Rascal Flatts Offering Tickets To Fundraiser

Rascal Flatts is offering a limited number of tickets to a private concert to benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. The November 4th event, hosted by comic Ron White, will take place in the Nashville area. Rascal Flatts has hosted concerts for the past four years. Through those efforts and other concerts at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, they’ve raised almost $3 million for the hospital. The 100 tickets will be made available to fans on a first-come, first-serve basis and go on sale tomorrow at www.rascalflatts.com.

Sara Evans’ ‘A Little Bit Stronger’ Already a Hot Seller

As Sara Evans officially hit the airwaves this week with her inspiring new single “A Little Bit Stronger,” fans are already reacting to the song in a big way. The digital single for “A Little Bit Stronger,” released on September 14th, earned a Top 10 debut on Billboard’s Country Digital Songs chart and now, in its second week, the song has already amassed total sales approaching 30,000 downloads. “A Little Bit Stronger” is the first single from Sara’s upcoming album, set for release early next year, and will also be featured on the October 26th release of the original soundtrack album for the upcoming feature film “Country Strong.”

Kenny Chesney Scores A Perfect 10

Kenny Chesney tops Billboard’s Country Songs with “The Boys of Fall.” The football-themed tale marks Chesney’s 18th No. 1 and means he has had a No. 1 country song for a 10th consecutive year. Kenny has had a No. 1 in each year from 2001 through 2005, two in 2006, 2008 and 2009, and three in 2007. Chesney’s 10-year streak of reaching the Country Songs summit is the longest since Tim McGraw sent at least one title to the top each year from 1994 through 2004. In the chart’s 66-year history, just six artists have strung together longer runs of annual No. 1s than Chesney: George Strait (18 years, 1983-2000), Ronnie Milsap (16 years, 1974-89), Alabama (14 years, 1980-93), Loretta Lynn (12 years, 1967-78), Tim McGraw (11 years, 1994-2004), and Dolly Parton (11 years, 1977-87).

The Judds Boarding The Santa Train

Wynonna and Naomi Judd will be this year’s celebrity guests on the Santa Train, an annual project that brings holiday gifts to children at 14 stops in the mountains of Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. The November 20th excursion is supported by volunteers from the CSX rail line, Food City, the Kids Wish Network and the Kingsport, Tennessee, Chamber of Commerce. An estimated 15 tons of toys – valued at more than $300,000 – will be distributed to thousands of residents who live along the rail route. The Judds’ “Last Encore” tour begins November 26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

 

Second Harvest Concert

While musicians Tuesday night were celebrating the Grand Ole Opry’s return from the Ryman Auditorium back to the Opry House, music also was coming from the Ryman stage. It was the 6th Annual “Stars For Second Harvest” benefit concert to help food banks. Songwriter Craig Wiseman hosted. It featured unplugged acoustic performances from Josh Thompson, Chris Young, Uncle Kracker, songwriters Mac McAnally and Tony Mullins.

Grand Ole Opry Returns Home

“Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” was the first song performed Tuesday night as the Opry House reopened. All the stars who performed first gathered together on the Grand Ole Opry stage to kick off the concert. Then the evening got underway with Blake Shelton, who became a member of the Opry Tuesday night, singing “All About Tonight.” He was followed by Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Martina McBride, Connie Smith, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Lorrie Morgan, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Charlie Daniels and many others. Even President Obama took part. A video was played with the president sending his well-wishes for the Grand Ole Opry and again thanking fire, police, medical personnel and others for their work during and after the May flood.

Sugarland Starts ‘The Incredible Machine’ Countdown

Sugarland has started the countdown to the release of their new album, “The Incredible Machine.” The record hits stores on October 19th, but in the meantime the group will release a new song through iTunes every Tuesday. “Wide Open” will drop October 5th and “Little Miss” comes out October 12th.

 

Lady Antebellum Says ‘Hello World’

Lady Antebellum’s next single will be “Hello World,” a power ballad written by Tom Douglas, Tony Lane and David Lee. The song drops October 4th. Lady Antebellum’s three previous singles from their double-platinum “Need You Now” album have all reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart, including “American Honey,” “Our Kind of Love” and the title track.

