Jackson, The Band Perry Added To Arizona Country Thunder

Alan Jackson and The Band Perry were added to the Arizona Country Thunder line-up. Jackson is set to close out the 19th annual Arizona Country Thunder festival and will join previously announced headliners Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley and Big & Rich for the festival taking place on April 12-15, 2012. Texas-based talents like Wade Bowen and the Eli Young Band who will take the stage on Thursday along with Craig Morgan were added as well. Big & Rich previously announced for Friday night, will be joined by Steve Holy, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler and Sawyer Brown. Saturday’s line-up includes headliner Shelton, Neal McCoy, Joe Nichols, Thompson Square and new country act, The Farm! For the final day of the festival, Phil Vassar will take the stage. Illinois native Brett Eldredge, and The Band Perry also will perform.

Chris Young Starts ‘No Alcohol December’

Chris Young is planning on taking a month-long break from drinking. Or was planning on it anyway. The singer shared via Twitter that he’s inciting No Alcohol December following the ever-popular No Shave November, which means he won’t drink until after Christmas. “No alcohol December sounds not as fun right about now haha #day1of6invegastonight #notagoodplannerhere,” Young tweeted Saturday, which resulted in an overwhelming reaction from his 60,000 followers. “Surprised on how much sh** I’m getting on twitter for saying I’m NOT drinking this much haha,” he added later, telling one fan who asked what the point of his goal was that it’s “just because. Don’t worry, will start back after Christmas.” But Young is currently visiting Sin City, and it seems he may have given into temptation and peer pressure. “Sooo… At least for today that’s a scratch on the no drinking,” Young spilled, thanking his pals Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert for ruining his no drinking run just three days in. “

McGraw’s ‘Emotional Traffic’ Gets Release Date

Curb Records is finally be releasing Tim McGraw’s “Emotional Traffic” CD, and McGraw plans to release his own music as well. With one court battle against McGraw lost and another one upcoming, Curb Records decided to release the disputed “Emotional Traffic” from the singer on January 17, 2012. The label, which released a second single from the CD, “Better Than I Used to Be,” last week, has been in a dispute with McGraw over his contract. McGraw won the right in court to sign with another label. The two sides will go at it again in July whether Curb held up the release of the disc or if McGraw owes the label more music. McGraw will release a holiday single this week titled “Christmas All Over the World” and will follow it up with another new single in early 2012.

Grace Potter Grateful For ‘You And Tequila’

Kenny Chesney’s phone call to Grace Potter to ask her to join him on “You and Tequila” has led to a Grammy nomination for both of them for Best Country Duo or Group Performance. Potter is amazed that her first Grammy nomination is in a country category because she’s not a country singer. Potter is giving thanks all around for what she calls “this amazing song.” The Grammys will be given out February 12th.

Mindy McCready’s Son Taken Into Custody

Mindy McCready’s 5-year-old son Zander has been taken into custody by law enforcement authorities in Heber Springs, Arkansas after they found the singer and her child hiding in a closet. The child is the subject of a custody battle between McCready and her mother, Gayle Inge. The discovery – made at a home thought to belong to Mindy’s boyfriend – caps a search that began on Thursday evening, when McCready missed a deadline to return Zander to his grandmother, who has had legal custody since 2007. The singer’s no-show prompted a judge in Lee County, Florida, to issue an emergency pickup order. McCready had said it was unlikely that she could make the trip to Florida because she’s seven months pregnant with twins.

Taylor Swift Honored

Taylor Swift was honored Friday in New York as Billboard’s Woman of the Year. The award is based on talent, power, sales and more. At 21, Swift is the sixth person to receive the honor and the youngest. Last year’s honor went to Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. Taylor rocked the Women in Music event’s red carpet in a flirty red dress and new haircut. Sporting newly-chopped bangs and smooth, straight layers, she joined her buddy Nicki Minaj in headlining the event, which honored female recording artists and music industry executives. Upon accepting her award, Taylor thanked two very important people in her life – her parents, who taught their daughter about responsibility, integrity and taking charge of her own career.

Artist Of The Day: Jerrod Niemann

• Singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann has penned songs for Garth Brooks, Neal McCoy, Jamey Johnson and Zona Jones, among others. He has also built a strong fan base as a performer with his own material.
  
• Jerrod self-released the album “Long Hard Road” in 1999. The Kansas native moved to Nashville a year later and signed a development deal with Mercury in 2001. The deal didn’t produce much, although Niemann now had a band behind him and they began touring the club circuit.
  
• Niemann self-released a second album, “Jukebox of Hard Knocks,” in 2004, and then signed with Category 5 Records in 2006, releasing the single “I Love Women (My Mama Can’t Stand).” The label soon folded and a projected album, “Behind This Microphone,” never appeared.
  
