BOB 95 FM : News

Kid Rock: 'Festival bosses lied about real reason for scrapped show'

2008-08-28T14:07:00.001-05:00

Kid Rock has slammed a British rock festival for telling fans he cancelled his scheduled headlining appearance because he was suffering from dehydration.

Details emerged stating Kid Rock was suffering from stomach cramps and dehydration and was kept in hospital overnight for observation.

But Rock, real name Rob (BOB) ert Ritchie, has denounced festival bosses' statements as lies - insisting he pulled the show after promoters failed to provide his band with adequate backstage perks.

He tells Daily Star newspaper, "They (festival bosses) treated me like (edit: crud). There was just one trailer for my whole band. We had no water, no bathroom, no rider. The final straw was when they wouldn't give my crew any food or drinks vouchers."

Blake and Miranda Take the Leap

2008-08-27T13:54:00.001-05:00

... Not that one! GAC REPORTS: Neither Blake Shelton nor Miranda Lambert has headlined a mid-sized arena tour before, but the couple is hoping their collective track record will be enough to make a road show of that magnitude succeed this fall.

No dates have been announced yet, but the plan thus far would yield two-and-a-half hours of music. They took a test run with the concept a month ago, playing their first show together at a fair in Toledo, Ohio.

"It's exciting, and it's really scary for me at the same time — not so much for her," Blake says. "She's really somebody that came out of the box and just has been kickin' ass since day one, you know? And my career's been a slower build than that. But I'm finally gonna take the step, and she's gonna do it with me. We're gonna go out, and we're gonna play arenas this fall. And that is just creepin' me out — 4,000- and 5,000-seat arenas, and I'm not openin' for Rascal Flatts anymore or Toby [Keith]. You gotta hope that I'm enough and that she's enough. We finally feel like we're there."

Kenny Set for New CD

2008-08-26T14:19:00.000-05:00

Kenny Chesney is set to release his next album, Lucky Old Sun, on Oct. 14.
Kenny is already enjoying his beach-fun-sounding hit single from the album, “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven,” Kenny says -- “We’ve been on a real creative jag.”

Taylor a "Grey's Fan"

2008-08-26T14:18:00.001-05:00

GAC Reports: Fall is just around the corner, and it means two things this year: the release of Taylor Swift’s sophomore album and the start of the new TV season. One show in particular brings the artist and the tube together.

"I am obsessed with ‘Grey's Anatomy’," Taylor confesses. "It's my life goal to get a guest spot on that show. My love of ‘Grey's Anatomy’ has never wavered. It's my longest relationship to date."

Her other shorter relationships merely lead to hit songs, and then to videos. Taylor directed her recent "I’m Only Me When I’m With You" video, which she sees as an extension of her musical efforts.

"It's one of my favorite things to do, because it's so creative," she enthuses. "It's a lot like songwriting, in that it's like a puzzle. And if you get the edits exactly right in movie-making, you can make something magical. It's just like lyrics and melody structure when you're writing. If you get it right, it can really be something."

Taylor’s next album, Fearless, comes out Nov. 11, but it can be pre-ordered at TheTaylorNation.com. Fans can choose three different options, ranging from the basic $13.88 CD to a $75 deluxe collector’s box that includes a whole range of extra goodies.

She's a Dance Machine That's For Sure!!!!

2008-08-26T14:08:00.000-05:00

Julianne Hough pulls double duty in the near future as she heads back to "Dancing With The Stars" for a new season, which finds her partnering with the youngest competitor ever, 18-year-old Cody Linley.

Cody may not be familiar to a lot of adults, but he’s certainly known by plenty of young women as a former "Hannah Montana" actor: He played one of the boyfriends of the series’ lead character, portrayed by Miley Cyrus. Among the other "Dancing" contestants are NFL lineman Warren Sapp, Olympic volleyball star Misty May-Treanor, soap opera actor Susan Lucci, R&B singer Toni Braxton and former ‘N Sync member Lance Bass.

ABC’s "Dancing" has become a perennial hit, which makes sense to Julianne.

"Everybody loves to dance," she told Dial-Global. "I don't care who you are, how old you are, if you're a horrible dancer, if you're a great dancer... There's just hidden passions for that. So, to see celebrities who people think so highly of and think don't ever have any flaws, you know, you get to see them and their personalities come out and see them totally out of their element — mess up and get frustrated and look silly. You know, they're human. I think people like that."

Sugarland's Green Sunday

2008-08-25T13:38:00.001-05:00

PEOPLE reports: It was a very earthy opening: On the eve of the Democratic National Convention's kick-off, Sheryl Crow, Sugarland and the Dave Matthews Band drew some 8,000 fans and environmental activists to their "Green Sunday."

"What better place to spend this incredible weekend!" said Crow amid the magnificent natural rock formations of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre outside Denver.

Opening the concert, Crow performed, among other tunes, "God Bless This Mess."

In the first of several messages, Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles told the crowd: "Reach your hand out and pat yourself on the back for being such great people and caring about this environment."

Matthews, whose saxophonist LeRoi Moore died last week from injuries sustained in an all-terrain vehicle accident, admitted to being a man of few words – on stage, at least.

"Nice to be in a place where a lot of people are talking with a whole lot of sense," he said.

Sugarland's Green Sunday

2008-08-25T13:38:00.000-05:00

Darius Rucker... IS Thinking About It!

2008-08-22T14:20:00.003-05:00

Darius Rucker reached the Top 10 on the country singles chart this week for the first time, taking a hefty jump from No. 13 to No. 8 with "Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It."

The single’s success is particularly rewarding for Darius because he basically called the shots on the single. When the Hootie + The Blowfish singer signed with the country division of Capitol Records, he found himself in disagreement with the label head over "Don’t Think," and he ultimately had to take a stand over releasing it to radio.

"I said, 'Dude, this is it. This is what we want,'" Darius explained "I said, 'It's not the best song on the record, but this is the song that could get us in the door and, you know, that's what we want.' We went round and round about it, and finally, I guess for lack of any other reason, they put it out, and it worked for us. I love that song! Somebody told me the other day, 'You know, you're gonna be playin' that song for the rest of your life.' I've been playin' 'Let Her Cry' for 22 years, and I'm okay with that. So I'll be okay with [this]."

Taylor's FEARLESS

2008-08-22T14:20:00.001-05:00

Given that her MySpace page played a huge role in building her career, it should come as no surprise that the title song from Taylor Swift’s second album is already getting buzz on the Internet — even though no one can hear the recorded version of the song yet.

The album, titled Fearless, doesn’t come out until Nov. 11, but Taylor gave a performance of the title song to fans on her tour bus last year, and a radio station put the audio online. A bunch of her fans found it, and now YouTube has close to 100 versions posted of people singing "Fearless."

It caused a bit of a problem. It is, in absolute terms, copyright infringement, though her record company figures it’s better to have fans excited about her new music than have them frustrated by legalities. So the label isn’t doing anything to stop it — other than counseling Taylor that debuting new music as she did on the bus is not such a good idea in the digital age.

"I wasn’t allowed to play new music for people after that," Taylor told USA Today.

For her part, Taylor is upbeat about the exposure for "Fearless."

"If you know that somebody's passionate enough about a song to want to sing it, that's a really good indicator that it's going to do well," she said.

Miranda The Gamer

2008-08-22T14:17:00.002-05:00

Miranda Lambert is this month’s Artist of the Month at Xbox!

Tomorrow, August 23rd, she and a bandmate will be hopping onto Xbox Live to play some Halo 3 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm --- Look for the gamertags Miranda GWF or crazyXgirlfrnd and send off a game invite!

Miley Cyrus wants fans to help her celebrate her Sweet 16 — for a little green.

2008-08-21T13:56:00.002-05:00

You know who your TRUE friends are... when they pay to come to your bithday party....

According to Entertainment Tonight, the teen queen — who earned $18.2 million last year — is selling a limited number of $250 tickets to her bash, set to take place at Disneyland. (She turns the big 1-6 on November 23.)

Tickets for "Miley's Sweet 16 -- Share the Celebration" go on sale August 30.

"It's gonna be an awesome party with more than 7 things I like," she tells ET. "It's gonna be totally awesome. I hope it's a great time."

She wouldn't dish more, but said, "I love roller coasters. So this is my ultimate birthday."

What's on her birthday wish list?

"A car," she has said. "I will let you know when I'm on the road so you get off the road!”

Jess VS Carrie?

2008-08-21T13:54:00.002-05:00

Carrie says that Tony Romo still calls her sometimes... even though he's dating Jessica Simpson -- Jess says, NOT TRUE.

"I looked at his call log," she Jessica said.

Of Romo, Underwood tells September's Allure: "The phone will ring and it'll be him, and I'll maybe not answer."

"Tony and I both laughed at that," Simpson said. "We got a chuckle out of it."

She went on, "If Tony wanted to call her and be with her, he would."

She also said she wasn't dissing Underwood, a vegetarian, when she wore a shirt that read "Real Girls Eat Meat."

Toby Leaning To The Left?

2008-08-21T13:52:00.001-05:00

Isn't there a tower that does that... the leaning tower of pizza. Mmmm, pizza... that can't be right... but sounds good.

GAC REPORTS: Toby Keith has previously said he hasn’t made up his mind about who to vote for in November, and he’s also suggested that both Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are likely a step forward.

But he might well be in step with Obama when it comes time to pull the lever in the booth this fall. Toby is a major supporter of the U.S. military, and the candidate’s recent trip to the Middle East suggested to Toby that Obama does, in fact, understand what’s happening overseas.

"There's a big part of America that really believes that there is a war on terrorism, and that we need to finish up," Toby told the Associated Press. "So I thought it was beautiful the other day when Obama went to Afghanistan and got educated about Afghanistan and Iraq. He came back and said some really nice things."

