Inspirational Country Music Awards

The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Association’s Faith, Family & Country Awards took center stage Friday night at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center for its annual music awards. The event also paid tribute to the lives of Middle Tennessee breast cancer survivors. Throughout the taping before a live audience, 136 breast cancer survivors was seated in a special honor section on the Schermerhorn stage. Awards were given out in more than 20 categories, including:

Entertainer of the Year: Ricky Skaggs
Mainstream Country Artist: Jeff Bates
Video Award: “Hello World” – Lady Antebellum
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist: The Roys
Legend/Pioneer Award: The Fox Brothers
Mainstream Inspirational Song: “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” – Justin Moore
Inspirational Country Song: “I’ll Stand Up And Say So” – Chuck Day
Male Vocalist: Chuck Day
Female Vocalist: Kali Rose
Vocal Duo: Joey + Rory
Vocal Group or Band: Sunday Drive
New Artist: Chuck Hancock
Musician: Ricky Skaggs
Comedian: Johnny Lee Cook

George Jones Announces Tour Dates Through November 2012

George Jones, 80, is continuing to tour with more than 30 dates planned in the U.S. and Canada through November 2012. His roadwork for the year concludes December 17th in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He returns to the road in February and will head to Canada for a 10-day tour in May. “I’m always excited to get back out on the road, and we’re working up new shows and new songs,” Jones said. “I’m feelin’ great and givin’ the road hell!”

Follow The Road To The CMAs

Fans can gear up for the Country Music Association awards with “CMA Close Up Presents Road to the CMA Awards,” a half-hour special with artist interviews and highlights from past CMA Awards. The special started airing over the weekend on local ABC affiliates and will continue through November 9th. Check local listings. Featuring interviews with Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Kristin Chenoweth, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain and Chris Young, the show offers fans a chance to hear and see the artists’ favorite memories from past CMA Awards, as well as to find out what it’s like to be nominated and perform for the first time.

Montgomery, Gentry Happy With New Disc

Montgomery Gentry is pleased with their new disc – especially because “Rebels on the Run” debuted in the Top 10. “Man, bein’ away that long, we just didn’t know what to expect,” said Eddie Montgomery. “Our friends kept comin’ to the shows all that time, and it looks like they were ready for some new music. “We have the greatest fans in the world,” said Troy Gentry. “But we definitely don’t take anything for granted. We are so thankful to everyone at Average Joe’s (the duo’s record label), and for the team they put together to get the word out about this album. We’re more excited about what’s going on now than we have been in a long time, and it makes us want to get out and play that much more.”

Darius Rucker Sets May Charity Concert

Darius Rucker’s calendar is full on May 13, 2012. He’ll be headlining a concert as the finale to the first-ever Annika and Friends event to raise money for physical education in schools for Annika Sorenstam’s charity. The concert and other festivities will be at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida.

Dierks Bentley’s ‘Home’ Inspired By Giffords Shooting

The tragedy of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords ultimately is what inspired Dierks Bentley and his two buddies to write the single called “Home.” Giffords and 12 others were wounded, while six were killed last January. Bentley says the song “might have been in the back” of their minds but the incident got them moving on it. He says the song is “about the place we all call home, this country that we all are lucky enough to live in.” Bentley says the song is relevant to the hard times we’re going through now. But it’s also a song about “what we hopefully can accomplish again by coming together.”

Sugarland Returns To Indiana

Two months after a tragic stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair, Sugarland paid tribute to the victims of the accident on Friday. Powerful wind gusts knocked down stage rigging, killing seven people and injuring more than 40. Sugarland returned to a venue near the site of the tragedy to perform a free concert in honor of the victims. Singer Jennifer Nettles addressed the feelings among the crowd by saying, “We are all changed by what happened then. But we are going to try to give you the best show that we can and to celebrate healing with you and to celebrate life and music with you here tonight.” Attendees were asked to donate $10 to a victims’ relief fund for those affected by the tragedy. To date, the fund has raised more than $1 million.

Taylor Swift Nude Photo Scandal

Taylor Swift’s lawyers may file a lawsuit against gossip website Celebrity Jihad over what it claims is a leaked private photo of the singer. The photo in question features a young woman who shares the singer’s long, curly locks posing topless on a bed under the headline, “Taylor Swift Topless Private Pic Leaked?” Swift had her team fire off an angry letter to the site demanding that the photo be taken down, asserting that the “false pornographic images” were spreading “false news” about the squeaky-clean singer.

Artist of the Day - Eli Young Band

• The Eli Young Band started when Mike Eli and James Young became college dorm roommates their freshman year at the University of North Texas. Both played guitar and eventually began writing and singing songs together. They formed the acoustic duo Eli & Young. Chris Thompson and Jon Jones joined them later and they became known as the Eli Young Band.
  
• The band released their self-titled debut album in 2002. In 2005 they released “Level” on Carnival Records and opened shows for Miranda Lambert. The songs “That’s the Way” and “When It Rains” began scoring significant airplay in the Lone Star State.
  
• The Eli Young Band’s enthusiastic live shows helped them draw a large and loyal audience in the Southwest, where they were able to fill 2,000-seat venues as a headliner, and they toured the country as an opener for Pat Green, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jack Ingram.
  
• In 2006, the group’s live show was captured on “Live at the Jolly Fox,” taped during a gig at a club in Huntsville, Texas. The Eli Young Band landed a deal with the Universal-distributed Republic Records. A video for a new recording of “When It Rains” subsequently received extensive play on CMT, and the group’s first album for Republic, “Jet Black & Jealous,” was released September 2008, with “When It Rains” and two other songs from the album, “Always the Love Songs” and “Radio Waves,” becoming Top 40 hits. The follow-up album, “Life at Best,” delivered the hits the “Liz Rose” and Lee Brice-penned “Crazy Girl.” “Crazy Girl” has become the band’s first Top 10 single, currently sitting at No. 2.
  
• EYB has joined Dierks Bentley’s “Country & Cold Cans Tour.” They’re nominated for Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist at this year’s American Country Awards.
  
• Official website: www.eliyoungband.com

‘Glee’ To Feature Toby Keith, Adele

Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” may soon get the “Glee” treatment, according to the hit Fox series’ creator, Ryan Murphy, who revealed the tidbit at a Los Angeles press event marking “Glee’s” 300th musical performance – a high-energy mash-up of “Rumour Has It” and “Someone Like You,” both from Adele’s smash “21,” sung by Mercedes (Amber Riley), Santana (Naya Rivera) and Brittany (Heather Morris). Look for it in the episode set to air November 15th. Murphy also advised viewers to expect the return of actor Jonathan Groff and to look forward to a lavish tribute episode this spring similar to the odes to Madonna, Fleetwood Mac and Lady Gaga.

Marie Osmond Rushed To Hospital

Marie Osmond was rushed to the hospital Wednesday night after her Vegas show and was diagnosed with a bad case of bronchitis.  Osmond’s rep, Alan Nierob, tells TMZ that Marie has a “bad lung problem” and was released from the hospital after a couple of hours. She’s currently seeing doctors. It’s unclear whether her condition will affect her Las Vegas show, but a box office rep at the Flamingo, where Marie performs, said Marie was still scheduled to appear last night.

George Jones Continues Touring Into 2012

While George Jones celebrated his 80th birthday last month, he won’t need a rocking chair anytime soon. The Possum is keeping busy with 35 shows scheduled to date throughout the U.S. and Canada now through November 2012. Jones said, “I’m always excited to get back out on the road and we’re working up new shows and new songs. I’m feelin’ great and givin’ the road hell!”

Trace Adkins, Family Watch Home Being Demolished

Trace Adkins gathered his family Wednesday to watch their Nashville-area home being demolished. Trace wanted his three younger daughters and his wife to have a sense of closure on the fire that destroyed that home earlier this year. Trace felt so strongly about it that he pulled the girls out of school for the house demolition.”It didn’t seem to bother my 6-year-old and my 13-year-old,” he told The Tennessean. “They’re like me. My 10-year-old and [wife] Rhonda teared up. They use this big bulldozer and it’s like a big dinosaur eating your house.”

Alan Jackson, Kix Brooks To Be Honored On Nashville Walk Of Fame

Alan Jackson and Kix Brooks are the latest inductees into the Music City Walk of Fame. The honor is given to those who have made a significant contribution to Nashville’s musical heritage. Jackson and Brooks will be joined by fellow inductees Manuel, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dottie Rambo, Les Paul and Dan Miller. The ceremonial unveiling of the sidewalk markers takes place on November 5th in the Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville.

Paisley, Lambert, Shelton Headline Stagecoach Fest

Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton will headline the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, which returns in 2012 for its sixth year. Stagecoach 2012 also features Alabama, Martina McBride, Kenny Rogers, Luke Bryan, Sara Evans, Chris Isaak, The Band Perry, Justin Moore, Eli Young Band, The Mavericks reunion and more. The festival will be held again at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, on April 27th, 28th and 29th. Tickets go on sale today at stagecoachfestival.com.