• Niemann signed to Sea Gayle/Arista Nashville in 2009. His first album on a national label, “Judge Jerrod & the Hung Jury” toppled Lady Antebellum from their No.1 perch on Billboard’s country album chart – a position the band held for six months. The album also reached No. 7 on Billboard’s all-genre album chart. The album’s first single, “Lover, Lover,” hit the top of the charts and was certified gold. The set also included the Top 5 hit “What Do You Want.” The song features harmonies from Rachel Bradshaw, daughter of former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
  
• Niemann’s latest single, “One More Drinkin’ Song,” is inside the Top 20. He recently released the holiday version of the song. He has also joined the MDA’s new campaign “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference!”
  
• Jerrod nabbed five ACA nominations – Artist of the Year, New Artist, Single of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Music Video – Male, and Music Video – New Artist (all for “What Do You Want”). The ACAs air tonight on Fox.
  
• Official website: www.jerrodniemannofficial.com

Lee Ann Womack To Hold Special Chat

Lee Ann Womack is set to hold the 3rd Annual Laws Balls Holiday Chat for all her Lee Ann Womack Social Club & Country Music Appreciation Society members. The chat takes place 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. [PT] tomorrow. Attendance is free for all Social Club members at www.LAWSocialClub.com and Womack is giving a special treat to fans that RSVP when they get there. “You always want to make these things a little special,” said Womack. “What can you do to make the fans realize how much they mean to you? And I was taking out our decorations at home a few weeks ago, and it struck me! This year, we’re not only going to decorate a tree… but everyone who asks a question or RSVPs is going to have their name on an ornament I’ve made. Then when we take the tree down, because we’re not going to leave your balls in Vegas, we’ll send them to each of you as a special gift to remember this past year!” Some of the Law Social Club members have traveled to Las Vegas to attend the National Finals Rodeo shows that Womack Is performing at. They will participate in a special meet-n-greet after her show tomorrow, where they’ll get to see the tree, get their ornament and visit with Womack.

Thompson Square Scores Two Grammy Nods

On the heels of an extraordinary breakout year, Thompson Square can now add Grammy nomination to their list of accolades. Thompson Square scored a Best Country Duo/ Group Performance Grammy nod for the No. 1 single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.” The platinum-selling smash is also nominated for a Best Country Song Grammy. Thompson Square heads to Las Vegas this weekend for FOX’s 2nd Annual American Country Awards, where they are the second-highest most nominated act with 7 nods. The duo will perform “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” on the live broadcast, airing Monday. Thompson Square will also perform as part of Great American Country’s “Christmas in the Black Hills.” Hosted by Big & Rich, the holiday concert special was shot at various locations around historic Deadwood, South Dakota.  Christmas in the Black Hills premieres on GAC December 12th.

Tim McGraw Single Released By Curb

A new single by Tim McGraw titled “Better Than I Used to Be” has been released by Curb Records. The release was issued Wednesday, just hours after a Nashville court ruled against the label’s injunction to keep the singer on their roster. As a result of the ruling, McGraw is now free to record for another label. McGraw’s prior single, “Felt Good on My Lips,” was a No. 1 hit in January. A release date for McGraw’s “Emotional Traffic” album, which was at the subject of the lawsuit, has not been announced.

Mindy McCready Fails To Comply With Deadline To Return Son

Mindy McCready failed to comply with a 5 p.m. deadline to return her 5-year-old son to Cape Coral, Florida, authorities yesterday, and a court order was signed by a Lee County judge to take the child into custody and return him to his grandmother’s home, child welfare officials said. The Department of Children and Families has contacted law enforcement authorities to try to locate the child. McCready, who has a history of substance and domestic abuse, has been fighting for custody of her son Zander. She allegedly took him from his father’s home earlier this week and left the area. McCready’s mother, Gayle Inge, has custody of the boy, and Zander’s father has visitation rights. McCready is in Nashville and says she can’t travel to Florida because she’s seven months pregnant with twins. McCready said the father of her twins is a music producer named David Wilson who is supportive of her quest to regain custody of Zander. Wednesday was McCready’s 36th birthday. She said, “I hope that for my birthday, I get my son forever.”

Toby Keith To Perform At ACAs

Toby Keith will make his broadcast performance debut of “Red Solo Cup” at the American Country Awards, airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday on FOX. “Red Solo Cup” appears on Toby’s latest album, “Clancy’s Tavern.” The song also will be featured on the next all-new episode of “Glee,” airing next Tuesday on FOX.

Chesney Adds Second Boston Show

Tickets haven’t even gone on sale yet, but Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw are adding a second Boston area date to their summer stadium tour. “The Brothers of the Sun Tour” tickets go on sale tomorrow. Chesney’s publicist said demand was already so strong for the first Gillette Stadium date in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on August 25th that a second show was added for August 24th.