Now Toby is saying even more nice things about Obama: "I think he's the best Democratic candidate we've had since Bill Clinton. And that's coming from a Democrat."

Jessica Simpson... and beer

2008-08-20T13:46:00.002-05:00

**** UPDATE ***** THE AD IS OUT NOW, CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE.

Jessica Simpson and beer commercials: Why hasn't this happened sooner?

"She's the face of the brand now," said Lawrence Schwartz, Stampede's president and chief executive, who says sales have more than doubled in the past year.
Stampede's marketing is focused on its vitamin content, which it describes as "functional additives."

"As an entrepreneur, I am always looking for ways to diversify my portfolio with good ideas and good people," Ms. Simpson said in a statement. "Yes, I work out and take care of myself, but I also like a cold beer once in a while."

Jessica Simpson... The face of Vitamin enhanced beer???? Wow, this makes that whole "Is chicken of the sea chicken or tuna" thing... make sense.

Pat Green... ANYONE GOT A COLD ONE? ... AHHH!

2008-08-20T13:43:00.002-05:00

TMZ.com Reports... Pat Green wanted a beer on stage the other night -- he got one, all right.

Green was singin' after a NASCAR race Saturday when he asked all his rowdy friends, "Anyone got a beer?" Well, someone delivered a full unopened can -- right between his eyes. Michigan state troopers say he was knocked out cold.

Juilanne Hough and Chuck Wicks... Dating!

2008-08-20T13:41:00.002-05:00

Chuck and Julianne sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

With her hectic life, Hough told PEOPLE, "It's very difficult to date – I just got kind of lucky!" Indeed, she got to know Wicks this summer when the two joined Brad Paisley on tour.

"He's just a great guy! He's awesome and really, really talented," Hough says of the "Stealing Cinderella" singer. "I'm having a great time getting to know him."

Hough, 20, whose debut country album, Julianne Hough, hit No. 1 on the country charts when it was released in May, says she and Wicks, 29, have been work-out buddies on the road.

"When we play amphitheaters, we'll run up and down the stairs," she says. "And all of us – all the bands – bought bikes and we go mountain biking and we'll go to amusements parks and things like that."

Wicks broke up with his long-term girlfriend earlier this year, before the start of the Paisley tour, and Hough ended her engagement to former dancer Zach Wilson last year.

With the start of DWTS – Hough went to L.A. Tuesday to meet her new partner – she had to bid goodbye to Wicks, who will remain on tour.

But she's confident they can survive the distance. Says Hough: "That's what's cool about being with an independent person."

500,000 People At The PAISLEY PARTY!

2008-08-20T13:35:00.001-05:00

Who brought cake? Brad Paisley will celebrate another milestone Friday night at his sold-out show in St. Paul: his 500,000th ticket for 2008.

The combination of the final leg of The Bonfires and Amplifiers Tour and The Paisley Party has made 56 stops around the country and selling over 502,000 tickets January to August 2008.

The Paisley Party includes tour mates Jewel, Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough.

“This number means more to me this year than ever knowing how strapped people are economically these days,” says Paisley.

“The fact that fans are willing to both buy tickets and the gasoline necessary to come to a show is the ultimate compliment and I am so thankful.”

... Again. Cake?

Ahhh, Tim McGraw, and look at the back, it's a Hallmark!!! Awwww, how sweet!

2008-08-19T14:40:00.001-05:00

Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and a dozen or so other country artists are reaching new fans through "sound cards" designed, licensed and distributed by the Hallmark greeting card company.

Each card carries a 30-second snippet from one of the participating artist's hit records, along with a Hallmark-composed greeting that matches the song's theme. The names of the song's writers and publishers are listed on the backs of the cards.

The "Use Tim McGraw" and "Use Rascal Flatts" lines are racked in displays that hold six different cards and envelopes. A photo of the artist tops each display but does not appear on the cards.

GAC Talks With Jimmy Wayne About TIMING

2008-08-19T14:35:00.000-05:00

"Time," the Rolling Stones once sang, "is on my side." And Jimmy Wayne seems to believe it’s also in his corner as he prepares for the release next Tuesday of his sophomore album, Do You Believe Me Now.

His debut CD arrived in 2003, meaning he’s had to wait five years to put out his second project. That certainly tested his patience, but he’s convinced that it also made for a better product in the long run.

"I really do believe in divine timing," he says, "and looking back, if this album had come out soon after my first album in 2003, there are so many songs that would not have been written and so many experiences would not have been had. If I had not gone through the waiting and the trials that I went through in the past few years, songs like ‘Where You’re Going’ and ‘Kerosene Kid’ would not have been written. I did a lot of reflection on my past and where I am now during the downtime, and all of that is reflected on this album."

It features guest vocal appearances by Patty Loveless and by pop singer John Oates, of the Philadelphia duo Hall & Oates. And the timing is indeed very good: The title track is currently in country music’s Top 10.

Insert Foot... In Mouth

2008-08-19T13:56:00.002-05:00

This story probably ends with John Rich saying... "Oops".

Rosanne Cash, daughter of the late country legend Johnny Cash, has released a reply to John Rich of Big & Rich in response to a comment Rich made about her father.

During a campaign stop in Florida for John McCain, Rich said “Somebody’s got to walk the line in the country. They’ve got to walk it unapologetically. And I’m sure Johnny Cash would have been a John McCain supporter if he was still around.”

In a statement on her web site blog, Cash wrote:

“It is appalling to me that people still want to invoke my father’s name, five years after his death, to ascribe beliefs, ideals, values and loyalties to him that cannot possibly be determined, and to try to further their own agendas by doing so. I knew my father pretty well, at least better than some of those who entitle themselves to his legacy and his supposed ideals, and even I would not presume to say publicly what I ‘know’ he thought or felt. This is especially dangerous in the case of political affiliation.

“It is unfair and presumptuous to use him to bolster any platform. I would ask that my father not be co-opted in this election for either side, since he is clearly not here to defend or state his own allegiance.”

Taylor's New Music Video

2008-08-18T14:57:00.002-05:00

Taylor Swift’s “Change” now has a music video (that sure didn't take long, did it?) --- The song is part of the soundtrack for the Olympics.

“Change” is part of Taylor’s upcoming album, Fearless, which is set to be released November 11th.

Lady A's New Video Tommorow

2008-08-18T14:53:00.002-05:00

Lady Antebellum's New Video Available On iTunes August 19th!

The video finds the trio in vintage wardrobe performing the song live on the set of a television show that kind of looks like one of those variety programs from the 60's and 70's, while following the story of a young couple, who need help putting the spark back into their relationship... Wink Wink.

Sugarland Kicks It Old School

2008-08-18T14:50:00.001-05:00

In the 121 years since Thomas Edison first announced the creation of a "talking machine," (ooooo, sounds futuristic) the recording industry has come a long, long way. Originally the entire record had to be made at once; there was a time when songs were recorded in converted factories or furniture stores, and bands sometimes had to start over if a nearby train made noise in the middle of the performance.

Through time, technology has allowed each voice and instrument to be recorded on a separate track, and with digital recording, a producer can even slice the length of a vocalist’s note, change the pitch of a single note or move a drumbeat within a musical bar. Recording has become quite complicated, but Sugarland went a little bit old-school in its approach on the new Love On The Inside album.

"This album was pretty much recorded live," Kristian Bush told The Tennessean, "so what you're hearing are the vocal takes while we are playing the music at the same time."

"People don't do that any more, especially people who aren't singer-songwriters," Jennifer Nettles added. "Sometimes artists, they go in and they haven't even seen the band."

"The choices that you make as a performer are affected by what you hear," Kristian noted. "This happened with us with ‘Stay,’ in the up and down of it. It has a dynamic within the song. It happens on this record on ‘Very Last Country Song.’ I'm following her on part of that song, and she's following me on another part of it. I feel the dance."

Raisin' McCain

2008-08-15T14:24:00.000-05:00

John Rich's music video for "Raisin' McCain" will be featured during the Republican National Convention taking place Sept. 1-4 in Minneapolis. The video, now available at Rich's official Web site, centers around a concert performance with Rich and his band playing for a crowd of John McCain supporters. The end of the video shows Rich holding up a guitar bearing the word "vote."

Taylor Swift Donates $100,000 to Red Cross, Responds to VMA Nomination

2008-08-15T14:22:00.001-05:00

Taylor Swift is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross chapter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of the hardest-hit areas from floods that ravaged the state in June. "You guys have stood by me, and I'm going to stand by you,".

Taylor Swift was traveling when she learned that the nominees in the best new artist category at the upcoming MTV Music Awards were announced Friday. She is nominated alongside her friend, Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry, Jordin Sparks and Tokio Hotel. "I can't believe I get to go to the VMAs!" Swift said. "When I got the news about the nomination, I was on a plane -- a very small plane. And I just started screaming bloody murder, and everyone around me was a little freaked out, but it was worth it. I get to go to the VMAs!"

Wanna Look Good in Keith's Shirt?

2008-08-15T14:16:00.001-05:00

Keith Urban’s "You Look Good In My Shirt" is one of the hottest songs of the summer, but it’s also inspired an online auction in which Keith and other country acts button down donations for charity.

The You Look Good In My Old T-Shirt Auction, which launched yesterday, runs for two weeks with proceeds set aside for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

"St. Jude is a charity that is very near and dear to my heart," Keith says. "Our fans have always graciously offered their support in past fund-raisers we have done for St. Jude, so I think this auction will be a great success."

MMMMMM.... Pre-worn Keith Clothes. Comfy.

Alan Celebrates with Bologna

2008-08-14T14:19:00.001-05:00

How does a country superstar celebrate hitting the 50 million mark in album sales? For Alan Jackson, it was with grits and bologna sandwiches.

