going on, but at this point in time, viewers would be shocked if A&E doesn’t come through with their requests.