LeAnn Rimes Pays Homage To Country Classics

On her new album, “Lady & Gentlemen,” LeAnn Rimes tackles some of the most recognizable country songs ever, all recorded by male artists. “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “When I Call Your Name,” and “Good Hearted Woman” are just some of the classic songs LeAnn features on her new album, songs many artists would leave untouched just because of their significance in music history. “I wanted to pay homage to the originals, and make these songs my own at the end of the day, without offending the original men,” LeAnn told Billboard. “I never thought that it was a ballsy move. I’m just thanking these men for these great songs that are obviously huge hits, and made an impact back in the day.”

Trace Adkins Joins Cast ‘The Healer’

Trace Adkins is headed back to the big screen. After playing the tough-talking leader of a motorcycle gang in “The Lincoln Lawyer,” Trace will play a truck driver in the upcoming film, “The Healer.” In the movie, described as a supernatural thriller, Trace plays a character literally named “The Truck Driver,” who transports people to hell. The movie is centered around teenage twins and their father who get lost in the woods during a camping trip. Trace’s co-stars include Isabelle Fuhrman, Joel Courtney, James Le Gros, Peter Bogdanovich and Natalia Dyer. “The Healer” is currently being filmed in North Carolina. It will hit theaters sometime next year.

Country Stars Score O Noms

Music artists who embrace social media platforms are being honored at the upcoming MTV O Music Awards 2 ceremony, with Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift representing the country genre during the October 31st awards show. Taylor is nominated in the Fan ARMY FTW (“For the Win”) category. Blake is nominated in the Must-Follow Artist on Twitter category. Dolly is nominated for Best Vintage Viral Video for her performance of “Jolene” on “That Good Ole Nashville Music,” a syndicated TV program that featured country artists singing their biggest hits.

Brad, Carrie To Sing ‘Remind Me’ On CMA Awards

In addition to their co-hosting duties, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will sing “Remind Me” on the CMA Awards on November 9th. It will be their first live performance of the song on national television. Paisley will compete in five categories at the awards, while Underwood is nominated in the female vocalist category. Previously-announced performers include Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. The CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC.

Kitty Wells’ Husband Dies

Johnny Wright, the husband of Kitty Wells and one half of the recording duo Johnny & Jack, died yesterday at his home in Madison, Tennessee. He was 97. Wright came to fame as a member of the country duo Johnnie & Jack, who recorded hits such as “Ashes of Love,” “I Get So Lonely,” “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight” and “Poison Love” in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Jack Anglin, who was married to Johnny Wright’s sister, died in a car crash in 1963. Wright changed the spelling of his name from Johnnie after it was misprinted on a record, then began a solo career with a No. 1 hit “Hello Vietnam,” later featured in the 1987 movie “Full Metal Jacket.”

Kathy Mattea, Connie Smith To Be Inducted

Kathy Mattea and Connie Smith will be honored by the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. Along with stars from other genres, they’ll be inducted into the hall on October 15th. Co-hosts for the event will be Peter Marshall of the old “Hollywood Squares” and filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, known for “SuperSize Me.”

Randy Travis OK After Collapse

Randy Travis passed out on stage during a benefit concert in front of an audience filled with doctors. Travis, 52, fainted in mid-song during The Crystal Heart Gala. Two doctors rushed to help. They said Travis had been struggling with laryngitis because of chronic allergies and was “overcome by a combination of dehydration, over-the-counter allergy medications, and caffeine use.” That, combined with the heat of the stage lights, caused him to pass out. Travis walked off stage under his own power and was examined on his tour bus. He expects to continue his 25th anniversary tour without missing a beat. His next show is Saturday in Bristol, Tennessee.

Artist of the day - Joe Nichols

• Joe Nichols released his self-titled debut in 1996. The single “Six of One, Half a Dozen (Of the Other)” was a minor hit. He burst onto the scene in 2002 with his Grammy-nominated debut, “Man with a Memory,” and enjoyed instant stardom with his two back to back No. 1 hits: “The Impossible” and “Brokenheartsville.” He earned the CMA Horizon Award and the ACM Best New Male Vocalist Award in 2003.
  
• Nichols’ “III” marked his second gold CD. The lead single, “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” topped the Country Singles Chart and was named one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 10 Country Singles of 2005. The album also holds the Top 10 hits “Size Matters (Someday)” and “I’ll Wait For You.”
  
• Joe’s 2007 CD, “Real Things,” holds “Another Side of You” and “It Ain’t No Crime.”
  
• Nichols latest studio album is 2009’s “Old Things New,” which includes the chart-topper “Gimmie That Girl” and the Top 20 hit “The Shape I’m In.” The video for “The Shape I’m In” is a tribute to military personnel who have been injured in service. “The Shape I’m In” is also featured on his new “Greatest Hits” collection, released earlier this year. Joe is currently on his “The Shape I’m In” tour.
  
• Joe Nichols has been added to the all-star lineup of the Charlie Daniels Band & Friends Concert to benefit Christmas 4 Kids, set for November 21st.
  
• Nichols has been touring in support of his upcoming studio disc, “It’s All Good.” The album, due out later this year, includes the single "Take It Off."
  
• Joe Nichols will go back to being a warehouse dock worker on “GAC Day Jobs,” premiering October 2nd.
  
• Official Web site: www.joenichols.com

Toby Keith’s ‘Made In America’ Inspires Kindergarten Class

“Made In America,” the first single from Toby Keith’s “Clancy’s Tavern” album, has a message – and one that is not lost on little ears. Keith recently received a letter written by Mr. Green’s kindergarten class in Michigan explaining that the 5- and 6-year-olds have been learning about the importance of American-made products, and that they wanted to share their findings with the patriotic singer. Green decided to teach the youngsters just how beneficial buying local can be by getting them to look around and see which homegrown products they currently own and use. Green said the children “soon realized that most of their household possessions were imports and they started checking labels at stores.” The kids created a bulletin board and compiled a list of the American companies “in hope that others would join the crusade.” Rather than send their bulletin board to Diane Sawyer as planned, Mr. Green, his assistant and his students sent it to Toby, who they felt would “appreciate it more.”