Jackson's wife, bestselling author Denise, his three daughters and about 400 friends, including Trace Adkins, gathered in Nashville to honor the 49-year-old singer Wednesday night. They were treated to upscale twists on down-home grub as a nod to the man who has a song called "I Still Like Bologna" on his latest album, Good Time.

"This is really rarefied air," Sony BMG Nashville head Joe Galante told the crowd of Jackson's 50 million achievement.

Jackson – whose first album, Here in the Real World, came out in 1990 – tells PEOPLE that his ambitions weren't so grand in the early days.

"Back then I was just glad to have a record deal," says Jackson. "I figured if you could last five years you were lucky, so that was the only goal I could see. This would have been unbelievable."

Adds Denise: "We never even dreamed this big."

Blake Shelton on Fashion

2008-08-14T14:17:00.002-05:00

Blake Shelton worked long and hard to build his career as a recording artist, and he’s happy to have it. But like every job, it comes with duties he doesn’t particularly enjoy, and that includes shooting videos. "I'd have my girlfriend dress me like most guys do, but Miranda (Lambert) hates that stuff almost more than I do!".

"I absolutely hate wardrobe discussions when it comes to photo shoots or videos," he says. "It's always just an absolute nightmare, because I wanna look a certain way and everybody else has their ideas, and so really the only part that's enjoyable to me is when I'm actually getting to perform the song. I don't even like the b-roll stuff, although with 'The More I Drink' video, the b-roll stuff there was pretty fun. Normally, just getting to sing may [only] be 30 minutes out of a 20-hour day. It's very little performing and a lot of setting up and tearing down."

Kenny's Bus in Accident

2008-08-14T14:09:00.000-05:00

... He's OK!!!! A bus transporting three people involved with Kenny Chesney’s Poets & Pirates Tour was involved in an accident Wednesday that sent a woman to a hospital in Jackson, Miss.

Kenny was not on the bus when the wreck occurred near the juncture of Interstate 220 and Interstate 55 near Ridgeland, according to The Thibodaux Daily Comet. Neither the driver nor the two concert technicians aboard the bus were injured. The bus was on its way to New Orleans, where Kenny is slated to perform Thursday with opening act LeAnn Rimes.

The incident came just two days after Kenny had worked out with New Orleans’ NFL team, the Saints, in Jackson. Kenny caught some passes and practiced as a punt returner, taking the field alongside quarterback Drew Brees, tight end Jeremy Shockey and running back Reggie Bush. It was the equivalent of a fantasy camp for Kenny, who played football when he attended high school.

"When you grow up in East Tennessee, like a lot of places, sports is everything," he says. "I quit growing too young to ever think about getting to have a shot at playing even in college, so this is about the most fun I can have."

Kid Rock To Perform 'All Summer Long' At MTV Video Music Awards

2008-08-14T14:04:00.002-05:00

... And after last year's scuffle with Pam's other ex, Rock returns with his certified hit. And you can't help but wonder, who will he punch this year?

Rock joins a roster of live performers on the September 7 show that already includes the Jonas Brothers and maybe... maybe... maybe BRITNEY SPEARS!

Lee Ann Womack Releases “Last Call”

2008-08-13T13:40:00.000-05:00

The music video for the first single off Lee Ann Womack’s upcoming album “Call Me Crazy” has been released!

The video is airing on GAC and “Call Me Crazy” is due to drop October 21st.

Carrie: TONY ROMO STILL CALLS ME!

2008-08-12T16:11:00.000-05:00

For a 25-year-old singer in the spotlight, Carrie Underwood has had her share of guy drama.

The American Idol winner opens up in Allure's September issue about dating Dallas Cowboys player Tony Romo, Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford and a boyfriend who cheated on her in college.

"We were both small-town people doing very big things, and we relied on each other, dealing with fame," she says of Romo. "I don't know. The phone will ring and it'll be him, and I'll maybe not answer."

On her recent split with Crawford, she explains: "We didn't have a fight. No one cheated. It plain didn't work."

One of her relationships from her days at Oklahoma's Northeastern State University could have inspired her hit "Before He Cheats."

"I don't want to name names, even though he probably deserves it, but he fooled around," she says. "Oh, yeah – And lied."

Underwood says it's difficult to find friends she can trust – and guys who like her for the right reasons.

"You never really know why somebody wants to be around you, or if they do genuinely like you," she says. "I wish everyone had a label on their forehead so you could automatically tell their intentions. Sometimes you just wish that no one wanted anything from you."

Are you ready for some... KEEENNNNNYYYY!!!!????

2008-08-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

Kenny Chesney is no stranger to stadiums – his Poets and Pirates tour has been packing sports arenas all summer long. But on his way to his New Orleans concert this Thursday, he hit the football field for real.

For the second year in a row, the country superstar lived out his gridiron fantasies by practicing with the New Orleans Saints in Jackson, Miss., according to the Associated Press.

Donning a white Saints game jersey with his name sewn on the back, Chesney, who is pals with the team's coach, Sean Payton, ran plays with the team and caught a long pass from quarterback Drew Brees.

Jimmy Wayne Named People's Hot Guy Of The Month

2008-08-12T15:47:00.001-05:00

COUNTRY Special Issue On Stands Thru September 8th
Jimmy Wayne is featured as the Hot Guy of the Month in the current issue of People magazine’s Country Special.

Wayne is the first artist to be given this accolade in the series of special issues by People magazine.

In the feature, Wayne recounts some of his craziest female fan encounters which include moms playing matchmaker for their daughters at his concerts. He also discusses his ideal day off and the special qualities he looks for in a woman.

Jimmy was quite humbled upon learning of People magazine’s accolade. "It's a bit embarrassing,” he blushed. “However I'm very fortunate to have an amazing bunch of female fans and I'm very thankful for them."

Sugarland Lawyer Knocks Ex-Member Lawsuit

2008-08-12T15:11:00.000-05:00

Gary Gilbert, lawyer for Sugarland, has issued a statement saying the lawsuit filed late last week by ex-member Kristen Hall is “totally baseless and without merit.”

Hall claims she is contractually due $1.5 million that she hasn’t been paid since her departure from the group in 2006. Gilbert said that Hall left of her own accord and that he’s confident the issue will be resolved in Jennifer and Kristian’s favor.

Jessica: "What Boos"?

2008-08-11T15:43:00.000-05:00

When Jessica Simpson gave her first full concert performance as a country artist in July, she got slapped by a review from a writer for The Kenosha News who said her appearance received "a mixture of boos and cheers."

It became — as does just about anything Jessica does — part of a huge viral uproar in which numerous media picked up the story in a way that often made it appear the show was a dud. If the response was negative in any sector of the crowd that day, it was not apparent to Jessica.

"I never heard a boo," she told The San Jose Mercury News, "and if there were people that booed me, then they just won't be buying the record, and that is what it is. But I was happy to be up there and make people smile with the music."

Maybe it remains to be true that the only place Jessica Simpson would be boo'ed... is a spelling bee :-)

Sugarland Suuuuuued.

2008-08-11T15:41:00.002-05:00

Founding Sugarland member Kristen Hall is suing the remaining band members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush for $1.5 million.

The lawsuit was filed in late July and claims that Hall was supposed to continue to get an equal cut of the duo’s profits but that she’s been excluded from the profits since she left. Hey.... that sounds like a pretty good gig -- get paid for not working!

Hall left the group three years ago in 2005 to pursue a solo/songwriting career but apparently still wants to cash in on the Sugarland bank roll.

Sober... Horses?

2008-08-11T15:37:00.002-05:00

Not The Best Showing For Toby's Beer For My Horses --- Debuts In 10-Cities Over The Weekend.

Toby Keith's second feature film, Beer For My Horses was only released in ten cities this past weekend: St Louis, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Louisville, Miolwaukee, Pittsburgh and Tulsa.

And despite Toby's best promotional efforts, grossed a dissappointing $226,000--which is about $2,483 per theater.

The film has a nice mix of well-known stars, including Rodney Carrington, Ted Nugent, Gina Gershon, Willie Nelson and Tom Skerritt. Critics didn't pan the movie, but did't get overly exciting recommending it, either.

The next step for the movie's distributor, Roadside Attractions, is whether to move forward with a wider release, or go directly to DVD. The film is rated PG-13.

Jewel Hitched!

2008-08-11T15:32:00.000-05:00

After ten years together Jewel Kilcher and rodeo star beau Ty Murray have finally tied the knot!

The couple eloped and were married in a private ceremony in the Bahamas this past week.

Jewel had mentioned on her website that she and Murray and two friends were heading to the islands for six days but didn’t say what for.

Jewel rose to the top of the pop charts in the mid-90’s and recently crossed over to country with the release of her latest album, Perfectly Clear earlier this year.

Congrats, Jewel and Ty!

American Idol's KRISTY LEE COOK!!!

2008-08-06T14:11:00.002-05:00

She's a country girl and her first single is "15 Minutes of Shame"!, take a listen and let us know what you think!

15 minutes of shame - kristy lee cook

Taylor's OLYMPIC "Change"

2008-08-06T14:08:00.000-05:00

New Taylor Swift Song Part Of Beijing Olympics Soundtrack -- Change Available Friday!

A brand spanking new song from Taylor Swift will premiere as part of NBC’s broadcast of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Change, which will appear on Taylor’s sophomore CD (scheduled for release this fall, will be one of a few songs used as the soundtrack for daily video highlights shown during the Olympic broadcast.