Charlie Daniels’ 75th Birthday Plans

Charlie Daniels turns 75 today and he won’t be celebrating it with breakfast in bed. Charlie will be performing in Louisville, Kentucky, today and tomorrow he will be at the Country Music Hall of Fame during the day for a panel discussion about Southern Rock on the 40th anniversary of Duane Allman’s death. Tomorrow night he’ll be the guest of honor for two shows at the Grand Ole Opry. He’ll perform along with special guests Clint Black, The Grascals, Lee Greenwood, Gretchen Wilson and others.

Keith Urban Gets Birthday Serenade From Opry Audience

Keith Urban sang his hits for a sold-out Opry House audience Tuesday night, and the audience sang right back. After the CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee performed his first song of the night, “Sweet Thing,” fans gathered near the stage serenaded Urban with “Happy Birthday” in honor of his birthday on Wednesday. Urban concluded his Opry set with “Making Memories of Us” and “Where the Blacktop Ends.” He is scheduled to return to the Opry twice next month.

Aritst of the Day - Little Big Town

• Little Big Town consists of Kimberly Roads, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet. Fairchild and Westbrook are married.
  
• Little Big Town’s self-titled 2002 debut for Sony’s Monument Records failed to draw any attention. The album had two minor hits before the group was dropped from the label.
  
• They resurfaced on Clint Black’s Equity Music Group in 2005 and released their second album, “The Road to Here,” which sold over a million copies and produced four Top 20 hits including “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home” and “Good as Gone.” The album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Album in 2006 and they were the 2007 CMA Vocal Group of the Year and 2007 ACM Top Vocal Group.
  
• Little Big Town’s third album, “A Place to Land,” was released in 2007 and later reissued with bonus tracks. The lead single, “I’m With the Band,” peaked at No. 32, while “A Little More You” hit the Top 20. The single “Life in a Northern Town” is a collaboration with Sugarland and Jake Owen.
  
• Fairchild recorded a duet with John Mellencamp on his 2008 album, “Life, Death, Love and Freedom.” “A Ride Back Home” was released as the album’s third single. Fairchild also duets with Mellencamp on “My Sweet Love.”
  
• Little Big Town has covered Maroon 5’s hit “Moves Like Jagger,” putting a country spin on the pop song. The song was then released online as part of the band’s “Scattered, Smothered and Covered” web series.
  
• Little Big Town’s latest album, “The Reason Why,” debuted at No. 1. The disc’s first single, “Little White Church,” peaked at No. 14. “Kiss Goodbye” was the second single and the album’s title track was released as the third single in March. Other songs featured on the 12-track CD include “Runaway Train,” “Why, Oh Why,” and their current single “Shut Up Train.” The group has upcoming tour stops in Wisconsin, Florida and South Carolina.
  
• Official website: http://littlebigtown.com

Lionel Richie Plans Country Duets Album

Lionel Richie has revealed the track listing for his upcoming country album and says he’ll be joined by Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker and Little Big Town to perform several of his hits during this year’s CMA Awards. Set for release in March, “Tuskegee” features 13 of Richie’s most famous songs re-recorded as duets with country artists. The track listing includes Blake Shelton on “You Are,” Jason Aldean on “Say You, Say Me,” Darius Rucker on “Stuck on You,” Kenny Chesney on “My Love,” Tim McGraw on “Sail On,” Little Big Town on “Deep River Woman,” Rascal Flatts on “Dancing On The Ceiling,” and more. Other artists on the album include Jennifer Nettles, Shania Twain, Billy Currington, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffett. Richie, Rascal Flatts, Rucker and Little Big Town will perform on the 45th annual CMA Awards on November 9th in Nashville. The awards show airs live on ABC.

LeAnn Rimes Reveals Secret About Eddie Cibrian

LeAnn Rimes says her husband will kill her for revealing this but years ago Eddie Cibrian was in a boy band. That’s not news to his fans in Canada, where 3Deep had hits from 1998 through 2001. But their music wasn’t released in the United States. Rimes says “it’s awesome” that he has a singing background.

‘CMA Country Christmas’ Performers Announced

The first round of performers have been announced for the upcoming “CMA Country Christmas,” with Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery, Rascal Flatts, Lauren Alaina, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Darius Rucker, Brian Setzer and Sugarland taking the stage for the televised holiday special. Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles will host the yuletide celebration, returning for the second annual event. The concert will be taped in front of a live audience at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 10th. “CMA Country Christmas” airs December 1st on ABC.

Rodney Atkins Says ‘Thank You’ To Military

Rodney Atkins is displaying his patriotic spirit, accepting the role of Ambassador of the Thank You Movement, the world’s largest ongoing military appreciation campaign. Rodney launched the goodwill project Monday morning with an official announcement on the “Today Show,” followed by a live performance for veterans and military organizations in New York City’s Times Square. In partnership with Applebee’s, the movement’s mission is to create a conscious outreach of gratitude toward the nation’s military through messages posted on www.ThankYouMovement.com, YouTube, Twitter (#thankyoumovement) and Applebee’s official Facebook fan page. The project’s official website will host a live, rolling counter of messages, allowing active-duty troops and veterans to go online at any time to read the goodwill notes. Adkins will embark on a USO tour of military installations abroad in 2012. Rodney has also booked select dates in promotion of his latest album, “Take a Back Road,” which features the No. 1 title track.

Josh Thompson On CMT’s ‘Top 20 Countdown’

Josh Thompson stopped by CMT’s “Top 20 Countdown” this week to chat with host Evan Farmer about “CMT On Tour” with Luke Bryan, songwriting on the road, his upcoming album and more. The episode will air this Friday and re-airs on Saturday.

Ronnie Milsap Reaches Nearly 4 Million Fans During Historic Twitter Chat

Ronnie Milsap has ignited an Internet phenomenon after generating 86.9 impressions and connecting with about 4 million people during a Twitter chat on Monday. It was hosted by Jessica Northey of Country Music Chat (#CMchat) in celebration of Milsap’s new CD, “Country Again.” During the chat, Milsap discussed his new album, upcoming projects, the importance of family, and his love for Lady Gaga’s music. He said the Internet chat was a phenomenal way to connect with fans. “Having the ability to reach out to millions of people during the online chat was truly exhilarating. I am humbled by the level of interest and support that continues to extend well beyond generations and genres,” Milsap says.

Blake Shelton, Hunter Hayes To Play NASCAR Championship Drive

Blake Shelton and Hunter Hayes will appear at the Coca-Cola Family Racing concert in Miami Beach on November 17th. Shelton will headline the event. Featured guest Hayes recently released his self-titled debut album which debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s country chart. The concert at Lummus Park is part of the free two-day outdoor fan festival leading up to the Ford Championship weekend at Homestead/Miami Speedway. The weekend will conclude with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Ford 400 on November 20th.

Lonestar Reunites With McDonald

Lonestar has reunited with original lead singer Richie McDonald and will tour and record a new album in 2012 to mark their 20th anniversary. The first concert dates for the band’s four original members – Dean Sams, Keech Rainwater, Michael Britt and McDonald – will take place overseas February 26th – March 4th. McDonald replaces Cody Collins, who had replaced McDonald in 2007. Lonestar will perform in London, Belfast, Zurich and Mannheim, Germany, on a multi-artist bill with Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs and Little Big Town.

Artist of the Day - Gloriana

• Gloriana was formed four years ago with brothers Tom and Mike Gossin along with Rachel Reinert and Cheyenne Kimball.
  
• Before the band’s foundation, Kimball was the 2002 winner of the competition “America’s Most Talented Kid” and a solo artist on Epic Records.
  
• Gloriana released their debut single, “Wild at Heart,” in February 2009. It became a Top 15 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the highest-selling country music debut single of 2009. The group’s self titled debut album was released on August 4, 2009. It peaked at No. 2 on Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The album’s second single, “How Far Do You Wanna Go?” was released in September.
  
• Gloriana won the American Music Award’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2009 and the 2010 Academy of Country Music’s Top New Vocal Group award.
  
• The band’s third single, “The World Is Ours Tonight,” debuted in early 2010. It was included on a March 2010 reissue of the band’s debut album.
  
• Cheyenne Kimball has left Gloriana. No reason was given for her departure. The group now consists of brothers Tom and Mike Gossin and Rachel Reinert.
  
• Gloriana has released a new single called “(Kissed You) Good Night,” that will be on their upcoming album, the follow up to their self-titled debut album. The song marks Gloriana’s first single without Cheyenne Kimball. The new album’s first single was “Wanna Take You Home.”
  
• Gloriana’s “Almost Paradise” is on the deluxe versions of the new “Footloose” soundtrack.
  