Aldean Stunned By Grammy Nominations

Jason Aldean snagged his first ever Grammy nominations Wednesday night and tied for the most nods of any country artist with three in the categories of Best Country Album for “My Kinda Party,” Best Country Solo Performance for “Dirt Road Anthem” and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson. Aldean said he was “totally stunned.” “I was feelin’ a pretty big adrenaline rush from our performance with (rapper Ludacris), and then to be told we had three nominations was just crazy. We were flying pretty high all night...there was definitely some celebrating on the flight back to Nashville,” said Aldean. “That ‘Album’ nomination is what artists dream of their whole career. And then for both the duet with Kelly and “Dirt Road” to get some recognition, which were both different kinds of songs for us this year, it’s just incredible.” Aldean got a standing ovation for his performance of “Dirt Road Anthem” at the “Grammy Nominations Concert Live” special. He was joined by fellow Georgia native Ludacris, who re-wrote a verse of the fan-favorite song earlier this year.

Grammy Nod Has Special Meaning For Gill

Vince Gill received a Grammy nomination for his single “Threaten Me With Heaven” for Best Country Song. The song was not a hit for Gill, but it had special meaning to him. He co-wrote the song with his wife, Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and Will Owsley. Gill is appreciative of the nomination because it serves as a lasting tribute to Owsley, who took his own life since the song was recorded for Gill’s new album, “Guitar Slinger.” “I couldn’t be more thrilled for my late friend Will,” Gill said. “This would have meant the world to him.” Gill says the song has a profound impact on him because of Owsley’s death. “In my lifetime, ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’ has been the song that helped a lot of people through their grief,” he said. “I think this one will in turn hopefully do the same thing. It’s a powerful, powerful song.” This is the 41st career Grammy nomination for Gill, who has 20 Grammys.

Dr. Phil Considers ‘Cost Of Livin’’

Ronnie Dunn’s “Cost of Livin’” and its portrayal of the human impact of the nation’s current economic challenges, found its way to “Dr. Phil” and “The Doctors.” Dunn recently taped episodes of “Dr. Phil” and “The Doctors,” both of which will be themed around “Cost of Livin’.” The episode of “The Doctors” will air on Monday, with the “Dr. Phil” airdate set for December 13th. “The feedback on the song is overwhelming,” Dunn remarked. “I’ve never had a song that’s seemingly as relevant to the times and spot on to what’s going on in America and the world right now.” The song is from Dunn’s self-titled album.

Paisley Playing Quietly With Urban

Brad Paisley says he can do enough talking for two – especially if the other person includes his buddy, Keith Urban. Urban has been ordered on complete vocal rest for the next couple of weeks after having surgery last week to remove a polyp on his vocal cord. Paisley says when he gets together with Urban, he plans for them to bust out some guitars and amps and just play music. Paisley says he is “very capable” of talking while Urban stays mute. He says while he chats away, Urban can “just nod and grunt and do whatever he’s allowed to do.” Paisley says he can’t imagine what it’s like not to be able to talk for a month, but says in Urban’s case, it’s got to be great for his wife, Nicole Kidman.

Grammy Changes

The changes in this year’s Grammys will be felt among country acts. As part of its reshuffling of awards, the 54th Grammys will see the number of categories whittled from 109 to 78. And as part of the changes, men and women will compete against each other in vocal categories in country music as well as in pop and R&B. That cuts down the number of nominees since there won’t be separate categories for each sex.

Keith Urban To Join Australia’s Version Of ‘The Voice’

Keith Urban has signed up to be a judge and mentor on the Australian version of “The Voice.” Keith will reportedly be joined by Seal, rock band Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden and Aussie singer Delta Goodrem as judges and mentors for Australia’s version of the NBC show. Urban says he likes “The Voice” because it wasn’t “consumed with the way people look but how they sound.”

Artist Of The Day: Rodney Atkins

• Rodney Atkins’ debut album, “Honesty,” was released in October 2004. His single “Honesty (Write Me A List)” marked his first Top 5 hit.
  
• Atkins hit it big with his second album, 2006’s “If You’re Going Through Hell.” The album produced four No. 1 singles: “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead),” “Watching You,” “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)” and “These Are My People.”
  
• Atkins’ 12th single, “It’s America,” was released in November 2008. It’s the title track to his third album. The song became his fifth No. 1 hit. The second single, “15 Minutes,” peaked at No. 20, marking his seventh Top 20 hit. “Chasin’ Girls” was released in October 2009.
  
• Rodney earned the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist award in 2006, as well as five other ACM nominations and two Country Music Association nominations. Having had the Most Played Songs of 2007 and 2008, Rodney maintains an active touring schedule and has performed for over a million fans a year for the past three years.
  
• Atkins released an expanded version of his 2006 album “If You’re Going Through Hell” through Cracker Barrel stores last year. The project also includes two additional tracks – “Farmer’s Daughter” and the previously-unreleased “More Like Your Memory (Always Takes Me Back).”
  
• Rodney’s fourth album, “Take a Back Road,” hit shelves in October. The title track, the fastest rising song of his career, hit No. 1. His current single is “He’s Mine.”
  
• Official website: www.rodneyatkins.com