The song was selected by Team USA and NBC for its lyrical content about overcoming challenges and achieving victory, and will be available on iTunes starting Friday (8/8) with all proceeds benefiting Team USA. WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Clay Walker's Wife Goes Into Labor--He Cancels Show

2008-08-06T14:07:00.002-05:00

Clay Walker was about to go on stage at the Umatilla County Fair in Hermiston, OR last night (8/5) when he got word that his wife had gone into labor.

The show was cancelled and he was rushed to the Tri Cities, WA Airport (just across the Columbia River from Hermiston, for a flight back home.

The remaining band members stayed on-stage and played for the crowd, who cheered Clay as the news of his impending father-hood was announced.

Congratulations DADDY... uh, I mean CLAY!

Toby Keith Feels Branded

2008-08-06T13:59:00.001-05:00

One of Merle Haggard’s very first hits was a song called "Branded Man" about a former convict who continued to pay for his crime even after leaving prison. It makes sense that Merle and Toby Keith are friends, because Toby now feels as if he’s been branded by the colors of the American flag.

It’s been six years since he had a hit with "Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)" — almost seven years since the terrorist attack on American soil that inspired the song. Despite the passage of time, and his continued ability to launch new material onto the radio, Toby is astounded to find that that song is still the one by which much of the media judges him.

"It's amazing that I can sell 35 million albums and have 50 million spins as a writer, and one three-minute song carries more weight than all of that combined," he told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "You realize that?

Brooks and Dunn Get Their Star!!!!

2008-08-05T14:43:00.001-05:00

Brooks & Dunn have finally gotten their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! The ceremony took place yesterday and their friends Phil and Robin McGraw were guest speakers.

Brooks & Dunn are currently on the charts with “Put A Girl In It” from their “Cowboy Town” album.

The duo’s star is the 2,367th on the Walk.

When They Were Just... Looking For a Good Time

2008-08-05T14:41:00.001-05:00

Get it!?!?!?!? Cuz that's the name of the song!!! Hahahaha... hah... hah... nevermind.

The first time Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott met bandmate Charles Kelley, it was in a Nashville bar, which set the stage for what could have been a major misunderstanding.

Hillary had heard some of his music online, so when they ended up in the same place, she just had to introduce herself.

"I just recognized him, and I kind of walked up to him and said, 'What's your name? You look so familiar,'" she said.. "And he said, 'Charles Kelley.' And I said, 'Well, I really like what you do. I'm a fan, and I'm a singer-songwriter from here in Nashville.' So he goes, 'Well, you're a writer, huh? Well, let me get your number. We can get together and write songs.'"

Charles admits that while he made the songwriting offer, he really hoped to get a date with her. Some fans have since formed the belief that the two are a couple, but it’s absolutely not true.

"We still to this day haven't been on that date yet," Hillary laughed.

Jessica + Sports = TV!

2008-08-05T14:30:00.001-05:00

Jessica Simpson is limbered up and ready to join her boyfriend Tony Romo on the football field - she has signed to star alongside him in a new sports show.

Jess was criticised for supporting the Dallas Cowboys quarterback from the stands last year, when her attendance coincided with a losing streak, but the negative press hasn't put her off agreeing to appear in an episode of the TV show Hard Knocks - a series that shows fans the inner-workings of football camps.

HBO network boss Ross Greenburg insists the focus of the programme will remain the same, despite its celebrity line-up. He says, "I'm telling you, we are going to attack this Hard Knocks the same way we have attacked all of the other Hard Knocks. We're not going to make this an E! half-hour entertainment show on Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson." --- (GOOD LUCK!)

Simpson's episode is set to air August 6th on HBO.

Melissa Lawson Wins Nashville Star

2008-08-05T14:24:00.001-05:00

Do we have the next Miranda Lambert on our hands? During the commercial break just before the winner of the sixth season of Nashville Star was announced Monday night, crew members pushed a big red Toyota Tundra pick-up truck onto the stage where the two remaining contestants stood, hoping to hear their name called by host Billy Ray Cyrus.

Would it go to electrician-turned-musician Gabe Garcia or Melissa Lawson, a wife and mother of five boys? As it turns out, Lawson, 32, got the keys to the truck and the ticket to a recording contract with Warner Bros. Nashville. Garcia was disappointed about the pick-up, telling PEOPLE after the show, “I really wanted that truck. I was already thinking about how I was going to jack it up and trick it out.”

Still, Garcia was relatively satisfied with his second place finish and thrilled by the experience of competing on Nashville Star. “It’s been a great ride, from beginning to end,” he said after the show, still picking strips of silver confetti out of his hair. “But I’m looking forward to getting back to my own life for a few days. I haven’t made my own bed or driven myself in two months.”

Lawson leaves Saturday for Beijing, China to perform at the Olympics!

Kid Rock, McCain and Miss Tropic?

2008-08-04T14:18:00.003-05:00

John McCain doesn't want to be like Britney or Paris, but is still hanging out with Kid Rock right next to Miss Tropicana! (Well, Kinda).

J to the McCain will be at the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota today. After the Senator pays tribute to Vets at the event -- Kid Rock will rock the main stage. After that, perhaps both will stop by the Miss Hawaiian Tropic contest nearby.

Unreleased Hank Williams... Being Released!

2008-08-04T14:11:00.000-05:00

A large collection of previously-unreleased Hank Williams recordings will begin reaching the listening public this fall. Time Life will release the first set of recordings from Williams' 1951 Mother's Best radio show over the next three years. In totality, the collection encompasses 143 never-before-released songs, including between-song patter with Williams, his band members and his wife Audrey. The radio broadcasts were recorded on acetates, which were thrown away and retrieved from a dumpster and ultimately ended up with the Williams estate, which partnered with Time Life for these historic albums. Once all the discs are issued, Williams' song catalog will effectively be doubled.

The initial CD release this fall is set to include some 15 songs.

Garth and Trisha -- The Duet Album?

2008-08-04T13:52:00.002-05:00

Trisha may be sporting a new MOO-stash for the "Got Milk" people... but somehow the talk always goes back to her and her hubby. Back when Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood introduced their Grammy-winning collaboration on "In Another’s Eyes," they talked very seriously about making a duets album. Eleven years later, the project has yet to be completed, and it appears it’ll be at least another six years before they get around to it.

The couple won’t record a full album until they can promote it with a tour, and Garth has said he won’t hit the road until his daughters are in college. Given that the youngest is 12, it’ll be a good six years — at least — before Garth and Trisha could seriously consider it.

"When the youngest graduates, if there's still a demand, maybe he and I will go out," she told The Everett Daily Herald, of Washington State. " That would be the time to put out a duet album."

But who knows? For a retired guy... Garth seems to work a lot :-)

Full House... Minus everyone but Stephanie

2008-08-01T15:13:00.003-05:00

Former Full House star Jodie Sweetin (AKA - "STEPHANIE"), who gave birth to a baby girl earlier this year, says she's been "thinking about" taking a crack at country music!!!!! AND has another production in the works: a reality-TV show.

“We’re going to start shooting in a couple months,” Sweetin, 26, told PEOPLE Thursday at the Maxim Extreme Sports Party in Los Angeles. “We are in talks with a couple of networks right now. We have one picked out, but nothing is signed yet.”

What made her and husband Cody Herpin decide to make the jump into the world of reality TV? “We actually got approached about doing it by multiple people,” she says. “It was one of those things where we were like, ‘Wow. Let’s totally do it.’ I think it’s sort of a fun way to show the other side of celebrity and a sort of semi-normal life.”

John Rich Casts His Vote

2008-08-01T15:06:00.001-05:00

AND there isn't any hanging chads!

John Rich performed at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium a month ago when Republican presidential candidate John McCain made a campaign stop at the historic venue.

Now the country singer has taken his support one step further by writing an official theme song for the Arizona senator, "Raising McCain," which Rich plans to debut today at a fundraiser in Panama City, Fla.

"I wanted to offer him something that he didn't have: a rally song, one that really captures that maverick spirit," John Rich told the Associated Press.

Not that McCain hasn’t tried different titles. Among the songs that he’s trotted out at various times are Chuck Berry’s "Johnny B. Goode," ABBA’s "Take A Chance On Me" and John Mellencamp’s "Pink Houses" and "Our Country." Mellencamp was not amused and asked McCain to stop using his songs.

John Rich considers it an honor to be connected to McCain, though the affiliation is not surprising. The singer performed previously at some fundraisers for former Republican candidate Fred Thompson. In addition, Big & Rich earned a meaty hit with "8th Of November," a song that honors the soldiers that fought in a specific battle during the Vietnam War. John McCain was held as a prisoner of war during that era, and it’s one of the things that John Rich finds inspiring about the candidate.

"This guy is a hero," the singer said. "He was physically tortured for years, and yet he gets out of bed every day and serves our country for decades."

The song might be made available to fans for free on the Internet.

Miley Cyrus Tour Bus Trouble...

2008-08-01T15:04:00.001-05:00

Miley Cyrus has had a harsh wake up call when it comes to life on the road - especially when she's touring with her whole family - as her brother uses her toothbrush to comb his hair.

Miley insists she's got a tour bus routine that helps her live as normally as possible when travelling from gig to gig - but it's far from ideal.

She explains, "My brothers, sisters and I share one bathroom. My brother has a ridiculous haircut, and he'd use my brush but leave his hair in it. And he used my toothbrush to comb his eyebrows once".

But Cyrus always makes sure she gets a little pamper time to herself when she arrives at venues: "I ask for soap and two towels in my dressing room because I shower at the venue, I hate showering on the bus because my brothers use all the hot water".

Jack Ingram -- The New Simon Cowell???

2008-08-01T14:53:00.001-05:00

... I don't know ... it's SIMON SAYS, not JACK SAYS, and JACK AND JILL WENT UP THE HILL, not SIMON AND JILL... could it work?