McBride Joins Nashville Symphony

Martina McBride will headline the Nashville Symphony’s annual “Home for the Holidays” concert on December 10th. Due to ongoing repairs at Schermerhorn Symphony Center from the May flood, the concert will be held at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena. McBride will feature a mix of holiday standards along with new seasonal favorites.

Loretta Lynn Honored

Loretta Lynn was showered with an assortment of industry awards and heartfelt praise at her invitation-only 50th anniversary celebration, held at Lynn’s Hurricane Mills ranch on Friday. The Academy of Country Music, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. and BMI each made presentations during the evening’s event. Billed as “A Tribute to an American Icon,” the celebration honored Lynn’s 50 years in the country music industry. Ronnie McDowell presented Lynn with a hand-painted portrait of the legendary performer, and noted Nashville arranger and composer Bill Walker gave Lynn an arrangement of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” originally penned for the TV special, “Loretta Lynn on Broadway.” Selected media and industry, as well as Lynn’s close friends and family, attended the packed ceremony.

Oak Ridge Boy Joe Bonsall Releases New Book

Oak Ridge Boy Joe Bonsall is more than a singer – he is also a notable author, with eight published books, including a new book released this month. “From My Perspective” is a collection of commentaries and stories about life, music, faith, and America, all told in Joe’s energetic and engaging style. Joe shares moments with celebrity friends, like the late Johnny Cash and Dottie Rambo; relates stories from 35 years on the road with The Oak Ridge Boys; and draws on disparate experiences in his life, from working the political trail to walking through wooded trails on his 400-acre farm near the Tennessee-Kentucky border.

 

Eric Church Working On New Album

Ever since the success of his 2009 album, “Carolina,” Eric Church has been a road warrior, touring as a headliner and joining major country tours. But he recently holed up in the North Carolina woods with a few songwriters to work on what will be songs for his next studio album. “I spent a month up in the woods,” Eric told The Boot. “I was totally disconnected from everything. It was a little weird. I had to socially re-adapt myself – but it made all the difference in the world to just relax and write.” But Eric cautions fans shouldn’t expect a new album before next year or even early 2012. In the meantime, Eric has plenty of shows planned, including a tour with Miranda Lambert.

Reba Covers Beyoncé Hit

While Reba McEntire’s upcoming album is titled “All the Women I Am,” she’s been tackling the opposite sex’s perspective with a cover of Beyoncé’s “If I Were a Boy.” Reba’s countrified version of the hit song will appear on her new CD, due out November 9th.

Jackson, Lambert Schedule Tour Down Under

Alan Jackson and Miranda Lambert will travel overseas next year for their first concerts in Australia. The brief tour will include performances in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Jackson’s current tour with Chris Young and The Band Perry will conclude November 20th in Cincinnati. Lambert will headline this year’s “CMT on Tour” kicking off today in New York City. Lambert’s shows will also feature Eric Church and Josh Kelley.

Paltrow, McGraw Record Chris Martin Song

Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw have recorded a song written by her husband – Coldplay’s Chris Martin – for the upcoming film “Country Strong.” Paltrow and McGraw, who star in the film, perform a duet of “Me and Tennessee,” the closing song on the soundtrack. She is featured on three other songs, including the title track. The soundtrack also includes performances by two other stars of the film – Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester – and McGraw’s wife, Faith Hill. Ronnie Dunn, Chris Young, Patty Loveless, Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, Hank Williams Jr. and Lee Ann Womack also contributed songs. “Country Strong” will be released in Los Angeles and Nashville on December 22nd. It comes out January 7th. The soundtrack arrives October 26th.

Ronnie Dunn Working On Solo Album

Now that Brooks & Dunn are done, Ronnie Dunn is working on a solo album that may be out early next year. He is also producing the project. Dunn has also recorded a solo track for “Country Strong,” the upcoming film starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw. He provides a cover of “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles),” a Wayne Carson Thompson song that was a No. 1 hit for Gary Stewart in 1975. Brooks & Dunn performed their final show in Nashville on September 2nd.