• Official website, www.gloriana.com

Billy Ray’s Close Encounter

Billy Ray Cyrus claims he spotted alien aircrafts and even posted a picture on Twitter as proof of his encounter with the third kind. The singer/actor seemed spooked by the episode and tweeted his extra-terrestrial sighting with his followers: “O. K. . ...my first UFO sighting. Looks like 5 or 6 disk-like shapes hovering. Special moment 4 DAD.” But the photo provided was a bit inconclusive, with five or six vague lights in the distance as the sun appears to set. Next month, look for Cyrus to begin his role as the father to Austin on the CW network’s “90210.”

Jason Aldean Tapped For Grammy Nominations Concert Special

Jason Aldean and Lady Gaga are the first performers announced for “The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! – Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night,” taking place November 30th at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles. LL Cool J will host the one-hour special on CBS. The concert special marks the fourth time the Grammy nominations have been announced on primetime television. The 54th annual Grammy Awards show is scheduled for February 12th at Staples Center in Los Angeles and will also air on CBS. 

Blake Shelton, Dia Frampton Making Music Together

Blake Shelton’s got a new duet partner – singer Dia Frampton from “The Voice.” Blake, who was Dia’s coach throughout the show’s first season, recently recorded the song “I Will” with her. Blake will coach a new crop of aspiring stars in the second season of “The Voice,” which will premiere on February 5th after Super Bowl XLVI.

Zac Brown Band Loves The McRib

McRib fans across America are celebrating the return of the McRib to McDonald’s, including the Zac Brown Band. The group, who are self-proclaimed eaters, even declared their love of the barbecued pork sandwich to their followers on Twitter. “The McRib is back! That is all,” ZBB tweeted, which resulted in hundreds of re-tweets by their fans and fellow McRib lovers.

Sugarland’s Bush Sets Thanksgiving Solo Show

Sugarland’s Kristian Bush returns to Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia, for his annual Thanksgiving solo show on November 27th. The night will feature special guests. Tickets go on sale today at eddiesattic.com. Bush plays two shows with tickets set at $25. The late show is an exclusive performance for Sugarland fan club members.

Gill Making The Media Rounds

Vince Gill will make a slew of national television appearances over the next few weeks to perform selections from “Guitar Slinger,” his first new studio album in five years. The album – in both standard and deluxe editions – came out Tuesday. “Guitar Slinger” includes his current single, “Threaten Me With Heaven.”

James Otto Temporarily Joins Steel Magnolia

With Joshua Scott Jones in rehab, James Otto is filling in as the male voice of Steel Magnolia. Meghan Linsey posted a photo of her singing with Otto. Otto says his and Linsey’s “musical tastes are very similar.” Steel Magnolia is one of Reba McEntire’s opening acts this fall and Otto says, “Man, who wouldn’t want to be out on tour with Reba McEntire? That was one of those things that’s a no-brainer.”

Miranda Lambert Gets A Pat-Down

Despite her hit single, Miranda Lambert might not be the biggest fan of the “Baggage Claim.” While at the airport earlier this week preparing to take flight to the West Coast, Lambert was asked to pass through one of the controversial body scanners and, like many travelers, she refused. And her celebrity status didn’t save her from the pat-down from the TSA. “Dear Airports. You suck,” Lambert tweeted with a smiley face Monday, which lead to an onslaught of flying-related tweets, including the news that the singer was subject to a pat-down. “I refused it and got the pat down. Ew,” she said in response to a fan who tweeted a comment to her about being seen naked in the body scanners.

Artist of the Day - Jo Dee Messina

• Jo Dee Messina signed to Curb Records in 1994. Tim McGraw co-produced her first album, 1996’s “Jo Dee Messina.”
  
• Messina’s second album, 1998’s “I’m Alright,” made her the first female in the history of Billboard’s Country Singles chart to achieve three consecutive, multi-week No. 1 singles from one album with “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright” and “Stand Beside Me.”
  
• Jo Dee’s album “Delicious Surprise” debuted at No. 1 in 2005. It features “My Give A Damn’s Busted,” “Too Late To Worry” and “I’m Not Going Down.”
  
• Messina’s latest releases are the 2010 EP’s “Unmistakable: Love,” “Unmistakable: Drive” and “Unmistakable: Inspiration.”
  
• Earlier this year, Jo Dee launched a campaign to help raise $2.3 million for a non-profit school in Nashville, the Holy Trinity Montessori. Her campaign, dubbed “A Million Doors,” will raise funds through the sale of a new song titled “Carry Me.” Visit www.amilliondoors.com for more information.
  
• Jo Dee Messina and husband Chris Deffenbaugh are expecting their second child. Their first child, son Noah Roger Deffenbaugh, was born in January 2009. The couple married in October 2007.
  
• Want to spend the holiday’s with Jo Dee? Enter to win tickets to her show in Nashville with the VIP treatment from JDM and the Stain Fighting Community. Visit UnmistakablyClean.com to enter today.
  
• Official Web site: www.jodeemessina.com

Miranda Lambert Ready To Unveil ‘Four The Record’

Miranda Lambert is eager to get her new album, “Four The Record,” to fans. “I’ve been performing some of the new songs on tour and it’s been so much fun and I can’t wait for the fans to have access to all of the music,” says Lambert. The wait is officially over on November 1st, but fans can get a sneak peak at five new tracks this week. A new track will be premiered everyday at www.mirandalambert.com/hunt. Just click to find out the websites and, after listening to each track, scan or click the attached QR code to unlock and collect an exclusive Miranda Lambert badge. Collect all 5 badges and enter for a chance to win a flyaway trip to meet Miranda and see her in concert. Miranda will kick off her album launch week with a performance of “Baggage Claim” on “The Today Show” November 1st. The following day, she will appear on “Live With Regis & Kelly” where she will be interviewed and perform the song. Miranda is also on the cover of the current issues of Billboard Magazine and Ladies Home Journal.

Jennifer Nettles To Host ‘CMA Country Christmas’

For the second consecutive year, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland will host “CMA Country Christmas,” scheduled to air December 1st on ABC. The two-hour special will feature many of today’s top Country artists performing traditional holiday favorites and sharing their personal holiday traditions. “CMA Country Christmas” will tape in front of a live audience on November 10th at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The “CMA Country Christmas” taping will follow the 45th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, which airs live from the Bridgestone Arena on November 9th on ABC.

Kellie Pickler Is ‘100 Proof’

Kellie Pickler will release her new album “100 Proof” on December 6th. She says the title of her new record is a way to show that she is “100 percent country.” Pickler has also said that the songs are personal reflections about her turbulent childhood in Albemarle, North Carolina, where she was raised by her grandparents after her mother abandoned her and her father was jailed. “It would not have been surprising if I had followed the same sets of steps of my raising. I think I just didn’t want to be that person,” Pickler told The Boot. “I just went home the other week and I ran into some people that I’ve known growing up and they’re still in the same exact place, mentally, that they were then. There’s been no growth. There’s no depth. It’s like flat paint ... It’s so sad. I grew up hearing everyone around me complain about everything. Hated their job, hated this, hated that. So miserable ... Minimum wage and living paycheck to paycheck and still not having the lights on.”

New Gloriana Single

Gloriana has released a new single on iTunes called “Good Night.” It’s about a guy who drops off a girl back at her home after their date but doesn’t kiss her good-night. After going back to his car he decides that was a mistake and he comes running back. The song is told from both perspectives: the guy and the girl. It was co-written by band member Tom Gossin who says it’s “ultimately a song about courage and confidence, two things that we’ve all struggled with in life.” “Good Night” will be on Gloriana’s upcoming album.

Reba McEntire Expands Tour

Reba McEntire has added another round of dates to her North American tour behind last year’s “All the Women I Am.” Reba’s fall road trip is currently slated to wrap up November 19th in Tupelo, Mississippi. After the New Year, she will head across the pond for a handful of European dates. “All the Women I Am,” surfaced last November and peaked at No. 7 on The Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the Top Country Albums chart. The effort features the hit single, “Turn On the Radio,” the popular countrified cover of Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy,” and the latest release, “Somebody’s Chelsea.”

Marriage Won’t Make Miranda Lambert Go Soft

Miranda Lambert makes it clear to anyone who thought love and marriage would soften her edge, it’s not going to happen. Lambert tells Billboard magazine she has “that angst naturally.” She says she always leans “toward a sad song or an angry song more than a love song.” But Lambert says now that she’s happy and in love and married to Blake Shelton she can have the perspective of both love and angst.

Loretta Lynn Out Of Hospital

Loretta Lynn is out of the hospital and resting at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, after being treated for bacterial pneumonia. The 76-year-old was forced to cancel a show in Ashland, Kentucky, on Saturday because of the illness. She woke up on her tour bus around 1:30 a.m. Saturday having difficulty breathing. She was treated at a Bowling Green, Kentucky, hospital over the weekend and released. Lynn says she’s feeling better and will return to the road November 3rd in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Artist of the day - Joey+Rory

• Husband and wife duo Rory Lee and Joey Martin Feek were third-place finalist on CMT’s “Can You Duet” in 2008. That same year they released their debut album, “The Life of a Song,” which debuted at No. 10 and remained on the charts for 50 weeks, selling 200,000 copies. Their debut single, “Cheater Cheater,” was their first Top 30 hit and also became a nationwide Top 10 Dance Club hit.
  