Jack Ingram has a difficult task on his itinerary for September: He’s agreed to join songwriters Victoria Shaw and Desmond Child in judging the finalists on the Sept. 10 finale of "The Next GAC Star."

The contest, currently underway on GACtv.com, arrives on GAC Sept. 3 with six finalists competing for the chance at a recording contract with Original Signal, a music company that’s building a new Nashville presence.

With big dreams in the contestants’ windshield, Jack admits that it’ll be tough to simply dump a rock on them. He will not, it appears, take any cues from "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell.

"It's tough to critique anyone if they're standing right in front of you," Jack notes. "I don't think it will be too tough to judge music. I am a huge fan of music. I will try to be honest and helpful and sympathetic to the situation. These are artists who are trying to make it. I will try to figure out what their strengths are and how they can use those to further their career. Accentuate the positive. I don't really know what you're supposed to do with the negative."

Jessica Speaks of Abuse

2008-07-31T14:20:00.001-05:00

Jessica Simpson speaks candidly in the September issue of Elle magazine about the trials and tribulations that have worked their way into her upcoming CD.

"There's nothing on my album that you're gonna hear that I don't relate to or that I haven't experienced. Because the only way I know how to sing is from life experience."

For instance, one of her new tracks, "Remember That," contains the lyrics, "It doesn't matter how he hurts you / With his hands or with his words / You don't deserve it / It ain't worth it / Take your heart and run."

She's reluctant, however, to divulge details about what led to recording such a song.

"I don't want to talk about it," says Jessica. "But I have definitely experienced abuse in a way that I would tell people to take their heart and run."

Taylor NOT Dating a Jonas Bro

2008-07-31T14:02:00.001-05:00

Just about any time a single man and a single woman are seen together, someone raises an eyebrow — especially if the two people in question are attractive, teen-aged, public figures.

So goes the world at the moment for Taylor Swift, who’s been targetted in chatter as the current love interest for Joe Jonas, of the Disney-associated groupo the Jonas Brothers.

As it turns out, speculation about a relationship is exactly that: speculation. Taylor says they’re not dating.

"We’re all friends," she told People.

Probably good for him: It seems most of her other boyfriends became the source of her hits when they eventually broke up.

Pour some SUGAR on me!

2008-07-31T13:45:00.001-05:00

Sugarland’s release of “Love on the Inside” had an outstanding first week at #2, which isn’t so bad when you realize #1 was teen queen Miley Cyrus!

Sugarland’s album hit 314,000 units sold, just shy of Miley’s “Breakout” at 361,000.

Sugarland's ALL I WANT TO DO--OOO--ooo OOOO ooo OOOO ooo OO--- OOO --OOO ooo is #1 on the country charts, of course!

INCREDIBLE ROCK... you wouldn't like him when he's angry!

2008-07-30T14:28:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it is punching Tommy Lee in the face, sometimes it's a rumble at Waffle House... this time --- An encounter with some (former) fans may have left Kid Rock feeling a little punchy, but it also left his onetime worshippers more than a little ... like calling a lawyer.

The trio of autograph seekers who first filed a $15 million suit against Kid in March over a 2006 skirmish at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel have amended their complaint, adding additional claims of assault and battery and clarifying allegations of negligence against Rock and his cohorts.

In the new version of the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court Tuesday, Michael Medlin, Carlos Bonilla and Jose Perez say they were punched and left licking their wounds in front of the hotel-based Teddy's nightclub following a run-in with Rock, his entourage and and members of the Boo-Yaa Tribe.

"Kid Rock himself owed a duty to [the men] to ensure that his own actions, and the actions of those he had control over, such as friends, security, entourage and others associated with him, would do nothing to cause injury to foreseeable persons such as plaintiffs," states the revised suit.

They say they simply approached the 37-year-old star, with autograph book, a bag and a small camera, only to be beaten down and "left on the ground seriously injured as Kid Rock and his entourage drove off."

NOW THATS what I call COUNTRY

2008-07-30T14:21:00.001-05:00

(Pssst, that's hopefully what you say while turning your knob to BOB!)

One of the most successful compilation series in the history of pop music has been revised for country fans.

Certified hits by George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood are featured among 20 tracks by different artists on NOW That’s What I Call Country. Set for release Aug. 26, the package comes as the pop series, NOW That’s What I Call Music!, observes a decade since its original release in 1998. Since that time, that series has served up 28 standard discs, plus three additional Christmas releases, and most of them have gone platinum or better.

The entire track listing for NOW That’s What I Call Country follows:

• Carrie Underwood — "All-American Girl"
• Rascal Flatts — "Winner At A Losing Game"
• Gary Allan — "Watching Airplanes"
• Reba McEntire duet with Kelly Clarkson — "Because Of You"
• Keith Urban — "Everybody"
• Sugarland — "Stay"
• Lady Antebellum — "Love Don’t Live Here"
• Taylor Swift — "Picture To Burn"
• Dierks Bentley — "Trying To Stop Your Leaving"
• Luke Bryan — "All My Friends Say"
• Brad Paisley — "Letter To Me"
• George Strait — "I Saw God Today"
• Julianne Hough — "That Song In My Head"
• Sara Evans — "As If"
• Kenny Chesney — "Don’t Blink"
• Trace Adkins — "You’re Gonna Miss This"
• Chris Cagle — "What Kinda Gone"
• Kellie Pickler — "Things That Never Cross A Man’s Mind"
• Josh Turner featuring Trisha Yearwood — "Another Try"
• Jason Michael Carroll — "Alyssa Lies"

Miley Wants Some Schoolin'

2008-07-30T14:19:00.001-05:00

She may only be 15, but Miley Cyrus already is thinking about higher education.

"I was online the other day looking at colleges," Cyrus (who studies with a tutor) tells E! News. "I want to go in London. I'd like to do fashion and then photography."

... That might break some father's achey breakey hearts, but for the dad that WROTE that song, he said he couldn't be happier (though... his teenage daughter IS ALREADY RICH!!!... so it really doesn't matter if she makes any money in her adult life, haha).

In the meantime, the singer — who celebrates her birthday in November — is plotting out her Sweet 16.

"I'm into having just a good ol' pool party or, like, [going to] the beach with a couple of friends," she says. "I don’t want to feel like I have to entertain the whole time."

Natalie Maines Will Sing At Howard Stern's Wedding

2008-07-30T14:12:00.001-05:00

Howard Stern announces that Dixie Chicks' lead singer Natalie Maines will perform at his wedding as a gift to him and fiancee Beth Ostrovsky, reports The Tennessean.
Maines and her husband, Adrian Pasdar, became friends with Howard and Beth after being introduced to them on vacation in Mexico.

The exact wedding date has not yet been set yet.

PS: She may or may not also be performing at:
- The Chris, John and Jane Anniversary party
- The Collin Taylor Lunch Break
- The Steve Bakken Trip To The Vending Machine
- The Zero... sitting alone on a beanbag chair eating Cheetoes at home party

Mark Chesnutt's Bus Rear-Ended

2008-07-29T15:28:00.002-05:00

... By Vehicle Traveling 100-Miles Per Hour!

The bus was departing this weekend after Mark's performancein Ft. Worth, TX; the band was heading back to Nashville, when the bus was rear-ended by a vehicle traveling 100 miles an hour.

The majority of Mark's band was aboard the bus (Kenny Thurman, Delaney Jackson, Cary Stone Lee Kelley, Steve Ledford, Bob Gulley, Don Bradley and driver Dave Simon). Fortunately no one was injured in the crash. The young driver's car, however, was totaled.

Two police cars arrived at the scene (with one of the squad cars being delayed by a flat tire.... kinda funny, huh?). Kenny Thurman (Mark's road manager) changed the tire for the officer while reports were taken. The young male driver reportedly had been drinking and was driving without a license.

"I'm really, really glad all the boys are alright. Thank God." Mark said. "...in as much as I was in the air, I'd still rather drive than fly! I love the bus!" Chesnutt was in route traveling to his home in Beaumont.

Do you believe him now?

2008-07-29T15:15:00.002-05:00

Well, the release date has been pushed back so many times, we were starting to wonder if Jimmy Wayne wasn't really a robot from the future only programmed with the one song, but it turns out, he's a human. Jimmy Wayne’s second album, Do You Believe Me Now, comes out in exactly four weeks, though the wait has been much longer from his standpoint.

Jimmy’s self-titled debut album was released in 2003, but it’s taken five years — thanks in part to behind-the-scenes record company changes — for him to finally get his second project out to the public. Even after he signed with his current label, the Valory Music Co., Jimmy was very deliberate in creating the sophomore album, delaying it even more.

"Writing and recording this album was a true labor of love for me," Jimmy says. "It did take a little longer than the process typically takes, but I really wanted to make sure I found the songs that would make this record everything I wanted it to be. And thanks to these incredible writers, I feel like I’ve met that goal."

... Wait, so, he's still NOT a robot, right?

Jess Officially Country... LOOK!

2008-07-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

This is the cover of Jessica Simpson's new CD as a country singer. How can we tell? Because she's wearing cowboy boots, duh!

The singing entrepreneur's new album drops Sept. 9 because “she’s into nines this year,” and she’s asking “do you know" (no question mark).

Chris Cagle --- NOT GUILTY!

2008-07-28T14:45:00.002-05:00

Chris Cagle was found not guilty of a domestic assault charge this past Thursday after his girlfriend refused to testify against him.

Chris and his girlfriend Jennifer Taut were both faced charges of domestic violence after a drunken fight in May, but Jennifer refused to testify on grounds of self-incrimination, so the charges were dropped.

Chris’s attorney says “It’s a shame these charges were ever brought. Period. Chris was not, and never was, guilty of domestic violence, abuse or assault and the judge properly found him ‘not guilty.’ Chris is relieved the accuracy of the matter has been revealed, and the ordeal is over.”