Jason Aldean Committed To The Cure

Back in 2004, Jason Aldean lost one of his closest friends to breast cancer when she was just 29-years-old. “The day she passed away, my family decided that we would always do something to carry on her memory and to help in the fight,” the singer says of his late friend, Melissa. “Everybody I know has been touched by it; they say a woman dies every 69 seconds from [breast cancer].” Jason has committed himself to the cause, hosting an annual “Concert for the Cure” to raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, with his sixth annual show coming up Friday in Roanoke, Virginia. A recent eBay auction offered a flyaway to see the show from the front row, meet Aldean backstage and come home with a suitcase full of autographed gear. The week-long auction saw 35 bids and closed at $7,500, with 80% of the money going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Prankster Paisley Teaching Scotty McCreery How To Prank

Brad Paisley, notorious for pulling pranks on his opening acts, involved “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery for his tour-ending shenanigans over the weekend. Scotty showed up Sunday night in Raleigh for the end of Brad’s “H2O II: Wetter & Wilder World Tour,” and he and Paisley doused Blake Shelton. “Me and @BradPaisley just soaked @blakeshelton w/ remote control water shootin trucks, hahah. #funny,” Scotty tweeted. Brad added: “Hopefully @ScottyMcCreery is learning how NOT to behave on tour...” Jerrod Neimann’s bus got a little pranking attention as well as Paisley filled it with packing peanuts. “Thanks @BradPaisley for decorating our bus. It only took a hour to clean haha,” Jerrod’s bandmate Houston Phillips later tweeted.

Justin Moore Reveals Name Of Second Daughter

Justin Moore and his wife Kate are having another little girl in November. And Justin has revealed they’ll name the baby Kennedy Faye. “My grandmother that passed away about three or four years ago ... her name is Faynette and I don’t know where Kennedy came from,” Justin says. “My wife picked it.” Justin revealed the news prior to a No. 1 party for “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” which hit the top of the Billboard country chart in July. Justin’s wife was in attendance along with 18-month-old daughter Ella. Justin will shoot the video for his next single, “Bait A Hook,” today at a lake in Nashville, and he says he’ll have a special guest in the video. “I’m a big NASCAR fan and I’ve been able to meet Carl Edwards a few times. He’s one of my favorite drivers and he’s actually going to be in the video with me. It’ll be a lot of fun,” Justin told reporters.

Bentley Goes ‘Home’

Dierks Bentley has released the single “Home” off his upcoming album. Bentley penned the new track with Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers. “One of the best parts of being a traveling musician is getting to meet people from all over the country and hear about what's happening in their lives and towns...the struggles and the joys,” said Bentley. “They're the inspiration for this song. The lyrics speak to the challenges we've had as a country, but hopefully the song leaves you feeling inspired and optimistic.” His new CD is set for release in early 2012 and has already scored the No. 1 hit “Am I The Only One.” Bentley will kick off the first leg of his “Country & Cold Cans” tour on October 6th in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

Brad Paisley In First Amendment Ad

Sunday's Parade magazine is a good place to see Brad Paisley's ad about the First Amendment. It shows him with his guitar, performing at a microphone in a T-shirt with the stylized cityscape from his “American Saturday Night” tour. His eyes are closed and his right arm is raised with his finger pointed high. At the top of the ad are the words: “Free to play, to sing, to speak, to write.” Below Paisley's photo the ad says “thanks to the First Amendment, you can be whomever and whatever you want to be.” The campaign's website is 1forall.us. The First Amendment campaign is connected with Vanderbilt University in Nashville. The purpose is to publicize and study the five freedoms in the First Amendment: speech, the press, religion, assembly and petition.

Country Stars Pay Tribute To Mark Twain

Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Ricky Skaggs, Joe Diffie and others are paying tribute to Mark Twain. They're part of a two-CD set, with a 40-page booklet, called “Mark Twain: Words and Music.” It's spoken word and music to tell the life story of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, AKA Mark Twain, whose 175th birthday was celebrated last year. The double-album is narrated by Garrison Keiller with Clint Eastwood as the voice of Twain and Jimmy Buffett voicing Huck Finn. The CD, due out tomorrow, will benefit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri.

Country Music Hall Of Fame Honors Bakersfield Sound

Nashville wasn't the only hot spot for country music. California produced its share of hits, many with a distinctive mix of honky-tonk, rockabilly and Western swing. The music of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and others from California will be celebrated at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum starting in March 2012. “The Bakersfield Sound” will fill 5,000-square feet of exhibition space at the museum in Nashville. Not only will it give due to Buck and Merle, but to many others such as Bill Woods, Herb Henson, Billy Mize, Fuzzy Owen and Bonnie Owens, who was divorced from both Buck and Merle and was a performer in her own right. “The Bakersfield Sound” will be narrated by Dwight Yoakam, who remade Buck's 1973 hit “Streets of Bakersfield” in 1988 as a duet with Buck. The exhibit opens March 24th and runs until the end of 2013.

Artist of the day - Dierks Bentley

• Dierks Bentley released his self-titled debut album in 2003. The platinum album featured “What Was I Thinkin’?” “My Last Name” and “How Am I Doin’?”
  
• Bentley’s sophomore album, “Modern Day Drifter,” hit No. 1. The first single, “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do,” peaked at No. 3; “Come a Little Closer” was a chart-topper.
  
• Bentley’s 2006 CD, “Long Trip Alone,” went to No. 1. “Every Mile a Memory” and “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)” topped the charts along with the title track. A fourth single, “Trying to Stop Your Leaving,” peaked inside the Top 5.
  
• Bentley released “Greatest Hits/Every Mile A Memory 2003 – 2008” in May 2008. The set included two new singles, “Sweet And Wild” and “[With] The Band.”
  
• Dierks dropped “Feel That Fire” in February 2009. The title track marked his 6th No. 1. The set also houses the hits “Sideways” and “I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes.”
  
• Dierks released an exclusive six song EP as part of iTunes’ “Live From Soho” series in June 2009. The intimate performance was recorded at Apple’s flagship Soho store in January 2009.
  
• Bentley’s latest album, “Up on the Ridge,” earned 3 Grammy nods, two for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Bad Angel” and “Pride (In The Name Of Love),” and for Best Country Album.
  