Travis Tritt Hitting The Big Screen

Travis Tritt is on location in Georgia, shooting scenes for the upcoming movie “Fishers of Men.” Tritt will play the role of Eddie Waters in the Christian-based tale of twin brothers who lead two very different lives. The movie is set in the 1950s. Before Travis was chosen for the film, the production staff had at first considered actor Sam Elliot and Alan Jackson.

Kenny Chesney Makes a Surprise Visit To High School Pep Rally

Kenny Chesney shocked a gymnasium full of high school students in Texas last week, making a surprise appearance at Celina High School’s pep rally on Friday to talk about high school football and how it inspired him. The East Tennessee native was a wide receiver for Gibbs High School, near Knoxville. He said playing football every Friday night impacted him in a way that he never thought possible. So much so that he decided to make a documentary about it, “The Boys of Fall.”

Steve Wariner Issuing ‘Guitar Christmas’

Steve Wariner will issue a new album, “Guitar Christmas,” on October 12th on his own SelecTone Records. The set was inspired by Chet Atkins’ holiday gatherings in his office. “The initial idea came about as I was thinking of the wonderful gatherings that Chet Atkins would host in his office around the holidays,” Steve says, “Everyone would sing and play and remember those beautiful melodies from our childhood.” Originally released in 2003, the instrumental collection of Christmas standards arranged, recorded, and produced by Steve, was previously available only through his website. This year, however, Allegro Media Group will handle distribution.

James Wesley Released Video For ‘Real’

James Wesley has unleashed the new video for his song “Real,” which will be featured on his upcoming second studio album. The video begins with Wesley fishing with a young boy, riding a four-wheeler, pushing a young girl on a swing and working on his car. Throughout the video he is shot through the frame of a television set as he sings about reality television shows and how they aren’t all that realistic. “Real” debuted at No. 54 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Love And Theft’s Brian Bandas Marries

Love and Theft’s Brian Bandas married his girlfriend, Kelly Barons, in a private ceremony Sunday at Nashville’s Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. Brian is the second member of the trio to walk down the aisle. Earlier this year, member Eric Gunderson and his girlfriend, Emily Hagar, married just outside of Nashville, leaving Stephen Barker Liles the last remaining bachelor of the band.

Kenny Chesney Scores 20th No. 1

Kenny Chesney’s current single, “The Boys of Fall,” marks his 20th No. 1 single. The single sits atop both the Mediabase and BDS charts. The song captures the heart of something Chesney loves so much – the moments and life lessons that high school football represents. Though it’s been 14 years since Chesney achieved his first No. 1, he admits that the excitement of a having a hit single never goes away. “The Boys of Fall” is the first single from his new album, “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” which is in stores today. Chesney will make numerous promotional appearances this week in support of the CD.

Darryl Worley’s Tennessee River Run Raises $200,000

Darryl Worley’s ninth annual Tennessee River Run festival raised $200,000 for local and national charities. Danny Gokey, Joe Diffie, Lee Brice and the Marshall Tucker Band were among the artists who performed during the event that took place September 16-18 in Worley’s hometown of Savannah, Tennessee. In addition to two concerts, the festival included a motorcycle poker run, golf tournament and fish fry. The event benefits the Darryl Worley Foundation, a nonprofit organization assisting in the construction of a cancer treatment center in Savannah.

Taylor Swift Strikes Album Deal With Comcast

Taylor Swift has teamed up for a second time with Comcast, this time giving customers 30-second sneak previews of four songs from her upcoming album, “Speak Now,” due out October 25th. Exclusive interviews with Swift will also be shown exclusively to subscribers. Beginning October 4th, a snippet of the title track will be available, along with a two-minute interview. Each week leading up to the release of Swift’s album, previews of new songs will be released: “Back to December” (October 11th), “Mean” (October 18th) and “Story of Us” (October 22nd). The music will be available on Comcast On Demand and online at www.xfinity.com.

Miranda Lambert’s Fall Tour Begins Tomorrow!

Miranda Lambert’s fall tour begins tomorrow in New York City, the first date of her fall outing, “CMT on Tour.” The show will also feature Eric Church and Josh Kelley. It will cover more than a dozen dates. Miranda says she couldn’t ask for a better group than her band and crew, who’ve become like family.