Chris is still facing a court date in Arizona in September that involved a fight with a fan in a bar last December

Teardrops on her.... Diploma??!?!?!

2008-07-28T13:57:00.001-05:00

While most of her peers donned caps and gowns to receive their high school diplomas, Taylor Swift was strumming a guitar and performing for thousands of fans, and got her diploma in the mail.

"Education has always been at the forefront of my priorities, so I'm really glad to have my diploma," the 18-year-old singer-songwriter says.

Swift attended public school for 9th and 10th grade. But when her career began heating up, she needed more flexibility and switched to Aaron Academy, a private Christian school that offers home schooling.

"I never expected that my senior year would go the way it has," she said. "There's something really exciting about getting to live your dream and continue your education at the same time."

Swift's self-titled debut album has sold more than 3 million copies and produced hits including "Our Song," "Picture to Burn" and "Teardrops on My Guitar."

Swift, who is on tour with Rascal Flatts, is expected to release a new album this fall.

Miley's Mean Gesture

2008-07-18T14:43:00.001-05:00

Miley Cyrus has been pictured giving a rude hand gesture to a group of paparazzi photographers.

The Hannah Montana singer/actress was enjoying a day out at a Californian funfair with her youngster sister Noah on Tuesday when she spotted some snappers taking her picture while she was riding a rollercoaster.

Cyrus, 15, responded by pulling an angry face and raising two fingers to the camera.

The pictures are the latest blow to Cyrus' good girl image following a spate of photo scandals including her controversial Vanity Fair magazine shoot which saw her posing semi-naked wrapped in a satin sheet.

**Let's just say that the photo is rude enough that we can't put it up! :-)

Emmy Nomination for Julianne!

2008-07-18T14:41:00.002-05:00

Julianne Hough turns 20 on Sunday, but her birthday isn’t the only thing she has to celebrate. (If she was blowing out her candles and wishing for an Emmy... she's getting closer!) She has up an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography, recognizing a mambo she put together for dance partner Adam Carolla on the ABC show "Dancing With The Stars."

Her competition in the category includes routines from the Disney Channel’s High School Musical 2 and three different entries from So You Think You Can Dance.

Julianne’s nomination was just one of eight extended by the Television Academy to Dancing With The Stars. Tom Bergeron is a finalist for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program, and the entire show was recognized for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. The remaining five "Dancing" nominations came for technical categories in lighting, production and hairstyling.

The Academy will present the Emmys in Los Angeles Sept. 21. Assuming Julianne plans to be there, she’ll have to do some heavy traveling to make it work. She plays the prior night in West Palm Beach on Brad Paisley’s Paisley Party Tour.

CMA Awards Announced!

2008-07-18T14:37:00.001-05:00

The 42nd Annual Country Music Association Awards have been schedule to air November 12 from Nashville on ABC.

Twelve awards will be given: Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, Musician of the Year, Music Video of the Year and New Artist of the Year (formerly known as the Horizon Award).

Last year’s nominations were announced in August, so we can probably count on the same timeframe for this year too!

Kid Rock and Tommy Lee... Buds? No. Yes? No.

2008-07-16T15:23:00.002-05:00

USUALLY when one guy is married to Pamela Anderson, and then the other guy is and then she's with the other guy again and then one guy punches the other guy in the face on national television... they're not on speaking terms. FOR THE MOST part, that is the case with Kid Rock and Tommy Lee, but it's been thrown out there by both their people that a "musical collaboration" COULD be fun. Maybe music can bridge the gap Pamela Anderson brought between them?

Jessica Simpson Back To TV... Um, Probably Not

2008-07-16T15:11:00.002-05:00

What happens when you have a manager/dad that is a liiiiittle overprotective and maybe even a liiiiitle tiny bit greedy? He gets the axe put down on your new tv show, that's what.

Word is Jess was in talks to have a new reality show that would follow her as she finds her way in the country music world and deals with her day to day life (and hangs with boy-toy, Tony Romo), BUT; those talks are coming to a screaching halt, and Daddy Joe Simpson keeps asking for more and more and more and more money to make the deal happen. Apparently he hit the golden number where people stopped being interested.

What's Happening With Dierks?

2008-07-16T15:08:00.001-05:00

Dierks Bentley has been working on his next full studio album with the hopes that the project will turn out as well as the last one.

Long Trip Alone was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Album, but even though he might have hit a successful groove there, Dierks doesn’t want to make a carbon copy with the next release. He gave fans a clue what the album will probably be like when he released his Greatest Hits//Every Mile A Memory 2003-2008 with two new titles.

"I think the song ‘Sweet And Wild’ and ‘[With] The Band’ that’s on this Greatest Hits album, [are] kind of a preview of some of the stuff we’re working on," Dierks told the national radio show GAC Nights: Live From Nashville. "I think all of my music is tied to a certain theme and feeling and vibe. We’ve kinda carved out our own niche as far as that type of production and sounds and songs we write. There’s a real consistent kind of feel of the music I make, and I think the Greatest Hits album, the two songs on there really kinda show where we’re going."

Man, She's a Hard-Working Woman!

2008-07-15T13:44:00.001-05:00

He wasn't in it for love... so she's outtttaaaaa theeeeerrrreee. Shania Twain is reportedly heartbroken over her split from husband-producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, but like any dedicated artist, she’s funneling her emotions into new material.

"She’s spending as much time with [son] Eja as possible and hasn’t put down her guitar since the split," a source told People magazine. "The songs are pouring out of her."

It might end up showing a different side of Shania. She came to superstardom following the 1995 release of her album The Woman In Me, her first after she married Mutt. Most of the songs were co-written by the two of them, and they tended — as did the songs on her subsequent albums, Come On Over and Up! — toward upbeat tempos and positive lyrics. Breakups usually inspire more downbeat songs. ... Duh.

Chesney Sings For Prez and and Little Leaguers

2008-07-15T13:41:00.001-05:00

National Anthem AND Take ME Out To The Ball Game ---- Kenny Chesney performs the National Anthem right on at the White House lawn (7/16) for the first ever 2008 Tee Ball on the South Lawn All Star Game.

ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Monring will be there and introducing President & Mrs. Bush along with Tee Ball Game Commissioner Nolan Ryan and Chesney.

Immediately after the opening ceremony, President Bush and Chesney will unveil a commemorative stamp celebrating the 100th anniversary of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and then lead the crowd in a rendition of the 7th inning stretch classic.

Shania Pre-Plane, Post-Divorce

2008-07-14T15:08:00.001-05:00

The best thing to do after your husband of 14 years allegedly cheats on you with one of your friends/employees -- besides call a top notch divorce lawyer -- is look flawless.

Shania Twain did just that as she made her way through an airport in Canada this weekend.

Miranda Loves "Stars" and "Idols"

2008-07-14T15:00:00.002-05:00

Well I guess we know what's on her TIVO!

Miranda Lambert first became familiar to country music fans when she emerged as a contestant in the inaugural season of "Nashville Star." It took several years for her to turn that initial exposure into actual hits, but she still believes it speeded up her ascent to stardom.

"I don’t think anyone can argue that shows like ‘American Idol’ and ‘Nashville Star’ [are] great launching pads," she told The Calgary Herald. "I always say ‘Nashville Star’ saved me from three more years of playing the honky-tonk circuit. I think a lot of great talent has come from those shows, but it’s unlikely that everyone will be a Kelly Clarkson [or a Carrie Underwood], in terms of success. In regards to me, I just do what I do, and so far, fans and critics have responded well."

Miranda’s sophomore release, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, was named Album of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in May.

Jessica's Album Release and New Music Video

2008-07-11T14:24:00.003-05:00

Jessica Simpson's long-awaited country album is due out September 9, says her dad Joe.

"It’s 9-9 — she’s into nines this year," he added. "We hope it’s a wonderful joy. It feels really good. She is extremely happy."

Joe said his daughter — who turned 28 Thursday — is perfect for country music, calling it "the heartland of America.

"We forget on the East and West coasts that there is a whole country in between," Joe said. "That’s our home, and that’s Jessica’s home."

This is a preview of Jess's new music video for "Come on Over", which was released today, check out the full video on CMT, GAC, or www.jessicasimpson.com! (Her people have been pretty good about getting complete videos taken off the internet... ah, lawyers).

Probably a few extra rooms for a nursery here...

2008-07-11T14:21:00.002-05:00

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have snapped up a new home for newborn daughter Sunday.

The pair — who welcomed their girl on Monday in Nashville — have purchased a gated, five-bedroom, five-bathroom contemporary-style home in Beverly Hills, a source close to the deal tells Usmagazine.com. (The house was selling for $4.7 million.)

"It’s very modern with treetop and canyon views, and it has complete privacy,” the insider tells Us of the digs, which is four houses away from Jessica Simpson's home.

HEY... that means Jessica can baby sit right? No.

KIX BROOKS --- RUNS WITH THE BULLS!

2008-07-11T14:16:00.002-05:00

(Do you suppose that has anything to do with him taking a day off from American Country Countdown, Sunday morning on BOB, and having Jewel host... is he still recovering???)

Brooks & Dunn have long used steer-skull imagery in their set design and the artwork for their albums — even calling one CD Steers & Stripes — so it’s rather appropriate that during a trip to Europe this week, Kix Brooks took part in the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.

It’s something he’s wanted to do for a good eight years, so when the family took its vacation, which included some time in Italy, he found his way to Spain to join the throngs in the city’s weird foot race, which has been held annually for more than 400 years.

"It's a very narrow street that they run down," Kix says.

The runners get a head start, but it’s a dubious advantage.