• Bentley recently scored his eighth No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with “Am I the Only One,” from upcoming album, due early next year.
  
• Dierks Bentley will kick off his “Country and Cold Cans Tour” October 6th in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. The tour will run through November 19th after hitting a total of 22 cities. Jerrod Niemann and the Eli Young Band opens.
  
• Dierks will perform a version of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” on September 29th as part of “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon’s” week-long tribute to the rock band.
  
• Dierks Bentley will be joined by the Eli Young Band, Colt Ford and Josh Thompson for his sixth annual “Miles & Music for Kids” celebrity motorcycle ride and concert in Nashville taking place October 16th. He will host a similar event in the Chicago area on October 9th with a concert featuring the Eli Young Band, Jerrod Niemann and others.
  
• Official website: www.dierks.com

Jeff Bates Shows His Compassionate Side

Jeff Bates wishes everyone could stare hunger and poverty in the face the way he recently did. Bates spent a week in Colombia, visiting communities with Compassion International. “There are children out there who are hungry, without medical care and who will never be able to go to school and get an education to help them better themselves,” Bates said. “It breaks my heart, tortures my soul, haunts my spirit and mind and makes it hard to sleep at night.” Bates sponsors a child through Compassion International.

Luke Bryan’s Sell-Out Weekend

Luke Bryan kicked off his first major headlining tour last weekend. “CMT ON TOUR: Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines” was a sell-out in New York City and broke attendance records in Utica, New York. Also over the weekend, tickets for Bryan’s “Farm Tour” concert in Athens, Georgia, set for Friday, September 30th, has sold out. The “Farm Tour” concerts will take place during a two-week break in the “CMT ON TOUR” shows – September 29th in Clemson, South Carolina, and will wrap in Carrollton, Georgia, on October 7th.

Reba Admits Her Competitive Streak

Reba McEntire is one of the most successful female country artists ever, but says even if given the chance, she wouldn’t go back and give her younger self advice about the music business and what was to come. “That would ruin it,” she said. “If I said, ‘Be patient’ that would ruin the spontaneity or the ambitiousness that I have and had and the determination and the competitiveness that I’ve always had.” Reba has always been competitive and plans to stay that way. “I don’t care if it’s playing backgammon or hopscotch,” she said. “I just love to be competitive. I was that way in sports and school, singing, 4-H club. I just love to compete. I like to win but if I don’t, I just still wanna compete.”

Toby Talks Taxes

Toby Keith has never been one to be afraid to speak his mind about anything. Now he is sharing his thoughts on the controversy about whether the rich should pay a higher percentage in income tax. Talking to the Boston Herald, Toby stopped short of saying the rate should be jacked up. But he added, “I expect the wealthy to write a check ‘cause it’s as bad as it’s ever been.” “It would be unpatriotic not to try to save the country. I’m sure people will bi*ch about it, but if it meant we get to operate in this country and live here another day, then so be it. One way or another, before it’s over they’re gonna have to come and take big money from the earners and big corporations to save the country.”

Jason Aldean Has Piled Up Over 20 Songs For New Album

Jason Aldean has enough songs set aside to make two new albums, but says he will soon begin whittling down a “pile of 20, 25 songs” to the one’s that work best for his fifth studio album. Aldean, who will begin recording in October, says he waits to hear the songs before deciding which direction to take with a new project. Aldean has also been writing songs, but says he won’t include more than a couple of his own cuts on any album. “It’s just not the way I operate. I’m such a fan of so many other writers, and even though I may have a song that I think is cool and good, it seems like I always find something that I like better and end up booting my own songs off the record.” He also hints that there could be a fifth single from “My Kinda Party” before he begins releasing new music. “Tattoos on This Town” is his current single. In November, Aldean will be up for five CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year.

Martie Maguire’s House For Sale

Dixie Chicks and Courtyard Hounds fiddler player Martie Maguire is selling her House in Austin, Texas, for $6.4 million. She and husband Gareth Maguire bought the ranch for $2.75 Million in 2004, and the price has more than doubled in just seven years. The seven acre property has multiple structures in addition to the main house. There’s the entertainment annex with kitchen, dining room, dance studio and bar. A recording studio also comes complete with kitchen and rehearsal space. And there’s a five-stall horse stable and riding arena. The main house was built in 1975 and features four bedrooms, but there are three separate guest houses for a total of nine bedrooms.

Rodney Atkins Joins CMA Songwriters Series

Rodney Atkins will take part in the CMA Songwriters Series on November 3rd at Joe’s Pub in New York City. Atkins is a co-writer on several of his hits, including “Watching You” and “Farmer’s Daughter.” Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

CMA Awards’ Entertainer Nominees To Perform

Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban will perform on the CMA Awards on November 9th in Nashville. All five artists are nominated in the Entertainer of the Year category. Aldean, Paisley, Shelton and Swift are all nominated for five awards each, while Urban is also nominated in the Male Vocalist category. Paisley will co-host the event with Carrie Underwood. The CMA Awards will air live on ABC. Additional artists will be announced at a later date.

Rimes To ‘Stream Lady & Gentlemen’ Two Days Early

LeAnn Rimes is making her upcoming covers album, “Lady & Gentlemen” available to stream 48 hours prior to its official release at LeAnnRimesworld.com as a special thank you to all of her fans for their support. Rimes co-produced “Lady & Gentlemen” with Vince Gill and Darrell Brown. The album features a dozen cover songs from classic country artists like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, as well as one of Rimes’ own songs, “Blue” – her 1996 debut track that propelled her to stardom. “Lady & Gentleman” is due out September 27th.

Lady A Surprise Fans

Ellen DeGeneres set up a prank for her show on a couple that really loves Lady Antebellum. Ellen had the couple do an interview in a restaurant. Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood were dressed as servers. Dave and Hillary went out separately to set things on the table, but it wasn’t until Charles went out  third that the couple recognized Lady A. The woman then teared up as all three group members came out and serenaded the couple with an a cappella version of “Need You Now.”