• Rory previously worked as a songwriter. His first song was Collin Raye’s No. 1 “Someone You Used to Know.” Others included the “The Chain of Love” by Clay Walker and the multi-week No. 1 “Some Beach” by Blake Shelton. In 2009, Rory was awarded two of ASCAP’s Most Played Song honors for “I Will” by Jimmy Wayne and “You Can Let Go” by Crystal Shawanda. Rory also wrote Easton Corbin’s No. 1 song “A Little More Country Than That.”
  
• Rory founded the independent label Giantslayer Records in 2004, on which Joey recorded the solo album “Strong Enough to Cry” in 2005.
  
• Joey+Rory have also appeared in commercials for Overstock.com and in February 2009 they were nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s Top Vocal Duo.
  
• CMT named them one of the Top 10 Artists of 2009 and they garnered a string of nominations, including CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, ACM’s Top Vocal Duo Award and CMT’s Nationwide Insurance On Your Side Award. The duo won the 2010 Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Vocal Duo.
  
• Joey+Rory released their first holiday single, “It’s Christmas Time,” and a children’s Christmas album, “Merry Kidsmas,” in December 2009.
  
• Joey+Rory released “Album No. 2,” in September 2010. Rory co-wrote the lead single, “This Song’s For You,” with Zac Brown. The song features the Zac Brown Band. Their current single is “That’s Important To Me.”
  
• Joey+Rory released a Christmas album, “A Farmhouse Christmas,” on October 11th. Merle Haggard sings on the couple’s rendition of his No. 1 hit, “If We Make It Through December.” In addition, the duo recorded “I Know What Santa’s Getting for Christmas,” written by Garth Brooks and Kent Blazy. Holiday standards on the album include “Away in a Manger” and “Blue Christmas.” The couple is also planning a Christmas tour. Sponsored by Roper Apparel and Footwear, Joey+Rory's “A Farmhouse Christmas” tour will kick off on November 25th in Anderson, Indiana, with 12 dates scheduled across the U.S. The holiday outing wraps in Boston just days before Christmas.
  
• Official Web site: www.joeyandrory.com

Toby Keith Accused Of Stealing Rapper’s Song Concept

Toby Keith has been accused of stealing the idea for his latest single from a San Antonio hip-hop artist. Fans of hip-hop artist Carlton Zeus claim Keith’s concept for the single “Red Solo Cup” was taken from Zeus’ song “Sharpie Solo Cup,” released by Zeus over a year ago. Zeus released a video response to the controversy, in which he is seen eating chicken for lunch as he addresses the charges against Keith. Keith recently told Taste of Country that he’d been holding on to ‘Red Solo Cup’ for two years before releasing it. Some Zeus fans are calling Keith a thief and insisting that he should have credited the hip-hop artist for the idea. The one person who seemingly isn’t upset is Zeus. He released a tongue-in-cheek video response to the flap. The video for “Red Solo Cup” – the latest from Keith’s upcoming “Clancy’s Tavern” album, due out tomorrow – features appearances by Eric Church, Sammy Hagar and Ted Nugent.

Brad Paisley’s Dream Band

Brad Paisley has come up with the ideal band. He told reporters backstage after a recent No. 1 party that he wished he was in a band – and he already knows who he wants in it. The solo singer traded guitar riffs with ace guitar slinger Keith Urban on their 2009 Billboard No. 1 song, “Start a Band,” and Brad says Keith would be a top pick if he were to put together a dream band. His pick for drummer is Eagles member Don Henley. For bass player, Brad says, Sting. I’d put Sting in it. He also says that being in a band would relieve some of the pressures of being a solo artist. “I like the band process. For instance, right now, you’d be talking to my drummer. I’d be off doing something else and he would be doing this interview,” Brad joked. “I love the idea of sharing in things and collaborating with people.”

Wynonna Judd Sings At Dan Wheldon’s Funeral

Wynonna Judd was in attendance at late IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon’s funeral on Saturday morning. The singer delivered heartbreaking renditions of both “Amazing Grace” and “I Can Only Imagine” at the services, which took place in St. Petersburg, Florida. Wheldon’s funeral service at St. Pete’s First Presbyterian Church drew more than 1,200 friends, family and admirers. Many of them came from the racing community. Wheldon died a week ago in Las Vegas following a fiery, 15-car crash. Judd’s brother-in-law is driver Dario Franchitti. Her younger sister, actress Ashley Judd, has been married to Franchitti for nearly 10 years.

Eric Church Explains Baby Boone’s Name

Eric Church and his wife Katherine named their nearly three-week old baby boy Boone McCoy Church. Church is now explaining why they chose that moniker. “Boone was a family name, and it’s also the name of the city where I went to school in North Carolina,” Church reveals to CMT. “And McCoy was a family name on Katherine’s side. So we were trying to put family names together.”

Loretta Lynn Hospitalized

Loretta Lynn was hospitalized over the weekend with the early stages of pneumonia. The 76-year-old Lynn was scheduled to perform Saturday at the Performing Arts Center in Ashland, Kentucky, and Sunday in Durham, North Carolina. Loretta Lynn Enterprises posted a statement on her website Saturday night that confirmed the cancellations due to illness. “Doctors have diagnosed her as the beginning stages pneumonia, and will continue to need rest. Loretta is doing well and is disappointed but feels confident she will be ready for upcoming November dates,” the statement said.

Sugarland To Perform At Nobel Peace Concert

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush will head for Oslo, Norway, in December. Sugarland will be performing at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. Matthew Morrison of “Glee” is also one of several other performers set for the December 11th concert. This year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners include two women from Liberia and one from Yemen who are peacefully working for women’s safety and women’s equality in those countries. Tickets for the Nobel concert are available now.

Taylor Swift Featured In Lullaby Album Series

Taylor Swift could be gaining some very young new fans with the release of her music as part of a new lullaby album series. Swift’s music will be rerecorded for the Brash Music and Tree Top Records Cradle Rock series, which features the music of popular artists re-arranged with soothing tones for babies. Swift joins an impressive list of artists who are getting the lullaby treatment including Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash and Kenny Chesney. U2 and Pink Floyd will also see new arrangements for the series. The Cradle Rock albums are available via iTunes for $9.99 and in retails stores nationwide for $11.99.

Artist of the Day - Restless Heart

• Restless Heart formed in 1984 with John Dittrich, Dave Innis, Paul Gregg and Greg Jennings. They were joined by Verlon Thompson to record a demo. After signing with RCA in 1983, Thompson was replaced by lead singer Larry Stewart.
  
• Restless Heart’s self-titled debut album, released in 1985, included only eight songs including “Let the Heartache Ride,” “I Want Everyone to Cry,” “(Back to the) Heartbreak Kid” and “Til I Loved You.” The latter three were all top 10 country hits.
  
• The 1986 follow-up, “Wheels,” was their real breakthrough, topping the charts and producing four No. 1 hits: “That Rock Won’t Roll,” “I’ll Still Be Loving You,” “Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right),” and “Wheels.” “Big Dreams in a Small Town” in 1988 gave them six consecutive chart-toppers with its first two singles, “A Tender Lie” and “The Bluest Eyes in Texas.”
  
• Stewart left the group for a solo career in 1990. He later scored a hit with “Alright Already.” Meanwhile, Gregg and Dittrich split lead vocal duties on 1992’s “Big Iron Horses.” Innis left the band in 1992.
  
• After 1994’s “Matters of the Heart” they disbanded. Jennings joined Vince Gill’s band, while Dittrich worked with the Buffalo Club. Restless Heart reunited in 1998 – minus Innis – with four new tracks appearing on a “Greatest Hits” compilation. They toured behind the album with Vince Gill.
  
• In 2004, Restless Heart released “Still Restless,” their first album of all-new studio material in 14 years. The band released a live album, “25 and Live,” in 2007.
  
• Official website: www.restlessheartband.com

Dierks Bentley’s Nashville ‘Miles & Music For Kids’ Raises $205,000

Dierks Bentley hosted his sixth annual “Miles & Music for Kids” in Nashville on Sunday and raised $205,000 for Nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Over the series’ six-year history, Bentley has raised over $2 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In 2009, Bentley joined forces with Nationwide Insurance, CMT ONE COUNTRY and the Children’s Miracle Network to expand the successful “Miles & Music for Kids” first held in Nashville across the country, visiting Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle, Atlanta, Columbus and Chicago.

Miranda Lambert Is ‘On Fire’

With her new album “Four The Record” due out November 1st, Miranda Lambert is ready to heat up the winter months with her new headline tour, “On Fire,” which kicks off January 12th in Rockford, Illinois. The tour will include Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann. “I’m looking forward to the tour and playing some new music from ‘Four The Record’ and kicking some attitude,” said Miranda. “Chris and Jerrod have great shows and we’re gonna have a lot of fun out there this year and it will be a great year with our fans. See you out there!” Lambert said. The reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year is nominated for two CMA Awards this year, including Female Vocalist.