Katie Armiger Video Gets Play

The video for Katie Armiger’s single “Leaving Home” is close to cracking the top 10 on CMT.com. The song is from her next CD, "Confessions of a Nice Girl," due October 5th.

Olsen Song Is In ‘Good Hands’

Troy Olsen has released his new single, “Good Hands.” The song, written by Olsen and Marv Green, is a song about a man reassuring his woman that he’ll take care of her. The Arizona native just launched his own webisode series, "Livin’ The Dream with Troy Olsen," on GACTV.com. Olsen talks about how he discovered music, accidentally discovered he could produce, and other stories of his path to making music. Olsen is currently on his headlining "Get Right Tonight Tour" in advance of the October 5th release of his self-titled debut EP.

Bentley Helps Raise $50,000 For Charity

Dierks Bentley’s “Miles & Music For Kids” event in Seattle on Saturday raised $50,000 for Seattle Children’s Hospital. Despite the heavy rain, over 5,000 fans showed up. You can find out more online at www.dierks.com.

Don Henley Plans Country Project

Eagles drummer Don Henley has been working on an album of country songs with the former drummer of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Stan Lynch. “He’s another quasi-redneck who is amazingly gifted and has a killer sense of humor,” Henley says. This is not the first time Henley has worked with country music. In 1993 he helped develop “Common Thread: The Songs Of The Eagles,” which featured remakes of the Eagle’s songs by Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Diamond Rio and Tanya Tucker. “Common Thread” won Album of the Year from the Country Music Association. A release date has yet to be announced for Henley’s country album.

Dolly’s Musical Opens In Nashville

The world premiere of Dolly Parton’s "9 to 5: The Musical" tour is set to debut in Nashville today. "American Idol" finalist Diana DeGarmo was cast in the role of Doralee Rhodes, made famous by Dolly. Parton wrote 16 songs for the Broadway show, earning a Tony nomination. The tour features a new cast, along with new direction, choreography and design. After the Nashville run, the musical is expected to tour for two years across the country.

Craig Morgan Sings For Airmen

Craig Morgan returned to Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Friday for a free concert. Prior to his music career, Morgan served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division at nearby Fort Bragg. Morgan also served in the 101st Airborne Division.

Zac Brown Sings For Students

Zac Brown and Clay Cook of the Zac Brown Band performed at the Bynum School in Midland, Texas, on Friday after a school volunteer won a sweepstakes co-sponsored by Campbell Soup’s Labels for Education program and the Grammy Foundation. Brown and Cook shared stories about their music career to 37 special needs students, along with their teachers and families. The Zac Brown Band performed in Lubbock, Texas, that night.

Big Kenny And Wife Adopt A Baby Boy

Big & Rich’s Big Kenny and his wife, Christiev, adopted a baby boy named Dakota Jefferson Holiday Alphin back in July, according to People magazine. "When they put Dakota in our arms, he has the most beautiful smile, and the moment Kenny started talking to him, Dakota lunged toward him," Christiev told People. "We both looked at each other and it was like, ‘Of course he is our son.’” The couple said their four-year-old son, Lincoln William, has accepted the big brother role.

Lady Antebellum Teams Up With Maroon 5

Maroon 5 enlisted the help of Lady Antebellum for their new album, “Hands All Over.” Maroon 5’s Adam Levine says the collaboration on the track "Out of Goodbyes" is a welcome part of their new album. Levine says what he really likes about their working together is that they were able to create a tight three-part harmony with the song.

Kenny Chesney Ready For A Break

Kenny Chesney had his eye on 2010 as a bit of a break, but that hasn’t exactly how things have turned out. From the making of his “Summer In 3D” album to the work he put into creating his “Boys of Fall” documentary, Chesney has been super busy. He says that taking a break is sometimes just about where you want to focus your energy.