Taylor Swift Offers Free Foo Foo

Taylor Swift is encouraging fans to visit her official Facebook page to sign up for free samples of her new fragrance, “Wonderstruck.” Described as “a gourmand floral ... a charming and sparkling surprise of vibrant fruits, kissed by a bouquet of soft petals and a touch of sweet indulgence,” the scent will be available in department stores beginning in October.

Highest Paid Country Stars

Toby Keith tops the latest Forbes list of the highest-paid country stars. Keith earned an estimated $50 million between May 2010 and May 2011, his I Love This Bar & Grill restaurant chain, a sponsorship deal with Ford Trucks and other business activities, Forbes said. Taylor Swift ranked second with $45 million in earnings, and Brad Paisley placed third with $40 million. Others on the list include:

4. Tim McGraw	$35 million	8. Alan Jackson	$22 million
5. Rascal Flatts	$34 million	9. Carrie Underwood	$20 million
6. Kenny Chesney	$30 million	10. Sugarland	$18 million
7. George Strait	$24 million

Faith Hill - Artist of the day

• Faith Hill’s debut album, “Take Me as I Am,” was released in 1993. Her debut single, “Wild One,” held the No. 1 spot for four consecutive weeks. The title track from 1995’s “It Matters to Me” gave Hill her third chart-topping hit. Faith and husband Tim McGraw’s first duet, “It’s Your Love,” was No. 1 for six weeks and gave Faith her first CMA award, for Vocal Event.
  
• The 1998 album “Faith” produced the hit “This Kiss,” which went to No. 1. Other hit singles included “Let Me Let Go” and “Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me.”
  
• 1999’s “Breathe” debuted at No. 1 and sold more than 8 million copies. The title track stayed at No. 1 for six weeks.
  
• She earned three Grammys in 2000 – Female Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Album and Country Collaboration with Vocals for the McGraw duet “Let’s Make Love.”
  
• 2002’s “Cry” album sold 2 million copies. The title track won a 2003 Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal - Performance.
  
• Hill released “Fireflies” in 2005. The first single, “Mississippi Girl,” reached No. 1. She and McGraw also scored another hit with “Like We Never Loved at All.”
  
• Hill issued her first Christmas album, “Joy to the World,” in 2008. Her debut fragrance, “Faith Hill,” launched in 2009; she followed up with a second perfume this summer called “True.”
  
• Hill has been ranked the 39th best artist of the 2000-10 decade by Billboard. She is also familiar to football fans as the voice of NBC’s Sunday Night Football.
  
• Hill contributed the new track “Give in to Me” to the “Country Strong” soundtrack. She also collaborated with George Strait for his new album, “Here for a Good Time,” contributing background vocals on “A Showman’s Life.”
  
• Mattel has introduced the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Barbie dolls. They come together as a gift set for $69.95. Faith and Tim will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary this October.
  
• Faith is once again performing the opening theme for NBC “Sunday Night Football,” “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.” She is currently in the studio recording what will be her first release of new music in six years.
  
• Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will tour Australia starting March 14, 2012. Australia will be the only place that she and her husband will perform together next year. The joint tour marks the first time in five years that the couple have done a length run of shows together, the last being their “Soul2Soul II” tour, which grossed more money than any other tour ever.
  
• The Tim McGraw/Faith Hill 2012 Australian tour kicks off at the Burswood Dome in Perth on March 14.
  
• Official Web site: www.faithhill.com

Blake Shelton Sings On ‘Top Chef’ Promo

The 2011 “Top Chef” Season 9 commercial shows host Padma Lakshmi gnawing on rib bone in support of the show’s fall season and features Blake Shelton’s hit “Hillbilly Bone” playing in the background. The hit Bravo show shot the season in San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, Texas. Season 9 premieres November 2nd, but the ad featuring Shelton’s track is airing now. Shelton’s voice can also be heard in the remake of “Footloose,” which hits theaters on October 14th. Fans can expect a music video for Shelton’s “Footloose” track soon.

Burns & Poe Record Anthem For Jobseekers

Keith Burns and Michelle Poe of the duo Burns & Poe recently recorded “I Need a Job,” a new tune intended to shed comedic light to a serious problem plaguing people all over the country. “The song just kind of wrote itself,” Keith said. “My co-writer, John Ritter, and I knew when we started writing this tune that we were creating a song to voice the frustration, hopelessness and need that many feel. A job means more than just paying the bills; it’s about self-respect, self worth and pride. Working is part of the American way. People don’t want a handout, they want a job.” Burns & Poe released a self-titled two-disc CD set earlier this year, and are currently touring behind the set.

Wilma Lee Cooper Dies

Grand Ole Opry member Wilma Lee Cooper passed away on September 13th at her home in Sweetwater, Tennessee, from natural causes. She was 90. Cooper, who performed with husband Stoney Cooper, became a member of the Opry in 1957. Her last solo performance on the Opry was at the Ryman Auditorium on February 24, 2001. She joined the Opry cast at the grand re-opening of the Opry House on September 28, 2010, for a group sing-along. Born Wilma Leigh Leary, she began working early as a member of West Virginia’s Leary Family. She achieved prominence in the 1940s performing with her late husband, fiddler Stoney Cooper. Cooper continued performing with her group, the Clinch Mountain Clan, after Stoney’s death in March 1977 and was an Opry regular until a stroke suffered onstage in 2001 forced her to stop performing.

Carrie Divulges ‘Simple’ Beauty Secrets In New Olay Video

Carrie Underwood lets fans in on her skin-care sins in a promotional video for Olay. Underwood admits that before working with Olay, she would cleanse “with a washcloth and bar of soap and not think twice about it. What I did not realize is that I was taking off makeup, which was good, but I was leaving behind residue, which is bad.” Carrie says she uses the company’s Pore Minimizing Cleanser + Scrub. “I honestly think people would be surprised to know how simple my beauty routine is,” says Carrie. “It’s all about cleansing, UV protection, a little makeup and I’m out the door.”

Martina McBride Joins Andre Agassi Foundation Fundraiser

Martina McBride will perform at the Andre Agassi Foundation’s Grand Slam for Children benefit concert on October 29th in Las Vegas. Michael Bublé, Jimmy Kimmel, Smokey Robinson and Train will also take part in the concert at Wynn Las Vegas to raise money for the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free K-12 public charter school in Las Vegas, the tennis legend’s hometown. The evening will also include a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and live auction. Additional artists will be announced at a later date.