All CMA Awards’ New Artist Nominees Will Perform

For the first time since 2008, all five nominees in the CMA Awards’ New Artist category will perform on the show. Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Thompson Square and Chris Young were announced as performers yesterday, while The Band Perry joined the lineup earlier this month. Thompson Square is also nominated in the Duo category. Meanwhile The Band Perry is up for Vocal Group of the Year, as well as the Single, Song and Music Video categories for “If I Die Young.” The CMA Awards will air live November 9th on ABC.

Opry Goes Pink

The Grand Ole Opry joins Women Rock For The Cure in the fight against breast cancer this Saturday with its third annual “Opry Goes Pink” show. ABC’s “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts, herself a breast cancer survivor, will be on hand as a special guest announcer for a portion of the night’s first show, introducing acts as well as the Women Rock For The Cure Honorary Survivor of the Year Yolanda Smith. Opry member Martina McBride will take the stage to “flip the switch,” turning the Opry’s signature barn backdrop pink in support of breast cancer awareness. McBride’s current single, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” offers hope to those affected by cancer. Five dollars from every ticket sold to the night’s second show will be donated to Women Rock For The Cure. That show is scheduled to include performances from Lauren Alaina, Edens Edge, Kellie Pickler and Ronnie Milsap.

Moore Hooks Edwards

Justin Moore’s new video for “Bait A Hook” debuted at No. 1 over the weekend on CMT. Featuring NASCAR driver Carl Edwards, the funny video was also shown at the Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Bank of America 500 on Saturday. ESPN was at the video shoot to capture some behind-the-scenes footage for a special that ran during NASCAR NOW before the race. The song, the second single from Moore’s “Outlaws Like Me,” is kiss-off song about an ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend.

Another No. 1 For George Strait

George Strait notches his 58th No. 1 single with “Here For A Good Time,” the title track of his latest release. Strait co-wrote with his son Bubba and Dean Dillon. It also marks his first Nol.1 as a songwriter. Strait has the most No. 1 singles of any artist in history including Elvis. He has had 84 out of 89 radio singles make it to Top 10 – 73 of them Top 5 hits. He has sold nearly 69 million records, and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums, he has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind only The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson, George Strait At Benefit Concert

Yes, the Dixie Chicks still exist. They proved it Monday night at a concert to raise money for victims of the recent Texas wildfires. Natalie Maines told the crowd “there was zero hesitation” when the Chicks were asked to perform for the benefit in her home state of Texas. She and her bandmates joined George Strait, Willie Nelson and other musicians during a mega-concert in Austin that raised more than $500,000. A fire that started September 4th in Central Texas destroyed at least 1,500 homes and killed two people.

Lauren Alaina To Flip Switch For Graceland Holiday Display

“American Idol” runner-up Lauren Alaina will brighten the holidays for Elvis Presley fans. She’ll flip the switch to turn on the holiday lights at Graceland on November 18th. The display includes Presley’s own decorations, including hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-sized nativity scene and Santa and his sleigh.

Lady A Announces 2012 Dates

Lady Antebellum has announced the second leg of their “Own the Night 2012 World Tour.” The arena tour kicks off January 27th in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with Darius Rucker and special guest Thompson Square. The tour runs through June.

Accused Twain Stalker’s Sentencing Delayed

Sentencing has been delayed for a man who pleaded guilty to stalking Shania Twain as officials renewed concerns about his health. Giovanni (John) Palumbo, a former Ottawa doctor, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a court order and criminal harassment earlier this month. Palumbo, who has been in custody in Toronto since March, recently completed a three-week psychiatric assessment. Officials decided yesterday that they want the doctor who assessed Palumbo to take the stand at a later date. The defense wants Palumbo to be credited for time served while in custody. They are also asking for Palumbo to be released on bail.

Taylor Swift Has A Surprise

Taylor Swift says she is already writing her next album, but that’s not the only project she has in the works for 2012. The singer told MTV News she’s working on “some surprise projects that may or may not happen, and possibly some acting.” “I’ve just been so excited about what’s gonna happen in the next year,” Swift said. “I’m also really excited about [the next album]. I’ve been writing all the time. I’ve been writing so much for the new record. I can’t believe I’m saying that already: It comes out in a year, but I’m already excited about it.”

Artist of the Day - LeAnn Rimes

• Margaret LeAnn Rimes started singing when she was only 2. By age 11, she recorded her first album, “All That,” which was released on a small, independent label. Her major-label debut, 1996’s “Blue,” made her a star at age 13 and earned her two Grammys, one of which was Best New Artist – marking the first time a Country artist ever captured that honor. She also picked up the CMA Horizon Award in 1997.
  
• Since then, LeAnn has sold more than 37 million albums and scored numerous hit singles including “One Way Ticket,” “I Need You,” “Nothin’ ‘bout Love Makes Sense,” “Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way” and “How Do I Live,” which spent a record-setting 69 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
  
• Rimes’ career tanked with the pop-oriented “Twisted Angel” album in 2002, her first disc not produced by her dad. But she returned to her country roots and bounced back with her seventh studio album, “This Woman,” in 2005. It reached No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200.
  
• LeAnn’s 2007 album “Family,” includes the single “Nothin’ Better to Do” as well as a duet with Jon Bon Jovi on “Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore.” The album – her first featuring all original material she wrote or co-wrote – reached No. 2. The single “What I Cannot Change” scaled Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart and spawned Rimes’ first book of the same name – an inspirational work based on the concepts of peace and acceptance.
  
• Rimes married backup dancer Dean Sheremet in 2000. She made headlines by announcing plans to divorce Sheremet and going public with her relationship with actor Eddie Cibrian, her romantic interest from the TV movie “Northern Lights.” Her divorce was finalized in June 2010. She and Cibrian were married in April 2011.
  
• Rimes released a new single, “Give,” in June. It is the third single from her new covers album, “Lady and Gentlemen,” released September 27th. The other two are “Crazy Women” and her updated rendition of John Anderson’s “Swingin’.” She is also working on another album, featuring original material.
  
• Official Web site: www.leannrimesworld.com

Taylor Swift’s T.I. Collaboration Was Dream Come True

Taylor Swift was stunned when T.I. agreed to join her onstage in his native Atlanta, Georgia, recently, because she reached out to the rapper with just a few hours’ notice. Taylor delighted fans in Atlanta earlier this month when she brought Usher onstage as her special guest for her first show in the city, but there was an even bigger guest planned for her second date on October 2nd. Swift performed the rapper’s hit song “Live Your Life” at the gig, and she admits it was a dream come true for her because she never expected T.I. to agree to the collaboration. She said when he showed up for sound check “we were all just so star-struck.”

Tim McGraw Indentifies With ‘Dirty Girl’

In the comedy “Dirty Girl,” a firecracker of a girl goes searching for her biological father. Tim McGraw plays that father. In real life, McGraw eventually met his biological father, the late baseball player Tug McGraw. He says he “sympathized certainly with the plight of trying to find your father and trying to figure out who you are.” But he says he “also empathized from the father’s point of view” because it took time to become part of his father’s life and to become close. “Dirty Girl” is playing in some theaters now.

Sawyer Brown To Hit The Road With ‘Travelin’ Band’

Sawyer Brown celebrate 30 years in the music industry with the release of the appropriately-titled “Travelin’ Band,” the group’s first studio album in more than six years. “We’ve been working on this album so long that they were still called albums when we started working on it,” jokes lead singer Mark Miller. The singer also claims producer credit on the 11-song collection, which features the lead single, “Smokin’ Hot Wife.” Physical copies of “Travelin’ Band” are available exclusively through the band’s official website and at their live shows, with digital copies available at all retailers shortly. Sawyer Brown is currently on the road in promotion for the album.

Blake Shelton Tops Charts With ‘God’

God gave him Miranda Lambert, and “God Gave Me You” has given Blake Shelton his fifth consecutive No. 1 single. “God Gave Me You,” penned by Christian/pop star Dave Barnes, is Blake’s 10th overall chart-topper. It has broken the record made by his last No. 1 song, “Honey Bee,” to become his fastest rising single to date. Blake has three more concert dates left in 2011, in addition to a performance slot on the CMA Awards broadcast. He’ll take a brief break for the holidays before he starts taping Season 2 of “The Voice” and kicking off his headlining tour. The “Well Lit & Amplified Tour 2012” will kick off January 14th in Lincoln, Nebraska, hitting arenas in 27 cities before wrapping up in March. Opening acts include Justin Moore and Dia Frampton, who placed second on the inaugural season of “The Voice.” “The Voice makes its season premiere right after the Super Bowl on February 5th.