Taylor Swift Forgives Kanye West At VMAs

Last night, Taylor Swift absolved Kanye West of last year’s bad behavior at the VMAs in song. West, also in song, beat himself up over the incident. Swift debuted a new song she wrote about what was arguably the biggest controversy in MTV VMA history – when Kanye hijacked the mic during her acceptance speech for Best Female Video. Swift sang: “Lost your balance on the tight rope/it’s never too late to get it back.” In another verse, she sings about a man who’s “32 and still growing up.” The song, “Forgiveness,” will appear on her new album, “Speak Now,” due out October 25th. Kanye concluded the show with his own previously unheard song about toasting men who are jerks. Taylor was up for Female Video of the Year again, this time for “Fifteen.” She lost to Lady Gaga’s “Romance.”

Lady Antebellum Parodies Blake Shelton’s ‘All About Tonight’

Lady Antebellum has released a new parody video of Blake Shelton’s hit single, “All About Tonight.” On the re-worked track they poke fun at Shelton’s fashion sense, changing the title to “These Jeans Are Mighty Tight.” Lady A’s Charles Kelley sings: “To make them fit just right, you can’t wear underwear, you don’t want them to see your tighty whites. Yeah, I might be chaffing tomorrow, cuz these jeans are mighty tight.” Other songs that the group has hazed include Easton Corbin’s “A Little More Country Than That,” which they renamed, “A Little More Preppy Than That,” and Lee Brice’s “Love Like Crazy,” with their version called “Biscuits & Gravy.”

Reba Unveils Cover Art For New Album

Reba McEntire has revealed the cover art for her upcoming album, “All The Women I Am.” The cover features Reba in a black tank top in front of what looks like an aluminum foil backdrop. “All The Women I Am” will be Reba’s 34th studio album. It will feature a cover of Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy.”

Lambert, Crow Join Lynn On ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’

Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow have joined Loretta Lynn on a remake of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” the first single from an upcoming tribute album to Lynn. The single will drop tomorrow. The digital version will be available on September 28th. The album, “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn,” is due out November 9th. Lynn personally picked Crow and Lambert to appear on the album, as well as Steve Earle, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Martina McBride, Allison Moorer, Paramore, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, the White Stripes, Lucinda Williams, Gretchen Wilson and Lee Ann Womack.

Rascal Flatts Sweets Up Tailgaters

Rascal Flatts joined Hershey’s to sweeten up football fan tailgaters on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio, as they canvassed the Ohio State University tailgating grounds to introduce S’mores as the Official Dessert of Tailgating. The band kicked off tailgating season with a visit back to their home state of Ohio for one of this season’s hottest matchups in college football – University of Miami vs. Ohio State. Before the game, fans were treated to a surprise visit from Rascal Flatts passing out S’mores to tailgaters. Rascal Flatts also performed the national anthem prior to the game.

Justin Moore’s GAC Special

Justin Moore will be in the spotlight for a new GACtv special called “How I Got To Be This Way,” premiering Sunday. Moore will share stories about growing up in Poyen, Arkansas, his road to stardom, and more. During the show, fans will also get to see the video for his latest single, also titled “How I Got To Be This Way.”

George, Reba, Lee Ann Tour Continues Into October

George Strait, Reba and Lee Ann Womack are enjoying touring together so much that they’re extending the trek into late October. Their next concert is tonight in Columbus, Ohio, followed by a Friday night concert in Lexington, Kentucky, and a Saturday night show in Nashville. This year’s tour concludes October 22nd in Fargo, North Dakota.

Jamey Johnson On ‘Letterman’

Jamey Johnson will perform “Lonely at the Top” on David Letterman’s show tomorrow. The song was written by Don Cook, Chick Raines and the late Keith Whitley but was never previously recorded. When Letterman and his staff heard the track from Johnson’s upcoming 25-song double album, they thought Johnson should perform it on their show. Johnson will also headline a show at the Highline Ballroom tomorrow. Jamey’s “The Guitar Song” will be in stores on September 14th.

Lynne, Moorer Tour Together For First Time

Sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer will launch their first ever tour together this fall. They’ll kick off the “Side by Side Tour” with an appearance at the 10th Annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, held in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, and wrap with a homecoming show in Mobile, Alabama, on December 4th.

Urban’s ‘All For The Hall’ Gig Returns

Keith Urban has scheduled his second all-star concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The event will be held October 5th at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. “We’re All for the Hall” will also feature Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, John Mayer and Martina McBride. Tickets go on sale September 17th.