Taylor Swift’s Star-Studded Nashville Shows

Taylor Swift thrilled fans at her Nashville concerts by inviting some big names on stage for duets over the weekend. Swift brought her “Speak Now Tour” to her Tennessee hometown for two sold-out gigs at the Bridgestone Arena. On Friday, Swift introduced her buddy, Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams, to the stage to join her for a version of “That’s What You Get,” and later closed the show by singing “Bleed Red” with Ronnie Dunn. Swift had more surprises in store on Saturday – her guests included Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney and Andy Grammer.

Keith Urban - Artist of the Day

• Keith Urban charted four No. 1 singles in Australia before moving to Nashville in 1992 to form a band called The Ranch, which landed a deal with Capitol. The band broke up after one album.
  
• Urban released his double platinum self-titled U.S. debut in 2000. The album featured three Top 5 hits, including his first U.S. No. 1, “But for the Grace of God.”
  
• He released “Golden Road” in 2002. “Somebody Like You” spent eight consecutive weeks at the top of the singles chart, remaining No. 1 longer than any other single in 2002. Three other singles were released, two went to No. 1, and the third peaked at No. 3.
  
• Keith’s 2004 album, “Be Here,” marked his third consecutive platinum recording. The “Making Memories of Us” gave Urban his 7th No. 1 single, breaking Air Supply’s record for an Australian artist on the U.S. charts.
  
• Keith’s album “Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing” debuted at No. 1 in 2006. The first single, “Once in a Lifetime,” written for his wife Nicole Kidman, set a record as the highest debuting song in the history of the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart. The album also spawned the hits “I Told You So” “Stupid Boy,” “Everybody” and “You Look Good In My Shirt.”
  
• Urban went No. 1 hit on the all-genre Billboard 200 as well as the Country Chart with “Defying Gravity,” which surfaced in 2009. The first three singles, “Sweet Thing,” “Kiss A Girl” and “Only You Can Love Me This Way,” topped the charts. The fourth single, “Til Summer Comes Around,” peaked at No. 3, while “I’m In” peaked at No. 2.
  
• Urban’s sixth studio CD, “Get Closer,” was released in November. He is currently on his “Get Closer” world tour, which wraps next month (October 2011). The CD holds the hits “Without You” and “Put You In A Song.” He recently released the music video for his current single, “Long Hot Summer.” Written by Urban in collaboration with Richard Marx, the tune is in the top 10.
  
• Urban was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville in May.
  
• Earlier this summer, Keith released his own Phoenix fragrance for men. He’s currently working on one for women.
  
• Official website: www.keithurban.net

Lady A Turned To Mediator To Get Along At First

Lady Antebellum weren’t always buddies. They even had to learn how to argue with each other. Singer Charles Kelley says he’s not ashamed to admit that they had a mediator come in a few times. He says the first two years were “really hard” and the last two years have been “really easy.” Singer Hillary Scott says they didn’t employ a therapist, but a communications specialist. She says they agree on a lot of things but they had to figure out how to “argue respectfully.” That was about the time “Need You Now” came out. They put out a new album this week called “Own The Night.” The first single, “Just a Kiss,” shot up to No. 1.

Justin Moore Records NRA Country Theme Song

Justin Moore has been selected to write the theme song for a new NRA Country campaign. Moore’s song can been heard in a video available at the NRA Country Facebook page. Just “Like” the page to view the video. “I’m proud to be a member of the NRA, and I was honored to write a theme song for NRA Country,” Moore says. “I hope this song helps spread the word about how important it is to protect our freedoms and inspires people to live a good wholesome all-American lifestyle that would make our founding fathers proud.” The song can be downloaded as a bonus track to Moore’s new album. The video is available for the next two weeks. Blake Shelton, Chuck Wicks and Craig Morgan are also involved in the “This is NRA Country” campaign.

Eric Church Shoots Live Video For New Single

Eric Church is climbing up the country singles chart with his new hit, “Drink in My Hand,” the latest single from his newly-released album, “Chief.” Church says inspiration for the song came from seeing his fans holding their long-neck bottles high in the air night after night. The video was shot in Council Bluff, Iowa, recently. Eric says he “went there for the sole purpose of getting live footage and maybe doing a video, but just filming the show. The crowds were so great there that we just kind of decided on the fly that we would shoot the video.” “Drink in My Hand” is the follow-up release to Church’s Top 15 hit, “Homeboy.” Church is currently out on the road with JT Hodges and Toby Keith on the “2011 Locked and Loaded Tour.”

Brad Paisley Writes Book Honoring Guitar Heroes

Brad Paisley’s new book, “Diary of a Player,” will be published on November 1st. The book is “a salute to the guitar gods of country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll who have shaped his life.” In addition, the book tells the personal story about how Paisley’s love for his guitar is a constant theme throughout his life. Paisley co-wrote the book with David Wild, a contributing editor to Rolling Stone and an Emmy-nominated television writer and producer.

Oak Ridge Boys Added To ACM Honors

Brett Eldredge, Robin Meade and the Oak Ridge Boys have been added to the lineup for the ACM Honors. They join performers Rodney Atkins, the Gatlin Brothers, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Thompson Square and Lee Ann Womack. This year’s honorees include Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and Reba McEntire. The ceremony will be held Monday in Nashville.

Sugarland For The Super Bowl

Sugarland fans are trying to get them to be the halftime entertainment at the Super Bowl. Fans have created a Facebook page called “We Want Sugarland for Super Bowl 2012.” They planned to flood the NFL with calls yesterday to ask for Sugarland to play the Super Bowl halftime show. The petition drive was started by two Indianapolis fans.

LeAnn Rimes Bonds With Homeless Kids

LeAnn Rimes will never ignore a homeless kid again. Rimes worked with homeless kids in Chicago for her new video, “Give.” Rimes says one thing the kids all said to her is that no one looks them in the eye, which makes them feel like they don’t exist. Rimes says now she will always look at anyone who’s homeless in the eye and smile. She says, “That smile could make their whole day.” “Give” will appear on her “Lady and Gentlemen” album out September 27th.