Neal McCoy Releases New Single

Neal McCoy will release a new single, “A-OK,” to digital retailers today. The feel-good song was written by Barry Dean, Brett Eldredge and Luke Laird. McCoy’s next album, “XII,” is expected in early 2012. Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and guitarist Brent Rowan are co-producing the new project.

Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans Add 2012 Tour Dates

After spending much of 2011 together on the road, Rascal Flatts and Sara Evans have extended their tour schedule into next year. Newcomer Hunter Hayes will open the shows. Billed as “Thaw Out 2012,” the tour will launch on January 12th in Charleston, West Virginia, and conclude February 18th in East Rutherford, New Jersey. During the tour, Rascal Flatts will stop in Columbus, Ohio, the hometown of group members Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus. In addition, the tour will visit Columbia, Missouri, about 30 miles from Evans’ hometown of New Franklin, Missouri.

Artist of the day - Easton Corbin

• Easton Corbin is a native of Gilchrist County, Florida. After taking guitar lessons from session musician Pee Wee Melton at age 15, Corbin joined a band, which won an opening slot at a music festival, followed by opening slots for Janie Fricke and Mel McDaniel.
  
• Corbin later attended the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and earned an agribusiness degree.
  
• Easton signed to Mercury Records Nashville in 2009 and released his debut single, “A Little More Country Than That,” followed by a self-titled debut album in March 2010.
  
• Corbin is the first country male artist in 17 years to have his first two consecutive singles reach No. 1 – “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It.”
  
• Corbin has pulled the plug on a handful of his October concerts, due to doctor’s orders. In a message posted to his official website, Corbin apologized and explained that he’s been feeling a little under the weather lately.
  
• Official website: www.eastoncorbin.com

American Country Awards

The nominations for the 2nd Annual American Country Awards have been announced, and Jason Aldean and the Zac Brown Band led the way with eight nominations each. On their heels were newcomers Thompson Square, who scored seven nominations each. The Band Perry and Taylor Swift also figured prominently in the process, tallying six nods. Fans can vote in each category at theacas.com. Voting closes on November 11th, with the exception of the Entertainer of the Year, which ends on December 2nd. The awards show will be hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, is scheduled for December 5th on FOX. Nominees include:

Artist of the Year: Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Zac Brown Band.

Artist of the Year: Male: Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton.

Artist of the Year:  Female: Sara Evans, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group: The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Zac Brown Band.

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist: Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Justin Moore, Jake Owen and Chris Young.

Artist of the Year: New Artist: The Band Perry, Scotty McCreery, Jerrod Niemann, Pistol Annies and Thompson Square.

Album of the Year: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party,” Kenny Chesney – “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” Brad Paisley – “This Is Country Music,” Taylor Swift – “Speak Now,” Keith Urban – “Get Closer” and Zac Brown Band – “You Get What You Give.”

Single of the Year: Billy Currington – “Let Me Down Easy,” Tim McGraw – “Felt Good On My Lips,” Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” Chris Young – “Voices” and Zac Brown Band w/ Alan Jackson – “As She’s Walking Away.”

Single of the Year: Male: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party,” Luke Bryan – “Someone Else Calling You Baby,” Billy Currington – “Let Me Down Easy,” Tim McGraw – “Felt Good On My Lips” and Chris Young – “Voices.”

Single of the Year: Female: Sara Evans – “A Little Bit Stronger,” Miranda Lambert – “Heart Like Mine,” Reba – “Turn On The Radio,” Taylor Swift – “Mean” and Carrie Underwood – “Mama’s Song.”

Single of the Year: Duo or Group: The Band Perry – “You Lie,” Rascal Flatts – “Why Wait,” Sugarland – “Stuck Like Glue,” Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and Zac Brown Band – “Colder Weather.”

Single of the Year: New Artist: The Band Perry – “You Lie,” Craig Campbell – “Family Man,” The JaneDear Girls – “Wildflower,” Jerrod Niemann – “What Do You Want” and Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration: Jason Aldean w/ Kelly Clarkson – “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Kenny Chesney f/ Grace Potter – “You and Tequila,” Brad Paisley w/ Alabama – “Old Alabama,” Zac Brown Band w/ Jimmy Buffet – “Knee Deep” and Zac Brown Band w/ Alan Jackson – “As She’s Walking Away.”

Touring Headline Act of the Year: Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

Music Video of the Year: Sara Evans – “A Little Bit Stronger,” Jerrod Niemann – “What Do You Want,” Blake Shelton – “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking,” Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and Josh Turner – “I Wouldn’t Be A Man.”

Music Video: Male: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party,” Jerrod Niemann – “What Do You Want,” Blake Shelton – “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking,” Josh Turner – “I Wouldn’t Be A Man” and Keith Urban – “Put You In A Song.”

Music Video: Female: Sara Evans – “A Little Bit Stronger,” Reba – “Turn On The Radio,” Ashton Shepherd – “Look It Up,” Taylor Swift – “Back To December” and Carrie Underwood – “Mama’s Song.”

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration: Jason Aldean w/ Kelly Clarkson – “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” The Band Perry – “You Lie,” Lady Antebellum – “Hello World,” Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” and Zac Brown Band w/ Alan Jackson – “As She’s Walking Away.”

Music Video: New Artist: The Band Perry – “You Lie,” Craig Campbell – “Family Man,” Brett Eldredge – “Raymond,” Jerrod Niemann – “What Do You Want” and Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.”

Joe Nichols Plans New Album

Joe Nichols will release a new album, “It’s All Good,” on November 8th. The project includes his latest single, “Take It Off.” Nichols released his “Greatest Hits” in January. “Yes, this is about commercial success, but if you want to make something that lasts, it’s about art, too,” Nichols says. “I want to bring a traditional sound into 2011 and 2012, to keep it faithful and make sure we’re still connecting with today’s listener. On every album, we’re looking for hit singles, but every time out, I want to satisfy the artistic part of my soul, too.”

Vince Gill Honored By Nashville Mayor

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean joined dignitaries from the entertainment and hospitality industries during yesterday’s kickoff of Vince Gill Week in downtown Nashville. Dean presented a proclamation honoring Gill’s “extraordinary talent and contributions” to the community and announced that Gill will serve as grand marshal of the 59th annual Nashville Christmas Parade on December 2nd. During the ceremony, Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena CEO Jeff Cogen unveiled a special hockey-themed Vince Gill bobblehead that will be given away at a future Predators home game. A rep from Fender Guitars presented Gill an Eric Clapton model tweed Tremolux amplifier constructed at the company’s custom shop in California. Aside from Clapton, Gill is the only person to yet own one of the new amp models. Officials from Gill’s label, MCA Nashville, presented a plaque commemorating 26 million albums sold, 24 No. 1 singles, 20 Grammys and 18 CMA awards as well his 20th anniversary at the Grand Ole Opry and inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Country Superfest

Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts are headlining the third annual Bayou Country Superfest. It takes place next Memorial Day weekend at LSU’s Tiger Stadium. Other top performers include Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Sara Evans and Little Big Town.

Rodney Atkins Meets His Birth Mother

A lot has happened with Rodney Atkins in the three years between his new album, “Take a Back Road” and his last one. Probably the biggest thing during that time was when he met his birth mother. Atkins, now 42, says his mother had gotten pregnant on a traumatic first date. She managed to hide it and Atkins was adopted as an infant. He says when he finally met his birth mother he realized it was “such a relief” for her because she had been wondering what happened to the child she gave up for adoption. He says his birth mom is “a wonderful, beautiful lady.”

Co-Writer Of ‘The Devil Went Down To Georgia’ Dies

A Charlie Daniels Band member and a co-writer of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” has been killed in a car crash in Tennessee. Joel “Taz” DiGregorio died Wednesday night in a crash on Interstate 40 west of Nashville. He was on his way to meet the band’s tour bus. DiGregorio’s car was the only one involved in the crash. The 67-year-old DiGregorio is a longtime keyboard player and vocalist for the group. DiGregorio was band member for over 40 years. The Charlie Daniels Band canceled a concert yesterday in Cumming, Georgia, and tomorrow’s show in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Rascal Flatts’ Live Album Due Next Month

“The Best of Rascal Flatts Live,” the group’s first live album, will be released on November 8th. The set includes “Bob That Head,” “Bless the Broken Road,” “Still Feels Good,” “Here’s to You,” “Stand,” “These Days,” “What Hurts the Most,” “Life Is a Highway” and a medley of “I’m Movin’ On,” “Skin (Sarabeth)” and “Feels Like Today.” For an encore, the album offers the band’s cover version of Boston’s “Foreplay/Long Time” and the Edgar Winter Group’s “Free Ride.”

Bentley’s Chicago ‘Miles & Music For Kids’ Raises Over $144,000

Dierks Bentley’s “Miles & Music for Kids” stopped in Chicago Sunday for a motorcycle ride and outdoor block party that sold out two weeks in advance and raised over $144,000 for Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. The event capped off the first weekend of Bentley’s “Country & Cold Cans Tour,” which also sold out. Over the series’ five-year history, Bentley has raised over $1.7 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In 2009, The sixth annual Nashville event is scheduled for this Sunday.