Dierks Bentley Plans Big Apple Residency

Dierks Bentley has planned a four-night residency in four separate New York City venues in October, playing material from his CMA-nominated album, “Up on the Ridge.” Bentley will focus on his country hits at the Bowery Ballroom on October 18th, then perform a bluegrass-inspired set with the Del McCoury Band at City Winery on October 19th. Bentley will join songwriters Jessi Alexander, Jim Beavers and “Up on the Ridge” producer Jon Randall Stewart for the CMA Songwriters Series at Joe’s Pub on October 20th. He’ll conclude at South Paw with the acoustic group Punch Brothers on October 21st. A limited number of four-day passes will be available on Bentley’s website this Friday.

Alan Jackson Readies ‘34 Number Ones’

A new Alan Jackson compilation, “34 Number Ones,” will be released on November 23rd. The hits on the double album span from 1990’s “Here in the Real World” to 2009’s “Country Boy.” The project also includes “Look at Me,” from the soundtrack of “Billy: The Early Years,” and a previously unreleased cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Jackson released his first single on Arista Nashville in 1989.

Miranda Lambert Breaks Up Fight During Concert

Miranda Lambert took it upon herself to break up a fight that erupted at her concert in Waynesville, Missouri, over the weekend. The incident took place Saturday night, and Lambert stopped her show long enough to put an end to the dispute. Lambert tweeted: “Tonight some idiots got in a fight on the front row at my show. I had to stop and call them out.” She added, “Funny part ... it was during ‘Only Prettier.’”

‘Old-Time’ Music Coming To CD

Soon we’ll be able to hear the music people from the Smoky Mountains were playing about 70 years ago. The music was recorded by a graduate student from California in 1939. Proceeds from the sale of “Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music” will help park projects related to history, education and scientific research.

Little Big Town Debuts at No. 1

Little Big Town’s fourth album, “The Reason Why,” has become the quartet’s first chart-topping disc. The group’s latest project sold 42,000 copies in its first week, helped out by the Top 10 success of their current single, “Little White Church,” which is the seventh best-selling digital single this week. The album also scores a Top 5 debut on the Billboard 200, putting them just behind the new release by Usher. Little Big Town have even more reason to celebrate this week as they scored a CMA award nomination for Vocal Group of the Year.

Bon Jovi, Brad Paisley, ‘Reclaiming Our Beaches’

Two of the biggest names in music will use their star power to help bring attention and tourists back to the Alabama Gulf Coast. The two free concerts on the beach are slated for the weekend of October 15-17 in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with Bon Jovi performing on October 15th and Brad Paisley performing on October 17th. These two shows signify the next installments of Alabama’s “Concerts For The Coast” event series. The shows, which are free to the public, will be ticketed events. Tickets will be available through Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lodging partners starting September 8th. Find out more at http://gulfshores.com/packages-deals and www.concertsforthecoast.com.

The Band Perry Receive First CMA Award Nomination

The Band Perry is nominated for Vocal Group of the Year for the 44th Annual CMA Awards. This is the trio’s first nomination for a national music award, and the first nomination for an artist on the Republic Nashville label. “We are so humbled and just downright excited to be nominated for CMA Vocal Group of the Year,” said Kimberly Perry, speaking on behalf of the trio. “The three of us are huge country music fans and are honored to be in this category with some of our favorite artists. Big love and our deepest thanks to everyone for your rich support.” The trio’s current single, “If I Die Young,” is inside the Top 10 on Billboard and climbing. TBP will be on tour with Alan Jackson this fall.

Jaron Nabs Kristin Cavallari For Video

Jaron and the Long Road to Love teased his Facebook followers with the identity of his co-star in the upcoming music video for his single, “That’s Beautiful to Me.” Now the actress herself confirms her identity via her Twitter page. Kristin Cavallari will play the object of the singer’s affection in the upcoming video that filmed in Los Angeles yesterday. Kristin got her start in reality TV while still a junior in high school, when she was cast in the MTV series, “Laguna Beach.” She has had other roles, but is perhaps best known for her role as the resident troublemaker on “The Hills.”