"You can run as fast as you want," he notes. "You won't outrun 'em."

Thirteen people were injured in the run that Kix took part in — the first of eight that were held this week. Kix, luckily, was not among those who fell or were trampled.

"The best I can describe it is like maybe what it would be like with a tornado coming through,", "Everybody starts screaming. It all gets louder, and this huge conglomeration of horns and cow flesh come flying by you, and you just hope you're not stuck on them when they go."

Happy Birthday, Miss Simpson!

2008-07-10T15:36:00.001-05:00

Jessica Simpson turns 28 today.

So what's beau Tony Romo getting his birthday girl?

He's not sure!

"I have to buy her something!" he told Usmagazine.com Wednesday at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, a resort casino. "I'll pick something up tonight."

Asked if he'd pick her up some golf clubs, he laughed: "I don't know if she'd like that!"

"I think I'll take her out to dinner," he added, "a nice restaurant."

See what a body language expert had to say about Jessica and Tony.

Romo — who is in Lake Tahoe for a golf tournament — said he and Simpson are renting a house.

"We'll be here all week," he said. "We'll probably rent a boat and go out on the lake on Saturday."

Simpson's birthday celebrations kicked off Monday when she dined with Romo, her pregnant sister Ashlee and husband Pete Wentz at Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, California.

"We had a get together," Romo said.

Following dinner, Simpson and Romo hit West Hollywood's Key Club to see Steel Panther (formerly known as Metal Skool).

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback even tried his hand at singing the Guns n' Roses hit "Sweet Child O' Mine" to Simpson and the crowd.

Kenny Chesney... Better as a memory ... is it about him?

2008-07-10T15:09:00.004-05:00

If the song sounds believable, there’s a good reason for it: He’s lived it. Kenny has ended relationships several times because his dedication to his career wouldn’t allow him to be the partner he needed to be.

"I am that guy in ‘Better as a Memory,’" says, "I think this is a letter that I’ve written three or four times in my life to people, because at that point in my life when I wrote those letters, I was in such a focused period. I was a very zoned-in person on doing this out here, and you know, like the old Mac Davis song, ‘Baby Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me,’ you know, this is kind of that song, but in a little bit deeper of a way. When I wrote those letters, I was better as a memory than as their man, I promise you."

Got Love For Loveless?

2008-07-10T15:09:00.002-05:00

Patty Loveless Readies Her 19th Album
Sleepless Nights Releases September 9th
Patty Loveless is back with her 19th CD on a new label, Saguaro Road Records.

"Emory and I were talking over dinner about recapturing some of these moments from my youth," Patty explains, "because I want to inspire and remind people of what country is made of."

A CMA Female Vocalist and Album of the Year winner, Loveless has consistently set a standard for what country music should be with platinum CDs and chart-topping songs like You Don't Even Know Who I Am and How Can I Help You Say Goodbye. She still thinks about Elvis... maybe she reads tabloids?

Gretchen and Saving Grace

2008-07-09T14:16:00.001-05:00

Gretchen Wilson will take center stage in a new marketing campaign for the second season of cable network TNT's hit dramatic series, Saving Grace.

Gretchen performs her new song, "Work Hard, Play Harder," from her upcoming new CD in a special music video that features clips from Saving Grace. The video was featured during the network's live coverage of the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola, July 5. The video will also air several times on TNT and sister networks TBS and truTV. The campaign revolves around the slogan, "Embrace Your Grace," encouraging fans to live life to its fullest, much like the lead character Holly Hunter plays on the series. Saving Grace returns for its second season on TNT, Monday, July 14.

George Jones New CD, Aug. 19

2008-07-09T14:05:00.001-05:00

George Jones is set to release his new CD, George Jones–Burn Your Playhouse Down: The Unreleased Duets, Aug. 19.

The album is a collection of never-before-heard duets by Jones and some of music's top stars, including his ex-wife Tammy Wynette, Vince Gill, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and others. One of the selections features George and Dolly Parton on "Rockin' Years," which Dolly and Ricky Van Shelton took to No. 1 in 1991.

... It's like Reba's Duet CD... but ... you know, George Jones!!!!!

So why did they name her Sunday?

2008-07-09T14:04:00.000-05:00

The Great Baby Name Mystery of 2008 is history.

According to Nicole Kidman's father, there's a perfectly logical reason the Oscar winner and husband Keith Urban chose the name Sunday Rose for their baby girl, born on Monday.

"There was a lady named Sunday Reed who was a prominent patron of the arts in Victoria," Antony Kidman tells Australia's Daily Telegraph.

"I have read a bit about Sunday Reed and her husband, John—she was a key mover and shaker in the arts around the beginning of the century. The name Sunday struck me as being a nice name for a woman, so my wife and I mentioned it.

"It was among other names being mentioned but they decided that was the name they wanted," he added, without elaboration.

As for the middle moniker, Rose was the name of Urban's late grandmother.

Miranda & Salad

2008-07-09T13:59:00.001-05:00

(Remember that episode of Seinfeld about "The Big Salad"? ... Oh ... nevermind, then)

Miranda Lambert is right where she’s wanted to be for years: in the public spotlight. As a result, she’s become more conscious about her appearance, so she’s gotten professional help to maintain her figure during her tours.

"I have a trainer on the road that really helps me," she told OK magazine. "As far as eating habits go, I'm from the South, so I used to eat everything fried, everything with cheese on it. Now I eat more salad and healthier stuff."

In addition, Miranda tries to walk 45 minutes daily, and she has a routine with free weights that she usually runs through outside of her bus.

Despite the pressure to be as thin as possible, Miranda tries to keep her figure in mind without letting the topic control her.

"To me, it comes with the business," she says of the body focus. "It's not that important. I don't obsess about it. As long as I feel good about myself, I'm a normal-sized girl, and I want to represent for normal-sized girls everywhere in the world that it's okay to have curves as long as you feel healthy and feel beautiful inside."

In the meantime, things are looking pretty good for Miranda on the outside. Her single "Gunpowder & Lead" is currently in the Top 10 in Country Aircheck.

Jess -- With Tony, Still Klutzy

2008-07-08T15:16:00.001-05:00

Tony Romo serenaded Jessica Simpson with "Sweet Child O' Mine" at the Key Club in Hollywood Monday night. Not so strange given their karaoke history (the two covered Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" back in January) .

But the lovebirds did give Seaside, Fla., some unexpected star power over the past weekend when they descended upon the resort town for the Fourth of July.

Jessica and Tony spent three nights partying it up on the rooftop bar at Bud & Alley's Restaurant.

While the duo were definitely having a great time, Saturday night wasn't without incident...

One onlooker saw Jess running out the front door as Tony chased her down, though it wasn't clear if they were joking or fighting.

"She didn't stop until she got to the other side of the street and ran into a sign for the post office," says B&A patron Audrey Wingo.

Luckily, the blond babe wasn't seriously hurt, and got a hug from her man after her clumsy collision.

Who wouldn't bounce back after having the Cowboys QB kiss and make it all better?

Taylor on Nicole and Keith's baby...

2008-07-08T15:13:00.002-05:00

Taylor says she tears up thinking up the birth of Keith and Nicole's new baby girl... she gets "teardrops on her guitar" tee-hee :-)

Taylor Swift calls the news about Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's new baby "incredible."

"Even just thinking about it now, I'm tearing up because I'm so happy for them," she writes on her MySpace page. "When my mom and I got the news, we just sat there in the hotel room and got so emotional."

She says the two are "such incredible people. They've always been so wonderful to people."

When Kidman, 41, came to Nashville, Swift, 18, says the Oscar winner "treated everyone with grace and respect, and has always been so humble. I'm overjoyed for them."

Kidman welcomed Sunday Rose Kidman Urban on Monday. The baby weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces.

After the baby's birth, Urban, 40, thanked fans for their "thoughts and prayers." He said their daughter is "beautiful" and that he and Kidman were "blessed."

A Very George Strait Christmas!

2008-07-08T15:10:00.002-05:00

George Stait has announced his new Christmas album --- The album, titled “Classic Christmas,” will be the third holiday disc that George has released and will include ten of his personal favorite traditional holiday songs including “We Three Kings,” “Up on the Housetop,” “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing,” “Deck the Halls,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” His last holiday album was 1992’s “Merry Christmas Wherever You Are.”

Strait says, “I wanted to put together a collection of my favorite traditional Christmas songs that I grew up listening to. It was hard to narrow it down to 10 of them, but I think I’ve done it. I hope these songs bring back good memories for my fans like they have for me.”

The album is set to drop October 7.

Keith and Nicole Welcome Baby Girl!

2008-07-07T13:12:00.001-05:00

Nicole Kidman has given birth!

The actress welcomed a girl, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, Monday morning.

The baby weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces.

"Husband Keith was by Nicole's side and mother and baby are very well," the rep said.

They are "delighted," the rep added.

After Sunday's birth, Kidman's husband Keith Urban wrote on his Web site: "Earlier this morning, Nic gave birth to our beautiful baby girl, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban. We want to thank everybody that has kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We feel blessed and grateful that we can share this joy with all of you today."

It is the first child for Kidman, 41, and Urban, 40. She has two adopted children – Connor, 13, and Isabella, 15 – with ex Tom Cruise.

MORE...
Kidman has said she was "yearning" to have a baby with Urban. Early on in her relationship with Cruise, she had suffered a miscarriage.

She told July's Vogue that she cried when she saw her ultrasound.

"I didn't think I'd get to experience that in my lifetime," she said. "I like the unpredictable nature of it. To feel life growing with you is something very, very special, and I'm going to embrace that completely."

The actress said being pregnant "taps into that thing in human nature that is universal and collective and beautiful."

Urban shared her enthusiasm.