Neal McCoy A Busy Man

Neal McCoy has projects rolling out now through January 2012. In November, DPTV Media will release a concert CD and DVD collaboration pairing McCoy and his band with the iconic Les Brown Jr. and His Band of Renown. “Music of Your Life with Les Brown Jr. and His Band of Renown, Starring Neal McCoy, and Special Guests Charley Pride and Janie Fricke” includes many of Neal McCoy’s Top 10 hits and American Songbook standards. A 13-song CD and 21-song DVD are due November 8th. In January, McCoy will be releasing his highly-anticipated studio album, “XII.” The new collection of 12 songs, produced by Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Brent Rowan, marks McCoy’s 12th studio album, and his first with new label home, Blaster Records. McCoy’s first single from “XII”, “A-OK” will be released this month.

TN State Capitol To Be Showered In Pink

A “Turning Nashville Pink” theme is being embraced during Inspirational Country Music Week, October 24-27th and the ICM Faith, Family, & Country Awards presentation October 28th at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Numerous businesses throughout downtown Nashville will display pink in support of the cause during Inspirational Country Music Week, and the state capitol itself will be showered in pink lighting for the entire week to honor and raise awareness for the cause. The theme of ICM-Association events this year reflect a commitment to October’s national theme of breast cancer awareness month and the organization’s corporate partnership to raise funds to benefit the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, www.tbcc.org. Find out more at www.ICM-Awards.com and www.facebook.com/faithfamilycountry.

Eddie Montgomery Grateful For Those Who Have His Back

The past year has been an emotional roller coaster ride for Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery. In November 2010, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, followed by his wife of 20 years serving him with divorce papers. The father of four put a brave face on while asking for family and friends’ thoughts and prayers. A month later, Montgomery was declared cancer free. Now, almost a year later, Montgomery is in a better place emotionally and has his many fans to thank for their love and support. “I want to thank everyone out there for the cards and letters and emails and prayers,” Montgomery tells Taste of Country. “It definitely works. We don’t call them fans, we call them friends. They’ve still got my back. I’m going through one hell of a divorce. I can’t wait to get that over with.” Montgomery Gentry will release their seventh studio album, “Rebels on the Run,” next week. The album’s lead single, ‘Where I Come From,’ is currently Top 40 and climbing.

Brad Paisley And Elmo Jam Behind The Scenes

Brad Paisley and Elmo appeared together in a special Sesame Street episode Sunday night on childhood hunger. To celebrate the special episode’s debut, Brad posted some bonus behind-the-scenes video of himself and Elmo jamming to the show’s theme song. Brad is playing the song on his guitar, and Elmo scats along, with some “Doo doo doo”s instead of the lyrics. After 30 seconds or so, Brad wraps it up and rubs Elmo’s head. “Yeah! Ha ha ha! Thanks, Mr. Paisley,” Elmo says. “You’re welcome,” Brad replies.

Toby Keith Releases ‘Stupid’ ‘Red Solo Cup’ Video

Last week Toby Keith teased something “very, very new and very, very stupid” in a video on his website. Yesterday, he revealed “Red Solo Cup,” a video that recreates a college party. The song is a love story of sorts to the red Solo brand plastic cup, and by the end celebrities from every walk of life are paying homage to the container. “The song is so stupid but so adorable,” Keith tells Taste of Country. Former baseball pitcher Roger Clemens is the first celebrity to appear, quickly followed by cameos from comedian Jeff Dunham, rocker Ted Nugent, talk show host Craig Ferguson, basketball star Larry Bird and many more.

Frankie Ballard Helps Nashville Teacher

Frankie Ballard made a surprise visit to Nashville’s Title 1 elementary school last week, where he presented an unsuspecting school teacher with an award and $1,000 worth of school supplies in support of OfficeMax’s national A Day Made Better event. Ballard presented the gifts to teacher Josh Wright at McGavock Elementary, which included a computer printer, a digital camera, a new desk chair and other essential materials that the class would need throughout the school year, thanks to the singer and OfficeMax. The donation served as a special thank you to the teacher for going above and beyond the call of duty to deliver the best possible education to his students year after year. Each year, school teachers spend an average of $1,000 in out-of-pocket expenses to provide for their students. Ballard is currently out on the road opening select shows for Darius Rucker. He recently posted a new video to his YouTube channel where he combined one of his own tunes, “Single Again,” with a song from Darius, “Only Wanna Be With You.”

Justin Moore Defends Hunting, Kids During Heated Twitter Exchange

Justin Moore is an avid hunter but he understands that not everyone shares his enthusiasm. One of his followers on Twitter went too far however, in protesting Moore’s decision to go elk hunting following a show in Montana. Things started innocently with Moore tweeting, “Thanks Montana for a great show. Listenin' to Bocephus on the bus. Gonna try to kill an elk here tomorrow…” A follower with the user name @Tatersauce responded with, “@JustinColeMoore hope that right before u shoot it u look right in its eyes and see ur kids and think if that was them.” Three hours and over 20 tweets later the two finally quit arguing. @Tatersauce says he’ll still listen to Moore’s music, he just didn’t agree with Moore’s thinking.

The Band Perry Tapped for Dancing With the Stars

The Band Perry will perform on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” during the results show on October 18th. In addition, their breakthrough single, “If I Die Young,” has been certified triple-platinum. Their self-titled debut album was released one year ago this week. As previously announced, the trio will perform on the CMA Awards in Nashville on November 9th. “If I Die Young” is nominated in the single, song and video categories, while the trio also landed in the new artist and vocal group categories.

Keith Urban Joined By John Fogerty, Jack Black

There were a couple of surprises at Keith Urban’s concert Saturday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Midway through the evening Urban welcomed John Fogerty to the stage. The two of them performed Fogerty’s Creedence Clearwater Revival mega-hit, “Proud Mary.” Later, as part of the encore, Jack Black joined Urban for the trademark Charlie Daniels song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” It was fast and wild and Black nearly lost his clothes while doing some gymnastics.

Artist of the Day - Eric Church

Eric Church

• Eric Church was 13 when he started writing songs and playing guitar. While attending college at Appalachian State, Eric formed the Mountain Boys. After graduating with a degree in marketing, Eric moved to Nashville. He was signed to a publishing deal and signed to Capitol Records in 2006.
  
• His debut album, “Sinners Like Me,” produced four charting singles: “How ‘Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines,” “Guys Like Me” and the title track.
  
• Church’s sophomore studio set, “Carolina,” surfaced in 2008. The lead single, “Love Your Love The Most,” became his first Top 10 country hit. “Hell on the Heart” hit the Top 10 and his latest single, “Smoke A Little Smoke,” hit the Top 20. The disc was certified gold.
  
• Eric nabbed Top New Solo Vocalist at the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards.
  
• Eric Church topped the Billboard album charts with his newly released album, “Chief,” taking the No. 1 spot on both the Country and Top 200 with 144,990 albums sold. His critically acclaimed Top 15 single, “Homeboy,” has been certified gold by the RIAA, making this his third gold certified career record. As the second highest selling debut for a country release this year, behind Brad Paisley, it’s also the second country album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 this year. “Chief” spawned the hits “Homeboy” and “Drink In My Hand.”
  
• Eric Church and his wife, Katherine, welcomed son Boone McCoy last week in Nashville.
  
• Church has been on tour with Toby Keith this fall. He also is nominated for New Artist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards on November 9th.
  
• Official Web site: http://ericchurch.com

Tim McGraw Sets Sights On Broadway

Besides being one of country music’s biggest superstars, Tim McGraw is also a critically-acclaimed actor after starring in various big-screen roles including “Flicka,” “The Blind Side” and the new film, “Dirty Girl.” Now McGraw would love to take the stage in a Broadway theater performance in New York City. “I love New York,” McGraw tells HollywoodLife.com. “I would love to be in New York and do Broadway.” But his Broadway dreams don’t consist of him singing in a musical like other country stars have done in the past. “I don’t know if I want to sing,” he says. “But I would love to do a drama. That would be fun.” “Dirty Girl” opened Friday. McGraw stars alongside Juno Temple, Millia Jovovich, Williams H. Macy, Mary Steenburgen and Dwight Yoakam.

Randy Travis Is Living The Fast Life In New Video

Randy Travis has premiered the video for his latest single “Everything and All,” one of six new songs included on his most current album, “Anniversary Collection.” In the video, Travis leads viewers through a whirlwind journey, as cameras travel at warp speed throughout various scenes. Travis can be seen performing with his band as he sings the lyrics to catchy song while strumming on his guitar.