Taylor Swift Sings New Song For Target

Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, James Taylor, Tony Bennett and Alison Krauss were among the big names that appeared at Target’s semi-annual managers meeting held September 14th at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Taylor, who has long had tie-ins with Target, even performed a song specially written for the meeting, titled “Red Shirt Khaki Pants,” which refers to the standard uniform for Target employees. Singing, “You sell lots of things from food to Spanx,” Taylor also mentioned that that the chain store has sold many of the her own albums. Naturally, Taylor wore red for the performance.

Artist of the Day - Steve Holy

• Steve Holy, the youngest of eight children, wrote his first song when he was 13 for his brother Danny, who passed away at 21.
  
• Holy auditioned for the local Mesquite Opry at age 19, and later earned a spot on Johnny High’s Country Music Revue, eventually winning the revue’s Entertainer of the Year award. This brought the attention of legendary country producer Wilbur Rimes (and his daughter LeAnn), who encouraged Holy to shop himself around Nashville.
  
• Steve launched his Curb debut single, “Don’t Make Me Beg,” in 1999, and soon debuted at the Las Vegas Hilton as the opening act for LeAnn. He topped the charts in 2002 with “Good Morning Beautiful.” The single was also featured in the Jennifer Lopez movie “Angel Eyes.” “Good Morning Beautiful,” from his debut album “Blue Moon,” charted at No. 1 for five straight weeks and was No. 10 on Billboard’s list of top country songs of the decade.
  
• After following “Good Morning Beautiful” and several middle-charting singles, Holy scored another No. 1 hit in 2006 with “Brand New Girlfriend,” followed by an album of the same name on Curb Records. The album also produced the minor hits “Come On Rain” and “Men Buy the Drinks (Girls Call the Shots).”
  
• Steve Holy is back with his first new music in five years. The album “Love Don’t Run” features the title track.
  
• Official Web site: www.steveholy.com

Country Music Pioneer Wade Mainer Dies

Wade Mainer, a country music pioneer who is credited with inventing the two-finger banjo picking style that paved the way for the Bluegrass era, has died. He was 104. Mainer died at his home in Flint Township, Michigan. He was a member of late brother J.E. Mainer’s Mountaineers, one of the most popular sibling duos of the 1930s. He made recordings for all the major labels of the day, including RCA in 1935.

Chesney’s Theme Song For ESPN’s ‘Rise Up’ On iTunes

Kenny Chesney revealed a new song Tuesday night as ESPN began its new series “Rise Up.” The show visits high schools across America and surprises the students and staff with makeovers. Following the series premiere, Chesney announced via Twitter that “Rise Up” was available for download at iTunes. He says he wrote the song in about two hours after watching an episode based in New Orleans.

Heidi Newfield Files For Divorce

Heidi Newfield has announced that she has filed for divorce from her sports agent husband of seven years, Bill Johnson. Newfield and Johnson first met at a corporate fundraiser and were married on June 4, 2006. “I never thought I’d be sitting here on the road, writing out my thoughts and comments regarding the end of my marriage,” Newfield wrote to her fans in a blog. “It is a very difficult and strange place to be. Obviously, I thought I was entering into a life-long partnership with my best friend, that we would celebrate the good times and work to make it through whatever tough times we may face in our future.”

Country Stars Ask Fans To ‘Give The Gift Of Music’

Taylor Swift and Chris Young have joined the “Give the Gift of Music” campaign. In their new video testimonials, Swift talks about hearing Faith Hill’s “This Kiss” for the first time, while Young recalls receiving his first guitar as a Christmas gift. The videos launched exclusively in a special “Countdown to CMA” area at http://givethegiftofmusic.info. Previously-posted videos feature Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton. The campaign has also launched a contest asking fans to share how a particular 2011 CMA Awards nominee’s music has inspired them. The grand prize winner will receive two tickets to the CMA Awards show in Nashville on November 9th and $1,000. Country music gift packages will go to the second and third place winners.

George Jones Celebrates 80th Birthday

George Jones celebrated his 80th birthday with a throng of well-wishers Tuesday evening before a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Travis Tritt, Jason Michael Carroll and Eddy Raven were among the artists joining Jones and his wife, Nancy, during the party at Rippy’s in downtown Nashville. Musical tributes were performed at the Opry by Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Jamey Johnson, the Oak Ridge Boys and others.

George Strait Lands His 24th No. 1 Country Album

George Strait has done it again. His newly released album “Here For A Good Time” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album Charts this week and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 Chart. It marks his third No. 1 album debut in a row. The title track “Here For A Good Time,” written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and songwriter Dean Dillon, is Strait’s 89th career single and sits at No. 8 this week on the Billboard and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts. It marks his 84th Top 10 hit and continues the unbelievable streak of having all but 5 singles in George Strait’s entire 30-year career reach the Top 10 mark – and those five landed Top 20!

Johnny Reid Takes Honors In Canada

Johnny Reid was the big winner at the Canadian Country Music Awards by taking home three awards, including the big award, the Fans’ Choice Awards. Reid’s most recent album, “A Place Called Love,” was the Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year at Sunday’s Gala Awards. He also won CMT Video of the Year (“Today I’m Gonna Try” And “Change The World”) and Male Artist of the Year. Dean Brody took home two 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards: Single of the Year for “Trail In Life” and Album of the Year for “Trail In Life” as well. Terri Clark went home with Female Artist of the Year and trio Hey Romeo took Group or Duo of the Year. Last year’s New Artist Showcase winner Chad Brownlee won his first Canadian Country Music Award for Rising Star.

Country Music Hall Of Fame Calendar

Taylor Swift has the perfect song to play as you flip through the 2012 calendar from the Country Music Hall of Fame –  “Back to December.” Swift is one of 12 stars who are on the calendar. The others are Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band. The calendar is available now through the Hall of Fame.

Martina McBride Plans Amtrak Tour To Promote New Album

Martina McBride and Amtrak have partnered for a four-day train ride across the nation to promote her upcoming album, “Eleven.” McBride will begin her travels in Los Angeles and conclude the trip in New York City. Stops along the way include Flagstaff, Arizona; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Newton, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Chicago; Cleveland; Pittsburgh; Washington, D.C.; and Philadelphia. McBride will perform intimate concerts for fans in Albuquerque, Chicago and New York City. She will release “Eleven” on October 11th.