"Well, God, yeah!" he told Us of their excitement for their newborn.

The Australian couple – who wed in June 2006 – announced they were expecting in January.

In an interview on Oprah's Oscar Special, pal Russell Crowe asked the actress if she planned on getting pregnant. "I hope so," she replied.

When Crowe remarked that he'd like to see Kidman "walking around barefoot and pregnant," the actress agreed – "I'd like to see that, too."

She also told Vogue in December: "I always thought I'd eventually live on a Fijian island. I love the idea of being in a sarong, with hair down to my bum and kids following me around and hanging out

Keith's "Nicole" Tat

2008-07-07T13:10:00.002-05:00

Keith Urban showed off a tattoo of his wife Nicole Kidman's name on his upper arm during a concert at the weekend.

He was performing in Tennessee on Saturday when his tight t-shirt rode up to display the word 'Nicole' inked on his bicep.

Keith also dedicated a song to his "very, very, very, very, very pregnant wife!" before playing 'Better Half' to the crowd of nearly 50,000 people, who enthusiastically cheered and clapped as he started performing the track.

The couple American Independence Day at a party thrown by close friend Ronnie Dunn.

During his concert on Saturday, Keith told the crowd: "Well, we're home, Nashville. We were blowing things up last night!"

California Dreamin' For Garth and Trisha

2008-07-07T13:09:00.002-05:00

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood may have their primary residence in Oklahoma, but their new home away from home makes them neighbors to Glen Campbell and Tanya Tucker.

Garth and Trisha purchased a beachfront property in Malibu, according to The Los Angeles Times. The price of the home was not disclosed on public documents, but the owner had been asking for $4.95 million after first listing it at $5.45 million.

The gated three-bedroom home occupies 3,700 square feet on a wooded half-acre lot. It features 3-1/2 bathrooms and an outdoor patio with a fireplace. It also offers beach access.

Malibu is 120 miles south of Bakersfield, where Garth proposed to Trisha in May 2005

... Lifestyles of the rich and famous, BABY!!!!

Jewel's Strange Path To Fame

2008-07-07T13:05:00.002-05:00

The story of singer-songwriter Jewel is fairly well known: She was living in a van on the streets of San Diego before she found success as an artist.

A little less known is how she ended up in that situation in the first place.

"I became homeless after I got fired from my job because I wouldn't (be "romantic" with my boss," she explains. "I almost died from blood poisoning because I had bad kidneys. I fell into this bad poverty cycle, and I couldn't get out."

That makes her success as an artist all the more impressive. Most performers move to a music town such as Nashville or Los Angeles with a dream of getting a record deal. She just wanted to survive.

"It wasn't like I was an artist trying to make my dream work," she said. "I started writing songs and performing because that would give me money so I could live. Then a radio station put a bootleg recording of mine on the radio and my first label heard it."

These days, her home is a little more impressive than the van. She lives on a ranch she shares with rodeo pro Ty Murray, though she spends a lot of time on the road. She’s currently touring with Brad Paisley on the Paisley Party Tour, which also features Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough. Not to mention working on her own country music and being a judge/mentor on Nashville Star!!!!

Kenny says, "IM BACK!"

2008-07-03T14:36:00.001-05:00

Yaaaay... uh, wait -- did he go anywhere???!?!?!?!

Kenny Chesney admits to dark days after his 2005 quickie marriage to and annulment from actress Renée Zellweger, but in an interview with The Tennessean, he says he's back in top form.

"I feel like I've got my edge back," Chesney tells the paper. "I've been playing guitar a lot lately. There was a period at the end of 2005 and really all of 2006 where I never took the guitar case out of the closet when I was at home. I was in such a personal funk after the Renée thing that I could have played [a stadium concert] every day of the week and wouldn't have felt much joy from it."

"I don't like being in certain magazines. And who would? But that's part of what comes with this. And 'this' is going out and playing these shows and I love that. It's so addictive I can't even begin to tell you," he said, adding: "I'm a carefree spirit, and everybody out here lives by the 'work hard and play harder' rule. But it's not always like this ... I'm more in the moment this year than I have been the last couple of years, and I notice more of the good thing, and I like it that way."

Jessica and Tony... kinda

2008-07-03T14:33:00.001-05:00

If Jessica Simpson was hoping to be the most important thing in Tony Romo’s life, she’s bound to be disappointed. Life & Style reports the Dallas Cowboys quarterback is happy to be back with his best gal, but she takes a backseat to the game.

“Tony has decided to keep Jessica as his girl for now but when the season starts, the pressure is going to get tougher,” a pal revealed. “He’s really enjoyed his off-season — he’s had a lot of fun with Jessica — but now he’s going to have to be very focused. His teammates and coaches don’t want any distractions.”

Tony is said to have actually said to his pals, "'Ball is my #1, Jess is my #2"... ouch.

Country Stars on Patriotism

2008-07-03T14:25:00.001-05:00

The Fourth of July is a time for proud, flag-waving celebrations of all-American patriotism. But some of country music’s biggest artists are concerned that the white got taken out of the red, white and blue when politicians divided the U.S. into red and blue states. It’s a situation that frustrates people from both sides of the political spectrum, including Democrat Toby Keith and Republican Trace Adkins.

Toby’s stance on the war in Afghanistan got him mislabelled as a Republican, and many assumed — incorrectly, as it turned out — that he also thought the war in Iraq was a good idea. Clearly, Toby is able to take a stand with either party at various times, showing his belief system to be beyond politics.

"My right to carry a gun is not political," he says. "I’m an American, and that is my right as an American, just like it’s my right to vote... Do I care if gay people get married? I could care less. It doesn’t bother me one bit. When you look at Al Gore trying to save the planet, that’s not a political issue."

Instead, he suggests, it’s a social issue that everyone should be examining.

"If the polar ice cap is melting and we’re doing it, I need to educate myself," he says, adding, "I don’t see things right-left. I see them right-wrong."

By the same token, Grand Ole Opry member Trace is frustrated with the Grand Old Party, noting that many elected Republicans are too willing to cast votes based on what’s best for their political careers instead of what’s best for the entire country.

"I only wish more people in government, Republicans as well as Democrats, were freer thinkers instead of just voting along party lines," he writes in his book A Personal Stand: Observations And Opinions From A Freethinking Roughneck. "What an exercise in futility the whole legislative process has become in this country!"

Not that Trace would prefer a different home.

"I’ve been to other countries, and I’ve done some travellin’, and I dig this place," he says. "I like it here. I haven’t seen any place or heard of any place that’s better, so I’m proud to be an American."

Ultimately, Trace and Toby are both hinting rather loudly at freedom of choice. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but — they seem to say — it’s better to form your own than to let blind allegiance to any leader or any party form it for you.

"The biggest part of being patriotic," Jack Ingram says, "is telling the truth and being honest, and not being afraid to question what is going on, and not being afraid to defend what’s going on. No matter what your belief system is and no matter where you think we are on the spectrum of right or wrong, as far as our policies go, being patriotic is having that discussion, period."

New Brad Video!

2008-07-02T15:19:00.001-05:00

Brad Paisley’s newest music video for “Waitin’ On a Woman” hit CMT yesterday! The single is already in the top 30 in only its second week on the airwaves.

Andy Griffith stars in the touching video with Brad as a character that “imparts wisdom” to Paisley’s character.

Brad says, “Andy heard the song and wanted to commit to working the long hours necessary to get the video right, and he really adopted this music video as if it was his own.”

Miranda's Pom Pom Woes

2008-07-01T15:26:00.001-05:00

One piece of advice that successful artists like to give up-and-comers is to prepare themselves for rejection. Miranda Lambert found out what that’s like first-hand when she tried out for cheerleading as a high-school sophomore in Texas.

"I tried out and didn't make it, and I was just devastated," she told Dial-Global. "I remember my mom said, she goes, 'You sing. Why do you need to be screaming every Friday night in the cold?' At that time, I didn't like to hear that. I wanted to be a cheerleader, but then I just realized, that's the smartest thing she could have said. It's that simple. Like, I could just do what I do instead, and so from then on, I just did what I did."

Now Miranda gets a lot less rejection. She has a romance with Blake Shelton, who enlisted her to sing backing vocals on his current hit, "Home." And she’s getting plenty of thumbs up on her own from fans: Her latest single, "Gunpowder & Lead," is in the Top 10. That’s news worth cheering...no pom-poms needed.

Keith Anderson's Mother Loses Her Battle With Cancer

2008-07-01T15:18:00.001-05:00

She Passed Away Yesterday Morning.

BOB 95 sends condolences to Keith Anderson, whose mother, Janice, passed away early yesterday morning (6/30) after a bout with cancer.

An email address has been established so that fans and colleagues can send personal messages to Keith and his family.

You may send your best wishes to condolences@keithanderson.com

Nicole's Birth Mixtape

2008-06-30T15:03:00.001-05:00

Nicole Kidman has created a music compilation for when she gives birth.

The Oscar-winning actress - who is due to have her baby within the next two weeks - has chosen a selection of her favorite songs to help her during the delivery.

The tracks she has chosen include many by her husband, Keith Urban, and Irish flautist Sir James Galway.

A source said: "Nicole has been putting together CDs of music to listen to during labor. She has always loved James Galway, particularly his classical albums.

"Whenever you go to her house, she has Galway on. There is one Prokofiev sonata that is her favourite."

Galway, 68 - who is considered the finest flautist of his generation - has recorded more than 60 albums, with his most famous song being instrumental version of John Denver's hit 'Annie's Song' in 1978.

Nicole - who already has two adopted children, Isabella, 15, and 13-year-old Connor, with ex-husband Tom Cruise - has also reserved a private room at a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee as she wants the finest medical care and is hoping to have a natural delivery.