Not Even Helium Can Raise McCreery’s Voice

Not even a hit of helium can cause “American Idol” Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery’s signature low voice to go higher. McCreery appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” late last week and Ellen asked the young singer exactly when his voice began to lower to the level where it is now. “Mama said it fell off a cliff at 13,” McCreery admitted, revealing that he skipped that awkward adolescent phase where most teens suffer through their voices cracking and squeaking. To see what McCreery would sound like with a high-pitched voice, Ellen asked him to take a hit off a helium-filled balloon. He obliged but the gas had little effect on his voice. On the show, Scotty also performed his new single “The Trouble With Girls,” which appears on his debut album, “Clear as Day.”

Country Christmas Album

Ronnie Dunn, Jake Owen and Brad Paisley have contributed new recordings to “A Very Country Christmas,” available exclusively at Target stores tomorrow. Dunn sings “Silent Night,” Owen offers “Mele Kalikimaka” and Paisley performs “What Child Is This.” Other new tracks include Kellie Pickler’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Chris Young’s “O Holy Night” and the Lunabelles’ “The Christmas Song.” Previously-released recordings by Sara Evans (“O Come All Ye Faithful”) and Carrie Underwood (“Do You Hear What I Hear”) are also included.

Gill Plays QVC

Vince Gill is scheduled to perform live on QVC tomorrow in advance of the release of “Guitar Slinger.” During the appearance, Gill will offer fans the opportunity to order his new album more than two weeks before street date. All QVC customers will also receive a bonus CD showcasing six of Gill’s greatest hits. The new disc is the first to be recorded in his home studio and features guest vocals from his wife and daughters.

Rascal Flatts Joins Opry

Rascal Flatts was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family Saturday by Opry member Little Jimmy Dickens. Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney also helped celebrate the Opry’s 86th birthday during the Opry’s Birthday Bash celebration. The group was surprised by a congratulatory video message from President George W. Bush. “We are big fans of Gary, Jay, and Joe Don,” he said, speaking on behalf of himself and former first lady Laura Bush. “We love their music, and we also love their compassion and generosity.” “You have witnessed the greatest night of our lives,” LeVox said to the crowd after Dickens had presented the group members with their Opry member awards.

Keith Urban Donates Custom Guitar For Breast Cancer Awareness

Keith Urban will donate a customized Fender guitar to the Susan G. Komen for The Cure for auction in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The black guitar with pink ribbon adorning the body will be available to bidders at the end of the month, after Urban has played it at each of this month’s shows. Urban specially requested the guitar from Fender as a way to acknowledge October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Sugarland Returns To Indiana To End Tour

Sugarland will return to Indiana for a free concert at Conseco Fieldhouse on October 28th, their first since the storm this summer that killed seven people after toppling the staging. The show will also serve as the final stop of Sugarland’s 2011 “Incredible Machine Tour.” Special guests will be announced at a later date. Sugarland plans to honor all previous ticketholders for the August 13th Indiana State Fair date at the newly-added show, regardless of refund status. Previous ticket-holders can redeem “presale” tickets today. The rest of the tickets will be released to the public on October 15th. Contributions to the Indiana State Fair Remembrance Fund will be accepted throughout the night. Find out more at www.sugarlandmusic.com.

Artist of the Day - Lee Brice

Lee Brice

• Lee Brice attended Clemson University on a football scholarship. He played special teams as the long snapper but after an arm injury he decided to focus on a country music career.
  
• Brice co-wrote Garth Brooks’ 2007 single “More Than a Memory,” which became the first single in the history of the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts to debut at No. 1. He also penned hit singles for Tim McGraw (“Still) and Jason Aldean (“Not Every Man Lives.”)
  
• Three-time ACM nominee Lee Brice released his debut album “Love Like Crazy” in June 2010. The title track reached the Top 5 on the charts and was named Billboard’s No. 1 country song of 2010. It currently holds the record for the longest charting song in the history of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. The song was nominated for the 2011 CMT Music Awards’ USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year award.
  
• Brice recently wrapped up Willie Nelson’s “Country Throwdown Tour” and is now on tour alongside Josh Thompson and Luke Bryan for Bryan’s “CMT’s Tailgates and Tanlines” tour. His next single “A Woman Like You,” hits radio October 17th.
  
• Official website: www.leebrice.com
  

Luke Bryan’s ‘Farm Tour’ Performs For 19,000 Fans In First Weekend

Luke Bryan performed the first three of six shows over the weekend on his third-annual “Farm Tour” playing in front of 19,000 fans. The tour continues tonight for its final three shows in Statesboro, Valdosta, and Carrollton, Georgia. GAC and Storme Warren will be on hand in Statesboro filming the network’s “Top 20” and “Headline Country.” GAC “Top 20” will air October 14th. Bryan will resume his headline tour, “CMT On Tour: Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines,” on October 13th in Johnson City, Tennessee. Proceeds from the “Farm Tour” concerts will be made available as a scholarship for a student from a farming family attending a local college in each community where the shows are taking place.

Lambert Song Inspired By Death Of Blake’s Brother

Miranda Lambert tells Ladies’ Home Journal that she and Blake Shelton broke down crying while writing the song “Over You,” about Blake’s older brother Richie dying in a car crash in 1990. “One day he just opened up and was talking to me about it,” Miranda told the magazine. The song is on Miranda’s soon-to-be-released “Four the Record” album. “And then he was playing this pretty little melody and we started adding words. I said, ‘You went away,’ and Blake said, ‘How dare you,’ and we both started crying. I’ve never cried writing a song before. Now that I’m so close to him, it’s my pain, too,” she said. Miranda said Blake later told her he thought it would be better for her to record it because he didn’t think he would be able to “get through singing it every night onstage.”

Hank III Says Dad Shouldn’t Talk Politics

Hank Williams Jr.’s son, Hank Williams III, doesn’t think his father should have opened his mouth about Obama, telling TMZ most musicians are “not worthy” of a political discussion. He says, “The only person out there worthy of mixing political views and music is Jello Biafra.” Biafra is the original lead singer of the legendary punk rock band Dead Kennedys who is now a big shot political figure in the Green Party.

Lady A, Lambert, The Band Perry Join CMA Line-Up

Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and The Band Perry have joined the performer lineup for the 45th annual CMA awards next month. The awards, hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will air live from Nashville on ABC November 9th. Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. Paisley and Underwood will make their first live televised-performance of their No. 1 song “Remind Me.”

Toby Keith Scores Another No. 1

Toby Keith has taken another ride up the charts. When Billboard’s rankings are released, Keith’s current single, “Made in America,” will be No. 1. It marks his 29th chart-topper.

Drunk Driver Crashes Into LeAnn Rimes’ Property

On Monday, a car driven by a man allegedly under the influence crashed into a fence on the Hidden Hills, California, property where LeAnn Rimes lives with her husband, Eddie Cibrian, and his two sons. According to E! News, a 20-year-old man driving on a suspended license hit a stop sign before crashing into a light pole and  fence at LeAnn and Eddie’s gated community home. LeAnn tweeted about the incident, saying “everyone is ok and safe. However, if drunk driving was involved it is terribly sad.”

Keith Urban Announces Cologne Contest

Keith Urban is prepping for the international launch of his men’s cologne, Phoenix – a “woody oriental” scent infused with plum and cognac – and to help promote the product he’s teaming up with People.com for a nationwide contest. Now through November 11th, fans have a chance to submit 30-second commercials for Phoenix. The winner, to be chosen by Keith and announced November 14th, will score tickets and airfare to see him perform next year, as well as a gift bag filled with Phoenix products. Their ad will air on national television. Information on how to submit entries is available at People.com as well as www.keithurban.net.

Rascal Flatts Plays For Children’s Hospital

Rascal Flatts, longtime contributors to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, are making 100 tickets available to their fans on a first-come, first-serve basis to a private fundraising event taking place in Nashville on November 2nd. The group has been hosting intimate concerts in a secluded location in Nashville for five years as an additional fundraising occasion, in conjunction with the concerts they’ve held before at Bridgestone Arena for the hospital. Attendees will be provided with music, food and the chance to bid on auction items only available at the event. Find out how to order tickets at www.rascalflatts.com.

McCreery Back At School

Want to change your status at school? Just win “American Idol.” Scotty McCreery is back in Garner, North Carolina, for his senior year. He says, “I’d say I’m your normal dude. I’m not the most popular guy on campus. Well, I wasn’t. Now, I can’t walk down the hallway.” Scotty’s first album, “Clear as Day,” came out yesterday.

Scotty McCreery To Perform At World Series

Current “American Idol” champ Scotty McCreery will perform the National Anthem before Game One of the MLB World Series on October 19th. “I have had two loves in life – music and baseball,” McCreery said. “The World Series is the biggest event in baseball, so to be there and be able to sing the national anthem is like putting my two greatest loves together.”

Russell Crowe Performs With Keith Urban

When Russell Crowe has down time from filming “Man of Steel” he lets his rock-star side come out. Crowe joined Keith Urban onstage at Urban’s concert last week in Vancouver. With Crowe at the mic and both playing guitars, they did a blazing version of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” Crowe jumped in the air as the song was ending – twice – just like a real rock star.