Sugarland Named In Stage Collapse Legal Papers

Sugarland have been named as a defendant in a potential lawsuit over that deadly stage collapse at the Indianapolis Fair. They’re in a notice sent to the state attorney general. The legal paperwork was sent by the family of 22-year-old Jennifer Haskell. Sugarland members, agents and employees are among 15 potential defendants. Sugarland and their manager also are named in a tort claim by the parents of Haskell’s best friend, Alina Bigjohny. Haskell and Bigjohny were among seven people who died after the stage rigging collapsed during strong winds before the August 13th concert. More than 40 others were injured. Sugarland was ready to take the stage that day but their tour manager held them back because of weather. Seconds later, winds came through and the stage collapsed.

Alan Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne Help Save Missing Boy

Country singer Alan Jackson and rocker Ozzy Osbourne recently helped save a missing California boy. A song from each artist was played over a loud speaker to lure missing 8-year-old Joshua Robb from his hiding spot. Robb, who is autistic, slipped through a fence at his school in Twin Peaks, California, on Monday. Staff members tried to chase him down, but he scurried into the forest before they could catch up to him. The boy’s father warned that alarming noises would further push the boy into hiding, so he recommended using two of his son’s favorite songs, Jackson’s “Good Time” and Osbourne’s “No More Tears.” “I heard them blaring ‘No More Tears’ and it was a very short time after that, we heard the rescuers had found him,” Ron Robb says. Joshua was a mile or so away from where he’d last been spotted, and rescuers had to lower a basket into a steep ravine to bring the child to safety.

Artist of the day - Lee Ann Womack

• Lee Ann Womack studied music business at Belmont University in Nashville in 1990. Tree Publishing signed her in 1995 after listening to one of her original demos. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1997 and reached the Top 10.
  
• Womack earned her biggest hit with the title track from “I Hope You Dance.” The album earned six Academy of Country Music nominations in 2001 and she took home prizes for Single and Song of the Year. The Country Music Association also named her Best Female Vocalist of 2001.
  
• Lee Ann released “Call Me Crazy,” in 2008. The first single, “Last Call,” hit the Top 20 and received a Grammy nod for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The album’s second single, “Solitary Thinkin’,” reached the Top 40.
  
• Womack released “There Is a God” in October 2009 as the lead single to her upcoming seventh studio album. The song was nominated for Mainstream Inspirational Country Song in 2010. Womack has revealed a few of the tracks that she has recorded for the album, including “Talking Behind Your Back” and “You Do Until You Don’t.”
  
• In October 2010, Womack contributed the new track “Liars Lie” to the soundtrack for the film “Country Strong.” She also contributed guest vocals to the song “Ring of Fire.”
  
• Following her stint on the George Strait/Reba McEntire tour for the first half of 2011, Lee Ann is working on a new album.
  
• Official Web site: www.leeannwomack.com

Alison Krauss And Union Station Take Off With ‘Paper Airplane’

After a successful summer run, Alison Krauss and Union Station returns to the road this week for a scattering of fall shows spread throughout the U.S. and parts of Europe. The band will travel through 10 Midwest cities for performances, including a Saturday appearance at the Austin City Limits Festival in Texas. A month after wrapping up the U.S. leg, Krauss and crew will head across the pond for a U.K. leg that includes a four-night stand November 12-15 at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Alison Krauss and Union Station unveiled “Paper Airplane” in April. The video for the new set’s title track is currently streaming at Krauss’ website.

Jamie O’Neal Helps Fisher House

Stadium Entertainment has released “My Country Smash Hits 2” in support of the Fisher House, a home for military families dealing with injury or illness. Just like the first volume, the new album includes hit songs from some of country’s biggest artists including Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Jamie O’Neal, Kenny Chesney, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire and more. A percentage of album sales will benefit the Fisher House. It can be purchased at http://soldiercominghome.fargotube.com. Meanwhile, Jamie O’Neal will release a new video for her song “Soldier Coming Home” to help spread the word about “My Country Smash Hits 2” and the Fisher House. She is asking fans to submit a video clip of their soldier coming home. The best video and nine runner ups will make it into the final cut of the video and win an assortment of prizes, one of which is a flyaway to Nashville, a night on the town and an appearance with Jamie on TV to debut the video nationally. Find out more at www.soldiercominghomecontest.com.

‘Country Bumpkin’ Songwriter Dies

Don Wayne, whose songwriting credits include “Country Bumpkin” and “Saginaw, Michigan,” died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 78. Released in 1963, Lefty Frizzell’s version of “Saginaw, Michigan” spent four weeks at No. 1 on the country chart, becoming his first chart-topper in 13 years. Wayne co-wrote the song with Bill Anderson. In 1974, Cal Smith’s recording of “Country Bumpkin” hit No. 1 on the country chart and won two ACM awards and a CMA award. Smith scored another No. 1 hit with “It’s Time to Pay the Fiddler,” which Wayne wrote with Walter Haynes. Wayne’s songs were also recorded by Eddy Arnold, David Houston, Burl Ives, George Morgan, Del Reeves, Tex Ritter, Jean Shepard, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams Jr. Wayne was elected to the Nashville Songwriters International Association’s Hall of Fame in 1978.