Sara Evans Is ‘A Little Bit Stronger’

Sara Evans’ new single, “A Little Bit Stronger,” was dropped this week. Evans has also filmed a video for the project. Her next tour dates are September 17th in Kissimmee, Florida, and September 18th in Ocala, Florida, with concerts scheduled throughout mid-December. No release date has been scheduled for her new album.

Miranda Lambert Sets CMA Record

Miranda Lambert scored nine nominations for this year’s CMA Awards, the most ever for a female artist in the show’s decades-long history. “They don’t even make a word to describe how I feel,” Lambert admitted. “I’m still coming to terms with this.” Lady Antebellum earned five nods, while Blake Shelton and Zac Brown Band each received four nominations. The nominees were announced in Nashville Tuesday and during ABC’s “Good Morning America” yesterday. The 44th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will be broadcast live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville November 10th on ABC. The five categories and their nominees announced yesterday were:

 

Entertainer of the Year: Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band.

Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McIntire, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.

Male Vocalist of the Year: Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, George Strait and Keith Urban.

Album of the Year: “Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum, “Play On” – Carrie Underwood, “Revolution” – Miranda Lambert, “Twang” – George Strait and “Up on the Ridge” – Dierks Bentley.

Musical Event of the Year: “Bad Angel” – Dierks Bentley f/ Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson, “Can’t You See” – Zac Brown Band f/ Kid Rock, “Hillbilly Bone” – Blake Shelton f/ Trace Adkins, “I’m Alive” – Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews, and “Till the End” – Alan Jackson with Lee Ann Womack.

CMA Nods

Miranda Lambert competes against herself in two categories in the first round of nominees announced yesterday by the Country Music Association. Nominees were announced in seven categories and the remaining five categories will be revealed today on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Lambert’s songs, “The House That Built Me” and “White Liar,” are nominated in the Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories. Lambert also is up for Song of the Year for “White Liar,” which she co-wrote with Natalie Hemby. The 44th Annual CMA Awards will air live on ABC from Nashville on November 10th. The categories and nominees announced yesterday:

 

New Artist of the Year: Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Jerrod Niemann, Chris Young and Zac Brown Band.

Vocal Group of the Year:  Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry and Zac Brown Band.

Vocal Duo of the Year:  Brooks & Dunn, Joey + Rory, Montgomery Gentry, Steel Magnolia and Sugarland.

Single of the Year:  “A Little More Country Than That” – Easton Corbin, “Hillbilly Bone” – Blake Shelton f/ Trace Adkins, “Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum, “The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert, and “White Liar” – Miranda Lambert.

Song of the Year:  “A Little More Country Than That” – Eason Corbin, “Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum, “The House That Built Me” Miranda Lambert, “Toes” – Zac Brown Band and “White Liar” – Miranda Lambert.

Music Video of the Year:  “Hillbilly Bone” – Blake Shelton f/ Trace Adkins, “Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum, “The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert, “Water” – Brad Paisley and “White Liar” – Miranda Lambert.

Musician of the Year: Paul Franklin, steel guitar; Dann Huff, guitar; Brent Mason, guitar; Mac McAnally, guitar; and Randy Scruggs, guitar.  

Joey+Rory Team Up With Southwest Airlines

Joey+Rory are flying high after teaming up with Southwest Airlines for a sweepstakes called “This Trip’s For You.” The contest kicks off this week and runs through September 20th. The title of the contest is a play on their current single, “This Song’s For You.” Southwest Airlines will send one lucky winner and their guest to Houston to see the duo perform. Joey+Rory will join Don Williams for a month of theatre shows beginning September 30th. Meanwhile, the duo was nominated yesterday for Duo of the Year by the CMA. Their next album, “Album Number Two,” drops September 14th.

Jerrod Niemann Nabs First CMA Nod

Jerrod Niemann is one happy camper after he earned his first Country Music Association award nomination yesterday. Niemann is up for New Artist of the Year. His career has exploded this year thanks in large part to his chart-topping album, “Judge Jerrod & The Hung Jury,” which debuted at No. 1. He also hit it big with the No. 1 single “Lover, Lover.” Jerrod will be on the road with Gary Allan and Randy House on Allan’s “Get Off On The Pain” tour, which begins September 9th.