Stars Return To Their ‘Day Jobs’ In New GAC Series

In “Day Jobs,” an original series premiering October 2nd on GAC, several of today’s top country stars step away from the stage lights and put in a full day’s work the way they did before they made it big. Each one-hour episode follows three stars as they work a shift in a variety of jobs ranging from offshore oil rig roughneck to cattle rancher, women’s shoe salesman, pilot and waitress. As they work, they realize just how far they’ve come and how those early jobs helped shaped their life today. Every participant agreed to put in a full eight-hour day and some had to undergo additional training. Before Trace Adkins returned to his former job as a roughneck on an offshore oil rig, he had to spend a day in safety training. Joe Nichols had to become certified to drive a forklift before spending a day loading pallets and filling orders in a warehouse and Craig Morgan spent the day training with Army soldiers of the 101st Airborne at Ft. Campbell. “

Hunter Hayes Sets ‘Fall Tour’ Dates

Hot newcomer Hunter Hayes is getting ready to hit the road on his first ever headlining club tour. “The Most Wanted Fall Tour” is set to kick off October 8th in Beaumont, Texas. The tour wraps in mid-November. To sweeten the deal for fans, Hayes is offering fans the chance to purchase two different VIP Coffee House Experience packages, available online at http://packages.artistarena.com/hunterhayes. One package consists of a Hunter Hayes T-shirt, a pre-order option for his self-titled debut album, a commemorative tour laminate and coffee with Hunter at the venue before his show. The second option will include early entry to the venue the night of the show, a Hunter Hayes T-shirt and pre-ordering opportunities for Hunter’s album. Hayes’ album, which includes his Top 30 hit single “Storm Warning,” is set to hit stores on October 11th.

Jaron Lowenstein Introduces The Cordovas

Jaron Lowenstein is taking a detour from his Long Road to Love. The singer/songwriter has teamed up with Joe Firstman, Jon Loyd, Toby Weaver, Johnny Gray and Caleb Gilbreath in a new band called the Cordovas. They released their debut album yesterday. Fans can download the self-titled CD for free at http://thecordovas.com. The CD is also available on iTunes and in physical form at the Cordovas’ live shows. Firstman is the former band leader of NBC’s “Last Call With Carson Daly.” He and Jaron combine their musical influences – ranging from rock to country to Gospel – on the Cordovas release.

Zac Brown Band Plays On

Zac Brown Band is not slowing down following a string of stadium dates on Kenny Chesney’s “Goin’ Coastal” tour and special guest appearances with Kings of Leon in the UK. The band is doing a series of shows starting tomorrow and running into November. Opening will be Sonia Leigh, who signed to Brown’s label Southern Ground Artists. She will make her national album debut with “1978 December” on September 27th, and labelmate Nic Cowan, who co-wrote two songs on ZBB’s most recent album. Zac Brown Band recently enjoyed their eighth consecutive No. 1 single with “Knee Deep” featuring Jimmy Buffett, from their platinum sophomore release, “You Get What You Give.” The band will also hold their second Southern Ground Music & Food Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, this October and continue their “Eat & Greet” tradition at most fall shows, with Southern Ground Executive Chef Rusty Hamlin serving up southern fare from “Cookie” – the band’s custom mobile kitchen.

Lady Antebellum Open Homes Up For People Magazine

The members of Lady Antebellum have opened up the doors of their homes for a new magazine spread. The band, who just wrapped their summer tour with Brad Paisley, returned to their respective properties in Nashville and welcomed People magazine photographers into their living spaces to share a series of personal photos with their devoted fans. Hilary Scott, who recently renovated her 3,400 square-foot bungalow with the help of her drummer fiancé Chris Tyrell, gushed about her getaway, outfitted with flea market finds. She said, “It’s my sanctuary, where I come and feel safe and calm and relaxed.” Dave Haywood showed off his custom urban loft, which is complete with a windowless bedroom in case he needs to catch a few extra hours of rest “in the middle of the day.” Charles Kelley dished about his house, which is the “perfect” size for him and his wife of two years, Cassie McConnell.

Swift Grilled By Ellen

Taylor Swift sat down with Ellen DeGeneres yesterday for one of the toughest – and most hilarious – interviews of her career. Thanks to some awkward, inappropriate questions, Ellen had Taylor shifting in her chair and gazing around the room in disbelief. But it was all in good fun. Some of the questions in the “serious” interview included who was Taylor dating (“nobody”), who she wants to date (“nobody”), and the last person she kissed. Taylor quipped, “I think an 8-year-old kid in the audience last night.” Ellen responded, “That is gross! You are disgusting!” Ellen also asked Taylor how often she washes her hair and how long she spent in prison. When Swift pointed out she was never in prison, Ellen said, “I’m sorry. I’m thinking of my questions for T.I.” Later Ellen surprised the crowd by appearing onstage for a down-home jam of “Our Song.”

Artist of the Day - Miranda Lambert

• Miranda Lambert began entering country talent contests when she was 16 and later appeared in a Ruffles potato chip ad and had a part in the 2001 teen comedy, “Slap Her She’s French.”
  
• She was 17 and still in high school when she formed the Texas Pride Band. She released an independent self-titled CD in 2001.
  
• She finished first in the Texas auditions for “Nashville Star” in 2003 and third overall, which led to a recording contract with Sony. Her first major-label single, “Me and Charlie Talking,” was released in 2004.
  
• Lambert’s debut CD, “Kerosene,” entered the Billboard Country Albums Chart at No. 1 in 2005, earning her an elite spot in music history as only the sixth country artist ever to have their first album debut at No. 1.
  
• Lambert released her second album, the chart-topping “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” in early 2007. Although the title track failed to make the Top 40, the next three singles – “Famous in A Small Town,” “Gunpowder & Lead” and “More Like Her” – were all Top 20 hits, with “Gunpowder & Lead” becoming her first Top 10 in July 2008.
  
• Miranda’s latest album “Revolution” features the hit singles “Dead Flowers,” “White Liar,” “Only Prettier,” and the No. 1 hits “The House that Built Me” and “Heart Like Mine.” “Revolution” debuted at No. 1 and joins her previous two releases that debuted at the top of Billboard’s Country Album Charts.
  
• Lambert is developing at TV show for ABC Family. It’s billed as a private detective show based on her childhood. She married Blake Shelton on May 14th.
  
• Lambert has started a new all-girl band, Pistol Annies, along with Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley. “Hell on Heels,” the trio’s debut album landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart. Miranda is now the first artist in the 47-year history of Billboard’s Country Albums chart to have notched No. 1s solo (her first three, 2005-09) and as part of a separately-named, non-all-star group. The title cut from “Heels” is moving up the charts.
  
• Lambert has unveiled the album art for her upcoming release, “Four the Record.” The LP, her fifth studio effort, hits stores on November 1st. The album’s first single, “Baggage Claim,” has reached No. 13 on the Billboard Country Singles chart.
  
• Official Web site: www.mirandalambert.com