Jake Owen’s Concert Moved To Larger Venue

Jake Owen’s annual concert in Vero Beach, Florida, will take place in a bigger venue this year. The show, which has sold out four years in a row, will now be held at the historic Holman Stadium on December 10th. The annual concert is part of the Mardy’s Tennis & Jake’s Music Fest to Benefit the Mardy Fish Foundation. It will take place in the baseball stadium used as the summer home for the Los Angeles Dodgers. General admission tickets run $15.

Currington Sets Record

Billy Currington drew more than 20,000 fans Saturday night to Cardinal Stadium in Louisville to surpass a 20-year Kentucky State Fair attendance record previously set by Charlie Daniels. Currington releases his fourth album, “Enjoy Yourself,” on September 21st.

Tim McGraw Honored For Women’s Shelter Fundraising

Tim McGraw will accept an award in October for his fundraising efforts with his wife, Faith Hill, on behalf of battered women’s shelters in Tennessee. The True Ally Award will be presented to McGraw at the 2010 Men Stopping Violence annual awards dinner in Atlanta on October 2nd. The dinner recognizes men who have dedicated time and resources to fostering safety and justice for women.

Brad Paisley Distributes More Water

Brad Paisley has announced the second leg of his “H2O World Tour.” Thirteen dates have been added to the previously announced 45 stops – extending the tour through November 20th. The tour has played to more than 600,000 fans in just three months with 38 sellouts, including 51,000-plus in Gillette Stadium near Boston. Darius Rucker and Justin Moore will continue to open the shows.

Barbara Mandrell, Sisters Join Charity Event

Barbara Mandrell and her sisters Louise and Irlene will mingle and take photos with guests at the Nashville Palace in Nashville tomorrow for a charity event hosted by Barbara’s daughter, Jaime Dudney. The event raises money for Suba Environmental Education of Kenya, a nonprofit that provides ministries, environmental education, orphan care and HIV relief. Auction items include the sparkling green dress worn by Reba McEntire at the 2010 CMT Music Awards, an autographed dulcimer from Dolly Parton, an autographed guitar from Kenny Chesney, the wardrobe from Little Big Town’s “Little White Church” video, and a Wonder Woman lunchbox autographed by Lynda Carter.

Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame

Four songwriters will be honored by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is October 17th. Stephen Foster is considered America’s first professional songwriter and is remembered for songs like “Oh! Susanna” and “Camptown Races.” The other posthumous award is going to Paul Davis. He wrote Tanya Tucker’s “Love Me Like You Used To” and Lorrie Morgan’s “Back in Your Arms Again.” Pat Alger collaborated with Garth Brooks for “The Thunder Rolls,” “Unanswered Prayers” and others. He also wrote Hal Ketchum’s “Small Town Saturday Night.” Also being honored is Steve Cropper who wrote some non-country classics including “The Dock of the Bay,” “In the Midnight Hour,” “Green Onions” and “Knock on Wood.”

Blake Shelton’s Concert Special

With the No. 1 country song, “All About Tonight,” Blake Shelton’s taking the next step by doing his first TV concert special. “Blake Shelton Live: It’s All About Tonight” airs on GAC September 8th. It was shot at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, Indiana. The 90-minute special includes a duet with Miranda Lambert.

Jeff Bridges Ready To Get Back To Music

Jeff Bridges says “Crazy Heart” really fanned his “music flame.” So he’s taking that heat and creating more music. The actor says he’s “put a little band together” to play some gigs. He’s starting by performing tonight and Thursday at Fallsview Casino on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Bridges also says he and T Bone Burnett, who produced the music in “Crazy Heart,” are talking about doing more music together.

Aaron Kelly Going Nashville

Last night was an ending and a beginning for Aaron Kelly. The “American Idol” tour ended with a concert in Indianapolis – which begins what he hopes will be a successful country career. Kelly says he’ll be looking for an apartment in Nashville, a town he’s very familiar with because he’s been going there with his mom since he was 11. Kelly says he’s been writing music so he can “be 100 percent prepared” to show music executives he can be a country idol.